Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
oChef » Little Skillet – San Francisco
Little Skillet - San Francisco
Photo from Little Skillet
Little Skillet at a glance
San Francisco Mission Bay
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 109 of the guests
#2068 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#109 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
800
Reviews
58.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fried chicken
- Great atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Poor service
- Loud environment
The restaurant Little Skillet, an American restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood, offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food and a great beer selection. You’ll find it’s a perfect spot for a casual meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
With its cozy and trendy vibe, it’s a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting Little Skillet
Little Skillet offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, often highlighted by its friendly staff and a generally pleasant vibe. Many guests appreciate the Southern comfort food, with particular praise for the fried chicken and delicious waffles.
However, experiences can vary, as some visitors encountered slow service and issues with food consistency, occasionally finding dishes bland or lukewarm. Despite these points, the restaurant maintains a casual and engaging character.
Good
6.3
out of 10
800
Reviews
58.6%
Satisfaction
276
negative
55
neutral
469
positive
Little Skillet receives an overall Restaurant Score of 6.3, placing it in the average range, with Customer Satisfaction at a mixed 58.6%. This assessment is drawn from 800 customer opinions, reflecting a balance of 469 positive and 276 negative sentiments.
The restaurant’s Ambience stands out as a strong point, scoring a good (7.8). However, the Food (6.2), Service (5.6), and Value (5.0) all fall into the average category.
While the food garners the most discussion, service and value present areas for potential improvement.
What people like
- Delicious fried chicken
- Inviting atmosphere
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Slow, inattentive service
- Loud music environment
Little Skillet presents a mixed experience, offering a pleasant atmosphere and some standout dishes like their fried chicken and waffles. It could be a worthwhile stop if you’re seeking a relaxed setting and specific Southern comfort food, especially when the kitchen is on its game.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food quality and service attentiveness. With a Recommendation Score of 6.5, it’s a place that might satisfy, but it’s advisable to manage expectations regarding overall consistency.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
731
93.8%
- $$
- Bayview District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
780
93.3%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
423
94.6%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
804
89.9%
- $$
- Union Square
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
294
89.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
356
91%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Little Skillet
Food (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a 6.2 score indicating an average experience. However, with 276 positive remarks out of 495 total, many diners rave about the delicious fried chicken, often described as crispy and juicy. The waffles, mac and cheese, and biscuits also frequently earn high praise for their flavor and texture.
On the flip side, customer satisfaction sits at a 55.8%, reflecting some significant disappointments. Many of the 178 negative comments point to issues with bland or unseasoned food, particularly the chicken and grits. Cold or poorly prepared items like mac and cheese and waffles also frequently left a sour taste.
Food
495
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
178
negative
41
neutral
276
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Crispy fried chicken
- Delicious waffles
- Flavorful mac & cheese
What people don't like
- Bland, unseasoned food
- Cold dishes served
- Poor mac & cheese
Often praised
- foodFrom the moment we walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere made us feel right at home. The food was nothing short of fantastic, featuring crispy fried chicken, perfectly seasoned grits, melt-in-your-mouth cornbread, and indulgent chicken and waffles that hit every note. My sweetheart’s shrimp and grits and my mom’s catfish were equally delicious, showcasing the restaurant’s mastery of Southern comfort food.
- fried chickenrecommend getting the fried chicken without anything on it so it stays nice and crispy
- chickenThe chicken was cooked to perfection, nice and juicy, with the right amount of flavor
- biscuitsthe biscuits you can put some butter jam on them there soooo good
- wafflesMy friend had an amazing Cobb salad, and I opted for 4 waffles for dinner, as I wasn't in the mood for the chicken and waffles combo that night. These were some of the best waffles I’ve ever had, and the syrup was honestly the best I’ve ever tasted – it had a sort of super rich, perhaps molasses-flavored, deep, rich flavor. Overall, the food was amazing.
- Mac and cheeseI enjoyed the fried catfish, fried shrimp, greens, and Mac and cheese. The greens were on point, the macaroni flavorful, and the fish and shrimp were well seasoned! My husband had the chicken and waffles and seemed to enjoy it as well.
