Highlights
- Live performances
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Barbarossa – San Francisco
Barbarossa - San Francisco
Photo from Barbarossa
Barbarossa at a glance
San Francisco Telegraph Hill
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 12 of the guests
#2055 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#135 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
221
Reviews
61.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great drinks
- Vibrant vibe
- Good staff
Frequently criticized
- Billing concerns
- Service issues
- Crowded venue
The bar and pub, Barbarossa, in San Francisco’s vibrant Telegraph Hill neighborhood, invites you to an unforgettable experience. You’ll discover a lively atmosphere where live performances set the stage for a memorable evening.
This trendy spot offers a fantastic escape, whether you’re seeking a casual drink or an upscale night out. Prepare to be entertained and enjoy their impressive selection of beverages.
Overview: Introducting Barbarossa
Barbarossa offers a vibrant experience, often lauded for its exceptional cocktails and attentive staff who ensure a lively atmosphere. Many appreciate the overall good vibes, making it a popular spot for a night out.
However, guests should be mindful of potential unidentified charges on their bill, and some have noted inconsistent service experiences, particularly concerning security and seating arrangements.
Good
6.3
out of 10
221
Reviews
61.5%
Satisfaction
77
negative
8
neutral
136
positive
Barbarossa holds an overall score of 6.3, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 61.5%, indicating a mixed reception.
This feedback comes from a substantial 221 customer observations, with 136 positive and 77 negative remarks. The Food (7.8) is clearly a strong point, often praised for its quality, while the Ambience (6.8) also contributes positively to the experience.
However, Service (4.7) is merely average, and Value (3.5) is a notable area for improvement, reflecting concerns about pricing and billing.
What people like
- Exceptional cocktails
- Lively atmosphere
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Billing discrepancies
- Inconsistent service
- Overcrowding issues
With a recommendation score of 6.5, Barbarossa is worth considering if you prioritize a lively setting and well-crafted drinks. It’s a place that can deliver a memorable night, especially if you’re seeking a vibrant social scene.
However, it’s wise to review your bill carefully and be prepared for a potentially crowded environment. While the food and atmosphere shine, the value and service can be a bit of a gamble.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Barbarossa
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to the Food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a strong 79.7%, its clear many guests are leaving happy. Out of 59 total remarks, a whopping 47 were positive, frequently praising the fantastic "drinks, " "cocktails, " and "oysters, " alongside delicious "appetizers" and "tapas.
" Youll find everything from craft cocktails and seasonal grogs to unique margarita towers and even delightful truffle popcorn. However, it's not all perfect, with 8 negative remarks pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found the drinks to be inconsistent or basic, and there were concerns about the lack of clear vegetarian options and information regarding dietary restrictions.
A few guests also reported issues with being charged for extra drinks, which is definitely something to keep an eye on.
Food
59
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great drinks
- Excellent cocktails
- Delicious appetizers
- Unique mocktails
What people don't like
- Inconsistent drinks
- Limited vegetarian options
- Billing issues
Often praised
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was marked by good music, good drinks, and good vibes. If they had a coat check, I would have given them 5 stars.
- cocktailsMy experience at the restaurant was great, especially enjoying their really great cocktails. The Monday happy hour was a highlight, particularly if you enjoy oysters.
- foodEveryone had a great time. The food, cocktails, and service were all exceptional. The bar and wait staff were highly attentive throughout the night.
- Creme BruleThe Creme Brule wasn't overly sweet
- FoodFood:5
- Passionfruit ProjectMy partner liked my drink the "Passionfruit Project"
- Thirteen Hundred drinkhighly recommend the Thirteen Hundred drink
- appetizersThe appetizers n tapas were great
- best drinksbest drinks I've had in a while
- beveragesGreat beverages
Frequently criticized
- drinksIf you're with friends, it's best to go to the downstairs restrooms in pairs, as you could easily lose people in the crowd. The drinks are basic, and the music is too loud for my taste. However, they have a nice lounge area that's great if you're with 5-6 people.
