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oChef » Big Finish Wine Tavern – San Francisco
Big Finish Wine Tavern - San Francisco
Photo from Big Finish Wine Tavern
Big Finish Wine Tavern at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#49 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#15 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
358
Reviews
96.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional cuisine
- Warm hospitality
- Distinctive atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Mandatory tip
- Difficult parking
- Staff management
The restaurant Big Finish Wine Tavern invites you to experience a cozy and casual dining spot in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco. This trendy restaurant is celebrated for its truly great wine list, offering a diverse selection to complement any meal.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening out or a lively spot to catch a game, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here. Enjoy delicious small plates and a fantastic array of beverages, including cocktails and craft beer.
Overview: Introducting Big Finish Wine Tavern
Big Finish Wine Tavern offers a delightful experience, often praised for its friendly service and a thoughtfully curated menu. Guests frequently appreciate the reasonable prices for both food and an extensive wine selection, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some visits have been marred by concerns like an automatic gratuity and an unfortunate incident involving a manager, which momentarily disrupted the otherwise warm and fun vibe. Despite these isolated issues, the tavern generally leaves a positive impression.
Excellent
9
out of 10
358
Reviews
96.6%
Satisfaction
7
negative
5
neutral
346
positive
Big Finish Wine Tavern achieves an impressive overall score of 9, reflecting a consistently high standard across the board. This is further supported by an excellent 96.6% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that nearly all guests leave pleased with their experience.
These strong figures are drawn from a substantial 358 customer observations, with 346 positive remarks outweighing just 7 negative ones. The individual aspects of the tavern also perform well.
Service leads with an excellent (9.4), closely followed by Food (9.1), which guests frequently commend. The inviting Ambience (8.8) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, while Value (7.8) is considered good, offering fair pricing for the quality provided.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Attentive, friendly service
- Unique Star Trek theme
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity
- Parking challenges
- Managerial conduct issue
Big Finish Wine Tavern stands out as a highly recommended spot, boasting a strong 9.2 recommendation score. If you appreciate a place with excellent food, a diverse wine selection, and genuinely friendly staff, this tavern is certainly worth your time.
While the occasional managerial lapse or the automatic gratuity might be minor considerations, they don’t overshadow the overwhelmingly positive experiences reported. For a memorable evening with a unique atmosphere and good value, Big Finish Wine Tavern is a solid choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Big Finish Wine Tavern
Food (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, prepare for a delightful experience! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a stellar 99% customer satisfaction, the culinary offerings here are clearly a hit. Based on 205 glowing reviews, guests rave about everything from the perfectly cooked pork chop and swordfish to the incredible date cake and crispy wings.
The quality and preparation of dishes are consistently praised, often highlighting unique flavor combinations. However, out of 207 comments, a mere 2 expressed some reservations. A couple of diners felt the food options were a bit limited and didnt quite hit the mark for them.
While this is a very small minority, its worth noting if you prefer a vast menu.
Food
207
Reviews
99%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
205
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, quality dishes
- Unique flavor combinations
- Excellent wine pairings
What people don't like
- Limited food options
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The service was great, and the food was excellent. I also enjoyed the wine.
- pork chopMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. I had the best meal I’ve EVER had, featuring a delicious pork chop, excellent wine, and delightful small plates. The entire team, including Nelson the chef, Felipe the wine master, and Adam the owner, is amazing and deserves immense credit.
- wineMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. I had the best meal I’ve EVER had, featuring a delicious pork chop, excellent wine, and delightful small plates. The entire team, including Nelson the chef, Felipe the wine master, and Adam the owner, is amazing and deserves immense credit.
- wine selectionThe ambience was great, and the people, specifically Adam & Griffin, were wonderful. They have a fantastic wine selection and super fair pricing. While we didn't explore the food extensively, the egg salad toast we sampled was very well executed.
- date cakeThe date cake was like something out of a dream. Just too good!
- wine listOnce inside, we were greeted by the warm glow of the tavern, delicious smells, and a friendly staff. The wine list is eclectic and distinctive, classified by type of finish. Come hungry because the food is just as impressive as the wine!
- smoked trout dipCome hungry because the food is just as impressive as the wine! On our first visit, we had the chicken liver pate, smoked trout dip, roasted chicken, and swordfish. Everything that we have tasted since then has been as delightful.
- pappardelleI had the pappardelle and my wife had the pork chop and both were cooked to perfection
- trout dipWe loved everything we ordered, especially the trout dip
- wines on tapThe atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed evening. They offer an impressive selection of 48 wines on tap, which pair incredibly well with their seasonal culinary creations. The food truly excites the palate with its unconventional approach.
Frequently criticized
- dishesHowever, I would NOT come here for the food. The options were limited, and we did not enjoy what we ordered, which were two dishes that are typically fool-proof.
