Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Max’s Opera – San Francisco
Max's Opera - San Francisco
Photo from Max’s Opera
Max's Opera at a glance
San Francisco Civic Center
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 107 of the guests
#1969 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#103 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
614
Reviews
63.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Hearty portions
- Live music
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Ambiance concerns
The restaurant, an American Restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Civic Center neighborhood, invites you to experience a truly memorable evening. You’ll find yourself immersed in a casual atmosphere, where the highlight is undoubtedly the captivating live music that fills the air.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a full meal, Max’s Opera offers a delightful escape with its unique blend of culinary and artistic flair.
Overview: Introducting Max's Opera
Max’s Opera offers a dining experience that often hits the right notes, particularly with its hearty fare and a generally welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the generous portions and the lively touch of a piano player, making it a dependable spot for a meal.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, especially concerning the promptness of service. While the food receives praise for its flavor and size, there are occasional reports of dishes falling short, and the overall ambiance can sometimes feel a bit dated.
Despite these minor hiccups, the establishment often provides a pleasant setting, with staff frequently described as attentive and the overall vibe as a happy environment.
Good
6.5
out of 10
614
Reviews
63.7%
Satisfaction
183
negative
40
neutral
391
positive
Max’s Opera holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.5 out of 10, placing it in the average category. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 63.7%, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception among diners.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 614 customer observations, with 391 positive remarks against 183 negative ones. Delving into the specifics, Food leads with a score of (6.7), often highlighted for its substantial portions and flavor.
Ambience also scores well at (6.7), frequently noted for its live piano music. Value comes in at (6.2), suggesting prices are generally considered fair, while Service, though still average at (6), shows some room for improvement in consistency.
What people like
- Generous food portions
- Engaging live piano music
- Generally fair pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Occasional food quality issues
- Dated or dirty ambiance
Max’s Opera presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking a casual, comforting meal with a touch of classic charm. Its strengths lie in its generous portions and the engaging atmosphere provided by live music.
If you’re looking for a place with a lively buzz and satisfying, straightforward food, it’s certainly worth considering. With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, Max’s Opera generally earns a nod of approval.
While it might not deliver a consistently flawless experience, particularly in service, its positive attributes often outweigh the drawbacks, making it a reliable option for a relaxed outing.
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 Max's Opera
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
The food here generally receives a 6.7 score, landing it in the good category, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 65.2%. Many diners, accounting for 206 positive comments out of 316 total, praise the generous big portions of classic comfort food, with favorites like crab cakes and the Max's Famous Reuben Sandwich often highlighted. However, not every dish hits the mark.
Some found the food taste bland or the pastrami dry, and there were mentions of mediocre diner food and disappointing fish and chips. These 86 negative comments suggest that while there are many hits, some specific items might miss the mark.
Food
316
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
86
negative
24
neutral
206
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Comfort food
- Famous Reuben
- Delicious desserts
What people don't like
- Dry dishes
- Bland taste
- Mediocre quality
- Bad fish & chips
Often praised
- food" This was untrue; if we had known, we wouldn't have asked. The saving grace was that everyone found their food to be delicious. This is the type of place where you should get your order to go.
- portionsMy experience at Max's Opera Café was fantastic, largely thanks to their famous Reuben sandwich, which absolutely lived up to the hype! It was one of the best I've ever had, featuring perfectly toasted bread, generous portions, and full of flavor. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about my visit, from the attentive service and warm, inviting atmosphere to the delicious food.
- FoodFood was just as good
- Reuben sandwichfamous Reuben sandwich, and it absolutely lived up to the hype!
- friesPossibly the best fries in the city!
- crab cakesLoved the crab cakes here! They are thick and flavorful.
- dessertsdesserts and they were quite tasty
- menuThe servers were incredibly friendly and did an excellent job. The food portions were generous, and I pretty much recommend anything on the menu – I've never had a bad meal here. The piano player was charming and added a nice touch to the atmosphere.
