Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Frankie’s Java House – San Francisco
Frankie's Java House - San Francisco
Photo from Frankie’s Java House
Frankie's Java House at a glance
San Francisco South Beach
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#1177 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#89 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
362
Reviews
77.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious dishes
- Attentive service
- Outdoor ambience
Frequently criticized
- Mandatory gratuity
- High drink prices
- No espresso
The bar and pub Frankie’s Java House in San Francisco’s vibrant South Beach neighborhood offers you a truly cozy and casual spot to unwind. You’ll discover a fantastic atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet evening.
What truly sets this place apart is its great beer selection, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting for you to try. Whether you’re looking for a quick drink or a leisurely meal, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Frankie's Java House
Frankie’s Java House offers a lively spot where many appreciate the friendly staff and efficient service, often noting quick food delivery. The atmosphere is generally well-regarded, providing a comfortable setting for a meal or drink.
Guests frequently enjoy the solid food offerings, particularly certain menu items. However, some experiences point to inconsistencies in service, with occasional reports of attitude or forgotten orders.
Value can be a point of contention, especially regarding drink price and the automatic autogratuity. Despite these points, the overall sentiment leans positive for many visitors.
Good
7.5
out of 10
362
Reviews
77.9%
Satisfaction
61
negative
19
neutral
282
positive
Frankie’s Java House earns a solid 7.5 overall score, reflecting a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at 77.9%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 362 customer remarks, with 282 positive observations and 61 negative ones, providing a robust picture of the establishment. Digging deeper, the Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.9) are clear strengths, consistently receiving good marks from visitors.
Service (7.5) also performs well, contributing positively to the dining experience. However, Value (4.4) appears to be an area where opinions are more mixed, suggesting some guests find pricing or portions less appealing.
What people like
- Delicious specific dishes
- Attentive, quick service
- Appealing outdoor ambience
What people don't like
- Mandatory auto-gratuity
- High drink prices
- Lack of espresso
With a recommendation score of 7.7, Frankie’s Java House generally offers a worthwhile visit, especially if you’re seeking a casual spot with good food and a pleasant atmosphere. It’s a solid choice for specific menu items and enjoying the outdoor setting.
However, be mindful of the value aspect, particularly regarding drink pricing and the automatic gratuity. If you prioritize excellent coffee options or are sensitive to these cost factors, you might find it less appealing.
Otherwise, it’s a place worth considering for its strengths.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
317
93.7%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
105
99%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
217
94.5%
- $$
- Dogpatch
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
101
98%
- $$
- West Portal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
277
95.7%
- $$
- North Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
92
96.7%
- $$
- Sunnyside
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Frankie's Java House
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the food, things are looking pretty tasty! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a high 82.7%, its clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 156 comments, a whopping 129 rave about dishes like the delicious smash burgers, amazing fish tacos, and crisp fries, not to mention the standout Bloody Marys.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 19 comments point to some areas for improvement, noting issues like soggy food, burnt burgers, or ungenerous portion sizes. Some also wished for better drip coffee options, suggesting theres a little room to elevate certain items.
Food
156
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
19
negative
8
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious smash burgers
- Amazing fish tacos
- Crispy, plentiful fries
What people don't like
- Soggy food issues
- Burnt burgers
- Small, ungenerous portions
Often praised
- foodThe breakfast tacos were good but small and ungracefully presented. Overall, the food was good but ungenerous and underwhelming for the price. A significant shortcoming, especially for a place named "Java House, " is the lack of espresso drinks, offering only pre-made drip coffee.
- friesThe smash burger was tasty and came with fries 🍟. The fries were perfectly cooked! I also enjoyed the very good beer selection, opting for a barebottle Muir Woods hazy IPA, which was excellent 👍.
- burgerGreat (like REALLY great) burger — maybe even one of the best in SF!!
- smash burgerIn October 2024, I stopped by for a smash burger 🍔 and a beer 🍺. The smash burger was tasty and came with fries 🍟. The fries were perfectly cooked!