- chicken and wafflesFrom the moment we walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere made us feel right at home. The food was nothing short of fantastic, featuring crispy fried chicken, perfectly seasoned grits, melt-in-your-mouth cornbread, and indulgent chicken and waffles that hit every note. My sweetheart’s shrimp and grits and my mom’s catfish were equally delicious, showcasing the restaurant’s mastery of Southern comfort food.
- drinksThe staff was amazing and polite, contributing to a nice atmosphere. We also enjoyed the good drinks. However, I was not a fan of the food, and unfortunately, no one at the table enjoyed their meal.
- collard greenscollard greens pair nicely for a complete meal
- mac and cheeseThe mac and cheese was good and not overly cheesy
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely forgettable due to the bland food. While the food arrived fast, it was still lukewarm, and very underseasoned. The service was rated a 3, and the atmosphere a 4.
- chickenWent back for brunch recently and it was awful. The chicken was either old or cooked too long. The once creamy delicious grits were watery with no flavor.
- gritsAll three of us ordered 'the works, ' with one choosing Mac n cheese, another grits, and myself french fries. The Mac and cheese was spoiled, the grits were sour, and the waffle batter seemed like it would make someone sick. We brought this to the attention of the server/manager, who didn't even remove the dishes.
- fried chickenfried chicken was fried well, but lacked seasoning and flavor
- mac and cheesemac and cheese tasted like it was reheated in a microwave and had a weird taste
- wafflesThe drinks were good, but the food was average. I had chicken and waffles, and unfortunately, my waffles were cold. However, the drinks were good.
- macaroni and cheeseThe macaroni and cheese, usually a soul food staple, was the final straw
- biscuitsThe little biscuits were cold and dry
- collard greensThe collard greens are described as having a touch of vinegar, yet that is all I tasted.
- lemonadelemonade was a cup of diabetes
Overall, the food here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While many find the fried chicken and other Southern staples delicious, theres a noticeable inconsistency in quality. If youre willing to take a chance, you might find some real comfort food, but be prepared for the possibility of a less-than-stellar meal.
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.6, placing it in the average range. However, customer satisfaction sits at 48.8%, indicating a mixed experience for many. Many guests praised the 78 positive remarks, highlighting the friendly staff, exceptional service, and attentive servers who made their visits enjoyable and efficient.
On the flip side, there were 73 negative remarks, pointing to some significant areas for improvement. Common complaints revolved around slow service, unattentive staff, and long wait times. Some customers also reported poor customer service and issues with ordering systems, suggesting a disconnect in overall service delivery.
Service
160
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
73
negative
9
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Exceptional service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unattentive staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- staffI hadn't been back since before the pandemic, and the food was good. Everyone is nice when you approach the staff. However, I dislike the new way of ordering food.
- serviceI had the works with a side of biscuits and a cranberry soda, and my friend enjoyed a bowl of grits with shrimp. We were both in love with the flavors and service. You genuinely won’t find tastier, crispier, well-seasoned chicken with soft but flaky waffles and biscuits.
- ServiceThe lemonade was quite tart, not sweet at all. The atmosphere was great, and the service was good, but the food temperature and preparation were disappointing.
- friendly staffMy experience at this charming soul food place, tucked away on a back alley, was a refreshing alternative to the commercial sports bars in the Oracle Park area. While the food was okay, the real draws were the diverse crowd, friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, and full bar. It's worth taking a little detour off the main drag for this cool spot.
- packagingTheir packaging is pretty good
- waiterMost importantly, the waiter was the best!!
- ClarissaClarissa was amazing and welcomed us
- FoodFood came out fast
- ManagerManager...excellent
- Toast apporder using their Toast app
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy boyfriend's shrimp and grits were very disappointing; the grits had no flavor, and instead of a sauce or roux, they simply added canned tomatoes. Despite the restaurant not being busy, the service was very slow. We ordered via Toast, but our waiter informed us he was attending to a large party and might be unavailable for a while.
- waiterthe waiter didn’t offer a refill and he was just plain rude
- waiting timeIt seemed like they only attended to certain people. My family and I waited over thirty minutes at our table, and still, nobody attended to us, not even to take our drink orders. The staff really needs training.
