Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Park Tavern – San Francisco
Park Tavern - San Francisco
Photo from Park Tavern
Park Tavern at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍽️ Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 71 – 80 €
mentioned by 27 of the guests
#1442 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#170 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
483
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inviting atmosphere
- Quality food
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- High noise levels
- Inconsistent food
- Poor value
The restaurant Park Tavern on Washington Square is a vibrant San Francisco eatery nestled in the charming North Beach neighborhood. You’ll find it’s a perfect spot for a memorable meal, whether you’re craving a great coffee to start your day or a delightful dinner.
This restaurant offers a trendy and romantic atmosphere, making it ideal for various occasions, including late-night food and small plates.
Overview: Introducting Park Tavern
Park Tavern offers a generally pleasant experience, with many appreciating its inviting ambiance and the quality of its culinary offerings. Guests often highlight the thoughtful preparation of dishes and the engaging atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some visits reveal inconsistencies, particularly with certain food preparations and occasional service hiccups. While the overall vibe is positive, be mindful that the noise level can sometimes detract from intimate conversations, and the value proposition might not always align with expectations.
Good
7.2
out of 10
483
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
117
negative
28
neutral
338
positive
Park Tavern generally earns a solid 7.2 out of 10, indicating a good dining experience for many. This is supported by a 70% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting most patrons leave content.
With 338 positive remarks against 117 negative ones across 483 total opinions, there’s a clear leaning towards positive feedback. Diving deeper, the Ambience (7.7) stands out, often praised for its pleasant atmosphere.
The Food (7.3) also performs well, with many finding dishes enjoyable, though some inconsistencies are noted. Service (7.2) is generally attentive, but the Value (4.3) score suggests that pricing and surcharges are a more frequent point of contention for diners.
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Quality food and drinks
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- High noise levels
- Inconsistent food quality
- Poor value perception
Park Tavern, with a 7.5 recommendation score, is a place worth considering if you prioritize a lively atmosphere and generally well-prepared dishes. It shines for casual gatherings where the overall vibe and good drinks are key, and you’re not seeking a quiet, intimate setting.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food execution and a price point that some find steep, especially with added surcharges. If a quiet meal or strict budget is your priority, you might find other options more suitable.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Park Tavern
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, the overall score is a good 7.3, though customer satisfaction is a more mixed 69.9%. Many diners, based on 195 positive remarks, rave about the delicious food, highlighting unique ingredients and combinations. Standouts often include the famous deviled eggs and the exceptional JW chicken, with many finding everything from appetizers to desserts delightful.
However, not all experiences hit the mark, with 64 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found certain dishes like the burger or steak to be inconsistent, while others noted issues with pasta texture or limited menu options, especially for brunch or vegetarian choices. A few also felt the food could be overly salty or fatty.
Food
279
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
64
negative
20
neutral
195
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique ingredients shine
- Deviled eggs praised
- JW chicken exceptional
What people don't like
- Burger inconsistent
- Steak often overcooked
- Menu options limited
Often praised
- foodTo our surprise and delight, she also covered our entire meal and drinks at Park Tavern, which was incredibly generous. The food was wonderful, and the service was top-notch. This gesture of covering our meal went above and beyond.
- cocktailsThe standouts for me were the calamari and the budino. I had two cocktails, both of which tasted great, and the service was on point. I was worried my own old favorite had reincarnated in a lesser form, but thankfully, it's back just as good as I remember.
- drinksI sat at the Chef's Counter and had a great time interacting with the chefs. The food was on point and the drinks were amazing. I will definitely be coming back again for more!
- chickenThe chicken, cod, and hamburger were also good.
- appetizersThe appetizers and handcrafted drinks will keep you coming back for more.
- burgerburger and ribs both super memorable
- deviled eggsthe deviled eggs on the menu sold us
- kale saladThe salads, including the kale salad and the brussels sprouts salad were probably the best.
- menuI feel like the menu keeps getting better and better
- friesfries are also well done which is my favorite
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of good and bad. The food was inconsistent; my order was incorrect, and the fries were cold. However, the atmosphere, pea salad, and drinks were great.
- steakmy steak was not cooked on an iron sear but over an open grill and I didn’t like the taste
- burgerno burger which I really wanted
- caulifloweraccompanied by unseasoned cauliflower.
- cocktailMy experience was disappointing. I popped in for drinks on a Sunday afternoon, and they made a cocktail neglecting to add the alcohol. The service was also slow.
