Highlights
- Great dessert
- Sports
- Great beer selection
oChef » Applebee’s – San Francisco
Applebee's - San Francisco
Photo from Applebee’s
Applebee's at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 139 of the guests
#2326 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#252 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Average
4.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
819
Reviews
39.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Affordable meals
- Enjoyable views
- Good drinks
Frequently criticized
- Service delays
- Food inconsistency
- Unkempt facilities
The restaurant Applebee’s in San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf is a casual spot where you can enjoy a great beer selection. This restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a meal.
You’ll find it’s a fantastic place to unwind, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner experience in a trendy setting.
Overview: Introducting Applebee's
Applebee’s often provides affordable meals and budget friendly meal options, which many patrons find appealing. The food generally garners positive comments for its variety and taste, with some dishes noted as quite satisfying.
However, the dining experience can be inconsistent, with notable waiting time for service and food delivery. While some staff are friendly, others have been described as inattentive.
Issues like unclean restrooms also occasionally detract from the overall visit.
Average
4.8
out of 10
819
Reviews
39.9%
Satisfaction
437
negative
55
neutral
327
positive
The restaurant holds an average Restaurant Score of 4.8 out of 10, reflecting a generally moderate experience. This is further nuanced by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 39.9%, which falls into the poor category, indicating that a significant portion of diners leave less than fully pleased.
This contrast suggests a noticeable gap between expectations and reality for many. Looking closer at the feedback from 819 customer opinions, with 327 positive and 437 negative remarks, the Ambience (6.7) stands out as a good aspect, often praised for pleasant views.
Food (5.4) and Value (4.1) are considered average, while Service (3.7) is a clear area needing improvement, frequently cited for delays and inconsistency.
What people like
- Affordable meal options
- Enjoyable views
- Good drink selection
What people don't like
- Significant service delays
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unkempt facilities
Given the mixed feedback, Applebee’s presents a somewhat neutral proposition, reflected in its Recommendation Score of 5. It could be a suitable choice if you’re seeking a casual meal with affordable options and don’t mind potentially longer waits, especially if a location offers a pleasant view.
However, if consistent service and high-quality food are top priorities, you might find the experience disappointing. It’s worth managing expectations, particularly regarding service speed and the overall upkeep of the premises, to ensure a more satisfying visit.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
283
98.6%
- $$
- Lower Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
307
100%
- $$
- Saint Francis Wood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
97
99%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
182
96.2%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
249
98.4%
- $$
- Cow Hollow
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
533
98.1%
- $$
- Marina District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Applebee's
Food (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 putting it squarely in the average category. Many guests, based on 124 positive opinions, enjoyed the generous portions, tasty ribs, and delicious grilled salmon, often complemented by a good selection of cocktails. It seems there are some real menu winners if you pick carefully!
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 48.6%, reflecting the 105 negative opinions. Common complaints include food often being served cold, inconsistent quality with dishes being undercooked or overcooked, and a general lack of flavor in some items. It appears consistency is a key area for improvement.
Food
255
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
105
negative
26
neutral
124
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Tasty ribs
- Good drink selection
What people don't like
- Food often cold
- Inconsistent quality
- Lacks flavor
Often praised
- foodDespite there being more staff than guests, it took over 15 minutes for our order to be taken. While the food was excellent, my waiter never brought the shake I ordered. The manager and her co-workers made my husband, niece, and me feel very uncomfortable by constantly staring at us, especially as we were the only African American family there.
- drinksdrinks 🍷 big and delicious 🤤
- appetizerThe service was very friendly and helpful. We ordered a combo of 2 burgers with an appetizer (fingers). Drinks were available on demand.
- FoodFood:4
- good foodusual good food
- mealone of the best meal I have eaten at any restaurant
- portionshave moderately sized portions
- ribsHad to try and it was late and most places were closed
- varietythe variety was appealing
- 8oz steakThe 8oz steak was pretty good
Frequently criticized
- foodThey clearly have no vocation for serving. After ordering, I waited 25 minutes for my food, and when it finally arrived, it was cold and raw. This has been the same experience all three times I've visited.
- drinksan hour had already passed and they still hadn't brought us the drinks
- chickenchicken with a taste of bitterness
- friesMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The food was subpar; my fries were cold. The drinks arrived after I received my food, and I never had the chance to ask for ranch.
