Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
oChef » Wayfare Tavern – San Francisco
Wayfare Tavern - San Francisco
Photo from Wayfare Tavern
Wayfare Tavern at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 117 of the guests
#1773 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#95 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
746
Reviews
62.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional food
- Inviting atmosphere
- Attentive hospitality
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Inconsistent service
- Excessive noise
The restaurant Wayfare Tavern invites you to experience classic American dining in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood. You’ll discover an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a trendy brunch.
Known for its great dessert and excellent coffee, this historic spot promises a memorable culinary journey where every detail is crafted for your enjoyment.
Overview: Introducting Wayfare Tavern
Wayfare Tavern offers a compelling dining experience, often praised for its delightful culinary creations, particularly the much-loved fried chicken and popovers. Guests frequently commend the warm hospitality and inviting atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for a meal.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the overall value, with mentions of a recurring 6% fee and the feeling of being rushed during their visit. The lively setting, while often charming, can sometimes become quite noisy, impacting the dining comfort for a few.
Good
6.8
out of 10
746
Reviews
62.5%
Satisfaction
231
negative
49
neutral
466
positive
Looking at the overall picture, Wayfare Tavern holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.8 out of 10, indicating a generally good experience. Customer feedback shows a Customer Satisfaction rate of 62.5%, placing it in the mixed category, suggesting that while many enjoy their visit, there’s room for improvement for others.
This assessment is drawn from 746 customer remarks, with 466 positive observations against 231 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.4) and Ambience (7.9) stand out as strong points, consistently receiving positive remarks from patrons.
However, Service (5.6) appears to be an average aspect, and Value (3.6) is where the restaurant faces its most significant challenge, often cited as a concern by diners.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Inviting atmosphere
- Attentive hospitality
What people don't like
- Perceived high cost
- Inconsistent service
- Excessive noise
Wayfare Tavern presents a compelling case for those prioritizing well-prepared dishes and a pleasant setting. While the culinary offerings and overall atmosphere are frequently praised, you might find the value proposition and service consistency to be a mixed bag.
With a Recommendation Score of 7, it suggests a visit could be quite rewarding, especially if you’re prepared for a potentially lively environment and are less sensitive to pricing. It’s a place worth considering for its strengths, but go in with an awareness of its occasional shortcomings.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Wayfare Tavern
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests often rave about the culinary experience, giving it a solid 7.4 score. With 240 positive remarks, many highlight the delicious burger, phenomenal fried chicken, and amazing popovers. The creative cocktails also receive high praise, making for a truly enjoyable meal.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.8%, with 74 negative comments noting some inconsistencies. Some found the overall food to be mediocre or subpar, while others mentioned popovers lacking flavor, steak being tough, or fried chicken being dry. It seems quality can vary.
Food
344
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
74
negative
30
neutral
240
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent burgers
- Superb fried chicken
- Delicious popovers
What people don't like
- Mediocre food quality
- Tough steak
- Dry fried chicken
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The country-style decor created a welcoming atmosphere, and the food was excellent, complemented by attentive service. I particularly enjoyed the burger with egg, which was juicy and flavorful, and the fried chicken was perfectly crisp on the outside and moist inside.
- fried chickenThe food arrived hot and perfectly cooked, making my boyfriend's birthday truly memorable. Between the inviting ambiance, the FANTASTIC burger, the sensational fried chicken (with must-try burrata whipped mashed potatoes), and two classic old fashioneds, this is definitely our new regular birthday go-to restaurant. For an amazing restaurant in a great part of SF with a good vibe, quality food, and amazing staff, Wayfare Tavern is the top choice!
- burgerThe food arrived hot and perfectly cooked, making my boyfriend's birthday truly memorable. Between the inviting ambiance, the FANTASTIC burger, the sensational fried chicken (with must-try burrata whipped mashed potatoes), and two classic old fashioneds, this is definitely our new regular birthday go-to restaurant. For an amazing restaurant in a great part of SF with a good vibe, quality food, and amazing staff, Wayfare Tavern is the top choice!
- chickenThe chicken was perfectly seasoned. It was juicy, tender
- FoodFood:5
- deviled eggsThe food was spectacular, showcasing some of the best New American cuisine I've ever encountered. We started with the deviled eggs, which were quite good and rivaled my favorites elsewhere. My wife enjoyed her butter lettuce salad with Green Goddess dressing.
- drinksthe drinks were good
- popoversIt's a great place to have great food and a good time. The popovers were amazing!
