Highlights
- Sports
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Bell Tower – San Francisco
Bell Tower - San Francisco
Photo from Bell Tower
Bell Tower at a glance
San Francisco Nob Hill
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 126 of the guests
#355 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#55 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
508
Reviews
83.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly staff
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Hidden fees
- Loud atmosphere
The restaurant Bell Tower in San Francisco’s vibrant Nob Hill neighborhood invites you to a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
With a great wine list and a fantastic beer selection, it’s an ideal spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Whether you’re craving breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, you’ll find delicious options here.
Overview: Introducting Bell Tower
Bell Tower offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often celebrated for its well-prepared dishes and the welcoming demeanor of its staff. Many patrons find the portions generous and the overall atmosphere quite agreeable, making it a reliable spot for a meal.
However, some visits can be marred by inconsistent service, with occasional long waits or specific staff issues. There are also mentions of unexpected additional fees, which can detract from the otherwise fair pricing.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
508
Reviews
83.5%
Satisfaction
48
negative
36
neutral
424
positive
Bell Tower earns a solid 8.3 overall score, reflecting a good dining experience, and boasts a strong 83.5% customer satisfaction rate. This positive sentiment is drawn from over 500 customer remarks, with 424 positive observations outweighing the 48 negative ones.
Customers particularly appreciate the Food (8.5), which consistently receives high marks for quality and preparation. The Service (8.2) is also well-regarded for its attentiveness, and the Ambience (8.1) often strikes a good balance.
While still good, Value (7.6) is a slightly less celebrated aspect.
What people like
- Delicious, well-cooked food
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service experiences
- Unexpected additional fees
- Loud, cramped atmosphere
If you’re seeking a place with reliably good food and a generally friendly team, Bell Tower is certainly worth considering. Its strong scores for food and service suggest a high chance of a satisfying visit, especially if you appreciate a lively, cozy setting.
However, be mindful of potential service fluctuations and keep an eye on the bill for any additional charges. While not perfect, the positive aspects often outweigh the minor drawbacks, making it a solid choice for many.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bell Tower
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.5 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 86.8%. With 197 positive remarks out of 227 total, diners consistently praise the delicious and wonderful food, from hearty options like the Philly chicken steak sandwich and meatloaf to delightful French onion soup and varied daily specials. The quality and quantity are frequently highlighted, ensuring a satisfying meal.
However, a small number of 13 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. A few found specific items like potato skins or nachos disappointing, while others noted issues with frozen fries or a dry grilled chicken sandwich. Some experiences mentioned food being too fat and salty or mediocre quality, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
227
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
13
negative
17
neutral
197
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, varied food
- Generous, quality portions
- Great daily specials
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Some dishes disappoint
- Food can be salty
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. I was impressed with the lovely service and the great food. I heard that the soup of the day is always a good choice, and the chowder certainly lived up to that reputation.
- French onion soupFrench onion soup and spinach salad, it was amazing!
- drinksWe were so glad to find a place serving food until midnight. The staff is great, the drinks are cold, and the food is delicious! We will definitely come back for the loaded Nachos and Salsiccia bolognese Farfalle!
- portionsreasonable portions
- FoodFood was cooked exactly how we ordered
- burgerdaughter's burger was still juicy
- great foodAs someone from Minnesota, this place feels like the most normal Midwest style bar / restaurant in San Francisco. I had a great experience with great food for a great value. The friendly staff were attentive and remembered me.
- portion sizegenerous, both in flavor and size
- daily specialsLOVE this place for their daily specials
- food qualityThe food quality is good
Frequently criticized
- foodFood to fat and salty
- Grilled Chicken SandwichI saw lots of people ordering this and wanted to try it out. However, the chicken turned out to be really dry and plain in flavor.
- NachosNachos. They seemed like they would be pretty good except they were too spicy for me
- beerit took 45 minutes to just get served a beer
- children's menuThey also offered a variety of dishes, which allowed us to try something different from the usual. We went with two children, and perhaps the atmosphere wasn't the typical family-friendly one, and they didn't have a children's menu. However, we ate very well both times we were there.
