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oChef » side a – San Francisco
side a - San Francisco
Photo from side a
side a at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 30 of the guests
#802 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#104 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
317
Reviews
77.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique cuisine
- Lively ambiance
- Great hospitality
Frequently criticized
- Expensive charges
- Service inconsistencies
- Noisy environment
The restaurant side a in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers a casual and inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed dinner or a spot to enjoy some small plates, this eatery provides a welcoming space.
You’ll find a diverse menu featuring organic dishes and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for every palate. It’s a great choice for a laid-back dining experience.
Overview: Introducting side a
Side a offers a truly memorable dining experience, with guests frequently praising the exceptional food and vibrant atmosphere. Many find the service to be efficient and friendly, contributing to a warm and lively visit.
It’s a place where thoughtful curation shines through, from the dishes to the overall vibe. However, the experience at side a is often tempered by concerns regarding its overall value.
Diners have noted a significant number of extra charges and high prices, which can detract from an otherwise enjoyable meal. This aspect is a consistent point of contention for many visitors.
Good
7.8
out of 10
317
Reviews
77.6%
Satisfaction
60
negative
11
neutral
246
positive
Overall, side a earns a solid 7.8 out of 10, indicating a generally positive reception from diners. This is further supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 77.6%.
With 246 positive remarks against 60 negative ones out of 317 total comments, it’s clear that many guests leave feeling quite pleased with their visit. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring an impressive (8.3), reflecting widespread appreciation for its unique and delicious dishes.
The Ambience also receives high marks (8.0), creating a lively and engaging setting, complemented by Service that is consistently rated well (7.7). However, Value lags significantly (2.9), highlighting a clear area where guests feel the experience falls short.
What people like
- Exceptional and unique food
- Vibrant, curated atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive service
What people don't like
- High prices, hidden fees
- Occasional service issues
- Loud, crowded spaces
If you prioritize a distinctive culinary journey and a lively setting, side a is certainly worth considering. The creative dishes and engaging atmosphere often make for a memorable outing, especially if you appreciate a thoughtfully curated experience.
It’s a place that aims to delight the senses beyond just the plate. However, be prepared for the cost, as the pricing structure and additional charges can be a significant drawback for some.
With a 7.9 recommendation score, it suggests that while many find it worthwhile, those sensitive to value might find themselves disappointed. Consider it for a special occasion rather than a casual, budget-friendly meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on side a
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a 8.3 score, indicating a good to excellent culinary experience. Customer satisfaction is also high at 84.2%, reflecting widespread enjoyment. With 144 positive remarks out of 171 total, diners consistently rave about the delicious gnocchi, flavorful burgers, and delightful carrot cake.
Many also praised the incredible halibut and inventive dishes. However, a smaller number of 21 comments point to some areas for improvement. A few found the halibut unevenly cooked, while others noted issues with greasy fried squid or disappointing shrimp.
The polenta starter also received some criticism for being underwhelming or overpriced, suggesting a mixed experience for certain items.
Food
171
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
21
negative
6
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional taste
- Inventive flavors
- High-quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Dishes unevenly cooked
- Some food greasy
- Dishes overpriced
Often praised
- foodWe even got to chat with the owner and tried the ice cream with coconut, which also blew us out of the water (and I eat ice cream almost every night). I don’t have the words to describe how other worldly this food was to both my friend and I, you’ll just have to try it for yourself!
- chicken cutletFive stars is not enough for the experience we had at this restaurant. We ordered the gnocchi, chicken cutlet, and broccolini salad, and each was unique and delicious in its own way. I have had many wonderful meals in my life, but this place is in a league of its own.
- gnocchiFive stars is not enough for the experience we had at this restaurant. We ordered the gnocchi, chicken cutlet, and broccolini salad, and each was unique and delicious in its own way. I have had many wonderful meals in my life, but this place is in a league of its own.
- carrot cakegot to try the coffee and vanilla swirl ice cream and carrot cake, both of which were excellent
- bone marrow burgerbone marrow burger + gnocchi short rib burger
- burgerI had the burger this time. No words.
