Highlights
- Sports
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » ATWater – San Francisco
ATWater - San Francisco
Photo from ATWater
ATWater at a glance
San Francisco Mission Bay
- š American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41ā$50
mentioned by 109 of the guests
#965 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#39 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
566
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive Service
- Bay Views
- Affordable Oysters
Frequently criticized
- Price Concerns
- Service Gaps
- Uneven Food
The restaurant ATWater, an American Restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission Bay, offers you a dynamic dining experience. You’ll find it’s a prime spot for catching sports, making it a lively destination.
This establishment combines a trendy yet casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. With its great wine list and beer selection, it caters to all your beverage preferences.
Overview: Introducting ATWater
ATWater offers a compelling experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and attentive staff. Guests frequently highlight the appealing setting and the warm reception from the team, making for a generally pleasant visit.
However, some patrons have noted that while certain aspects truly shine, the overall value proposition can be inconsistent. There are also occasional remarks about specific dishes not quite hitting the mark, suggesting a mixed culinary journey.
Good
7.7
out of 10
566
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
93
negative
37
neutral
436
positive
ATWater achieves a solid overall restaurant score of 7.7, reflecting a generally good experience for most diners. This positive sentiment is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 77%, indicating that a significant majority of guests leave content.
These insights are drawn from 566 customer remarks, with 436 positive observations against 93 negative ones. The restaurant’s strengths clearly lie in its Ambience (8.3) and Service (8), both receiving high marks for their quality and attentiveness.
The Food (7.5) also garners a good score, with many positive comments. However, Value (6) presents a more moderate picture, suggesting that while some offerings are well-received, others might not fully justify their cost.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Vibrant Waterfront Ambience
- Great Happy Hour Deals
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Overall Value
- Occasional Service Lapses
- Variable Dish Quality
ATWater stands out as a strong contender for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere and commendable service, particularly if you appreciate a scenic waterfront setting. While the culinary offerings generally satisfy, it’s wise to approach with an awareness that the overall value can be a mixed bag.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.9, it’s a place worth considering, especially for its appealing environment and specific deals like happy hour. It’s a solid choice for a casual outing or pre-game meal, though perhaps not for a consistently high-end gastronomic adventure.
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Verdict: Our expert take on ATWater
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.5 score and a solid 74.4% customer satisfaction. With 195 positive remarks out of 262 total, many diners rave about the fresh oysters, delicious burgers, and a variety of flavorful appetizers. You'll often find praise for fresh, flavorful dishes made with quality ingredients, ensuring a satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 44 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies. Concerns arise around the food quality and execution of certain main entrees, like bland pasta or under-seasoned dishes. Some experiences also mention mushy fries or dry wings, suggesting that while the highs are high, some items might disappoint.
Food
262
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
44
negative
23
neutral
195
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh oysters
- Delicious burgers
- Flavorful appetizers
What people don't like
- Inconsistent main courses
- Lacking seasoning
- Poor execution
Often praised
- foodThe staff were all very friendly! In the US, I often find restaurant food too salty, but here, the food was generally not too salty, which I appreciated. The Green risotto was particularly comforting and made me want to return.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their really good drinks and good appetizers. I particularly enjoyed trying my first Negroni, and I'm eager to have another.
- oystersthe oysters are now happy hour priced for $1 instead of $4. We ordered some and enjoyed it. We reordered it as they tasted good
- cocktailsThe salads and cocktails are out of this world.
- fish and chipsfish and chips and the ahi tuna salad, it was all delicious
- $1 oysters$1 oysters for happy hour each day between 2-5PM
- appetizersI was impressed by the great selection of beers on tap. The appetizers were yummy and the entrees were delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Muscles and Fries and the Mixed Grill.
- jalapeƱo poppersAfter a Giants game, we walked over for a drink and something to eat, and I'm glad we did. The burger was delicious, and the $1 jalapeƱo poppers and oysters on the half-shell were a wonderful addition. If you're in the area, stop in and enjoy a great meal.
- crab cakeThe burger, fish and chips, crab cake were good
- Caesar saladCaesar salad and crab cakes. Yummy!
Frequently criticized
- foodThe wings were dry. It was just very bad in general.
- fish and chipsthe gnocchi and fish and chips both tasted as though they were frozen meals (1/10).
