Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Cole Valley Tavern – San Francisco
Cole Valley Tavern - San Francisco
Photo from Cole Valley Tavern
Cole Valley Tavern at a glance
San Francisco Cole Valley
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#891 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#119 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
465
Reviews
80.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional cocktails
- Skilled service
- Lively ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Loud music
The restaurant Cole Valley Tavern in San Francisco’s vibrant Cole Valley neighborhood offers a welcoming experience. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying their great beer selection.
This spot is ideal whether you’re looking for a full meal or just a quick bite with friends.
Overview: Introducting Cole Valley Tavern
Cole Valley Tavern offers a lively atmosphere with a generally positive reception for its culinary offerings and drink program. Many appreciate the great vibe and the tasty cocktails, often highlighting the skill of the bartenders.
It aims for a semi-upscale feel, making it a notable spot in the neighborhood. However, experiences can vary, particularly concerning the staff interactions, with some finding service less attentive or even dismissive.
While the food receives praise for certain dishes, others have found some items to be disappointing or overpriced.
Good
7.7
out of 10
465
Reviews
80.2%
Satisfaction
73
negative
19
neutral
373
positive
Cole Valley Tavern generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its overall score of 7.7 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 80.2%. This positive sentiment is built on 373 favorable comments out of 465 total observations, indicating a largely agreeable experience for many patrons.
The culinary offerings, or Food (7.9), and the attentiveness of the Service (7.9) are particularly well-regarded. The restaurant’s Ambience (7.6) also contributes positively to the experience, often described as having a good vibe.
However, the Value (4.9) aspect presents a notable contrast. While many find the overall experience pleasant, the pricing structure or perceived worth for money is a point of concern for some, with 73 critical remarks highlighting this area.
What people like
- Exceptional cocktails
- Attentive, skilled service
- Lively, hip ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices, hidden fees
- Inconsistent, unfriendly service
- Excessively loud music
With a recommendation score of 7.9, Cole Valley Tavern presents itself as a generally appealing option, particularly if you’re seeking a vibrant atmosphere and well-crafted drinks. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of a good time, especially for those who appreciate a lively setting.
However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for varied service experiences. If you prioritize exceptional cocktails and a bustling ambiance over consistent food quality or quiet conversation, it could be a worthwhile visit.
Otherwise, you might find certain aspects less satisfying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cole Valley Tavern
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests are generally delighted, with a strong 82.4% customer satisfaction and a good score of 7.9. Based on 230 positive remarks out of 279 total opinions, many rave about the delicious Smash Burgers, comforting Macaroni and Cheese, and fresh Charred Broccolini Caesar Salad. Don't forget to save room for the delightful Soft-Serve Dessert, which often gets a special mention!
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some of the 34 negative comments point to issues like overly greasy fish, dishes that are a bit too complicated (like the steak frites or mussels), and occasional reports of food being too salty or salmon being overcooked. A few found salads flavorless, and there were rare concerns about oyster quality.
Food
279
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
34
negative
15
neutral
230
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Smash Burgers
- Creative Pub Grub
- Delightful Soft-Serve
What people don't like
- Greasy fish served
- Overcomplicated dishes
- Bad oysters reported
Often praised
- foodAs a tourist from SA, I had a quick pop-in lunch here and it was absolutely delicious. The staff were so welcoming, they made me want to stay longer!
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We popped in for a quick cocktail before a dinner party and were impressed by the tasty, well-made cocktails. The service was very attentive, and the atmosphere had a hip but unpretentious vibe.
- drinksI absolutely loved this spot! The food, drinks, and vibe were all fantastic, making it a really nice addition to the neighborhood. The service was friendly, and I wanted to offer a helpful suggestion: please update the hours on Google, as the restaurant is indeed closed on Tuesdays.
- soft serveand soft serve out of the side window
- smash burgersmash burger, which was pretty decent
- cocktailI then tried a third oyster, which was either iffy or I was just done with oysters, so I didn't eat any more of the eight oysters I ordered for $21. The burger was good, and the cocktail was good, but the lack of response from the staff was disappointing. There was no inquiry about how my food was, nor any acknowledgement of the potential issue with their oyster supply or storage, which could lead to someone getting seriously ill.