- coffeeDon’t be fooled by the cold steel furniture – this place is as warm and lively as it gets. It’s an exercise in curation above all else: from the music to the comfort dishes on the menu, from the best coffee in town to the soft serve. You can feel that someone handpicked their favorite things and decided to share them with everyone.
- garbage saladgarbage salad - wonderfully creamy dressing, crispy and crunchy greens
- portionsThe cutlet had a unique, memorable flavor, while the burger—enhanced with bone marrow—was rich and unforgettable. Portions were generous, perfect for sharing. For dessert, the ice cream cup was a highlight, with one side infused with coffee and the other with a refreshing orange twist.
- BurgerThe Garbage Salad and Burger were super tasty
Frequently criticized
- foodthe big let down for me was the food
- beefamount of beef was the size of my thumb
- bone marrowwe were underwhelmed with the amount of marrow in the bone
- breadthe bread beneath was inedible as it was soaked with oil
- cheeseburgerit too was not even close to being worth the amount charged
- deep fried garnishthe deep fried garnish and chili oil made the dish greasy again
- doughnutsthe doughnuts were sold out
- eggplantcouldn't see waiting any longer for a $31 eggplant.
- friesthe fries it came with were not seasoned enough
- gravythe gravy was again super heavy despite it has vegetables to balance
Overall, the food here is a major draw, with most guests leaving thoroughly impressed by the quality and creativity. If youre looking for a meal that often exceeds expectations, especially with their gnocchi and burgers, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few specific dishes might not hit the mark for everyone.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
The service here generally shines, earning a 7.7 score and a 73.1% customer satisfaction rating, both indicating a good experience. With 38 positive remarks out of 52 total pieces of feedback, guests frequently praise the attentive staff, caring owners, and warm service. Many highlight the personal touch from the Chef and the team operating like a well-oiled machine.
However, there are some areas for improvement, with 11 negative comments. A few experiences mention slow service and issues with wait times or seating. Specifically, some guests encountered an unpleasant host or manager, describing the initial welcome as less than ideal and the service as occasionally amateur.
Service
52
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Caring owners
- Chef interaction
What people don't like
- Unpleasant host
- Slow service
- Seating issues
Often praised
- serviceI usually expect some initial issues with new restaurants, but the team at Side A is already operating like a well-oiled machine. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the combination of music, vibe, and wine selection was the perfect finishing touch. I absolutely love this place!
- staffthe staff began greeting each other with hugs
- ServiceThe wine list is short and sweet, not terribly overpriced. Service was efficient and friendly, with a low-key vibe and fun music. We’ll be back.
- chefsgot to meet both of the chefs which was the perfect end to the evening
- Cheffood was brought to us by the Chef, who was pleasant
- Chef ParkerThe food was excellent, and the service was incredible. Chef Parker is an absolute mensch. I will definitely go here again and again.
- ChefsChefs remembered me from the morning
- attention to detailand attention to detail that it feels effortless
- care for the guestsThey run the restaurant with such care for the guests
- friendly serviceEnjoyed the friendly service once we were seated
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice left something be desired (3/10)
- amateur serviceamateur service is in dire need of substantial training
- hosthostile introduction from the host
- host/GMthe host/GM was quite unpleasant and condescending
- managerMgr said they weren't taking online reservations, despite their website having a link.
- online reservationtried to make a reservation online but it would only take a reservation for 2 or more.
- seatingsaw several people go in after me who did not come out.
- staffstaff weren’t the most welcoming
- wait timetold 30 to 45 minutes. At 6:30 I gave up.
If you're looking for a place with generally warm and attentive service, especially from the staff and chefs, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that the initial welcome or seating process might occasionally be a bit bumpy, so patience could be key.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre greeted by a truly good vibe, with a score of 8 for ambience and a solid 83.8% customer satisfaction. Guests consistently rave about the fantastic atmosphere, cool music, and overall great vibes. Many appreciate the intimate space and curated soundtrack, making it a special place to hang out, as noted in 62 positive comments out of 74 total.
