Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Bix – San Francisco
Bix - San Francisco
Photo from Bix
Bix at a glance
San Francisco Telegraph Hill
- 🥂 Fine Dining Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 125 of the guests
#1277 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Fine Dining Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
789
Reviews
71.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Lively ambiance
- Great cocktails
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Loud atmosphere
- Inconsistent food
The restaurant Bix, a Fine Dining Restaurant in San Francisco’s historic Telegraph Hill neighborhood, offers an experience that truly stands out. You’ll discover a sophisticated ambiance where live music often fills the air, creating a memorable backdrop for your meal.
It’s a place where upscale charm meets cozy comfort, perfect for a romantic evening or a special celebration. Prepare to be captivated by its unique blend of history and trendy appeal.
Overview: Introducting Bix
Bix offers a refined dining experience, often praised for its impeccable service and elegant atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the delightful live music that complements the setting, making it a popular choice for special occasions.
The culinary offerings also receive positive remarks. However, some patrons have noted issues with the overall value, finding the experience quite expensive, especially concerning drinks and additional fees.
There are also occasional concerns about the noise level, which can sometimes detract from the otherwise sophisticated ambiance.
Good
7.4
out of 10
789
Reviews
71.1%
Satisfaction
169
negative
59
neutral
561
positive
Bix generally earns a respectable 7.4 out of 10, indicating a good overall dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a solid 71.1%, suggesting that most guests leave content.
This positive sentiment is reflected in the 561 positive opinions compared to 169 negative ones, out of 789 total customer comments. Digging deeper, the Ambience (7.8), Service (7.6), and Food (7.5) all score well, contributing significantly to the positive feedback.
These areas consistently meet expectations. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.4), which receives a considerably lower score, indicating that many find the pricing disproportionate to the experience.
What people like
- Attentive, warm service
- Elegant, lively ambiance
- Outstanding cocktails
What people don't like
- High prices, hidden fees
- Loud, noisy atmosphere
- Inconsistent food quality
Bix presents itself as a sophisticated venue, particularly appealing for its vibrant atmosphere and attentive service. If you prioritize a lively setting with good drinks and generally solid food, it’s certainly worth considering.
The 7.5 recommendation score suggests a positive experience for many. However, be prepared for a significant investment, as the value aspect is a consistent concern.
It might be best suited for special occasions where the ambiance and service take precedence over budget considerations. Those sensitive to noise or seeking a quiet meal might find it less ideal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bix
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.5 score, showing a good culinary effort. Customer satisfaction is also quite strong at 72.4%, indicating most diners leave happy. With 239 positive remarks out of 330 total, many rave about the excellent food, especially the lobster spaghetti, bone marrow, and wagyu dishes, often praising their presentation and quality.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 55 negative comments pointing out some misses. Some found the broccoli soup disappointing, while others noted issues with salty steak or tough duck. There were also mentions of a lack of vegetarian entrees, suggesting room for improvement in menu diversity.
Food
330
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
55
negative
36
neutral
239
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Delicious lobster spaghetti
- Flavorful bone marrow
What people don't like
- Salty dishes
- Tough duck
- No vegetarian entrees
Often praised
- foodThe service was impeccable, with attentive staff who expertly balanced professionalism and warmth, ensuring our needs were met without being intrusive. Bix’s combination of delicious food, elegant atmosphere, and top-notch service makes it an ideal spot for a business dinner or any special occasion. I highly recommend!
- bone marrowLOVED, LOVED, LOVED this experience! Try the bone marrow
- drinksMy experience was at an excellent night spot with an authentic and chic atmosphere👌. We only had drinks at the bar, but we will definitely have dinner next time🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈.
- Lobster SpaghettiHighly recommend the appetizer sampler and lobster spaghetti
- cocktailsfood cooking (simple) and cocktails for the price
- oystersThe only delicious thing were the oysters.
- FoodFood:4
- appetizersAll of the appetizers we tried were bomb as well.
- dessertsdesserts. Again, we decided against a full dessert option, but the servers gave us a bite sized ice cream
- deviled eggsWe ordered the deviled eggs and the steak tartar, which were excellent.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe atmosphere is a mix of a bar and dining area, making conversation virtually impossible; I couldn't even hear the live piano. While the waiters were great, their excellent service was overshadowed by the lackluster food and an obnoxiously juvenile atmosphere.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant involved very high prices for tiny, watered-down drinks. The atmosphere was unique, with someone playing the piano intermittently while we ate small plates.
