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oChef » Arbor – San Francisco
Arbor - San Francisco
Photo from Arbor
Arbor at a glance
San Francisco Civic Center
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#1941 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#224 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
552
Reviews
64.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Outdoor patio
- Tasty burgers
- Easy ordering
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Variable food
- Pest issues
The restaurant Arbor, a vibrant spot in San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood, invites you to experience its casual yet trendy atmosphere. You’ll find a welcoming space perfect for any occasion, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a full meal.
With a focus on organic dishes and vegetarian options, this restaurant ensures there’s something delicious for every palate. Enjoy happy hour drinks, coffee, or wine, making it an ideal destination for both day and evening outings.
Overview: Introducting Arbor
Arbor offers a pleasant setting, particularly its inviting `patio` and `garden` areas, which many guests appreciate for a relaxed meal. The convenience of `QR code ordering` also streamlines the experience for some.
However, the culinary offerings can be a mixed bag, with some dishes described as `bland`. There have also been concerns regarding cleanliness, specifically reports of `mice` in the outdoor seating, which could detract from the overall enjoyment.
Good
6.6
out of 10
552
Reviews
64.3%
Satisfaction
155
negative
42
neutral
355
positive
Arbor holds a `Restaurant Score` of `6.6` out of 10, placing it in the average range, while `Customer Satisfaction` sits at `64.3%`, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment is drawn from 552 customer remarks, with 355 positive observations and 155 negative ones, providing a comprehensive view of the dining experience.
Looking closer, the `Ambience` stands out as a strong point with a score of (7.5), often praised by guests. `Food` (6.7) and `Service` (6) are considered average, suggesting areas with room for improvement.
However, `Value` (3.9) appears to be a notable concern for many, falling into the poor category.
What people like
- Inviting outdoor patio
- Delicious burgers/fries
- Convenient QR ordering
What people don't like
- Poor overall value
- Inconsistent food quality
- Mice in patio
Arbor presents a mixed experience, with its charming outdoor spaces offering a pleasant backdrop for a casual meal. While some menu items receive praise, be mindful that the overall culinary consistency and value for money can vary.
With a `Recommendation Score` of `6.8`, it suggests Arbor could be a decent option if you prioritize a nice setting and specific dishes. However, those seeking consistent quality across the board or strict budget dining might find it less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Arbor
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many guests have found a lot to love, contributing to a solid 6.7 score. With 174 positive remarks, popular items like the fried chicken sandwiches, mac + cheese, and curly fries often receive high praise for their deliciousness and generous portions. Theres a clear appreciation for the overall quality and variety on offer.
However, the experience isnt always perfect, with customer satisfaction sitting at a 64.4% (mixed) and 67 negative comments. Some diners have noted issues with bland flavor in dishes, particularly with burgers or chicken sandwiches being dry. Occasional concerns about overall food quality and even stale buns suggest there's still room for improvement.
Food
270
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
67
negative
29
neutral
174
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fried chicken
- Great mac and cheese
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Often bland flavor
- Dry burgers/chicken
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodGo directly to the gorgeous garden, find a table, and scan the QR code to order. Love the asparagus and the soup; actually, all the food we ordered was very delicious. Love the red wine flight we ordered; it has very detailed info about the wine origin and what it tastes like.
- curly friesWe ordered salads, the chicken sandwich, and curly fries. The salads were good, and the curly fries were perfectly crispy. The patio had heated lamps and great ambiance.
- burgerthe burger and steak and frites are my favorites
- FoodFood:5
- burgersOne of the best burgers I've ever had
- chicken sandwichchicken sandwich with curly fries. It was super crispy, not greasy, and tasted good
- asparagusLove the asparagus
- broccoliThe broccoli, mac + cheese, and falafel are all great
- falafel bowland falafel bowl
- fried chicken sandwichOne of the best fried chicken sandwiches I've ever had
Frequently criticized
- foodI gave this restaurant 2 stars, primarily for the patio vibes. Unfortunately, the food was lackluster all around. Everything tasted bland, and I wouldn't pay to eat here again, especially considering it was pretty expensive.
- burgerstiny and unremarkable burgers
- eggplant gratinService was mostly smooth, but there was some confusion about what to take from the counter versus what would be delivered to the table. The eggplant gratin was visually unappealing, slightly overcooked, and under-seasoned. However, everything else was good, and the portions were surprisingly large, with a small plate easily serving as a main course.
- friesThe fries were not good either. Super dry and lacking any flavor.
- cheeseThe food was consistently bland. My fish sandwich was overwhelmed by bread, lacked sufficient sauce, and featured cold cheese, as depicted in the accompanying picture. The fish itself was also bland.
- chicken sandwichworst chicken sandwich I’ve had in the city
- fishThe fish sandwich itself was pretty good, with a nice crunchiness to the batter and it wasn't too heavy. However, I wish they had salted the fish more or provided extra sauce, as some bites were a bit bland without it.
- food qualityI should have heeded the warning signs, such as how empty the restaurant always is and the other negative reviews, before deciding to eat there. The food quality was a 1, and the atmosphere was also a 1.