- burgerBurger was a null number, tasted like nothing
- FoodFood took ages to be returned
- appetizerIt looks like our waiter was on his first day and he had no training. Drinks came after the meal, and we didn’t receive the appetizer.
- burgersMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. We waited over an hour for our burgers, and when they finally arrived, they were very small, leaving us still hungry. To add to the frustration, we then waited more than 30 minutes for the check.
- dessertit took longer for him to bring it to us again
- food qualityother food was not good over cooked
If you're looking for a quick, hearty meal and know what to order, you might find some decent options here. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food temperature and quality, which could make it a hit-or-miss experience.
Service (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are some bright spots! Based on 94 positive remarks, guests appreciated the attentive service, friendly staff, and quick responses, with specific shout-outs to individuals like waiter Uriel and Aida. Many enjoyed a pleasant dining experience thanks to servers who were described as kind and professional.
However, the overall picture for service is quite challenging, reflected in a 3.7 score and a low 27.7% customer satisfaction. With 239 negative comments out of 339 total remarks, many experienced significant wait times, slow service, and inattentive staff. Issues like order accuracy and a lack of communication also frequently led to frustration.
Service
339
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
239
negative
6
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Quick service
- Professionalism
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inattentive staff
- Poor service
Often praised
- serviceIt's 7: 27pm and I understand there is a dinner party going on, but our food was a bit warm after waiting for so long to receive our food. When she addressed us after seeing our waiter hadn't shown up, she took initiative to improve service. We have been here since 6: 15pm and we have seen her going from table to table, to the bar, and even in the back in the kitchen.
- staffThe food was delicious, and the view was amazing. The staff were very friendly. The drinks 🍷 were big and delicious 🤤.
- serverHowever, upon arrival, we waited 20 minutes before I had to flag down a server to order drinks. She was very kind and assured us our server would be with us shortly. Unfortunately, after waiting another 10 minutes and observing our server attend to other tables who arrived after us, our attempts to get her attention were still ignored.
- ServiceService:5
- waiterthe waiter was extremely friendly
- waitressshe was an absolute joy. Very friendly and very professional
- customer serviceThe customer service was outstanding.
- hostthe host was really nice and got my party
- waitIt's a quiet place. We didn't have to wait at all; there were few people as it was a weekday.
- wait time😒 The atmosphere was rated a 4, described as quiet and easy to talk, and the meal type was dinner. The price per person was $100+ with no wait time.
Frequently criticized
- serviceI wondered what happened to working for tips, suggesting more engagement like trying some chat with customers and a smile, and perhaps informing them about the food being served. It's a real shame because the food was good, but the service at best was mediocre.
- waiting timeThe first interview was fine, but for the second and third, they didn’t even know I was scheduled, despite my having email confirmations that they set them up. I was made to sit and wait for the general manager for 30 minutes without her even greeting me or saying a word, let alone apologize for the apparent lack of organization. I was told to come in uniform and get certifications costing me over a hundred dollars, just for their incompetent management to not even have the decency to speak to me.
- staffThis was the worst restaurant experience I've ever had. The staff is rude and rushes you from the moment you enter until you leave. They ignored me and my partner and didn't pick up our empty plates.
- serverThe server was very rude to ME only and kept Making passes at my boyfriend
- waitressour waitress, Nohemi D, came to our table. She seemed annoyed
- wait timehad to wait for 10+ minutes between ordering drinks and getting them delivered
- managermanager removed are names from the list, when confronted they seated us
- customer servicegood customer service, which is something Nohemi lacked
- waiterour waiter was on his first day and he had no training
- waitingShe was very kind and assured us our server would be with us shortly. Unfortunately, after waiting another 10 minutes and observing our server attend to other tables who arrived after us, our attempts to get her attention were still ignored. In total, we waited over 40 minutes from sitting down, and we decided to leave.
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a mixed bag when it comes to service. While some guests have wonderful experiences with attentive staff, many others report long waits and inattentiveness. It might be a gamble, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, though leaning positive. Based on 137 opinions, with a solid 85 positive remarks, many guests rave about the great views, fantastic location, and often mention the cleanliness and relaxed atmosphere. The overall score for ambience sits at a respectable 6.7, indicating a generally good experience.
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 62%, suggesting some areas need attention. About 35 opinions highlight concerns like an occasional dump smell or distracting atmosphere from screens or loud music. Some also experienced seating issues, being placed away from the coveted window seats, and noted dirty restrooms or carpets.