- colaCola (das hat allerdings aufgrund der Eiswürfel ein wenig nach Chlor geschmeckt)
- cottage pieordered the cottage pie expecting the traditional dish
- drinksno sign of our drinks
- food qualitythe quality was very mediocre
- frozen friesaccompanied by frozen fries
If you're looking for a place with consistently delicious and varied food options, this spot is definitely worth a try. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the overwhelming majority of diners leave satisfied, especially with their hearty portions and daily specials.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
The service here generally shines, boasting a strong score of 8.2 and a solid customer satisfaction of 80.3%. Guests frequently praise the friendly and attentive staff, highlighting excellent service, with many appreciating the reliable and accommodating nature of the team. Out of 142 comments, a remarkable 114 were positive, often mentioning specific staff members and their hospitality.
However, not every experience is perfect. A smaller number of 23 negative comments point to occasional issues like long waits for food and drinks, and some concerns about staff attention. While most staff are lauded, specific instances of inattentive servers and order mix-ups, particularly regarding drink orders, have been noted.
Service
142
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
23
negative
5
neutral
114
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent customer service
- Reliable and accommodating
What people don't like
- Inattentive servers
- Long wait times
- Order mistakes
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around watching the Vikings' first regular season game. While the staff was as attentive as they could be given the busy atmosphere, I found the clientele to be an issue. The Viking superfans were surprisingly annoying.
- staffIt's an awesome place that is reasonable, reliable, and impressively open late. I enjoyed a good brunch, and the staff was incredibly friendly. The service and atmosphere both received a perfect 5/5 rating, with food scoring a solid 4/5.
- serversThe servers will always find you a table and never forget you're waiting
- waitressOur waitress was really sweet though
- ServiceService:5
- bartenderdrinks and bartender were super awesome
- ownerThe owner is the sweetest and nicest bartender ever
- waitress Miashe was proactive, we didn't have to ask for anything
- friendly staffI had a great experience with great food for a great value. The friendly staff were attentive and remembered me. In my opinion, it's the top value in SF.
- wait staffThe wait staff are always gracious
Frequently criticized
- serviceServicio regular. Los chicos de servicio comiendo en la barra y sin lavarse las manos llevan los platos a las mesas
- serverI love the location, the food, and when the service is on, it's on. However, the last four times I went, I had to walk out after never seeing my server again after the initial greeting. I've waited 20 minutes before and not had a single person come take my order, and it's dead slow.
- waiting timeHowever, the last four times I went, I had to walk out after never seeing my server again after the initial greeting. I've waited 20 minutes before and not had a single person come take my order, and it's dead slow. I can't even see the server, and the one time I did find the server, they were fixing their makeup in the mirror.
- Miaexcept Mia (dark long hair)
- drink orderI honestly love this place and it has great food where every staff member is pleasant, attentive, and completely reasonable, except for Mia (dark long hair). Every time that I get Mia as a server, she has to ask me for my drink order at least twice, doesn't pay attention to my order details, leaves my food sit for too long by the kitchen, and takes up to 30 minutes to get a drink even when it's sitting at the bar ready. I appreciate Bell Tower, Barbie, and the rest of the staff, but my meal and experience is ruined every time that I get Mia as a server.
- food arrival timeWe waited about 10 minutes to be seated. Unfortunately, it took about half an hour for the food to arrive. The escargot came with 6 pieces and two garlic breads.
- food sitI honestly love this place and it has great food where every staff member is pleasant, attentive, and completely reasonable, except for Mia (dark long hair). Every time that I get Mia as a server, she has to ask me for my drink order at least twice, doesn't pay attention to my order details, leaves my food sit for too long by the kitchen, and takes up to 30 minutes to get a drink even when it's sitting at the bar ready. I appreciate Bell Tower, Barbie, and the rest of the staff, but my meal and experience is ruined every time that I get Mia as a server.
