Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Cafe Terminus – San Francisco
Cafe Terminus - San Francisco
Photo from Cafe Terminus
Cafe Terminus at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#1936 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#130 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
211
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Good drinks
- Friendly staff
- Chill vibe
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Dirty venue
- Loud crowded
The restaurant Cafe Terminus invites you to experience a vibrant Bar & Pub scene right in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Transbay neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
Known for its great beer selection, this spot offers a fantastic array of beverages and food. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed evening, you’ll find comfortable seating and friendly service here.
Overview: Introducting Cafe Terminus
Cafe Terminus offers a lively spot where many appreciate the well-crafted cocktails and a generally chill vibe. It’s often seen as a convenient place to unwind, especially with its outdoor seating options, making it a popular choice for a casual outing.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies, particularly with the food quality and occasional issues with the overall service. While many praise the bartender staff, there are concerning reports that suggest a less welcoming environment for some patrons.
Good
6.6
out of 10
211
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
59
negative
17
neutral
135
positive
Cafe Terminus holds an overall score of 6.6, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 64%. This indicates a place with some strong points but also areas needing attention.
The feedback comes from 211 customer observations, with 135 positive remarks and 59 negative ones, showing a generally favorable but not overwhelmingly positive sentiment. Diving deeper, Food scores well at (7.4), suggesting it’s a highlight for many, especially the drinks.
However, Ambience (6.3) and Service (6.1) hover in the average range, indicating room for improvement. Value (5.8) also falls into the average category, suggesting that while some find it reasonably priced, others might not feel they’re getting a standout deal.
What people like
- Good drinks selection
- Friendly bar staff
- Relaxed atmosphere
What people don't like
- Serious service incidents
- Cleanliness concerns
- Crowded, loud space
With a recommendation score of 6.7, Cafe Terminus appears to be a decent option if you’re primarily seeking a casual spot for drinks and a relaxed atmosphere. It could be a good choice for happy hour or a quick beer, especially if you appreciate friendly bar staff.
However, potential visitors should be mindful of the reported serious service incidents and cleanliness issues. If these aspects are critical to your experience, you might find it a mixed bag, despite the positive aspects of its offerings.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe Terminus
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to the grub and sips, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 7.4 score and a 71.6% customer satisfaction rating, its clear many folks are happy. Based on 74 reviews, with 53 positive remarks, guests frequently rave about the delicious drinks, creative cocktails, and excellent food, including standout items like Fried Chicken and club sandwiches.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. There are 11 negative remarks, with some guests noting issues like watered down drinks, basic food, and even warm beer. A few wished for more top-shelf options or better tequila, suggesting some room for improvement in specific areas.
Food
74
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
11
negative
10
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Drinks
- Excellent Food
- Creative Cocktails
What people don't like
- Watered Down Drinks
- Basic Food
- Warm Beer
Often praised
- foodIt sucked. We ended up at Mustard’s, where we had a nice waitress and good food.
- cocktailsI loved the small, trendy atmosphere and the good cocktails. It's a great place for happy hour.
- drinksMy experience at this bar was that it's a solid spot to order good drinks. They have a great whiskey selection, and the sidewalk seating is a nice perk when the weather's nice.
- FoodFood:5
- Fried ChickenRecommended dishes:Fried Chicken
- Old Fashionedhard to find a good Old Fashioned in the city but the guys at Cafe Terminus got you covered!
- Shiner Bock on tapShiner Bock on tap, which is awesome!
- Whiskey Sourio ho preso un whisky sour e un altro sour che ho lasciato fare al barman...vabbé troppo buono!
- beerGot a reasonably priced beer
- beersgreat club sandwiches and beers
Frequently criticized
- foodAll frozen stuff that gets microwaved or deep fried
- FoodFood:1
- basic foodThis was a clear case of discrimination and both physical and verbal abuse. Beyond the appalling service, the food was also disappointing, with watered down drinks and basic food. There was a complete lack of equality.
- beerbeer is kind of warm
- cocktailBad cocktail
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was mostly positive. While I didn't get lucky with the choice of drinks I wanted, even though it's a full bar, I still loved the place. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, indicating a great overall experience despite the drink selection.
- juicewarm juice hanging out on the sticky bar
- tequilaI stopped into this place on my way to Bart. It's actually great, although I do wish they had more tequila. The vibe is chill, there's outdoor seating, and the bartenders are great.