- drinksone of the best gin cocktails I’ve ever had
- fish and chipstheir fish and chips were fantastic and would give 5 stars 🌟’s
- fish tacosTheir fish tacos are some of the best in SF
- Bloody MaryDefinitely get the Bloody Mary, you won’t be disappointed!
- FoodFood:5
- beergood deal with beer
Frequently criticized
- calamariCalamaris more dove than calamaris
- foodgot so sick from the food here
- portion sizefood was good, but ungenerous and underwhelming
- blueberry pancakesblueberry pancakes were small
- burgermy burger was burnt
- burger dog specialI miss their burger dog special though
- condimentsThe hot dogs need more pizzazz. More variety and better condiments. A chili and cheese dog would be great, and with a name like Frankie's and next to the ball park, you'd think they'd be all over it, but no.
- drip coffeeOverall, the food was good but ungenerous and underwhelming for the price. A significant shortcoming, especially for a place named "Java House, " is the lack of espresso drinks, offering only pre-made drip coffee. They should either invest in an espresso machine or remove "Java House" from their name.
- fish and chipsOrdered fish and chips and he nastily informed us they didn’t have that
- fish tacosFor one person, the bill came to $45. 00, which included one drink, calamari, and fish tacos. The calamari was more batter than actual calamari, which was a letdown.
If you're looking for a satisfying meal with some standout dishes, especially burgers and tacos, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few items might not hit the mark, but overall, the food experience is quite good.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Overall, its looking pretty good here, with a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 74.3%. Many folks raved about the friendly staff, quick service, and attentive bartenders, with 55 positive remarks highlighting how fast food came out and the stellar, even VIP, experience some received.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There were 16 comments mentioning issues like staff attitude, a lack of acknowledgment, and forgotten orders. Some experienced long waits or felt there was no actual table service, which definitely put a damper on their visit.
Service
74
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick staff
- Fast food delivery
- Attentive bartenders
What people don't like
- Poor staff attitude
- Forgotten orders
- Lack of acknowledgment
Often praised
- staffThis place has become my new favorite haunt, especially since I work in the marina. They offer great food and have friendly staff. I particularly enjoyed their hamburger, which I'd rate 4 🌟's, and their fish and chips were fantastic, earning a 5-star 🌟 rating.
- serviceThe food was brought out quickly, within 10 minutes. I enjoyed the good atmosphere, great service, and overall good vibes. Most importantly, the burger was off the hook!
- bartenderHe was very apologetic and quickly brought us the second one, on the house!
- Eugenereally has a great handle on his drink making
- ServiceService:5
- wait timeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I visited during the middle of the day and there was no wait at all with plenty of open tables. The food was brought out quickly, within 10 minutes.
- FrankiePretty sure I met frankie while waiting on my sandwich one-day. That was as Kool.
- Friendly bartenderFriendly bartender
- Silver and DouglasSilver and Douglas were phenomenal the entire meal!!
- VIP experienceholla at them for the bestest vip experience
Frequently criticized
- servicewas ignored while they took forever to take my money
- staff attitudethe person taking my order gave me a bit of attitude
- acknowledgementNo apology, no acknowledgement
- bartenderthe bar tender-sadly-was a truly entitled, arrogant, and none compassionate person
- bus own tableThis is a decent spot located near the baseball stadium. However, the experience was marred by the auto-applied 18% gratuity, especially considering the need to wait in a long line to order and bus my own table. To make matters worse, the table I was assigned had a condom underneath it, which is simply not cool.
- espresso machineThey should either get an espresso machine
- guy taking ordersguy taking good orders wasn’t a complete massive jerk
- hours of operationonly thing that I would improve about this place is their hours of operation
- long waitTook long because they forgot my order
- order forgottenthey forgot my order
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and quick service, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware there's a small chance of encountering some attitude or a forgotten order, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.9 and earning a solid 88.1% customer satisfaction. With 89 positive remarks out of 101 total, guests frequently rave about the fantastic outdoor seating, stunning views of the bay, and the welcoming, dog-friendly vibe. Many appreciate the recent remodel, contributing to a clean and inviting atmosphere perfect for a casual hang or pre-game spot.
