Highlights
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Macondray – San Francisco
Macondray - San Francisco
Photo from Macondray
Macondray at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#867 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#58 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
439
Reviews
80.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Charming atmosphere
- Creative drinks
Frequently criticized
- Loud environment
- High prices
The bar & pub Macondray invites you to experience the vibrant energy of San Francisco’s Polk Gulch. This casual and trendy spot is renowned for its lively atmosphere, especially when live performances take the stage.
You’ll find a welcoming environment perfect for unwinding, whether you’re looking for a great beer selection or delicious food at the bar. It’s a prime destination for a memorable night out.
Overview: Introducting Macondray
Macondray offers a truly delightful experience, with many appreciating its charming and inviting atmosphere and cozy vibe. Guests often highlight the quality of the food and especially the creative drinks, making it a pleasant spot for a night out.
However, some find the portions a bit small for the price, and the music can occasionally be quite loud, impacting conversation. While the service generally receives praise, there are instances of slow or less attentive interactions.
Good
7.8
out of 10
439
Reviews
80.6%
Satisfaction
64
negative
21
neutral
354
positive
Overall, Macondray holds a solid 7.8 score, reflecting a generally positive experience for most patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 80.6%, indicating that the majority leave content.
This sentiment is drawn from 439 customer observations, with a strong lean towards the positive, showing 354 favorable comments against 64 critical ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8) and Ambience (8.2) are clear strengths, frequently praised for their quality and inviting feel.
Service (7.6) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff. However, Value (4.5) is an area where Macondray struggles, with several comments noting concerns about pricing relative to portion sizes.
What people like
- Charming atmosphere
- Creative cocktails
- Quality food items
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Pricey small portions
- Inconsistent service
With a solid 8 recommendation score, Macondray is a strong contender if you appreciate a lively spot with a great atmosphere and inventive drinks. It’s a place where the culinary offerings, particularly the small plates, generally hit the mark, making for an enjoyable outing.
However, be mindful that the experience might come with a higher price tag for smaller portions, and the noise level can sometimes be a factor. If you prioritize a vibrant setting and unique cocktails over quiet conversation or budget, it’s certainly worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Macondray
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 83.3%, its clear guests are loving what's on offer. Out of 233 comments, a whopping 194 rave about delicious items like the lobster roll, crispy chicken tenders, and creative cocktails, often praising the overall flavor and quality.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 25 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found portions to be on the smaller side, a few mentioned a salty chicken sandwich, and one particularly disliked the Bloody Mary. It seems while the highs are high, there are a few specific dishes that miss the mark.
Food
233
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
25
negative
14
neutral
194
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious lobster rolls
- Creative cocktails
- Crispy chicken tenders
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Salty chicken sandwich
- Bad Bloody Mary
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was exactly what the neighborhood needs. I enjoyed the fantastic drinks, the great vibe, and the awesome food. Our favorite dish was the lobster roll bites, which were SO GOOD.
- cocktailsI gave 5 stars for the drinks, food, ambiance (even in the parklet, but the inside is absolutely stunning), and the staff. I highly recommend getting the pretzel, even if you aren't hungry, to pair with one of their amazing cocktails. The presence of not one but two slushy machines makes it a must-visit on a hot day, and their frozé is the best I've ever had 💯.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with Josalyn, who was an awesome bartender. We explored multiple bars in San Francisco and found this one to have the best and most interesting drinks. We enjoyed it so much that we even came back the next day.
- oystersThe oysters were fresh and the toppings were flavorful. While the oysters were great, I just expected the portion to be a little bigger, but they were still delicious. Between two people, we shared the fries, oysters, and mussels and were full.
- friesWhile the oysters were great, I just expected the portion to be a little bigger, but they were still delicious. Between two people, we shared the fries, oysters, and mussels and were full. I'll try and make it back for the 5-6 happy hour and dessert next time.
- lobster rollThe lobster roll definitely had more than enough lobster
- pretzelThis was followed by the pretzel. Great food.
