Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Blue Plate – San Francisco
Blue Plate - San Francisco
Photo from Blue Plate
Blue Plate at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 65 of the guests
#339 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#13 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
563
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Comfort food
- Good service
- Pleasant patio
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- High prices
- Food inconsistencies
The restaurant Blue Plate, an American Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood, invites you to a memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a delightful meal.
With a reputation for great dessert, you can look forward to a sweet ending to your visit, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner. This spot is known for its inviting ambiance and delicious offerings.
Overview: Introducting Blue Plate
Blue Plate offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the solid food offerings and attentive service. The inviting ambience, especially the back patio, often contributes to a memorable visit.
However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies in execution. While the friendly staff often receives commendation, there are instances where the overall value proposition, particularly regarding pricing, has left some diners feeling less satisfied.
It seems Blue Plate aims for a comfortable yet refined approach.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
563
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
53
negative
20
neutral
490
positive
Overall, Blue Plate earns a respectable 8.3 out of 10, indicating a generally positive reception. Customer satisfaction stands strong at 87%, reflecting that most diners leave content.
This assessment is built upon 563 customer observations, with 490 positive remarks outweighing 53 negative ones, suggesting a solid foundation of approval. Delving into specifics, the Food (8.6) is a clear highlight, frequently praised for its quality.
Service (8.1) and Ambience (8.1) also score well, contributing significantly to the experience. However, Value (5.4) appears to be a weaker point, indicating some guests find the pricing less compelling compared to the overall offering.
What people like
- Delicious comfort food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Charming back patio
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional food missteps
Blue Plate presents itself as a reliable choice for those seeking comforting dishes in an inviting setting. With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, it generally delivers on its promise, especially if you appreciate a good meal complemented by a pleasant atmosphere.
While the value proposition might not impress everyone, the overall experience, particularly the food and service, makes it worth considering. It’s a place to enjoy a relaxed meal, perhaps on the patio, but manage expectations regarding pricing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Blue Plate
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here is truly a standout, boasting an excellent 8.6 score and an impressive 90.8% customer satisfaction. Diners consistently rave about the delicious fried chicken, comforting meatloaf, and amazing key lime pie, often highlighting the fresh ingredients and tender octopus. With 305 positive remarks out of 336 total, it's clear the culinary experience is a hit.
However, a small number of diners (17 negative remarks) found some dishes to be a bit of a miss. Concerns included occasional soggy textures, overly salty flavors, or a general blandness in certain items like gnocchi or pasta, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
336
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
17
negative
14
neutral
305
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fried chicken
- Amazing Key Lime
- Tender octopus dishes
What people don't like
- Occasional soggy food
- Some dishes bland
- Flavor sometimes lacking
Often praised
- foodIt's a bit casual, but I'd recommend choosing the back patio for a nicer ambiance, especially on warmer days. All the food was good, though nothing particularly stood out. The smoked trout deviled eggs and the arugula hazelnut salad were highlights, and I'd also suggest getting the key lime pie.
- fried chickenMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. I absolutely loved the food, particularly the meatloaf, fried chicken, and chicory salad. The back patio looked awesome, but it was too cold to enjoy.
- key lime pieThe food and service were both great, and all the dishes we tried were delicious. We particularly enjoyed the fried chicken, gnocchi, and key lime pie. Thanks to the team at BP for a memorable meal!
- meatloafFarro and beet salad, steak, meatloaf and the deviled eggs. All so excellent!
- charred octopusthe charred octopus as a starter which was good too.
- deviled eggsFarro and beet salad, steak, meatloaf and the deviled eggs. All so excellent!
- FoodSensational menu. We love the steak
- gnocchiThe restaurant specializes in Comfort Foods, and their meatloaf with mashed potatoes and fried chicken are consistently popular. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including bruschetta, gnocchi, Brussel Sprouts, and an excellent vegetable pasta. While the Blue Plate has a large indoor dining area, we opted to sit in their backyard garden, which was absolutely lovely under the large heating lamps, despite a slight breeze.
- octopusoctopus, beautifully presented and super tasty
- smoked trout deviled eggssmoked trout deviled eggs and smoked beef bruschetta, both heaven on a plate
Frequently criticized
- fried chickenMy fried chicken was lukewarm
- Dennys qualityHouse of prime rib prices for Dennys quality
- black truffle gnocchiCouldn't taste any in the gnocchi
- breadmeals we had really called for some kind on bread
- butterscotch puddingthe butterscotch pudding had some salty bites toward the end.
