Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » buddy – San Francisco
buddy - San Francisco
Photo from buddy
buddy at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#695 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#42 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
436
Reviews
79.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative cuisine
- Great atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Pricey
- Hidden fees
The bar & pub buddy in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District invites you to discover a truly memorable experience. You’ll find a welcoming spot where the atmosphere is both cozy and trendy, perfect for a casual night out.
What truly sets buddy apart is its exceptional wine list, offering a fantastic selection to complement your evening. Whether you’re looking for happy hour drinks or a lively night of dancing, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting buddy
Buddy offers a compelling experience, often praised for its distinctive vibe and thoughtfully crafted dishes. Guests frequently commend the attentive service and inviting atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for various occasions.
However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the overall price point, particularly concerning portion sizes and additional charges. While the culinary offerings generally impress, it’s worth considering the cost aspect before your visit.
Good
7.9
out of 10
436
Reviews
79.8%
Satisfaction
65
negative
23
neutral
348
positive
Buddy maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.9, indicating a good overall experience. This aligns well with a Customer Satisfaction of 79.8%, suggesting most visitors leave content.
These insights are drawn from 436 customer opinions, with 348 positive remarks outweighing 65 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Food (8.3) and Ambience (8.4) stand out as particular strengths, consistently receiving high praise for creativity and atmosphere.
Service (7.3) is also generally good, though some experiences highlight inconsistencies. The primary area for improvement lies in Value (3.3), where many find the pricing and mandatory charges to be a significant drawback.
What people like
- Creative dishes
- Welcoming ambience
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- High prices
- Mandatory charges
- Small portions
If you prioritize an engaging atmosphere and inventive cuisine, buddy could be a worthwhile destination, especially for a special evening. The Recommendation Score of 8.1 suggests many find the overall experience positive despite some reservations.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill, as the value proposition is a common point of contention. It’s a place to consider if the quality of food and setting outweigh budget considerations for your outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on buddy
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.3 and a strong 85.1% customer satisfaction. Out of 261 comments, 222 were positive, with diners frequently praising the unique flavor combinations, especially standout dishes like the savory cheesecake and trumpet mushrooms, often complemented by excellent natural wines. However, there were 25 negative remarks, indicating not every dish is a winner.
Some found the chicken wings disappointing, and a few felt the portions were too small for the price. There were also comments that the overall food quality didn't always justify the cost, with flavors sometimes not quite coming together.
Food
261
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
25
negative
14
neutral
222
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique flavor combinations
- Incredible food
- Trumpet mushrooms
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Disappointing chicken wings
- Flavors don't combine
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this great little wine bar was marked by delicious food and a quirky yet quality selection of wine. I tried a wine with a surprisingly foul cheese odor that nevertheless tasted great, and another called 'Couple Goals'.
- wineThe staff was kind and knowledgeable, and the food was amazing. I also enjoyed the great wine.
- cocktailsThe wine selection was thoughtful, featuring some uncommon selections and varietals. However, I believe the real star of the show were the delicious cocktails, many of which were built around sherry.
- drinksThe ambience is fun and the staff is super friendly. Overall, we enjoyed the food, and the drinks were amazing. I can recommend it as a place to get together and enjoy.
- wine selectionMy experience at this great little wine bar was marked by delicious food and a quirky yet quality selection of wine. I tried a wine with a surprisingly foul cheese odor that nevertheless tasted great, and another called 'Couple Goals'.
- brownieand the brownie. The highlights for us were definitely the brownie
- trumpet mushroomsthe trumpet mushrooms are even more so
- FoodFood:5
- dishesAll of the dishes are creative and excellent
- menuMy experience at this restaurant featured a small but tasty menu, with a focus on veggies. The wine and beer selection was nice.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was fairly mediocre for the most part.
- wine selectionThe wine selection is not in the least inspiring
- FoodFood:1
- NA wine$17 for a glass of NA wine
- aperitifCharged $18 for a 2oz pour of an aperitif
- beerbeer could’ve been colder
- chicken wingsThe chicken wings left a little to be desired
- chicken wings and spicesspices you put on, the one you add to the wings made our tongue numb
- ciderCider was grossly overpriced ($15 for half a glass)
- cocktailcocktail w/ less ice/water also would’ve been better
If you're looking for creative dishes and unique flavors, especially with a focus on natural wines, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some portions might be on the smaller side, and a few items, like the chicken wings, might not live up to expectations.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.3 score, which is quite good! Many of the 49 positive opinions highlight the attentive and friendly staff, praising their warm hospitality and great service. Guests frequently mention knowledgeable servers and a stellar overall experience, with employees often described as skilled and welcoming.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.2%, suggesting some room for improvement. Out of 74 total opinions, 20 negative comments point to issues like slow service, long wait times, and feeling rushed. A few guests also noted concerns about staff attitude or difficulties with reservations, indicating inconsistencies in the experience.