- Fish and Chipsfeatured Fish and Chips which was a large piece of fish, real chips, and unique sauces
- FoodFood:5
- cevicheCeviche was absolute ca$h money yummy
- chicken skewersteriyaki brushed chicken & scallion skewers. The chicken was perfectly moist and tender!
Frequently criticized
- foodMy family and I visited for dinner on Saturday and were immediately met with music that was insanely loud, making conversation impossible. The food itself was overpriced mediocre bar food. The burger was pretty gross, and the mac and cheese was so bad that even my young daughter refused to eat it.
- Caesar saladMenu that's such a far cry from the menu a year ago. The salads were flavorless (we used to rave that they made the best Caesar salad we'd ever had in the area). The salmon was overcooked.
- Cioppino$30 Cioppino - that is supposed to be a fish stew - it was ridiculous
- Dancing Bear cocktailThe shrimp was just okay. And the drinks sound similar, some are close to what they were, but come on, changing the gummy bears for the Dancing Bear cocktail (which is now a little bland). Thankfully the Grapefruit Serrano n.
- beer selectionThe beer selection: very limited.
- burgerBurger is pretty gross
- burger buntop bun of my burger was soaked in oil
- cocktailevery cocktail I have had since has paled in comparison
- cooked thoroughlywasn't cooked thoroughly
- dinnersthe dinners were really, really bad
If youre looking for a spot with generally delicious pub grub and some standout dishes like their Smash Burger and unique desserts, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few specific items might be hit-or-miss, so stick to the crowd-pleasers for the best experience.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
It seems the service here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction sitting at a good 79.8%. Many guests rave about the great service and friendly staff, often highlighting bartenders for their drink preparation and great recommendations. With 71 positive remarks out of 89, it’s clear that many experiences are truly positive, often praising the owner for their hospitality.
However, not every interaction is perfect. There are 16 negative comments, with some guests encountering an unfriendly bartender or a rude server. Issues like a hostess being standoffish or concerns about customer service and the owner's attitude regarding child safety have also been noted, suggesting some inconsistencies in staff attention.
Service
89
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Skilled bartenders
- Welcoming owner
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Poor child safety
- Lack of acknowledgment
Often praised
- serviceHonestly, every cocktail I've had since has paled in comparison. Overall, the tavern offers a great vibe, great service, great food, and great drinks. I will definitely be returning soon!
- staffI particularly enjoyed the excellent cocktails. The exceptional staff made the experience even better. This is a must-do in Cole Valley.
- ServiceService was great
- ownerIf you're looking for a semi-upscale place that serves exceptional eats and drinks with that vintage vibe, this is the place. The owner is very welcoming, and TJ, the day bartender, was not only very skilled in his drink preparation and execution but was very refreshing to talk to.
- bartendersMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I thoroughly enjoyed the tasty cocktails and the fun ambiance, with great bartenders who clearly know their craft. The roasted cauliflower and the Impossible burger were absolutely delicious.
- ColeOur server Cole was top notch and really helpful
- Eddie and his teamThe restaurant has great vibes and the service was excellent. Eddie and his team are great. I will definitely be back.
- JimJim went above and beyond to make it right
- bar managerThe bar manager, Max, was extremely knowledgeable
- bartenderBartender was super friendly and patient
Frequently criticized
- staffThe vibe is also completely off. Loud 80s pop mix, pushy staff suggesting a new drink when your current is half full? No thank you.
- bartenderThe menu was limited, but they offered eclectic cocktails. Unfortunately, I visited on New Year's Eve, and the bartender was not friendly; they even seemed exasperated. I found the limited menu and eclectic cocktails to be interesting, but the bartender's attitude was a significant letdown on a special occasion.
- bartender responsehe didn't react/respond at all. again no reaction/acknowledgement
- bartender's attitudethe bartender was not friendly- even seemed exasperated
- child's safetyThe owner initially provided a high chair with a broken safety belt and suggested I place the baby in it without the harness, which is incredibly unsafe. When I pointed this out and requested a safer chair for my child's well-being, he cut me off and insisted that was all he had. Although I had previously received a safe high chair here, he was dismissive.
