Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Dirty Habit – San Francisco
Dirty Habit - San Francisco
Photo from Dirty Habit
Dirty Habit at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#1748 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#207 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
462
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Chic ambiance
- Great cocktails
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Small portions
The restaurant Dirty Habit, located in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco, offers you a truly unique dining experience. As you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the inviting ambiance, highlighted by a cozy fireplace that sets a warm and sophisticated tone.
This trendy spot is perfect for an upscale evening out, whether you’re enjoying small plates or a full dinner. You’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that combines modern flair with classic comfort, making it a memorable destination in the city.
Overview: Introducting Dirty Habit
Dirty Habit offers a generally pleasant experience, particularly with its appealing ambiance and well-crafted cocktails. Guests often appreciate the intimate setting and the overall vibe, making it a comfortable spot for an evening out.
However, some have noted challenges with the entry access and finding the outdoor views less impressive than anticipated. The culinary offerings are often praised for their quality, though some find the portions to be on the smaller side for the price.
Service generally receives positive remarks, with staff often described as attentive and friendly, contributing to a comfortable visit despite occasional inconsistencies.
Good
6.9
out of 10
462
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
124
negative
24
neutral
314
positive
Overall, Dirty Habit holds a respectable 6.9 score, indicating a generally good experience, with customer satisfaction at 68%, placing it in the mixed to good range. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 462 customer opinions, with 314 positive and 124 negative, providing a solid basis for these insights.
The Ambience (7.7) stands out as a strong point, often described as intimate and chic, while Food (7.2) also performs well, particularly for its drinks and specific dishes. Service (6.2) is decent, though not without occasional hiccups.
The primary concern appears to be Value (3.5), with many finding portions small or prices high for what’s offered.
What people like
- Intimate, chic ambiance
- Excellent cocktails
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Poor value
- Small food portions
- Service billing issues
Dirty Habit could be a suitable choice if you prioritize a stylish setting and well-made drinks over a budget-friendly meal. Its inviting atmosphere and creative cocktails often leave a positive impression, making it a good spot for a relaxed evening or a business meet-up.
However, with a Recommendation Score of 7, it’s worth noting that the culinary experience, while generally good, might not always justify the cost, especially concerning portion sizes. Manage your expectations regarding value, and you’ll likely have a pleasant visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dirty Habit
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a 7.2 score indicating a good culinary experience and a solid 71.7% customer satisfaction. Many rave about the great food and delicious dishes, often highlighting fresh ingredients and crafted cocktails. With 165 positive remarks out of 230 total, there's a lot to love, from Japanese fusion cuisine to smoked meat and delightful desserts.
However, not every bite is perfect. Some diners found portion sizes to be on the smaller side, especially given the price. There were also comments about limited vegetarian options and a few dishes being a bit on the salty side or even bland.
While 47 negative comments are fewer, these points suggest areas for refinement.
Food
230
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
47
negative
18
neutral
165
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great food
- Fresh ingredients
- Crafted cocktails
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Limited vegetarian options
- Salty/bland dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant, a little gem at Hotel Zelos, was fantastic. I was very pleased with the excellent food and attentive staff. I dined here twice and was very happy with the service received.
- drinksMy experience at this hotel bar and restaurant was positive. It's a good place to meet business folks for drinks where you can still hear yourself talk. The breakfast and dinner were also good, though a bit pricey, which is typical for downtown San Francisco.
- cocktailsInside, the restaurant offered a very friendly lounge feel. The cocktails we ordered were some of the best we've ever had, and the two dishes we ordered were perfect. I highly recommend this place for a date night or a similar occasion.
- duck fried riceThe duck fried rice was amazing
- friesordered the fries... all were very good
- good foodMy experience at this restaurant was a nice, mellow one on a weekday evening. It's a good place to chill and enjoy some interesting drinks and good food. The noise level was just right – not too loud for conversation, but private enough that you don't feel overheard.
