Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » The Halal Guys – San Francisco
The Halal Guys - San Francisco
Photo from The Halal Guys
The Halal Guys at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🌙 Halal Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 119 of the guests
#2235 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Halal Restaurant out of 5 in San Francisco
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
554
Reviews
48.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Efficient service
- Signature sauce
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Quality variation
- Basic setting
The restaurant The Halal Guys, a popular Halal Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant South of Market neighborhood, is your go-to spot for a quick bite. You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for a satisfying meal.
Whether you’re craving delicious Halal food for lunch, dinner, or even late-night, this establishment has you covered. They offer healthy and vegetarian options too, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting The Halal Guys
The Halal Guys offers a straightforward experience, often praised for its generous portions of fresh, flavorful food, particularly the tasty meat and signature white sauce. Many appreciate the quick and friendly staff, making it a reliable spot for a satisfying meal when you’re looking for efficiency.
However, the overall ambiance can be quite basic, with some concerns about the surrounding location and cleanliness of facilities. While the food often hits the mark, there are occasional reports of inconsistent quality, and the value proposition sometimes falls short of expectations.
Average
5.6
out of 10
554
Reviews
48.9%
Satisfaction
244
negative
39
neutral
271
positive
The Halal Guys registers an overall Restaurant Score of 5.6 out of 10, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer sentiment, reflected in a Customer Satisfaction rate of 48.9%, also indicates a mixed reception.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 554 customer observations, comprising 271 positive remarks against 244 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Service stands out as a relative strength with a score of (6.6), suggesting a generally positive interaction with staff.
However, Food (5.6) and Ambience (5.6) both hover in the average range, indicating areas with room for improvement. The most significant concern appears to be Value, which scored a rather low (3.5), suggesting that many customers feel the pricing doesn’t quite align with the overall experience.
What people like
- Fresh, generous food
- Friendly, quick service
- Delicious white sauce
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unpleasant ambiance/location
If you’re seeking a quick, no-frills meal with hearty portions and a distinct flavor profile, The Halal Guys could be a decent option. The Recommendation Score of 5.8 suggests it’s a place many find acceptable, particularly for its core food offerings and efficient service, which often receive positive remarks.
However, manage your expectations regarding the dining environment and overall cost-effectiveness. While the food can be satisfying, inconsistencies and perceived high prices for the experience mean it might not be your top choice if ambiance or exceptional value are high on your priority list.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Halal Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
93
93.5%
- $$
- West SoMa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Halal Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
142
90.1%
- $$
- Mission Bay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Halal Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
431
91.2%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Halal Restaurant
7.6
out of 10
out of 10
155
74.8%
- $$
- Transbay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on The Halal Guys
Food (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its a bit of a mixed experience, with an average score of 5.6 and 48.7% customer satisfaction. Many diners praise the generous portions, the delicious white sauce, and the overall quality of the halal food, often highlighting the tender meat. With 169 positive remarks out of 347 total, theres definitely a lot to appreciate.
However, some reviews point to inconsistencies, with complaints about dry chicken and greasy beef. A few found the flavor bland or the portions small, suggesting that while the food can be good, it sometimes misses the mark, as indicated by 146 negative comments.
Food
347
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
146
negative
32
neutral
169
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious white sauce
- Generous portions
- Tender, fresh meat
What people don't like
- Dry chicken
- Greasy, salty meat
- Bland flavor
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive, offering great service and delicious, fresh food. However, there were moments where the beef preparation was inconsistent, leading to a dry and tough texture.
- portionsI initially misread the menu online and thought they had a dish that wasn't available. However, the food was top notch, incredibly fresh and crispy, and served in big portions. The staff was friendly, the facilities were clean, and the pricing was fair.
- chickenSurprisingly, I didn't feel the heat until I got to the end of my sandwich, in which I finally decided to take a sip of water. There was a ton of chicken and lettuce and tomatoes. The sauce was just right.
- meatMy experience at the restaurant was great. I ordered the "Beef gyro platter, " and the meat was very tasty. The food portions are generous, and I recommend the white dressing.
- saucegenerous with the sauce
- white saucefound the white sauce to be exceptionally delicious
- falafelI highly recommend the falafel!
