Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Birba – San Francisco
Birba - San Francisco
Photo from Birba
Birba at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#382 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#25 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
327
Reviews
88.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Relaxing ambiance
- Outdoor patio
- Curated wine
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
- Limited food
The bar & pub Birba in San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for unwinding.
This popular establishment is particularly known for its great wine list, making it a go-to destination for wine enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening or a lively gathering, Birba provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy quality drinks and food.
Overview: Introducting Birba
Birba offers a delightful setting, often described as a lovely and quiet escape, especially with its inviting patio. Guests frequently praise the overall atmosphere, finding it a pleasant spot for socializing and enjoying a relaxed evening.
While the experience is largely positive, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the price of certain items. Additionally, there have been occasional comments about the service, particularly regarding wait times or seating policies, which can sometimes detract from the otherwise charming visit.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
327
Reviews
88.1%
Satisfaction
30
negative
9
neutral
288
positive
Birba generally earns high marks, reflected in its solid Restaurant Score of 8.3. This positive sentiment is echoed by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 88.1%, indicating that most guests leave pleased with their experience.
These figures are drawn from 327 customer observations, with 288 positive remarks outweighing 30 negative ones. The restaurant shines particularly in its Ambience (8.8), creating a relaxing and beautiful setting for patrons.
The Food (8.2) and Service (8.2) also receive good scores, with many appreciating the curated selections and friendly staff. However, Value (5.1) registers as average, suggesting that while quality is present, some find the pricing a bit steep.
What people like
- Relaxing ambiance
- Charming outdoor patio
- Curated wine selection
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent service
- Limited food options
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.4, Birba is certainly worth considering for a relaxed evening. If you prioritize a beautiful setting and a well-chosen drink list over an extensive meal, you’ll likely find it a delightful spot.
However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for slower service, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or budget. It’s a solid choice for drinks and light bites in a pleasant atmosphere, but perhaps not your go-to for a full, value-driven dinner.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Birba
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink experience, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.2 and leaving 88.2% of customers satisfied! With 142 positive remarks out of 161, guests consistently rave about the small plates, delicious food, and stellar wine selection. The pistachio feta dip and deviled eggs also get special shout-outs, making it a fantastic choice for quick bites and amazing drinks.
However, a few of the 161 opinions did note some areas for improvement. Some found the choice of food to be limited and portions quite small for the price. A couple of comments mentioned specific wine options being very limited or even describing some as the worst wine they'd ever had, though these were isolated incidents.
Food
161
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
13
negative
6
neutral
142
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stellar wine selection
- Delicious small plates
- Excellent feta dip
What people don't like
- Limited food choice
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodI loved birba. Great wine. The pistachio feta dip is excellent
- wine selectionMy experience at this restaurant felt like sitting in a friend’s backyard! I enjoyed a sizable charcuterie plate and an interesting fun wine selection by the glass. The staff was all super attentive and kind.
- wineMy experience at this restaurant was very delightful. I stopped by for a couple of glasses of wine in the sunshine and enjoyed some snacks. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5.
- FoodFood:5
- small platesMy experience at this Hayes Valley institution was fantastic! I was impressed by the great wine selection and the fun small plates. The staff were incredibly friendly and passionate, contributing to a wonderful atmosphere.
- drinksIt's one of the best spots in the city. I enjoyed their great snacks and nice drinks, even if you're not a wine enthusiast. The staff was also great.
- pistachio feta dipWould love to try the pistachio feta dip next time
- winesthe wines are perfectly curated
- appetizersexcellent appetizers
- deviled eggsthe deviled eggs looked AMAZING!