Service
74
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
20
negative
5
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Warm hospitality
- Knowledgeable servers
What people don't like
- Feeling rushed
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent attitude
Often praised
- serviceStepping into this cozy, dimly lit venue offered a perfect atmosphere for enjoying light bites paired with a great selection of wines. The service was attentive and friendly, adding to the relaxed ambiance. We enjoyed the Bread & Butter, where the curry butter had complex flavors and paired perfectly with ciabatta; a take-home jar would be a dream.
- staffIt's a really nice place to enjoy with friends. The ambience is fun and the staff is super friendly. Overall, we enjoyed the food, and the drinks were amazing.
- ServiceService was incredible🙌🏾
- MeirafMeiraf helped us with our order
- best folksThe best folks
- employeesThe employees are friendly
- experienceit’s a stellar experience every time
- food spacingour food was perfectly spaced out time-wise
- great serviceGreat service
- hospitalityWarm, wonderful hospitality
Frequently criticized
- serviceI found the food to be mediocre and the prices to be overpriced. The service was also poor, which was compounded by a mandatory 20% tip. I was charged $18 for a mere 2oz pour of an aperitif and $17 for a glass of non-alcoholic wine.
- apologynever apologized
- experienceIt was embarrassing to bring friends here.
- hosthost who replied I had not booked a sidewalk table.
- itemized receiptgive us a freaking itemized receipt
- rushedwe felt a bit rushed, with the bill arriving practically as we finished our last bite.
- sidewalk tableI booked a sidewalk table. When I walked in I mentioned it to the host who replied I had not booked a sidewalk table.
- tablenever came to check on our table after the first round.
- table availabilitythey blatantly lied to me about the table availability
- turning tablesthey were clearly focused on turning tables
Overall, the service here is generally good, with many guests enjoying attentive and friendly interactions. However, be prepared for potential wait times or an occasional rushed feeling, especially during busy periods. If you value warm hospitality, it's worth a visit, but manage expectations regarding efficiency.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.4%, it's clear most folks love the vibe. Out of 83 total comments, a whopping 75 rave about the fun, cool atmosphere, cozy meet-up spots, and European-inspired good vibes, often highlighting the music selection, lighting, and decor.
However, a few of the 83 comments did mention some minor drawbacks. A handful of guests found the noise level could be a bit loud for conversation, and some noted the outside tables were tiny. There was also a specific mention of a drafty window, so choose your seat wisely.
Ambience
83
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Offers fun, cozy vibe
- Plays great music
- Features charming decor
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Tiny outside tables
- Drafty window seating
Often praised
- atmosphereEvery Wednesday offers a great chance to indulge in gourmet Cantonese cuisine. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was equally impressive, both rated a perfect 5. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy delicious food.
- musicThe music was great and progressed in tempo
- vibeThe vibe is decidedly laid back yet perfectly poised
- wine barMy experience at this cutest wine bar was wonderful! They offer super tasty options, and I highly recommend ordering the olives and bread – they are a must-order!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceThe Chocolate Brownie was delicious and moist, served with dessert wine poured over it (+$9). Even without the draw of being a wine bar, this place shines with its amazing veg-forward options, welcoming and casual ambience, and great drink selections. It's a bit on the pricey side due to the automatic +20% added in, but the overall experience made it all worthwhile.
- spaceMy experience at this restaurant involved a great conversion of the Californios space. The wine selection was thoughtful, featuring some uncommon selections and varietals.
- date spotA perfect date spot
- noise levelAlthough we only had wine, the food menu looked good. The atmosphere was nice and not too loud, and the service was great. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be back.
- placeGreat place to get drinks and dinner
Frequently criticized
- drafty windowseated next to a drafty window on a cold day
- loudHowever, it's definitely loud, so don't expect a quiet conversation.
- musicMusic was LOUD i could barely hear my friend
- noise levelmaybe a tad loud for catching up with friends
- outside tablesoutside tables are tiny
If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere for a date or a cozy meet-up, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that it can get a bit lively, so if you prefer absolute quiet, you might want to pick your timing or seating carefully.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
While the overall value proposition here is quite challenging, with a score of just 3.3 and customer satisfaction at a low 11.1%, there are a couple of silver linings. Some guests appreciated a great happy hour setup, finding those prices to be very reasonable for the effort and presentation. However, the vast majority of feedback, with 15 negative comments out of 18 total, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the price was expensive and out of control , often citing a mandatory tip or service charge that led to spending much more than anticipated for small portions.
Value
18
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable happy hour prices
What people don't like
- Massively overpriced
- Mandatory service charge
- Small portions, costly
Often praised
- happy hourThey had a great happy hour set up
- pricesPrices are very reasonable for the effort, presentation, and taste.
