Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » ABV – San Francisco
ABV - San Francisco
Photo from ABV
ABV at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#1328 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#101 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
466
Reviews
74.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative drinks
- Great atmosphere
- Good bartenders
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- High prices
- Noisy weekends
The bar & pub ABV in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers you a truly authentic experience. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot, perfect for unwinding.
Renowned for its great beer selection, this popular establishment invites you to enjoy a wide array of beverages, from hard liquor and wine to expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed evening or a lively happy hour, ABV provides a welcoming atmosphere with options for dine-in or outdoor seating.
Overview: Introducting ABV
ABV offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking a vibrant spot with well-crafted drinks and satisfying bites. While the food and ambience often hit the mark, creating a memorable setting, some guests have noted inconsistencies in the overall experience.
Many appreciate the friendly staff behind the bar and the inviting, dim atmosphere. However, occasional reports of less attentive table service and concerns over prices for certain items suggest a mixed bag for some visitors.
Good
7.3
out of 10
466
Reviews
74.5%
Satisfaction
95
negative
24
neutral
347
positive
ABV achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 7.3, reflecting a generally good impression among patrons. This is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 74.5%, indicating that a good majority of guests leave content with their visit.
Looking closer at the details from 466 customer remarks (347 positive versus 95 negative), Food (8.2) stands out as a strong point, often praised for its quality and creativity. The Ambience (7.9) also receives high marks for its appealing vibe.
However, Service (5.4) and Value (5.6) hover in the average range, suggesting areas where experiences can vary.
What people like
- Creative cocktails & food
- Inviting, dim atmosphere
- Attentive bar staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent table service
- Expensive cocktails
- Loud weekend crowds
If you’re seeking a lively spot with creative cocktails and quality bar food, ABV is certainly worth considering. Its Recommendation Score of 7.4 suggests a positive experience for many, especially if you appreciate a good atmosphere and don’t mind a bustling scene.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent table service and note that cocktail prices can be on the higher side. It might be best enjoyed on a weeknight to avoid weekend crowds, ensuring a more relaxed visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on ABV
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot is definitely hitting the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 87.2%, its clear that many diners are loving whats on their plate. Out of 243 remarks, a whopping 212 rave about the delicious food, burger, fried cauliflower, and cocktails, often calling them absolutely delicious and top-notch.
However, not everyone is completely won over. While fewer, 17 comments did express some disappointment, with a few finding the food straight trash or noting issues like overly salty fried cauliflower, specific burger cooking requests being ignored, or problems with fries. It seems there's a bit of room for improvement in consistency for some.
Food
243
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
17
negative
14
neutral
212
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, high-quality food
- Excellent burger options
- Inventive small bites
What people don't like
- Food can disappoint
- Inconsistent dish preparation
- Limited vegan options
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was marked by good drinks and great food. I particularly enjoyed the cheese board and the shrimp tacos, which are my personal favorites.
- cocktailsI enjoyed the great food, which was well made. The interesting cocktails were a highlight, and I also appreciated the decent non-alcoholic list. The friendly staff made the visit pleasant, and it was convenient that they were open late.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was really awesome. I was impressed with the menu and the great drinks. A major plus is that they don't take reservations, which means you can often find an open seat.
- burgerTheir expertly crafted cocktails are complemented with a tantalizing menu of small plates and shareables, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. We always get the burger, which is excellent. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a 5-star rating.
- menuThe staff was really tentative and they have a great selection of drinks. Their menu is really detailed and has a lot of options. I didn't try their food this time but definitely the next time I go I will be trying out their food.
- Mumbai Mulethe Mumbai Mule emerges as the crown jewel of the libation repertoire
- cauliflowerreally enjoy the cauliflower
- FoodFood:5
- bar foodtop decile of bar food I've tried
- cocktailthis drink was perfectly refreshing and slightly bitter
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing, primarily due to the food. I went here for the food, and it was straight trash. I strongly advise against going here for the food.