- Hit me baby one more thymeHit me baby one more thyme was both of our favorites
- brussel sproutsthe brussel sprouts so spot on
- burgerthe burger. The burger was light, yet crisp and full of flavor and juicy
Frequently criticized
- Bloody MaryAfter a day spent visiting San Francisco, the idea was to stop and relax with a cocktail at this place that apparently specializes in cocktails. Skeptical about the presence of mozzarella in one of the cocktails on the menu, I decided to opt for a classic Bloody Mary, the worst I have ever drunk. Furthermore, my boyfriend's cocktail was equally unpleasant.
- CocktailsCocktails so salty you will dream of flying to Utah
- alcoholTwo stars for the thorough document check 😂 Unfortunately, I couldn't try the famous "Caprese" cocktail as I didn't pass the face control by age. They don't sell alcohol to 37-year-olds 👍🤣 (I didn't have my documents with me, and photos of documents were not accepted).
- basic cocktailsThe kid behind the bar was looking up pretty basic cocktails on his phone.
- burgerThe burger is a slider!
- chicken sandwichthe chicken sandwich was recommended but it was very salty
- cocktailSkeptical about the presence of mozzarella in one of the cocktails on the menu, I decided to opt for a classic Bloody Mary, the worst I have ever drunk. Furthermore, my boyfriend's cocktail was equally unpleasant.
- crustcrust was completely hardened to the bottom
- drinksdrinks were pretty bad and mostly ice
- famous "Caprese" cocktailTwo stars for the thorough document check 😂 Unfortunately, I couldn't try the famous "Caprese" cocktail as I didn't pass the face control by age. They don't sell alcohol to 37-year-olds 👍🤣 (I didn't have my documents with me, and photos of documents were not accepted).
If youre looking for a spot with generally great food and drinks, especially their signature lobster roll and creative cocktails, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of portion sizes and perhaps steer clear of the Bloody Mary if youre particular about it.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 73.8%. With 59 positive remarks out of 80, guests frequently rave about the friendly staff, attentive waiters, and hospitality. Many found the service fast, warm, and responsive, with specific shout-outs to individuals making their experience truly memorable.
However, its not all sunshine, as 17 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Concerns include rude bartender interactions, slow service, and frustrating waiting time' where customers felt unacknowledged. There were also mentions of staff behavior being less than ideal, suggesting inconsistency in the overall service experience.
Service
80
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm hospitality
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Rude staff interactions
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceBoth were absolutely delicious and well presented. Prices are slightly high for the portion size, however, the service made up for it.
- staffMy experience at this bar was pleasant. It's a nice and quaint bar in Polk with nice decor and friendly staff. They have some good drink options, including a gingerbeer that was great, described as a mix of stuff on tap, not from a bottle.
- JosalynJosalyn was the MVP and star of the evening
- bartenderDrinks are also very good. The service was a little slow, but the waiters were very friendly and the bartender was extremely attractive 😂
- bartendersVery good bartenders
- hospitalityMy experience at this restaurant was a great time! The vibe was fantastic, complemented by kind hospitality and a fun atmosphere. The awesome DJ really added to the overall enjoyment.
- AaronAaron is fantastic
- JocelynJocelyn made our 10/10 experience a 200/10.
- KittyThe bartender/waitress, Kitty, was a delight.
- ServiceService:4
Frequently criticized
- serviceI strongly advise keeping your receipts after you drink here, as this practice feels like theft. Secondly, besides this billing issue, the service was extremely slow.
- DrinksDrinks started coming out slowly
- bar serviceMy girlfriend and I were disappointed with our experience. We sat at the bar, but the bartenders continued to serve everyone around us without even acknowledging us. After waiting a while with no service, we decided to leave and find another bar close by.
- bartenderThe bartender was rude. From when I entered to before I ordered.
- face control by agedidn't pass the face control by age
- managerThe manager screamed and shouted profanities at her
- order completionordered our entree 3 times before they actually completed the order
- passive aggressivenessafter some passive aggressiveness between the bartender and the owner
- rude responseshow rude the responses were towards the bad reviews
- rude serverMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I was excited to check it out and had been waiting for 30 minutes, but unfortunately, I encountered a surprisingly rude server. Due to this negative service experience, I decided to leave before ordering.