- Mimosa kitMimosa kit had to be asked for and came after we got our meal
- QR codesTheir QR codes for menu and ordering didn't work
- Spanish hostThe Spanish host was far from a host
- Toast systemsThe bar and the kitchen are on different Toast systems which is a hot mess
- appthe app didn’t work
- attentionNobody really came over to check on us
- billgiving me the bill
If youre looking for a place with consistently stellar service, you might find this spot hit or miss. While many appreciate the friendly staff, be prepared for potential delays or attentiveness issues, especially during busy times. Its worth a try if you're not in a rush, but manage your expectations regarding service speed.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, with a strong score of 7.8 and a solid 86% customer satisfaction! Out of 121 comments, a whopping 104 rave about the atmosphere, praising the cool vibe, great music selections, and how its a chill spot perfect for a casual date or hangout with friends. Many found it warm, inviting, and a truly cute place with a fantastic setting.
However, 13 comments did point out some snags. While generally positive, some found the music could be super loud, making conversation difficult, especially with a DJ present. Parking' was also noted as limited, particularly on busy game days, which could detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
121
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe
- Live music
- Cute spot
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Limited parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe lemonade was quite tart, not sweet at all. The atmosphere was great, and the service was good, but the food temperature and preparation were disappointing.
- vibeMy experience at Little Skillet was wonderful. The restaurant has a great vibe, managing to be both trendy and laid back, as well as upscale without being pretentious. The chicken was fantastic, and the pulled pork bowl with mashed potato was exactly what I wanted – a home-cooked meal.
- musicMy experience at Little Skillet was fantastic! I stumbled upon this place on my way to the Giants game and was immediately drawn in by its character, great music, and delicious eats. Tucked away near Oracle Park, this hidden gem serves up Southern classics that truly hit all the right notes.
- ambianceIt was great ambiance
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was 5/5
- environmentThe environment is the perfect vibe !
- spaceBeautiful space in SF with great vibes
- spotPerfect spot to hang out
- barThe bar was great! Not overly crowded or loud.
- cute placeIt's a cute place
Frequently criticized
- musicmusic way too loud, can't hear
- DJthere was a dj on Saturday morning that no one was listening or paying attention to, and was really loud
- ParkingParking is limited and busy on SF Giants game days.
- amazing experienceMy kids found the pulled pork and mac n cheese to be just okay, stating they've had better. I was hoping for an amazing experience and great food, but unfortunately, I received much less than I expected.
- bar seatingwe couldn’t it enjoy as much we could due due to the bar seating
- copper tabletopThe copper tabletop smelled fishy
- kitchenthe kitchen was filthy
- loudwas really loud, kinda made it hard to have any conversation
- restaurantIt was closed on a Monday
- sanitaryDid not feel sanitary
If youre looking for a lively spot with a great atmosphere and good tunes, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that the music can get loud, and parking might be a bit of a hunt, especially if theres an event nearby.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 45.8%. Some folks really appreciate the prices and feel they get their money's worth, noting a good price point. Many found the overall cost to be quite reasonable, with some even highlighting how inexpensive the mimosas were, making for a pleasant surprise.
This positive sentiment comes from 11 remarks out of 24 total. However, the value score of 5 suggests theres room for improvement. On the flip side, a significant number of people, 12 remarks, felt the "prices" were too high, describing the menu as "overpriced" and even a "waste of money.
" Some were particularly bothered by issues around "tip" and the final "check, " indicating that for them, the cost didnt align with the experience.
Value
24
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Reasonable prices
- Inexpensive mimosas
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu
- Not worth cost
- Tip payment issues
Often praised
- pricesWhile the food looked good, I didn't order any, fearing it would take too long to arrive. The restaurant does offer a good selection of beers and decent prices, but the service absolutely needs improvement.
- pricecosts less than $20 and is just a miracle
- dinner for 2Dinner for 2 if you don’t drink alcohol wouldn’t even break 70 bucks
- mimosashow inexpensive the mimosas were
- money's worthyou definitely get your money’s worth
- price pointThe price point is a plus
Frequently criticized
- priceIt's a bit pricey
- pricesConsidering the high prices, the whole experience simply wasn’t worth it
- $50A waste of $50
- brunch specialrefused to validate the brunch special
- checkstill handed the check for $82
- lunchsad to spend $30+ on lunch and leave it behind
- menuan overpriced menu.