- duckHad the duck. Entree was unimpressive
- Caesar saladCaesar salad was wilted
- Philly cheese steakPhilly cheese steak had weird bread and no meat
- Pot pie sauceToo much cream and too much runny sauce for a pot pie
- Puff pastrypuff pastry was not inflated, chewy and undercooked
- Sorbet flavorsorbet was brought with the it, ?lemon because it lacked flavor
- Steak HacheSteak Hache was way too salty
- VealWe ordered the veal which was under flavored
If you're looking for a generally good meal with some standout dishes like the lobster spaghetti and bone marrow, this place is worth a try. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies, especially if you have dietary restrictions or are sensitive to salt.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 72.9%, its clear guests often enjoy a good experience. Many rave about the "attentive staff, " "impeccable service, " and "warm hospitality, " with 129 positive remarks highlighting the crews professionalism and care.
However, it's not always perfect. Some diners noted issues with service speed, wait time, and occasional unprofessional interactions. Out of 177 total comments, 42 pointed to areas needing improvement, suggesting that while the service is often great, there can be inconsistencies.
Service
177
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
42
negative
6
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive and professional staff
- Impeccable service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service speed
- Long wait times
- Unprofessional interactions
Often praised
- serviceThe service was impeccable, with attentive staff who expertly balanced professionalism and warmth, ensuring our needs were met without being intrusive. Bix’s combination of delicious food, elegant atmosphere, and top-notch service makes it an ideal spot for a business dinner or any special occasion. I highly recommend!
- staffFrom the moment you enter, you know you are somewhere special and historical. The staff is beyond accommodating and wants nothing more than to ensure your meal and beverages are just the way you love them. They are fully aware of and make any necessary adjustments for food allergies or issues.
- ServiceService was outstanding
- attentive serviceThe attentive service and intimate setting make it perfect for special occasions
- bartendersthe bartenders will make your day
- customer serviceWe will never go back or recommend this place to anyone. We visited many other places in San Francisco, and they were awesome with great customer service. A huge miss for this place and the owner!
- excellent serviceMy experience at this restaurant was for a business dinner, and it's a top-notch place for such occasions due to its atmosphere and excellent service. Live jazz starts at 7 pm.
- reservationsSome of the dishes are very generous, so check with your server to avoid over-ordering or to arrange sharing. Be sure to make reservations and arrive early to start with a signature cocktail or a glass of bubbly to set the mood for a grand, relaxing culinary experience. Enjoy!
- serverMichelle was an amazing server
- waiterThe drinks were outstanding and the food was excellent. Our waiter was attentive and provided excellent suggestions. We never felt rushed, even though we were the last ones to leave.
Frequently criticized
- serviceblamed the bad service on new staff
- waiterOur waiter was aweful “Michael” he screwed up every drink and every meal
- managerThe food was disappointing and very expensive. The bathrooms were comparable to a public Cuban bathroom, and even the manager was rude, blaming the bad service on new staff and another restaurant closing down. If you're looking for a disappointing, overpriced meal, this is the place to go.
- serverOur server seemed rushed to take our order and didn’t give us much time to settle in, wasn't very welcoming.
- Cocktail serviceNever asked if we needed more cocktails
- Main course orderAs soon as he dropped them he wanted an order for the main course
- Service speedIn and out under an hour, rushed and loud
- Staff attentionnever asked if we needed anything
- Staff reactionwhen we addressed it with the staff he seemed annoyed and angry
- attentive serviceThe service was equally fantastic, and I loved the service presentation in dress and care for patrons. The service might have been a bit too attentive at times, making the meal feel very rushed. I wanted to come and enjoy some live music but do not expect quiet dining.
Overall, the service here is a strong point, making it a great choice if you value attentive and professional staff. Just be aware that a few guests have experienced slower service or minor hiccups, so manage your expectations for a perfectly seamless experience every time.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
The ambience at this spot generally hits the right notes, earning a good score of 7.8 and a strong 77.5% customer satisfaction. With 189 positive remarks out of 244 total, guests frequently rave about the live music, atmosphere, decor, and old-school elegance. Many find it a beautiful setting for special occasions, appreciating the live jazz, elegant interior design, and overall sophisticated vibe.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed. With 42 negative comments, some patrons found the noise level to be loud, making conversation difficult due to bad acoustics. A few even mentioned minor issues like fruit flies, suggesting that while the overall vibe is strong, there can be some distracting elements.