Frequently criticized
- foodpush for you to order food
- breadthey purposely give you less than you need tho
- choice of foodlimited choice of food
- dinnerwould not recommend coming here for dinner
- food itemsThe food items in the menu are mostly finger foods
- la guita manzanilla PASADAthey were both foul in taste and smell
- les granges paquenesses 2020 'les libellules'they were both foul in taste and smell
- portionsPortions were quite small
- vegetarian optionsMost vegetarian options have cheese, so not very vegan friendly
- wineThe worst wine I have ever had
If you're seeking a place with an impressive wine list and delightful small bites like their popular pistachio feta dip, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just keep in mind that the food menu might be concise with modest portions, making it ideal for snacks and drinks rather than a full meal.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The service here generally shines, boasting a strong score of 8.2 and an impressive 83.3% customer satisfaction. Based on 60 comments, many praise the friendly, knowledgeable staff and attentive servers, often highlighting wonderful service and kind service from the owner and staff. This positive feedback truly sets the tone for a great visit.
However, it's not entirely without its snags. A few of the 9 negative remarks point to slow service or issues with waiting and seating incomplete parties. Some found servers to be less kind or had concerns about policies like holding a credit card before ordering.
Service
60
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Attentive, kind service
- Welcoming owner
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Incomplete party issues
- Credit card policy
Often praised
- staffI wouldn't recommend at this point. Try wine bars like Waystone or Arbor, much better service and reasonable staff.
- serviceBoth the pistachio feta dip and the beans were absolutely delicious. The service was very friendly and informative. Overall, a great experience!
- ServiceService:5
- friendlyThe atmosphere was really lovely, with no "but" there! However, the service was slow, even though the staff were quite friendly.
- knowledgeable staffKnowledgable staff always suggests something new and great.
- Nice peopleNice people!
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- checkyou don't wait for the check but head to the cashier inside
- explains all the winesExplains all the wines so well.
- friendly peoplefriendly people!
Frequently criticized
- serviceService was slow
- closes earlyThis is a very nice, cozy place with amazing food and wine. The main disadvantage is that it closes quite early for a wine bar, which left me wishing I had stayed longer.
- hold on to a credit cardThey require to hold on to a credit card before you order anything
- incomplete partiesI used to go here all the time during the pandemic, but the servers have changed and are significantly less kind. They refuse to seat incomplete parties even if there's two of you and they're really quite rude. I wouldn't recommend at this point.
- serversservers have changed and are significantly less kind
- sitThey didn't allow me to sit unless my friend didn't come.
- staffI used to go here all the time during the pandemic, but the servers have changed and are significantly less kind. They refuse to seat incomplete parties even if there's two of you and they're really quite rude. I wouldn't recommend at this point.
- waitingI was just staying outside in the rain although the place wasn't busy at all.
Overall, the service is a definite strong suit, making for a pleasant dining experience. While there are occasional hiccups, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely encounter friendly, knowledgeable staff. Its certainly worth trying if good service is high on your list!
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
The ambiance at this spot is truly a highlight, boasting a fantastic score of 8.8 and an excellent 94.9% customer satisfaction. With 94 positive comments out of 99, guests consistently praise the back patio and its cozy vibe. Many describe it as a hidden gem with an outstanding patio, perfect for a relaxed and inviting experience.
However, a small number of the 4 negative comments point to a perceived lack of privacy in some seating areas or a feeling that the atmosphere lacks personality in certain spots. A few also noted general noise and busyness, suggesting that while mostly serene, some areas might not feel as intimate.
Ambience
99
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Outstanding back patio
- Cozy, chill vibe
- Hidden gem location
What people don't like
- Lacks personality
- No privacy
- Noise and busyness
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was lovely and quiet, a welcome escape from the busy Hayes area. It's a place where good-looking people who appreciate quality socialize and nibble.
- back patioThe back patio is with a few tapas
- patioThe staff was great and welcoming, and the atmosphere was wonderful and casual, with lighting that gave off great vibes. We enjoyed sitting out back on a super cute patio. The food was delicious; we ordered several appetizers and bottles of wine.