- beef tartareAll the dishes were excellent. The chicken was inexplicably juicy, the potatoes incredibly rich, and the beef was super flavorful. The popovers lived up to the hype.
- sauceThe sauce had a subtle mustardy flavor
Frequently criticized
- foodI do not recommend this restaurant. I had high expectations because this is one of Tyler Florence's restaurants and a friend hyped it up, and was disappointed by the poor organization and service, and the mediocrity of the food. We had a reservation for 8 people at 2 PM on a Saturday for my dad's birthday.
- burgerThe cauliflower soup was not outstanding, and the Mac & Cheese could have been better. The fried chicken was dry, and the burger was raw inside. To make matters worse, the chicken and burger arrived much later than the other dishes, as they were mistakenly delivered to another table, leaving two people waiting for their food for a long time.
- fried chickenfried chicken was not crispy but still managed to be oily
- chicken sandwichchicken sandwich was really underwhelming
- chickenThe chicken had been better
- cocktailsTook an hour to get our cocktails
- popoversOur server was also super weird and kept interrupting our conversation. The food was subpar; the popovers tasted bland, the butter wasn't as good as it used to be, and the chicken sandwich was small and unremarkable. Sadly, I don't think I'll be returning.
- Caesar saladCaesar salad they split was awful wilted lettuce
- Cesar saladSkip the Cesar salad, it’s not memorable
- Food qualityFood was subpar at best
If youre looking for standout dishes like their famous burger or fried chicken, youll likely be delighted. However, be aware that some experiences with other items can be a bit hit-or-miss, so choose wisely.
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.6 putting it squarely in the average range. Many guests raved about the 104 positive experiences, highlighting attentive service, friendly staff, and incredible service from servers and bartenders like Carlos and Cheyanne. The genuine hospitality and attention to detail truly made some visits memorable.
However, with 107 negative experiences out of 221 total customer remarks, there's definitely room for improvement, as reflected by the 47.1% customer satisfaction. Some diners encountered poor service, rude staff, and frustratingly long wait times for drinks or food. Feeling rushed or experiencing a lack of attention from the wait staff were common complaints, suggesting inconsistency in the overall service delivery.
Service
221
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
107
negative
10
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Incredible hospitality
- Excellent server knowledge
What people don't like
- Poor, rude service
- Long wait times
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceThis was my second visit, and overall, I had a great time with my partner. The service was good and the food was tasty. However, when the check arrived, I discovered a $5 split cost for the burger and clam chowder, which was not communicated when I asked if I wanted them split.
- staffthe food, drink and staff are good and friendly
- hospitalityMy experience at this restaurant was defined by the incredible service I received. The bartenders, Kelsey and Cheyenne, truly set a new standard for hospitality. From the moment I sat down, they made me feel welcomed, cared for, and genuinely valued.
- AlbertAlbert in particular was awesome: a true pro
- ServiceService:5
- experienceThe food was full of flavor, and the staff was both attentive and professional. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there; it's truly a gem of a restaurant.
- managerthe manager, Albert, came over to help
- reservationresponsive when calling to confirm my reservation
- serversMy experience at this place was fantastic! I loved the great environment and the really professional servers. The drinks were perfect, and the food was excellent.
- AndreaWayfare is expert in events. They have everything so clearly laid out on their website, and Andrea is very helpful if you have any additional questions. They know just how to make your event as smooth as possible and allow you room to make the event just to your liking as much as they can.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe menu was inventive and the location was beautiful. However, the experience was marred by lackluster service and food that was brave but poorly executed. The restaurant also became loud when busy.
- serverMy experience at Wayfare Tavern was a mix of excellent food and a less-than-ideal service. While the food and atmosphere were fantastic, our server seemed to be having an off day and wasn't very attentive. However, the quality of the food made up for it—everything we tried was delicious.
- managerI had previously enjoyed their former location, so I had high expectations for the evening. Unfortunately, the experience took a turn when around 7: 30 PM, a manager came over mid-conversation and said, “Sorry to interrupt, ladies, but our reservation is here, ” essentially telling us to leave. It felt abrupt, awkward, and honestly pretty humiliating, especially with nearby diners looking on.
- waitermy waiter wasn't as attentive as I would have expected
- waitressHowever, the service was a significant letdown. Our waitress was visibly upset when I arrived before my party and refused to make eye contact or greet me. We felt rushed through our meal, with a warning that we had only seven minutes to order before the kitchen closed, despite having a reservation booked online.