However, its not all perfect. A few guests, 11 to be exact, mentioned some drawbacks, like the space feeling a bit tiny or crowded, and the noise level sometimes being high. There were also comments about the decor feeling a bit cold and issues with kitchen smoke due to the ventilation system, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
74
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent music selection
- Lively, cool vibes
- Intimate atmosphere
What people don't like
- High noise level
- Small, crowded space
- Kitchen smoke issues
Often praised
- musicDon’t be fooled by the cold steel furniture – this place is as warm and lively as it gets. It’s an exercise in curation above all else: from the music to the comfort dishes on the menu, from the best coffee in town to the soft serve. You can feel that someone handpicked their favorite things and decided to share them with everyone.
- atmosphereThere's no place I'd rather be. Thank you for bringing your exceptional atmosphere and taste to our city.
- ambianceThe ambiance was quite nice with modern record store like decorations
- vibeThe wine list is short and sweet, not terribly overpriced. Service was efficient and friendly, with a low-key vibe and fun music. We’ll be back.
- great musicMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious food, the wonderful staff, and the great music. I've visited 4 times and plan to come back soon.
- spaceThe space is great too
- tunesMy first visit was a great experience! I enjoyed the great food, great tunes, and great service. Although the music was loud, it was surprisingly not intrusive, allowing my friend and I to carry a conversation easily.
- vibesMusic, vibes, food, all on point
- DJThe vibe is groovy and slightly buzzy, making it a great spot for a date or a night out with friends. The DJ kept the energy up with a killer set of tracks that made it hard to leave. Can’t wait to come back and see how it grows.
- VibesVibes led by vinyl DJ the whole time
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereoverall atmosphere is far from enjoyable
- bar seatsat at a lower bar seat which unfortunately has no view
- decordecor gives off Norwegian prison with cold white walls
- kitchen smokeFor dessert, the vanilla-lavender and coffee soft serve was nothing special. Service was warm once seated, but sitting at a lower bar seat offered no view and was extremely smokey from the kitchen. Overall, a solid 3-star experience.
- musicmusic was okay at first, but after a while and very little variation it became tedious.
- music selectionThe amateur service is in dire need of substantial training. The food was barely edible, overshadowed by an excessively loud and unappealing music selection. The overall atmosphere is far from enjoyable, especially when compared to the previous Universal Café, which we greatly miss.
- noise levelSmooth, creative, and delicious. Yes, the space is small and bustling, and the noise level can be high—but the warm service and incredible food make it well worth it.
- spaceThe space can get hot and crowded though
- tablestables are right next to kitchen and it’s super chaotic
- tiny sizeit is tiny
If youre looking for a lively spot with great music and a cool atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially bustling, intimate space and some noise, especially if youre sensitive to that.
Value (2.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
While only 2 out of 20 comments touched on the brighter side, a few folks found the bill and wine list not terribly overpriced, especially considering San Franciscos usual rates. Some even felt the prices feel reasonable for the city, suggesting a glimmer of hope for those looking for value. However, the overall sentiment around value is quite low, with a score of just 2.9 and customer satisfaction at a mere 10%.
A whopping 17 comments highlighted concerns about price, extra charges, and various surcharges, including a credit card processing fee. Many felt the high prices led to a pricey meal that simply didnt justify the cost, making the value proposition poor.
Value
20
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
17
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable SF prices
- Wine not overpriced
What people don't like
- Too many extra charges
- High prices overall
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- billWe also each had one glass of red wine. Our bill with tip was just under $150. The wine list is short and sweet, not terribly overpriced.
- prices feel reasonableThe prices feel reasonable for San Francisco
Frequently criticized
- priceamount of beef was the size of my thumb... not worth it unfortunately
- 6% surchargethat "because we feel like it" 6% surcharge
- pricesThe sticker shock of seeing ~$25 appetizers and ~$40 for most entrees left me speechless
- 3% credit card processing feedefinitely not a 3% credit card processing fee
- 3% surchargeanother 3% surcharge will be added
- dessertsHowever, the overall experience was significantly marred by the pricing and additional fees. The restaurant charges over $20 for salads and sides, and $18 for desserts, which I found to be more expensive than necessary. Adding a 6% surcharge and a 3% credit card processing fee felt like being taken advantage of, leaving me with a negative impression despite the pleasant atmosphere and food.