- food qualityWhile it's a pleasant spot for a drink and a snack, I'm consistently underwhelmed by the main dishes. The food often lacks the quality and execution one would expect from a restaurant, particularly considering its price point. I much prefer Mission Rock for a main meal.
- oystersThe happy hour offerings included $1 oysters or jalapeƱo poppers and $1 off beers and wells. It wasn't much of a happy hour selection, and the oysters were not the freshest. I would say if you're looking to grab a drink before a Giants or Warriors game and need a convenient spot close to the stadium, this place is great for that.
- fishit wasn't fully cooked from inside (needs a little more time).
- friesThe atmosphere was great, and the service was excellent. The tavern burger was surprisingly delicious for a bar, though the fries were not as good. It can be a bit windy, so be prepared with a jacket!
- FoodFood:1
- PaellaPaella was terrible
- Salmon LinguiniSalmon Linguini... really basic and need seasoning
- cheeseCheese was terrible
If youre looking for a place with great appetizers, fresh oysters, and solid burgers, youll likely leave happy. Just be mindful that some main courses might be a bit of a gamble in terms of consistency and seasoning.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 78%, it's clear that most diners have a good experience. Out of 123 remarks, a whopping 96 were positive, frequently praising the friendly staff, attentive service, and timely manner of their servers.
Many highlighted the helpful and kind employees who made their visits enjoyable. However, not every interaction was perfect, with 23 negative remarks noted. Some guests experienced slow service, long wait times, or felt the staff was understaffed.
A few mentioned issues with condescending waitstaff or a general feeling of being rushed. While these instances are fewer, they point to areas where consistency could be improved.
Service
123
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
23
negative
4
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Rude waitstaff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful for a company party. The food and drinks were excellent, complemented by great service. I highly recommend this waterfront venue for its casual atmosphere, affordability, and overall fun experience.
- staffThe seating arrangement worked wonderfully for mingling and enjoying the celebration. The staff at ATwater were also incredibly accommodating with our vendors. They were so helpful with the setup and breakdown for our flower wall & neon sign and the delivery of our floral arrangements, making the process stress-free.
- serversservers who are some of the friendliest
- peoplefell in love with the people
- bartenderKeith 11/10 bartender. Makes great drinks and conversation
- ownerowner greets us personally and is never too busy to talk
- serverTanya is an 11/10 server! So fun and funny and accommodating
- waitressThe menu was very delicious, and they had a really good cocktail list. The waitress treated us like royalty, patiently guiding us through the menu and helping us make our decisions. She was very tolerant and expressed gratitude when we tipped her.
- A/V setupThe rounds of food were paced perfectly throughout the evening. The A/V setup was exactly what we needed ā our Spotify playlist created the personalized atmosphere, and the photo slideshow on the screens was a lovely touch. The seating arrangement worked wonderfully for mingling and enjoying the celebration.
- FannyFanny managed to juggle the drink orders as well as the food orders.
Frequently criticized
- serviceOn the positive side, they offer a good selection of beers and cocktails that were enticing. The atmosphere was rated a 2, and service a 3, suggesting room for improvement in those areas. The food itself received a 4, indicating a generally positive food experience outside of the fries' price point.
- ServiceService:2
- Wi-Fi passwordhostess said they would find the Wi-Fi password but never returned with it
- clearing dishesdid not offer to clear .our already cramped table, of empty dishes
- close earlythey close to early
- drink ordersask if we needed drinks
- foodFood took some time to arrive
- happy hourOrdered oysters 2 minutes before happy hour and would have been nice to have known that prior
- hostessShe informed me that she was the manager and asked who I spoke to; I told her I didnāt remember. The place was empty, and I should have walked out due to her rudeness and impertinence, but I was hungry. The woman couldnāt keep her mouth shut and told me in the future to leave my name!
- managersHowever, the service was good. The managers(?) were loudly dragging chairs around the patio to rearrange instead of lifting them, which was quite disruptive. Due to the food quality and the noise from rearranging furniture, I won't be back.
Overall, you can expect a good experience here, especially with the generally friendly and attentive staff. It's definitely worth a try if you value good service, but be prepared for the occasional slow moment, particularly during busy times.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 87.2%, its clear most visitors are delighted. Based on 130 positive comments out of 149 total, guests rave about the stunning "views, " especially the "waterfront" and "outdoor seating" options, creating a fantastic "vibe" thats often described as relaxed and fun.