- drink orderThe table next to us was extremely loud, that’s not the restaurant’s fault but added to the chaos of the evening. It took more than 20 minutes to get our first drink, and when my wife was given a chance to place her drink order they eventually came back to let her know that they were out of that specific cocktail. Bread showed up around the 30-minute mark, then shortly after our food arrived.
- orderMy experience at this restaurant was terrible. They forgot half of our order and offered barely any apology. Despite bringing a group of 6 people for a special dinner, they didn't comp anything.
- rushedSeemed rude and unnecessary seeing how there was no one waiting for a table
- staffthe staff was clueless and also very dismissive
- Bread and meal timingbread offered and our meal arrived at the same time
If youre looking for a place with potentially outstanding service, you might find it here, but be prepared for the possibility of an average or even frustrating experience. Its worth a try if youre feeling lucky, but dont go in expecting perfection every time.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The ambience here is a definite crowd-pleaser, scoring a good 7.9 with a strong 81.6% customer satisfaction. Many guests, 115 out of 141, frequently praise the atmosphere, decor, and vibe, describing it as warm, intimate, and beautifully designed. Its often highlighted as a cozy, picturesque place perfect for a memorable experience.
However, its not without its minor drawbacks. About 19 comments mention potential issues like the noise level when busy, tables being close together, and occasional parking challenges. While generally positive, some find it can get a bit loud, which might impact the intimate feel for some.
Ambience
141
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
19
negative
7
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, cozy atmosphere
- Beautiful decor
- Inviting vibe
What people don't like
- High noise level
- Close tables
- Parking challenges
Often praised
- atmosphereThey offer free bread and butter, and the bread was incredible – possibly the best part of the meal! The place has a cozy atmosphere, though it can be quite noisy as the tables are close together. We walked in and secured the only available table, so I’d recommend making a reservation.
- AtmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was truly special, offering a warm and romantic atmosphere. The Beef Stroganoff was out of this world, and the Oysters were incredibly fresh, served with great condiments.
- ambianceBetween the ambiance
- ambience4 anyway for ambience and service
- decorI enjoyed the great mix of cocktails. The decor was so cute and festive, and our bartender was so sweet!
- locationTo make matters worse, the staff turned up the ambient music to drown out the noise, blasting 80s easy listening hits, making conversation impossible without shouting. These are all fixable issues, and I hope management addresses them because it's a lovely space with a fun menu.
- new locationThe new location is definitely a wonderful upgrade.
- barThis spot was absolutely perfect for relaxing at the bar with a quick bite and drink. Even though I'm not a drinker, the bartenders were excellent hosts, keeping the positive vibes and drinks flowing.
- experienceall staff combine to make a great experience here
- placeIt's a cool place to get lunch or dinner
Frequently criticized
- noise levelcan be quite noisy since the tables are close to each others
- ambienceIt really ruined the ambience of what is a great SF restaurant!
- ambient musicturn up the ambient music
- atmosphereUnfortunately, the experience took a turn when around 7: 30 PM, a manager came over mid-conversation and said, “Sorry to interrupt, ladies, but our reservation is here, ” essentially telling us to leave. It felt abrupt, awkward, and honestly pretty humiliating, especially with nearby diners looking on. We weren’t lingering; I had just ordered a second drink and we were enjoying ourselves.
- corner facing doorSeated in a corner facing door
- counterwe were pushed to sit at the counter which was not comfortable for eating at all.
- experiencemar the otherwise fairly mediocre experience
- gender bathroomdislike sharing my space
- intimatethe new location to be less intimate
- locationBut location sucks! Be ready to have your car broken into.
If a fantastic atmosphere and stylish decor are high on your list, this place is absolutely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially lively and sometimes noisy environment, and consider your parking options beforehand.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners felt they got what they paid for, describing the experience as worth the money and even inexpensive compared to expectations. Some appreciated the reasonable pricing for the quality received, noting that the quality often speaks for itself. These positive sentiments, though fewer in number, suggest that for some, the expense was justified.
However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with 31 negative remarks out of 40 total. Many found the experience pricey and overpriced for the quality, often feeling it was a waste of money. Concerns also arose around hidden fees and unexpected charges.
This contributes to a poor customer satisfaction of just 17.5%, and an average score of 3.6, indicating significant room for improvement.
