Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » David’s – San Francisco
David's - San Francisco
Photo from David’s
David's at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 87 of the guests
#1435 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#81 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
422
Reviews
71.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Diner ambiance
- Breakfast dishes
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistencies
- High prices
- Slow service
The restaurant, an American Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood, offers a truly welcoming experience. You’ll find David’s to be a casual and cozy spot, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Known for its great coffee, it’s an ideal destination whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or enjoying lunch. With convenient service options like dine-in, takeout, and delivery, it caters to your every need.
Overview: Introducting David's
David’s offers a classic diner experience, often praised for its friendly staff and an enjoyable atmosphere that harks back to the 1950s. Many appreciate the generous portions and a breakfast menu that consistently delivers satisfying meals.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies, particularly with certain dishes like overcooked pastrami or a less-than-stellar Reuben. While service is generally well-regarded, there are instances of slow service and concerns about the overall value, with some finding the offerings overpriced.
Good
7.2
out of 10
422
Reviews
71.3%
Satisfaction
88
negative
33
neutral
301
positive
David’s generally holds a solid standing with a Restaurant Score of 7.2 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 71.3%. This indicates a largely positive experience for many, reflecting a good overall impression.
The feedback, gathered from 422 customer comments, shows a clear leaning towards positive experiences, with 301 positive remarks against 88 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Service (7.7), Ambience (7.5), and Food (7.1) all receive good marks, suggesting these are consistent strengths.
However, Value (4.9) stands out as an area where opinions are more divided, often described as average. This suggests that while the quality is appreciated, the pricing might not always align with expectations for some patrons.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly service
- Classic diner ambiance
- Hearty breakfast options
What people don't like
- Specific food disappointments
- Value concerns
- Occasional slow service
David’s, with a Recommendation Score of 7.4, presents itself as a reliable choice for those seeking a classic diner experience with generally good service and an inviting atmosphere. It’s particularly worth considering for breakfast, where many find the dishes satisfying and the portions generous.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in certain menu items and the pricing, which some patrons find a bit steep. If you prioritize a friendly, nostalgic setting over strict budget adherence for every dish, David’s could be a pleasant stop.
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 David's
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, things are looking pretty good, with a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 70.6%. Many diners rave about the generous, huge portions and classic dishes that hit the spot. Specialties like shakshouka and even the best bacon frequently earn high praise, making for some truly delicious meals, according to 156 positive remarks.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some 43 critical comments point to issues like overcooked pastrami and runny potato salad that missed the mark. There were also mentions of bitter coffee and tasteless fruits, suggesting some inconsistencies in quality.
While generally positive, there's certainly room for improvement in certain areas.
Food
221
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
43
negative
22
neutral
156
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portion sizes
- Classic diner fare
- Vegan/veg options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Dry, overcooked meats
- Poor side dishes
Often praised
- foodI enjoyed sharing some potato latkes, challah bread, and lox, along with other Jewish specialties with my family. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- breakfastMy breakfast was yummy and arrived hot
- coffeeI have fond memories of after theater coffee and a walnut ring served by a charming waitress, Flo. I’m so glad you are still in business!
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive, leading me to visit for breakfast three days in a row! The food was reasonably priced with good portions, and the service was amazing. I particularly enjoyed the best bacon around and the amazing French toast.
- baconbacon a tad bit on the extra crispy side
- French toastThe food was reasonably priced with good portions, and the service was amazing. I particularly enjoyed the best bacon around and the amazing French toast. My companion loved the corned beef and hash so much that they ordered it almost every time we visited.
- bagelthe bagel, pancake and croissant was super good!
- breakfast sandwichThe tomato and pepper sauce had mild heat, complemented perfectly by the rye bread. The breakfast sandwich on a croissant was also a great choice. The hash browns were the star, crispy outside and tender inside.
- eggsOur breakfast was perfect. We had the usual eggs
- fresh fruitincluded a side of fresh fruit
Frequently criticized
- pastramipastrami was really overcooked to the point of being crunchy
- ReubenThe Reuben wasn't the worst I've ever had, but it was right on down there.
- coffeethe coffee was a bit bitter
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found it to be insanely overpriced for what was described as mediocre food. Specifically, I had the worst lox and bagel I've ever encountered.
- qualitythe quality has gone way down
- French friesFrench fries were inedible.
- LEO well done lox and onionsOrdered LEO well done lox and onions it was not.
- bagelsthe bagels were wrong!
- blueberry pancakesold fruit for 16.95 not worth the price
- breadel pan callaha no es autentico
Overall, the food here generally hits the mark, especially if youre looking for hearty, classic diner fare with generous portions. While some dishes might disappoint, its worth a try for a satisfying meal, particularly if you stick to their well-loved specialties.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction of 76%, its clear that most folks have a good experience. Based on 73 positive comments out of 96 total, many rave about the friendly staff, attentive servers, and great service that often comes with warmth and professionalism.