- extra chargesmarred by too many extra charges
- high pricesrolled into the already high prices
- operating costsOperating costs are laughable
- pricey mealotherwise nice but pricey meal
Given the overwhelming feedback, value here seems to be a major sticking point. If youre sensitive to extra charges and feel that dishes should always justify their cost, you might find this spot disappointing. However, if youre prepared for a pricey meal and can overlook the additional fees, you might still enjoy the experience.
How are the prices at side a?
On average, you’ll spend around 70 per person – based on 30 guests. That places this restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Restaurant, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning towards higher-end.
Interestingly, while 70 is the average, we see a good spread of prices. Many guests spend a bit more, with a notable cluster in the $71–$80 range and even some venturing into the $91–$100 and above categories. This suggests theres a mix of experiences, from a solid meal to something a bit more premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 30 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels fair for the quality and options available, especially considering the city. It seems to cater to different budgets within the mid-to-higher range, offering good value for what you choose.
Customer Reviews: what people think about side a
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Excessive Surcharges Ruin Experience
My experience at the restaurant was marred by too many extra charges. They added a 6% surcharge for "comprehensive healthcare benefits" and to "offset operating costs, " and then another 3% surcharge for credit card processing. I believe these should simply be rolled into the already high prices.
The justification of "operating costs" as anything other than normal business expenses is laughable. This situation encapsulates everything that is wrong with restaurants in San Francisco.
- extra charges1
- 6% surcharge1
- 3% surcharge1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Divine Food, Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by incredible food. While the service was a little slow due to a small team, the dishes themselves were exceptional. The bone marrow, chicken cutlet, and carrot cake dessert were all divine!
- food10
- bone marrow10
- chicken cutlet10
- service4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good food, high prices and fees
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, and the soundtrack was great, which contributed to an otherwise nice meal. However, the overall experience was significantly marred by the pricing and additional fees.
The restaurant charges over $20 for salads and sides, and $18 for desserts, which I found to be more expensive than necessary. Adding a 6% surcharge and a 3% credit card processing fee felt like being taken advantage of, leaving me with a negative impression despite the pleasant atmosphere and food.
- food8
- soundtrack8
- salads and sides3
- desserts3
- 6% surcharge2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was excellent, and the service was incredible. Chef Parker is an absolute mensch.
I will definitely go here again and again.
- food10
- service10
- Chef Parker10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
5
Mixed Feelings: Good Vibes, Mediocre Food
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The ambiance and tunes were definitely a vibe, creating a pleasant atmosphere. I also enjoyed the wine and fries, finding them to be quite tasty.
However, the staff weren’t the most welcoming, which detracted from the overall experience. Furthermore, the food was just 'meh' and felt overpriced for the quality received.
- ambiance8
- tunes8
- wine7
- staff3
- food4
- price3
What side a offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at side a?
At side a, you can enjoy a casual dining experience with options for both dinner and seating. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the San Francisco weather, and even allows dogs both inside and outside, making it a truly pet-friendly spot for you.
What are some of the unique offerings and amenities available at side a?
side a provides a range of offerings including late-night food, small plates, organic dishes, and vegetarian options. You’ll also find a bar onsite, Wi-Fi, and a gender-neutral restroom, ensuring a comfortable and convenient visit for you. Private dining rooms are also available for special occasions.
What is the overall verdict on side a?
side a receives a good overall score of **7.8** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **77.6%**. Guests particularly praise the **Food** (8.3), **Ambience** (8.0), and **Service** (7.7), though **Value** (2.9) is a notable concern.
What do customers enjoy most about side a?
Diners consistently highlight the exceptional and unique food, including dishes like the gnocchi and bone marrow burger. They also appreciate the vibrant atmosphere with its great music and curated vibe, along with the friendly and attentive service.
What are the main drawbacks to dining at side a?
The primary concern for many guests is the Value, due to high prices and additional charges like surcharges and credit card fees. Some also mention occasional inconsistencies in service and a potentially loud or crowded ambience.