However, it's not without a few minor snags, noted in 13 negative comments. Some find it can get a bit crowded and noisy, especially during peak times. A few also mentioned it can be chilly or windy when sitting outside, and parking can be a challenge on game days.
Ambience
149
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
13
negative
6
neutral
130
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning waterfront views
- Great outdoor seating
- Relaxed, fun vibe
What people don't like
- Can get crowded
- Can be noisy
- Chilly/windy outdoors
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was a wonderful spot and conveniently located close to Oracle Park. My experience was excellent, with great food, attentive service, and a fantastic atmosphere.
- locationThe location between Giants Stadium and the Chase Center, and on the water was cool
- viewsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's located right on the bay's edge, offering great views of the water and ballpark. The service was excellent, and the drinks were yummy.
- patiosit on the patio if youāre willing ā¦. you wonāt regret it!
- outdoor patioChill outdoor patio allows for nice views and fresh air
- outdoor seatingoutdoor seating in the sun for once in SF
- placeinteresting place on the water
- vibefell in love with the vibe
- viewthe view can't be beat
- bay viewoutdoors with a stunning bay view
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking:Don't try to drive here on a game day for Chase Center or Oracle Park.
- atmosphereOn the positive side, they offer a good selection of beers and cocktails that were enticing. The atmosphere was rated a 2, and service a 3, suggesting room for improvement in those areas. The food itself received a 4, indicating a generally positive food experience outside of the fries' price point.
- bathroomyou have to go outside to use the bathroom
- busyWhile it gets very crowded, it's worth trying to see if they have an opening. Everything was great, except for the fact that it gets busy and a little noisy.
- chillyThe service was excellent, and the view outside was magnificent! It was a tad chilly, so bundle up if you plan to experience it.
- crowdedit gets very crowded
- locationlocation is a bit isolated
- noisyWhile it gets very crowded, it's worth trying to see if they have an opening. Everything was great, except for the fact that it gets busy and a little noisy.
- patio downstairsThe patio downstairs doesn't really have a view
- windyA little windy here
If you're looking for a place with amazing waterfront views and a lively outdoor atmosphere, this is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential crowds and noise, and maybe bring an extra layer if you plan to sit outside.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners absolutely rave about the happy hour deals, especially those incredible $1 oysters, finding them incredibly affordable and truly worth it. Based on 32 opinions, with 15 positive remarks, the overall score for value sits at an average 6, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 46.9%. However, its not all budget-friendly bliss.
With 13 negative remarks, some folks felt the regular menu was quite pricy, mentioning items were overpriced for portions and the price point didnt always reflect the quality. It seems the value can be a bit of a mixed bag depending on what you order.
Value
32
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour deals
- $1 oysters shine
- Affordable happy hour
What people don't like
- Regular menu pricy
- Overpriced for portions
- Value doesn't reflect quality
Often praised
- happy hourthe $1 oysters during happy hour
- price pointWe sat outside on a cool spring evening before a Warriors game. The happy hour oysters were a highlight, offering an incredibly affordable price point with nice quality and taste. We also tried a standard burger and fries, which were solid but not particularly memorable.
- $1 oyster happy hourgreat for $1 oyster happy hours
- $1 oystershappy hour, which offered an incredible deal on $1 oysters
- affordabilityaffordable
- affordable and high-quality swagNot to miss affordable and high quality swag
- fairly pricedvery fairly priced !
- happy hour dealsGreat happy hour deals
- pricesprices weren't too bad
- reasonable pricemuch more reasonable price than stadium foods
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price doesnt reflect the quality at all
- price pointfor the price point it really didnāt feel worth it
- $150at $150 that no attention was given to the quality of the food.
- basket of fries$15 for a basket of fries
- expensive thingsThose also happened to be the most expensive things we got ($25) so it was pretty disappointing!
- happy hour menuWould be nice if they had a happy hour menu
- pricyIt's a bit pricy
- split billUnfortunately, the waiter was dishonest about the tip. With the split bill, he recommended a tip percentage that was included on the bill, which came out to 50%.
- tip percentageUnfortunately, the waiter was dishonest about the tip. With the split bill, he recommended a tip percentage that was included on the bill, which came out to 50%.