- Caesar Salada small Caesar Salad that was crisp and fresh
- big portionsbig portions of comfort food
Frequently criticized
- foodcafeteria-grade food one will find in a hospital
- turkeythick baked diesel turkey that you can get at Safeway
- fishThe fish&chips, in particular, was shockingly bad. The fish and batter were both so thick that neither cooked through, making it inedible. On the positive side, the atmosphere and service were excellent, both receiving a 5-star rating.
- sandwichesOur meals finally arrived over an hour and 20 minutes after we sat down. The mashed potatoes were cold, the chicken was rubbery, the sauce was excessively salty, and the sandwiches were mostly bread. One plate was incomplete, which we suspect caused the delay.
- Beer Battered Fish and ChipsThis batter with added beer is absolutely not suitable for this dry cod
- FoodZero quality and 100% disappointment
- Greek dishIt was just a lamb, bread, and sauce
- Key lime pieKey lime pie was most disappointing
- Niagra Falls cakeNiagra Falls cake, which unfortunately was also dry and probably old
- Pastrami Sandwicha horrible sandwich
If youre craving hearty, classic American comfort food with generous portions, youll likely find something satisfying here. Just be aware that while many dishes are celebrated, some specific items might not live up to expectations.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot gets an average 6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 54.8%. Many of the 74 positive comments out of 135 total praised the friendly staff, fast service, and attentive servers. Guests often mentioned being seated quickly and appreciating the prompt service, making for a welcoming experience.
However, it's not all smooth sailing. A significant 56 comments pointed to issues like slow service and waiting times. Some experiences included rude waiter behavior, unprofessional personnel, and staff not being prompt, which left a bad taste for some diners.
Service
135
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
56
negative
5
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Poor attitude
Often praised
- serviceEven on a weekday without theatre shows, they had a pianist playing, people were dressed well, and it was a happy environment. Our group was seated quickly, the service was excellent, and the food was good. The portions are generous, so come hungry.
- staffIt's a solid restaurant that has been around for decades, offering a great selection of food and a nice vibe. The attentive staff, great ice cream, and the presence of a piano player added lovely touches to the evening. We arrived at 5: 30 pm on a Friday, and within 40 minutes, the place was very busy, indicating its popularity.
- ServiceService was great
- serverWe were greeted warmly upon arrival and seated promptly. Our server was courteous and attentive. Our coffee was fresh, tasty and hot.
- seated quicklyour group was seated quickly
- WaiterWaiter was kind and attentive
- bar tenderthe bar tender were both lovely
- deliveryI recently ordered delivery too and it arrived "hot"!
- dependable placea dependable, easy, welcoming place
- easy placea dependable, easy, welcoming place
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at Max's Opera Café was far from pleasant. If you're looking for a restaurant with service that ranges from indifferent to hostile, and cafeteria-grade food akin to what you'd find in a hospital, then this place might be for you. The ambiance felt like a neglected senior center.
- waiterWhen I called the waiter over to my table & stated it was ham not the roasted turkey that I orded he said that it was turkey
- managerthe manager explained to me that the owner made the decision not to serve roasted turkey
- serverIt seems to be a common theme in San Francisco/California. We had eaten our whole meal before the server even made it back to our table to ask us how it was going. The atmosphere was pleasant, rated highly as well.
- ServiceService:2
- bartender and waiterbartender and waiter were talking shit the entire time
- breadThey did not bring bread to the table
- closing timeI like Max's, but I can never go to this specific location because they close early enough to convince you that you live in a small, rural Midwest town. I am surprised they don't stay open until at least 11: 30 PM to catch the post-concert crowd, but I guess everyone has to get home to bed by 9: 30 PM these days.
- compensationI received delivery from the wrong restaurant. DoorDash is giving me a very hard time and not issuing any compensation. Max's, fix this?
