Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » Royal Exchange – San Francisco
Royal Exchange - San Francisco
Photo from Royal Exchange
Royal Exchange at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 34 of the guests
#1071 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Bar & Grill out of 16 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
253
Reviews
80.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Good food
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- High prices
The restaurant Royal Exchange is a vibrant Bar & Grill located in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling Financial District. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice its casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after work or catching up with friends.
You can expect a fantastic experience, especially if you appreciate a great beer selection, which is one of its standout features. It’s a prime spot for a quick bite or a full meal.
Overview: Introducting Royal Exchange
Royal Exchange offers a classic pub experience, often praised for its quality food and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight the freshness of their meals and the friendly staff, contributing to a generally positive visit.
However, some experiences suggest that value can be a point of contention, with certain drinks perceived as pricey. Occasional lapses in service, described as slow or inconsistent, can also be quite jarring for some patrons.
Good
7.6
out of 10
253
Reviews
80.2%
Satisfaction
34
negative
16
neutral
203
positive
Overall, Royal Exchange holds a respectable 7.6 score, with Customer Satisfaction at a solid 80.2%, indicating a generally positive experience for many. This assessment comes from a substantial 253 customer remarks, with 203 positive observations against 34 negative ones.
It suggests that while not perfect, the establishment largely meets expectations, particularly in key areas. Diving deeper, the Food (7.9) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality.
Service (7.7) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff. The Ambience (7.3) contributes positively to the overall experience, offering a classic pub feel.
However, Value (5.6) appears to be an area where opinions are more divided, suggesting some find it less compelling.
What people like
- Quality food, diverse beers
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Authentic pub atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Perceived high prices
- Bland food, poor cocktails
With a Recommendation Score of 8, Royal Exchange is generally a solid choice, especially if you appreciate a classic pub setting and good food. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of a pleasant experience, making it a reliable option for many.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the pricing, which some find a bit steep. If you prioritize a lively atmosphere and a decent meal over strict value or flawless service, it’s certainly worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Royal Exchange
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a high 82.8%, it's clear most diners are leaving happy. Patrons frequently rave about the excellent variety of beers, the must-try soft pretzel, and the overall quality food, highlighting a well-rounded menu that offers something for everyone, based on 106 positive opinions out of 128 total.
However, there are a few areas that could use a little polish. A small number of guests, 8 to be exact, found the cocktails to be quite disappointing, with some mentioning poor quality. There were also a couple of comments about portion size being on the smaller side and some food items, like a specific burger, being a bit bland.
Food
128
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
8
negative
14
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great beer selection
- Quality pub food
- Tasty sandwiches
What people don't like
- Poor cocktails
- Small portions
- Bland food
Often praised
- foodThe food and service are always good
- beer selectionI've never been disappointed. The food is always fresh, and they offer a great beer selection. I will definitely be back again.
- burgerHad the burger, came out quickly and was perfectly cooked.
- French dipHad the French dip, the bread seemed different this time
- beerAdd the Sliders and a beer and you'll be full
- fish and chipsfish and chips. He was very impressed
- friesgot it with fries, crispy and crunchy
- salmon BLTabsolutely great sandwich called a salmon BLT
- selection of beersMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. The staff were incredibly friendly & knowledgeable regarding their extensive selection of local and distant beers. I'm confident this expertise extends to their top-shelf liquor, catering to the largely financial district crowd.
- variety of beersWhat a great place! It's very well-maintained and offers an extensive variety of beers. The waiters were incredibly attentive, and one of them, who was Latino, even recommended places to visit.
Frequently criticized
- Bear Burgerthe food tasted pretty bland
- Negronia Negroni and they were both awful
- best burgerif you’re looking for the “best burger”
- cocktailsBAD cocktails… like REALLY bad
- espresso martinian espresso martini and a Negroni and they were both awful
- foodI ordered the Bear Burger with fries, as burgers were noted as a crowd favorite. Unfortunately, the food was below average and tasted quite bland. On a positive note, the service was good and the food arrived quickly.
- portion sizeSmall portion
- portionsbut small portions
If youre looking for a place with a fantastic beer selection and generally delicious, quality pub fare, youll likely be very pleased. Just be aware that the cocktails might not be their strong suit, and some portions could be on the smaller side.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The service here generally shines, earning a solid 7.7 score and a high 81% customer satisfaction. Many guests, accounting for 51 positive remarks out of 63 total, consistently praise the friendly staff, attentive waiters, and great, fast service, often highlighting helpful bartenders. However, not every experience is perfect, with 12 comments noting issues.
Some visitors encountered super slow service, unpleasant staff, or frustrating waits for a server, occasionally describing staff as lazy or inattentive, particularly with bartender availability.
Service
63
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great, fast service
- Helpful bartenders
What people don't like
- Super slow service
- Unpleasant, rude staff
- Long waits for server
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the great food and reasonable prices, complemented by great service. Even though they experienced a power outage just as we were leaving, it didn't detract from the overall positive experience.