- breakfastopen for breakfast from 7 - 11 am
- cocktailgreat cocktail in a swan bucket
- dinnerand dinner (6 - 10 pm)
- dishesthe 2 dishes we ordered were perfect
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was overpriced and under flavored
- oystersEverything tasted amazing except for the oysters. We ordered four of them, and they were pitifully small, maybe the size of a quarter. Additionally, one of the oysters had shell particles, making it inedible.
- portionsthe portions were very small
- cocktailone cocktail we didn’t order
- drinksdrinks weren’t that great (one tasted like NyQuil)
- portion sizesnor the size of the portions
- amount of foodpricey for the amount of food you get
- chicken wingsWhile the food was good, the portions were very small for the price. For example, $18 for two small venison skewers and $18 for 5 chicken wings felt insufficient. Adding a simple side dish would have significantly improved the value proposition and made up for the small portions.
- dinnerNot really a place I'd recommend for dinner
- dirty Martiniserves a dirty Martini which is warm and sweet
If youre looking for a place with generally great food and crafted cocktails, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that portion sizes might be smaller than expected, and vegetarian options are somewhat limited.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! It seems like the team here often hits the mark, with many guests praising the attentive staff and amazing servers like Nataly and Gia. Folks loved how bartenders like Andrew could even customize a cocktail just for them, showing real cheerfulness and excellent customer service.
This positive vibe is reflected in 53 positive remarks. However, its not always smooth sailing. There are quite a few mentions of long waiting times for seating, drinks, and even food, which can be frustrating.
Some guests also experienced wrong orders or mistakes with the bill, leading to a less-than-stellar experience. These issues contribute to 38 negative comments, resulting in an overall score of 6.2 and a customer satisfaction of 58.2%, which puts service in the average to mixed category.
Service
91
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
38
negative
0
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Excellent bartender service
- Servers are amazing
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Order, bill mistakes
- Inattentive wait staff
Often praised
- serviceOn our first visit, we sat at the bar and enjoyed drinks. The service was great and the drinks were near perfection. We didn't have reservations for our second visit but were seated without issue.
- staffThe staff is on point and so friendly and helpful
- bartendersThe bartenders are friendly
- ServiceThe atmosphere was also top-notch, rated 5 out of 5. Service was equally impressive, also receiving a 5-star rating. This was a fantastic dinner experience.
- serverwas quite pleasant as was our server
- serversMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The ambiance was amazing, and the servers were super polite. We ordered the oysters, French fries, halibut, and ribeye.
- waitressSierra was our waitress and she was brilliant
- AndrewMy bartender Andrew not only made fantastic cocktails
- Chef KeeganKnowing now what Chef Keegan is capable of preparing for Dirty Habit, I'll be back.
- Chef Keegan CavesChef Keegan Caves was preparing some special creations.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the service was not the best, the space itself was very cool, featuring an outdoor patio. I also found the dishes to be interesting.
- billThe server seemed bothered that we were asking for changes and to correct the bill. She brought it back wrong, requiring another correction, and then we were given a bill that wasn't even ours. I understand mistakes can happen, but we were overcharged by $160.
- serverFor instance, they charged us for a bottle of wine instead of a glass, and added extra items we hadn't ordered. The server seemed bothered that we were asking for changes and to correct the bill. She brought it back wrong, requiring another correction, and then we were given a bill that wasn't even ours.
- waitersThe waiters were hanging out between each other
- waiting timehad to wait at the front for 10 minutes
- cheat touriststrying to cheat tourists!!!!
- checkgot the wrong check
- correct the billasking for the changes and correct the bill
- customer serviceQuite a bad customer service in this Cafe/bar.
- foodwait for an hour to eat our food
So, should you go? The service here is a bit of a mixed bag. While you might encounter some truly amazing and attentive staff who go the extra mile, be prepared for potential delays or minor hiccups with your order or bill.
Its worth a try if youre patient, but don't expect consistently flawless service.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this spot really shines, earning a solid score of 7.7. Customers are clearly happy, with satisfaction at a strong 83.5%, based on 91 positive remarks. Guests rave about the hidden patio, speakeasy feel, and rooftop patio with Great Gatsby vibes, creating a truly memorable atmosphere.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. Out of 109 total comments, 13 pointed out some downsides. A few found the place a bit pretentious or too dark, and some were disappointed by the lack of views from certain areas, mentioning uncomfortable chairs and an odd layout inside.
