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- Accepts reservations
oChef » Cockscomb – San Francisco
Cockscomb - San Francisco
Photo from Cockscomb
Cockscomb at a glance
San Francisco South Beach
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 4 of the guests
#895 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#37 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
350
Reviews
76.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Happy hour
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Noisy bar
- Host issues
The restaurant Cockscomb, an American Restaurant located in the vibrant South Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, invites you to discover a memorable dining experience. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a variety of offerings throughout the day.
From happy hour drinks and food to a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, there’s something for every taste. They also cater to different preferences with vegetarian options available.
Overview: Introducting Cockscomb
Cockscomb presents a vibrant setting, often noted for its cool restaurant vibe and engaging atmosphere. Guests frequently commend the attentive staff and unique decor.
However, some experiences highlight concerns about noise and specific seating arrangements, which can detract from the overall comfort. The kitchen at Cockscomb generally delivers on flavor, with many finding the food to be a standout.
While specific dishes receive high praise, the discussion around price and overall value is more varied, suggesting a nuanced perspective on what you get for your money.
Good
7.7
out of 10
350
Reviews
76.9%
Satisfaction
57
negative
24
neutral
269
positive
Cockscomb earns a solid overall score of 7.7, indicating a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction also stands at a good 76.9%, reflecting that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 350 customer opinions, with 269 positive remarks outweighing 57 negative ones, painting a picture of a well-regarded establishment. Diving deeper, Food leads the way with a strong (7.9) score, frequently highlighted for its quality.
Service (7.5) and Ambience (7.4) also perform well, contributing significantly to the positive sentiment. The main area for improvement appears to be Value (6.2), which, while not poor, suggests some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with their expectations, despite specific positive mentions of happy hour deals.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Engaging, cool ambience
- Great happy hour value
What people don't like
- High price point
- Loud, cramped bar
- Unwelcoming host experiences
If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with standout food and a great happy hour, Cockscomb is certainly worth considering. The overall experience is generally positive, making it a solid choice for many diners.
However, be mindful of the price point and potential for a lively, sometimes loud, atmosphere. With a strong recommendation score of 8.1, it’s a place that delivers for most, but manage your expectations regarding value and specific seating.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cockscomb
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a solid customer satisfaction of 79.8%. Diners frequently rave about the unique dishes and overall freshness of ingredients. Many appreciate the meat focus, with highlights like grilled cheese and oysters often stealing the show.
With 186 positive remarks among 233 total comments, its clear the culinary experience leaves a great impression. However, there are a few areas for improvement. Some guests felt the "portions" didnt always meet expectations, and occasional issues like overcooked steak were noted.
The food quality was sometimes questioned, and the limited vegetarian options were a dealbreaker for some. While these concerns appear in 30 negative comments, they offer constructive feedback for an otherwise well-regarded menu.
Food
233
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
30
negative
17
neutral
186
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique cuisine
- Exceptional meats
- Best grilled cheese
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent cooking
- Limited vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodEven with a reservation, we were seated at the bar. While the food was good for a large group previously, I wasn't willing to spend $200+ to sit at the bar for a date. The staff seemed indifferent to our unacceptable accommodation, and we left.
- oystersMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their incredible happy hour, which runs promptly from 5-6 PM, and I believe there's another from 10-11 PM. During happy hour, I enjoyed $1 oysters, $5 negronis, and house wine. The highlight was undoubtedly the best grilled cheese in the world, made with tallegio cheese and honey.
- steakNo joke, the best meal I've ever had. I've never had a steak cook to absolute perfection like that before. I recommend trying it out for yourself, it's well worth it.
- flavorsHowever, the main drawback was the lack of value, as the portions did not meet expectations. If you're content with a nice ambiance and friendly service, and enjoy unique flavors with smaller portions, you'll likely be delighted. However, if you're craving a larger and cheaper meal, I would suggest seeking elsewhere.