- staffExcellent staff that is friendly & knowledgeable
- bartenderfriendly bartender! Brandon provided great service
- waiterMy waiter talked me through the beers
- Andy and OctavioAndy and Octavio are fantastic
- Royal treatmentRodger gave us the Royal treatment!
- attentive waitersIt's very well-maintained and offers an extensive variety of beers. The waiters were incredibly attentive, and one of them, who was Latino, even recommended places to visit. Plus, the potatoes were fried in olive oil.
- bar staffBar staff is pretty nice
- bartendersThe Royal Exchange is still an excellent pub with a classic feel. With plenty of beer choices and great bartenders, it remains a perfect spot to meet friends and catch up. It's also easy to get to, with convenient access via public transportation and nearby parking for drivers.
- customer serviceI especially want to highlight Andy and Octavio, who are fantastic. They are down-to-earth people and provide excellent customer service.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice by the waitress was extremely unpleasant, hostile, and despicable
- attentionEven my German friends were surprised by her rude service. Because of that bad attention, I give it only one star. I would return to this place for drinks, but only if it's not that woman serving me.
- bartenderThe bartender was slow, too
- doors lockedI visited the restaurant a few minutes before 8 PM, around 7: 55 PM, but the doors were locked. The guy at the bar told me to go away, stating they were closed.
- guy at the barguy at the bar telling me to go away
- lazyHow lazy can you be?
- serverour server acted annoyed by our presence
- server availabilityimpossible to get a server at our table
- staffthe staff there get a bit complacent
- waiting for a serverHowever, the service was super slow. We went at dinner time and sat for nearly 20 minutes waiting for a server. The bartender was also slow, and only one of the two full bars was staffed.
Overall, the service at this spot is generally a strong point, making it a good choice if you value attentive and friendly staff. While most experiences are positive, be aware there's a small chance of encountering slower service or less enthusiastic team members.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, with a 7.3 score indicating a good experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 78.8%. Out of 52 comments, a strong 41 praise the welcoming atmosphere, often highlighting its authentic pub vibe and lively feel. Many appreciate it as a great spot for conversation, with mentions of good music and even clean bathrooms contributing to a pleasant setting.
However, not everyone finds the vibe perfect. A few of the 9 negative remarks point out that the venue can get quite crowded, especially on busy nights. Some found the seating areas too dark, making it hard to read menus, and noted issues like poorly lit tables or awkwardly positioned TVs. There's also a specific concern about the lack of an accessible restroom.
Ambience
52
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic pub vibe
- Lively atmosphere
- Good for conversation
What people don't like
- Can get crowded
- Dark seating areas
- No accessible restroom
Often praised
- atmosphereThe pub opened in 1972, the same year the first episode of "The Streets of San Francisco" aired. Given the timing and the pub's classic San Francisco atmosphere, it's not at all far-fetched to imagine Stone and Keller stopping by for a couple of beers after a long day of chasing bad guys.
- placeWhat a great place! It's very well-maintained and offers an extensive variety of beers.
- ambianceI love the ambiance
- Go To restauranta Go To restaurant for over 30+ years
- after work spacepotentially a great after work space
- authentic barVery authentic bar
- authentic pub vibeI enjoyed an excellent cob salad and a delicious Rueben sandwich. Beyond the food, the overall authentic pub vibe and the friendly bartenders and staff made the visit truly memorable. The atmosphere and food were both rated a perfect 5, contributing to a great overall experience.
- bathroomsvery clean bathrooms
- boothwe got a booth. This allowed us to have a good private conversation.
- cleanlinessclean and very good food
Frequently criticized
- TVsTVs are positioned at weird angles
- accessible restroomthere is no accessible restroom
- best dining experienceDon't expect a best dining experience
- crowdedit was quite crowded
- noise levelThe food was also good, rated at 4. The atmosphere was rated 4, though it can be a little noisy at times. Overall, it's a nice place for a drink and a bite.
- seating areaThe seating area was too dark to read the menu
- tablesMost of the tables were in poorly light booths
- venuethe venue is crowded
- wall lightThere was a light on the wall that was about as bright as a night light
If you're looking for an authentic, lively pub experience with a good vibe for drinks and conversation, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it can get crowded, and some seating might be a bit dim, so pick your time wisely.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.6, placing it squarely in the average range. Based on 10 pieces of customer feedback, it seems about half of you found the pricing quite reasonable. Many appreciated the priced and affordable price options, with some even raving about a great happy hour that offered good food choices.
However, the other half of the opinions suggest that value can be a sticking point, leading to a customer satisfaction of 50%, which is pretty mixed. Some folks felt things were a bit pricey, noting that even a simple Stella could cost a fair bit, and the SF mandate tax added to the overall expense. So, while some found good deals, others felt the pinch.
