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oChef » Lava – San Francisco
Lava - San Francisco
Photo from Lava
Lava at a glance
San Francisco South Beach
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 2 of the guests
#1163 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#93 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
90
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious ramen
- Inviting ambiance
- Fair prices
Frequently criticized
- Extreme spiciness
- Poor management
- Food safety
The restaurant Lava is a vibrant Bar & Pub located in San Francisco’s lively South Beach neighborhood. You’ll find a trendy and cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual night out.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy delicious food at the bar, sip on expertly crafted cocktails, or dance the night away, this spot offers a dynamic experience. It’s a great place to unwind and soak in the local vibe.
Overview: Introducting Lava
Lava offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking flavorful dishes. Many appreciate the depth of taste in their main offerings, with some noting the quality of their ramen and the selection of Japanese whisky.
The atmosphere also contributes positively, providing a chill place with comfortable settings for conversation. However, a visit to Lava isn’t without its potential drawbacks.
While the food is generally well-received, the intense spiciness of some dishes has been a point of contention for a few. There are also some concerns regarding the manager and staff treatment.
Good
7.5
out of 10
90
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
72
positive
Overall, Lava earns a solid 7.5 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong 80% customer satisfaction rate, indicating most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from 90 customer observations, with 72 positive remarks outweighing 15 negative ones. The Ambience (8) stands out, offering a comfortable and inviting setting, while the Value (7.8) is also well-regarded, suggesting fair pricing for what’s offered.
The Food (7.5) also receives a good score, though some specific concerns about extreme spiciness were noted. The primary area for improvement appears to be Service (6.8).
While many found the staff friendly, a few serious issues regarding management and employee treatment surfaced. Addressing these could elevate the overall experience, ensuring consistency across all aspects of a visit.
What people like
- Delicious ramen
- Inviting bar setting
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Extreme dish spiciness
- Management conduct issues
- Food safety concern
Lava presents a compelling option for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere and well-regarded dishes, especially if you appreciate a good bowl of ramen. With a 7.8 Recommendation Score, it’s clear many find it a worthwhile visit.
The inviting bar and fair pricing add to its appeal, making it a solid choice for a casual outing. However, be mindful of the intense spiciness in some dishes and the reported issues with management conduct.
If these aspects are not deal-breakers for you, Lava offers a generally positive experience. It’s a place worth considering, particularly for its culinary strengths and lively setting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lava
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Based on 59 customer comments, the food here generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and a customer satisfaction of 78%, many rave about the fantastic variety of ramen, especially the house lava ramen and Surf and Turf ramen. Guests love the pork belly that melts like butter, customizable soup bases and spice levels, plus delightful house dumplings and tofu fries.
However, not everything is perfect. Out of 59 opinions, 11 pointed out some concerns. While the Lava Ramen is praised for its heat, some found the spiciness overwhelming, with mouths going numb.
There were also mentions of weird broth in some ramen, soggy breading on lobster, and even a serious claim of food poisoning and spring rolls not being fresh.
Food
59
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fantastic ramen variety
- Melt-in-your-mouth pork belly
- Customizable spice levels
What people don't like
- Overwhelming spiciness
- Questionable broth quality
- Food poisoning reported
Often praised
- ramenI tried the house lava ramen, which was Fuji spicy, and added roasted pork belly. It was the best ramen I've had outside of Japan.
- foodhad about a dozen delicious items
- AMFI really enjoyed the AMF
- Dumpling ramenRecommend the Surf and turf or Dumpling ramen.
- Japanese whiskyvast array of Japanese whisky prominently decorating the top shelf
- Lava ramenLava ramen is my favorite
- Molten Lava RamenBut also quite delicious. Next time I'm going a step down in heat, just so I can enjoy that flavor a bit.
- Moscow mulesthe Moscow mules are bomb.
- RamenMy experience at the restaurant was centered around enjoying a delicious hot bowl of Ramen. I opted to eat at the counter, which allowed me to fully appreciate a spicy bowl of noodles.
- Surf and Turf ramenRecommend the Surf and turf or Dumpling ramen.