- gnocchiFor those who prefer traditional options, there are also plenty of traditional standbys. On this particular evening, I enjoyed oysters from Hammersley, WA, Trucker's corn ribs, gnocchi, a charcuterie platter, and the staple pin bone steak, which was gynormous. The restaurant also offers a great selection of fresh desserts.
- pig ears$1.00 Oysters, crunchy pig ears, grilled cheese sandwiches are delicious and satisfying
- grilled cheesethe grilled cheese and the kale salad were my faves
- portionshuge portions and very juicy
- $1 oysters$1 oysters were the initial draw
- bacon chopWe had the bacon chop and fresh clams. Absolutely delicious.
Frequently criticized
- steakordered steak that came a little too rare
- dessertThe squid and pig ears were interesting, as were the corn ribs – I love the concept. I wish the coconut ice cream in the pineapple dessert was more prominent; the dessert was just a bit too tart for my taste. The wine selection was good.
- Mediumordered it Medium. When the entree arrived we discovered the steak was cooked to medium rare
- New York Steaksadly the main meal was a disappointment
- Pinbone Steakdiscovered the steak was cooked to medium rare
- aged steakThe steak was so hard to cut.
- cauliflower appetizersthe florets were barely cut smaller and only slightly cooked
- charcuterie plateforgot the charcuterie plate
- cheesy totsThe tots were cold in the middle
- dietary optionsselection of options for vegetarian, vegan, etc is basically zero
If youre a meat-lover seeking unique, fresh flavors and dont mind potentially smaller portions, this spot is definitely worth a try. However, if you're vegetarian or expect generous platefuls, you might want to explore other options.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
The service at this spot generally hits the mark, earning a solid 7.5 score, which is quite good! With a customer satisfaction rate of 70.9%, most diners walk away happy. Many guests highlighted the knowledgeable wait staff, attentive service, and friendly chefs, with 39 positive remarks out of 55 total mentions.
However, its not without its occasional snags. Some patrons experienced unexpectedly long waiting times, unwelcoming hosts, or felt rushed by management, accounting for 13 negative comments. Specific issues like bad service and feeling pressured to hurry' were noted by a few.
Service
55
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive service
- Knowledgeable staff
- Friendly chefs
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Unwelcoming host
- Pushy management
Often praised
- serviceThis was my third visit, and my experience was marked by great service and awesome food. The steak was cooked exactly as I asked.
- serverWhen the entree arrived, we discovered the steak was cooked medium rare. We asked the server, who confirmed it was medium rare as ordered. We then clarified that we had ordered it medium.
- staffgreeted with friendly staff
- accueilAccueil très sympa
- attentive and inviting staffEveryone at the restaurant was very attentive and inviting
- attentive serviceService is very attentive
- big groupsThey accommodate big groups
- chefMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The chef is one of the coolest people you'll meet. He really cares about his people and makes incredible food.
- chefsthe chefs are friendly
- donated foodI had their duck confit and kale salad to go. This was because they graciously donated food to health care workers at the local children’s hospital. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Frequently criticized
- servicebad service
- Happy HourHappy Hour only last 1 hour
- accommodationunacceptable accomodation for someone who planned ahead
- hostHowever, the service was a bit off. The host was not warm or welcoming at all. Our server seemed overly dramatic and amped up when explaining the specials, which made the experience a bit uncomfortable.
- hostessWe showed up for happy hour but were straight up turned away by the hostess without even being given the option to wait for spots to open up. We ended up sitting at the kitchen counter, watching the chefs get berated by the owner/expediter like children.
- hurryShe was on her way, and the manager came to let me know it would be best to start ordering food with my waitress. Paying more than $150, and they want us to hurry. I will never come back.
- managerAfter being seated, my wife was running a few minutes late. She was on her way, and the manager came to let me know it would be best to start ordering food with my waitress. Paying more than $150, and they want us to hurry.
