Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » PoBoys – San Francisco
PoBoys - San Francisco
Photo from PoBoys
PoBoys at a glance
San Francisco Potrero Hill
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#463 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#18 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
549
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Pleasant ambiance
- Tasty food
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Flavor inconsistency
- Dated decor
The restaurant PoBoys Kitchen, an American Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Potrero Hill neighborhood, invites you to experience a truly casual and cozy dining spot. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Whether you’re craving classic American fare or exploring new flavors, this spot offers a relaxed setting where you can unwind and enjoy.
Overview: Introducting PoBoys
PoBoys offers a dining experience where the staff often makes you feel like family, providing attentive and friendly service. Guests frequently praise the warm and welcoming atmosphere, noting its cleanliness and suitability for a pleasant outing.
While the food receives many compliments for its delicious flavors and well-prepared dishes, some find certain items lacking authenticity or being quite bland. Additionally, the perception of value can be a point of contention, with some feeling the offerings are overpriced.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
549
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
55
negative
35
neutral
459
positive
PoBoys generally earns a strong overall rating with a Restaurant Score of 8.2, reflecting a good dining experience. This aligns well with a solid Customer Satisfaction of 83.6%, indicating most patrons leave pleased.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 549 customer opinions, with 459 positive remarks outweighing 55 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Service (8.9) stands out as excellent, frequently praised by guests.
The Ambience (8.4) and Food (8.2) also receive good marks, suggesting a pleasant setting and generally well-regarded dishes. However, Value (5.2) presents a more average picture, indicating some customers feel the pricing doesn’t always match the offering.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm, clean atmosphere
- Delicious, well-prepared dishes
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent food authenticity
- Dated seating
PoBoys presents a generally positive experience, particularly if you value excellent service and a welcoming ambience. With a Recommendation Score of 8.3, it’s certainly worth considering for a meal where hospitality shines.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep, and manage expectations regarding the authenticity of certain dishes. If you prioritize a friendly environment and generally good food over strict budget or traditional flavors, you’ll likely enjoy your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on PoBoys
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a strong 83.7%, its clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 349 comments, a whopping 292 rave about the delicious "gumbo, " "poboys, jambalaya, and fried chicken, praising their rich flavor and generous portions.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 37 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. A few folks found the cornbread a bit dry or stale, and some mentioned bland flavors in certain dishes. There were also occasional notes about overcooked seafood or a perceived lack of authenticity" in some offerings.
Food
349
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
37
negative
20
neutral
292
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful Cajun dishes
- Generous portions
- Crispy fried chicken
What people don't like
- Dry cornbread
- Bland flavors
- Inconsistent authenticity
Often praised
- foodThe staff were very friendly and accommodating. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was great.
- gumboordered the gumbo and the seafood jambalaya. The food I ordered was amazingly delicious
- FoodFood:5
- beignetscouldn’t resist finishing things off with the beignets—they came out warm, fluffy
- chickenThe Po Boy sandwich and the chicken combo platter were both delicious. The chicken was fried to perfection, and the fries were nice and crispy. The highlight was definitely the Cajun sauce that comes on the side.
- friesThe staff was really kind and provided top-notch service. I thoroughly enjoyed the oyster po' boy, and the accompanying fries were a solid portion and seasoned well. The remoulade was also fantastic.
- JambalayaEverything else from the Jambalaya to the fried chicken are also excellent
- fish and chipsAfter eating fish and chips, I feel like the British really know how to eat.
- fried chickenHowever, the flavors were lacking and a bit bland overall. On the bright side, the Mac and cheese was amazing and the fried chicken was crispy. While it's worth a try, my group agreed we wouldn't be returning.
- jambalayaeverything has been amazing! The owner is always so kind
Frequently criticized
- foodIt didn’t deserve anything. Truly can’t believe the type of food they’re promoting as “real” southern style food. When you order “garlic bread”- you kinda expect some freakin garlic bread!
- FoodFood:1
- batterthe batter on the frozen precooked shrimp fell right off
- gumboeveryone in the pot gumbo not cooked fresh cause it's. already mixed together
- Cesar saladgirlfriend’s Cesar salad was boring af
- Shrimp po boyShrimp po boy was mid and pretty flavorless
- authentic Cajun markmissed that authentic Cajun mark
- authenticityNot authentic
- beignetsthey were warm, albeit flavorless & heavy
- breadthe bread was mighty stale
If youre craving flavorful Cajun and Southern-style comfort food, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for their highly praised gumbo and poboys. Just be aware that while most dishes are a hit, a few might not quite live up to the hype, so choose wisely!