Frequently criticized
- brothThe broth is red. Just pure red.
- Lava RamenOH MY GOD spiciest thing ever!!!!
- breadingsoggy breading
- food poisoningI got food poisoning
- light shots on fireTo bad it's not allowed to light shots on fire
- lobsterWho breads a lobster and then puts it into broth?
- mouth went numbI think my mouth went numb.
- negative effectsdid did have some negative effects
- spicinessThe broth was pure red. After a few minutes, I was struggling and had to eat it super slowly because my mouth was on fire. The waitress, noticing our suffering, kindly offered non-spicy broth to mix in, which helped dilute the spiciness a little.
- spring rollsSpring rolls were not freshly cooked.
If youre a ramen enthusiast looking for variety and a spicy kick, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for their customizable options and delicious pork belly. Just be mindful of the extreme heat in some dishes and perhaps stick to the milder broths if youre sensitive to spice, as some experiences were less than ideal.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 6.8 and customer satisfaction sitting at a good 75%, many folks have had positive experiences. Out of 12 customer remarks, 9 praise the friendly bartenders and staff, noting speedy service at the bar and a welcoming atmosphere.
Special shout-outs go to individuals like Maria and a thoughtful waitress who offered non-spicy broth, even letting a customer try a Togouchi 10yr on the house! However, not all interactions have been stellar, as indicated by 3 critical comments. There are concerns about management, with mentions of a manager yelling at female employees and a perceived lack of class from the owner.
Some even raised issues regarding potential labor law violations in California, which definitely casts a shadow on an otherwise good service record.
Service
12
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, speedy bartenders
- Attentive, helpful staff
- Easy to get a spot
What people don't like
- Manager yells at staff
- Owner lacks class
- Labor law concerns
Often praised
- MariaMaria is awesome. Im talking about great first impressions here
- Togouchi 10yrlet me try a Togouchi 10yr on the house
- bartenderGreat bartender!
- bartender/waitressfriendly bartender/waitress.
- bartendersbartenders are very friendly and sociable
- getting a spotLava Lounge is a pretty chill place to grab drinks after work, and I've never had any issues with getting a spot. If you're there for Happy Hour, I highly recommend giving their tofu fries a try!
- service at the barSpeedy service at the bar
- staffStaff was friendly.
- waitressthe waitress offered to bring out non-spicy broth
Frequently criticized
- labor lawviolation of labor law in California
- managermanager yells at his female employees
- ownerShows lack of class as a owner
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience, especially from the bar staff. While there are some concerning management issues, the friendly and attentive team members often make up for it. Its worth a visit if youre looking for good service, but be aware of potential behind-the-scenes issues.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, scoring a solid 8 for ambience and boasting an impressive 92.9% customer satisfaction. With 13 overwhelmingly positive remarks, guests rave about the great ambiance and its versatility as a party venue or bar setting. Many appreciate the private function room with ambiance lighting, comfortable seating, and large TVs for sports.
However, theres one minor point to consider. A single comment out of 14 mentions the restaurant is in a weird part of town, suggesting the location might feel a bit off-putting to some, especially if youre walking alone.
Ambience
14
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great ambiance
- Versatile event space
- Entertainment options
What people don't like
- Questionable location
Often praised
- 2 big TVs2 big TVs if you want to catch a game
- ambianceGreat ambiance
- ambiance lightingvery nice ambiance lighting
- atmospherethe place was quite and melodic as a good music gently dripped in the background
- bar for conversationsthis is a great bar to talk with your loved one or good friend
- bar settingGreat bar setting
- chill placeIt's a pretty chill place
- cold dayPerfect place to go on a cold day
- comfortable seatingThe bar setting was great, and the private function room in the back offered a very nice ambiance with its lighting. It also features large TVs for sports, music, a PA system, and comfortable seating. I absolutely love this place and will definitely book my next event here.
- large TVslarge TVs to watch sports events
Frequently criticized
- part of townMy experience at this restaurant was marked by its location. It’s in a weird part of town. I’d only walk there if I had a buddy or three.
If youre looking for a versatile spot with a great atmosphere for parties, coworkers, or just a chill night watching sports, this place is a fantastic choice. Just be mindful of its location, especially if youre planning to walk there after dark.
