Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen – San Francisco
Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen
Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- š» Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $21ā$30
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#915 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Bar & Grill out of 16 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
510
Reviews
80.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Lively atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Price confusion
- Loud music
The restaurant, a vibrant Bar & Grill in San Francisco’s West SoMa neighborhood, offers an exciting spot where you can catch your favorite game. Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen is renowned for its lively sports atmosphere, making it a prime destination for enthusiasts.
You’ll find a casual yet trendy setting perfect for unwinding with friends, enjoying delicious food, and exploring a great beer selection. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen
Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen offers a distinct experience, often praised for its vibrant atmosphere and satisfying fare. While many appreciate the great food and the overall lively setting, some visitors have noted inconsistencies in pricing and service.
It presents itself as a welcoming spot, though certain aspects might not appeal to everyone. This establishment aims to provide a casual yet engaging environment.
Guests frequently commend the quality of the offerings from the kitchen, contributing to a generally positive impression. However, a few experiences suggest that attention to detail regarding pricing clarity and staff interactions could enhance the overall visit.
Good
7.7
out of 10
510
Reviews
80.8%
Satisfaction
78
negative
20
neutral
412
positive
Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen holds a respectable overall score of 7.7, indicating a good dining experience for most patrons. This is supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 80.8%.
These figures, derived from 510 customer remarks, with 412 positive and 78 negative, suggest that the establishment generally meets expectations. Looking closer, the Food (8.5) stands out as a particular strength, often receiving high praise.
The Ambience (7.8) also contributes significantly to the positive sentiment, creating a lively setting. While Service (6.7) and Value (6.2) are considered average, they still contribute positively, though with room for improvement.
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Lively bar atmosphere
- Friendly staff interactions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Pricing discrepancies
- Excessively loud music
With a solid recommendation score of 8.1, Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen is certainly worth considering if you appreciate good food in a vibrant, casual setting. It excels in delivering satisfying dishes and a lively atmosphere, making it a suitable choice for a relaxed outing.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and some minor confusion regarding pricing. If you prioritize excellent food and a bustling environment over absolute perfection in every detail, you’ll likely find this spot to be a good fit for your next visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot really shines! With an impressive 8.5 score and a stellar 91.2% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks are leaving happy. Out of 193 total remarks, a whopping 176 rave about the delicious food, especially the fantastic burgers and elevated bar food.
Many also appreciate the Mac and cheese egg rolls and diverse vegetarian options, making it a solid choice for many palates. However, its not entirely without its hiccups, with 12 negative comments noted. Some patrons expressed disappointment over decreased vegan options and found certain dishes, like the mac and cheese or chicken, to be inconsistent in quality.
A few also mentioned order mix-ups with items like potato skins, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in consistency.
Food
193
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
176
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent burgers
- Elevated bar food
- Good vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Decreased vegan options
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Order mix-ups
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the best dive bar I've ever been to, with great people, great food, and an AMAZING staff. As a vegan, I was thrilled to find a variety of vegan/vegetarian options on their menu, including dishes like the Tempest, Louieās, Connecticut, Yankee, and Showdown, which they own.
- burgerThe atmosphere was fantastic, and I was impressed with the great beer selection. I also really enjoyed a really good burger. The service and food were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere also received a 5.
- FoodFood:5
- drinksYou can buy food from the counter on the right outside, and they give you a buzzer. Drinks are ordered at the bar. The atmosphere is good, and the hamburger is not salty and is delicious and savory.
- burgersI recommend getting āthe specialā, which is a shot and a beer. It's a great place to hang out, even though the neighborhood has changed.
- Mac and cheese egg rollsMac and cheese egg rolls with their house made hit sauce was traight up crack
- bar foodbest bar food ever
- Box Burgerthe Box Burger, itās amazing
- Burgersespecially with the Burgers
- FriesIf you appreciate dive bars with character, satisfying food, and a grungy yet clean atmosphere, I believe you'll love this place too. The Fries were a recommended dish.
Frequently criticized
- potato taquitosI get it, it's a bar. Maybe someone is trying to get something out of them, but all I wanted were my potato flucking taquitos. I hate to keep score, Tempest, but this is the 2nd time y'all have burned me out while I'm hungry.
