Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Blue Barn – San Francisco
Blue Barn - San Francisco
Photo from Blue Barn
Blue Barn at a glance
San Francisco Cole Valley
- 🍽️ Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#2142 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#243 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
125
Reviews
57.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh salads
- Inviting atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service inconsistency
- Hygiene concerns
The restaurant Blue Barn Cole Valley in San Francisco’s vibrant Cole Valley neighborhood offers a delightful culinary experience. You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying healthy options, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a full meal.
With convenient service options like dine-in, takeout, and delivery, it’s easy to enjoy their fresh offerings. You can also complement your meal with a selection of wine, beer, or cocktails.
Overview: Introducting Blue Barn
Blue Barn offers a casual setting with a focus on fresh, satisfying meals. Many appreciate the creative salads and the generally friendly staff who often provide quick service.
The atmosphere is frequently described as bright and inviting, making it a pleasant spot for various occasions. However, some experiences point to challenges with value, as certain items are considered overpriced.
There have also been instances of noticeable waiting time and inconsistent service interactions, which can detract from the overall dining experience.
Good
6.1
out of 10
125
Reviews
57.6%
Satisfaction
45
negative
8
neutral
72
positive
Blue Barn holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.1, placing it squarely in the average category. This is reflected in a Customer Satisfaction rate of 57.6%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
These figures are drawn from 125 customer observations, with 72 positive remarks balancing against 45 negative ones. Delving deeper, Food scores an average (6.5), often praised for its fresh ingredients and satisfying options.
The Ambience also lands in the average range (6.9), frequently noted for its pleasant setting. However, Service is slightly below average (5.9), while Value stands out as a clear area for improvement, registering a poor (3.9) score, suggesting pricing concerns are prevalent.
What people like
- Fresh, creative salads
- Bright, inviting atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Inconsistent service quality
- Hygiene concerns raised
Blue Barn presents a mixed offering, with its fresh salads and pleasant atmosphere often hitting the mark. If you’re seeking a casual spot for a satisfying meal and don’t mind potentially higher prices, it could be a suitable choice.
However, be mindful of the inconsistent service and value concerns. With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, it suggests that while many find it acceptable, it might not consistently exceed expectations.
Consider it for a specific craving rather than a guaranteed standout experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Blue Barn
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to savor! Many customers rave about the delicious sandwiches, creative salads, and yummy tater tots, often praising the fresh, high-quality ingredients and generous portions. With 42 positive remarks out of 67 total, it seems theres plenty to enjoy, contributing to a mixed 62.7% customer satisfaction.
However, some diners have faced issues, including serious hygiene concerns like finding an insect and subsequent stomach pain. Others noted low quality ingredients, such as wilted lettuce or cold cheeseburgers, and felt protein portions were too small. These 23 negative comments bring the overall food score to an average 6.5.
Food
67
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
23
negative
2
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Creative, fresh salads
- Generous, large portions
What people don't like
- Hygiene concerns raised
- Low quality ingredients
- Small protein portions
Often praised
- foodThe food is simple yet very satisfying
- saladsMy experience was fantastic, with super fresh ingredients and flavors that were spot on. Their salads are next-level, offering generous portions and creative combinations. The staff was friendly, and the service was quick.
- portionsMy experience was fantastic, with super fresh ingredients and flavors that were spot on. Their salads are next-level, offering generous portions and creative combinations. The staff was friendly, and the service was quick.
- vegan saladWe found the menu and service to be very good. I created my own vegan salad, which was perfectly prepared and fairly tasty. We had the option to sit outside in the sun or shade, or indoors.
- Barn BLTThe Barn BLT. Chèvre meets bacon meets creamy pesto meets holy yum.
- Skirt sandwichand the Skirt sandwich
- Thai chicken saladDelicious Thai chicken salad!
- Waldorf chicken saladmy favorites are the Waldorf chicken salad
- build your ownoption to build your own
- combinationsMy experience was fantastic, with super fresh ingredients and flavors that were spot on. Their salads are next-level, offering generous portions and creative combinations. The staff was friendly, and the service was quick.
Frequently criticized
- chicken1.1 ounce of chicken in my 25 dollar salad
- proteinvery very average (little protein)
- saladI had a salad it was very very average (little protein)
- baconold bacon
- balsamic vinaigretteIt's be great if Blue Barn only used EVOO for their dressing. I'm bummed they use canola oil for their balsamic vinaigrette; I'd expect the use of better oils at this salad price point.
- beansBeans has no flavor.
- chipsMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. For $20, I received a sandwich and a small bag of chips, with no drink. The sandwich quality was comparable to what I remember from an elementary school cafeteria, the kind you get when you're last in line.
- cold cheeseburgersserve cold cheeseburgers
- fattoush saladordered a fattoush salad and was shocked to find an insect inside
- half sizesIt would be nice if they offered half sizes
If you're craving fresh, creative salads or yummy sandwiches with generous portions, this spot could hit the mark. However, be mindful of past hygiene and quality concerns, as these could definitely impact your experience.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a definite bright side! Many customers rave about the friendly and helpful staff, with specific shout-outs for the warm and attentive "blonde girl at the cashier" who puts in "extra care and attention. " Overall, the "service" and "staff" contribute to a "well run establishment, " reflecting a decent number of 9 positive remarks.
However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing. Some folks encountered issues with waiting time, an unwelcoming initial reception, and a confusing ordering process where staff attitude was a concern. With 6 negative comments, it seems there's a bit of a mixed bag, contributing to an overall score of 5.9 (average) and customer satisfaction sitting at 60% (mixed).
Service
15
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Attentive cashier
- Well-run establishment
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Unwelcoming staff
- Confusing ordering process
Often praised
- serviceTheir salads are next-level, offering generous portions and creative combinations. The staff was friendly, and the service was quick. It's a great spot for a healthy meal that doesn’t feel boring.
- staffTheir salads are next-level, offering generous portions and creative combinations. The staff was friendly, and the service was quick. It's a great spot for a healthy meal that doesn’t feel boring.
- blonde girl at the cashierblonde girl at the cashier is incredibly warm, sweet, and attentive
- establishmentit’s a well run establishment
- extra care and attentionputs so much extra care and attention to my order
Frequently criticized
- waiting timealmoste 5 minutes waiting for someone to come to take our order
- information claritywish he told me this at the entrance
- ordering processif you want to order you have to the come to the counter and order
- staff attitudeHe looks at me with an angry 😠 and refused to listen
- welcomethe person behind the counter didn't even welcomed us
Service here seems to be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter incredibly warm and attentive staff, or face frustrating waits and an unwelcoming vibe. If you're patient and hope for the best, you could be pleasantly surprised, but be prepared for potential hiccups in the ordering process.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a good 6.9. With 76% customer satisfaction, many rave about the spacious seating and rustic charm in a clean setting. Guests love the mellow setting and modern airy spot, often calling it a great place to meet up with friends or even perfect for hanging with kids, based on 19 positive remarks.
On the flip side, a few experiences, 4 to be precise, mentioned the atmosphere could be not relaxing at all, especially when overrun with screaming kids. Another recurring issue was that parking is difficult, which can certainly detract from the overall experience before you even step inside.
Ambience
25
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spacious seating
- Clean, modern vibe
- Outdoor tables
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Screaming kids
- Not relaxing
Often praised
- atmosphereI like the casual clean/bright atmosphere
- placeIt’s great place to meet up with friends
- ambianceI also really enjoy the ambiance; spacious with ample seating, rustic charm in a clean setting.
- clean settingI'll definitely be coming back for another soon. I also really enjoyed the ambiance; it's spacious with ample seating and has a rustic charm in a clean setting.
- environmentThe environment is low key and inviting
- kidsperfect for hanging with kids
- mellow settingMellow setting
- modern airy spotmodern airy spot
- nice areaThe sandwiches were yummy, and the spot itself is modern and airy. I also appreciated the outdoor tables and the fact that it's located in a nice and reasonably safe area. Overall, there's a lot to like!
- outdoor tablesThe sandwiches were yummy, and the spot itself is modern and airy. I also appreciated the outdoor tables and the fact that it's located in a nice and reasonably safe area. Overall, there's a lot to like!
Frequently criticized
- hygiene and food handlingraises serious concerns about the restaurant’s hygiene and food handling
- not relaxingNot relaxing at at all
- parkingParking is difficult
- screaming kidsoverrun with screaming kids
This spot offers a generally pleasant and spacious environment, often praised for its clean, modern feel and outdoor seating. It's a good choice for casual meetups, but be aware that parking can be tricky, and it might get lively with kids, potentially impacting a truly relaxing visit.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres a glimmer of hope! A few folks mentioned that the prices here arent out of line with other spots, and some even found the wine and beer prices quite reasonable. With only 2 positive remarks out of 18 total, these bright spots are worth noting.
However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, with a poor score of 3.9 and customer satisfaction at a low 11.1%. Many customers felt the sandwiches and salads were seriously overpriced, and the sf mandate charge didn't help. With 12 negative comments, concerns about general pricing and even the cost of a small water were frequently raised.