- FoodFood:1
- customers drinkspit in a couple customers drink
- dietary restrictionsDietary restrictions:Didn't see any
- extra drinksHowever, I encountered an issue with the charges on card. I was charged for extra drinks. When I returned to the bar, they offered free drinks instead of a refund for the unidentified charges.
- foodfood: 2
- vegetarian optionsVegetarian options:I couldn't find any
If youre looking for a place with creative and well-made drinks, excellent appetizers, and a generally good vibe, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful if you have specific dietary needs or if youre ordering many rounds, and double-check your bill.
Service (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.7, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 40.6%, which is quite mixed. Many guests have praised the friendly and attentive staff, especially the bartenders and the owner, for providing great service and making them feel welcome. Some even noted Michelin-level attention, particularly for big groups.
However, based on 64 pieces of feedback (26 positive and 38 negative), there are significant concerns. Many experienced frustrating waiting times and found some staff and security to be rude or unhelpful. Issues like discriminatory practices, fraudulent charges, and questionable owner's behavior also frequently popped up, indicating a need for better management and consistency.
Service
64
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
38
negative
0
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great bartender service
- Helpful owner
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude staff/security
- Discriminatory experiences
Often praised
- servicethe service and cocktails are so enjoyable
- bartendersIt was Friday night and the atmosphere started out mellow but quickly became a very live and packed place! The bartenders were pretty good as well!
- staffFirst impression of the staff was super friendly
- ServiceMichelin level service right there
- amazing serviceAmazing service - she really took care of a big group.
- bar staffbar and wait staff were highly attentive
- big groupshe really took care of a big group.
- good attitude staffgood attitude staff!
- institutionsuch an iconic institution
- maintenance guyDaytime maintenance guy used water to convince a sidewalk squatter to move on
Frequently criticized
- servicewitnessed staff members spit in a couple of customers' drinks and then laugh
- bartenderBEWARE. On 9/2/2019 at 1am, one of the bartenders working at the rear of the lounge was pushy and kept insisting to keep my tab open and order more drinks than I did. Low and behold 2 days later, I find on my credit card statement that my bill has been fraudulently up charged on the gratuity amount.
- dress codetold me I’d have issues with the dress code. First he said it was my shoes.
- securityThe old white guy waited til my friend went in then told me I’d have issues with the dress code.
- ServiceService:1
- abuseallow this abuse
- assaultphysically assaulted by security and a woman
- cap policyforced me to remove my cap without any reason
- chair taken awayMy experience at this establishment was quite negative. I've never been to a club where they literally take the chair out from under you to give to another group. This was a very poor service experience.
- coat checkIf they had coat check
If you're looking for a place with potentially great service and a lively atmosphere, you might find it here. However, be prepared for the possibility of long waits or encountering some less-than-stellar staff interactions, as experiences vary widely.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a solid 70.6% customer satisfaction. Many guests adore the chill, mysterious, and flirty vibes, often praising the good music and unique decor. With 60 positive remarks, it's frequently called a fun place with a lively atmosphere and spacious areas to mingle.
However, the score of 6.8 suggests there are areas to polish. Some of the 22 negative comments point to a loud and crowded environment, making it difficult to move or hear. Concerns also arise regarding limited seating and significant wheelchair accessibility issues, which can impact the overall experience.
Ambience
85
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
22
negative
3
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibes, music
- Unique decor
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud, crowded space
- Limited seating
- Poor accessibility
Often praised
- musicwith R&B/latin/pop music playing
- atmosphereMy experience was a good balance of lounge and club atmosphere. The music was diverse and pretty good.
- vibeThe vibe is solid
- vibesMy first impression of the staff was that they were super friendly and asked where we'd like to be seated. The inside has an amazing look and offers very chill vibes. We started with a couple of drinks and a dessert.
- decorThey had a good decor for the halloween.
