Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Brazen Head – San Francisco
The Brazen Head - San Francisco
Photo from The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#484 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#65 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
535
Reviews
82.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Charming ambiance
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Service fee
- Difficult parking
Overview: Introducting The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head offers a distinct dining experience, often praised for its well-prepared steak and memorable bread pudding . Guests frequently appreciate the inviting old-school charm and attentive service, making it a popular choice for a cozy evening out.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, particularly the perceived high cost and the addition of a mandatory 20% service fee . While the food generally receives high marks, a few dishes have been described as lacking flavor.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
535
Reviews
82.4%
Satisfaction
67
negative
27
neutral
441
positive
Overall, The Brazen Head achieves a strong Restaurant Score of 8.2 , reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 82.4% , indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 441 positive remarks against 67 negative ones, providing a credible overview. The Food (8.6) stands out as a particular strength, consistently impressing diners.
Service (8.1) also performs well, contributing significantly to the positive atmosphere. The Ambience (8.3) is another highlight, often described as unique and inviting.
However, Value (4.6) presents a notable area for improvement, with several comments suggesting it doesn’t always align with expectations.
What people like
- Delicious steaks and desserts
- Charming, cozy ambiance
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Questionable value for money
- Mandatory service charge
- Challenging parking situation
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.5 , The Brazen Head is generally a solid choice. If you prioritize a distinctive atmosphere and well-executed dishes, particularly their steaks and desserts, it’s certainly worth considering for your next outing.
However, be prepared for the price point and potential additional fees. If value for money is your primary concern, or if you prefer a brighter, more spacious setting, you might want to explore other options.
It’s a place with character, but it comes with a few caveats.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Brazen Head
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 88.1%, it's clear diners are consistently impressed. Out of 268 remarks, a whopping 236 rave about the delicious, high-quality offerings.
Patrons particularly love the perfectly cooked steaks, amazing prime rib, and delectable bread pudding, often available as a great late-night meal. However, not every dish hits the mark, as indicated by 24 negative comments. Some found certain chicken dishes bland, vegetables unseasoned, or portions a bit small.
There were also a few mentions of disappointing pasta or a French onion soup lacking depth, suggesting some inconsistency in specific items.
Food
268
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
24
negative
8
neutral
236
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Perfectly cooked steaks
- Delicious desserts
- Great late-night food
What people don't like
- Bland chicken dishes
- Unseasoned vegetables
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodThe staff is always friendly and professional, and the beautiful bar is a great feature. They serve food til late, which is very convenient. It's one of my long-time favorite go-to's.
- steakHad a steak med rare. Was cooked perfectly.
- drinksIt's a cool hidden away bar with beautiful interiors and great staff. We only had drinks, but the food looked delicious, and I would love to return to try it.
- prime ribIt's a perfect cozy spot for a good meal and drinks, a great alternative to House of Prime Rib! We ended up ordering French onion soup, Caesar salad, a fillet, and prime rib, then another soup and salad because they were just so good! Nothing left on the table.
- cocktailsMy experience at The Brazen Head was wonderful for a friends get together or a great date night! I enjoyed wonderful meals and excellent cocktails. The service was excellent and the ambience was fun.
- FoodFood:5
- bread puddingNow the bread pudding? Absolutely amazing. Warm, served with ice cream, and packed with apples and raisins—it totally stole the show.
- dessertsall the desserts are a must try
- escargotThe service and staff were amazing, and the atmosphere was great. I really enjoyed the drinks, and the burger, escargot, and clam chowder were delicious. I loved the vibes too.
- steaksThe steaks were fantastic, cooked perfectly
Frequently criticized
- foodall the food and drinks were classic with nothing unique or special
- French onion soupThe New York cheesecake was also amazing. While I did not quite like the French onion soup, everything else was perfect. I highly recommend this amazing place!
- French FriesMy only con is that they don't have French Fries
- New York Steakthe $50 New York Steak completely tasteless
- cakeonly after this was brought out did they tell us that they have cake.
- chickenchicken, which was poached instead of grilled so it wasn’t very flavorful
- dessertWhen it came time for dessert, this is what they brought out a plate with just a candle on it.
- lobster raviolithe lobster tasted overly fishy
- marinated skirtthe salmon and the marinated skirt weren’t good at all
- meatballsthe meatballs were a bit dry
If you're craving classic, hearty dishes like perfectly cooked steaks or a fantastic prime rib, especially for a late-night bite, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful that a few specific items, like certain chicken dishes or sides, might not always live up to the overall high standard.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at 78.2%, its clear guests are generally happy. Out of 110 comments, a whopping 86 rave about the experience, highlighting the friendly staff, attentive service, and great service from individuals like Andrew and Shelly.
Many found the team bubbly and kind, making for a truly welcoming visit. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A smaller number of 18 comments pointed out some areas for improvement.
A few experiences mentioned an unfriendly bartender or rude employees, and some frustration arose around separate bills or long wait times. While these instances are fewer, they suggest there might be occasional inconsistencies in service delivery.
