Highlights
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Alchemist – San Francisco
Alchemist - San Francisco
Photo from Alchemist
Alchemist at a glance
San Francisco Mission Bay
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 48 of the guests
#1726 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#120 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
382
Reviews
70.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative cocktails
- Unique ambiance
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- High prices
- Loud environment
The bar, Alchemist, in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission Bay neighborhood, invites you to experience a truly engaging evening. You’ll find yourself immersed in a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
Known for its captivating live performances, this spot offers more than just drinks; it’s a destination where you can enjoy great entertainment and a fantastic selection of beers, making every visit memorable.
Overview: Introducting Alchemist
Alchemist offers a distinctive experience, often praised for its creative drinks and engaging decor. Many guests appreciate the generally friendly staff who contribute to a pleasant atmosphere, making it a suitable spot for an evening out.
However, experiences with service can be inconsistent, with some finding it less attentive. The pricing also tends to be a point of contention for some patrons, suggesting that while the offerings are unique, they come at a premium.
Good
6.9
out of 10
382
Reviews
70.7%
Satisfaction
91
negative
21
neutral
270
positive
Alchemist holds a respectable overall score of 6.9, indicating a generally good experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at 70.7%, which aligns well, suggesting most visitors leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 382 customer opinions, with 270 positive remarks outweighing 91 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.4) are clear strengths, frequently highlighted for their quality and unique character.
However, Service (5.7) appears to be a mixed bag, while Value (2.7) is a notable area for improvement, often cited as a concern by patrons.
What people like
- Creative cocktails
- Unique ambiance
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- High prices
- Loud environment
With a recommendation score of 7, Alchemist presents itself as a compelling option for those prioritizing an engaging atmosphere and inventive drinks over strict budget considerations. It’s a place that delivers on its unique concept, particularly if you appreciate a vibrant setting.
If you’re seeking a quiet, budget-friendly meal with consistently flawless service, Alchemist might not be your ideal choice. However, for a memorable night out with distinctive cocktails and a lively vibe, it’s certainly worth considering.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
317
93.7%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
105
99%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
217
94.5%
- $$
- Dogpatch
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
101
98%
- $$
- West Portal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
277
95.7%
- $$
- North Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
92
96.7%
- $$
- Sunnyside
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Alchemist
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
Based on 116 positive remarks out of 145 total, the food here generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 80%, you can expect a good experience. Many rave about the delicious appetizers, great kale salad, and tasty burgers, with wings often getting a shout-out too.
However, its not all perfect, with 20 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some found the food to be salty or cold, and specific items like steak were occasionally overcooked. The fries also sometimes missed the mark, being soggy and limp'.
Food
145
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
20
negative
9
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious appetizers
- Great kale salad
- Tasty burgers
What people don't like
- Inconsistent steak quality
- Salty food
- Soggy fries
Often praised
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the amazing drinks and good food. The staff were even better, making the experience truly special.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the amazing drinks and good food. The staff were even better, making the experience truly special.
- cocktailsI didn't try the food during my visit, so I can't comment on its quality. However, I experienced great service and enjoyed tasty cocktails. The atmosphere was quirky and reminded me of Tim Burton's movies.
- cocktailThe decor is amazingly cool, and the server was wonderful. The Neuromancer was the best cocktail I've had in quite some time. All around, it was an outstanding experience – highly recommend!
- espresso martiniThe bartender was friendly. I recommend the old fashioned, espresso martini, and local beers.
- kale saladThe Kale salad was one of the best I ever had
- lemon pepper wingsthey may have the best lemon pepper wings
- signature drinkstheir signature drinks, and they were both fantastic
- Brisket Slidersthe food and drinks were fine. Got the two orders of Brisket Sliders
- Brussel sprouts & wingsBrussel sprouts & wings ( lemon pepper)......very good
Frequently criticized
- cocktailsneither of us liked either, they seemed to prioritize sounding unique and special over actually being good
- foodThe food is super salty
- draft beerthey don’t have any draft beer
- FoodFood:1
- Vegetarian optionsVegetarian options:Terrible.
- artichoke dipartichoke dip was the consistency of paste
- bad drinkHaven't hit a bad drink yet
- beer selectionBeer selection could be bigger
- drinkThe drink was awful. It was 95% ice and the rest was the "cocktail"
- food selectionfood selection is limited
If youre heading out for a meal, youll likely find some tasty options here, especially among the appetizers and salads. Just be aware that some main dishes might be inconsistent, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
Many guests have praised the service, with 48 positive remarks highlighting friendly staff, helpful bartenders, and attentive service. Shout-outs often go to specific individuals like Sarah or owner Phil, who ensure a pleasant experience, making visits enjoyable and smooth. However, the experience isn't universally stellar, reflected in an average score of 5.7 and mixed customer satisfaction at 52.2%.
