Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement – San Francisco
Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement - San Francisco
Photo from Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement
Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement at a glance
San Francisco Alamo Square
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#421 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#17 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
413
Reviews
80.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fried Chicken
- Warm Service
- Lively Ambience
Frequently criticized
- Service Inconsistencies
- Parking Difficulty
- Side Dish Flaws
The restaurant Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement invites you to experience a delightful American Restaurant in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Alamo Square neighborhood. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re planning for lunch or dinner, this spot offers a welcoming setting where you can enjoy delicious food and a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. It’s an ideal choice for a memorable dining experience in the city.
Overview: Introducting Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement
Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement generally delivers a satisfying experience, with many guests praising the quality of their main dishes, especially the well-prepared fried chicken. The staff often receives commendation for being welcoming and attentive, contributing to a pleasant visit.
However, some diners have encountered minor issues, such as occasional inconsistencies with certain side items or challenges with the online ordering system. While the overall atmosphere is inviting, a few experiences with less-than-ideal customer service have been noted.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
413
Reviews
80.1%
Satisfaction
51
negative
31
neutral
331
positive
Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement achieves a commendable Restaurant Score of 8.2, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further reinforced by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 80.1%, indicating that most patrons are quite pleased.
These insights are gathered from over 400 customer comments, with 331 positive remarks significantly outweighing the 51 negative ones. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food earning a strong (8.3).
Guests also consistently praise the attentive Service (8.1), which contributes significantly to their visit. The restaurant’s pleasant Ambience (8.0) rounds out the top performers.
However, the Value (6.2) aspect is more of an average point, suggesting some room for improvement in perceived cost-effectiveness.
What people like
- Exceptional Fried Chicken
- Attentive, Warm Service
- Lively, Engaging Ambience
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service Delivery
- Parking Can Be Tricky
- Occasional Side Dish Issues
Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement presents a strong case for a satisfying soul food meal, especially given its flavorful main dishes and generally positive atmosphere. With a robust Recommendation Score of 8.6, it stands out as a worthwhile destination for those seeking comforting cuisine.
While some minor service inconsistencies or parking challenges might arise, these are generally outweighed by the positives. If you’re looking for delicious food served in a welcoming setting, Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement is certainly a place to experience.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
731
93.8%
- $$
- Bayview District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
780
93.3%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
423
94.6%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
804
89.9%
- $$
- Union Square
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
294
89.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
356
91%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction of 82.1%, its clear most diners are delighted. Out of 285 comments, a whopping 234 rave about the delicious fried chicken, creamy Mac and Cheese, and amazing cornbread.
Many found the portions generous and the soul food authentic, often calling it the best Ive ever tasted. However, not every dish hit the mark for everyone. Among the 30 less enthusiastic remarks, some mentioned disappointment with bland sides and yams lacking flavor or moisture.
A few found the chicken not freshly fried, and some noted the seasoning didn't penetrate the meat, leading to a bland taste. The cornbread also received mixed reviews, with some finding it had an odd taste.
Food
285
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
30
negative
21
neutral
234
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Crispy, juicy chicken
- Creamy Mac & Cheese
- Authentic soul food
What people don't like
- Bland side dishes
- Flavorless, dry yams
- Chicken not fresh
Often praised
- fried chickenIt's truly the best soul food in SF, and it's not even close. The extra crispy & seasoned fried chicken, the thick mac and cheese, and the slightly sweet cornbread reminded me so much of my aunt's cooking. We enjoyed it so much that we ordered it for dinner two nights in a row, something we've never done before.
- foodIt's a small place, and I was by myself, so I sat at the bar. Service was prompt, food came quickly, and the food was really good. The bartender made sure my glass was never empty.
- cornbreadIt's truly the best soul food in SF, and it's not even close. The extra crispy & seasoned fried chicken, the thick mac and cheese, and the slightly sweet cornbread reminded me so much of my aunt's cooking. We enjoyed it so much that we ordered it for dinner two nights in a row, something we've never done before.
- chickenGreat chicken. True test of well fried chicken is tender and moist breast meat.
- mac and cheeseIt's truly the best soul food in SF, and it's not even close. The extra crispy & seasoned fried chicken, the thick mac and cheese, and the slightly sweet cornbread reminded me so much of my aunt's cooking. We enjoyed it so much that we ordered it for dinner two nights in a row, something we've never done before.
- banana puddingbanana pudding for dessert – it’s out of this world with a crème brûlée-like top
- sidesThe chicken and sides have been delicious.
- Mac n cheeseMy experience at the restaurant was mostly positive, with some minor issues. The fried chicken, Mac n cheese, and cornbread were all excellent, earning a 5-star rating for the meal. However, the collard greens were a bit too salty and had too many stems, which was a slight disappointment.
- soul foodWe were absolutely blown away by this new restaurant. It's truly the best soul food in SF, and it's not even close. The extra crispy & seasoned fried chicken, the thick mac and cheese, and the slightly sweet cornbread reminded me so much of my aunt's cooking.