However, a few of the 5 negative comments noted a little bitty sports bar feel, which wasnt everyones cup of tea. One particularly unfortunate incident involved finding a condom under table, which certainly detracted from the overall experience and cleanliness perception for that guest.
Ambience
101
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
5
negative
7
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Outdoor seating
- Great views
- Dog-friendly vibe
What people don't like
- Unpleasant incident
- Sports bar feel
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed a drink, and Kimmy did too. The atmosphere was impressive 👌. If you find yourself on the Embarcadero, stop by with your furry friend.
- locationawesome location next to South Beach 40 Marina and Oracle Park
- barIt's the best neighborhood spot, and their fish tacos are some of the best in SF. I love the option of sitting outside in the sun or posting up at the bar. The staff and bartenders are always welcoming, making it a great place to bring our pups and out-of-town guests.
- outdoor seatingThe kids noticed some fruit on the bar for drinks, and the gentleman working kindly sliced up an orange for them and showered them with attention. We experienced great customer service, enjoyed the nice outdoor seating with a view, and the food was super solid. Highly recommend!
- vibeThe vibe here is no-frills but is really clean with a bit of a 50’s diner feel.
- patioMy experience at this restaurant was positive, especially considering its small space inside. However, they offer more room on their patio, which is a great feature. It's a great bar for a drink before a Giants game, and they also have food available.
- vibesThe food was brought out quickly, within 10 minutes. I enjoyed the good atmosphere, great service, and overall good vibes. Most importantly, the burger was off the hook!
- viewsbesides the views are amazing!!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessThe restaurant is very clean
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking was hard to find and the paring in the wharf is not allowed 🚫
- atmosphereFelt very weird being there
- condom under tablecondom under it is just not cool
- parkingI had the best fish and chips I've had to this date. While the parking was rough and the meal was pricey, it was definitely worth getting when I'm in town. The atmosphere and service both received a perfect score of 5.
- sports barI was mistaken by a Google article in Florida that led me here for my first night's dinner. It's nothing more than a little bitty sports bar outside the stadium. The food was good.
If youre looking for a relaxed spot with great outdoor seating, beautiful views, and a dog-friendly patio, this place is definitely worth checking out. Its ideal for a casual drink or pre-game gathering, but be aware that a few guests found the interior a bit too much like a basic sports bar, and there was one concerning cleanliness issue.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
Value here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.4 landing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at a rather poor 29%. Based on 31 customer remarks, theres a clear split in experiences. Many guests appreciate the well priced options and happy hour offerings , especially finding prices reasonable and better than stadium venues.
With 9 positive remarks, its often seen as a great pre-game spot, offering good deals and a cheap lot nearby. However, 21 negative remarks highlight significant concerns. Many were surprised by an unexpected gratuity charge or mandatory gratuity , feeling certain items were pricey or overpriced .
There were also complaints about pricing discrepancies, leading to frustration with the final bill .
Value
31
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
21
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good happy hour
- Affordable pre-game
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity
- Dishonest pricing
- Some items overpriced
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive. The tacos were absolutely fire and surprisingly affordable at only $3. While the wings did the job, they could have benefited from a bit more sauce.
- pricesbetter prices than at the ballpark
- cheap lotThis is the place to go before games. It's less than a 10-minute walk to the park, and the lot across the street is cheap. The beer and a dog special comes with fries and is cheaper than a beer at the park.
- happy hour offeringsLove their happy hour offerings
- well pricedSo well priced for being right by the stadium.
Frequently criticized
- beer price11 bucks for a beer? Pretty sure I was just scammed
- billThis was a good stop to meet up for a beer and pub fare. However, it's important to double check your bill to avoid the overcharge and 18% autogratuity on top.
- priceA little over price for one person 45.00 dollars
- priceyquite pricey (over $80 for three people
- $10 for 75%$10 for 75% no thank you
- QR code menuQR code menu outside has the beer price as $7 too
- autogratuityThis was a good stop to meet up for a beer and pub fare. However, it's important to double check your bill to avoid the overcharge and 18% autogratuity on top.
