Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Bender’s – San Francisco
Bender's - San Francisco
Photo from Bender’s
Bender's at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 47 of the guests
#400 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Bar & Grill out of 16 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
256
Reviews
90.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Food
- Diverse Drinks
- Vibrant Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Pricing Concerns
- Limited Entertainment
- Difficult Parking
The bar and grill Bender’s in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers a truly authentic experience. You can immerse yourself in a casual atmosphere where live music sets the perfect backdrop for your evening.
This popular spot is known for its lively vibe, making it a go-to destination for catching sports and enjoying bar games. With a great beer selection and delicious food available at the bar, it’s an ideal place for a quick bite or a full meal, even late into the night.
Overview: Introducting Bender's
Bender’s offers a lively atmosphere where you can enjoy good vibes and great food, particularly their well-regarded burgers and tater tots. It’s a spot where the music sets the mood, and the overall experience is often described as energetic and fun.
However, some patrons have noted occasional issues with food availability or pricing, and the once-present live shows and karaoke are no longer a feature. Despite these points, the establishment maintains a strong appeal for its core offerings.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
256
Reviews
90.2%
Satisfaction
14
negative
11
neutral
231
positive
Bender’s earns a solid overall 8.3, reflecting a generally positive experience for its patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at an impressive 90.2%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This strong performance is built on 231 positive observations against just 14 negative ones, out of 256 total customer remarks. The establishment truly shines in its Service (8.8) and Food (8.7), both receiving high marks.
The Ambience (8) also contributes significantly to the positive perception, offering a distinct and engaging environment. While Value (7.4) is good, it’s the area with the most room for improvement, suggesting some guests find certain aspects a bit high-priced.
What people like
- Great burgers and tots
- Excellent beer selection
- Lively dive bar atmosphere
- Friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pricing
- Loss of entertainment
- Parking challenges
If you’re seeking a casual spot with a vibrant atmosphere, excellent burgers, and a wide selection of beers, Bender’s is certainly worth considering. The friendly service and overall positive customer sentiment, reflected in a strong 8.7 recommendation score, suggest a reliably good time.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in pricing or food availability, and don’t expect the live entertainment options that were once a draw. It’s a place that delivers on its core strengths, making it a solid choice for a relaxed outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bender's
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot is truly shining, boasting an excellent score of 8.7 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 94%. Based on 78 positive remarks out of 83 total comments, folks are raving about the awesome beer selection, delicious chicken parm sandwiches, and the standout Bender Burger. Dont even get us started on those super crispy tater tots!
However, theres a minor hiccup to consider, with just 1 negative comment mentioning Food. It seems there was an instance where food wasnt available during peak hours on a Saturday, which could be a bummer if youre planning a visit for a meal at a busy time.
Food
83
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
1
negative
4
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food variety
- Great burger options
- Delicious tater tots
What people don't like
- Food unavailable sometimes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was all about good vibes and great food. The atmosphere was lively, and the music was a perfect accompaniment to the meal.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great place to get drinks and eat food. The awesome beer selection was a definite highlight.
- FoodFood:5
- beer selectionThe beer selection is ample too
- burgerThe service was outstanding, rated 10/10. I had the best burger I had this year, which was also rated 10/10. The price-quality ratio for San Francisco was incredible, earning a 12/10.
- tater totsTater tots is also great, crispy from the outside, piping hot and soft inside
- totsI got one of the grilled cheesez with crispy tortillas and enchilada sauce, which was such a tasty snack. The tots were also great, super crispy.
- beersGreat beers
- solid burgerStill it is a solid burger with bacon and cheese
- Bender BurgerHad a burger from Overkill Grill
Frequently criticized
- FoodI went to a bar around the corner where they charged $8 for a mixed drink and poured it a lot stronger. Food also wasn't available on a Saturday during peak hours. Edit: I called and apparently this was a mistake, but they also told me they don't have a single drink that's as expensive as $21 & $16, so I still think the bartender Mike maliciously charged me extra.
If you're looking for a place with excellent food, especially burgers and tots, and a great beer selection, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that food availability might occasionally be an issue during peak times, so a quick call ahead could save you disappointment.
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With an impressive score of 8.8 and customer satisfaction soaring at 93.6%, it's clear the staff, especially the bartenders, are doing something right. Based on 44 positive remarks, guests consistently praise the friendly staff, awesome bartenders, and great service, making for a welcoming and efficient experience.
However, out of 47 total opinions, there were 2 negative comments that highlight a couple of bumps. One guest reported an issue with a bartender Mike overcharging, though it was later resolved. Another mentioned horrible staff ruining the vibe, suggesting that while rare, some experiences can fall short.
Service
47
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Awesome, quick bartenders
- Outstanding service
What people don't like
- Malicious overcharging
- Horrible staff
Often praised
- serviceThe beer selection was also ample. I really enjoyed the great ambiance and the excellent service I received.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was unique. Even though the staff seemed like they would be really good at it, and you could kind of tell that they all wanted to, nobody there made fun of me. Not a soul.