Service
110
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
18
negative
6
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Attentive, great service
- Knowledgeable, kind individuals
What people don't like
- Unfriendly staff
- Refused separate bills
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The cozy atmosphere and lovely classy service created a welcoming environment. I was particularly impressed with the cocktails, having some of the best cocktails I've ever tried, including the French martini, espresso martini, and a hot coffee drink.
- staffThe atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, making you feel like a regular from the moment you walk in. The staff are exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. The food was the highlight – we enjoyed a salad, meatballs, salmon, and the Lobster Ravioli.
- ServiceService was excellent
- ShellyWe love the food, atmosphere, and service. Shelly is like family for us and we love going to visit and catch up! Don't tell anyone else about this place cuz we don't want it to get too crowded.
- AndrewOur Waiter, Andrew, was very attentive and informative.
- BrianaBriana our server was amazing. Kind, friendly, welcoming and helpful.
- DanI also enjoyed the awesome drinks, especially the best White Russian ever! Dan is the man, providing great service. We'll definitely be back!
- ErinShe was so helpful and hard working.
- Paris quality food and serviceParis quality, food and service that has been second to none In all my visits to San Francisco.
- attentive and informativeAndrew, was very attentive and informative.
Frequently criticized
- bartenderthat was the meanest bartender I’ve ever seen
- serviceThey assumed we wanted something for free, but we didn’t mind paying for dessert.
- deliverydelivery was too late every time
- diverdiver need to wait extra 20 30 min
- effortNo effort
- employeesthe employees were rude and condescending
- experienceit's a once off experience for me
- hostthe host was extremely rude
- informationAt the very least, offer an option or let us know ahead of time.
- kitchen hoursNot thrilled about the earlier hours for the kitchen
Overall, the service here is a strong point, with many guests praising the attentive and friendly staff. While there are occasional reports of less-than-stellar interactions, the overwhelming sentiment suggests youll likely have a great experience. Its definitely worth a visit if good service is high on your list.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, scoring a solid 8.3 and leaving 84.1% of customers feeling good about it! With 111 positive remarks out of 132 total, people rave about the cozy atmosphere, dim lighting, and old-school charm, making it a fantastic date night spot or a hidden gem with a unique vibe that feels welcoming and relaxed. However, its not without a few quirks, as 12 opinions point out.
Some find the interior a bit dark or a tight space, and it can get loud' at times. The intimate setting, while charming to many, might feel a bit cramped or noisy for others, so keep that in mind.
Ambience
132
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
12
negative
9
neutral
111
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Old-school charm
- Unique vibe
What people don't like
- Dark interior
- Tight space
- Can be loud
Often praised
- atmosphereParticularly noticeable: many regulars who apparently stop by daily for a drink. This speaks to the quality and atmosphere of the establishment. If we are back in San Francisco, we will definitely return – 100% recommendation for anyone who appreciates good food, great drinks, and an authentic ambiance!
- vibefeel the vibe San Francisco had before tech
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- bar"The Brazen Head" is mainly known for its excellent Prime Rib, and it was truly perfect. We sat at the bar, which felt like a stylish club in a time capsule – complete with an old cash register and charming vintage flair. The service was first-class, the drinks were outstanding, and the selection of Bourbon Whiskeys is impressive.
- ambianceAll I can say is AMAZING! The ambiance is so perfect for a date night or to catch up with a friend and just enjoy good food and drinks. Their prices for their food & drinks matches the quality of the food.
- ambienceAmbience is extraordinary, like traveling in time
- cozy atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the classic cocktails and the cozy atmosphere, which felt like a classy medieval tavern. The escargot and steaks were a must-try and absolutely delicious.
- dim lightingdim lighting, friendly service
- old-school charmIt has such a cozy, hidden-gem feel, instantly making you feel welcome the moment you walk in. The dim lighting, friendly service, and classic old-school charm create a perfect atmosphere. The food was hearty and flavorful, especially the steak, which was cooked just right and paired with great sides.
- Friendly neighborhood restaurantFriendly neighborhood restaurant
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI wasn't a fan of the atmosphere. It's a bit dark
- spaceHowever, I wasn't a fan of the atmosphere. It's a bit of a dark and tight space.
- acousticsacoustics’ horrible
- door to the outside parkletdon't recommend sitting by the door to the outside parklet
- loudIt can get loud
- outdoor tableswould not recommend the outdoor tables on a windy day
- parkingParking:Get there early to search for a spot.
- parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- special nightThis felt like a slap in the face on what should have been a special night.
If youre looking for a cozy, charming spot with a unique, old-school vibe for a relaxed evening or a date, this place is a strong contender. Just be prepared for a potentially dark, intimate setting that can get lively, and youll likely have a great time.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
On the bright side, some diners really appreciate the value here, finding the prices super reasonable and feeling that the experience was definitely worth it. With 8 positive opinions out of 25 total, many highlighted the fair prices for the quality, contributing to an overall score of 4.6 for value, which is in the average range. However, the value proposition takes a hit for many, with a significant 32% customer satisfaction indicating a poor experience.