- reservationeven if you make a reservation they'll still sit you at the bar
- serverOur server seemed like an actor getting really dramatic
- servingask others to interrupt their meal to serve you
If attentive and knowledgeable staff are high on your priority list, you'll likely enjoy the service here. Just be aware that some guests have encountered longer waiting times or less-than-welcoming initial interactions, so it might be worth considering off-peak visits.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, with a strong 7.4 score and a solid 81% customer satisfaction. Many guests, accounting for 34 positive remarks out of 42, rave about the open kitchen layout, authentic decoration, and intimate lighting that create a fantastic vibe. People love the overall atmosphere, finding it beautiful, fun, and great for various occasions, from intimate dinners to large parties.
However, it's not without its quirks. A few guests, 6 to be exact, noted that it can get loud, especially in the bar area. Some found the bar seating less than ideal, and one particular experience at the kitchen counter was quite off-putting.
So, while the general atmosphere is a hit, be mindful of where you might be seated.
Ambience
42
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Open kitchen layout
- Intimate lighting creates
- Great vibe, decor
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Bar seating issues
- Kitchen counter view
Often praised
- atmospherefun sitting upstairs on the ledge watching the chefs
- ambianceUnfortunately, the entree was returned overcooked (very difficult to correct a steak that way), with the meat being medium well and well done. While we liked the restaurant, the server, the ambiance, and the lead-up to the meal, we weren’t wowed by the food. Sorry to report this, and we don’t think it’s the norm, but we are simply sharing our experience.
- placeGreat place to try. Suitable for family
- restaurantvery cool restaurant with a great vibe
- vibeI also enjoyed the good cocktails. The restaurant itself is very cool with a great vibe.
- amazing memoriesfilled with amazing memories
- ambiencethe ambience is very cool
- authentic decorationauthentic decoration on the walls
- balconyseated on the balcony so you can people / kitchen watch
- bathroom's sense of humorBonus points for the bathroom's sense of humor
Frequently criticized
- loudit does get loud
- bar areaThe only bummer is that happy hour only lasts 1 hour, so get there early to secure a seat. The bar area is tiny.
- bar seatingnot trying to spend $200+ to sit at the bar
- kitchen countersitting at the kitchen counter watching the chefs get berated
- work environmentWe ended up sitting at the kitchen counter, watching the chefs get berated by the owner/expediter like children. Great work environment 🙄.
If you're looking for a place with a lively atmosphere, cool decor, and a great vibe, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get a bit noisy, and some seating options, particularly at the bar or kitchen counter, might not be for everyone.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot offers some real gems! Many guests rave about the fantastic happy hour deals, especially the $1 oyster happy hour, calling it the best happy hour in the city. Folks appreciate the modest pricing for the quality and quantity and find it definitely worth the price, making it easy to enjoy your meal here on any type of budget.
With a score of 6.2, value is generally seen as average, but there are clear bright spots. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as some feel the "price point is the rub here, " with food being "very overpriced" and a "lack of value" weighing in. Out of 20 total opinions, there are 10 positive and 8 negative, indicating a mixed bag.
Customer satisfaction sits at 50%, suggesting that while some find good deals, others are left feeling that for the "high prices, " they "wanted perfection" and didnt quite get it.
Value
20
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Modest pricing
- Budget-friendly
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- High price point
- Lack of value
Often praised
- happy hourthe best happy hour in the city
- $1 oyster happy hourGreat 1$ oyster happy hour Mon-Sat 5-6pm
- $50for $50
- billtook it off the bill
- budgetCan enjoy your meal here on any type of budget.
- modest pricingmodest pricing for the quality and quantity
- priceDefinitely worth the price
- valueThe restaurant offers modest pricing for the quality and quantity of food received. It's a place that delivers great value for what you get.
Frequently criticized
- priceShe was on her way, and the manager came to let me know it would be best to start ordering food with my waitress. Paying more than $150, and they want us to hurry. I will never come back.