- top shelfBetter places in SF to drink top shelf
- watered down drinksWatered down drinks
If you're looking for a place with generally good food and a strong cocktail game, especially for creative drinks, this spot is worth a visit. Just be mindful that some experiences mention basic food or watered-down drinks, so manage your expectations for every single item on the menu.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are definitely some shining moments, with 39 positive remarks out of 66 total. Many guests rave about the friendly staff and attentive bartenders who deliver great service. While the overall score is an average 6.1, indicating room for improvement, the positive interactions highlight a dedicated team.
However, the experience isnt consistently stellar, as reflected by a mixed 59.1% customer satisfaction. With 26 negative comments, some patrons have faced inattentive bartenders and slow service. More concerning are serious allegations of discrimination and employee assault', which are significant red flags for potential visitors.
Service
66
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
26
negative
1
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great bar service
What people don't like
- Inattentive bartenders
- Serious assault allegations
- Poor overall service
Often praised
- bartenderWill is the best bartender—he makes you feel welcome and appreciated.
- serviceservice pretty good at keeping up with the crowd
- staffhelpful service from the staff
- ServiceService:5
- bartendersThe bartenders are very friendly
- WillI visited and walked in. Will was very hospitable. I recommend this bar.
- AngelThe bartender Angel was super friendly and attentive
- Angel the bartenderask for Angel the bartender..... top notch
- GMthe GM is a super nice chap
- Venmotook Venmo
Frequently criticized
- bartenderbartender brought in a friend that unprovokedly beat up a patron
- serviceHorrible service!!! They were so mean
- ServiceService:1
- assaulted queer personsomeone assaulted a queer person unprovoked
- bartenders and patronsMy experience at this restaurant was marred by a deeply disturbing incident. Someone assaulted a queer person unprovoked, and the bartenders and patrons watched and did nothing. This lack of intervention and apparent indifference to such a serious event is unacceptable.
- bartenders' attentiontrying to get the bartenders’ attention and they didn’t even look at us
- billwaving to give me the bill
- card paymentDid not take card
- discriminationDiscrimination, physical and verbal abuse
- employee assaultOne of the employees assaulted a trans customer pretty significantly
Service here is quite a mixed bag; you might find genuinely friendly and efficient staff, especially at the bar, which is a big plus. However, be aware that some experiences have been very negative, including serious allegations. If youre willing to navigate potential inconsistencies, you could have a good time, but its not a guaranteed smooth ride.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here gets an average score of 6.3, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 61.5%. Many folks appreciate the chill patio, great spot, and convenient location, often noting the good music and pleasant vibe.
Based on 40 positive comments out of 65 total, it seems like a decent place to hang out and relax with friends. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. With 20 negative comments, some customers found the place a small bar that gets packed and loud.
There are also concerns about the atmosphere feeling unsafe or unclean, with mentions of safety issues and general messiness. So, while some find it a great spot, others have had less-than-ideal experiences.
Ambience
65
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
20
negative
5
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chill patio/vibe
- Convenient location
- Good music
What people don't like
- Small, packed space
- Loud atmosphere
- Safety concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereI had a great time chatting with my friend here and having cocktails. The service from Angel was great and he definitely enhanced the atmosphere. It was very busy, but he made sure everyone was well taken care of.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- barThe drinks were strong, and the food was pretty good. It's a good bar to head to after work to relax.
- outdoor seatingIt's actually great, although I do wish they had more tequila. The vibe is chill, there's outdoor seating, and the bartenders are great.
- vibeChill vibe
- accessibilityhas great accessibility
- chill for a bitor chill for a bit
- chill patiochill patio for a conversation
- chill vibesome place with a chill vibe in the city
- convenient locationvery convenient and busy area
Frequently criticized
- atmospherea couple was fighting at the table next to us
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- barThe bar was sticky
- bathroomthe bathroom was gross and, you guessed it, sticky!
- beer glassesbeer glasses aren't chilled
- clean the placeneed figured out how to clean the place
- crowdit gets packed
- jumped by a regularMy experience at this restaurant was concerning due to safety issues. I know someone who was roofied here, and another acquaintance was jumped by a regular. It's important to be aware of these potential dangers before visiting.