Ambience
244
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
42
negative
13
neutral
189
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live jazz music
- Elegant, classic decor
- Great for special occasions
What people don't like
- Excessive noise level
- Conversation can be difficult
- Occasional fruit flies
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was impeccable, with attentive staff who expertly balanced professionalism and warmth, ensuring our needs were met without being intrusive. Bix’s combination of delicious food, elegant atmosphere, and top-notch service makes it an ideal spot for a business dinner or any special occasion. I highly recommend!
- live musicAlthough the specific dishes I ordered escape my memory, each course was exquisitely prepared, capturing the essence of fine dining with flavors that were both complex and satisfying. One of my favorite aspects of the evening was the seamless blend of excellent service and delightful live music, which truly elevated the dining experience. The attention to detail and the warm hospitality of the staff made the evening memorable.
- musicWhat an amazing little Jazz gem hidden away in an alley off the main road. Despite the location, it was a packed house and the music was beautiful. Cocktails were crafted impeccably and service was of the highest quality.
- ambienceI was also impressed by the gracious service from Jorge, who was so well-versed in service. The ambience was also a highlight, making me feel like a "regular" on my first visit, thanks to Blake. I highly recommend ordering the Paper Plane from Sean; it's one of the finest drinks ever.
- ambianceThe ambiance of the restaurant is elegantly reminiscent of a bygone era
- vibeDefinitely go there for the vibe.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- live jazzits art deco ambiance and live jazz create a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
- live bandThe live band was great and not so loud
- live jazz musicMy experience was fantastic! The ambience was romantic, complemented by live jazz music and excellent professional table service. The starter sampler was Michelin star level, and the pork chop was one of the best I've ever had.
Frequently criticized
- noise levelThe food was just okay for the price. The atmosphere was nice, though a bit loud. There was a live piano player and later a vocalist, but I could not really hear them over the conversations.
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is a mix of a bar and dining area, making conversation virtually impossible; I couldn't even hear the live piano. While the waiters were great, their excellent service was overshadowed by the lackluster food and an obnoxiously juvenile atmosphere.
- live musicit was so loud and crowded that it was hard to relax or even appreciate the musicians
- loudit was a bit loud
- musicSomeone we were with mentioned the restaurant looks identical to 30 years ago. It was hard to hear the music.
- restaurantwhat happened to this once-classic San Francisco restaurant
- Fruit fliesAnd to end the fruit flies 🪰 are horrible
- Live JazzThe “Live Jazz” was 1 guy playing the piano in a loud room with bad acoustics.
- Table spacepeople are shoulder to shoulder at larger tables
- Wobbly tablesThe tables are constantly being rebalanced as they wobble
If you're looking for a lively, elegant spot with fantastic live jazz for a special night out, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially energetic and sometimes loud atmosphere, which might not be ideal if quiet conversation is your top priority.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value isnt great, a few guests did find some bright spots. Some felt the food was well priced and worth every penny, especially noting affordable options for wine and reasonable cocktails for the price. These 4 positive remarks offer a small glimmer of hope.
However, the picture darkens significantly when looking at the broader feedback. With a score of just 3.4 (which is poor) and customer satisfaction at a very low 10.5%, its clear that value is a major concern. A whopping 30 negative comments highlight issues like overpriced food, pricey drinks, and unexpected surcharges and SF fees, making many feel its not worth the money.
'
Value
38
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
30
negative
4
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Well priced food
- Affordable wine options
- Reasonable cocktail prices
What people don't like
- Unexpected surcharges
- Overpriced food
- Expensive drinks
Often praised
- affordable options for wineMany affordable options for wine
- pricecocktails for the price
- well pricedWell priced
- worth every pennyJackie our waitress provided superb service, and the food was excellent! It was well priced and worth every penny.
Frequently criticized
- priceOur waiter, Michael, was awful and messed up every drink and meal for our group of 10. The food was disappointing and very expensive. The bathrooms were comparable to a public Cuban bathroom, and even the manager was rude, blaming the bad service on new staff and another restaurant closing down.
- drinksthe drinks are pretty insane on the pricing
- priceyWe keep coming back for special occasions. While it's a bit pricey, the food is delicious. Both my husband and I always get the lobster spaghetti.