- vegan optionsBring back your vegan options!
- Pliny the Elder beerone Pliny the Elder beer for 14 dollars
- breadThe bread was not the best
- chickenthe chicken was dry and very salty
- foodIt totally sucked
- late-night dinerWhile searching for another late-night diner, the same individual continued to cough and sneeze onto the grill. It felt like I dodged a bullet, but finding late-night dining in this city seems to be elusive. Good luck!
- mac and cheeseWe also tried the mac and cheese with chicken. The bartender hyped the mac and cheese, but it was not as great as described, and the chicken was dry and very salty. Down the street were many homeless, but I guess where in SF can you go without any homeless.
- potato skinsWhy was I given 4 orders of potato skins???
- rat in foodI found a rat in my food!!!
If you're looking for a place with genuinely good food, especially their highly-praised burgers and creative bar bites, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while the overall experience is excellent, a few specific dishes or order accuracy might occasionally miss the mark.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had a great time, with 86 positive remarks highlighting the friendly staff, attentive bartenders, and fast service. Youll often find great people who ensure youre well taken care of, contributing to a fantastic experience. The overall score for service is a solid 6.7, placing it firmly in the good category.
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.7%, with 41 negative comments pointing to some challenges. Some experiences mention rude or horrible bartenders, poor service, and even issues with understaffed situations or unfriendly bouncer security. It seems consistency can be a challenge, with some staff members being described as mean.
Service
127
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
41
negative
0
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, great service
- Fantastic bartenders
What people don't like
- Rude, mean bartenders
- Inconsistent service
- Unfriendly security
Often praised
- serviceThe atmosphere also received a 5/5 rating. Service was rated a 5/5. However, the reviewer noted that the restaurant is not kid-friendly at all.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the best dive bar I've ever been to, with great people, great food, and an AMAZING staff. As a vegan, I was thrilled to find a variety of vegan/vegetarian options on their menu, including dishes like the Tempest, Louieās, Connecticut, Yankee, and Showdown, which they own.
- ServiceService:5
- bartendersBe real because game recognizes game in the Bay. Treat our bartenders well, tip accordingly, and groove with us to be smooth. Love the pour, guys.
- peopleBeyond the incredible food, they offer affordable prices and top-notch service. Every visit, the people are great and the food is delicious!
- bar staffThe bar staff is also very friendly.
- bartenderI had a great night cap at Tempest Bar. We were well taken care of, and my husband had a great time chatting with the bartender who was also from Raleigh, NC. I'm bummed we didn't catch his name.
- experienceThe staff treated us very well. Once they realized we were from out of state, they made sure our experience was great. We would definitely recommend them.
- Box Kitchen crewThe whole Box Kitchen crew was friendly
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
Frequently criticized
- bartenderI noticed that the digital menus on the tables had cheaper prices than the menus the bartender handed me. The bartender was too busy having fun with what seemed like regulars to take my order. She handed me a menu but never came back to take my order, so I took my business elsewhere.
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by terrible service. The bartenders were rude about kicking out patrons.
- bartendersRude bartenders on multiple occasions
- kitchenIf you're looking for a late-night dinner, Google might direct you here. However, upon arrival, you'll likely be greeted at the window by a man who informs you the kitchen is closed, despite the window being open. Adding to the unpleasantness, another cook was openly coughing onto the grill.
- ID for doormanTake care to remember ID for the doorman
- UFC showingThey answered yes, so I got an Uber to get there. When I showed up, there was no UFC. One worker told me that the kitchen crew answers the phone and has no idea what's on.
- UberI called to ask if they were showing UFC. They answered yes, so I got an Uber to get there. When I showed up, there was no UFC.
- bartender assaultThe bartender assaulted my friend
- beer and coasterUnfortunately, there's a tall white bartender with a beard and a cap who has consistently been incredibly mean to me. He always throws my beer and coaster with visible anger. I've observed his treatment of others and noticed he is particularly mean towards me and my Hispanic friends.
