Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Bar Crenn – San Francisco
Bar Crenn - San Francisco
Photo from Bar Crenn
Bar Crenn at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#387 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#29 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
481
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exquisite Food
- Impeccable Service
- Inviting Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Service Lapses
- Limited Seating
The restaurant Bar Crenn, a chic Bar & Pub nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood, invites you to discover an experience unlike any other. You’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that is both upscale and cozy, perfect for a romantic evening or a trendy night out.
This spot is particularly celebrated for its great wine list, ensuring a delightful selection for every palate. Whether you’re seeking hard liquor, fine wine, or expertly crafted cocktails, Bar Crenn promises a memorable visit.
Overview: Introducting Bar Crenn
Bar Crenn offers a refined experience, celebrated for its impeccable service and a truly beautiful decor that creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Guests often praise the inventive cocktails and thoughtful presentation, making for a memorable visit.
However, some find the overall value proposition a point of contention, with concerns raised about portion sizes relative to cost. While the culinary artistry shines, be mindful of the investment.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
481
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
53
negative
21
neutral
407
positive
Bar Crenn achieves a commendable Restaurant Score of 8.3, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 84.6%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased.
These figures are drawn from 481 customer observations, with 407 positive remarks outweighing 53 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (8.5) and Service (8.6) both stand out with high marks, suggesting exceptional quality and attentiveness.
The Ambience (8.3) also contributes significantly to the positive impression. However, Value (5) registers as an average aspect, indicating that while the experience is good, the pricing might not align with everyone’s expectations.
What people like
- Exquisite Food & Drinks
- Impeccable Service
- Inviting Atmosphere
What people don't like
- High Prices, Small Portions
- Inconsistent Service
- Limited Seating
If you prioritize an exceptional culinary journey and polished service within a distinctive setting, Bar Crenn is certainly worth considering. Its high Recommendation Score of 8.6 suggests a strong likelihood of a satisfying visit for those seeking a sophisticated experience.
However, if budget is a primary concern or you expect generous portions, you might find the value proposition less compelling. It’s a destination for those ready to indulge in quality and atmosphere, rather than seeking a casual, everyday meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bar Crenn
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 88.4%, guests consistently rave about the masterful cocktails, delicious bites, and the craft and creativity evident in the presentation. Based on 221 positive remarks out of 250, the culinary experience is largely celebrated.
However, it's not entirely without its critiques, with 17 negative comments. Some diners noted small portion sizes, while others raised concerns about meat sourcing, specifically mentioning lab-grown meat and a perceived lack of veg options. These points suggest areas for potential improvement.
Food
250
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
17
negative
12
neutral
221
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Masterful cocktails
- Delicious bites
- Creative presentation
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Lab-grown meat concerns
- Limited veg options
Often praised
- foodHis warmth and knowledge significantly enhanced the experience, making it even more memorable. If you're seeking a unique dining adventure that combines exquisite food with a magical atmosphere, Bar Crenn is a must-visit!
- cocktailsEach dish was a masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, showcasing her incredible craft and creativity. The attention to detail was impeccable, evident in the carefully curated cocktails and the thoughtfully designed tasting menu. Every bite told a story, reflecting Crenn's passion.
- drinksThe service provided by Oscar and Greg was simply immaculate. I enjoyed impeccable drinks and a delicious blue cheese turnover with fresh plum slices. The atmosphere was warm, complemented by great music and a quiet setting.
- espresso martiniThe service was excellent, and the unique gastronomical delights for both cocktails and food were truly impressive. I highly recommend indulging in their elevated take on an espresso martini, the "Gospel, " or the "Petal" cocktail when it's on the menu. These are truly some of the best cocktails you will find anywhere.
- FoodFood:4
- presentationThe presentation and service were exceptional
- champagne4 or 5 glasses of the champagne I was served. Superb.
- dishesInspired by her artistry on "Chef's Table, " I was eager to try her drinks and tasting menu, and they absolutely did not disappoint. Each dish was a masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, showcasing her incredible craft and creativity. The attention to detail was impeccable, evident in the carefully curated cocktails and the thoughtfully designed tasting menu.