- get a drinkI honestly love this place and it has great food where every staff member is pleasant, attentive, and completely reasonable, except for Mia (dark long hair). Every time that I get Mia as a server, she has to ask me for my drink order at least twice, doesn't pay attention to my order details, leaves my food sit for too long by the kitchen, and takes up to 30 minutes to get a drink even when it's sitting at the bar ready. I appreciate Bell Tower, Barbie, and the rest of the staff, but my meal and experience is ruined every time that I get Mia as a server.
- hospitalityhospitality far better
- meal and experiencemy meal and experience is ruined everytime that I get Mia as a server
Overall, you can expect a good service experience here, with a friendly and attentive team ready to help. While there are a few isolated reports of slower service or inattentiveness, the vast majority of diners leave happy. It's definitely worth a visit for reliable and welcoming service.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a solid 81.5% customer satisfaction. Based on 88 positive comments out of 108 total, guests frequently praise the overall ambience, vibe, and atmosphere. Many love the outdoor patio and appreciate the dog-friendly aspect, creating a welcoming and cozy pub feel.
However, not everyone finds it perfect, with 8 negative remarks. Some found the place noisy or loud, particularly due to music. A few mentioned it could feel cramped inside or even a bit unwelcoming, suggesting it might not always be the quietest or most spacious spot.
Ambience
108
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
8
negative
12
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Dog-friendly patio
- Cozy pub vibe
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Cramped inside
- Loud music
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Bell Tower was wonderful. It's a vibrant but cozy little place with an efficient and friendly staff. The food was absolutely delicious!
- outdoor seatingLOVE this place for their daily specials, service, and outdoor seating!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placePerfecto para tomar unas cervezas
- ambianceMy experience at this local hangout was fantastic. The owner, Barbie, is the gold standard, providing a friendly and uplifting ambiance. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- ambienceThe ambience was nice
- barSolid Vikings bar if the football is on.
- decorI loved the decor within the bar too
- heatersThe beer selection was good, perfect for a "warm" San Francisco day. They have heaters you can adjust at each table in the parklet, which was a great addition. Overall, it was a good experience, though it's probably better if you eat meat.
- locationThe food and drinks were average, but the service was great. It's mostly a great location and a fun place to meet up and/or watch sports sometimes.
Frequently criticized
- Viking superfansViking superfans were surprisingly annoying
- insideA little cramped inside
- loudit was kinda loud in there and I was not expecting that
- musicMusic is usually too loud for comfortable conversation
- noisy bar restaurantNoisy bar restaurant
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- seats outsideMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The seats outside were falling apart, which contributed to a somewhat shabby atmosphere. The food was too fatty and salty.
- unwelcomingIt kind of felt a little unwelcoming
If you're looking for a lively, dog-friendly spot with a great outdoor patio and a cozy pub vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it can get a bit noisy or feel a little cramped inside, especially during peak times.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly hits the mark! With a good score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 80.6%, its clear guests feel theyre getting a great deal. Many folks, based on 25 positive remarks, raved about the food and price being reasonable and offering great value, often highlighting well-priced drinks too.
However, out of 31 total comments, 4 negative ones did point out some areas for improvement. Concerns were raised about a gratuitous fee or healthcare fee adding to the bill, making it feel a bit on the pricey side for some. It seems these additional charges were the main sticking point.
Value
31
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great food value
- Reasonable prices
- Well-priced drinks
What people don't like
- Unexpected service fees
- Healthcare fees
- Can feel pricey
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant for Mother's Day dinner was fantastic! The portions were large and definitely worth the price. The food was cooked exactly to our specifications; even my daughter's well-done burger was still juicy.
- pricesThe prices are spot on
- price per personmy wedding lunch came out to 37.50 per person. That's cheap
- affordable dinnera nice, affordable dinner
- billthey did not charge me for the beer
- drinksThe drinks are well priced
- fair pricesWhat a great place! Super nice people (staff and guests), fantastic food, and all at very fair prices!