- mac and cheeseWhile the atmosphere was great, the food was terrible and there was no service. We were served undercooked mac and cheese, flat beer, and two mediocre burgers on a stale bun. I spent $70 for two people.
- saucehad more of the sauce because some bites were a bit bland
If you're looking for a casual meal with some standout dishes, this spot is worth a try, especially for their popular fried chicken and mac + cheese. Just be aware that while many find the food delicious, some experiences point to inconsistencies in flavor and quality.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6 and customer satisfaction at 55.2%. However, many guests had great experiences, with 53 positive remarks out of 96 total. People loved the great service from the friendly worker and attentive staff, especially praising the QR code ordering for its convenience.
On the flip side, there were 38 negative comments, highlighting some areas for improvement. Some encountered issues with a manager or rude staff, and others reported missed items in their orders. A few even described the service as non existent, which is definitely a bummer.
Service
96
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
38
negative
5
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great service
- Friendly staff
- QR code ordering
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Missed items
- Non-existent service
Often praised
- serviceThe food tasted good, and they offered a nice selection of wine as well as non-alcoholic choices like chichamorada. Furthermore, the service was fast and courteous 💕. It was a 10 out of 10 experience!
- staffConsidering only the taste, I don't think it's worth the price. However, the atmosphere is great, the staff are friendly, and I believe it's locally owned, which makes the overall experience fair.
- ServiceService:5
- wait timewas not long of a wait at all
- Carlosshout out to Carlos!
- Daniel, Carlos, and everyoneDaniel, Carlos, and everyone are so attentive
- Donnie, Carlos and DaniDonnie, Carlos and Dani for their great service
- QR code orderingQR codes for each table to order from your phone that make it easy to order and pay
- StaffStaff is nice to kids
- amazing jobThe staff did amazing job despite the sudden surge
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe staff and the service is really non-existent
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing due to the unaccommodating staff. We had purchased plenty of bottles of wine and were planning to celebrate a friend’s birthday, but the staff made us feel very unwelcome at every turn. I would never recommend this place.
- managementthey responded very irresponsibly
- waterWhen I asked for some water, the “server” pointed where water station is
- WiFiRecently they locked their wifi and it’s no longer available
- customer segregationThis place use to be awesome. I would never support a restaurant that segregates its customers. Ridiculous.
- greetingno one is greating you
- guy at the frontthe guy at the front was a little mean 🥲
- hassleTo make matters worse, they missed multiple items we ordered. All in all, it was not worth the hassle or the coin.
- humiliating experienceit was a humiliating experience having to move all of our items
So, should you go? If youre looking for a quick, convenient ordering experience and generally friendly staff, youll likely have a good time. However, be aware that service can be inconsistent, and there's a chance you might encounter some hiccups or less-than-attentive moments.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 80.1%. Out of 151 total remarks, 121 positive comments frequently highlight the delightful patio/garden and whimsical courtyard, creating a great vibe thats often dog friendly and sometimes features live music. Its a place where many find a relaxed and beautiful outdoor space.
However, not every experience was perfect, with 25 negative observations. Some guests unfortunately encountered a mouse infestation or mice running around, which is a significant concern. Others mentioned feeling squeezed into a tight space or found the indoor area freezing inside due to open doors, impacting their overall comfort.
Ambience
151
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
25
negative
5
neutral
121
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful outdoor space
- Great patio vibe
- Dog friendly
What people don't like
- Mouse infestation
- Tight indoor space
- Freezing indoors
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Arbor was a lovely surprise. The restaurant offers good food, a nice atmosphere, and a big patio in the back. I tried the shrimp salad, which was outstanding with different flavors and perfectly seasoned shrimp.
- patioThe salads were good, and the curly fries were perfectly crispy. The patio had heated lamps and great ambiance.
- ambianceThe salads were good, and the curly fries were perfectly crispy. The patio had heated lamps and great ambiance.
- back patiothey had a lovely back patio to sit in and it was so peaceful
- wine shopMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. Initially, the guy at the front was a little mean 🥲 and gave me a stingy pour on my $13 glass of wine 😔, although I'll admit it was a great glass of wine and the wine shop looked really extensive. The main issue, however, was a mice infestation in the patio 😭.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- backyard patiooffers a little sanctuary with its “backyard” patio
- gardenWhat was your experience at the restaurant? The place is very cozy, and the garden is top for a romantic dinner. The burger was good, and the curly fries are excellent!
- ambienceThe people and ambience was great
- backyard gardenThe backyard garden is a plus.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI should have heeded the warning signs, such as how empty the restaurant always is and the other negative reviews, before deciding to eat there. The food quality was a 1, and the atmosphere was also a 1.
- micesaw many mice going around this restaurant today
- mice running aroundmice running around where the outdoor seating area is
- mouse infestationmouse infestation, there were mice running around everywhere
- spotfound a spot that would fit everyone, however one of the managers came along to say I was not allowed to sit there
- San FranciscoRidiculous. San Francisco sucks, tourists need to go elsewhere and let San Francisco go under.