Overall, youre likely to encounter a friendly and attentive team here, making for a pleasant visit. However, be aware that theres a chance of slower service or less-than-stellar interactions, particularly at the bar. If you value warm hospitality, it's definitely worth a try, but manage expectations for occasional hiccups.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! This spot really nails the atmosphere, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 89.6%. With 95 positive remarks out of 106 total, guests frequently rave about the live DJ, lush and inviting atmosphere, and beautiful decor and ambiance, often highlighting the outdoor patio as a major plus.
It sounds like a truly engaging place to hang out. However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 10 negative comments. A few folks mentioned the music can get loud, making conversation a bit of a challenge.
There were also some notes about seating being limited, especially during peak times. So, while mostly fantastic, keep these minor points in mind.
Ambience
106
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
95
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lush, inviting ambiance
- Lively DJ music
- Beautiful decor, plants
What people don't like
- Music too loud
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Macondray Bar was truly delightful. It's a hidden gem in San Francisco, offering a charming and inviting atmosphere that immediately makes you feel welcome. The decor and ambiance create a cozy and intimate vibe, reminiscent of the beautiful Macondray Lane neighborhood.
- vibeI love the vibe inside with the plants
- vibesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great atmosphere and good vibes. The cocktails were well done and offered something beyond standard fare.
- barGood looking bar filled with good looking people.
- decorMy experience at this bar was pleasant. It's a nice and quaint bar in Polk with nice decor and friendly staff. They have some good drink options, including a gingerbeer that was great, described as a mix of stuff on tap, not from a bottle.
- energyThe staff were superb and very cool, contributing to a great atmosphere. It truly felt like an oasis of tasty food and good energy.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- DJThe vibe was fantastic, complemented by kind hospitality and a fun atmosphere. The awesome DJ really added to the overall enjoyment. I highly recommend it – you should go, I dare you.
- ambienceMy experience at the restaurant was positive, with great food and ambience. The attenders were very friendly.
- cocktail barwell balanced cocktail bar
Frequently criticized
- musicI used to love it here, but recently the music is so loud that you have to scream just to have a small conversation, even in a party of two. This has been the case for the last 4 times we’ve visited.
- conversationI used to love it here, but recently the music is so loud that you have to scream just to have a small conversation, even in a party of two. This has been the case for the last 4 times we’ve visited.
- inside the placeIt was a little cold inside the place
- loudit was fairly loud
- moodthe vibe got super awkward and thr mood died instantly.
- predecessormassive upgrade over its divey and stale predecessor
- seatingThe seating (overall) can be limited, particularly at night
If you're looking for a lively, beautifully decorated spot with great energy and music, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that it might get a bit loud for intimate conversations, and seating could be tight on busy nights.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place presents a bit of a mixed bag. While the score of 4.5 suggests an average experience, customer satisfaction for value is quite poor at just 30%. Some guests were pleasantly surprised by the overall affordability and reasonable prices, especially loving the $1.50 oysters and well-priced cocktails, as noted in 6 positive reports.
However, 12 negative reports out of 20 total paint a different picture. Many found the prices to be on the high side, particularly for the portion size and amount of meat. Concerns were also raised about an extra tip being added, which some customers felt was outright theft, significantly impacting their perception of value.
Value
20
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable oyster deals
- Reasonable drink prices
What people don't like
- High food prices
- Small portion sizes
- Mandatory extra tip
Often praised
- pricevery reasonably priced!
- $1.50 oystersinformed of the $1.50 oysters which made our night
- affordabilitysurprisingly affordable given their quality
- cocktailswell-priced for SF
- reasonable pricesWe came here on our first night in the US and loved it! The food and drinks were great and at reasonable prices. The staff was nice.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was a bit mixed. While the taste of the food was pretty good, I found it to be a lil pricey for the small portions. Specifically, the pretzel was *too* small for its pricetag.
- $10$10 for a super tiny jar
- amount of meatI would consider both to be fairly expensive for the amount of meat you get.