- hot saucewhen you get tired of that, the hot sauce makes it tasty again
- FoodFood:5
- Halal Guysgetting Halal Guys on my first night in San Fran was so comforting
Frequently criticized
- foodI've been ordering from here once or twice a week for the past month. I didn't realize why the food tasted super salty and overall just really off, but within two hours I was so sick. It was the only thing I had eaten all day.
- chickenThe spicy red sauce on the (boiled? steamed?) chicken was sweet.
- food qualityI’ve had halal guys at other locations around the country. I don’t know if the quality went downhill or it’s just this restaurant but honestly I was disappointed with the food. The flavors are completely different and there are limited toppings compared to the locations in LA & Dallas.
- breadrunning low on the bread and was so cheap he didn't even bother to get more
- riceMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the poor quality of the food. The food was not delicious, and even the rice had a smell. Additionally, the drink was made with normal water instead of filtered water.
- beefbeef can be overcooked, resulting in a dry and tough texture
- meatI had a very bad experience at this restaurant. The food was awful — the chicken barbecue had a strange petrol-like taste, the meat was not fresh, and I couldn’t eat more than a few bites. In the end, I had to throw almost everything away.
- drinkThe food was not delicious, and even the rice had a smell. Additionally, the drink was made with normal water instead of filtered water.
- fries6l Cola, and a portion of fries, we spent $41. Upon arriving at our hotel room, we noticed the fries were missing. The meat in the Dürüm was practically over-roasted and therefore very dry.
- hummusThe hummus was worse than the grocery store brands, too.
If youre craving a potentially satisfying meal with generous portions and that famous white sauce, its worth a shot. Just be mindful that food quality can be inconsistent, so you might occasionally encounter dishes that are dry or lack flavor.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have had good experiences, with 63 positive remarks out of 101 total. The staff often receives praise for being friendly and providing excellent customer service, with some even highlighting quick online order fulfillment. Overall, the service scores an 6.6, indicating an average performance, and customer satisfaction sits at a 62.4%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive reception.
However, not all experiences have been smooth, with 33 negative comments pointing to areas needing improvement. Concerns include issues with restroom access, frustratingly long wait times, and instances of rude staff impacting the overall customer experience. While there are many positives, these issues contribute to the mixed satisfaction level, showing there's still work to be done to ensure consistent service for everyone.
Service
101
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
33
negative
5
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent customer service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Denied restroom access
- Excessive wait times
- Rude staff behavior
Often praised
- serviceThe staff was friendly, the facilities were clean, and the pricing was fair. The service was also quick. The bathroom was clean, as expected due to code.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was great, especially for late night eats. I particularly enjoyed the good food, generous good portions, and the nice staff. The good flavors were also a highlight.
- customer servicethe customer service was the cherry on top
- ServiceService:5
- KenzalKenzal is so professional and always with a smile
- Wait timeNo wait
- additional packetadditional packet of hot sauce and white sauce is given
- attended toParking was a breeze at this hour, but be warned that double parking is a big no-no as the police are vigilant. The line at the restaurant was short, and I was promptly attended to. I settled on the Regular Beef Plate.
- friendlyVery friendly.
- human businessReal human business to make customers feel better
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe menu was intentionally misleading, which was a poor start. The service was incredibly rude, with teenagers rolling their eyes when asked about ingredients and then again when we ordered one platter for two people. The food was also terrible, fitting in with the overall garbage atmosphere of the neighborhood.
- staffIn the end, I had to throw almost everything away. The service was also disappointing; the staff didn’t seem to care and were not friendly or helpful. I feel like I wasted my time and money here, and I definitely wouldn’t come back or recommend it to anyone.
- deliverymany complaints in that regard
- Englishdidn't understand English.
- closing timeGoogle says the location closes at 3:30. I got here at 3:03am
- consideration for patronsThe restroom was operational, but customers were inexplicably barred from using it. This practice shows a lack of consideration for patrons and basic hospitality standards. I hope management reconsiders this policy to improve the customer experience.