- foodI would NOT come for the food. Limited options
If you're looking for a place with truly delicious and well-prepared food, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Expect high-quality dishes and unique flavors, but be aware that a very small number of past guests found the menu options limited.
Service (9.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.4 and a stellar customer satisfaction of 97.1%, its clear guests are consistently delighted. Based on 67 positive remarks out of 69 total, people rave about the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the engaging owner, and the genuine hospitality that makes every visit special.
While the service is overwhelmingly praised, there was one isolated incident among 69 opinions. A single negative mention highlighted a manager who reportedly yelled at an employee. This seems to be a rare occurrence, but its worth noting as it did impact one guest's experience.
Service
69
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Attentive, personal service
- Engaging owner presence
What people don't like
- Manager yelling incident
Often praised
- serviceThis is a great spot. Besides being a cute wine bar with reasonably priced pours, a nice food menu, and friendly service, they have a subtle Star Trek theme throughout. It was an incredibly exciting find for a Trekkie like me.
- staffMy experience at this beautiful establishment was truly exceptional. The comfy and inviting atmosphere was matched by the delicious dishes and excellent service provided by the knowledgeable and talented staff. The warm and casual yet classy feel made it a perfect lounging space.
- ServiceService:5
- teamteam was so knowledgeable and down to earth
- bar manager Sarahalways checking in on us and never made us feel forgotten
- ownerhad a great conversation with the owner
- waitressI love a good wine bar and this place has such a great selection of wines. The food was delicious and our waitress was an absolute gem. However, the experience was almost ruined by what I assume is the manager who yelled at an employee brutally in the middle of our dining, which almost killed the wine night vibe.
- Adamserved at the bar by Adam (Owner) who guided us
- Keith and Philfriendly service from Keith and Phil. Seriously, those guys rock!!
- MelissaSuper nice and friendly
Frequently criticized
- managermanager who yelled at an employee brutally
If top-notch service is high on your list, you're in for a treat here. The staff and owner go above and beyond to create a welcoming and knowledgeable experience, making it definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The ambience at this spot is truly a highlight, scoring a fantastic 8.8 and boasting an excellent 95.1% customer satisfaction! With 58 positive remarks out of 61 total, guests consistently rave about the inviting vibe, atmosphere, and cozy feel. Many particularly love the unique Star Trek theme, especially in the bathrooms, creating a warm, fun, and welcoming space that feels like a neighborhood favorite.
While overwhelmingly positive, there were only 2 negative opinions out of 61, with one noting an external incident that nearly killed the wine night vibe. This suggests that while the inherent atmosphere is beloved, external factors can occasionally disrupt the otherwise perfect setting, though such instances appear to be rare.
Ambience
61
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique Star Trek theme
- Warm, inviting vibe
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Disrupted wine night
Often praised
- atmosphereThe warm and casual atmosphere makes it a perfect lounging space while giving a clear and classy feel
- vibeIt's a great spot for a quick glass of wine or a full evening meal. Adam and the staff create such a warm and fun vibe. Every wine and food item is thoughtfully sourced.
- ambianceamazing ambiance of the place
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- bathroomDefinitely get the date cake! Oh, and the bathroom is a delightful symphonic surprise too – don't miss that 😄.
- spaceThe space is comfortable, warm and inviting.
- vibesthe vibes from the music to even the movie on the tv were great
- Star Trek influenceLove the Star Trek influence
- Star Trek themeThis is a great spot. Besides being a cute wine bar with reasonably priced pours, a nice food menu, and friendly service, they have a subtle Star Trek theme throughout. It was an incredibly exciting find for a Trekkie like me.
- Star Trek themed bathroomsLove the Star Trek themed bathrooms
Frequently criticized
- parkingparking is a pain in the butt
- wine night vibeThe food was delicious and our waitress was an absolute gem. However, the experience was almost ruined by what I assume is the manager who yelled at an employee brutally in the middle of our dining, which almost killed the wine night vibe. But everything else was great.
If youre looking for a place with a truly unique, warm, and inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. The Star Trek-themed bathrooms alone are a conversation starter, and the overall cozy vibe makes it perfect for a relaxed evening. Dont miss out on this charming experience!
Value (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a good score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 76.2%, its clear most folks are happy. Many of the 16 positive comments out of 21 total rave about the "affordable prices, " "fair pricing, " and "great value" for what you get, especially regarding "reasonable pours" and wine selections.
Youll find plenty of options that wont break the bank. However, a couple of voices (2 negative comments) did express some frustration. The main point of contention seems to be the "automatic gratuity" or "involuntary gratuity" being added to the bill, which some customers found a bit off-putting.
Its something to be aware of when you visit.
Value
21
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great wine value
- Reasonable pours
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely delightful. The wine selection was great, served at the perfect temperature and at very reasonable prices. The food, including starters, dinner, and dessert, was so well prepared that I didn't need any extra seasonings.