- bartendersThe atmosphere is welcoming to metalheads, punks, and other cool people. The bartenders are the homies, and I always feel at home here.
- ServiceService:5
- peopleExtremely nice people
- ATMFor entertainment, there are pool tables and video games. They also have an ATM inside for convenience. The beer selection is good, and they have a full bar, ensuring plenty of drink options.
- FelixThe vibe is very cool! Felix is awesome! The drinks were at locals prices and good.
- JohnnyJohnny is The Best bartender
- bartenderBartender was awesome and friendly
- bartender, JohnnyThey have many IPA's on draft, which is perfect for an IPA enthusiast like myself. The bartender, Johnny, is a very cool dude :) I highly recommend telling Johnny I said hi!
Frequently criticized
- bartender MikeFood also wasn't available on a Saturday during peak hours. Edit: I called and apparently this was a mistake, but they also told me they don't have a single drink that's as expensive as $21 & $16, so I still think the bartender Mike maliciously charged me extra. They refunded the difference, which is nice.
- staffHorrible staff ruins what could be a decent dive bar
Overall, you can expect excellent service here, with the staff and bartenders frequently going above and beyond. While theres a rare mention of a negative interaction, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely have a fantastic experience. It's definitely worth checking out for their top-notch hospitality!
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really hits the mark, scoring a solid 8 and earning a fantastic 86.1% customer satisfaction! Based on 93 positive comments out of 108 total, guests rave about the classic dive bar feel, complete with a lively jukebox, pool tables, and a distinct punk rock vibe. It’s a place where you can truly feel at home, enjoy good music, and socialize in a relaxed atmosphere.
However, a few of the 9 negative comments mention that its popularity can sometimes mean the pool tables aren't always free. There are also some concerns about wheelchair accessibility and parking difficulties. Plus, some regulars miss the entertainment license for live shows, which are now gone.
Ambience
108
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
9
negative
6
neutral
93
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic dive bar vibe
- Games and music
- Friendly local crowd
What people don't like
- Can get crowded
- Accessibility issues
- No live shows
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was all about good vibes and great food. The atmosphere was lively, and the music was a perfect accompaniment to the meal. I really enjoyed the overall experience.
- pool tableIt's the best dive bar around town. I highly recommend getting there early to claim a pool table. The drinks were strong & cheap, and the bartenders were hilarious!
- dive barMy experience at this dive bar was fantastic! It's the best dive bar around town. I highly recommend getting there early to claim a pool table.
- pool tablesThe food was great, the service was great, and the people were nice. I loved the overall vibe, and it was fun to have access to pool tables and a juke box. Just 🥰🥰🥰!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- musicMy experience at the restaurant was all about good vibes and great food. The atmosphere was lively, and the music was a perfect accompaniment to the meal. I really enjoyed the overall experience.
- barBest bar in the mission!
- vibeThe vibe is classic San Francisco punk
- regularsThis is a great place to catch a good, loud, free punk/rock show. The food is great, the regulars are divey, and the music is random. People may tell you that they are with the band when they are saving seats before a show, so get your food and sit before those types get there.
- spaceThe drinks were done right, and there were fun food options. The place offered plenty of space, an old-school jukebox, and pool tables. It's also very bike friendly.
Frequently criticized
- bar fightI did get to witness a bar fight
- entertainment licensesad is that he had dropped his entertainment license
- karaokeKaraoke, live shows, gone forever
- live showslive shows, gone forever
- parkingWhile it's a bar and not kid-friendly, the price per person is reasonable at $20–30. Parking is available with free street parking, though finding a spot can be somewhat difficult. The indoor dining area offers comfortable seating.
- pool tablesthe pool tables aren't always open
- popularityit's too popular
- safetyYoung urban tech professionals, stay away. Tech transplants beware: simply existing in this part of town is enough to get you attacked out here. Stay back in the marina or at Google HQ for your own safety.
- wheelchair accessibilitywheelchair accessibility, with a step at the entrance
If youre looking for a genuine, unpretentious dive bar experience with games, good music, and a lively crowd, this is definitely your spot. Just be aware it can get busy, and parking might be a bit of a hunt. Its perfect for a casual night out with friends.
Value (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 88.9%, it's clear most folks are happy. Out of 18 comments, 16 rave about the price per person, cheap drinks, and affordable food, often mentioning daily drink specials that make a visit even sweeter.
However, a couple of voices, 2 out of 18, did feel a bit stung. They specifically called out an expensive shot of well liquor + energy drink and generally felt it was a ripoff. So, while mostly positive, there are a few specific instances where the value might not quite align with expectations.
