44976 Sat Apr 08 14:01:43 -0700 2006 5 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 221936 i've never been to either, which do you recommend? Sat Apr 08 14:01:43 -0700 2006 0 glutton 1 221943 They are both good, but if given the choice, Bodega Bistro wins in my book. The green papaya salad is not to be missed. I've had the Ban Xeo at both and BB wins in this category too. The garlic noodles at Mangosteen are pretty tasty though... Link: http://bunrab.com/yummychow/Reviews/SFReviewsFrameset.html?SFReviewsHome.html Sat Apr 08 15:15:17 -0700 2006 221936 0 Edie 2 221948 We had a pre-theater dinner at Bodega Bistro last night and it was excellent. I followed the board's recs and ordered the papaya salad with beef jerky, the squab, the banh xeo the bo luc lac (aka shaking beef) and another dish I don't remember the name of. Everything was delicious, and the decor/service is a step above Mangosteen. As usual, chowhound made me look good: our friends really enjoyed it and were already making plans to go back. I don't know if Mangosteen serves wine, but I thought the wines on the Bodega Bistro were well-chosen. We had an Trimbach (Alsatian) Gewurztraminer that went well with the food and was quite reasonably priced (although I think personally I might have gone with the Sancerre, since I don't like Alsatian wines). Sat Apr 08 16:18:09 -0700 2006 221943 0 Ruth Lafler 3 221986 They a French style bouillabaisse at Bodega Bistro which is just great. I believe it needs to be ordered the day before. The red walls give the place a glow, and they have decent wine. Sat Apr 08 23:10:06 -0700 2006 221948 0 lani 4 222027 i think the walls are purple...but it is glowing none the less..that papaya salad...i am craving it. cannot wait to return just for that! Sun Apr 09 14:08:24 -0700 2006 221986 0 pate man 1 222031 I agree with most of the comments below, although I like both places a lot. Mangosteen is a simpler menu and better for 2-4 people. Sun Apr 09 14:33:44 -0700 2006 221936 0 Windy