- price pointI can't wait to go back and have dinner, as the menu looks good. The service was great, and there was a fab selection of wines on tap at an attractive price point, plus draft beers.
- happy hourThe amazing staff were genuinely happy to work there and serve us, which made for a great atmosphere. It's a great spot with a good happy hour.
- affordableAnd affordable. A luxury in 2025!
- affordable pricesdiverse offering of wine at affordable prices
- poursThis is a great spot. Besides being a cute wine bar with reasonably priced pours, a nice food menu, and friendly service, they have a subtle Star Trek theme throughout. It was an incredibly exciting find for a Trekkie like me.
- priceThe price is another plus. For every one of the dishes I’ve tried, I’ve had worse versions at other restaurants that cost two or three times as much.
- pricingThe ambience was great, and the people, specifically Adam & Griffin, were wonderful. They have a fantastic wine selection and super fair pricing. While we didn't explore the food extensively, the egg salad toast we sampled was very well executed.
- valuegreat value for their quality
- wine price pointsThe price points on the wine are also great
Frequently criticized
- automatic gratuitystamping an AUTOMATIC gratuity to the bill
- involuntary gratuityadd an involuntary gratuity to your bill
If youre looking for a place where your wallet wont weep, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out for its excellent pricing on food and drinks. Just be mindful of the automatic gratuity, so there are no surprises when the bill arrives.
How are the prices at Big Finish Wine Tavern?
You’re looking at roughly 47 per person – reported by 38 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 47 $, the prices are actually quite spread out. Youll find a good chunk of diners spending in the 21 – 40 $ range, but there are also quite a few who opt for more premium experiences, reaching up to $91–$100 and beyond. So, its not just one price point, but a nice mix!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 38 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco, especially with the variety of price points available. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Big Finish Wine Tavern
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Unique spot with amazing staff
My experience at this amazing little spot was fantastic. The unique theme was present but not overwhelming. I was impressed by the amazing selection of wines, along with beers, wine cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
The menu and food were good, and the staff were the nicest I've ever encountered. Felipe and Adam were the best!
- unique theme9
- selection of wines10
- menu and food8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Service, Food, and Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The service was great, and the food was excellent. I also enjoyed the wine.
What made it even better was how affordable it was, truly a luxury in 2025, and a luxury in any year. Thank you!
- service9
- wine9
- food9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Exceptional Wine List and Pork Chop
My experience at this restaurant was delightful. I was impressed by the delightfully long wines by the glass list, featuring wines from around the world at a great price point. We were served at the bar by Adam, the owner, who expertly guided us through the food and wine menu.
I thoroughly enjoyed the hearty pork chop, which was covered in fennel and poached pears, served on a bed of mashed potatoes – this was Adam’s suggestion and it was fantastic. My favorite glass of wine was the prosecco, perfectly paired with the sticky date cake. The cake, with its banana ice cream, created a tropical pina colada flavor that truly complemented the wine.
- wines by the glass list9
- price point8
- pork chop9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Flavors and Great Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious porkchop, mushroom risotto, and seasonal salad. The unique flavor combinations were both inviting and comforting.
They also offer delicious wines on tap. The atmosphere was a perfect 5/5, and the food was equally impressive at 5/5. Service was also rated a perfect 5/5, and there was no wait time.
- porkchop9
- mushroom risotto9
- seasonal salad9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Variety and Friendly Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed 5 glasses of wine between the two of us, and I was so happy with the choices. The selection ranged from smoky to fruity to full to dry, and we were relieved that it wasn't exclusively tart and acidic natural wines.
The customer service was equally amazing – warm and friendly. This place truly felt like it could be your neighborhood bar, and they even have happy hour!
- choices10
- smoky to fruity to full to dry9
- customer service10
What Big Finish Wine Tavern offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Counter service
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Big Finish Wine Tavern accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Big Finish Wine Tavern offers wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms for your convenience. While parking can sometimes be challenging, you’ll find both free and paid street parking options nearby when you visit.
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Big Finish Wine Tavern?
At Big Finish Wine Tavern, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy brunch, dinner, or dessert with table service. They also offer late-night food, happy hour drinks, and a great selection of small plates.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Big Finish Wine Tavern?
Big Finish Wine Tavern receives an excellent overall score of 9, with 96.6% customer satisfaction. Guests particularly praise the Service (9.4), Food (9.1), and Ambience (8.8), while Value (7.8) is also rated well.
What makes the ambiance at Big Finish Wine Tavern unique?
The tavern offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a subtle yet delightful Star Trek theme, including themed bathrooms, which many guests find charming and adds to a fun vibe.
Are there any common issues or concerns guests have noted?
Some guests have mentioned an automatic gratuity being added to their bill and occasional difficulties with parking. There was also an isolated incident regarding a manager’s conduct.