- customer experienceThis practice shows a lack of consideration for patrons and basic hospitality standards. I hope management reconsiders this policy to improve the customer experience. While the food received a high rating (5/5), the service and atmosphere were rated poorly (1/5), likely due to this restroom issue.
- customer servicethe customer service was just as disappointing
- customersAs a paying customer, I was disappointed to be denied restroom access on 12/8/2024. The restroom was operational, but customers were inexplicably barred from using it. This practice shows a lack of consideration for patrons and basic hospitality standards.
- employeesThe employees couldn't tell me much about their food.
Service here seems to be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter incredibly friendly staff and quick service, or you could face frustrating wait times and policy issues. If youre looking for a quick, friendly interaction, youll likely be pleased, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 49.1% and an overall score of 5.6. Many guests appreciated the general atmosphere, noting it felt warm and welcoming, with good cleanliness and comfortable spaces. Things like wheelchair accessibility and clean facilities, including bathrooms, also earned positive remarks from the 26 positive opinions.
However, the ambience isn't without its challenges, as highlighted by 25 negative opinions. Some found the environment loud, making it hard to relax, and others pointed out issues with uncomfortable seating, poor lighting, or a messy dining room. Parking also seems to be a consistent headache, and some even mentioned closed restrooms or an uncomfortable feeling due to loud Indian music or a distracting TV screen.
Ambience
53
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
25
negative
2
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and welcoming
- Comfortable spaces
- Good accessibility
What people don't like
- Loud environment
- Uncomfortable seating
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere were also excellent
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- ParkingI opted for the latter and made my way home via the Mission. Parking was a breeze at this hour, but be warned that double parking is a big no-no as the police are vigilant. The line at the restaurant was short, and I was promptly attended to.
- ambienceAmbience - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- bathroomBathroom clean
- brightly lit areaBrightly lit area
- comfortableThe store was very clean and comfortable.
- dining experienceit's a good dining experience
- facilitiesclean facilities
Frequently criticized
- atmospheremore than 5 blocks are filled with homeless people walking like zombies.
- parkingThe service was fast, which was great for a quick visit. However, I must note that parking is a bit difficult, which is a huge minus. Other than that, I absolutely loved the food.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere gets 2 stars for all of the tables being closed
- Indian musicLoud Indian music
- TV screen with pricesturn off the TV screen with all the prices so they can charge ppl without question.
- ambiancelacking any real ambiance
- bathroomsthe bathrooms were roped off and closed to the public. This was really a turn off.
- dining roomThe dining room is kind of messy
- lightingneeds more lighting
- locationBut the downside is the location, it's in SF downtown and just outside on the street, more than 5 blocks are filled with homeless people walking like zombies.
If youre looking for a quick bite and dont mind a potentially loud or basic setting, you might find it acceptable. However, if a comfortable, quiet, and well-maintained atmosphere is high on your list, you might want to consider other options, especially given the parking difficulties.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the price and cost to be quite reasonable, even calling it a best price option. They appreciated that the portions were filling and offered good bang for the buck, making it a decent choice for a meal, according to 13 positive remarks. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily negative, with 40 negative comments compared to just 13 positive ones out of 53 total observations.
Many felt the food was overpriced and they were often overcharged, leading to a feeling of being scammed or experiencing poor value for money. The score for value sits at a poor 3.5, and customer satisfaction is also quite low at 24.5%, reflecting these concerns.
Value
53
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
40
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Good portions for cost
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Feeling overcharged
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- priceYou don't go to this chain for atmosphere, but for delicious reasonably priced food. I was delighted to discover this restaurant in SF, as it's one of my favorite chain restaurants, having been to the ones on the East Coast.
- Halal GuysLOL. In expensive America, Halal Guys is a must-have~ It's filling because it comes with rice, and they put plenty of lettuce and meat on top, making it perfect for a meal.
- best pricefor best price
- costThe platters and sandwiches were both of high quality, showcasing fresh ingredients and flavors. I opted for the regular platters, which came to a total cost of approximately $20. I decided to order my meal for takeout and enjoyed it in the dining room of my hotel, which was conveniently located not far from the restaurant, the HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricesThe prices are pretty reasonable
- pricingfair pricing
Frequently criticized
- pricecharged $19 for each. I questioned the guy at the counter and of course didn't understand English.