However, its not always perfect. A smaller number of 18 negative comments point to occasional hiccups like slow service, issues with drink refills, and frustrating waiting times. Some even mentioned problems with getting change or a receipt, suggesting there's room for improvement in efficiency.
Service
96
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
18
negative
5
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Food comes fast
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Long waiting times
- No drink refills
Often praised
- serviceMy colleague enjoyed the chicken sandwich, but unfortunately, the pastrami was really overcooked to the point of being crunchy. The restaurant offers an old-school deli atmosphere and good service.
- staffI thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast experience at this diner. The establishment was clean and comfortable, with friendly staff. It's conveniently located adjacent to the Touchstone Hotel.
- serverJose was very friendly and a great server!
- ServiceService:5
- friendlyMy son and I stopped in for breakfast, and from the moment we walked through the door, Jose made us feel welcome. He was attentive, friendly, and genuinely cared that we had a great experience. The food was great, but it was Jose’s service that stood out.
- Charming waiterCharming waiter
- GeorgeGeorge was super friendly and attentive
- JimmyJimmy was our server and was attentive and friendly.
- Table serviceTable service available
- at the barThe personnel were also very nice and provided great service. They offer convenient options for taking food to-go, dining at the bar, or enjoying it in room. I highly recommend this place.
Frequently criticized
- servicePoor service. Had to fight for coffee and milk. Got no attention.
- waiting timeit took more than 30 minutes to get our breakfast
- ServiceService:2
- changeno change
- checkThe service was also slow. I was never offered a drink refill, and after finishing my meal, I had to wait so long that I had to ask for the check. I don't think I'll visit this establishment again.
- drink refillnever asked if I wanted a drink refill
- kitchen operationsdon’t know how to run a kitchen
- receiptWe had no receipt
- take cashDoes not take cash
- waiterIt's a shame because we were with friends and strongly advised them NOT to go here. We DO NOT recommend this place; it's too expensive, and the waiter was not honest.
Overall, you can generally expect a warm welcome and attentive service here. While there might be an occasional wait or minor snag, the positive interactions usually outweigh the negatives, making it a good spot to try if friendly staff is a priority for you.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youll likely be charmed by its atmosphere, which earns a good score of 7.5. With a solid 77.2% customer satisfaction, many guests rave about the "authentic diner feel, " "cozy, vintage diner" vibe, and "old school vibe. " Out of 79 total comments, 61 were positive, highlighting a truly "nostalgic atmosphere" that makes for a great experience.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 12 comments pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found the space a bit cramped, while others felt the interior needs a refurb and noted that it wasnt always as "clean" as theyd hoped. There were also mentions of an aging establishment, suggesting some wear and tear.
Ambience
79
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic diner feel
- Cozy vintage atmosphere
- Nostalgic old school vibe
What people don't like
- Cramped interior
- Needs refurbishing
- Not clean enough
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed sharing some potato latkes, challah bread, and lox, along with other Jewish specialties with my family. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- cleanlinessPerhaps in time, this place will turn it around. On the positive side, it was clean.
- ambianceThe ambiance is straight 1950s and the music fits right in.😃
- placeSmall place, comfy, roomy booths
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Celebrity roomChoose from the Horseshoe bar or the Celebrity room
- Horseshoe barChoose from the Horseshoe bar or the Celebrity room
- San FranciscoI heard at least 2 languages besides English from customers and staff held conversations with all of them. This is a perfect example of why I love San Francisco and hope it never changes.
- ambienceexcellent ambience
- authentic diner feelMy experience at David's was that of an absolute gem. If you're looking for an authentic diner feel with great food and great service, this is the place to go. While it might be a bit run down and not in the best area, the food and service are second to none.
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessno tiene mucha limpieza
- cleannot as clean as I would have liked
- crampedit did feel a bit cramped
- doorThe door was forced to stay open!
- establishmentaging and poorly maintained establishment
- glassesThe glasses could’ve been cleaner
- interiorinterior needs a refurb
- outsideIt does not look very good from outside
- parkingno cuenta con estacionamiento
- temperatureit was 55 degrees in there!
If you're seeking a genuinely nostalgic, old-school diner experience and can overlook a few minor imperfections in upkeep, this place is definitely worth a visit. It offers a unique, cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual meal or catching up with friends.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a 4.9 score putting it squarely in the average range. Many customers appreciate the excellent price-quality ratio, finding it much cheaper than surrounding places with very affordable prices and good portions. Based on 11 positive opinions, you often get a lot for what you pay, making it feel completely within a reasonable price range.
However, with 15 negative opinions out of 26 total, theres a strong sentiment that it can be quite expensive or pricey. Some found it to be insanely overpriced for what they received, feeling it wasn't money well spent. The customer satisfaction is at 42.3%, indicating a mixed experience where some felt the prices were too high for the portions or quality.