- crab raviolido not get the crab ravioli, it's tiny and awful.
- foodthe food quality was a letdown
- garlicAs someone who loves truffle, I couldn't taste any in the dish. All I could taste was the garlic, which completely overpowered everything else and left no hint of the black truffle's beautiful, earthy, savory flavor. My main dish, the fried chicken, was lackluster and not at all phenomenal.
- meatloafI hadn't been to Blue Plate in years and was looking forward to our Saturday night reservation. It was surprisingly empty, which made me wonder if others had already experienced the mushy meatloaf, overpriced wines, and very average salads. While the waitress was attentive, I doubt I'll be returning.
- noodle dishhubby’s noodle was salty
If you're seeking elevated comfort food with some truly exceptional dishes, especially the fried chicken and key lime pie, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few items might not hit the mark as perfectly as others.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a solid 80.6% customer satisfaction. With 83 positive remarks out of 103 total opinions, guests frequently rave about the friendly staff, attentive service, and great customer service, often highlighting how personable and helpful the team is, making special occasions truly memorable. However, it's not always a smooth ride, as 16 negative comments point to some bumps.
Concerns include slow service, waiting for extended periods, occasional attitude from staff, and order accuracy issues, with some guests experiencing forgotten items or servers disappearing for a while.
Service
103
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
16
negative
4
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great customer service
- Personalized attention
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Order accuracy issues
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Blue Plate was fantastic! The atmosphere was great, complemented by excellent service. I usually opt for the fried chicken, but this time I tried the hanger steak, which was incredibly good.
- staffThe staff are locals that are friendly and engaging.
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceThey also had great customer service
- friendly staffthe friendly staff were amazing
- ownerthe owner explained how it brought a teethiness to the dish and I loved the description and ended up agreeing in the end. Kind guy!
- waitressIt was surprisingly empty, which made me wonder if others had already experienced the mushy meatloaf, overpriced wines, and very average salads. While the waitress was attentive, I doubt I'll be returning.
- Covid requirementsdoing a great job of meeting all the Covid requirements
- Shannonespecially from Shannon, the manager she was truly a gem
- Shannon and teamComplement the food with the kindness of Shannon and team
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience on New Year's Eve was disappointing. The service was poor, with staff never checking on us after dinner was served. My fried chicken was lukewarm, and my husband's noodle dish was salty with very little crab.
- attitudeguy with a really bad attitude.
- orderwaiter forgot several items from our order
- order accuracyorder was ready, but in fact it wasn't
- reservationseated more than 30min late for our reservation
- respect for driverLack of respect for the driver
- server disappearedour server disappeared for awhile
- server responseserver who laughed and said "it's legal"
- serversServers: pour the wine if you wanna be tipped on the bottle
- slow serviceOur waiter also forgot items from our order, which was disappointing. Due to the ultra slow service, we decided to leave early. Spending over $250 for four people felt like paying House of Prime Rib prices for Denny's quality.
Overall, you can expect a largely positive experience with the service here, as the staff is often praised for being friendly and attentive. While there might be occasional hiccups like slow service or order mix-ups, the good outweighs the bad for most. It's definitely worth a try if you value a welcoming atmosphere.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
It seems the ambience at this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a strong 88.5%, it's clear most diners are loving the atmosphere. Out of 104 total opinions, a whopping 92 rave about the charming back patio, cozy vibe, and effective heaters, creating a truly unique and pleasant experience.
However, not every experience was perfect. A small number of the 104 opinions, specifically 10, mentioned some drawbacks. Concerns included the place being noisy, having tight table seating, feeling narrow, and suffering from bad acoustics, which could detract from a relaxed feeling.
Ambience
104
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming back patio
- Cozy, inviting vibe
- Effective outdoor heating
What people don't like
- Noisy indoor space
- Tight table seating
- Poor acoustics
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its charming converted home atmosphere and good solid food. The neighborhood is described as up and coming and trendy.