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The service here is truly a standout, earning an excellent score of 8.9 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 90.8% based on 79 positive remarks. Guests consistently rave about the friendly services, attentive staff, and personable owner, often feeling like family. Many highlight the great service and quick attention, making for a wonderful overall experience.
While overwhelmingly positive, there were a couple of minor hiccups among the 87 total comments. A few noted a Service issue, specifically one instance where food was dropped some of my food. However, these isolated incidents are rare and don't reflect the general high standard of care.
Service
87
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
2
negative
6
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personable owner
- Quick, no-wait service
What people don't like
- Food dropped once
Often praised
- serviceThe service and atmosphere were spot on. We were treated like we were in the staff's home, and being well taken care of.
- staffWhen we arrived, all the tables inside were filled, so they kindly hooked us up with an outdoor table until one opened up. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was great.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerMy girlfriend and I recently visited PoBoys Kitchen for a bite to eat, and we were immediately made to feel like family by the warm, friendly staff and the down to earth owner. The chicken po'boy sandwich was absolutely fantastic!
- peoplePeople there are also very nice and kind
- StaffStaff was friendly and attentive and on top of things.
- chefI considered proposing to the chef
- everyoneEveryone was kind
- experienceWe loved our experience here
- friendlyeveryone was so friendly
Frequently criticized
- ServiceService:1
- dropped some of my foodthey dropped it on the floor while bringing it out
If you value a warm welcome and attentive care, this place is definitely worth a visit. The service is consistently praised for being friendly and making guests feel right at home, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
It seems the ambiance here is a real winner, scoring a fantastic 8.4 and boasting a stellar 87.8% customer satisfaction! With 79 positive remarks out of 90 total, guests consistently praise the cozy atmosphere, often highlighting the lovely outdoor seating and great music. Many love the unique vibe, describing it as a warm, welcoming, and clean neighborhood spot.
However, not everyone was completely charmed, with 5 negative comments noted. A few guests felt the seating appeared dated, and some found the overall atmosphere to be less appealing. There were also mentions of the location not living up to expectations, suggesting a slight disconnect for some visitors.
Ambience
90
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
5
negative
6
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, warm atmosphere
- Lovely outdoor seating
- Great music, unique vibe
What people don't like
- Dated seating appearance
- Unappealing overall atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereWhat truly sets this restaurant apart is how impeccably clean it is. The dining experience is further elevated by the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the owner and the friendly staff. Whenever I'm in San Francisco, I make it a point to have lunch at Po Boys because it's a fantastic dining experience every time.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantWe had a very nice talk with the owner/chef, who is very personable and opened our eyes to some of the issues facing restaurants these days. He and the restaurant are great assets for this neighborhood, definitely worth supporting.
- outdoor seatingthey have outdoor seating for the folks with dogs!
- placeNice place for a date night.
- vibeThe vibe, the service, and the food was on point.
- locationGreat service, food, location, setting.
- seatingWe really wish we could have stayed to enjoy the food there, as the atmosphere and location were nice. There is indoor and outdoor seating, and the place is small, so big parties may want to call ahead to ensure a table. We are definitely going back one of these days to try the pasta, jumbalaya, or the fish and chips!
- ambianceOverall the ambiance fit what I would expect from a southern Cajun restaurant
- areaThe area around the restaurant was very relaxing
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- location and atmosphereDon't let the location and atmosphere fool you.
- placereal bad place
- seatingWe found that they are charging premium prices for what we felt was below average quality dishes. Even the seating appeared dated. I won't be returning.
- water glasseswater glasses are oddly small
If youre seeking a genuinely warm and inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. The overwhelming positive feedback suggests a cozy, clean, and lively environment perfect for a casual meal or a date night. Dont let a few minor quibbles deter you from experiencing its charm.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience quite positive, noting that the 9 positive remarks often highlighted reasonably priced items and getting your money's worth. Many felt the prices were fair for the portion sizes and quality, making the menu an attractive option. However, with a score of 5.2, it seems to land squarely in the average range.
On the flip side, the value proposition leaves a lot to be desired for others, with 11 negative comments pointing to issues like the price being too high, feeling overpriced, and ultimately not worth the cost. This sentiment is reflected in a poor customer satisfaction of just 39.1%. Many felt the high price didn't match the quality or quantity, leading to disappointment.
