Highlights
- Live music
- Great beer selection
oChef » Biergarten – San Francisco
Biergarten - San Francisco
Photo from Biergarten
Biergarten at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🍺 German Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#1603 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 German Restaurant out of 3 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
338
Reviews
69.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- German fare
- Outdoor atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Cold conditions
The restaurant, Biergarten, is a vibrant German Restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. You’ll discover a lively spot known for its fantastic live music, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
It’s the perfect casual and trendy destination to enjoy a great beer selection and organic dishes, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner experience.
Overview: Introducting Biergarten
Biergarten provides a lively outdoor experience, often praised for its great atmosphere and ample outdoor space, complete with music and a dog-friendly vibe. It’s a popular spot for those seeking a relaxed setting.
While the German-inspired food and beer selection are generally well-received, some guests note that prices can be quite high. The friendly staff contributes positively, though occasional service hiccups like long lines have been mentioned.
Good
7.1
out of 10
338
Reviews
69.5%
Satisfaction
65
negative
38
neutral
235
positive
The overall experience at Biergarten lands at a 7.1, indicating a good performance, with customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 69.5%. This suggests that while most patrons leave content, there’s a segment with mixed feelings.
These figures are drawn from 338 customer opinions, with 235 positive remarks and 65 negative ones. Looking closer, Food leads the way with a strong (7.5), featuring well-liked German beers, sausages, and pretzels.
Ambience also scores well (7.4), reflecting the appealing outdoor setting and lively atmosphere. Service is rated as good (7.0), with many praising the attentive staff.
However, Value lags significantly (3.3), as many find the offerings, especially beer, to be quite expensive.
What people like
- Excellent German fare
- Lively outdoor atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Service inconsistencies
- Outdoor cold conditions
Biergarten is certainly worth considering if you’re seeking a vibrant outdoor setting with good German-inspired food and a solid beer selection. It’s a place where the atmosphere and friendly service often create a memorable experience, especially on a pleasant day.
However, be prepared for potentially higher costs, particularly for drinks, and understand that service can sometimes be stretched during busy periods. With a recommendation score of 7.4, it’s a generally well-regarded spot, but managing expectations around pricing and occasional crowds is key.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Biergarten
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at a good 75.2%, many guests are leaving happy. Out of 153 comments, 115 were positive, frequently praising the delicious German beers, tasty bratwurst, and satisfying pretzels, with some even raving about the curry potatoes.
However, not every bite is perfect. Around 15 comments pointed out some areas for improvement, noting that food portions could be in small quantities, the menu felt a bit limited, and occasionally, the sausage was bland. So, while there's plenty to enjoy, keep these points in mind.
Food
153
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
15
negative
23
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great German beers
- Delicious bratwurst
- Tasty pretzels
What people don't like
- Small food portions
- Limited menu options
- Bland sausage
Often praised
- foodAwesome! Five stars for the food. Thank you for this 👍 But are you serious?
- beerIt's conveniently located close to where I'm staying on a mini-trip to SF in early June, a welcome escape from the Phoenix heat. This is a great space with excellent music and the beer is good. I haven't tried the food, but I believe they are open from 3 pm to 8 pm, making it a good spot to come for a drink to start your evening.
- beersIt's popular among the Civic Center and government crowds on weekdays. Most of the beers are imported and pretty good, but they are also expensive, ranging from $11-14 for a 1/2 liter. They offer small snacks on site, and there are usually food trucks nearby.
- German beerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the awesome sausages, German beer, pretzels, and potatoes. The fun venue added to the overall enjoyment.
- German beersMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the great selection of German beers and found the bratwurst and sauerkraut to be delicious. The atmosphere was also very family friendly.
- beer selectionMy experience at Biergarten was excellent. It's a proper neighbourhood anchor, serving a short but satisfying menu of German fare like sausages and currywurst, alongside a cracking beer selection. The atmosphere is spot on, with shared trestle tables and a DJ spinning soul and funk on vinyl.
- bratwurstfun spot for bratwurst and other German classics
- pretzelget the pretzel with your beer
- pretzelsMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I enjoyed the cold beer and the delish pretzels, especially with the cheese dip. The warm sunshine added to the pleasant atmosphere during my visit.
- sausagessatisfying menu of sausages
Frequently criticized
- menuthe menu has been cut down
- beer and food menuthe beer and food menu is really short
- beer selectionMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The beer selection was uninspired, offering only common brands that are available anywhere, unlike the local or imported German beers I was hoping for. The food portions were small, and the overall atmosphere seemed geared towards a younger, college-aged crowd.
- burgersThe food was pricey, served in small quantities, and not particularly noteworthy. I don't understand how this place got on the lists of best burgers in SF.
- foodThe food is pricey, in small quantities and not even particularly noteworthy
- food portionsFood was small portions
- pretzelfriends didn't like the pretzel
- pretzel bunthe bun was very hard
- pretzelstwo tiny pretzels is too much
- sausageSausage was bland
If youre looking for a place with good German beers and classic snacks like bratwurst and pretzels, youll likely have a great time. Just be aware that portions might be on the smaller side and the menu isn't extensive, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 62.9%. Based on 35 customer remarks, with 22 leaning positive, many rave about the friendly staff who are often described as helpful and incredibly courteous. Guests appreciate the quick service, especially when theres no wait, and even mention thoughtful touches like bringing out heaters for comfort.