- Mandatory taxeswatch where they add the mandatory taxes as this establishment taxes you on top of the healthcare mandate
- Price per personOverpriced and underfun.
- SF feesget hit with a bunch of unexpected SF fees
- SF offset tax6.5% “SF offset” tax on the bill BEFORE taxes
- San Francisco feeThere is an extra San Francisco fee they charged to the bill.
- Tax presentationInconstancy in the way taxes are presented n every check
- cancellation feecharging me $150!!! As I didn’t cancel 24 hours prior
If youre looking for a budget-friendly experience, this might not be your spot, as many find it significantly overpriced with unexpected fees. While a few items are deemed well priced, ' be prepared for a potentially expensive bill, especially with drinks and various surcharges.
How are the prices at Bix?
You’re looking at roughly 78 per person – reported by 125 diners. That puts it in the $71–$80 category. For a Fine Dining Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, we see a significant number of diners spending well over 101 $, suggesting a mix of experiences from mid-tier to quite premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 125 reviews.
This chart compares the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering its a Fine Dining Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for a comfortable mid-range experience, but also caters to those looking for a more premium splurge. Its good to know you have choices!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bix
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Stick to the Classics
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The vibes were high, and the service was nice, contributing to a great atmosphere. However, the bar was a little slow.
The food was just mid, and I'd recommend sticking to the classics.
- vibes8
- service7
- food5
- bar4
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Live Music Ruined by Noise
We came to Bix to enjoy some live music, but unfortunately, it was so loud and crowded that it was hard to relax or even appreciate the musicians — who were actually very good. The place itself has a nice atmosphere and classy interior, but the noise level ruins the experience. Everyone just talks over the music instead of listening.
The staff is fine, and the food is okay, though for the price, you’d expect a bit more. Overall, it’s more of a loud social spot than a place to really enjoy live jazz.
- atmosphere7
- classy interior8
- staff6
- live music3
- noise level2
- price4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Hidden Gem with Outstanding Drinks and Food
My experience at Bix on Gold Street was fantastic. It's a true hidden gem. The drinks were outstanding and the food was excellent.
Our waiter was attentive and provided excellent suggestions. We never felt rushed, even though we were the last ones to leave. I will definitely return when I'm back in SF.
- drinks10
- food10
- waiter9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Bix: A Truly Unique SF Experience
My experience at Bix was truly unique. While San Francisco has many very good restaurants, Bix stands out as different. I absolutely love it.
- restaurant9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Dinner: Overpriced and Poorly Executed
Our dining experience for six people was largely disappointing. While the tomato tart and pork chops were good, the rest of the meal fell short. The fish was overcooked and excessively salty, and the lobster pasta was undercooked with overcooked, mysteriously fishy lobster.
The steak was mediocre and far too salty. Most of the sides were also extremely salty, with the exception of the mash potato. Our server was cold and impolite, seeming eager to clear the table and rush us out.
The jazz music was enjoyable, but the restaurant was extremely loud, making conversation difficult. Overall, it was a tiring, poorly serviced, and not tasty dinner, definitely not worth the money or hype. We will not return.
- tomato tart8
- pork chops8
- mash potato7
- fish2
- lobster pasta3
- steak4
What Bix offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What dining options and reservations are available at Bix?
At Bix, you can enjoy a delightful dinner or lunch with full table service. Reservations are highly recommended for both lunch and dinner to ensure you secure your spot at this popular Fine Dining Restaurant. You can also indulge in their exquisite dessert menu, featuring great dessert options.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you expect at Bix in Telegraph Hill?
Bix offers an upscale, historic, and cozy atmosphere, making it a trendy and romantic spot in San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill. You’ll find a full bar onsite with hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. The venue is wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restrooms for your convenience.
How does Bix generally perform according to customer feedback?
Bix holds a good overall score of **7.4** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **71.1%**. Its **Ambience** (7.8), **Service** (7.6), and **Food** (7.5) are well-regarded, though **Value** (3.4) is a notable area for improvement.
What is the atmosphere like at Bix?
The restaurant is known for its elegant and lively atmosphere, often featuring delightful live music. However, some guests have found the noise levels to be quite high, making conversation challenging at times.
Is Bix considered good value for money?
While many appreciate the experience, the **Value** score of 3.4 indicates that pricing is a frequent concern. Customers often mention high costs for drinks and additional fees, suggesting it can be quite expensive.