- NateNate is too sweet!
- Tangerine Dreams and Tarragon FixMy drink was superior to my friend’s Tangerine Dreams and Tarragon Fix
- beefOn ne sent pas le goût du bœuf
- bunartistic integrity of their burger required the bun
- burgerrefused to accommodate the burger with no bun
- burger cookingI generally love this place, but last night, the waiter’s too-cool-for-school attitude was a bit much, even for this hipster, Mission spot. Don’t ask me how I want my burger cooked if you’re then going to overrule and say medium rare is the only way to get it. And if I ask for fries vs chips as a side, please think of a nicer way to reject my request than, “No, we don’t deconstruct our menu like that.
- drinksEvery employee we encountered was nothing short of rude, unwelcoming, and downright offensive. To add to the disappointment, we paid roughly $25 per person for cocktails that were uninspired and pretty boring. Given that there are far better experiences to be had in SF, I certainly won't be returning to ABV, as the experience left me feeling robbed and rejected.
- favorite orderCompletely different story. I was told no 3 times as I tried to place my favorite order. I left and now sadly will never go to or suggest this place again.
- fried cauliflowerthe fried cauliflower was way too salty
If youre looking for a place with generally delicious and inventive food, especially their highly-praised burgers and fried cauliflower, youll likely have a great experience. Just be aware that a few diners have encountered inconsistencies with specific dishes or preparation, so manage expectations if you have very particular requests.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
Lets talk service! Many guests have experienced truly friendly service and attentive staff, often praising knowledgeable bartenders and their great recommendations. While the overall score sits at an 5.4 (average) and customer satisfaction is 49.6% (mixed), 65 positive remarks out of 131 total highlight moments like best service in the city and phenomenal interactions.
However, its not all sunshine. A significant 64 negative remarks point to issues like rude service, problematic server attitude, and feeling unwelcome. Some patrons reported bad treatment and horrible service, indicating a need for improvement in consistency and customer care.
Service
131
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
64
negative
2
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable bartenders
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Poor customer service
- Unwelcoming attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe food, drinks, and service were all great.
- staffMy experience was that the restaurant is open late and the staff are nice. It feels like an NY bar.
- bartendersbartenders who make your drink know how to provide good customer service
- ServiceService:5
- serverOur server was kind and fast
- JoeJoe was the bestest
- Mobile registerThey have a Mobile register so you do not need to get up
- Steven WatsonSteven Watson, who is a super friendly and dedicated person
- approachcasual and friendly approach
- artistrytheir artistry is showcased in every element
Frequently criticized
- serviceNo one checked on us to see how our food or drinks were, or if we wanted another round, while other patrons around us were being attended to. When I finally managed to get someone's attention for another drink, my friend wasn't even offered one. She was okay with this, as she was already unhappy with the lack of service and wanted to leave.
- staffHowever, the food was only fair, and the service was not good. Specifically, the staff was not friendly.
- serversservers are terrible at making you feel comfortable, very rude
- behaviorMy experience at this restaurant was marked by kinda racist weird behavior from the staff. The waiters were super passive aggressive.
- customer serviceI left and now sadly will never go to or suggest this place again. Worst customer service ever.
- waitersOur dining experience was marred by extremely annoying and rude waiters. We had an extra person at our table, and they incessantly approached us every 5 minutes to express their disapproval and asked about when we were going to leave.
- waiting timewaiting for 15 mins
- asked us to Leaveshe asked us to Leave
- bad treatmentthe bad treatment I received today
- bar staffmultiple bar staff that were just effing rude
Service here is a bit of a gamble. While many praise the friendly and attentive staff, a notable number of guests have encountered rudeness or felt unwelcome. If you prioritize consistent, top-tier service, you might find it disappointing, but if you're okay with a mixed experience, other aspects might make it worthwhile.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre in for a treat when it comes to the atmosphere! With a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 83.8%, its clear most people love the vibe. Out of 74 total opinions, a whopping 62 rave about the cool atmosphere, good music, and dim lighting, making it a perfect late-night spot.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 5 negative comments mention it can get busy and loud, especially on weekends, which might not be ideal if youre seeking a super relaxing experience. One person even noted a weird vibe once, but these seem to be isolated incidents.