- cookThe cook doesnt wear a mask
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While many find the staff friendly and efficient, be prepared for the possibility of slower or less attentive moments. If you're not in a rush and value a generally welcoming atmosphere, it might be worth a try, but temper your expectations for consistently stellar service.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The ambience here is quite a mixed bag, scoring a 6.7 which is pretty good, but customer satisfaction sits at a more moderate 68.3%. Many guests, based on 97 positive remarks, absolutely adore the live piano music and the beautiful space, often praising its great location and nostalgic vibe. It sounds like a charming spot for a pleasant evening.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 34 negative comments highlighting concerns. Some found the atmosphere lacking due to dirty tables and unclean bathrooms, while others mentioned a cold interior or crackly speakers. It seems there's room for improvement in maintaining a consistently comfortable and pristine environment.
Ambience
142
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
34
negative
11
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live piano music
- Charming, nostalgic decor
- Great, accessible location
What people don't like
- Uncleanliness issues
- Sticky tables
- Uncomfortable environment
Often praised
- atmosphereI visited this restaurant many years ago and had a fun atmosphere and good food. It's still conveniently located near the performing arts area, but it's not the same at all now.
- locationIt's close to the Opera house, the civic center, and the theater district.
- piano playerCocktails, a piano player, a full menu of tasty entrees
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- live piano musicI enjoyed the big portions of comfort food available on the menu. The atmosphere was enhanced by live piano music, and the staff were notably friendly.
- live musicLove live music and singing at this place.
- pianistespecially when the pianist is there
- pianoIt was good for having a drink at the bar and listening to the gentleman playing the piano. I don't have an opinion on the food because I didn't eat.
- 1975 eateryOn the other side is a 1975 eatery
- San Francisco charactersa cross section of San Francisco characters
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI visited this restaurant many years ago and had a fun atmosphere and good food. It's still conveniently located near the performing arts area, but it's not the same at all now.
- bathroomthe bathroom was dirty and there was no soap
- tablesRestaurant floors, tables, bathroom dirty.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- MaxsMaxs has definitely gone down hill
- ambianceambiance that resembles a neglected senior center
- ambiencejust super cold on the restaurant
- bathroom stallthe bathroom stall, although clean, was literally falling apart
- clean tablesIt made me want to leave. There are a bunch of words on the wall extolling the virtues of the place, specifically mentioning having clean tables (they don't). It's possible the tables are clean but sticky because they're painted.
- cleaning of the tablesneeds to improve the cleaning of the tables
If youre looking for a place with delightful live piano music and an old-style charm, this spot could be a hit. Just be aware that some guests have encountered issues with cleanliness and comfort, so manage your expectations regarding the overall upkeep. Its worth a try for the unique atmosphere, but perhaps not for a pristine experience.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests found the prices quite reasonable, often highlighting great deals and an excellent quality-price ratio. Things like affordable sparkling wine, good prices for generous portions, and even inexpensive parking really stood out, contributing to a 66.7% customer satisfaction. With 14 positive remarks out of 21 total, it seems many appreciate the overall cost.
However, the value experience isnt without its bumps. Some diners felt menu prices were dishonest, citing an arbitrary SF mandate fee and instances of being overcharged, with certain items feeling overpriced. These concerns, mentioned in 7 reviews, pull the overall score to an average 6.2, suggesting theres room for improvement in pricing transparency.
Value
21
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good deals
- Excellent quality-price
What people don't like
- Arbitrary fees added
- Dishonest menu prices
- Overcharged often
Often praised
- pricesThe atmosphere is a real highlight, offering a lovely old-school charm complete with live piano music. The food was good, with nice portions and good prices, making it a place you won't be disappointed with.
- costcost was okay for downtown SF
- dealfor 11 dollars a really good deal
- dealsThe deals.....were amazing!
- good pricesThe good prices were also a highlight
- parking garageinexpensive parking garage right next door
- priceIt's not overpriced
- quality-price ratiothe quality-price ratio is excellent
- reasonable pricesWe had our small wedding ceremony at City Hall and then walked over to Max's for our reception. The manager, Sara, was incredibly accommodating, and we were blown away by the excellent service, reasonable prices, and the beautiful space they prepared for us. Thank you, Max's!