- doorskeep the doors wide open so it’s freezing inside
- eating insideEating bundled up in a coat inside is not what someone should expect
- furry critterscouple furry critters getting their steps in
- kitchenone mice entering kitchen too
If you're seeking a charming outdoor escape with a lively atmosphere, especially the patio, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few visitors have reported pest issues and indoor comfort challenges, so aim for that lovely outdoor seating.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
While the overall score for Value lands at an average 3.9, and customer satisfaction is a rather poor 20%, some guests did find bright spots. Out of 35 total comments, 7 praised the price as reasonable or well priced, with the happy hour often highlighted as a fantastic deal. For these diners, the experience felt so worth it.
However, the majority of feedback, with 25 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many felt the offerings were overpriced or pricey for the amount of food received. Mentions of junk fees, corkage, and reservation fees left some feeling a sense of greediness and a steep price tag that wasn't justified.
Value
35
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
25
negative
3
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great happy hour
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Hidden fees
- Pricey for portions
Often praised
- priceit's pretty reasonably priced
- Price per personBurger fries and a soda almost 30$. Better be worth it I thought. 15 min later OMG it was so worth it.
- happy hourWhat made it almost unique was the rare opportunity to enjoy a drink outside in a beautiful, green patio, not on the street. Adding to the positive experience was their amazing happy hour, featuring a delicious $5 white wine sangria. I am definitely planning on returning.
- pricesreasonable prices
- well pricedThe food is well priced
Frequently criticized
- priceUnfortunately, the food was lackluster all around. Everything tasted bland, and I wouldn't pay to eat here again, especially considering it was pretty expensive. The mac and cheese was watery and bland, needing more breadcrumbs.
- priceyMy new favorite place in Hayes Valley for a good relaxed meal. It's not crazy pricey, with great food and drinks, and an amazing outdoor area. The crispy rockfish sando was super tasty and highly recommended.
- $19The description mentioned pickled onions, but I received raw red onions instead. Considering the total cost with tax and tip, it was definitely not worth $19. I emailed management twice to express my disappointment but received no response.
- FriesFries for extra $$
- Price per personSpend $70 for 2 ppl
- amount of foodfelt pricey for the amount of food
- bang for your buckYou get more bang for your buck at Souvla
- coinnot worth the coin
- corkageit was frustrating that we had to pay a $10 corkage
- food pricemore expensive after the pandemic
If youre looking for a great "happy hour" deal, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for potentially "overpriced" regular menu items and watch out for extra charges like "junk fees" that could make your bill unexpectedly high. Its a gamble on whether youll feel its worth it.
How are the prices at Arbor?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend within the $21–$30 range, showing a clear cluster around this price point. While there are a few options on both the cheaper and pricier ends, the majority of experiences fall right in the middle.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Restaurant’ in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, making it a good option for many diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Arbor
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
9
Delicious Curly Fries!
I shared some curly fries with my daughter as we were walking by, and they were delicious. The food quality was excellent.
- curly fries9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Patio views and furry friends
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The patio itself was nice, at least from the ankles up. However, I was quite surprised to see furry critters making their way around during our meal.
It was a bit of a shock and detracted from the overall experience.
- patio7
- furry critters2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Cold food, subpar experience
My experience at the restaurant was just okay. The food was subpar, with the rice being ice cold. It seemed like the entire dish had just been taken out of the fridge, as if it was prepared earlier in the day.
Overall, a disappointing experience.
- food2
- rice1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Healthy Meal Near Venues
My experience at this restaurant was excellent for a quick, healthy meal without needing a reservation. It's the perfect spot if you're heading to SFJazz, the Symphony, Opera, or any concert. On a sunny day, the garden is delightful.
- healthy meal9
- garden9
- wait time10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Disgusting Mice and Tasteless Food
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The food was without taste. Ordering was done via a QR code, which meant the service was non-existent.
However, the most appalling aspect was the presence of mice running around, and it appears this is a recurring issue based on other reviews. It was absolutely disgusting.
- food2
- service1
- mice1
What Arbor offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Arbor in San Francisco?
At Arbor, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for various dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner. They also offer small plates, desserts, and a selection of happy hour drinks, wine, coffee, and beer. You’ll find organic dishes and vegetarian options available.
Does Arbor accommodate special needs and offer flexible service options?
Yes, Arbor is committed to accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, they provide onsite services, takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating. You can also accept reservations for your visit, and it’s good for kids.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Arbor?
Arbor has a `Restaurant Score` of `6.6` and `Customer Satisfaction` of `64.3%`. Guests generally appreciate the `Ambience` (7.5), while `Food` (6.7) and `Service` (6) are average, and `Value` (3.9) is a common concern.
Is Arbor a good place for outdoor dining?
Many customers enjoy Arbor’s outdoor `patio` and `garden` areas, describing them as pleasant and inviting. However, some reviews mention `mice` sightings in these outdoor spaces.
How is the food quality at Arbor?
Food quality at Arbor receives mixed reviews. While specific items like `burgers` and `curly fries` are often praised, other dishes have been described as `bland` or `inconsistent`.