- ambiencethe ambience was fun
- spaceThe space is great to walk around and socialise
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- DJThe restaurant had good decor for Halloween, which added to the fun. The DJ was great and played a great selection of music that made it easy to dance.
- ambianceI like the ambiance
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was overshadowed by a rather unwelcoming atmosphere. The establishment seemed to cater exclusively to a specific political group, which created a palpable sense of division.
- musicIf you're with friends, it's best to go to the downstairs restrooms in pairs, as you could easily lose people in the crowd. The drinks are basic, and the music is too loud for my taste. However, they have a nice lounge area that's great if you're with 5-6 people.
- wheelchair accessibility" This sentiment was followed by a strong declaration: "I'd set my money on fire before I'd spend it here. " The reviewer also highlighted significant issues with wheelchair accessibility, noting, "As you can see from this video, this is not a safe place for people with disabilities. " The reviewer provided a rating of 1 for Service, Atmosphere, and Food.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- creepy dudessheer number of creepy dudes hitting on one of our friends
- crowdedplace is always crowded
- difficult to moveMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The place is always crowded, making it difficult to move around. If you're with friends, it's best to go to the downstairs restrooms in pairs, as you could easily lose people in the crowd.
- dudes than womenHowever, I'm giving it one star less due to the sheer number of creepy dudes hitting on one of our friends. Like much of SF, there were way more dudes than women.
- girl to guy ratioThe girl to guy ratio is 1/10
- hosting choiceSad you’d let these people trying to destroy our country reserve seats.
If you're seeking a lively spot with great music and unique decor, this place is worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially loud and crowded environment, and note that seating and accessibility might be challenging.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests found the general prices to be fair, especially highlighting a really good Monday happy hour. Some even enjoyed reasonably priced drinks, making it a decent spot for a night out. These positive sentiments come from 3 mentions, suggesting some good experiences.
However, the value aspect generally falls into the poor category, with a score of 3.5 and customer satisfaction at a concerning 23.1%. A significant 9 out of 13 comments highlight pricey drinks and, more critically, numerous reports of fraudulent tab and bill adjustments, including inflated gratuity amount and unidentified charges on card, leaving many feeling overcharged.
Value
13
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Good happy hour
- Reasonably priced drinks
What people don't like
- Fraudulent billing
- Inflated gratuity
- Extra charges
Often praised
- Monday happy hourgood Monday happy hour
- PricesPrices were fair
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was stunning. The drinks were wonderful and reasonably priced. It's conveniently located in a nice area, making it a great spot for a night out with other bars and places to eat nearby.
Frequently criticized
- billOn 9/2/2019 at 1am, one of the bartenders working at the rear of the lounge was pushy and kept insisting to keep my tab open and order more drinks than I did. Low and behold 2 days later, I find on my credit card statement that my bill has been fraudulently up charged on the gratuity amount. Totally illegal.
- charges on carddo check charges on card. I was charged for extra drinks
- drinksDrinks were a bit pricey
- gratuity amountOn 9/2/2019 at 1am, one of the bartenders working at the rear of the lounge was pushy and kept insisting to keep my tab open and order more drinks than I did. Low and behold 2 days later, I find on my credit card statement that my bill has been fraudulently up charged on the gratuity amount. Totally illegal.
- overchargedand overcharged
- pricesMy experience at this bar was quite negative. I've never had a situation where I wished I took pictures of the receipts at a bar before, but these guys changed the prices of the tips and I got charged an extra $10 on my tabs. I would beware of this place.
- tabBEWARE. On 9/2/2019 at 1am, one of the bartenders working at the rear of the lounge was pushy and kept insisting to keep my tab open and order more drinks than I did. Low and behold 2 days later, I find on my credit card statement that my bill has been fraudulently up charged on the gratuity amount.
- tabsMy experience at this bar was quite negative. I've never had a situation where I wished I took pictures of the receipts at a bar before, but these guys changed the prices of the tips and I got charged an extra $10 on my tabs. I would beware of this place.