- high pricesdisappointed with the quality of the food given the high prices
- notenote un peu lourde
- price pointthe price point is the rub here
- valuelack of value weighs in
If you're savvy about happy hour deals and modest pricing, you can find some real steals here. However, be prepared that outside of those specific offerings, some guests feel the overall price point might be a bit steep for the value received.
How are the prices at Cockscomb?
On average, you’ll spend around 122 per person – from 4 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $101+ category. For an American Restaurant, that’s definitely on the higher-end.
Looking at the price distribution, its interesting to see that while one review falls into the $51–$60 range, the majority (3 reviews) are in the $101+ range, which really pushes the average up. This suggests a more premium experience for most diners. Since we only have 4 customer reviews, this data gives a good indication, but its still limited.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 4 reviews. Since the data is limited, it gives a good indication of spending habits.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an American Restaurant, a 122 per person average is quite premium. Wed suggest checking their menu to see if the offerings justify this higher price point. It could be fair for a truly upscale experience, but its definitely not a casual bite.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cockscomb
10
Fond Farewell to a Favorite
My experience at Cockscomb was filled with amazing memories. It's truly one of my favorite restaurants of all time. I am so sad to see it go.
Thank you for everything, Cockscomb. You will be missed.
- amazing memories10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
10
Delicious Duck Confit & Gracious Donation
I had their duck confit and kale salad to go. This was because they graciously donated food to health care workers at the local children’s hospital. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Oh and everything was delicious, especially the duck! Will definitely try to go in person in the future.
- duck confit10
- kale salad8
- donated food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Food and Attentive Service!
I had this place on my list for a while and finally made it here last night. We tried the Kumiai oysters, surf and turf (steak and scallops), squid, and pig ears. Wow!
All items were amazing. I could not stop raving while eating these dishes. The oysters were probably the best oysters I've had in a long time.
Their carrots are absolutely delicious; definitely get this as a side if you can. Our server was so attentive and my water glass never went empty. Will definitely come back.
- Kumiai oysters10
- surf and turf9
- squid9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Overpriced Food, Limited Options
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was very overpriced for the quality offered. Additionally, the selection of options for vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs was basically zero.
It was the first time I've ever sent food back to the kitchen.
- food quality2
- price2
- dietary options1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Dinner with a Few Quirks
My experience at the restaurant was a delightful one, starting with some enjoyable happy hour drinks. I tried the negroni, which was a bit sweeter than expected. For appetizers, the crispy pig ears and a dozen oysters were absolutely delicious, and I particularly enjoyed the vinaigrette.
For the main courses, both the sea urchin pasta and the cauliflower were very tasty. The pasta could have been improved with a more al dente texture, and the cauliflower was good but spicy. I finished with a very fruity and refreshing bowl of fruit with lemon curd and croutons, a unique dessert experience.
đź‘Ť The service was excellent, and I would definitely come back again!
- negroni5
- crispy pig ears9
- oysters9
What Cockscomb offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
FAQs
What dining experiences can you enjoy at Cockscomb?
At Cockscomb, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences throughout the day. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complete with comfortable seating and table service. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! You can also plan ahead as Cockscomb accepts reservations.
Are there specific drink options or accessibility features at Cockscomb?
Yes, Cockscomb provides a wide range of beverages including happy hour drinks, wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails, with a bar onsite. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
How does Cockscomb generally perform?
Cockscomb holds a good overall score of 7.7, with **Food** (7.9) being its strongest aspect, followed by **Service** (7.5) and **Ambience** (7.4). **Value** (6.2) is considered average.
What are some popular food items at Cockscomb?
Customers frequently praise the **oysters**, **grilled cheese**, and **steak** for their quality and taste, with some calling the steak cooked to perfection.
Are there any common complaints about Cockscomb?
Some guests have noted the restaurant can be **loud**, the **bar area** is small, and the **price point** can be high. There are also occasional mentions of inconsistent steak cooking or unwelcoming host interactions.