- platesordered a couple of every plate and they were delightful—inventive, tasty
- snacksThe snacks they have available are also good
Frequently criticized
- meatMeat tasted weird
- Halibutpaid $36 for a 2oz serving of Halibut
- Mushroom Raviolischild sized Mushroom Raviolis
- Vegetarian optionsNo veg options
- bar snacksonly offer measly bar snacks
- cultivated chickensell Cultivated chicken(fake chicken/ lab grown)
- fine diningfell short of “fine dining” by a long shot
- flambeIt's way too much cheese for 2 people
- lab-grown meatserving lab grown meat. Are you informed that it's lab grown??
- mealoverpriced meal. The food was subpar
If youre seeking a place with exceptional cocktails and creative, beautifully presented small plates, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Be mindful of the portion sizes and check for vegetarian options if thats a priority for you. It's a great choice for a special experience, especially if you appreciate innovative drinks and delicate cuisine.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.6%, its clear most diners are thrilled. Out of 91 total opinions, 77 rave about the attentive and knowledgeable staff, impeccable service, and warm hospitality, often highlighting friendly bartenders and seamless experiences.
However, its not entirely flawless. A small number of 11 negative comments mention occasional reservation issues, inattentive servers, or feeling forgotten. While these instances are few, they suggest that service can sometimes fall short of expectations, leading to a less than perfect experience.
Service
91
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Impeccable, friendly service
- Knowledgeable, attentive staff
- Exceptional hospitality
What people don't like
- Inattentive, ignored service
- Reservation issues
- Billing errors
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Bar Crenn was absolute perfection from the moment I stepped inside. The impeccable service, delicious cocktails, and cozy decor all contributed to a wonderful visit. It's a true gem in San Francisco!
- staffshoutout to the staff. Our server was such a dear and the manager Arrika was the best
- ServiceService is phenomenal!
- chefOne of the greatest chef ever
- hospitalityOscar for his exceptional hospitality
- reservationrecommend making a reservation as the place is small
- Carlos and ChrisCarlos and Chris were really welcoming
- Chef Creon and staffThank you Chef Creon and staff.
- Dominiqueincluding a special appearance from Dominique herself!
- Dominique Crennour conversation with her was both warm and memorable
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe Worst service possible.
- apologiesgot no apologies
- drinksbartender charged us for the couple next to us’s drinks
- expectationsWhen we returned 30 minutes later, the space was half empty. While they were very apologetic, the experience ultimately fell short of expectations.
- forgottenwas forgotten
- informedAre you informed that it's lab grown??
- reservationhost acted like be couldnt find my reservation
- serverThe server completely ignored throughout
Overall, the service here is a major draw, with most guests experiencing top-notch care. While a few hiccups like reservation mix-ups or inattentive moments can occur, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre likely in for an exceptional and welcoming experience. Its definitely worth a visit!
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to the ambiance, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 85.6%, guests consistently praise the overall vibe, atmosphere, decor, and music. Based on 101 positive remarks out of 118 total, many found it to be a beautiful, elegant space perfect for social dining experiences, offering a unique and often quiet setting.
However, not every detail hit the mark, with 14 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Concerns were raised about seating being uncomfortable or limited, the music sometimes being too loud, and the space feeling a bit small. A few also felt the vibe could be a touch pretentious, which might not suit everyone's taste.
Ambience
118
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
101
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful space
- Great vibe
- Curated decor
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Loud music
- Limited space
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by beautiful drinks served in a moody, quiet atmosphere. While the seating was a bit too short to comfortably enjoy a second cocktail, and parking proved to be a challenge on a busy holiday weekend evening, the overall experience was worth the hassle.
- musicThe exquisite cocktails and delicious bites were highlights. I also appreciated the beautiful thin glassware and the awesome music. The great service, especially from Adam, made the evening memorable.
- ambianceI had the most wonderful night at this restaurant! The food was fabulous, and the service and ambiance were equally impressive. I particularly enjoyed the music.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorMy experience at Bar Crenn was absolute perfection from the moment I stepped inside. The impeccable service, delicious cocktails, and cozy decor all contributed to a wonderful visit. It's a true gem in San Francisco!