- unidentified chargesfree drinks for the unidentified charges
If youre looking for fair prices and a good Monday happy hour, you might find some value here. However, be extremely cautious with your bill, as many customers reported being overcharged or having fraudulent charges. Its a place where you'll definitely want to check your tab closely.
How are the prices at Barbarossa?
On average, you’ll spend around 42 per person – from 12 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, it’s quite a mix! While the average sits at 42, we see a good number of diners spending in the $21–$30 range, but also a few who go for a more premium experience, spending over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 12 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, offering a range that can suit different occasions and budgets. Its not the cheapest, but its certainly not breaking the bank for what it offers.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Barbarossa
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Experience with Discrimination Concerns
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative. I was particularly disturbed by the apparent discrimination against other religions, which is unacceptable and makes the establishment look bad. Beyond this significant issue, the food received a low rating of 2, and the service was rated a mere 1.
The atmosphere was also rated a 1, described as very loud and difficult to hear. Finding parking was an annoyance, with the nearby art gallery described as "stupid ugly" and looking like "moldy cheese. " The wait time was considerable, between 30-60 minutes.
Wheelchair accessibility was poor, with a "Stair 👎👎👎" rating. I also couldn't find any vegetarian options or clear information on dietary restrictions.
- food2
- service1
- atmosphere1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Discrimination and Racism at This Venue
My experience at this place tonight was marred by what felt like blatant discrimination. Upon arrival, I was checked by security and handed identification. An older white gentleman at the door initially told me I'd have issues with the dress code, claiming it was my shoes.
I was wearing Vans, and my friend had on Jordans. When I pointed out another individual inside wearing Nike Dunks, the security guard changed the reason to 'no sports attire. ' The discrimination here is wild.
I also noticed other reviews mentioning them hosting a 'Republican only' event, which speaks volumes. If you are a person of color, I strongly advise you to avoid this place like the plague. The old, racist white guy at the door will invent reasons to prevent you from entering.
- security1
- dress code1
- discrimination1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Great drinks, popcorn, and atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the great beverages and especially loved the truffle popcorn. The space itself is super nice decorated, creating a good environment.
The service was also nice and cool.
- beverages9
- truffle popcorn10
- space9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Great Decor and Vibes for Groups
I really liked the decor and vibes of the place. It's relatively quiet and a good spot to take close knit groups. We got a grog flight, charcuterie board and cheese board to share.
- decor9
- vibes9
- quiet8
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Experience with Political Undertones
My experience at this restaurant was overshadowed by a rather unwelcoming atmosphere. The establishment seemed to cater exclusively to a specific political group, which created a palpable sense of division. This focus on political affiliation rather than on providing a universally pleasant dining experience was quite disappointing.
- atmosphere2
- political affiliation1
What Barbarossa offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere awaits you at Barbarossa Lounge?
At Barbarossa Lounge, you’ll find an atmosphere that is both upscale and casual, making it a trendy spot in San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening or a vibrant night out, this bar and pub offers a welcoming environment for all.
What unique features and entertainment does Barbarossa Lounge offer?
Barbarossa Lounge stands out with its exciting live performances, adding a dynamic touch to your visit. You can also explore their great wine list and extensive beer selection, ensuring there’s a perfect drink for every taste.
How does Barbarossa score overall?
Barbarossa holds an overall score of 6.3, placing it in the average category. Food is a strong point at 7.8, and Ambience scores 6.8. Service is average at 4.7, while Value is lower at 3.5.
What do customers enjoy most about Barbarossa?
Customers frequently praise Barbarossa for its well-crafted cocktails and appetizers. The lively atmosphere, good music, and generally attentive staff are also often highlighted as positive aspects.
Are there any common issues or concerns at Barbarossa?
Some patrons have reported concerns regarding billing issues, including fraudulent charges and overcharging. There are also mentions of inconsistent service experiences, such as security issues or chairs being removed, and the venue can be quite crowded.