Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » TRACE – San Francisco
TRACE - San Francisco
Photo from TRACE
TRACE at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 24 of the guests
#1681 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#88 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
271
Reviews
67.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Modern ambience
- Attentive service
- Good breakfast
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent food
- Slow delivery
The restaurant TRACE, an American Restaurant located in the vibrant Transbay neighborhood of San Francisco, offers a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in an upscale yet casual atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.
One of its standout features is its great wine list, carefully curated to complement your meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, TRACE provides a welcoming setting with excellent service.
Overview: Introducting TRACE
TRACE offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its modern atmosphere and attentive staff. Guests frequently highlight the pleasant surroundings and professional service, making for an enjoyable visit.
However, some find the overall value proposition less compelling, with certain menu items not quite hitting the mark for their price, and occasional inconsistencies in the food quality. While the setting is generally appealing, some patrons have noted a noisy environment.
The service, however, often stands out for its attentiveness, with specific individuals receiving commendation. It’s a place that balances strong points with areas that could benefit from refinement.
Good
6.9
out of 10
271
Reviews
67.2%
Satisfaction
67
negative
22
neutral
182
positive
TRACE garners a respectable overall score of 6.9, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.2%, suggesting there’s room for improvement in meeting everyone’s expectations.
This feedback comes from a substantial 271 customer comments, with 182 positive remarks balancing against 67 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Ambience (7.6) stands out as a strong point, often described as modern and appealing.
Service (7.4) also receives high marks for its attentiveness and professionalism. The Food (7.1) is generally well-regarded, though not without some mixed opinions.
The primary area for concern appears to be Value (3.7), which many guests feel does not align with the pricing.
What people like
- Modern, appealing ambience
- Attentive, professional service
- Well-regarded breakfast items
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional slow delivery
With a recommendation score of 7, TRACE presents itself as a solid option, particularly if you prioritize a stylish setting and attentive service. It’s a place that can deliver a pleasant experience, especially for breakfast or a casual drink, and is often noted for its appealing atmosphere.
However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for varied food experiences. If you’re seeking consistent value and culinary perfection across the board, you might find aspects of TRACE less satisfying.
Consider it for its strengths, but manage expectations on other fronts.
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Verdict: Our expert take on TRACE
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.1. Many guests rave about delicious options like the Lamb Belly Pastrami, delightful waffles, and outstanding salmon, often praising the quality ingredients. With 107 positive remarks among 153 total, theres a clear appreciation for well-prepared dishes and good portions, even if customer satisfaction is a mixed bag at 69.9%.
However, not everything is a culinary triumph. Some find certain items, like the eggs and toast, to be overpriced or subpar, while the latte and steak have also drawn criticism. With 31 negative comments, issues like small portions and a lack of flavor in some dishes suggest theres room for improvement in consistency and value.
Food
153
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
31
negative
15
neutral
107
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, well-prepared food
- Generous portion sizes
- Quality ingredients shine
What people don't like
- Some items overpriced
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Portions can be small
Often praised
- foodThey even remembered our exact order from the previous day, which was a pleasant surprise. The lattes were perfect, and the food was very good. I was motivated to write this review because the people here are just too good not to give them a shout out.
- breakfastWe happily ended up at the Trace, located within the hotel. All four of us, being foodies, absolutely loved our breakfast and coffee. A key recommendation is to order off Damien's secret menu.
- burgerall the food we had (burger and chicken&waffle) were all delicious!
- coffeethe coffee is waived
- oystersoysters: but it was very good! There is some jalapeno that added just enough "bite"
- salmonFor dessert, I had a Basque cheesecake. The salmon was perfect, and the sauce was tasty and worth sopping up with bread. The cake was denser and less sweet than NYC style.
- specialty cocktailsexplain the flavor profiles of the specialty cocktails
- BLT with friesThe wait staff was nice and attentive. Some items on the menu are priced fairly; you can get a decent sized BLT with fries for $17. However, those eggs are expensive, and the toast is gross.
- Basque cheesecakeBasque cheese cake. The cake was denser and less sweet than NYC style
- Belgian waffleMy friend tried the Belgian waffle with dark chocolate, strawberries and bananas. It was very rich and was like a dessert but also very good.
Frequently criticized
- foodDespite having reservations, we experienced a 40-minute wait to be seated. When our food was finally served, it was an execrable excuse for food. All of us ended up suffering from bad belly, leading to unpleasant and embarrassing situations.
- toastSome items on the menu are priced fairly; you can get a decent sized BLT with fries for $17. However, those eggs are expensive, and the toast is gross. Instead of using a toaster, they pan-fry it in butter.
- American restaurantjust a run of the mill American restaurant
- Farm to Tablenot ‘Farm to Table’ in any meaningful way
- Liberty Farms duck breastmeat was very tough, to the point that we had to “saw off” bits
- Prelude A Grand Puy Ducassebit mineral in taste, which was an understatement
- Tracy omeletteThe Tracy omelette ($26!) ... the omelette too cheesy and dry
- ahi tuna tatakituna lacked in flavor
- avocadoMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. If you think $22 for 2 eggs, 1/4 of an avocado, and 1 piece of toast is acceptable, then this is your place. The wait staff was nice and attentive.