However, its not always smooth sailing. The main snags often pop up during rush hours, where food service can get pretty slow, leading to long lines and waiting. Some experiences highlight staff who might pressure people to leave or drink quickly, which can definitely put a damper on the evening.
Service
35
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating staff
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long lines
- Pressure to leave
Often praised
- serviceIt's one of my absolute favorite spots in the city. The staff, specifically David, Dylan, and Preston, is incredible and they never disappoint. I am always excited to come back.
- staffthe staff (David, Dylan, and Preston specifically) is incredible
- friendly staffFriendly staff make the experience even better
- heatersbring some heaters out and everybody was pretty cozy
- managedMy recommendation was to either let fewer people in or have more bartenders. Edit: The last few times we've been there, it has been much better managed compared to my original post.
- socially distancedSafety socially distanced, it was a great time!
- wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- servicetaking two stars off because of the service
- Germanthey dont speak German here, apparently
- ServiceThey offer other German beers, with drafts priced at six and eight bucks. I noticed picnic tables outside with a bar but no servers. While I heard they have food, I didn't try any.
- closing early todaytold to drink quickly and leave because they were “closing early today.”
- food service5L. Additionally, the food service gets pretty slow. Overall, it's a spot I'd frequent if I lived in the area, but not somewhere I'd make a special journey for.
- food took a bitThe mushroom sliders were also tasty, though not my favorite (3/5). Points to improve were the cold outside and the fact that the food took a bit to come out. Overall, this place was a nice spot for a happy hour.
- last callannounced last call and immediately after that proceeded to disassemble
- long linesThe fun venue added to the overall enjoyment. It's best to visit when it's less crowded, as it can get quite busy with long lines.
- pressure people to leavepressure people to leave. They were super aggressive
- rush hoursduring rush hours cause all the seats will be taken
Overall, if you catch them at the right time, youll likely enjoy the friendly and efficient service. Just be mindful of peak hours, as thats when the service can slow down and lines might test your patience.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.4, which is good, and boasting a 76.8% customer satisfaction. With 96 positive sentiments out of 125 total, guests frequently rave about the outdoor vibe, dog- and kid-friendly atmosphere, and classic biergarten feel. Many also appreciate the live music and relaxed outdoor space.
However, it's not always perfect. Some of the 19 negative comments point to it getting crowded, especially with kids, and concerns about being cold outside due to a lack of heat lamps or heaters. A few also found the music volume too high, making it hard to carry a conversation.
Ambience
125
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
19
negative
10
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Outdoor biergarten vibe
- Dog and kid-friendly
- Lively with live music
What people don't like
- Can get crowded
- Lacks sufficient heating
- Loud music for talking
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was great! I enjoyed the great beer and the great atmosphere. The bench seating was perfect for a nice day outside in SF.
- outdoor spaceit was cool to have so much outdoor space
- beer gardenTypical beer garden, with plenty of beers
- outdoor seatingMy experience at the restaurant offered a good, though limited, selection of mostly German beers. The serving sizes were variable, and there was plenty of outdoor seating. However, it's advisable to arrive early on a sunny day as it fills up fast, and be prepared for the lack of shade by wearing sunscreen.
- DJIt's a proper neighbourhood anchor, serving a short but satisfying menu of German fare like sausages and currywurst, alongside a cracking beer selection. The atmosphere is spot on, with shared trestle tables and a DJ spinning soul and funk on vinyl. There's zero indoor cover, so be prepared for the elements.
- dog friendlyIt's a nice oasis in Hayes Valley with immaculate vibes and yummy food. The place is also dog friendly, which is a huge plus. Music was playing throughout the space, and there were plenty of benches and seating.
- fun placeFun place. A bit of Germany in SF.
- live musicnice live music when we went there
- musicIt's conveniently located close to where I'm staying on a mini-trip to SF in early June, a welcome escape from the Phoenix heat. This is a great space with excellent music and the beer is good. I haven't tried the food, but I believe they are open from 3 pm to 8 pm, making it a good spot to come for a drink to start your evening.
- seatingThe place is also dog friendly, which is a huge plus. Music was playing throughout the space, and there were plenty of benches and seating. We enjoyed a variety of drinks and even got ourselves a liter.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe beer selection was uninspired, offering only common brands that are available anywhere, unlike the local or imported German beers I was hoping for. The food portions were small, and the overall atmosphere seemed geared towards a younger, college-aged crowd. To make matters worse, the beer was VERY expensive.
- crowdThe crowd isn't friendly.
- crowdedvery crowded with a lot of children sometimes
- BiergartenBiergarten was closed on the Friday night
- ParkingNo parking
- colda little cold slice of Germany
- cold outsideToo cold outside!