Ambience
137
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
35
negative
17
neutral
85
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning views
- Prime location
- Clean facilities
What people don't like
- Unpleasant odors
- Dirty restrooms
- Poor seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThen, white individuals arrived, and they were given window tables. 😒 The atmosphere was rated a 4, described as quiet and easy to talk, and the meal type was dinner. The price per person was $100+ with no wait time.
- viewI enjoyed every minute at this restaurant. The food was delicious, and the view was amazing. The staff were very friendly.
- locationI would rather avoid this restaurant. The location is nice with a water view, if you can get a table by the window. However, our waiter made us wait a long time at the beginning and admittedly forgot about us.
- viewsthe views are great whilst you have your dinner
- placeExelente lugar. Frente a la bahía, con una gusta hermosa
- noise levelwasn't busy or loud. Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- bathroomsThe food was super exquisite, and the service was top-notch! The cleanliness of the place was impeccable, even in the bathrooms!
- fantastic viewMy experience at this restaurant offered a fantastic view, complemented by decent, normal Applebee's food. However, the service was very slow, and the waitress was inattentive.
- window seatIf you manage to get a window seat, you have a nice view
Frequently criticized
- restroomsIt took an excessively long time for someone to even offer us a drink. To make matters worse, the restrooms were disgusting, which is unacceptable, especially for a newly opened establishment. The health board should investigate.
- atmospheremaar weinig sfeer
- tablelead me to a table in the middle of the restaurant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- ParkingDifficult to find parking
- ads on the dumb screenwatch ads on the dumb screen
- bathroomsthe bathrooms were disgusting
- carpetsthe carpets stained and dirty
- charmTo our dismay, we discovered that this family-run traditional establishment did not survive the pandemic. Unfortunately, the Fisherman's Wharf has lost much of its charm. 25 years unfortunately change a lot, not always for the better.
- distracting atmospheredumb screen they put on the table
If you can snag a window seat, especially for those stunning views, it's definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that the overall vibe might be a little inconsistent, and you might encounter some minor cleanliness or seating quirks.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, appreciating the All Inclusive menu and affordable meals that offered good price/performance. Many enjoyed happy hour offers and various deals, making it a budget friendly meal option. These positive sentiments, though fewer, highlight moments of genuine satisfaction with the pricing.
However, the overall sentiment leans heavily negative, with 58 out of 88 opinions expressing concern. With an average score of 4.1 and poor customer satisfaction at 27.3%, many reported frustrating billing issues and felt overcharged. Misleading pricing, unexpected mystery fees, and charges for games on table often led to an expensive and disappointing experience.
Value
88
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
58
negative
6
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value menu
- Affordable meal deals
- Good price/performance
What people don't like
- Hidden charges
- Misleading pricing
- Billing issues
Often praised
- priceHeel goedkoop waardoor je heel veel kan eten en bestellen
- pricesDrinks were available on demand. The prices were very reasonable. I recommend it.
- 2 for $28 specialtheir "2 for $28 (or $34 or $38)" special will definitely fill you up
- 2 for 36 dealshe kindly reminded us for the 2 for 36
- All Inclusive menuWe had the All Inclusive menu, which was great value
- affordable mealsMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. They offer good and affordable meals with plenty of options for everyone, making it ideal for big groups. The restaurant has lots of seating, and some spots offer a really nice view.
- affordable to goOverall, affordable to go once in a while
- budget friendly mealbudget friendly meal in downtown San Francisco
- cheaper dinnerwe enjoyed this for a cheaper dinner
- dealsThey have many deals
Frequently criticized
- priceThe place is well located, but it's much more expensive than other Applebee's, and in turn, the dishes are smaller. A few days prior, we had eaten at another branch, and the same dish had more quantity and was much cheaper.
- billI'm giving it 4 stars because the tables have devices for ordering food and playing games, and it wasn't specified anywhere that there's a charge for playing. This was later reflected on the bill, so I'm mentioning it as advice and something to improve. The service was very good.
- costnot a decent portion considering the cost
- pricesThe prices were overpriced
- tipa 20% tip is not something that is deserved in this situation
- 18% gratuitytold 18% gratuity off bat
- 3 plats et 2 bières104$ for 3 dishes and 2 beers
- Price per personOrdered nachos and extra beans for a charge and literally got half sauce cup for that. Ordered mushroom burger with impossible patty got charged extra for that too
- San Francisco surchargenur teurer, durch den Aufschlag für San Francisco
- addition gonfléeperhaps an inflated addition
If youre looking for great value, this might be a hit or miss. While some find good deals, be very cautious about potential hidden charges and billing surprises. Its worth trying if you stick to advertised specials, but be prepared to scrutinize your bill.