Value
40
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
31
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the money
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Hidden fees
- Waste of money
Often praised
- priceknow the quality speaks for itself when you arrive
- expenseThe expense is what you get and well worth it!!!
- inexpensivewas inexpensive compared what I would've expected
- pricesThe prices are worth it
- pricingThey have made a more than successful move to their new space. The food was exceptional, service exceptional, and pricing reasonable. We sat in a very comfortable banquet near the hotline and enjoyed the show.
- worth the moneyit was worth the money
Frequently criticized
- priceI had really high expectations of this place, but in the end, I left a bit disappointed. The menu and drink options looked fantastic, but the signature Tavern Burger and shoestring fries seemed small for costing $25. The bar area is pretty cool, and there's open seating.
- billI appreciated this gesture, and that they expedited taking our food and delivering orders. They had some issues with the bill though - charging us for one plate that was never delivered, and for the free chocolate torte they brought my dad for his birthday. By the end of the day we had to laugh at how comically poorly everything had gone, so if nothing else we now have a pretty funny story for my dad's 80th.
- 6% feeaddition of 6% fee (which is not a tax and not required by the city)
- San Francisco taxHave to still get used to the San Francisco tax (6%)
- billing correctionsimple billing correction turned into one of the most bizarre
- expensive meals and drinkswe had expensive meals and drinks
- foodfood is rather overpriced
- hidden feeslapped with a hidden fee
- high pricefixed menu of staid food for high price
- learned my lessonI learned my lesson
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially "pricey" experience, as many felt the value wasnt quite there. While a few found it worth the money, the overwhelming feedback points to concerns about cost and unexpected charges. Go in with your eyes wide open regarding the bill.
How are the prices at Wayfare Tavern?
You’re looking at roughly 62 per person – reported by 117 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers here, we see a good spread of prices, from more budget-friendly options to quite a few premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 117 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good range, so you can likely find something to fit your budget while still enjoying a quality meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Wayfare Tavern
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good food and ambiance, poor service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food and ambience were good, earning a 4 out of 5 for both. However, the service was disappointing, rated only a 1.
My waiter was not attentive, with no check-backs and a general lack of engagement. I had to flag down other servers to get his attention, which is not what I would expect from a place like this. In fact, I've had better servers at Denny's.
- food8
- ambience8
- service2
- waiter2
- check backs2
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Solo Dinner Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a great solo dinner. Albert, in particular, was awesome and a true professional behind the bar. The entire staff combined to create a great experience.
I'm glad to have this option in the city.
- Albert10
- staff9
- experience9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Impeccable Service, Exemplary Puddings
Despite a terrible blind date, I stayed for dinner alone in the bar. The staff and service were impeccable. The Yorkshire puddings were exemplary.
The atmosphere was very nice, tavern-like yet bright at sunset, with families and children around. I would definitely go again.
- staff and service10
- Yorkshire puddings10
- atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Dinner at Wayfare Tavern!
I had an amazing dinner at Wayfare Tavern. The food was outstanding, and the young lady who took care of us was so friendly and attentive. The classic, cozy atmosphere made the whole experience feel special.
I'm definitely coming back!
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Pricey but Good Drinks, Bland Food
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While we didn't have any problems with the food, except for the clam chowder which had an unusual twist, the overall food was bland. On the positive side, the drinks were good.
However, the experience was on the pricey side.
- food5
- clam chowder5
- drinks8
- pricey side3
What Wayfare Tavern offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Wayfare Tavern?
At Wayfare Tavern, you’ll find an upscale, historic, cozy, trendy, and romantic atmosphere. You can enjoy dining options including brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable seating and table service. It’s an ideal setting for various occasions.
What service options and accessibility features does Wayfare Tavern provide?
Wayfare Tavern offers convenient service options like dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your comfort and ease.
How does Wayfare Tavern generally score with customers?
Wayfare Tavern holds a Restaurant Score of 6.8 out of 10, indicating a generally good experience. Its Food (7.4) and Ambience (7.9) are highly rated, while Service (5.6) is average and Value (3.6) is a common concern.
What do customers appreciate most about Wayfare Tavern?
Customers frequently praise the exceptional quality of the food, highlighting dishes like the fried chicken and popovers. The inviting and warm atmosphere, along with the attentive hospitality from the staff, also receives positive remarks.
What are some common complaints about Wayfare Tavern?
Recurring concerns include the perceived high cost and additional fees, leading to questions about overall value. Some guests also report inconsistent service experiences and find the dining area can become quite noisy.