Value
23
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced menu
- Good money's worth
What people don't like
- Extremely overpriced
- Not worth the cost
- High price
Often praised
- priceI ordered the chicken combo, and the portion was large and tasted very good. I was very satisfied with the price.
- pricesthe prices were reasonable
- menumenu is fairly priced
- money's worthI am ELATED that I discovered this place. The food is SUPER flavorful, with exceptional portions, so you truly get your money's worth. The staff is ALWAYS super friendly and professional, as well as accommodating.
- price per personThe food was rated a 5, the atmosphere was a 5, and the service was a 5. We enjoyed the Jambalaya for lunch, which cost between $20–30 per person.
- reasonably pricedIn my opinion, they offer the best of both dishes in town. The prices were reasonably priced, and the service was great. I also highly recommend trying the delicious sangria, especially by the pitcher.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe fish itself was delicious, but the fries were clearly from the freezer and unthawed. My girlfriend’s Cesar salad was boring af yet $15. I'm not sure what the hype is about the place; they're not even Cajun.
- PricesPrices were recently increased
- buy the chicken sandwich without the extrasbuy the chicken sandwich without the extras
- extremely overpricedRegarding the food itself, it was wildly mediocre. To make matters worse, the meal was extremely overpriced. I definitely would not recommend this place and feel it is not worth the cost.
- foodthe food is overpriced
- high pricedisappointment considering the high price
- not worth the costit is not worth it
- pricescharging premium prices
- service and delivery feespay an extra like $25 for service and delivery fees
- valuejust not worth it
If youre looking for a place where every dollar stretches, this might be a mixed bag, leaning towards disappointment for many. While some find the prices fair, a significant portion of diners feel its overpriced and not worth the cost. Consider your budget carefully before you commit.
How are the prices at PoBoys?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 91 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what folks actually spend, most guests stick to that $21–$30 sweet spot. However, there’s also a good number of diners opting for the $11–$20 range, and some who choose to splurge a bit more, showing a nice mix of options around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant. It offers a good balance, catering to those looking for a solid mid-range meal while also having options for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about PoBoys
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Incredible Food and Nicest People!
Our party had an incredible experience at this restaurant. We enjoyed the mussels, fish poboy, and the chicken plate, all of which were absolutely delicious. Beyond the amazing food, the staff and owner are the absolute nicest people.
The community is lucky to have them here!
- mussels10
- fish poboy10
- chicken plate10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Seafood Jambalaya and Salad!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was very impressed with the seafood jambalaya, and the garden salad was one of the best I've ever had. The waitress was lovely too, and the whole experience was great.
I definitely recommend giving it a try.
- seafood jambalaya9
- garden salad10
- waitress9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Surprisingly Good Creole Experience!
We showed up not really knowing what to expect, and it totally surprised us! The food was really good — full of that rich Creole flavor. The place has a super casual vibe, and everyone was so friendly.
Definitely worth a visit!
- food8
- Creole flavor9
- casual vibe7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food and Great Service
I had a great experience at this little spot. I enjoyed an early dinner outside and was impressed by the amazing food and service. The Shrimp and Grits and the Poboy were both delicious.
- food10
- service10
- Shrimp and Grits10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The owner was very personable and friendly. The food came out swiftly and was hot, fresh, and flavorful.
I'm definitely going back!
- owner10
- food10
What PoBoys offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Braille menu
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What accessibility features and service options does PoBoys Kitchen offer?
PoBoys Kitchen ensures a comfortable visit with wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. You can enjoy your meal through various service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, no-contact delivery, and curbside pickup. Outdoor seating is also available for you to relax and enjoy the San Francisco air.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at PoBoys Kitchen?
At PoBoys Kitchen, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with dessert and small plates. You can also find a selection of wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails, including organic dishes and vegetarian options to suit your preferences.
What is the overall rating for PoBoys and what contributes to it?
PoBoys holds a strong Restaurant Score of 8.2 and a Customer Satisfaction of 83.6%. This is largely driven by excellent Service (8.9), good Ambience (8.4), and good Food (8.2), though Value (5.2) is considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about PoBoys?
Customers frequently praise the friendly and attentive staff, often feeling like family. The warm, clean atmosphere and pleasant dining environment are also highly regarded.
Are there any common concerns about dining at PoBoys?
Some customers express concerns about the perceived high prices, feeling that certain items are overpriced. There are also occasional comments about the food lacking authenticity or being bland.