Value (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! Customers are clearly thrilled with the deals, especially during happy hour where you can snag beers for just $5 and even get a full meal for two with drinks for under $30 thanks to a 20% discount. Its no wonder the overall score for value is a solid 7.8, indicating a good experience, and customer satisfaction sits at a strong 80%.
With 4 positive remarks out of 5 total, it seems the price and happy hour truly hit the mark, even extending to Yamazaki 12 prices being surprisingly fair. Whats truly impressive is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding value. This indicates a strong consensus among patrons that the pricing is fair and the deals are genuinely beneficial, suggesting that the restaurant consistently delivers on its promise of good value without any hidden surprises or disappointments.
Value
5
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable beers
- Great happy hour
- Fair premium drinks
What people don't like
Often praised
- Yamazaki 12My shorts weren't jerked down on the price of a Yamazaki 12
- happy hourWith the 20% off for happy hour, two bowls of ramen + two drinks + tax/tip came out to be less than $30.
- pricebeers are only $5
- pricestheir prices are pretty reasonable too
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your wallet wont feel a pinch, especially during happy hour, this spot is definitely worth checking out. The value here is consistently praised, making it a smart choice for an affordable and satisfying outing.
How are the prices at Lava?
On average, you’ll spend around 18 per person – from 2 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the price distribution, all reported prices fall squarely within this range, so it’s quite consistent. Just a heads-up, this is based on a couple of reviews, but it gives us a good feel for the pricing.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 2 reviews. Just a heads-up, this data is limited but gives a good indication!
How this spot’s value for money stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Considering its a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Its a solid mid-range option if you’re looking for a casual spot without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lava
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Ramen Outside Japan!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I tried the house lava ramen, which was Fuji spicy, and added roasted pork belly. It was the best ramen I've had outside of Japan.
- house lava ramen10
- roasted pork belly10
- ramen10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Excellent Soup with a Catch
My experience at the restaurant was highlighted by an excellent soup. However, it did have some negative effects a few hours later.
- soup9
- negative effects3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Bizarre Broth and Food Poisoning
My experience at this restaurant was quite unusual. I was surprised by the preparation of the lobster, which was breaded and then placed in broth. The broth in the ramen was also strange, and the breading was soggy.
To make matters worse, I ended up with food poisoning. On a positive note, the beers were only $5.
- beers8
- price8
- lobster2
- broth2
- breading3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Mixed Experience: Good Potatoes, Friendly Staff
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. While the garlic potatoes were good and the staff was friendly, the spring rolls were not freshly cooked. Despite the food quality issue with the spring rolls, we had a nice time overall.
- garlic potatoes8
- staff9
- spring rolls3
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Awesome Party Venue with Great Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant for a surprise 50th birthday party on 11/16/2018 was absolutely awesome! It's a very awesome place to hold a party, event, or function. The food was catered on-site, and we enjoyed about a dozen delicious items during the event.
The bar setting was great, and the private function room in the back offered a very nice ambiance with its lighting. It also features large TVs for sports, music, a PA system, and comfortable seating. I absolutely love this place and will definitely book my next event here.
- party venue10
- food9
- bar setting8
What Lava offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Lava?
At Lava, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. You can enjoy a wide range of offerings including food at the bar, hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, with options for dancing available.
What service and accessibility options does Lava provide?
Lava offers convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
How does Lava generally score with customers?
Lava holds a good overall score of **7.5** out of 10, with **80%** customer satisfaction. Its **Ambience** (8) and **Value** (7.8) are particularly strong, while **Food** (7.5) is also well-received. **Service** (6.8) is good but shows room for improvement.
Are the dishes at Lava very spicy?
Some customers have found certain dishes, particularly the Lava Ramen, to be extremely spicy, with reports of mouths going numb. The restaurant does offer non-spicy broth to help dilute the heat if needed.
What is the service like at Lava?
While many patrons describe the bartenders and staff as friendly and sociable, there have been concerning reports regarding management’s treatment of employees, including allegations of yelling and labor law violations.