If youre looking for a steal, definitely hit up their happy hour for those legendary $1 oysters ā thats where the value truly shines. Otherwise, be prepared that some regular menu items might feel a bit pricy for what you get, so choose wisely.
How are the prices at ATWater?
Youāre looking at roughly 45 per person ā reported by 109 diners. That puts it in the $41ā$50 category. For an American Restaurant, itās comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, we see a good mix of spending habits. A significant chunk of guests spend less, often in the $21ā$30 range, suggesting some great value options. But theres also a healthy number of diners who opt for more premium experiences, pushing the average up.
So, whether youre looking for a quick bite or a full-on feast, there seems to be something for everyone!
Hereās a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 109 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an American Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It seems to offer options for different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average, which is a smart move.
Customer Reviews: what people think about ATWater
Price per Person
- $11ā$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Wonderful Surprise with a Bay View!
We stopped by this restaurant after our hotel recommended it, and it turned out to be a wonderful surprise! The staff greeted us warmly and quickly seated us outdoors with a stunning bay view. The weather was perfect, making the experience even more enjoyable.
We started with a few small plates and couldnāt resist trying oystersāthey were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly chilled. The rest of the food was equally impressive, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The atmosphere was relaxed yet lively, perfect for a casual evening out.
Weāll definitely be returning soon to try more from their menu!
- staff9
- bay view10
- oysters9
Price per Person
- $51ā$60
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Good Service, Okay Food
I visited on a Monday at 4 PM on a beautiful day in San Francisco. The service was great and quick. They offer a happy hour.
The food was just okay; I had the chicken sandwich and wished it had more flavor, though the bread was fresh and toasted. My friend, however, loved the impossible burger. Overall, a pleasant experience with excellent service.
- service10
- food5
- bread7
- chicken sandwich4
Price per Person
- $51ā$60
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Great Drinks and Appetizers
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their really good drinks and good appetizers. I particularly enjoyed trying my first Negroni, and I'm eager to have another. The location is convenient, making it worth the walk to Chase Center or for a Giants game.
- drinks9
- appetizers8
- Negroni9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Great Spot, Gets Busy
This is an interesting place located on the water, conveniently situated between Oracle Park and the Chase Center. While it gets very crowded, it's worth trying to see if they have an opening. Everything was great, except for the fact that it gets busy and a little noisy.
- place8
- crowded4
- busy4
- noisy4
Price per Person
- $81ā$90
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
9
Excellent Appetizers and Drinks Before the Game
This has become my GoTo place before Warriors or Giants games. I love the location and the outdoor option. This time, we only had appetizers and drinks, and everything was excellent.
The Martinis were well-crafted, the oysters were fresh and delicious, as always. The crab cake was excellent, especially with the slaw that came with it, and the shrimp cocktail was plump and perfect.
- location9
- outdoor option8
- Martinis9
What ATWater offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Trendy
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trending
FAQs
Can you make reservations at ATWater Tavern, and what dining options are available?
Yes, you can make reservations at ATWater, with dinner and brunch reservations recommended to secure your spot. You’ll find a variety of dining options throughout the day, including brunch, lunch, and dinner, all with comfortable seating and table service. Don’t forget to explore their dessert menu too.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at ATWater Tavern, and are there amenities like Wi-Fi?
You’ll discover a trendy, cozy, and casual atmosphere at ATWater, making it a comfortable place to relax. For your convenience, the tavern provides amenities such as a restroom and free Wi-Fi. There’s also a bar onsite, and you can even bring your dog to enjoy the outdoor seating area.
What is ATWater's overall customer rating?
ATWater holds a good overall restaurant score of 7.7 out of 10, with a customer satisfaction rate of 77%. Key strengths include its Ambience (8.3), Service (8), and Food (7.5), while Value (6) is considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about ATWater?
Customers frequently praise ATWater’s great waterfront location and views, along with its vibrant atmosphere. The service is often highlighted as exceptional, with friendly and accommodating staff. Many also enjoy the happy hour deals, particularly the affordable oysters.
Are there any common complaints about ATWater?
Some patrons express concerns about the overall value, feeling that certain items are overpriced or don’t reflect their quality. There are also occasional mentions of service inconsistencies and variable quality in some specific food dishes, despite generally positive food feedback.