Ambience
109
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hidden patios
- Speakeasy vibe
- Stunning rooftop views
What people don't like
- Too dark
- Lacking views
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious food and the excellent service in a very relaxed atmosphere. I highly recommend it, especially if you are staying at the hotel.
- ambiancethe ambiance is dark and intimate
- locationAmazing location for corporate events
- patiopatio has a great outdoor vibe and is secluded
- ambiencethe customer service and the ambience was beyond anything I've expected
- outdoor patioThe outdoor patio was so tranquil and chic
- placePretty chic place for cocktails
- noise levelThe noise level is just right
- spacesleek, trendy space
- viewsterrific views were absolutely stunning
Frequently criticized
- viewsdon't expect any views from the roof top or from inside
- ambienceI went with a couple of girlfriends and found the drinks weren’t that great; one even tasted like NyQuil. We were seated in the outdoor “rooftop” area, but it lacked any views and was surrounded by hotel rooms, which was a letdown for the ambience.
- breakfast hangoutdid not seem like a perfect fit for a good breakfast hangout
- chairschairs for the low tables weren't really comfortable
- darkvery very dark to the point
- dripping glassesdripping glasses need coasters
- entry accessMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. It was difficult to figure out how to get in, as elevator access is required. However, the stunning rooftop patio and neatly decorated interior created a beautiful atmosphere.
- insidethe inside is stuffy and cramped
- layoutthe layout of this place is a bit odd
- patio seatingunable to seat us on the patio
If youre looking for a place with a distinct and often praised atmosphere, especially with its unique patios and stylish decor, its definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that some find it a bit dark or that certain seating might not offer the best views.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks did find a few things to be pretty worth it and appreciated the reasonable prices on certain items, like an exceptional $5 beer or average priced drinks. However, the overall sentiment for value is quite low, with a score of just 3.5 and customer satisfaction at a mere 15.6%. Based on 32 customer comments, with a significant lean towards the negative (26 negative versus 5 positive), many felt the experience was expensive, pricey for what you get, and often led to feeling overcharged.
Issues ranged from small portions for the price to incorrect bills and costly shareable plates.
Value
32
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
26
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional beer value
- Some drinks reasonable
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Expensive drinks
- Billing errors
Often praised
- average priced drinksaverage priced drinks
- beer$5 beer is exceptional
- priceThe service was great, and the fifth floor was unbelievable – you wouldn't expect it when entering through the stores. They offer a great selection of foods and drinks that they make, which is fantastic and very reasonably priced.
- reasonable pricesat reasonable prices
- worth itPretty worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceThis place sure looks nice, but that's where your experience should stop. The food is very bland and VERY expensive. Come here to look at the views, then leave; your wallet and stomach will thank you.
- billInitially, the service was adequate. However, once the check was delivered, we discovered they had put items on our bill that did not belong. For instance, they charged us for a bottle of wine instead of a glass, and added extra items we hadn't ordered.
- pricesWe arrived near the end of breakfast service, and everything took a considerable amount of time, from getting seated and receiving menus to placing our order. When the food finally arrived, it was passable, but certainly not worth the prices. The service issues were so significant that another customer had to stand up to demand their check, and even then, they received the wrong one.
- added by restaurantMore than 20% of the bill was added by restaurant 😀😀😀😀
- bar bitesExpensive bar bites and cocktails
- beerThe beer is pricey, $10 per glass.
- bourbonpricy. unless you are purely going for straight bourbon
- cocktailsExpensive bar bites and cocktails
- complimentary itemSo I ended up with not spending that complimentary item.
- drinksThe main courses, chicken and black cod, were just ok. The drinks were notably very small and pricy. I believe there are much better dining options available around San Francisco.
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a tough sell for most. While a few items might catch your eye for their reasonable cost, the overwhelming feedback points to an expensive experience with small portions and billing issues. If you're looking for good bang for your buck, you might want to look elsewhere.
How are the prices at Dirty Habit?