- gratuityauto applying 18% gratuity when I have to wait
- gratuity chargenot told about the 18% gratuity charge
- mandatory gratuityadd a mandatory minimum 18% gratuity to your bill
If you're looking for pre-game deals or happy hour specials, this spot can offer good value. However, be sure to double-check your bill and be aware of potential mandatory gratuity or higher prices on certain items, as these can quickly add up.
How are the prices at Frankie's Java House?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 52 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
When we look at what people actually spend, most diners keep it in the 11 – 30 $ range, with a good number even opting for the more budget-friendly $11–$20 options. So, while the average is 21, you’ll find plenty of choices both around and below that mark, with just a few venturing into the higher price points.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 52 most recent reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. You get good value for a mid-range experience, with options to suit different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Frankie's Java House
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Wings, Tacos, and Fries!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best lemon pepper wings ever, and the fries were perfectly crispy. The fish tacos were incredibly juicy.
It was a perfect Saturday afternoon to enjoy with friends, especially after a sailboat trip. 🤙❤️🩷⛵️
- lemon pepper wings10
- fries9
- fish tacos9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Dog-Friendly Embarcadero Gem
My experience at Frankie's was great! It's definitely doggie friendly. We walked in and took seats at the bar.
I enjoyed a drink, and Kimmy did too. The atmosphere was impressive 👌. If you find yourself on the Embarcadero, stop by with your furry friend.
Enjoy 😉.
- doggie friendly9
- bar7
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Good Hot Dog and Beer Deal
My experience was pretty nice. I stopped in before a game on Saturday and found the staff friendly enough. One bartender was particularly engaging and upbeat.
The hot dog was of high quality and a good deal when paired with a beer. I did notice that the staff could be more engaging with out-of-towners, which is something everyone needs to recognize. I tried to engage them myself.
- hot dog8
- beer7
- bartender9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Quick Burgers, Great Views, Dog-Friendly
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. The food was ready incredibly quickly, with three burgers served in just 15 minutes. While there were perhaps too many fries, it's a minor point.
I really appreciated this great little local business, and the staff were very kind. The views were also a highlight, especially with a nearby grass patch perfect for dogs.
- food8
- burgers8
- local business9
- fries4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fantastic Food & Service!
My experience at this restaurant was the best dining experience of the trip. We stopped in on a whim for a quick lunch and left full and super impressed. Everyone's food tasted fresh, and the fish and chips were fantastic!
The burger and onion rings were great too. The kids noticed some fruit on the bar for drinks, and the gentleman working kindly sliced up an orange for them and showered them with attention. We experienced great customer service, enjoyed the nice outdoor seating with a view, and the food was super solid.
Highly recommend!
- food9
- fish and chips10
- Burger and onion rings8
What Frankie's Java House offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Frankie's Java House?
At Frankie’s Java House, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy your meal or drinks with outdoor seating, dine-in, or opt for takeout and delivery services. This flexibility ensures you can experience their offerings however you prefer.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Frankie's Java House?
You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere at Frankie’s Java House, perfect for relaxing. They offer a wide range of beverages including hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, alongside food at the bar and happy hour drinks. It’s a great spot for a laid-back experience.
What is the overall rating for Frankie's Java House?
Frankie’s Java House holds a good overall score of 7.5, with customer satisfaction at 77.9%. Its strengths lie in Food (7.8), Ambience (7.9), and Service (7.5), though Value (4.4) is an area with more mixed feedback.
What do customers enjoy most about Frankie's Java House?
Many patrons praise the delicious specific dishes like burgers, fish and chips, and tacos. The friendly and quick service, along with the appealing outdoor seating and location, are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects.
What are some potential downsides to consider before visiting Frankie's Java House?
Some guests have noted concerns regarding mandatory auto-gratuity and higher drink prices. Additionally, the absence of espresso drinks, despite the “Java House” name, has been a point of disappointment for some.