- coke$6 for a coke is no joke
- expensiveExpensive (like everywhere in SF)
- extra tipMy experience at this restaurant was marred by two significant issues. Firstly, they added an extra tip on top of my bill, which I found to be unethical. I strongly advise keeping your receipts after you drink here, as this practice feels like theft.
- foodAll the food is questionably expensive
- portion sizeBoth were absolutely delicious and well presented. Prices are slightly high for the portion size, however, the service made up for it.
- pretzel priceit's a bit *too* small for its pricetag
- pricesprices were definitely on the high side
If youre seeking specific deals like their oysters and dont mind potentially higher food prices, you might find some value here. However, be cautious about the overall cost and always check your bill, as some guests reported unexpected charges that soured their experience.
How are the prices at Macondray?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 22 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 35$, our data shows a pretty wide spread, with many guests spending less in the $11–$20 range, and others opting for more premium experiences up to $101+.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. It seems to offer options for various budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Macondray
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Mixed Experience: Great Burger, Terrible Oysters
I came for oysters and some food, but my experience was mixed. The oysters were terrible, described as pulpy with no flavor, and not fresh. I regret not returning them.
While most oysters were bad, one had a wonderful texture and flavor, suggesting inconsistency. I'd rate the oysters -1 star. On a positive note, the Burger with chips & Mac and Cheese was delicious, and despite small portions, they were worth getting.
I'd give the food a 5-star rating. The bartender was rude from the moment I entered until after I ordered, though they improved afterward. This resulted in a -2 star rating for customer service.
The lemonade was excellent (5 stars), and the ambience was also highly rated at 5 stars. Be aware that the kitchen closes at 11 pm on Fridays, and likely Saturdays as well.
- Burger with chips & Mac and Cheese10
- portions6
- lemonade10
- oysters1
- bartender2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food and Great Service!
My experience at this super cute little spot was fantastic! The cocktails were yummy and the food was really good. Our favorites were the Peach fried chicken salad and the deviled eggs.
The service was also warm and fuzzy. It's a solid spot.
- cocktails9
- food9
- Peach fried chicken salad10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Vibes and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was all about the vibes. We initially came here on a recommendation for a quick cocktail and ended up staying for a few rounds! The cocktails were delicious, but the service was truly the star of the show.
Overall, we had a great time and will definitely be back!
- vibes9
- cocktails8
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Favorite Cocktail Bar in San Francisco
After trying many bars in San Francisco, this is by far my favorite cocktail bar. I highly recommend asking for Josalyn; she is knowledgeable and her happy, beautiful attitude will make your day! She is truly holding this bar together.
- cocktail bar9
- Josalyn10
- attitude10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Drinks and Service in SF
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with Josalyn, who was an awesome bartender. We explored multiple bars in San Francisco and found this one to have the best and most interesting drinks. We enjoyed it so much that we even came back the next day.
I highly recommend trying the following drinks: Pornstar, Birds of a Feather, Midnight Mookie, Existential Crisis, and the Hot Apple Cider on a cold day.
- Josalyn10
- drinks10
- Pornstar9
What Macondray offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and service options does Macondray offer?
Macondray provides a casual and trendy atmosphere where you can enjoy your time. For your convenience, you can choose from various service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, delivery, and even no-contact delivery, ensuring a flexible experience.
What can you expect from the menu and entertainment at Macondray?
At Macondray, you’ll find a great selection of food at the bar, alongside a wide array of wine, beer, and cocktails. To enhance your experience, the venue also features live performances, making it a vibrant spot in Polk Gulch for entertainment.
What is Macondray's overall rating and what are its strongest aspects?
Macondray has an overall score of 7.8. Its strongest areas are Ambience (8.2) and Food (8), both receiving high praise. Service (7.6) is also considered good, though Value (4.5) is an area for improvement.
Is Macondray a good place for quiet conversation?
While Macondray offers a charming atmosphere, some guests have noted that the music can be quite loud, making conversation difficult at times. Seating can also be limited, especially during peak hours.
How is the value for money at Macondray?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find certain items reasonably priced, many customers feel that portions are small for the price, and overall, it can be considered expensive.