A whopping 13 negative opinions out of 25 total point to issues like unexpected transaction fees for credit cards, feeling the food was overpriced for what you get, and the frustration of a mandatory 20% service fee, making many feel it was not worth the money.
Value
25
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- Overpriced dishes
- Mandatory service fee
Often praised
- pricesThe ambiance is so perfect for a date night or to catch up with a friend and just enjoy good food and drinks. Their prices for their food & drinks matches the quality of the food. The lobster ravioli was to die for; I wanted a second plate immediately.
- fair priceat a fair price
- fair pricesfair prices
- priceGreat price for a delectable filet mignon
- worth itbut it's worth it
Frequently criticized
- Price per person$50 New York Steak completely tasteless
- billmy bill was $289... amount on the credit card receipt was different it went up to $297.67
- bill amountsThe price of the bills was different for each person
- credit cardwhy you don't tell us before we pay that if we pay credit card
- credit card feesplus fees for credit card
- mandatory 20% service feemandatory 20% fee that nobody in our table was aware
- moneynot worth the money.
- overpriced for what you getMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the food itself wasn't bad, I found it to be overpriced for what you get. I ordered food to go and left a heavy tip.
- pricenot nice enough for what they charge
- price pointHowever, the food was truly awful and not worth the wait. The portions were far too tiny to justify the price point, leading me to believe you'd be better off buying frozen food at Costco. Despite waiting an hour for our table on Valentine's Day, the meal made me feel anything but romantic.
So, while some find the prices fair and the food worth it, a significant number of diners feel let down by hidden fees and perceived overpricing. If you're sensitive to extra charges and expect clear value for your money, you might want to proceed with caution here.
How are the prices at The Brazen Head?
On average, you’ll spend around 61 per person – based on 93 guests. That places this restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a general Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely on the higher-end.
Looking at the full picture, prices are quite spread out, offering everything from more modest options to some truly premium experiences.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 93 most recent reviews.
A look at this restaurant’s value for money compared to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the city and the type of establishment, we think the pricing feels fair for a higher-end dining experience. It seems like you have options to tailor your spend, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Brazen Head
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Cozy Gem with Hearty Food
My experience at The Brazen Head was wonderful. It has such a cozy, hidden-gem feel, instantly making you feel welcome the moment you walk in. The dim lighting, friendly service, and classic old-school charm create a perfect atmosphere.
The food was hearty and flavorful, especially the steak, which was cooked just right and paired with great sides. It's not flashy, but that's exactly what makes it so good. It's a perfect place for a relaxed dinner and a good cocktail away from the crowds.
- cozy feel9
- dim lighting9
- friendly service10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Gem with Prime Rib Perfection
What a great location! An Uber driver recommended this restaurant to us – and we are very grateful for it. "The Brazen Head" is mainly known for its excellent Prime Rib, and it was truly perfect.
We sat at the bar, which felt like a stylish club in a time capsule – complete with an old cash register and charming vintage flair. The service was first-class, the drinks were outstanding, and the selection of Bourbon Whiskeys is impressive. Particularly noticeable: many regulars who apparently stop by daily for a drink.
This speaks to the quality and atmosphere of the establishment. If we are back in San Francisco, we will definitely return – 100% recommendation for anyone who appreciates good food, great drinks, and an authentic ambiance!
- Prime Rib10
- bar9
- vintage flair9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Pricey but Worth It!
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. While the food is a little pricey, the taste and the staff more than make up for it. I will definitely be making a stop here again!
- food8
- staff9
- price6
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Favorite Neighborhood Spot with Great Vibe
BH is one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. My experience was fantastic, with great food, delicious cocktails, and wonderful company. The staff was knowledgeable and welcoming.
It's located just far enough from the main drags, which encourages people to come intentionally, creating a great vibe. I highly recommend trying the Montenegro!
- food9
- cocktails9
- company9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Dinner with Dim Lighting
While traveling and staying at the hotel right next door, we dined at this restaurant. The dim lighting created a lovely atmosphere, and the dinner was excellent.
- dim lighting9
- dinner10
What The Brazen Head offers
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Historic
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What is the overall rating for The Brazen Head?
The Brazen Head holds an overall Restaurant Score of 8.2 . Its Food (8.6), Ambience (8.3), and Service (8.1) are highly rated, though Value (4.6) is an area for improvement.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at The Brazen Head?
Guests often describe the atmosphere as having old-school charm with dim lighting , creating a cozy atmosphere that feels like traveling back in time. It’s often noted as perfect for a date night or a relaxed get-together.
Are there any common concerns regarding pricing at The Brazen Head?
Some patrons have found the restaurant to be overpriced for what you get and have raised concerns about a mandatory 20% service fee and additional credit card fees . It’s advisable to be aware of these potential costs.