- customer serviceIt's crucial for restaurants, particularly the owner, to ensure young children and women feel safe and respected, not yelled at when prioritizing a child's safety. I hope the owner uses this feedback to improve his knowledge of high chair safety and his customer service approach towards female patrons.
- female customersattitude towards female customers
- high chairI was excited to take my friend for brunch with my 9-month-old baby. The owner initially provided a high chair with a broken safety belt and suggested I place the baby in it without the harness, which is incredibly unsafe. When I pointed this out and requested a safer chair for my child's well-being, he cut me off and insisted that was all he had.
- hostessthe hostess was standoffish and rude
- hoursThe food, drinks, and vibe were all fantastic, making it a really nice addition to the neighborhood. The service was friendly, and I wanted to offer a helpful suggestion: please update the hours on Google, as the restaurant is indeed closed on Tuesdays. I'll definitely be back on a day other than Tuesday soon!
Overall, you can expect a largely positive service experience, especially from the attentive staff and skilled bartenders. While most visits are smooth, be aware that a few guests have encountered less-than-friendly interactions or specific issues, particularly concerning the owner's approach to certain situations.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
Overall, the ambience here gets a solid 7.6, with a fantastic 83.3% customer satisfaction! Many of the 65 positive remarks out of 78 total comments rave about the great atmosphere and good vibe, often highlighting its neighborhood-y feel and even a dog-friendly patio. Its seen as perfect for a family outing, date night, or just time with friends.
However, not everyone was charmed. A dozen comments pointed out issues like blasting music that made conversation impossible, a cold and unfriendly atmosphere, or a vibe that felt off. Some even compared it to a chain midwestern sports bar with bad art and flashing TVs, which certainly isnt everyone's cup of tea.
Ambience
78
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Neighborhood vibe
- Dog-friendly patio
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Unfriendly vibe
- Sports bar feel
Often praised
- atmosphereWe had a regular meal outside with our dog on New Year’s Eve. The food was good, and we enjoyed watching the Muni trams go by. The atmosphere was also a highlight, contributing to a pleasant experience.
- vibeI absolutely loved this spot! The food, drinks, and vibe were all fantastic, making it a really nice addition to the neighborhood. The service was friendly, and I wanted to offer a helpful suggestion: please update the hours on Google, as the restaurant is indeed closed on Tuesdays.
- placenew yet feels lived in the the best way possible
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I thoroughly enjoyed the tasty cocktails and the fun ambiance, with great bartenders who clearly know their craft. The roasted cauliflower and the Impossible burger were absolutely delicious.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is hip but relaxed
- vibesdrinks, and vibes
- Sunday brunch spotit is a great Sunday brunch spot for a family
- ambienceGreat ambience
- bar areaSat at the bar area and truly loved
- bathroomsDon’t get me started on the bathrooms! (In short, they are pretty amazing!)
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereequivalent of a chain midwestern sports bar
- vibeI’ve been here a handful of times in the last few years and it’s never a good vibe, especially for a neighborhood spot. It’s unfortunate because the food and drinks are great.
- bad artBad art
- cocktail barwhat I thought was a cute cocktail bar
- flashing TVsUnfortunately, my experience was the opposite. The atmosphere felt like a chain midwestern sports bar located inside a cheap hotel, with bad art and flashing TVs. The drinks were cheap, and the food was uninspired.
- musicblasting music insanely loud, impossible to have a conversation
- neighborhood barwanted a local-feeling neighborhood bar
- romance in diningwhere is the romance in dining anymore?
If you're looking for a lively spot with a generally great atmosphere and a strong neighborhood feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some found the music too loud or the vibe a bit too casual, so it might not be your pick for a quiet, romantic evening.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found pleasant surprises, especially with the happy hour prices being called very good and the price per person often noted as quite reasonable. Many felt they couldnt complain for the cost, appreciating that the prices didnt leave a bitter taste, with some items being described as fairly priced. This positive feedback comes from 7 favorable comments out of 19 total observations.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a customer satisfaction of just 36.8% and an average score of 4.9. Many felt the prices were too high and not worth it, leading to complaints about being overpriced and too expensive. The addition of junk fees and a 5% service fee also left a sour note for several guests, contributing to 11 critical remarks.