- behaviorsbehaviors that are clearly patterned in such a multicultural place like SF are condoned
Service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. While many rave about the friendly and attentive staff, there are also notable complaints about rude bartenders and inconsistent experiences. If you catch them on a good day, you'll be well taken care of, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a 7.8 score and a fantastic 83.9% customer satisfaction! With 135 positive remarks out of 161 total, guests consistently praise the laid-back vibes, dog-friendly atmosphere, and the fun additions like a pool table. It's often described as a vibrant, classic dive bar with a welcoming, neighborhood feel.
However, a few of the 16 critical comments point to some areas for improvement. Some visitors noted limited seating, difficult parking, and occasionally loud music. There were also mentions of the interior being cold, which could impact comfort for some.
Overall, these are minor points in an otherwise well-received atmosphere.
Ambience
161
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
16
negative
10
neutral
135
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant, laid-back vibe
- Dog-friendly atmosphere
- Entertainment like pool
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Difficult parking
- Loud music
Often praised
- atmosphereOn top of it all, the bar is everything Iād dream of a dive to be and hit all the points. Great food, vibrant atmosphere, dive ambiance, cheap if not easily reasonable drinks, and fun people and staff. I would definitely recommend.
- pool tableIt's a great little spot tucked away downtown. They have TVs with the game on, great art, a couple of arcade machines, and a pool table. There were also lots of patrons, contributing to a lively atmosphere.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- barbar is everything Iād dream a of dive to be
- placeDrinks are ordered directly at the bar. It's an interesting and fun place.
- vibeI stopped by for drinks with friends, and one of them knows this place well. I'm almost ashamed to have never been here before, as it reminds me, vibe-wise, fondly of Zeitgeist, 500 Club, and Lucky 13 (of blessed memory). The staff were friendly and adept, and the drinks were excellently mixed.
- dive barSolid dive bar that checks all the boxes
- crowdthe crowd is always very friendly and welcoming
- dog friendlyIt's dog friendly if your dog is well-behaved
- ambienceThe ambience was great
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereLame unless youāre a techie looking for a safe fake-dive bar
- Parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- chairchair I sat in, was completely broken and fell apart
- cold insideIt was very cold inside
- dive barMore of a college bar than a dive bar
- kid-friendlinessService was rated a 5/5. However, the reviewer noted that the restaurant is not kid-friendly at all. The price per person is estimated to be between $30ā50.
- musicAnd the music was WAAAAAAY too loud!
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- placehorrible, sketchy, atrocious place.
- ratsnot just rats
If youre seeking a lively, unpretentious spot with a strong neighborhood feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. Expect a vibrant, dog-friendly atmosphere with plenty of entertainment, but be prepared for potential parking challenges and possibly loud music. Its a great hangout if you appreciate a classic dive bar vibe.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real bright spots! Many customers rave about the affordable prices and cheap drinks, especially highlighting the specials and overall fair price for what you get. With 15 positive remarks among 29 total opinions, it seems many find their wallet happy here, contributing to an average score of 6.2.
However, not everyone is thrilled with the pricing. Some folks found issues with beer prices and unexpected taxes, noting discrepancies with digital menus. These concerns, along with some feeling certain items were overpriced, contribute to a mixed customer satisfaction of 51.7%, based on 9 negative comments.
Value
29
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
9
negative
5
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Cheap drinks
- Great specials
What people don't like
- Hidden taxes
- Price discrepancies
- Overpriced items
Often praised
- drinksOn top of it all, the bar is everything Iād dream of a dive to be and hit all the points. Great food, vibrant atmosphere, dive ambiance, cheap if not easily reasonable drinks, and fun people and staff. I would definitely recommend.
- pricesThe burgers are easily the best I've found. Beyond the incredible food, they offer affordable prices and top-notch service. Every visit, the people are great and the food is delicious!
- $16 burgerbest $16 burger I've ever had
- 8 dollarsgave me 8 big dollar bills
- affordablecertainly affordable for the area
- affordable pricesAll those golden crafts are worth every dollar, especially in 10 oz glasses! They also have a decent list of beer in bottles and cans with affordable prices, a huge selection of hard liquors if that's your thing, and a kitchen menu with not-your-regular dishes! Come here and maybe you'll wonder how such places still exist in the heart of the financial district in this rotten capitalist world!
- cheapthe food is both good AND cheap!