- back patioTo finish, the butterscotch pudding was yummy! The back patio was lovely, and I appreciated the artistic photography inside. The overall ambience was great, managing to be both elegant and homey.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiencethe ambience and the good nature of the employees
- ambianceThe staff was friendly and attentive. The 80s music playing during dinner added to the ambiance; I wanted to stay and listen! I would highly recommend if you're in the area!
- backyard gardenWe visited during SF Restaurant Week and enjoyed the prix fixe dinner with wine pairing, which was truly excellent. If possible, I highly recommend trying to snag a table overlooking the backyard garden for an even better experience.
- vibeEverything felt fresh. The vibe is casual and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
- backyardThe backyard welcomes you like you’re attending dinner
- heat lampsI was particularly impressed by the uniqueness of each dish. The small outdoor seating was a great feature, being dog-friendly and well-shielded with cozy heat lamps. The staff were very friendly, and a surprising favorite was the tomato salad with mint, pluot, and chia seeds.
- heaterswith heaters when needed
Frequently criticized
- Midwestern dinerMy experience at this restaurant was a bit confusing. It's described as the San Francisco version of a Midwestern diner, but I found it to be nothing like a Midwestern diner. However, it is located in San Francisco.
- acousticsforgot how bad the acoustics are in there
- narrowThe pan-roasted rock fish with romano beans, gypsy pepper pastina, harissa-orange broth, and sungold tomato raita was also noteworthy. This place was very narrow. All of the dishes were well plated, with generous portions.
- noisyIt was pretty noisy
- place sizeThe place is very small, so you are packed in tight.
- platessad when I found out the plates aren’t actually blue
- relaxed feelingNot a relaxed feeling at all
- smoking in restaurantNOT LEGAL TO SMOKE IN A RESTAURANT!
- smoking weedsome of them were smoking weed
- table seatingTable seating was pretty tight
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic outdoor setting and a cozy, inviting atmosphere, especially on the back patio, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the indoor space might be a bit noisy or feel cramped if you prefer a quieter, more spacious dining experience.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the price and price point to be quite reasonable, often noting that it wont break the bank and offers good value for the quality. With 10 positive opinions out of 20 total, guests appreciated that the portions were nice for the money spent, contributing to a 5.4 score for value and a 50% customer satisfaction. However, an equal number of 10 opinions expressed concerns, with some feeling the prices were too high for the quality, even comparing them to House of prime rib prices for lesser quality.
Others were put off by additional costs like a credit card surcharge or simply felt the meal price didnt justify the experience, suggesting better options exist.
Value
20
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Fair price point
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- High prices
- Quality doesn't match
- Credit card surcharge
Often praised
- pricesThe food is consistently delicious, and the service is friendly. We were fortunate to arrive at the end of happy hour and enjoyed the excellent wine options at great prices. We love visiting Blue Plate before heading to a show at the Magic Patio nearby.
- priceThe food was delicious! We shared 3 appetizers and mains among 4 people, which was sufficient and decently priced. We especially liked the truffle gnocchi, octopus, and fried chicken.
- Won't break the bankWon't break the bank here
- good valuegetting a good value
- moneyportion is quite nice for the money
- price pointThe price point is great.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe trout deviled eggs were the weakest of the bunch and lacking flavor. It's definitely not cheap, but a good place for special occasions.
- $45$45 for meat loaf + a beer + tip = meh
- House of prime rib pricesHouse of prime rib prices for Dennys quality
- better optionsthere are many better options in the area.
- credit card surcharge3% credit card surcharges that showed up
- meal pricePaid over $80 for the meal; definitely not worth $80
- pricesThe prices are very high for the quality
- winesI hadn't been to Blue Plate in years and was looking forward to our Saturday night reservation. It was surprisingly empty, which made me wonder if others had already experienced the mushy meatloaf, overpriced wines, and very average salads. While the waitress was attentive, I doubt I'll be returning.
Overall, value here is a bit of a mixed bag. If youre looking for a decent meal and catch a good deal, you might find it worthwhile. However, be mindful of the prices and potential extra charges, as some feel the quality doesnt always match the cost.
How are the prices at Blue Plate?