Value
18
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Drinks are cheap
- Food is affordable
- Great price-quality
What people don't like
- Mixed drinks pricey
- Some feel ripped off
Often praised
- price per personthe price per person is reasonable
- pricesgreat drinks at reasonable prices
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordable door costsgreat bands for affordable door costs on Saturday nights
- affordable foodMy experience at this restaurant was that of a dive bar feel but a nice place. I enjoyed the good affordable food and the plenty of beer options. The atmosphere also included pool tables and pinball, and it's dog friendly.
- cheap beersMy experience at Benders was that of a classic dive bar, a place I will always hold a special place for in my heart. It offers cheap beers, has no pretensions, and serves delicious tater tots.
- cheap drinksMy experience at this place was a pleasant surprise. It's a classic, popular "dive" bar with cheap, basic drinks and two well-maintained pool tables. There's also a small back porch.
- daily drink specialsThe staff is cool and friendly, and they have a pool table, a back smoking area, and serve bar grub. Plus, there are daily drink specials. It's the perfect spot where rock n roll people congregate in SF and feel right at home, whether they are locals or out-of-towners.
- drinksPretty cheap drinks
- gameIt is only 2 dollars a game
Frequently criticized
- ripoffThis place is a complete ripoff
- shot of well liquor + energy drinkcharged $20 for a shot of well liqour + energy drink
If youre looking for a place with generally affordable drinks and food, especially with daily specials, youll likely find good value here. Just be mindful of specific mixed drink prices, as a few found them surprisingly steep.
How are the prices at Bender's?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 47 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Grill, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what everyone else spends, most folks (29 out of 47, to be exact!) are landing right in that $11–$20 sweet spot. So, while there are a few cheaper bites and some slightly pricier options, the vibe is definitely consistent around that 18 mark.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 47 reviews.
How this Bar & Grill’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Bar & Grill in San Francisco. It hits that sweet spot where you get good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bender's
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fantastic Dive Bar with Great Food and Staff
My experience at this fantastic dive bar was excellent. The food was solid, and the staff, both on the bar and kitchen side, were very friendly. I was impressed with the overall quality of the experience.
- food9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Great Drinks, Food, and Beer Selection!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great place to get drinks and eat food. The awesome beer selection was a definite highlight.
I also appreciated that the bar has location to park bike inside. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5.
- drinks9
- food10
- beer selection10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Great Dive Bar for a Casual Night
My experience at Bender's was that of a great little neighborhood dive bar. It caters mostly to metalheads, punks, and bar industry staff. The food was excellent, earning a 5/5, and the vegetarian offerings were highly recommended, even featuring vegan cheese for their pizza.
The service was also top-notch, rated 5/5. The atmosphere was equally impressive, also receiving a 5/5. While it's a bar and not kid-friendly, the price per person is reasonable at $20–30.
Parking is available with free street parking, though finding a spot can be somewhat difficult. The indoor dining area offers comfortable seating. A minor drawback is the wheelchair accessibility, with a step at the entrance.
Overall, it's a solid choice for dinner.
- food10
- vegetarian offerings10
- vegan cheese10
- wheelchair accessibility3
- parking4
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Great Spot for Pool and No Pressure
My weekly pool spot is a fantastic place! The people there are extremely nice and never pressure me to drink, which I appreciate as I don't like drinking that much. I just go to pay for the pool table and have fun!
The atmosphere is great, and the service is top-notch. Even though the noise level is loud, you can still hold a conversation.
- people10
- pressure to drink10
- pool table9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Awesome Bartender and Lively Pub
My experience at this lively, rock-based pub in downtown San Francisco was fantastic. The bartender was awesome and friendly. I highly recommend asking for a Lemmy (JD&Coke) during your visit.
- bartender10
- Lemmy9
What Bender's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What can you expect from the atmosphere and entertainment at Bender's Bar & Grill?
At Bender’s Bar & Grill, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed outing. You can enjoy live music and other live performances, catch your favorite sports on screen, and challenge friends to bar games. It’s a lively spot in the Mission District for entertainment and good times.
What food and drink options are available, and is Bender's Bar & Grill accessible?
Bender’s Bar & Grill offers a wide range of food and drink, including hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, with a great beer selection. You can enjoy food at the bar, small plates, late-night food, and even vegan options. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with both an accessible entrance and seating.
How does Bender's generally perform?
Bender’s holds a strong overall score of 8.3, driven by its excellent Service (8.8) and appealing Food (8.7). The Ambience (8) also contributes positively, while Value (7.4) is good.
What kind of food and drinks can I expect at Bender's?
Customers often praise the burgers and tater tots for their quality. The restaurant also offers an awesome beer selection and generally cheap drinks, making it a good spot for a casual meal and beverages.
Are there any common issues to be aware of at Bender's?
Some patrons have noted occasional issues with food availability or pricing discrepancies. Additionally, the atmosphere, while lively, has seen changes with the loss of some live shows and karaoke.