Value
10
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced food
- Affordable options
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- High drink costs
- Added SF mandate tax
Often praised
- happy hourgreat happy hour with good food options
- priceaffordable price
- price on the foodMy experience at this restaurant offered a decent price on the food. The staff seemed attentive, contributing to a positive service experience.
- pricedThe server seemed to sense this and was attentive, stopping in and out to take our order, deliver it, and keep our drinks filled. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. Glad I found this place.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the great food and reasonable prices, complemented by great service. Even though they experienced a power outage just as we were leaving, it didn't detract from the overall positive experience.
Frequently criticized
- SF mandate taxSF mandate tax is added and taxes on top
- pricePricey tho
- priceyBit pricey
- simple StellaA simple Stella will cost you more than $10 with out tip
- tequila shotcheapest shot of tequila was $11, which was a lot
If youre looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour, this place might be worth checking out. However, be prepared that some items could feel a bit expensive, so its wise to review the menu with prices in mind before you commit.
How are the prices at Royal Exchange?
Youre looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 34 diners. That puts it squarely in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Grill, its comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending in this sweet spot, with a good cluster around the average, though there are certainly options for those looking to splurge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 34 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Grill in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range experience, making it a good choice for a casual meal where you know you’re getting good value without overspending.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Royal Exchange
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food, Welcoming Service
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The staff was incredibly nice and accommodating, allowing us to rest with our luggage between our cruise and flight. The food was truly delicious.
A small note for accessibility: due to the older building, there isn't an accessible restroom, but we were able to use the one next door.
- staff10
- food10
- accessible restroom3
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The sweetest waitress I've ever had provided outstanding service. The food was truly to die for, with the Salmon BLT being a standout dish that left me swooning.
The Lemonade was perfectly balanced, not overly sweet with an amazing lemon level. The atmosphere was also rated highly. I would give this place a 10/10 and consider it an amazing place to bring anyone, whether it's friends, family, for a first date, or even for coworkers.
- sweetest waitress10
- food10
- Salmon BLT10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Classic San Francisco Pub Experience
It's been quite a few years since I last visited this place. So much has changed since 2016, especially after the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns in San Francisco. Our routines were drastically altered, and many places where we used to gather to have a drink and enjoy each other's company became distant memories.
A few days ago, however, I met an old friend at The Royal Exchange, just like we used to before the pandemic, and it was a grand time. It felt like things were finally getting back on track. The Royal Exchange is still an excellent pub with a classic feel.
With plenty of beer choices and great bartenders, it remains a perfect spot to meet friends and catch up. It's also easy to get to, with convenient access via public transportation and nearby parking for drivers. The pub opened in 1972, the same year the first episode of "The Streets of San Francisco" aired.
Given the timing and the pub's classic San Francisco atmosphere, it's not at all far-fetched to imagine Stone and Keller stopping by for a couple of beers after a long day of chasing bad guys.
- pub9
- beer choices8
- bartenders9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good for drinks and a bite
My experience at this restaurant was positive for a casual drink and a bite to eat. The service was excellent, receiving a perfect score of 5. The food was also good, rated at 4.
The atmosphere was rated 4, though it can be a little noisy at times. Overall, it's a nice place for a drink and a bite.
- place7
- service10
- food7
- noise level4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Beer Selection and Attentive Service
What a great place! It's very well-maintained and offers an extensive variety of beers. The waiters were incredibly attentive, and one of them, who was Latino, even recommended places to visit.
Plus, the potatoes were fried in olive oil.
- variety of beers9
- attentive waiters9
- potatoes8
What Royal Exchange offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
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
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and highlights can you expect at Royal Exchange?
At Royal Exchange, you’ll discover a casual and trendy atmosphere, ideal for unwinding in San Francisco’s Financial District. It’s a top spot for sports fans, boasting a great beer selection. You can enjoy a relaxed setting, whether you’re in for a quick bite or a full meal.
What dining options and offerings are available at Royal Exchange?
Royal Exchange offers diverse dining options, including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating and table service. You can enjoy happy hour drinks and food, small plates, or a full meal. They serve hard liquor, wine, beer, and coffee, catering to various preferences.
How does Royal Exchange generally rate with customers?
Royal Exchange holds a 7.6 overall score, with Customer Satisfaction at 80.2%. Its Food (7.9) and Service (7.7) are highly rated, while Ambience (7.3) is also well-regarded. Value (5.6) is an area with more mixed opinions.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food and atmosphere?
Many customers praise the quality and freshness of the food, including items like the burger and salmon BLT, alongside a great beer selection. The classic San Francisco pub atmosphere and cleanliness are also frequently highlighted.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some visitors have noted inconsistencies in service, describing it as occasionally slow or unpleasant. Additionally, the pricing, particularly for drinks, is sometimes perceived as high, impacting the overall value for some.