- limited seatingThey offer a limited selection of fun cocktails and other drinks, alongside a short menu of food and bar snacks. The space is small and narrow with limited seating, including some outdoor options. Its location is very convenient, situated in a busy area near BART, Mini, and Cable car stations, just a few blocks from the waterfront.
- loudLoud on the inside
If youre looking for a casual spot with a chill patio and good music, especially during off-peak hours, this place might hit the mark. However, be prepared for potential crowds, noise, and a smaller space, particularly if youre sensitive to those things.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When we talk about value, this place offers a bit of a mixed experience, based on 6 customer remarks. On the bright side, many appreciate the price for drinks, especially during happy hour. Guests have noted that beers are reasonably priced and drinks generally arent expensive, making it a decent option for a casual outing.
However, the overall value perception is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 50% and an average score of 5.8. Some found the "price" to be "un po caro, " with one guest feeling that spending around $30 didnt quite deliver the expected worth, suggesting that while some aspects are good, the overall value could use a boost.
Value
6
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Affordable drinks
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Poor value
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was positive. I got a reasonably priced beer. It was convenient to work and I enjoyed the outdoor seating.
- happy hourGreat for happy hour
Frequently criticized
- $30Spent 30$ but felt like I spent it only for the pleasure of working for an hour outside my home
- priceun po caro...ma è San Francisco..
If youre looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour, this spot could be worth checking out for its reasonably priced drinks. However, be mindful that the overall value can feel a bit steep for some, so manage your expectations if youre planning a more substantial spend.
How are the prices at Cafe Terminus?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 36 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 25, most diners cluster in the $21–$30 range, showing where the sweet spot is. But hey, there’s also a fun mix, with some folks finding cheaper bites and a few splurging on the higher end!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 36 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. You’re getting a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe Terminus
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Kindness and Great Food!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The staff were incredibly kind and went out of their way to help me when I was short on water, a gesture that truly goes a long way. I will definitely be visiting again to enjoy more than just water.
The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was perfect, rated 5 stars for both. The service was also top-notch, receiving a 5-star rating, and the wait time was non-existent. It was a quiet and pleasant environment, making it easy to talk.
- water10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Almost kicked out for being tired
I came in with my daughter, who bartends herself. After one drink at almost one in the morning, she went to get the Uber. Because I am almost 40 years old, worked all day, took care of three teenagers, wore heels, and was tired with sore feet, the bartender almost kicked me out of the bar.
The atmosphere was a 5, but the service was a 1.
- atmosphere10
- bartender2
- service1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Horrible Service, Never Again!
My experience at this restaurant was horrible. The service was incredibly mean to me and my friends. We waited over an hour, and the noise level was very loud, making it hard to hear.
I will never go here again!
- service1
- wait time2
- noise level2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Will's Hospitality Makes This Bar Recommendable
My experience was positive. I visited and walked in. Will was very hospitable.
I recommend this bar. Thank you very much.
- Will9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Great Food, Chill Patio
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially for an after-work beer. The food was excellent, scoring a 5 out of 5. While it can get loud on the inside, the chill patio is perfect for a conversation.
The atmosphere received a 4 out of 4, and the service also got a 4. The price per person was between $20–30.
- food10
- chill patio8
- atmosphere8
- loud4
What Cafe Terminus offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Cafe Terminus?
At Cafe Terminus, you’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed outing. You can enjoy a wide range of offerings including food at the bar, hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. They also feature happy hour drinks, making it an ideal spot for unwinding with friends.
What service options and accessibility features does Cafe Terminus provide?
Cafe Terminus offers flexible service options to suit your preferences. You can enjoy outdoor seating, dine-in for a classic experience, or opt for convenient takeout. For accessibility, the establishment provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests.
How does Cafe Terminus rate overall?
Cafe Terminus has an overall score of **6.6** out of 10. Its **Food** scores 7.4, **Ambience** 6.3, **Service** 6.1, and **Value** 5.8, indicating a mixed but generally average experience.
What do customers appreciate most about Cafe Terminus?
Many customers enjoy the selection of drinks, particularly the cocktails and whiskey. The friendly and attentive bartenders, along with a chill atmosphere and outdoor seating, are also frequently praised.
Are there any significant concerns about Cafe Terminus?
Some patrons have reported serious service issues, including discrimination and concerning incidents. There are also mentions of cleanliness problems, such as sticky bars and bathrooms, and the space can be loud and crowded.