- foodfood was reasonably priced
- good value foodgood value food
- great valueAs someone from Minnesota, this place feels like the most normal Midwest style bar / restaurant in San Francisco. I had a great experience with great food for a great value. The friendly staff were attentive and remembered me.
Frequently criticized
- gratuitous feeforce you to pay 20% gratuitous
- healthcare feeanother 3% healthcare fee
- pricey sideOn the pricey side
- total feespaying a total of 23% fees
If you're seeking a place with genuinely good value for your money, especially regarding food and drinks, this restaurant is definitely worth considering. Just keep an eye out for potential extra fees that might appear on your bill, as they were the primary concern for a few patrons.
How are the prices at Bell Tower?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 126 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what others have spent, most diners find themselves right in this sweet spot, though there’s a sprinkle of both more budget-friendly and higher-end experiences too.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 126 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for many.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bell Tower
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Amazing Vibe and Food!
I absolutely love this place! I was staying nearby and found myself consistently drawn back. The vibe is amazing, and the food is never disappointing.
While there's nearly always a wait for a table, it's with good reason. The servers are attentive and will always find you a spot, never forgetting you're waiting. I highly recommend it.
- vibe10
- food10
- wait for a table7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Great Service, Delicious Chowder!
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. I was impressed with the lovely service and the great food. I heard that the soup of the day is always a good choice, and the chowder certainly lived up to that reputation.
The restaurant offers plenty of outdoor seating. Inside, it can feel a bit cramped when busy, but I visited around 9 PM and had a great time.
- service10
- food8
- soup of the day9
- inside4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Pleasantly Surprised by Great Food and Service
I initially checked out the menu before visiting and wasn't overly impressed. However, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience. The spinach salad was "off the hook, " and the pork tenderloin special was cooked perfectly – moist and tasty.
The other specials also looked good, and the portions were generous. The wait staff was awesome and good-humored.
- spinach salad10
- pork tenderloin special10
- portions8
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Bell Tower: A San Francisco Gem!
My experience at Bell Tower was fantastic! This charming neighborhood diner is my absolute go-to spot. They offer consistently spectacular food and expertly-made cocktails—you genuinely can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
A huge shout-out to the team: Megan, Jeremiah, and Barbie always make you feel like a regular with their incredibly friendly and attentive service. Fair warning: Bell Tower has an obvious and devoted local following, so it fills up quickly! Definitely plan ahead with an early arrival or a reservation.
On the bright side, they're perfect for a late-night fix since the kitchen is open until midnight and the bar until 2 AM. Do yourself a favor and check out this fantastic spot!
- spectacular food10
- expertly-made cocktails9
- friendly and attentive service10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great food, atmosphere, and service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the waitresses were very friendly. It's a perfect place to grab a few beers after a long day exploring San Francisco.
- food9
- atmosphere9
- waitresses9
What Bell Tower offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Bell Tower offer?
Bell Tower provides a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere where you can enjoy various dining options. You can stop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, with comfortable seating and table service available. Don’t forget to check out their dessert menu too.
Does Bell Tower accommodate special needs like accessibility or pets?
Yes, Bell Tower is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. If you’re dining with your furry friend, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area. High chairs are also available for families with children.
How does Bell Tower generally rate among its patrons?
Bell Tower holds a strong overall score of 8.3 with 83.5% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.5) is particularly well-regarded, followed by Service (8.2) and Ambience (8.1), while Value (7.6) is considered good.
What do customers appreciate most about Bell Tower?
Patrons frequently praise the delicious and generously portioned food, often highlighting its quality and how it’s cooked to order. The staff is generally described as friendly, attentive, and proactive, contributing to a positive dining experience.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks to consider at Bell Tower?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in service, particularly regarding waiting times or specific staff members. Additionally, there have been mentions of unexpected fees and the atmosphere occasionally being loud or cramped, especially inside.