Value
19
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good happy hour
- Reasonable entry price
What people don't like
- High prices
- Poor value
- Hidden service fees
Often praised
- priceCan’t really complain for the price.
- pricesthe prices didn’t leave a bitter taste on our mouths
- billissue with the bill and Jim went above and beyond
- happy hour pricesThe happy hour prices: very good
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
Frequently criticized
- priceMy family and I visited for dinner on Saturday and were immediately met with music that was insanely loud, making conversation impossible. The food itself was overpriced mediocre bar food. The burger was pretty gross, and the mac and cheese was so bad that even my young daughter refused to eat it.
- billask it be taken off the bill
- cheap drinkscheap drinks
- high pricesthe restaurant is too expensive with high prices
- junk feesthe restaurant is too expensive with high prices and junk fees
- priceswish the prices weren’t so high
- service feetacks on a 5% service fee
If youre looking for great happy hour deals, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared for potentially high prices on other items and keep an eye out for additional charges like service fees, as many guests felt the overall cost wasnt justified.
How are the prices at Cole Valley Tavern?
On average, you’ll spend around 34 per person – from 45 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners tend to cluster around the 21 – 40 $ mark, suggesting a good mix of mid-range options, though there are also some cheaper bites and a few premium experiences available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to those looking for a solid mid-range meal without breaking the bank, while also providing some flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cole Valley Tavern
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Smash Burger & Window Service!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was very tasty😋. I particularly enjoyed the smash burger, but my favorite part was the window service.
You can walk up and get soft serve, milkshakes, tots and fries, or hot dogs and burgers all without needing to sit down!
- food9
- smash burger8
- window service9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
A Neighborhood Gem with Top-Notch Service
This place was bustling on a Thursday evening at 6 pm, which immediately signaled it was a neighborhood staple. There seemed to be a good mix of locals, tourists (like us), and everyday patrons. Our server, Cole, was top-notch and incredibly helpful with his favorite dishes and suggestions.
The N/A cocktails were amazing, the ceviche was fresh, the smash burger was on point, and the salads were crisp. The entire experience was exactly what we needed. We finished it all off with an oreo sundae.
If you're in the area and can find parking, definitely stop by – you won't be disappointed.
- Cole10
- N/A cocktails10
- ceviche9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delightful Afternoon Snack Spot!
We had a leisurely afternoon snack and drink here and were beyond delighted to have found the joint. The cocktails are excellent and the bartenders (Alex and Alex) are fun and quite competent. The ceviche was absolute ca$h money yummy.
Just a happy place is all.
- cocktails10
- bartenders9
- ceviche10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Decent Burger, Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant involved trying the smash burger and fries. The burger itself was decent. However, the hostess was standoffish and rude throughout my visit.
I wouldn't recommend coming here if you're looking for good service.
- burger6
- hostess2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Decent Smash Burger, Amazing Mocktail
My experience at the restaurant involved trying their smash burger, which was pretty decent. The fries were a little over-fried for my liking. However, the mocktail I had was amazing; the Grapefruit Serrano is definitely one to try.
- smash burger7
- mocktail10
- Grapefruit Serrano10
- fries3
What Cole Valley Tavern offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Cole Valley Tavern?
At Cole Valley Tavern, you’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere. They offer a wide range of beverages including hard liquor, wine, beer, coffee, and cocktails, alongside options for a quick bite.
What service and accessibility options are available at Cole Valley Tavern?
Cole Valley Tavern provides outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. It is also fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
What is the overall verdict for Cole Valley Tavern?
Cole Valley Tavern holds an overall score of **7.7** with **80.2%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (7.9), **Service** (7.9), and **Ambience** (7.6) are generally well-received, though **Value** (4.9) is a weaker point.
What do customers enjoy most about Cole Valley Tavern?
Many patrons frequently praise the exceptional **cocktails** and **drinks**, often highlighting the skill of the **bartenders**. The **service** is also a strong point, with many finding the staff welcoming and attentive.
Are there any common concerns about Cole Valley Tavern?
Some customers express concerns regarding the **Value** due to high prices and additional fees. The **ambience** can also be a point of contention, with some finding the music excessively loud or the atmosphere feeling less intimate than desired.