- Mac and cheeseMac and cheese - delicious with the perfect amount of spice
Frequently criticized
- fried chickenthe skin tasted like dirt, I'm not a fan of pulling off the skin of fried chicken
- YamsYams I wish had more flavor and were more moist
- banana puddingthe banana pudding wasn’t that great either tasted bland
- chickenthey also fry the chicken with rosemary which gives it a very off putting taste
- mac and cheesehoping for some really tasty chicken and mac and cheese, but it didn’t quite meet my expectations
- bland sidessome bland sides
- chicken not being freshly friedAlthough the food was very tasty, it suffered slightly by the chicken not being freshly fried
- collard greenscollard greens a little to salty & too many stems
- corn breadthe corn bread but it tasted weird also had an odd taste
- cornbreadcorn bread is a no for me
If you're craving excellent fried chicken and classic soul food sides, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the overall consensus points to a highly satisfying culinary experience, especially for those who appreciate authentic flavors and generous portions.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at 81.2%, it's clear that most diners have a good experience. Many rave about the friendly staff, excellent service, and the welcoming owner, often highlighting timely service and a great personality from the team.
Based on 56 positive remarks out of 69 total comments, you can expect a warm reception. However, not every interaction is perfect. A few of the 13 negative comments mention issues like a bad attitude from some employees, particularly a server, and even an aggressive encounter.
There were also frustrations with the online ordering system and unexpected closures, which can definitely put a damper on things.
Service
69
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
13
negative
0
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Excellent, timely service
- Engaging owner
What people don't like
- Rude employee attitude
- Online ordering issues
- Unexpected closures
Often praised
- serviceIt's a small place, and I was by myself, so I sat at the bar. Service was prompt, food came quickly, and the food was really good. The bartender made sure my glass was never empty.
- staffWe got to meet the owner who was welcoming and warm. The staff took great care of us, and most importantly, the food was to die for. I like a small menu; I don’t get overwhelmed and I trust that they make the food well.
- customer serviceThe customer service great whether it’s busy or not!
- ownerI loved every part of the experience. We got to meet the owner who was welcoming and warm. The staff took great care of us, and most importantly, the food was to die for.
- serversthe servers were friendly
- Maitre-dThe Maitre-d was a picture of Southern hospitality
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff was awesome - friendly and helpful
- bartenderThe bar tender made sure my glass was never empty
- excellent serviceThe wine list was a nice surprise, featuring Black-owned wineries, and they also had beers on tap. Equally important was the welcoming vibe and excellent service. It's a family-friendly place with good tunes, making it a great place to dine solo or in a group.
Frequently criticized
- Giants jersey mansome man with a Giants jersey rushed out at us from the back and continuously "shoo'd" us out
- aggressivenessShocked by his sudden aggressiveness, attitude and animosity
- bad attitudeHowever, the customer service was a significant issue. The staff member who generally distributes orders has a bad attitude. I overheard her talking about me and discussing inappropriate topics while waiting.
- closure on SundayMy experience was one of confusion and disappointment. I went to this restaurant expecting to enjoy some soul food, but it was closed on a major day like Sunday. It makes no sense for a soul food restaurant to be closed when most people would want to eat soul food.
- customer serviceI overheard her talking about me and discussing inappropriate topics while waiting. If the customer service improves, this place could receive better reviews.
- employeesemployees there are very rude
- online orderMy experience at this restaurant was frustrating due to the online ordering system. Every time they make an online order, it is too late. If the restaurant cannot make orders in time, they should remove the online system.
- online ordering systemfrustrating due to the online ordering system
- permanently closedpermanently closed or closed 30 mins before posted time
- phone app to tableWe had a difficult time ordering on the phone app to table
Overall, the service here is a strong point, with many guests praising the friendly and attentive staff. While there are a few bumps regarding attitude or online ordering, it's generally a welcoming place worth trying if good customer interaction is important to you.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and customer satisfaction at a good 74.5%, most guests really enjoy the atmosphere. Out of 47 opinions, a whopping 35 rave about the grandmas kitchen feel, warm atmosphere, and good tunes, making it a welcoming local spot for many.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 47 opinions, specifically 4, pointed out some areas for improvement. Concerns included some dirty spots like sinks and window edges, along with mentions of noise being a bit much and parking being somewhat difficult to find.
Ambience
47
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
4
negative
8
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm atmosphere
- Good music
- Clean restaurant
What people don't like
- Dirty areas
- Loud noise
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere and staff were fantastic!
- restaurantbring a great restaurant to this neighborhood
- musicMy least favorite dish was the yams, as I wished they had more flavor and were more moist. Overall, the service was excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and the music playing in the background. I will definitely make another visit.
- 80's shows80's shows displayed on bartender TV wall (great touch)
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- TVsThey have TVs also so will be great for watching sports.
- ambianceGreat ambiance, too!
- ambiencethe ambience was very nice
- environmentthe environment was jazzy but not over the top
- good tunesGood tunes!
Frequently criticized
- NoiseNoise was a bit much for me
- ParkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- no one insideNo one even inside. Was dark.