- menuIts a limited menu
- saladsalad that came with my entree was very heavy on the vinaigrette
- FriesThe fries were very salted and over seasoned
- Marlowe burgersWhile we've had fantastic experiences here before, this time the performance was literally cold and flat. Of the four Marlowe burgers ordered, two were cold or improperly prepared. Silverware was missing from the table.
- Pork MilanesePork Milanese was far too breaded and overly deep fried
Overall, the food here offers a good experience, especially if you stick to their acclaimed dishes and unique offerings. While some items might be inconsistent, it's definitely worth a visit for the culinary highlights. Just be mindful of potential misses on certain staples or limited menu choices.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.2 score which is quite good! Many guests, with 63 positive opinions out of 92 total, rave about the attentive wait staff, professional service, and how welcomed they felt. The teams knowledge and impeccable care truly stand out, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, with a customer satisfaction of 68.5%, theres a bit of a mixed bag. Some of the 25 negative opinions mention slow service, occasional rudeness from staff, and even servers disappearing. There are also mentions of service kinks and staff appearing distracted, suggesting there's still room for improvement in consistency.
Service
92
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
25
negative
4
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, professional staff
- Knowledgeable, welcoming team
- Impeccable service
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Rudeness from staff
- Servers disappear
Often praised
- serviceWe enjoyed the great music and outdoor sunshine. The fabulous food and fantastic service were highlights. We had the best BLT we’ve ever had, and the wine recommendation was perfect.
- staffI also tried the beef hash and salmon Benedict, and both were amazing. The staff were very friendly, which added to the overall positive experience.
- wait staffthe wait staff as well as reception are very gracious
- waitersthe waiters were attentive
- Chef's counterhighly recommend sitting at the Chef's counter
- ServiceThey didn’t rush us - we stayed for a couple hours and had a blast.
- ShaneShane our server and bartender was GREAT!
- accommodating our needsThey also kept the drinks flowing. The staff was absolutely fantastic and extremely helpful in accommodating our needs. I’m looking forward to going back again in a non-work capacity.
- attentiveOur server and bartender, Shane, was GREAT! He had amazing knowledge and was very attentive, especially considering he was managing our large table and making all our drinks. He still made sure we all felt welcomed!
- attentive wait staffwith attentive wait staff who don't rush you
Frequently criticized
- serviceI popped in for drinks on a Sunday afternoon, and they made a cocktail neglecting to add the alcohol. The service was also slow. I would not recommend this place.
- reservation" When we asked a few more questions, the updated answer was, "Actually, there's a gas leak. " I asked why nobody called to flag that our reservation was cancelled, and the guy says, "we are also having phone problems. " What on EARTH is going on over there?
- staffThe staff looks distracted and uninterested
- SilverwareSilverware wasn’t on the table
- false bookingthanks to a false booking
- flowThe flow was off
- forced to movethey forced us to move to the bar
- grill guyChef might need to watch the grill guy more
- long waitThey required us to order everything at once, which felt unusual. Following that, our first course arrived suddenly, but there was a long wait for the second course, making the overall flow of the meal feel off. Despite the service flow issues, I would go back for the food.
- managersthe managers ruined the experience
If youre looking for a place with generally good and attentive service, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that there might be an occasional hiccup or a slower moment, so its worth trying if youre not in a rush.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a 7.7 and boasting a 83.1% customer satisfaction! Many guests rave about the historic interior with its gentle and appealing face lift, custom wood decor, and wonderful lighting. With 74 positive remarks out of 89 total, its clear the "vibe" and "great energy" create a memorable experience, especially with "outdoor seating" options.
However, its not always perfect. Some of the 14 negative comments point out that the space can get quite noisy and loud, making it less ideal for intimacy. A few also mentioned tight seating, suggesting it might not be the best for quiet conversations or larger, more spread-out groups.
Ambience
89
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful historic design
- Lively, great energy
- Excellent outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Can be very noisy
- Seating feels tight
- Not for intimacy
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant had a good atmosphere and the food was absolutely delicious. However, the service had some quirks.
- decorThe updates to the menu, bar, and decor are all a step up.
- ambianceThis place has a cool ambiance
- vibeThe restaurant has a very pleasant, warm vibe
- vibesGreat vibes and an even better setup for those without reservations.
- locationImpressive location - Big place.