- moneyIt was a waist of money
- tipYou have to pay a tip before your order is placed.
- tip backCan I have my tip back please.
Overall, value here is a bit of a gamble. If youre looking for specific inexpensive items or deals, you might find some pleasant surprises. However, be wary, as many customers felt the overall experience didnt justify the prices, leading to disappointment.
How are the prices at Little Skillet?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 109 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 31, it’s interesting to see that most guests actually spend a bit less, with a good chunk falling into the $21–$30 and even $11–$20 ranges. This suggests a nice mix, from more budget-friendly options to some higher-end choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 109 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an American Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, allowing for both more casual and slightly more indulgent experiences, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Little Skillet
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long Wait, Kitchen Closed, No Food
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I traveled over 20 minutes to get there. Upon arrival, I ordered via the QR code and informed the server.
After waiting 40 minutes with no food, I was told the kitchen was closed. I then had to wait to ask for a refund. It seems like anyone can walk in and steal food.
I would recommend ordering from home, as it's wayyyyy faster!
- order from home9
- waiting time1
- kitchen closed1
- food theft1
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Birthday Dinner Disappointment
I visited this restaurant for my birthday dinner and was surprised to find no Black people working there, which is unusual for a Black-owned establishment. While the chicken was good, the greens were horrible! My kids found the pulled pork and mac n cheese to be just okay, stating they've had better.
I was hoping for an amazing experience and great food, but unfortunately, I received much less than I expected.
- chicken7
- pulled pork n mac n cheese5
- Black people working there5
- greens2
- amazing experience3
- great good3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Pulled Pork and Warm Atmosphere
I had the pulled pork plate and it was super good. The service was also very friendly, all in a warm atmosphere.
- pulled pork plate9
- service9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Soul Food Experience
I was searching for a good soul food restaurant in San Francisco, but this establishment did not meet my expectations. While the restaurant itself is super cute, the food was unfortunately lackluster. The fried chicken was cooked well, but it lacked seasoning and flavor.
The mac and cheese, topped with breadcrumbs, was a sign of what was to come. My boyfriend's shrimp and grits were very disappointing; the grits had no flavor, and instead of a sauce or roux, they simply added canned tomatoes. Despite the restaurant not being busy, the service was very slow.
We ordered via Toast, but our waiter informed us he was attending to a large party and might be unavailable for a while. My overly sweetened sweet tea sat on the counter for an extended period before another waiter brought it over. We received little attention, and I had to ask multiple times for a to-go box and bag.
I won’t be returning.
- restaurant8
- fried chicken3
- mac and cheese4
- shrimp and grits2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Real Deal Fried Chicken!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried their fried chicken and it was the real deal, insanely good. I highly recommend going here; you will not be disappointed.
- fried chicken10
What Little Skillet offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Little Skillet in San Francisco?
At Little Skillet, an American restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission Bay, you can enjoy a casual and cozy atmosphere. They offer a wide range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with seating available. You can also find quick bites, small plates, and late-night food, making it versatile for any time of day.
Does Little Skillet offer options for different dietary needs and entertainment?
Yes, Little Skillet caters to various preferences. You’ll find vegan options on the menu, and for entertainment, they feature live music and sports. They also boast a great beer selection, hard liquor, wine, and cocktails, perfect for happy hour drinks and food.
What is the overall verdict for Little Skillet?
Little Skillet holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.3, with Customer Satisfaction at 58.6%. While its Ambience (7.8) is a strong point, Food (6.2), Service (5.6), and Value (5.0) are generally considered average.
What kind of food can I expect at Little Skillet?
Little Skillet is known for Southern comfort food, with positive mentions for its fried chicken, waffles, and mac and cheese. However, some guests found the food to be bland, lukewarm, or inconsistent in quality.
Is Little Skillet a good place for a relaxed meal?
The restaurant generally offers a great vibe and a relaxed atmosphere, often with good music. However, some experiences noted slow service, inattentiveness, and occasional issues with loud music.