There are 41 negative comments mentioning rude staff, slow service, and issues with unwelcoming security or inconsistent closing times, suggesting a noticeable inconsistency in service quality.
Service
92
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
41
negative
3
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Attentive bartenders
- Personalized service
What people don't like
- Rude, slow service
- Unwelcoming security
- Inconsistent closing times
Often praised
- serviceThe food was surprisingly really good. Staff was friendly and service was great. We'll definitely be back.
- staffI enjoyed their good drinks and appreciated the good options for vegetarian and vegan food. The staff is friendly, which made the visit pleasant.
- bartenderThe drink rotations were super fun, and the service was truly great. We were a fairly large group, and even though we ordered at the bar, the bartender was amazing and brought all our drinks to the table. My friends ordered food, shared that it was tasty, and it came out of the kitchen fairly quick.
- bartendersSarah and the bartenders were great at recommending drinks, getting us all food and drink in a timely manner.
- bar staffThe bar staff is great, big shoutout to them
- serversthe servers were quick
- waitressMy waitress, Cindy took care of every single need that I had with such urgency.
- 1st experiencegood 1st experience
- SarahSarah and the bartenders were great at recommending drinks
- ServersServers were amazing
Frequently criticized
- serviceworst and rudest service ever
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I would describe the staff as "Le poubelle" (trash). We paid for our drinks and then, just 10 minutes later, our group was kicked out to make way for a tech event.
- security guardthe security guard wasn’t paying attention
- closing timeblaming customers for believing the staff and then cutting them off early
- bartendersbartenders look at you as if you are bothering them
- serverIt was my birthday and I couldn't wait to get out of there. Our server didn't want to be bothered with our existence, and the artichoke dip was the consistency of paste and served with tortilla chips. I couldn't stop laughing; I guess they were out of bread.
- ServiceService:1
- digital menushad a hard time ordering because they only do digital menus
- employeeskeep the employees under such lock and key
- free waterman uns das kostenfreie Wasser in Plastikbechern
If youre looking for a place with potentially great interactions, especially with the bar staff, it might be worth a visit. However, be prepared for a mixed bag, as service can be inconsistent, and some experiences with staff or security have been less than ideal. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.4 and boasting a 77.2% customer satisfaction. Many guests, based on 105 positive remarks, rave about the cool, unique vibe, often highlighting the steampunk theme, interesting decor, and dim lighting. Its frequently described as a hidden gem with a great atmosphere, perfect for a chill evening or a lively start, often complemented by good music.
However, its not without its quirks, with 22 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found the music volume too loud, making conversation difficult, and a few felt the overall vibe was a bit strange or even dingy. Be prepared for a lot of stairs, and note that seating can sometimes be limited, especially for larger groups.
Ambience
136
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
22
negative
9
neutral
105
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique steampunk vibe
- Cool decor, dim lighting
- Lively, good atmosphere
What people don't like
- Music can be loud
- Many stairs to climb
- Vibe can feel strange
Often praised
- atmosphereThis is a very good spot for an event night. I attended a gathering there and experienced a great atmosphere. The drinks were great, quite strong, and the snack food was decent.
- musicThe food was also good. The atmosphere is truly great, enhanced by good music and interesting art/movie projections on the walls.
- vibethe Halloween night was a vibe
- ambiancedark, mysterious ambiance with a vibe and decor
- spotIt was incredible to walk into the spot and it not be very busy.
- vibesMy experience at the restaurant was defined by its solid cocktails and good vibes. It's a great spot to kick off the night or enjoy a final drink as a nightcap.
- DJThe DJ set a good mood as well
- bathroomsBathroom are still acceptable at 9pm
- decorThe decor is amazingly cool
- locationGreat location, drinks, and food.
Frequently criticized
- loudvery loud for groups of 3 or more
- musicthen they play some r&b / hip-hop music that completely doesn't fit that style
- music volumeThe Lautstärke der Musik and the Geräuschkulisse
- placeit’s kind of falling apart a little bit
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- Las Vegas bottle service clubin a Las Vegas bottle service club, strange
- atmosphereit definitely place you wanna go at night time. It’s more of a dingy bar vibe
- barThis bar couldn’t keep its own story straight for thirty minutes
- crowdslightly awkward crowd
- groupthey kick out our group for a tech event
If youre seeking a unique, vibey spot with a cool steampunk aesthetic and dont mind a potentially lively atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting for deep conversations or struggle with stairs, you might want to consider other options.