- musicthe music is nice
- spaceArchitecturally space is warm
- COVID protocolsThe staff is also very nice. Their COVID protocols made us feel safe when we sat outside, which was a great experience.
- Chef's CounterSat at the Chef's Counter and had a great time
Frequently criticized
- loudThis place has a great vibe but can get very loud. The service was awesome.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- atmosphereevery piece of furniture is mobile
- date nightit ruined the night. Bummer of a date night.
- gas leakWe knocked, and the person who answered started with, "Sorry, private event. " When we asked a few more questions, the updated answer was, "Actually, there's a gas leak. " I asked why nobody called to flag that our reservation was cancelled, and the guy says, "we are also having phone problems.
- intimacynot for intimacy
- noiseit was really loud during our visit. We were five people and it was hard to communicate
- noisyThe wine selection was also good. However, the atmosphere was very noisy, making it unsuitable for intimate dining.
- restaurantI had a reservation for 5 people last night at 6 pm confirmed. We arrived at 6 pm to see a dark, dingy, very NOT open restaurant with paper taped to the door saying they are closed and to go to one of their other restaurants. So thanks to a false booking, I had 5 hungry out-of-towners stuck at 6 pm on a Friday in North Beach with no dinner reservations.
If you're looking for a lively spot with a beautiful, updated historic feel and great outdoor options, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially energetic and louder atmosphere, which might not suit a quiet, intimate date night.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience to be quite positive, noting that prices were often fair and the overall meal felt worth it. With 6 positive sentiments among 23 total, theres a definite appreciation for what you get, especially when considering "meal and drinks" can be quite reasonable. However, the overall score for value sits at an average 4.3, which contrasts with a rather poor 26.1% customer satisfaction.
On the flip side, many felt the value was a real sticking point, with 14 negative comments highlighting concerns about things being "pricey" or "overpriced. " The mention of a "7% surcharge" and "SF Mandate fee" also left a "customer-hostile surcharging" impression, making some feel they had to "open your wallet wide" for what they received. This suggests that while some find it fair, many others are left feeling the cost doesnt quite match up.
Value
23
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Food overpriced
- Hidden surcharges
- Pricey experience
Often praised
- priceFairly priced - 5 people, 4 appetizers, 5 main courses, 3 desserts, and drinks - about $200 with tip.
- meal and drinkscomped our ENTIRE meal and drinks
- pricesPrices were fair
- starsI'll give them 4-stars anyway
- worth itDEFINITELY worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ordered a salad that was completely flavorless and felt overpriced. My friend's pasta also lacked flavor and both dishes needed salt.
- price pointDisappointing considering the price point
- 7% surcharge7% surcharge is out of control
- Deviled eggsIt will work well if you come with 2/4 maximum because the tables are rather small. We had: -Deviled eggs ($3 for half an egg) so it is expensive but I would give it a 4/5. -Wild mushroom soup.
- SF Mandate feeDisappointed about the "SF Mandate" bogus 7% fee
- customer-hostile surchargingThis sort of customer-hostile surcharging leaves a bad taste
- moneyDon’t waste your money
- overpricedOver priced
- priceyA little pricey
If you're looking for a budget-friendly spot, this might not be your first choice, as the value proposition is quite mixed. While some find it fair, the general sentiment leans towards it being a bit pricey with unexpected fees. Be prepared for a potentially higher bill than anticipated.
How are the prices at Park Tavern?
On average, you’ll spend around 71 € per person – from 27 guests. That puts the restaurant in the 71 – 80 € category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely on the higher-end side.
Looking at what people usually spend, we see prices clustering quite a bit around and above this average, suggesting a premium dining experience rather than a budget-friendly one.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 27 reviews.
Comparing value for money with similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Considering its a restaurant in San Francisco, the pricing feels fair for what seems to be a more upscale offering. Wed say its a good spot if youre looking for a quality experience and are prepared to pay a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Park Tavern
Price per Person
- 81 - 90 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Service Improved, Food Needs Work
I recently revisited this restaurant after a break following a couple of disappointing experiences shortly after they reopened. I'm pleased to report that the service has significantly improved, and the outdoor seating with heat lamps is perfect on a nice day. However, the food still needs a complete overhaul; perhaps a new chef is in order.
The deviled eggs are just okay, not comparable to the great ones they used to serve. We didn't enjoy the burger, which had fresh ingredients but lacked flavor. While the cod was cooked perfectly, the accompanying sauce was not great, and the cauliflower was unseasoned.