- sink, tables, window edgeseverywhere was very dirty
If youre looking for a place with a genuinely warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with good music and a neighborhood feel, youll likely be very happy here. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and a bit of noise, and maybe check the cleanliness of certain areas upon arrival.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests are thrilled with the fantastic deals, especially during happy hour and with the lunch special. Folks often rave about the reasonable prices for generous portions, with some even calling the prices almost absurdly low! Based on 6 positive comments, it seems there are some real gems to be found here, contributing to a score of 6.2 for value.
However, not everyone felt the same, with 4 negative comments highlighting concerns about the overall price point. Some guests encountered unexpected charges for things like hot salsa or found the final bill surprisingly high, suggesting that while deals exist, the regular pricing might not always feel like a steal. This contributes to a customer satisfaction of a mixed 50%.
Value
12
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Fantastic lunch deals
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- High regular prices
Often praised
- pricesThe prices were reasonable for the generous portions
- dealMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I came in for happy hour and enjoyed a great deal on wings and wine. The fried chicken breast dinner was absolutely fantastic; it was the best breast I've ever had.
- happy hourFrom 4-5:30pm there was a happy hour
- lunch specialLove the lunch special!
Frequently criticized
- billThe bill was over $120 for the three of us and includes one soda.
- hot salsathey charge for those hot salsa and we did not know
- pricewe were told the 2 piece was combo was $15. When we paid, we realized we’re charged $20
- price pointMy experience at this restaurant offered some good soul food. While the price point is not cheap, the portion of food you receive is generous. However, the customer service was a significant issue.
If youre savvy about catching happy hour or the lunch special, you can snag some truly great deals here. However, be mindful of the regular menu prices and double-check your bill, as some guests found unexpected costs. Its a mixed bag, so go in with a plan to get the best bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 64 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend right in this sweet spot, though there are a few premium options for those looking to splurge a bit.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Juicy Fried Chicken & Great Portions
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I ordered the 2-piece chicken with candied yams and cornbread. The fried chicken was incredibly juicy, some of the best I've had in a while.
I was also impressed with the great portions, especially compared to other places in the area. I highly recommend this spot!
- fried chicken9
- candied yams8
- cornbread8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the amazing food, and the cornbread was the best I’ve ever had. The service was good, with friendly staff.
The portions were a good size, and the restaurant was clean. I also enjoyed the delicious Chi chi drink. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about my visit.
- amazing food10
- cornbread10
- service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Fried Chicken & Sides
My experience at this restaurant was great! They are mostly a fried chicken specialist, and the food was really tasty. I also tried an oxtail dish and a pork chop dish.
The sides were delicious, including mac and cheese, potato salad, and collard greens. They also had yummy cornbread. The prices were reasonable, and they offered cocktails.
Overall, a very enjoyable meal. 👍😎
- fried chicken9
- sides8
- oxtail dish7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Food and Friendly Service!
My experience at this restaurant was a 10/10! As someone who admits to being a picky eater and a self-proclaimed foodie, I was thoroughly impressed. The servers were super friendly, and the vibes were nice with pleasant, not-too-loud music in the background.
The food was absolutely delicious! We tried the Mango Habanero wings, which were juicy with an amazing sauce that truly tasted of mango. While I enjoy spice, this sauce was not spicy at all, with the mango flavor being dominant, but it was still really good.
The 4 piece chicken meal came with Mac and cheese and potato salad. The Mac and cheese was nice and cheesy, giving a classic feel, and I noticed bits of broiled cheese even in the deeper layers, which was a great touch. The potato salad had perfect seasoning and was also really yummy.
The chicken pieces were a decent size, with a hint of rosemary and a very crunchy texture. We also ordered a side of hot honey sauce, which was recommended by our server for the chicken and cornbread. I enjoyed it, especially with the cornbread.
The cornbread was yummy and crumbly; while I prefer mine a bit moister, the flavor was great, and the hot honey added the needed moisture. Overall, I would 100% come here again and am thinking of bringing friends!
- servers10
- vibes9
- Mango Habanero wings9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good Food, Bad Service
My experience at this restaurant offered some good soul food. While the price point is not cheap, the portion of food you receive is generous. However, the customer service was a significant issue.
The staff member who generally distributes orders has a bad attitude. I overheard her talking about me and discussing inappropriate topics while waiting. If the customer service improves, this place could receive better reviews.
- soul food8
- portion of food7
- price point4
- bad attitude2
- customer service3
What Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement?
At Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement, you can look forward to a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal. They offer table service for both lunch and dinner, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. You can also indulge in delicious desserts.
What are the accessibility and parking options available at Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement?
Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Regarding parking, you’ll find both free and paid street parking options, though spaces can sometimes be somewhat difficult to locate in the area.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement?
Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement has a good overall Restaurant Score of 8.2 and a Customer Satisfaction of 80.1%. This is largely driven by strong scores in Food (8.3), Service (8.1), and Ambience (8.0), though Value (6.2) is considered average.
What are the standout dishes at Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement?
Many customers frequently praise the fried chicken for its crispiness and seasoning, along with the rich and thick mac and cheese. The cornbread and unique banana pudding also receive positive mentions.
Are there any common issues to be aware of at Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement?
Some diners have reported occasional inconsistencies with customer service, including staff attitudes or issues with the online ordering system. Finding parking can also sometimes be a challenge in the area.