- conversationso you can't carry a conversation
- get arounddifficult to get around if wheelchair or crutches
- heat lampsWish this place had heat lamps though, because it quickly started getting cold
If youre looking for a lively, dog- and kid-friendly outdoor spot with a great biergarten vibe and music, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential crowds and bring an extra layer if its chilly, as heaters can be scarce.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
While a small number of guests did find the price per person to be relatively cheap, sometimes around $10–20, this positive feedback is quite limited. Only 2 out of 25 comments touched on affordability in a good light. However, the general consensus on value is unfortunately poor, reflected in a score of just 3.3 and customer satisfaction at a low 8%.
A significant 19 comments frequently mention that beer prices and other menu items are expensive and pricey, with many feeling the overall value is questionable and not worth the visit.
Value
25
Reviews
8%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable per person
What people don't like
- Beer prices too high
- Menu items overpriced
- Questionable overall value
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- cheaprelatively cheap
Frequently criticized
- pricesI used to come here all the time, but they recently raised their prices. I know we live in SF, but two half-liter beers and a snack board was $73.
- price60$ for two radler and two tiny pretzels is too much
- expensiveThat's absolutely crazy! Sorry, that's way too expensive (0 stars) and so the overall well-being feels like only 2 stars.
- beerBeer is a bit expensive comparatively
- beer priceBeer was VERY expensive
- beersthe beers are very expensive
- everythingeverything in Hayes valley has gotten to be very expensive
- liter of beerMy experience was great on a sunny day outside with some friends. The neighborhood is cool, but it was very pricey for a liter of beer.
- local beer12$ for the local beer???
- menuthe rest of the menu is overpriced
If you're looking for a budget-friendly spot, this might not be your best bet, as many find the prices quite steep, especially for drinks. Be prepared to spend a bit more than you might expect, or you might leave feeling disappointed by the overall value.
How are the prices at Biergarten?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 58 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a German Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners find themselves in this mid-range bracket or even a bit lower, with a few opting for higher-priced items. It seems like there’s a good mix, but the sweet spot is definitely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 58 reviews.
How this German restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a German Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, which is a good balance for diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Biergarten
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great German Brews and Fixins
My experience at Biergarten in Hayes Valley on a sunny day was fantastic. The German Brews and Fixins were well done, making it the perfect spot for a meal. I especially appreciated the availability of an alcohol-free Pauliner and a delicious Radler.
The vibe was cool and no-frills, complemented by excellent atmosphere and service.
- German Brews9
- Fixins9
- alcohol free Pauliner8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
2
Expensive Beer, Small Portions
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The beer selection was uninspired, offering only common brands that are available anywhere, unlike the local or imported German beers I was hoping for. The food portions were small, and the overall atmosphere seemed geared towards a younger, college-aged crowd.
To make matters worse, the beer was VERY expensive. I would much rather go to Steins or Humble Sea and get a liter for half the price. For the same price, you could visit Radhaus and enjoy their view, amazing food, and imported German beer.
- imported German beer5
- beer selection2
- food portions3
- atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Good Atmosphere, Mixed Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of positives and negatives. I tried the bratdog on a pretzel bun, the grilled cheese, and some garlic parm fries. While the food was okay, the pretzel bun was very hard, which detracted from the bratdog.
However, the location is great, and it was a nice evening to dine al fresco. They had music playing, and the atmosphere was very social with German-style shared tables. The beer drinks were good, and the Elderberry non-alcoholic drink was very tasty.
- bratdog on a pretzel bun5
- grilled cheese5
- garlic parm fries5
- pretzel bun2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Overpriced but tasty curry
My experience involved a $13 order for a small sausage, frozen fries, and a dollop of curry. While the sausage was good, the overall price seemed excessive. The curry was also good, with a flavor reminiscent of Worcestershire sauce.
If you enjoy alcoholic beverages, I'd recommend sticking to those, as the rest of the menu is overpriced for what is considered okay food. The quality is good, but it's not particularly special.
- sausage7
- curry7
- food5
- price3
- menu3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
German Menu, Not German Service
My experience was a bit of a surprise. I asked for a Pils and received an IPA instead, which was quite amusing. The menu was very cliché-German, but it seems they don't actually speak German here.
Interestingly, some Germans might say this is similar to the experience in Bavaria itself. I did not try the food.
- Pils5
- IPA5
- menu5
- German3
What Biergarten offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Biergarten accessible and what seating options are available?
Yes, Biergarten is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You can enjoy your meal with various service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
Is Biergarten a suitable place for families and pet owners?
Absolutely! Biergarten is known for being good for kids, making it a great family-friendly dining option. Plus, if you’re bringing your furry friend along, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are allowed, especially with the outdoor seating available.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Biergarten?
Biergarten is known for its lively, dog-friendly outdoor atmosphere, often featuring music and ample seating. It’s a great spot for a casual, social gathering.
Is the food and drink at Biergarten worth the price?
While the German fare like sausages and pretzels, along with the beer selection, is generally well-received, many customers find the prices, especially for beer, to be quite expensive.
How does Biergarten generally rate among customers?
Biergarten holds a good overall score of 7.1, with customer satisfaction at 69.5%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.5), Ambience (7.4), and Service (7.0), though Value (3.3) is a notable area for improvement.