- experienceIt is a lovely casual and interactive experience
- settingThe selection of wines and bubbles was fantastic, and the small bites were delicious. The lovely decor and very comfortable setting made for a memorable evening.
- spaceThe moment Biggie's 'Hypnotize' started playing, it resonated deeply with me as a New Yorker. The space is absolutely beautiful, feeling cozy and showcasing vinyl records alongside high-end bottles. Even the coasters were vinyl records.
- vibeThe vibe is completely cool
- aestheticNice aesthetic, maybe a touch bright.
Frequently criticized
- musicFor a place that aims to be chic, the music is too loud and the service is very haughty. For a nice evening out, there are other bars in the area that are worth your time.
- French wine barNot at all like a French wine bar
- bar chairsbar chairs clunkiness
- bathroomI found the tortellini to be absolutely divine – truly to die for! However, for a high-end dining experience, I felt there was room for improvement regarding the bar chairs' clunkiness and the bathroom facilities, though I acknowledge this is a picky observation. Overall, the food was exceptional.
- limited seatingseating is very limited
- parkingparking was a bit of a challenge
- pretentiousoverly pretentious and wildly priced
- seatingseating was too short
- smell of grilled fishThe service was wonderful, and both the Golden Gate cocktail and the Old Fashioned were awesome. However, the smell of grilled fish was overpowering, which was particularly noticeable because the space is small. The vibe felt a bit odd, as if the place was trying to do too much with its offerings, including food, a bar, and a large LP collection where anyone could pick the music.
- spacesince the space is small
If you're looking for a beautiful, atmospheric spot with a great vibe for a date night or intimate drinks, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that seating might be a bit snug, and the music volume could be a hit or miss for your preference.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with some guests feeling its worth the splurge for exclusive wines and reasonably priced food options, especially given the quality. While the overall score for value sits at an average 5, there are 8 positive opinions that highlight finding good deals or feeling the experience justified the cost, even for expensive wines. However, the sentiment leans more towards the negative, with a poor 36.4% customer satisfaction and 11 negative opinions.
Many found the experience expensive, with concerns about small portions for the price, wildly priced items, and a mandatory gratuity adding to the bill. It seems the high cost, particularly for glasses of wine and appetizers, was a significant point of contention for many.
Value
22
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the splurge
- Reasonably priced food
- Affordable options available
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions, high price
- Mandatory gratuity
Often praised
- pricehard time finding a better cocktail for that price
- exclusive winesMy experience at this Crenn business, more properly termed a Wine Salon, was focused on exclusive, expensive wines by the bottle or half bottle, complemented by magnificent Michelin star snacks.
- expensive winesMy experience at this Crenn business, more properly termed a Wine Salon, was focused on exclusive, expensive wines by the bottle or half bottle, complemented by magnificent Michelin star snacks.
- optionsprovide more affordable options
- pricesprices would be crazy But they were actually not bad
- reasonably pricedfood is good and reasonably priced
- worth the splurgeWorth the splurge
Frequently criticized
- priceThe bar and restaurant are beautifully designed. My only complaint was the portions of the appetizers, which were really small for the $20 price. I ordered three appetizers, and my bill came to $60.
- Cabernetover priced bottle of Cabernet($150 that normally costs $35)
- billMy only complaint was the portions of the appetizers, which were really small for the $20 price. I ordered three appetizers, and my bill came to $60.
- expensive costdespite the expensive cost
- glassesThe wine selection is heavily focused on French and European wines. However, it's important to note that this place is not cheap, with many glasses of wine priced north of $20.
- hypeI opted for the snack-sampling course. While the atmosphere was a highlight, the experience was expensive and, in my personal opinion, not worth 100% the hype.
- mandatory gratuitymandatory 20% gratuity to all bills
- wildly pricedoverly pretentious and wildly priced
If youre prepared for a potentially high bill and are seeking exclusive wines or a splurge-worthy experience, you might find the value acceptable. However, if youre budget-conscious or expect generous portions for your money, this spot might disappoint due to its expensive pricing and mandatory gratuity.
How are the prices at Bar Crenn?