On average, you’ll spend around 56 $ per person – based on 65 guests. That places the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For an American Restaurant, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a bit higher.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out! While the average is 56 $, many guests spend less, often in the 31 – 50 $ range. But theres also a good number of diners enjoying more premium experiences above 60 $, showing a diverse menu with options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 65 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an American Restaurant in San Francisco, a 56 $ average feels quite fair. We think it offers a good balance, likely providing quality dishes and a pleasant atmosphere without breaking the bank for a nice meal out.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Blue Plate
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Classic American Comfort Food
My experience at Blue Plate was fantastic! It's a great spot for classic, comforting American food. The burgers and sandwiches were juicy and flavorful, and the sides were solid.
Everything felt fresh. The vibe is casual and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
- burgers9
- sandwiches9
- sides7
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Great Value and Atmosphere at Blue Plate
Wow! My experience at Blue Plate was a great meal and a lovely evening! I hadn't been in a few years, and I was impressed that not only was the food really really good, but the service and prices were spot on.
The atmosphere is always awesome. It's so nice to go out and feel like you are getting a good value in such a great atmosphere. The staff is excellent.
I am so glad you guys are still around! I highly recommend the fried chicken and deviled eggs! Everything is delicious!
- food10
- service9
- prices9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Wedding Catering Experience
We had an absolutely fantastic experience working with Blue Plate for our wedding. From the outset, David, our manager and main point of contact, was incredibly responsive, organized, and helpful. He expertly guided us through the tasting and menu selection process, proving to be an absolute lifesaver in the week leading up to the wedding.
His consistent and reliable presence made the entire planning process so much smoother. On the wedding day, Adrienne, our event lead, ensured everything ran seamlessly. She expertly managed the flow of service, alleviating any worries and demonstrating remarkable kindness and attentiveness throughout the evening.
The food was absolutely fantastic, with guests raving about it. Chefs Rylan and Elliot created dishes that were both delicious and beautifully presented. Our family-style meal was executed flawlessly, and guests thoroughly enjoyed the communal dining experience.
Every detail was meticulously handled, from appetizers to dessert. A particular highlight was the build-your-own cheesecake bar, which became one of the most talked-about aspects of the evening. What we appreciated most was how David and the Blue Plate team transformed our initial ideas into a clear, well-executed vision.
They ensured we understood the preparation and serving process, allowing us to experience it beforehand just as our guests would. We wholeheartedly recommend Blue Plate for their professionalism, thoughtfulness, and the sheer joy of working with them. They were instrumental in making our wedding meal a highlight of the entire celebration.
- responsiveness10
- organization10
- helpfulness10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Charming Spot with Solid Food, Service Lacking
My experience at this restaurant was centered around its charming converted home atmosphere and good solid food. The neighborhood is described as up and coming and trendy. We considered eating in the back garden patio, but it was a bit too cool.
The service was a little hit and miss; it started well, but our server then disappeared for a while after taking our drinks and appetizers order.
- food8
- atmosphere8
- service3
- server disappeared3
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Service and Food, but Surcharge Surprise
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great service and food that was well-liked by my table. The atmosphere was also enjoyable, rated a 4 out of 5. However, a significant point of surprise was the 3% credit card surcharge that appeared on the bill after I had already provided my card.
I was taken aback by this, as I wouldn't expect such a charge from a restaurant of this caliber, rather than a more casual establishment.
- service10
- food8
- atmosphere8
- credit card surcharge3
What Blue Plate offers
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Salad bar
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Blue Plate?
At Blue Plate, you can enjoy a casual, cozy, and even romantic atmosphere, making it suitable for various occasions. You have options for lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. For those who prefer, outdoor seating is also an option, and dinner reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
Does Blue Plate cater to specific dietary needs and offer flexible service options?
Yes, Blue Plate is committed to offering diverse choices, including delicious vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes. Beyond dine-in, you can also utilize convenient services like takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery. Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are allowed outside.
How does Blue Plate generally perform?
Blue Plate achieves a good overall score of 8.3 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 87%. Its Food (8.6), Service (8.1), and Ambience (8.1) are well-regarded, though Value (5.4) is a weaker point.
What is the atmosphere like at Blue Plate?
Many guests appreciate Blue Plate’s charming and inviting atmosphere, often highlighting the lovely back patio and the cozy, homey vibe. It’s considered suitable for a relaxed meal.
Is Blue Plate considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the prices reasonable, particularly for happy hour wines, others feel certain dishes or the overall experience can be overpriced.