Frequently criticized
- priceso insanely small for the price you pay
- service chargeThe atmosphere was very nice, contributing to a pleasant dining environment. However, the experience was significantly marred by the massively overpriced nature of the meal and an obligatory 20% service charge. We had a few glasses of wine and a couple of small plates each, which amounted to over $200.
- mandatory tipI found the food to be mediocre and the prices to be overpriced. The service was also poor, which was compounded by a mandatory 20% tip. I was charged $18 for a mere 2oz pour of an aperitif and $17 for a glass of non-alcoholic wine.
- compulsory tipCompulsory 20% tip
- expensivesensitive to how expensive it is
- out of controlit was really out of control
- paid quite a lotpaid quite a lot
- pricesprices to be overpriced
- service chargesserver didn't inform us about service charges being already included
- spendingend spending much more than anticipated
If you're considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill, especially with automatic service charges. While happy hour might offer some relief, overall, the value for money is a significant concern that could disappoint.
How are the prices at buddy?
You’re looking at roughly 65 per person – reported by 32 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, prices are quite spread out, suggesting a good mix of options from more budget-friendly bites to some premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. It offers a good range of options, so you can tailor your spend to your mood!
Customer Reviews: what people think about buddy
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Food, Inventive Cocktails!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I was able to taste almost everything on the menu, and the food was great. The cocktails were inventive, and I would love to see even more Amaro-based options.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a perfect 5. It was a quiet environment, making it easy to hold a conversation. The restaurant also offers a large vegetarian selection and is highly recommended for vegetarians.
- food10
- cocktails8
- Amaro based cocktails6
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Creative Concept, Lacking Execution
My experience at Buddy during lunch was mixed. The restaurant has a creative concept, but the execution needs work. The corn fritters were disappointing with a mushy texture and bitter taste, not pairing well with the toppings.
The yellowfin crudo was just okay, nothing special, and a bit too sweet. While the trumpet mushrooms had potential, the sauce was overly sweet and overpowering. The fried chicken wings were the worst dish, featuring an impossibly thick and hard batter that ruined the otherwise decent chicken.
On the drink front, options were limited to 18% ABV and lower, but the bartender put in good effort to make a solid old fashioned-style drink. A 20% service charge was automatically added to the bill. Overall, the restaurant tries hard with innovative dishes and nice presentation, but the flavors don't come together.
The food quality doesn't justify the automatic gratuity, and I would not return.
- yellowfin crudo5
- old fashioned-style drink8
- presentation7
- corn fritters2
- trumpet mushrooms3
- fried chicken wings1
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Incredible Service, Mostly Magnificent Food
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with incredible service 🙌🏾. The Yellowtail crudo offered the most balanced perfect bite. While the chicken wings left a little to be desired, everything else was magnificent.
- Service10
- Yellowtail crudo10
- everything else9
- chicken wings3
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Cute place, but service and spice issues
This is a very cute place with a really nice server. However, there are a couple of things that made the experience less than ideal. Firstly, the restaurant needs to inform customers about the chicken wings and spices used, as the spice blend on the wings was so potent it made our tongues numb.
While we understood what it was, others might be concerned about an allergic reaction. Secondly, the server did not mention that service charges were already included, leading us to spend more than we anticipated. I might give them a second chance and come back in the future.
- place9
- server9
- chicken wings and spices2
- service charges3
- spending4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Creative Dishes, Especially Mushrooms
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! All of the dishes were creative and excellent. I was particularly impressed with the trumpet mushrooms, which were even more so than the other great dishes.
The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, contributing to an overall wonderful dining experience.
- dishes9
- trumpet mushrooms10
- Service10
What buddy offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at buddy, and what can you enjoy there?
At buddy, you can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. You can enjoy a great wine list, happy hour drinks and food, cocktails, beer, and even dancing. Food is also available at the bar, making it a versatile spot for your evening plans.
Does buddy offer outdoor seating and is it accessible for everyone?
Yes, buddy provides outdoor seating for you to enjoy the San Francisco air, along with dine-in and takeout options. The establishment is also committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests.
What is the overall rating for buddy and what contributes to it?
buddy has a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.9. This is largely driven by excellent Food (8.3) and Ambience (8.4), and good Service (7.3), though Value (3.3) is a notable concern.
What are the main strengths of buddy?
Customers frequently praise buddy for its creative and delicious food, often highlighting specific dishes and drinks. The inviting atmosphere, described as having a great vibe and music, is also a significant draw.
What should I know about the pricing at buddy?
Many customers find buddy to be on the pricier side, with concerns about small portion sizes for the cost. There are also frequent mentions of mandatory service charges and tips contributing to a higher-than-anticipated bill.