Ironically, on a previous visit months ago, the cod was overcooked and inedible, but the accompaniments were fantastic. It seems they struggle to get everything right simultaneously. It's a good spot for a drink and fries, and I truly hope they elevate their food offerings.
- service8
- outdoor seating9
- heat lamps9
- food3
- burger4
- sauce4
Price per Person
- 51 - 60 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Experience, Especially Food
My experience at this bar and restaurant was very disappointing, especially considering its amazing predecessor. While the servers tried their best and were courteous, the happy hour food options were a letdown. They took basic dishes and made them too mixed up, seemingly to cover up for a lack of quality.
For example, the "loaded" fries and sopping chicken wings were not good. As for dinner, aside from the kitchen's obsession with bell peppers and onions, there was little to say about the cuisine. The overall food quality was a 1.
- servers7
- happy hour food options2
- loaded fries2
- chicken wings2
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Gorgeous Atmosphere and Fabulous Food!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The gorgeous atmosphere and vibe were exactly what we wanted on a sunny Sunday afternoon. We enjoyed the great music and outdoor sunshine.
The fabulous food and fantastic service were highlights. We had the best BLT we’ve ever had, and the wine recommendation was perfect. Thank you!
- atmosphere10
- vibe10
- music9
Price per Person
- 101 € -
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Park Tavern: A Delightful Return Visit
Our second visit to Park Tavern since its winter reopening was even more enjoyable than the first. While we were initially concerned about menu changes, both the food and service were excellent. The entire experience felt far more organized than our previous visit.
We started with cocktails that were served promptly and were very good. Our appetizer, a tomato salad, was perfectly dressed with crispy bits that added dimension to the excellent tomatoes. For the main course, I enjoyed the pappardelle with a vegetable Bolognese; the pasta had a perfect consistency, and the bolognese sauce offered a great breadth of flavor with hints of spice.
My wife savored the steak frites, though the accompanying jw potatoes, which were chunky and crispy fried, truly stole the show as one of my favorite potato preparations. We concluded our meal with a strawberry shortcake that was exemplary, perfectly balancing berry, cream, sauce, a touch of basil, and smooth cake. We both eagerly anticipate our next return.
- cocktails8
- tomato salad9
- pappardelle with a vegetable Bolognese9
- Parking space3
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
A San Francisco Gem with Stellar Food and Atmosphere
My experience at Park Tavern was exceptional. From the moment I sat down, the energy of Washington Square provided the perfect backdrop for a great meal. The cocktails were expertly crafted, refreshing, balanced, and ideal for people-watching from the patio.
The appetizers were spot-on, packed with flavor and beautifully prepared, making it difficult to choose a favorite. The desserts were absolutely outstanding, rich, fresh, and worth every bite. What truly sets Park Tavern apart is the combination of atmosphere, service, and consistency.
They deliver an experience that keeps you coming back, whether for a casual afternoon drink or a full dinner with friends. Chef Waxman and the team have created something special here, and it truly shows.
- Washington Square energy10
- cocktails10
- appetizers10
What Park Tavern offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Dinner
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Park Tavern?
When you visit Park Tavern, you’ll discover a restaurant with a distinctly trendy and romantic atmosphere. It’s designed to offer you a stylish yet intimate setting, perfect for a special evening out or a relaxed gathering in the heart of North Beach, San Francisco.
What dining options and reservation policies does Park Tavern offer?
Park Tavern provides a range of dining options including brunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable seating and table service. You can also enjoy outdoor seating. Reservations are accepted and recommended for both dinner and brunch to secure your spot at this popular San Francisco restaurant.
What is the overall dining experience like at Park Tavern?
Park Tavern generally provides a good experience, reflected in its overall score of **7.2**. Guests particularly appreciate the **Ambience** (7.7), **Food** (7.3), and **Service** (7.2), though **Value** (4.3) is an area where opinions are more mixed.
Is Park Tavern suitable for a quiet dinner or intimate gathering?
While Park Tavern offers a pleasant atmosphere, several guests noted that it can get quite loud and noisy, making it less ideal for intimate dining or conversations.
What are some common concerns about dining at Park Tavern?
Common concerns include occasional inconsistencies in food quality, particularly with certain dishes, and a perception of high prices or additional surcharges that impact the overall value.