You’re looking at roughly 48 per person – reported by 35 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits around 48, the pricing actually offers a nice mix, with many guests spending in the $21–$30 range, alongside those opting for the $41–$50 experience. So, there’s a bit of something for everyone!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, allowing for different budgets while still providing a quality dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dirty Habit
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Continental Breakfast and Dinner
My experience at Dirty Habit was quite positive. The entrance was a bit tricky to find, being prominently displayed on street level but located on the 5th floor of Hotel Zelos. They are open for breakfast from 7-11 am, happy hour from 4-6 pm, and dinner from 6-10 pm.
They offer seating for those who want to sit and chill even when closed between 11 am and 4 pm. I found the continental breakfast ($20) to be pretty delicious and satisfying. It included toasted pastries, which were a significant improvement over cold ones, 5 types of fresh-cut fruit, a choice of juice (I chose grapefruit), and refillable tea or coffee.
I also added a side of chicken sausage (3 pieces - $8), which were juicy and hot, and a side of sourdough toast (4 halves - $2) that was perfectly crisp and didn't require any accompaniments. For dinner, I ordered the Mary's Chicken Confit ($30) and apple pie bread pudding ($12). The chicken was moist and tender with a crisp skin, complemented by yams, broccolini, and lemon relish, making for a complete meal.
The bread pudding was warm and perfectly sweet with cream, caramel, and apples. Service was excellent for both meals, with attentive staff who kept drinks refilled and provided just the right amount of attention. Having Dirty Habit within Hotel Zelos was very convenient, allowing me to charge meals to my room.
It's also a great spot to simply relax.
- entrance6
- breakfast8
- dinner8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Horrible Service and Limited Options
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The veg options were very limited, with barely anything available except some salad. The service was horrible; some food arrived, while other orders did not.
To make matters worse, we received the wrong order. When we inquired about unavailable items, they stated it wasn't available. The most frustrating part was the timing of the food delivery; my friend received her main course when we were already having desserts.
To add to the issues, we were forced to split the bill equally, which resulted in one person paying $70 for just a salad. It was truly the worst service possible.
- veg options2
- service1
- food2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Cozy Heated Outdoor Seating
We wanted to stay outside, but it was too cold for our taste. Fortunately, the outdoor area is heated. It seemed nice.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service and food also received a 5. The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. We were a group of 2 people and experienced no wait time.
- heated outdoor area8
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Slow Service, Passable Food, High Prices
My experience at the restaurant was marked by exceptionally slow service. We arrived near the end of breakfast service, and everything took a considerable amount of time, from getting seated and receiving menus to placing our order. When the food finally arrived, it was passable, but certainly not worth the prices.
The service issues were so significant that another customer had to stand up to demand their check, and even then, they received the wrong one.
- food5
- service1
- prices2
- check1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Surprisingly Great Food!
My experience at this hotel restaurant was surprisingly great. Everything we ate was really great. The servers were very busy but friendly, and the pancakes were particularly good.
- food9
- servers8
- pancakes10
What Dirty Habit offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking garage
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Dirty Habit in San Francisco?
Yes, reservations are accepted at Dirty Habit, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to ensure you secure your spot. This popular Union Square restaurant can get busy, especially for evening dining, so planning ahead is a good idea for your upscale experience.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you expect at Dirty Habit?
Dirty Habit offers you an upscale and trendy atmosphere, complete with a cozy fireplace and a great wine list. You’ll find amenities like free Wi-Fi and a bar onsite. The venue is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Dirty Habit?
Dirty Habit has an overall score of **6.9** and a customer satisfaction of **68%**. While its **Ambience** (7.7) and **Food** (7.2) are generally well-regarded, **Service** (6.2) is average, and **Value** (3.5) is a notable concern.
Is Dirty Habit a good place for drinks?
Yes, many customers praise the **cocktails** as some of the best they’ve had, and the bar is often highlighted for its friendly lounge feel and great drinks.
What are common complaints about Dirty Habit?
Recurring complaints include **overpriced** food with **small portions**, occasional **service** issues like billing errors, and some finding the outdoor patio lacking **views**.