- baby kaleif I never see kale on a menu again, that would be fine with me
Overall, the food here offers some real gems, especially if you pick wisely from the menu. While some dishes are truly delicious and well-prepared, be mindful that certain items might feel overpriced or fall short in quality. It's worth a visit for the highlights, but manage your expectations for consistency.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.4 and a solid 73.8% customer satisfaction. Many guests raved about the excellent and professional staff, with servers like Alvin and Jane often singled out for their friendly and attentive approach. Out of 61 comments, a strong 45 highlighted the positive interactions, praising the wait-staff and bartenders for their impeccable service.
However, it wasnt all smooth sailing, as 15 comments pointed to some bumps in the road. Some diners experienced frustratingly long waits and incredibly slow service, with issues like misplaced orders and a sluggish pace of food delivery. A few even noted a lack of hospitality from certain staff members, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
61
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent service
- Friendly staff
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waits
- Poor hospitality
Often praised
- serviceOutstanding service! The staff in this restaurant were amazing.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was enjoyable and classy, with great staff. The bartenders were fantastic, offering complimentary housemade glazed chex mix to accompany our whiskey sours.
- serverthe server allowed us to keep that meal without charge
- AlvinMy server named Alvin was very attentive and helpful though.
- wait staffThe wait staff were very nice
- CheI enjoyed a delicious burger and fries, along with soup and an ice cream sandwich. Che was a wonderful server!
- JaneFriendly and cheerful young lady staff Jane was attentive
- Jane's service senseI stayed in a Studio Suite at the W Hotel with the breakfast option included, which is how I ended up using their dining facilities. Jane's service sense was outstanding. The food was also delicious.
- ServiceService:5
- bartendersBartenders are great.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThere's a mandatory $35 seating fee per person if your party doesn't meet a certain spend, which is a significant and unwelcome surprise. The service was terrible, and the atmosphere was incredibly noisy. I recommend going somewhere else.
- waiterwaiter should have informed us that there were hot peppers
- bartenderthe "bartender" was so busy
- complimentary glass of wineserver didn’t mention that fact
- food deliverythey would rush our food through - nope, nada
- hospitalityNo hospitality
- managermanager checked but did nothing
- orderThe pace of food delivery and service was so bad it brought frowns to our faces – what a disgrace! Our waiter must have misplaced our order and then did nothing about it for over 45 minutes. We were seated promptly at 11: 54 am and ordered quickly, but after 30+ minutes, we realized something was wrong.
- pace of food deliverypace of food delivery and service is so bad
- receptionMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The Asian woman at the reception was so mean and showed no hospitality. However, the wait staff were very nice.
Overall, you can expect a largely positive experience thanks to the dedicated staff and attentive servers. While most visits are smooth, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or occasional service hiccups, especially during busy times. It's definitely worth trying for the generally good service, but keep an eye out for those potential delays.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
The ambience here is a definite highlight, scoring a solid 7.6 and leaving 78.8% of customers satisfied! Many guests rave about the nice decorated restaurant, modern and trendy vibe, especially appreciating the artsy optical fiber light installation and club-like setting with a live DJ for group parties or girls night out. With 26 positive remarks, the decor and atmosphere clearly hit the mark.
However, a few guests (4 out of 33 comments) found the atmosphere to be noisy or the music too loud for comfortable conversation. Some also felt it lacked a wow factor or was too hipster for their taste. While these are minor points compared to the overall positive feedback, they're worth noting if you prefer a quieter, more understated environment.
Ambience
33
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Modern, trendy decor
- Lively club setting
- Great location
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Noisy atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a modern atmosphere and nice drinks. The artsy optical fiber light installation was particularly great-looking.
- decorreally nice decor
- locationat a great location
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- W Hotel barfriendly and professional
- ambianceAwesome ambiance
- best spotsOne of the best spots in the city
- casualIt's truly one of the best spots in the city. Conveniently located next to the W hotel, I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a dining experience that is nice and less casual.
- clean spotThe food was great, and the location was excellent. It's a modern, trendy, and clean spot where you can quickly grab something to eat.
- club-like settingAll in a club-like setting.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThere's a mandatory $35 seating fee per person if your party doesn't meet a certain spend, which is a significant and unwelcome surprise. The service was terrible, and the atmosphere was incredibly noisy. I recommend going somewhere else.
- musicMusic too loud for comfy conversation
- wow factorWe didn't get any wow factor.