On average, you’ll spend around 82 per person – from 37 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s definitely on the higher end, suggesting a more premium experience.
While the average sits here, our data shows that spending is quite spread out, with a significant number of guests opting for experiences well over 101 $, indicating a mix of spending habits rather than prices clustering tightly around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Bar & Pub, an average spend of 82 per person is on the higher side. Wed say this pricing feels fair if the establishment delivers a truly elevated experience, perhaps with exceptional craft drinks or gourmet bites that justify the premium. Its certainly not your everyday casual pub.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bar Crenn
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Chef Dominique Crenn's Awesome Experience
Duh! Who wouldn’t want to eat and drink under the auspices of the legend, Chef Dominique Crenn? This place is awesome.
The food is excellent and the menu changes quite often. The staff is so welcoming and just downright nice and sincere. The vibe is completely cool.
Best to grab a reservation rather than be disappointed at the door as a walk in. Twist my arm time to go there any day of the week. Le Comptoir?
Yeah, it’s a bucket list item for sure. Snag a seat if you can for a special meal at the bar.
- food10
- menu8
- staff10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
World-Class Cocktails and Bites!
My experience at this bar was 100% the best in San Francisco and beyond. The cocktails and bites were world-class, with gorgeous presentation and fabulous taste. The service was excellent, and the unique gastronomical delights for both cocktails and food were truly impressive.
I highly recommend indulging in their elevated take on an espresso martini, the "Gospel, " or the "Petal" cocktail when it's on the menu. These are truly some of the best cocktails you will find anywhere.
- cocktails10
- bites9
- presentation9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Experience at Bar Crenn!
My experience at Bar Crenn was always amazing. The exquisite cocktails and delicious bites were highlights. I also appreciated the beautiful thin glassware and the awesome music.
The great service, especially from Adam, made the evening memorable. It was worth traveling from LA for this experience.
- experience10
- cocktails10
- glassware9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Elevated Drinks and Delicious Desserts
My experience at Bar Crenn was fantastic! The drinks here are truly elevated and crafted so well. I visited on a Friday night before 9 pm, and the bar was starting to fill up.
They offer two small tables for standing room if you don't have a reservation, especially when they're booked. There's a minimum spend requirement when reserving. Although not pictured, the Bergamo cocktail was one of my favorites, and the fresh orange juice was incredibly refreshing.
For dessert lovers, I highly recommend the Chocolate flower; its texture and flavors are really nice. Overall, it was a great experience.
- drinks9
- Bergamo cocktail9
- fresh orange juice8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Experience, Wish I Lived Closer!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing. The food was incredible, and the chef clearly put a lot of passion into their work. The bar offered a fantastic selection, and the overall ambiance was wonderful.
The entire team was exceptional, contributing to a truly memorable dining experience. I'm so disappointed that I live so far away in Paris and cannot return soon!
- food10
- chef10
- bar10
What Bar Crenn offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Trending
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Bar Crenn in San Francisco?
At Bar Crenn, you can anticipate an atmosphere that is both trending and upscale, yet still cozy and romantic, making it a truly trendy spot in Cow Hollow. You’ll find a comprehensive selection of hard liquor, food, wine, beer, and cocktails, with a particular highlight on their great wine list for your enjoyment.
What service options and planning details should you know before visiting Bar Crenn?
Bar Crenn offers dine-in service with table service, and reservations are required to secure your spot, as they accept reservations. For parking, you’ll find both free and paid street parking available. The establishment is also wheelchair accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom for your convenience.
How does Bar Crenn generally rate among diners?
Bar Crenn holds a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.3, with Customer Satisfaction at 84.6%. Its Food (8.5), Service (8.6), and Ambience (8.3) are highly rated, though Value (5) is considered average.
Is Bar Crenn considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the food reasonably priced and worth the splurge, others note that appetizers are small for their cost, wines can be expensive, and a mandatory gratuity is applied, leading to a perception of high prices.
What is the atmosphere like at Bar Crenn?
The atmosphere at Bar Crenn is often described as moody, quiet, and cozy, with beautiful decor and a cool vibe. However, some guests have mentioned that the music can be too loud, and seating is limited, which might impact the overall comfort.