- cover chargeThe drinks are cheap and tasty, and they have a decent menu with the kitchen open until 12 am. There's plenty of seating and no cover charge. They also have a pool table and televisions for sports viewing.
- drink pricesreasonable drink prices
- drinks and foodThe bartenders were welcoming and quick, and even the regulars were inviting, despite my Broncos shirt. I experienced a great atmosphere, with well priced drinks and food. The staff was awesome, and I hope to revisit.
Frequently criticized
- pricedouble the price you can find at the store
- Fernet shotsThe food was great, coming from next door. They also serve $8 shots of Fernet.
- beer pricesannoying to list beer prices as 3 bucks then say itās $4 bc of taxes
- businessThe staff are some of the poorest problem-solvers I have met and come across as unfriendly. I would advise anyone to save their money and bring their business somewhere else.
- digital menusdigital menus on the tables have cheaper prices
- pricescheaper prices than the menus the bartender hands you
- street parkingStreet parking may be at a premium
- taxessay itās $4 bc of taxes. Are the taxes 33%???
If youre looking for a place with generally reasonable prices, especially for drinks and daily specials, this spot could be a good fit. Just be mindful of potential hidden costs or price variations on certain items, as some patrons found them a bit steep. Its a mixed bag, so go in with an open mind about specific pricing.
How are the prices at Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen?
Youāre looking at roughly 30 $ per person ā reported by 101 diners. That puts it in the $21ā$30 category. For a Bar & Grill, itās comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners spend between 11 – 30 $, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, with a few venturing into higher price points.
Hereās a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
How this Bar & Grill’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Grill in San Francisco. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen
Price per Person
- $11ā$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Cool bar with character and pool
My experience at this bar was great! It's a cool bar with character and even has a pool table. The ordering process is unique; you order food outside and receive a pager that notifies you when your food is ready for pickup.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service also received a 5. The food was rated a 4, indicating a good experience overall.
- bar9
- pool table8
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $41ā$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6ā15 min.)
9
Lively Spot for Elevated Bar Food
My experience at Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen was that of a lively spot with a vibrant atmosphere. The creative cocktails were a highlight, and the sports-friendly setup with multiple screens showing live sports was much appreciated. The menu features elevated bar food, including loaded fries, burgers, and wings, often with a bold twist.
Guests will appreciate the upbeat vibe, fast service, and it's a great hangout for groups, game nights, or casual weekend outings. It's good for those looking for energy, flavor, and fun under one roof.
- vibrant atmosphere9
- creative cocktails9
- sports-friendly setup8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Great Bar and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The bar was great, and the atmosphere was equally impressive. I'd like to address a previous comment about an assault; the individual was antagonizing protesters, which led to the incident.
Overall, the service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- bar10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Unsanitary Conditions and Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The place needs to be inspected, not just for rats, but also for the abysmal customer service. It gets out of hand, and the poor security is a major concern.
š
- rats1
- customer service2
- security1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Horrible Experience: Assault and Roaches
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The service was appalling, as the bartender assaulted my friend and broke his glasses. Additionally, I observed roaches, which is a severe cleanliness issue.
This was a dinner meal with a price per person of $100+.
- bartender assault1
- broken glasses2
- roaches1
What Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen?
At Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen, you’ll discover a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for socializing. It’s a fantastic spot for sports fans, offering a lively environment to watch games. You can also enjoy various bar games, making it an ideal destination for entertainment and a relaxed evening out in West SoMa.
What dining options and services are available at Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen?
Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen provides flexible dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating and table service. You can also grab a quick bite, enjoy late-night food, or choose from happy hour drinks. For convenience, curbside pickup and takeout services are available, alongside dine-in.
What is the overall rating for Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen?
Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen has an overall score of 7.7, indicating a good experience. Its highest-rated aspects are Food (8.5) and Ambience (7.8), followed by Service (6.7) and Value (6.2).
Is the food at Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen well-regarded?
Yes, the food is a significant highlight, with many customers praising the delicious options, especially the burgers and bar food. It consistently receives high marks for taste and quality.
What is the atmosphere like at Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen?
The atmosphere is generally described as lively and vibrant, often compared to a classic dive bar. It’s a popular spot for socializing, with amenities like a pool table and TVs, though some find the music can be too loud.