How are the prices at Applebee's?
You’re looking at roughly 36 per person – reported by 139 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 36, a good chunk of diners found options in the $21–$30 range, suggesting a nice mix of choices, from more budget-friendly to some pricier treats.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 139 most recent reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco, especially with the variety of price points available. You can likely find something to fit your budget!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Applebee's
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Expensive Drinks, Hidden Fees
My experience at this restaurant was defined by a lack of transparency and surprisingly high costs. The beers were priced higher than at most hotel bars, which was quite a shock. Adding to the confusion were mystery fees that even the bartender couldn't explain.
The suggested tip was calculated after taxes and these additional fees, making the tipping process feel nonsensical. To top it off, there were no prices listed anywhere on the drink menu, which felt like a deliberate attempt to hide the costs and erode trust. It was an absolute comedy of errors.
- beers2
- mystery fees1
- suggested tip2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Applebee's Experience
Having traveled to the USA a few times and seen Applebee's around, I've never gone in, always finding these types of chain restaurants in the UK a disappointment. I'm afraid this seems to be the case here in the USA as well. When we arrived, the restaurant looked tired and grubby.
When the food arrived, it was wrong. My partner and daughter were both supposed to have broccoli with their meals, but when it arrived, one had green beans as a substitute, and the other meal had a bread roll as a substitute. When telling the waiter, he just said they didn’t have any and walked off before we could say anything else.
For the price paid for the food, it definitely wasn’t worth it. So, that is the first and last time we will visit an Applebee's whilst holidaying in the USA again.
- restaurant appearance2
- food order2
- broccoli substitute2
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Mixed Experience with Service Issue
My experience at the restaurant was mostly good, especially the food, which I rated a 5. However, there was a significant issue with the service at the entrance. A staff member named Arturo was rude and racist.
We requested a table by the window, but he refused. Then, white individuals arrived, and they were given window tables. 😒 The atmosphere was rated a 4, described as quiet and easy to talk, and the meal type was dinner.
The price per person was $100+ with no wait time.
- food10
- atmosphere8
- noise level9
- service2
- Arturo1
- window table2
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Food and Service Experience
My experience at this restaurant was the worst time ever. The food was burnt and overcooked. I asked the waiter, Rocio, to remake the steak, but she spent 10 minutes talking to another table.
At this point, I wanted a refund. I had paid for my appetizer, and then she tried to charge me for a meal that wasn't eaten and a drink we didn't have. I went to get the drink myself, and it was already gone.
The manager was unhelpful, and it seems like all the employees are very lazy. I will never come back to this place again.
- food1
- steak1
- waiter Rocio1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Salmon with a View
My experience at Applebee's Grill and Bar was very positive. The food was delicious, just like at other Applebee's locations. I particularly enjoyed the grilled salmon with broccoli and mash, which was "on point" and something I would order again.
While the price was slightly higher due to its prime location on Pier 39, the overall experience was worth it. The restaurant is situated on the second floor, accessible by stairs or elevator, offering a beautiful view of the pier, Alcatraz, and the people. It's also open very late, making it a great option for late arrivals, and it felt safe.
I would recommend this location.
- food9
- grilled salmon with broccoli and mash10
- price6
What Applebee's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Applebee's in Fisherman's Wharf?
At Applebee’s, you can enjoy a wide range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. They also offer delicious desserts and comfortable table service, with seating available for your convenience.
Does Applebee's in San Francisco provide accessibility features and convenient parking?
Yes, Applebee’s ensures accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. For your convenience, both a paid parking lot and free street parking options are available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Applebee's?
Applebee’s holds a Restaurant Score of 4.8, indicating an average experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 39.9%, suggesting a mixed to poor reception. This is influenced by average Food (5.4) and Value (4.1), but good Ambience (6.7) and poor Service (3.7).
What do customers appreciate about Applebee's?
Many customers find Applebee’s offers affordable meals and budget friendly meal options, with deals like the “2 for $28 special.” The view from some locations and the variety of food are also frequently mentioned positives.
What are common complaints about Applebee's?
Recurring issues include waiting time for service and food, cold and raw food, and disgusting restrooms. Some also noted overpriced items compared to other locations.