Ambience
74
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
5
negative
7
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Good music
- Open late
What people don't like
- Can be loud
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere is on point. I love the theme—very dim.
- vibeThe food is casual but of good quality, making it perfect for a date night or hanging with friends. It's not fancy, but that's exactly the vibe they're going for. I will return to explore more of their cocktail menu.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiencean ambience that evokes a modern twist on classic elegance
- cocktail barMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's the best cocktail bar in the city, and it's one of the few places I miss from San Francisco.
- decorThe decor, a harmonious fusion of sleek contemporary design and nostalgic accents
- good musicI was impressed by the really creative and tasty cocktails, and the fact that they can create any cocktail your heart desires. The ambiance at night was great, with good music and tasty snacks. However, I'm editing my review to 4 stars because 2 cocktails came to $45 with tax and tip, which felt very expensive.
- NY barMy experience was that the restaurant is open late and the staff are nice. It feels like an NY bar.
- Peruvian vibesexcited for the Peruvian vibes
- ambiance at nightGreat ambiance at night
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere (rated 1/1)
- busy and loudThe staff is knowledgeable and courteous, taking good care of their patrons. However, on weekends, the bar gets a bit too busy and loud for my preference, but I appreciate the more mellow vibe during the week. I highly recommend ABV for a quality drink on a weeknight!
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- relaxinggoing to a bar should feel relaxing.
- vibeI got a weird vibe
If you're looking for a lively, dimly lit spot with great music for a late-night outing or to meet friends, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get quite busy and loud on weekends, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter setting.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some definite upsides! Many guests appreciate the reasonable prices for casual food and tasty entrees, with some even calling them very fair. The happy hour also gets a lot of love for offering great pours at good prices, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious diners.
Based on 8 positive remarks, there's certainly value to be found here. However, the overall value experience is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in a customer satisfaction of 44.4%. While food prices might be okay, the cost of cocktails is a frequent point of contention, often described as too high.
The final bill, especially with tax and tip, can feel steep, leading to an average score of 5.6 for value across 9 negative comments out of 18 total opinions.
Value
18
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable food prices
- Affordable entrees
- Amazing happy hour
What people don't like
- Expensive cocktails
- High total bill
- High tip expectation
Often praised
- pricescasual food at reasonable prices
- priceMy experience at this cocktail bar with food was very positive. The service was really friendly, and they served a great burger at a reasonable price. The cocktails were tasty, especially the classics like the Old Fashioned and Daiquiri, though the Gin and Celery was also refreshing.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- entreesEntrees around $16. Unheard of.
- happy hourHappy hour is amazing
Frequently criticized
- priceThe server was very rude and stated that everything we asked for, such as splitting the bill, was impossible to do. While the food was okay, it was not worth the price considering the poor service.
- 2 cocktails2 cocktails comes to $45 with tax and tip
- CocktailsCocktails are too expensive - $18
- cocktailspend $18 on any cocktail though so I didn’t
- drinks pricehave no business being $18
- pricesPrices are generally high
- tax and tipcomes to $45 with tax and tip
- tipThey make you feel uncomfortable, are very rude, and lack any desire to socialize, even for simple menu questions. This is especially frustrating given they then beg for a 25% tip. My recommendation is to take a seat at the bar table, as the bartenders provide excellent customer service and know how to make a great drink.
If you're looking for reasonable food prices and a great happy hour, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared for potentially high cocktail costs and consider the overall bill with tax and tip, as this can quickly add up and impact your perception of value.