- reasonably pricedYummy and reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- SF mandatedeceptively called "SF mandate"
- Twenty six dollarsTwenty six dollars for a horrible sandwich
- arbitrary feearbitrary fee deceptively called "SF mandate"
- dinnerFor a 200$ + dinner I was disappointed
- menu pricesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by dishonest menu prices. To add to the frustration, an arbitrary fee, deceptively labeled as "SF mandate" and not a tax, was added to the bill.
- overchargedOvercharged by $10
- overpricedoverpriced for what it is
If youre seeking reasonable prices and good deals, youll likely find some great options here. Just be mindful of potential extra fees that might pop up on your bill, as they've been a point of contention for some.
How are the prices at Max's Opera?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 107 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while this is the average, the prices here are quite spread out, offering everything from more budget-friendly options to some truly premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 107 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of price points available and the restaurant type, we think 39 per person feels like a fair deal for a good American meal in San Francisco. It offers flexibility for different budgets while maintaining a solid mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Max's Opera
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Pastrami Sandwich at Max's
As part of a group of three, my experience at the restaurant was mixed. Two of the meals, the meatloaf and crab cakes, were passable. However, my Pastrami Sandwich was a significant letdown.
It was served on stale rye bread, accompanied by a slice of cheese that was curled and off-colored on the edges, and the pastrami itself was cold. Paying twenty-six dollars for such a horrible sandwich was not worth it. It's a shame because Max's used to be a reliable choice for us when attending shows, the symphony, or after work.
- meat loaf5
- crab cakes5
- Pastrami Sandwich2
- stale rye bread1
- cheese3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Meal with Some Bright Spots
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I found the crab cakes to be under-seasoned and bland, which was quite disappointing. Similarly, the fish & chips suffered from the same lack of seasoning, making them bland as well.
The chicken wings were decent, offering a more acceptable flavor profile. For dessert, the tuxedo cake was not sweet enough and dry, and I've honestly had better from Costco. The best part of the meal was the lightly dressed cabbage slaw, which was a pleasant surprise.
The service and atmosphere were rated a 3 out of 5.
- cabbage slaw8
- chicken wings6
- Service6
- crab cakes2
- fish & chips2
- tuxedo cake3
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Rude Server, Poor Food Quality
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The server was VERY rude with us. The company needs to address this issue.
The food quality was also subpar, receiving a score of 2. The atmosphere was rated at 1, indicating a very poor experience in that regard as well.
- server1
- food quality2
- atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fast, Yummy, and Reasonably Priced
My experience at this restaurant was great! It's a good value, and they understand that many people have tight schedules, so fast service is key, which they delivered. The food was yummy and reasonably priced.
I parked across the street.
- fast service10
- yummy9
- reasonably priced9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Quick Dinner Before Opera
Stopped for a quick dinner before the Opera. We were seated quickly, and the speed of the service was appreciated in order to make it to the performance on time. Enjoyed the wedge salad, Reuben sandwich, and hot fudge sundae.
- wedge salad9
- Reuben sandwich9
- hot fudge sundae9
What Max's Opera offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and highlights can you expect at Max's Opera Cafe?
At Max’s Opera Cafe, you can enjoy a range of dining options including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, with fantastic Desserts available. The experience is enhanced by live music, great coffee, and a superb wine list, making it perfect for any meal or a special occasion.
Are there convenient service options and accessibility features at Max's Opera Cafe?
Max’s Opera Cafe provides flexible service options like dine-in, takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery for your convenience. The establishment is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Max's Opera?
Max’s Opera has a Customer Satisfaction rate of 63.7%, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception. The Restaurant Score stands at 6.5 out of 10, placing it in the average range, with 391 positive comments compared to 183 negative ones.
What aspects do customers appreciate most at Max's Opera?
Customers frequently praise the Food (6.7) for its generous portions and flavor, and the Ambience (6.7), often highlighting the live piano music. The Value (6.2) is also generally considered fair, with many finding the prices reasonable.
Are there any common concerns regarding Max's Opera?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in Service (6), with experiences ranging from excellent to indifferent. There are also occasional comments about the food quality falling short and the Ambience sometimes feeling dated or needing better cleanliness.