- moneyI feel like I completely wasted my money
- pricesThe falafel tasted like styrofoam, which was a major letdown. Furthermore, the prices were twice as expensive as New York, making it feel like poor value. To add to the dissatisfaction, they didn’t put any white sauce on the salad, which is a basic expectation.
- pricingStraight from NYC, this restaurant now has so many locations throughout California. I decided to grab lunch here for the first time and was a little concerned about the pricing. The portions are not great, and they do skimp out on the chicken.
- affordable optionSupposed to be an affordable option
- costsThe costs were high.
- dollar Sosadollar Sosa costs 4 dollars
- extra hot sauce packetseven extra hot sauce packets
- hot saucecharging me $4 for hot sauce it’s ridiculous
- hummuscharged extra $4 for a dollop
If you're looking for great value, this spot might not hit the mark, as many customers felt it was overpriced and offered poor value for their money. You might find yourself questioning the cost versus what you receive, so proceed with caution if budget is a top priority.
How are the prices at The Halal Guys?
You’re looking at roughly 23 $ per person – reported by 119 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Halal Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests tend to keep it a bit lighter, often in the $11–$20 bracket, though a good number do venture into the higher $21–$30 range and beyond.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 119 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering the range of spending, we feel the pricing offers good flexibility. It seems fair for a Halal Restaurant, catering to both those looking for a quicker, more affordable meal and those wanting to indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Halal Guys
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Great Food, Chaotic Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. We visited around 4 am, and it was quite crowded with a variety of people. We decided to order our food to go.
The food here is great, earning a perfect score. However, the atmosphere was less than ideal. There aren't many places to sit down, and the restaurant lacked an organized queue system.
I observed a customer cut the line, and despite this being apparent, they were still served. This lack of order in the service was a significant drawback.
- food10
- atmosphere3
- service3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing Halal Guys Experience
I’ve had halal guys at other locations around the country. I don’t know if the quality went downhill or it’s just this restaurant but honestly I was disappointed with the food. The flavors are completely different and there are limited toppings compared to the locations in LA & Dallas.
- food quality2
- flavors2
- limited toppings3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Halal Guys Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was shit compared to the original Halal Guys in NYC. It's tasteless and pricy, and really not worth it.
I do not recommend going to this place.
- food1
- price2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Gyro and White Sauce!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We absolutely loved the signature white sauce. The beef gyro and chicken were cooked perfectly, and the veggies were incredibly fresh.
We will definitely be returning during our stay in SF!
- signature white sauce10
- beef gyro9
- chicken9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Poor Food and Service, Out of Order Restrooms
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The food was of low quality and the quantity was also insufficient. Additionally, the restrooms were out of service, which is a significant inconvenience.
The service was also poor.
- food quality2
- food quantity2
- restrooms1
What The Halal Guys offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is The Halal Guys in San Francisco accessible for everyone?
Yes, you’ll find that The Halal Guys in San Francisco is designed with accessibility in mind. They offer a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and even a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What kind of dining options and food can you expect at The Halal Guys?
At The Halal Guys, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating. They specialize in delicious Halal food, offering healthy options, vegetarian choices, and small plates. It’s perfect for a quick bite or late-night craving, and catering services are also available for your events.
How does The Halal Guys generally score?
The Halal Guys holds an overall Restaurant Score of **5.6** out of 10, indicating an average experience. While **Service** scores a respectable (6.6), **Food** (5.6) and **Ambience** (5.6) are considered average, and **Value** (3.5) is notably lower, suggesting it’s a mixed bag for many diners.
What do customers appreciate most about the food?
Customers frequently praise the food for its freshness, generous portions, and flavorful meat. The signature white sauce is often highlighted as exceptionally delicious, and the falafel also receives positive mentions.
What are the common complaints about The Halal Guys?
Common complaints include concerns about the value for money, with some finding prices too high for the experience. There are also mentions of inconsistent food quality, such as dry beef or salty dishes, and issues with the ambiance, including difficult parking and a less-than-ideal dining environment.