How are the prices at ABV?
You’re looking at roughly 37 per person – reported by 53 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 37, it’s worth noting that a good number of guests spend less, with many falling into the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges. This means you can likely find options for a quicker, cheaper bite, even though some folks splurge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
For a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. It offers enough flexibility for different budgets, making it a solid choice for a casual outing.
Customer Reviews: what people think about ABV
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Drinks and Surprisingly Good Fries!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, particularly with the drinks, which were top-notch. Our waitress provided great recommendations. The fries were so surprisingly good that we ordered another portion and almost got a third.
- drinks10
- recommendations9
- fries10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
ABV Bar: A Spirited Gem for Drink Enthusiasts
My experience at ABV Bar in San Francisco was fantastic, especially for spirits lovers. They offer a super cool, fairly priced selection across the board, including food, wine, beer, mezcal, bourbon, Japanese whisky, and scotch. The owners are incredibly friendly and accommodating, which significantly enhances the overall vibe.
For die-hard whisky nerds, bringing your own Glencairn glass is a good idea, but otherwise, you'll be thrilled, particularly with the amazing old single cask Springbanks they pour at great prices.
- selection9
- owners10
- vibe9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Cocktails, Casual Bites
My experience at this restaurant was a solid choice for cocktails and casual food at reasonable prices. The extensive drink menu was impressive, and the knowledgeable bartenders took their time to explain their creations. I tried several cocktails, and the one with carrot juice was surprisingly delicious and well-portioned.
The Ahi tuna tartare ($19) with sesame chips was fresh and tasty. The food is casual but of good quality, making it perfect for a date night or hanging with friends. It's not fancy, but that's exactly the vibe they're going for.
I will return to explore more of their cocktail menu.
- cocktails9
- casual food8
- drink menu9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Burger and Fries Disappointing, Beer Good
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. I found the burger to be average, and I couldn't really taste the beef. I was expecting a better burger, and the same goes for the fries.
On a positive note, the beer was good. Overall, I was hoping for a more satisfying burger experience.
- burger5
- beer8
- beef3
- fries4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delightful Bar with Great Drinks and Food
My experience at ABV was delightful! It's a cozy neighborhood bar with an expansive menu of delicious cocktails. The service was super friendly and attentive, contributing to the overall cozy vibes.
I visited for a work happy hour on a Tuesday evening and was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming the space was. We were able to seat ourselves and chose a large high-top in the back. They also offer seating around the bar and cozy outdoor booths.
The menu is extensive, organized by liquor type, and includes a great selection of low ABV and non-alcoholic drinks that were both tasty and beautifully presented. I particularly enjoyed the Jumpstart (carrot, ginger, turmeric, lemon, and soda water). I'm eager to return to try their N/A negroni.
The food menu is also excellent; we shared two orders of fries, which were impressively crispy – truly top-tier bar food.
- neighborhood bar9
- expansive menu9
- delicious cocktails9
What ABV offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at ABV in San Francisco?
At ABV, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy yourself in San Francisco’s Mission District. It’s designed for a comfortable and inviting experience.
Does ABV offer outdoor seating and is it accessible?
Yes, ABV provides outdoor seating for you to enjoy. Additionally, the establishment is wheelchair accessible, including both its entrance and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does ABV generally rate with customers?
ABV holds a Restaurant Score of 7.3 and a Customer Satisfaction of 74.5%, indicating a good overall experience. Its Food (8.2) and Ambience (7.9) are highly regarded, while Service (5.4) and Value (5.6) are more average.
What do customers enjoy most about ABV?
Patrons frequently praise ABV’s creative cocktails and quality bar food, including items like their burger and cheese board. The dim, inviting atmosphere and good music also receive positive remarks.
What are some common complaints about ABV?
Some customers have experienced inconsistent or rude table service. Additionally, the price of cocktails is often mentioned as being on the higher side, and the venue can get quite loud on weekends.