Value
26
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
15
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good price-quality ratio
- Affordable portions
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Too expensive
- Not worth the price
Often praised
- pricesthe prices were VERY affordable
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive, leading me to visit for breakfast three days in a row! The food was reasonably priced with good portions, and the service was amazing. I particularly enjoyed the best bacon around and the amazing French toast.
- cheaper than surrounding placesMuch cheaper than the places around
- portionsfairly priced for their portions
- price rangecompletely in sf price range
- price-quality ratioThe price-quality ratio, excellent.
- value for moneyIt's a traditional diner that offers great food and very good service personnel. The prices are completely within the San Francisco range, and you get a lot for what you pay.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found it to be insanely overpriced for what was described as mediocre food. Specifically, I had the worst lox and bagel I've ever encountered.
- pricesThe prices are high, they are adjusted for being in a "tourist" area.
- billThe guy took us 73 dollars, which was in fact 13 dollars more than what was due
- expensiveIt's a shame because we were with friends and strongly advised them NOT to go here. We DO NOT recommend this place; it's too expensive, and the waiter was not honest.
- bagel sandwich15 to 20 for a bagel sandwich
- money well spentwhether I think it was money well spent or not...it wasn't
- priceysurprising at how pricey this place was
If you're looking for good portions at a fair price, you might find some great deals here. However, be mindful that many customers felt it was overpriced, so check the menu carefully before committing to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at David's?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 87 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.
Looking at what others spend, most guests tend to spend between 11 – 30 $, with a good chunk falling into the $11–$20 bracket, showing a nice balance around that average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 87 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant in this range. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about David's
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Quality Decline at David's
I used to eat at David's years ago, but my recent experience with the Reuben was pretty awful. The quality has gone way down.
- Reuben2
- quality2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Cozy breakfast with friendly staff
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially for breakfast. The vegan scramble was delicious and I can definitely recommend it. The staff were very friendly, contributing to a cosy atmosphere.
The interior has a lot of character, making for a pleasant dining experience. The noise level was quiet, allowing for easy conversation.
- vegan scramble9
- friendly staff10
- cosy atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Corned Beef on Rye - Toasted?
My experience involved ordering the Corned Beef on rye, which was served on rye toast. This was a first for me, and I suspect the bread might have been stale, leading to it being toasted without disclosure from the waiter. It's possible this is a local custom in San Francisco.
- Corned Beef on rye5
- rye toast5
- bread4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Classic SF Diner Experience
I hope these classic city diners never go out of business. It was a perfect stop before or after a theater visit nearby. You can choose from the Horseshoe bar or the Celebrity room.
The food is classic NY deli style with the perfect ambiance of great tunes and comfortable stools. The wait staff seem like they were cast from a movie. I heard at least 2 languages besides English from customers and staff held conversations with all of them.
This is a perfect example of why I love San Francisco and hope it never changes.
- classic city diners10
- perfect stop10
- Horseshoe bar8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Mixed Experience: Decent Service, Disappointing Food
I recently visited this restaurant and had a mixed experience overall. The staff were friendly enough, though service wasn’t perfect—there were a few small missteps here and there, but nothing too terrible. The restaurant itself had a unique setup, which made it interesting to look around, though it did feel a bit cramped and not as clean as I would have liked.
As for the food, I ordered a burger that ended up being a disappointment. It was slightly undercooked, and there was some gristle that made it hard to fully enjoy. The fries and potato salad were okay, nothing too special though.
The portion sizes were also smaller than expected, leaving me wishing there was a bit more on the plate. All in all, while there were some positives like the atmosphere and decent service, the food quality and cleanliness issues held this visit back. I might give it another shot if I’m in the area, but it’s not a place I would go out of my way for.
- staff7
- service5
- fries5
- cramped3
- clean3
- food2
What David's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Does David's Delicatessen & Diner offer options for various dietary needs?
Yes, David’s caters to diverse preferences. You’ll discover a range of choices including delicious vegan options, vegetarian options, and halal food, ensuring there’s something satisfying for everyone on the menu.
What is the atmosphere like at David's Delicatessen & Diner, and is it accessible for everyone?
You’ll find David’s to be a cozy and casual American restaurant, perfect for families as it’s good for kids and offers high chairs. It’s also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating for your comfort.
How does David's perform overall according to customer feedback?
David’s has a **Restaurant Score** of **7.2** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **71.3%**, indicating a generally good experience. **Service** (7.7), **Ambience** (7.5), and **Food** (7.1) are well-regarded, though **Value** (4.9) receives a more average assessment.
What do customers particularly enjoy about David's?
Many customers appreciate the **friendly staff** and the **enjoyable atmosphere** that evokes a classic diner feel. The **breakfast** items, including **bacon** and **French toast**, are frequently highlighted for their quality and generous **portions**.
Are there any common complaints about David's?
Some patrons have noted issues with specific food items, such as **overcooked pastrami** or **mediocre lox and bagel**. Concerns about **slow service** and the perception of the restaurant being **overpriced** are also occasionally mentioned.