If youre looking for a modern, trendy spot with a lively, club-like atmosphere and a DJ, this place is a great choice. However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting for conversation, the loud music might be a dealbreaker. Its perfect for a fun night out with friends or a casual date.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
While the overall value score sits at a poor 3.7 with customer satisfaction at a low 16.7%, a few guests (4 out of 24 comments) did find some delightful surprises. Positive mentions highlighted the Restaurant Week menu, half-priced items, and even the wine list as offering good rates. Unfortunately, the overwhelming sentiment (17 negative comments out of 24) points to significant concerns about the price.
Many felt things were a little bit on the expensive side, struggling to justify costs and finding the bill stupidly expensive. Other common complaints included mandatory seating fees and insane service charges, making the overall experience feel way too pricey.
Value
24
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Half-priced items
- Restaurant Week menu
- Good wine list
What people don't like
- Stupidly expensive prices
- Mandatory seating fee
- Insane service charge
Often praised
- Restaurant Week menudelightful surprise
- pricesprices and rates is Trace
- ratesprices and rates is Trace
- wine listhalf-priced for the evening, which was a delightful surprise
Frequently criticized
- priceespecially for the price.
- billstupidly expensive and absolutely not worth it. I literally laughed when I was handed the bill.
- cheapest entree optioncheapest entree option ($19 for a chicken sandwich)
- chicken sandwichwas it worth $19? Absolutely not
- city's pricingThis city is out of control
- cookiesNot sure how you can justify the $9 cookies though
- dinnerAll of us ended up suffering from bad belly, leading to unpleasant and embarrassing situations. This $350 dinner for three, not including the cost of medication, was a complete disappointment.
- eggs pricedang those eggs are expensive
- expensiveYes, it is expensive
- parkingThe parking was in downtown San Francisco
If you're looking for great value, this might not be your spot. While occasional deals like a Restaurant Week menu exist, the general consensus is that prices are high and often not justified. Be prepared for a potentially expensive bill, including extra fees, if you decide to visit.
How are the prices at TRACE?
On average, youll be looking at about 45 per person, based on what 24 guests have shared. This places it squarely in the $41–$50 range. For an American Restaurant, wed say that’s a solid mid-range option, perhaps leaning a bit towards the higher end.
Interestingly, while the average is here, the prices people pay are quite varied, showing a mix of both mid-tier and some more premium dining experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 24 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of American Restaurants out there, we think 45 per person feels fair for a good quality experience in San Francisco. Its not a budget spot, but it offers a solid value for what youre likely getting.
Customer Reviews: what people think about TRACE
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
5
Mixed Service Experience
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The Asian woman at the reception was so mean and showed no hospitality. However, the wait staff were very nice.
- wait staff8
- reception2
- hospitality1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Birthday Brunch with Great Service!
I had a lovely brunch for my birthday here! The portions were plentiful and all the food we tried, including the burger and chicken & waffle, was absolutely delicious. Our server, Alvin, was very friendly and professional.
:)
- portions9
- burger10
- chicken & waffle10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Excellent Service and Food at W Hotel
I stayed in a Studio Suite at the W Hotel with the breakfast option included, which is how I ended up using their dining facilities. Jane's service sense was outstanding. The food was also delicious.
- Jane's service sense10
- food9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Outstanding Dining Experience at Trace
My experience at Trace was outstanding. On my first night, I enjoyed the salmon with mussels and clams over vegetables in a pickled lemon juice and broth. For dessert, I had a Basque cheesecake.
The salmon was perfect, and the sauce was tasty and worth sopping up with bread. The cake was denser and less sweet than NYC style. On my second night, I had a Caesar salad with salmon, which came with white anchovies without me even having to ask.
On my third night, I enjoyed the risotto with wild mushrooms, including morels, cremini, and others. All meals were wonderfully done, and the wait-staff was helpful and attentive.
- salmon10
- sauce9
- Basque cheesecake8
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Food and Service
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. The food was great, with the Shashuka being perfect. I also want to commend Alvin, who was a great server and truly helped to bring down the travel stress I was experiencing after multiple days of travel across different states.
- food10
- Shashuka10
- Alvin10
What TRACE offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What accessibility features and amenities does TRACE offer for its guests?
TRACE ensures a comfortable experience for all, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You’ll also find convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi and an onsite bar, making your visit enjoyable and connected.
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at TRACE in San Francisco?
At TRACE, you can enjoy a range of dining options from breakfast and brunch to lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with table service and comfortable seating. The atmosphere is a blend of upscale, casual, and trendy, perfect for various dining preferences.
How does TRACE perform overall according to customer feedback?
TRACE holds an overall score of 6.9, with its **Ambience** (7.6) and **Service** (7.4) receiving good marks. **Food** (7.1) is generally positive, but **Value** (3.7) is a notable area of concern for many guests.
What can I expect from the atmosphere at TRACE?
Guests often describe the atmosphere as modern, trendy, and clean, with some noting a club-like setting. It’s generally considered an appealing environment, though some found it noisy.
Is TRACE considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed, with many customers finding the prices to be on the higher side and not always justified, especially for certain menu items like eggs or cookies.