Value
18
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable drink prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced salads
- Expensive sandwiches
- SF mandate charge
Often praised
- pricesthe prices arent any different then any other place
- wine and beer pricestheir wine and beer prices look reasonable
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. I had a salad that was very, very average, particularly lacking in protein, and it was also very overpriced. On the positive side, the staff were friendly and helpful.
- saladdumb to charge 20-25 dollars for a salad
- saladsTheir salads are quite expensive
- pricingit's priced for SF yups
- salad price pointIt's be great if Blue Barn only used EVOO for their dressing. I'm bummed they use canola oil for their balsamic vinaigrette; I'd expect the use of better oils at this salad price point.
- sandwichesLol $17.95 sandwichs
- sf mandate chargelovely “sf mandate” 5% charge
- small water$2.50 for a small water
If youre looking for great value, this spot might disappoint, especially with its poor score and low customer satisfaction. While drinks might be reasonably priced, be prepared for potentially high costs on food items like salads and sandwiches. Its probably best to manage your expectations on pricing before you go.
How are the prices at Blue Barn?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 25 diners. That puts it in the 21 – 30 € category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves in this sweet spot, though there are definitely options for those looking to splurge a bit more or keep it a little lighter.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 25 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, with options for different budgets, making it a solid choice for many.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Blue Barn
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Experience: Screaming Kids and Cold Food
My experience at this restaurant used to be great, especially enjoying the patio. Unfortunately, it has become overrun with screaming kids. They were running around at high speeds, shrieking and screaming, which made for a not relaxing atmosphere at all.
Additionally, the food quality was an issue; they served cold cheeseburgers with hot fries. It would be better if they notified customers if there's a delay with an item, like fries, so they don't end up with cold main dishes. I suggest changing the name to "Screaming Kids Play Pen" so customers can make an informed decision.
- hot fries7
- screaming kids1
- not relaxing1
- cold cheeseburgers2
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Barn BLT is Holy Yum!
My experience at Blue Barn in Cole Valley was fantastic! I ate today and had one of the best sandwiches I’ve eaten in a long time. The sandwich was the Barn BLT, a delicious combination of chèvre, bacon, and creamy pesto that was simply holy yum.
It's also a very filling portion. I'll definitely be coming back for another soon. I also really enjoyed the ambiance; it's spacious with ample seating and has a rustic charm in a clean setting.
- Barn BLT10
- filling portion8
- ambiance9
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 €
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Salad Price Too High, Food Just Okay
My experience at this restaurant was just okay. While the other food was decent, I found it ridiculous to pay $20-25 for a salad. Overall, the experience was just meh.
- other food5
- salad2
Price per Person
- 61 - 70 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fresh, Flavorful, and Friendly Spot!
I absolutely love this place! My experience was fantastic, with super fresh ingredients and flavors that were spot on. Their salads are next-level, offering generous portions and creative combinations.
The staff was friendly, and the service was quick. It's a great spot for a healthy meal that doesn’t feel boring. I'm definitely coming back!
- ingredients10
- flavors10
- salads10
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Salads, Worth the Parking Hassle
My experience at this restaurant was DELICIOUS! I always get my salad with salmon, and the salmon never disappoints. While parking can be difficult, it's definitely worth it for the food.
The overall experience was excellent, with a great atmosphere and food quality.
- salads9
- salmon10
- atmosphere5
- parking3
What Blue Barn offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Blue Barn Cole Valley accessible for all guests?
Yes, Blue Barn Cole Valley is committed to welcoming everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all patrons.
What dining options and meal types are available at Blue Barn Cole Valley?
At Blue Barn Cole Valley, you can enjoy both lunch and dinner. They offer a range of healthy options and are perfect if you’re looking for a quick bite. You can also choose from a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails.
What is the overall standing of Blue Barn among its customers?
Blue Barn has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.1 and a Customer Satisfaction of 57.6%, indicating a mixed reception. Food scores (6.5), Ambience (6.9), and Service (5.9) are average, while Value (3.9) is considered poor.
What are the main highlights of the food at Blue Barn?
Customers frequently praise the salads for their fresh ingredients, generous portions, and creative combinations. Specific items like the Barn BLT and Thai chicken salad also receive positive remarks for being satisfying.
Are there any common concerns regarding pricing at Blue Barn?
Yes, many customers find the pricing to be a significant drawback, with salads and sandwiches often described as overpriced. There are also mentions of additional charges and expensive small items like water.