Value (2.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
When it comes to value, there's a tiny glimmer of good news, with one customer finding the costs to be exactly what they expected and great for a major city. However, this positive sentiment is quite rare, as the overall picture for value is unfortunately quite poor, reflected in a low score of just 2.7. On the flip side, the vast majority of feedback, with 8 out of 9 remarks, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the price and overall value were disappointing, especially regarding happy hour expectations and the bill . There were even alarming reports about unexpected gratuity charges, contributing to a very low customer satisfaction of only 11.1%.
Value
9
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks
- Misleading happy hour
- Unexpected gratuity charges
Often praised
- costsThe costs were what was expected and great for a major city.
Frequently criticized
- priceprice, 20+ per cocktail just isn’t a 5 star value
- billI did not add in additional gratuity and neither did my friend. Our credit card statements have an additional 25% gratuity added on each of our portions of the bill which was extremely alarming.
- buyoutBecuase you have a buyout
- checkThen the check came "Oh, we don't do happy hour on the weekends or after a game."
- gratuitya 20% gratuity was included. I did not add in additional gratuity
- happy hourOh, we don't do happy hour on the weekends or after a game. Well, that would have been good to know before hand
- valuejust isn’t a 5 star value
If youre heading out, be prepared for a potentially steep bill, as many found the value to be quite poor. Double-check happy hour rules and scrutinize your bill carefully for any unexpected gratuity charges. This spot might disappoint if youre looking for good bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Alchemist?
On average, you’ll spend around 35 per person – reported by 48 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.
Interestingly, while the average is 35, many guests actually spend less, often in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to some premium choices that push the bill higher.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 48 reviews.
See how this Bar & Pub’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. There’s a good range of options to suit different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Alchemist
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Rude Service, Variable Closing Time
My experience at this restaurant was marked by inconsistent closing times, which seemed to depend on the staff's mood. When I inquired about it, the staff were very rude and forceful. The food and service were rated very low (1/3), while the atmosphere received a slightly better score (3/3).
- atmosphere3
- closing time1
- staff1
- food1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Old School Charm and Great Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was so impressed with the service, atmosphere, and food, all receiving a perfect 5/5. The reviewer even humorously noted, "Still gives you old school paper towels to wipe your hands with in the bathroom.
WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR! ?" This highlights a charmingly retro touch that adds to the overall positive experience.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Cool Spot with Great Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a cool spot with an upstairs location. The cocktail program is great, and the staff was friendly.
The food was also good. The atmosphere is truly great, enhanced by good music and interesting art/movie projections on the walls.
- cocktail program9
- staff9
- food8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Perfect Blend of Vibes and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of my favorite spots because it offers the perfect blend of casual vibes and great atmosphere. It's always a good time there!
- casual vibes9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hidden Gem with Amazing Wings!
What a true hidden gem in downtown San Francisco! This themed bar had everything I could have hoped for. I enjoyed a great selection of drinks, expertly prepared by bartender Gerson.
My waitress, Cindy, was incredibly attentive and met all my needs with urgency. It was a pleasant surprise to find the spot not too busy, as it's usually packed due to its proximity to the baseball field. I highly recommend checking out the wings – they're better than any national chain I've ever had.
- themed bar9
- drink menus8
- expert bartender9
What Alchemist offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Alchemist Bar & Lounge accessible for all guests?
Yes, Alchemist in Mission Bay ensures a welcoming experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, making it easy for all patrons to enjoy the lively atmosphere and offerings comfortably.
What dining and service options are available at Alchemist Bar & Lounge?
At Alchemist, you have several convenient choices. You can enjoy table service and seating indoors, or opt for outdoor seating. For those on the go, takeout, no-contact delivery, and standard delivery services are also available, ensuring you can enjoy their food and drinks wherever you are.
How does Alchemist generally rate among its visitors?
Alchemist receives a good overall score of 6.9, with customer satisfaction at 70.7%. Its strengths lie in Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.4), while Service (5.7) is average and Value (2.7) is a weaker point.
What are the standout menu items at Alchemist?
Customers frequently praise Alchemist’s creative drinks and cocktails, with specific mentions of the espresso martini and lemon pepper wings as popular choices.
What are common concerns reported by Alchemist's patrons?
Some patrons have noted inconsistent service experiences and concerns regarding the price of cocktails. The music volume can also be an issue for those seeking a quieter atmosphere.