- wine barMy experience at this cute little wine bar was fantastic! I enjoyed their great wine and cocktails, along with some tasty small plates.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancemost relaxing and beautiful ambiance we've experienced
- outdoor patioThe outdoor patio had some of the most relaxing and beautiful ambiance
- placea place I would go back to
- backyardMy experience at this restaurant was perfect for a glass of wine before dinner. While we waited for a seat in the backyard, we ordered a glass of wine. The staff were super kind and made sure we knew they didn’t forget about us, which was greatly appreciated.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
Frequently criticized
- ambiancewhole wine bar scene is pretty reliant on the ambiance
- atmosphereLacks personality, feels like the demo floor of a crate&barrel
- noise and busynesswithout the noise and busyness
- privacytable outside, which didn’t have a feeling of privacy
If you're seeking a charming spot with an exceptional outdoor space and a wonderfully cozy atmosphere, this place is definitely worth trying. While a few areas might feel less private or a bit lively, the overall ambiance is overwhelmingly positive and a major draw.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 28.6%. However, based on 2 positive remarks, theres a glimmer of hope! Some customers felt that certain items, like one happily recommended at $11, offered good value.
Theres also a suggestion that a price reduction could significantly improve the overall perception of price. On the flip side, the general sentiment, gathered from 4 negative remarks, leans towards things being quite pricey. Many found the price to be on the pricey side, especially concerning overpriced bottles and the food menu.
This contributes to an average score of 5.1, indicating theres definitely room for improvement in the value department.
Value
7
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Specific item value
What people don't like
- Often pricey
- Overpriced drinks
- Food menu costly
Often praised
- priceAt $11, I’d happily recommend it
- price reductionreduce the price by a significant amount
Frequently criticized
- food menufood menu is also overpriced
- overpriced bottlesbuying overpriced bottles
- priceon the pricey side
- priceyLittle pricey compared to some others wine bars
If you're considering a visit, be aware that many find the prices, especially for drinks and the food menu, to be on the higher side. While a specific item might hit a good price point, overall value seems to be a concern for most. Go in with realistic expectations about the cost.
How are the prices at Birba?
You’re looking at roughly 38 per person – reported by 38 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 38, many guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range, but there’s also a good number of diners opting for more premium experiences, pushing the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 38 reviews.
A comparison of value for money (price vs. Score) for this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing is fair, leaning towards a slightly more premium experience than your average pub. It offers options for different budgets, but be prepared for the possibility of spending a bit more if youre indulging.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Birba
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delightful Sunshine and Snacks
My experience at this restaurant was very delightful. I stopped by for a couple of glasses of wine in the sunshine and enjoyed some snacks. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5.
It was a quiet environment, making it easy to talk. The food was also rated a 5.
- wine8
- snacks10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great place for wine and friends
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great place to work and grab a glass of wine, or to enjoy a bottle with friends. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- wine9
- bottle9
- friends9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hidden Gem with Excellent Wine and Atmosphere
We stumbled upon this amazing wine bar completely by chance and immediately loved the atmosphere. We sampled four different wines, and each one was excellent. The crab cakes and focaccia were also good.
I highly recommend this place for its nice and quiet atmosphere and its good wine selections.
- atmosphere10
- wines10
- crab cakes7
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Experience, Lacks Personality
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The atmosphere felt sterile, lacking any personality, akin to a showroom. The wine selection was inconsistent and all over the place.
A significant point of contention was the requirement to hold a credit card before ordering, which felt nonsensical, especially when seated on the back patio and being encouraged to order food. Due to these issues, I will not be returning.
- atmosphere1
- wine selection2
- hold on to a credit card1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hidden Gem with Great Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The staff was very friendly and attentive. The food items were a perfect complement to their lovely wine selection.
I especially loved their outdoor space, which was very quaint and quiet. It truly felt like a hidden gem.
- staff9
- food items9
- wine selection8
What Birba offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Birba in Hayes Valley accessible for all guests?
Yes, Birba ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom, making it easy to navigate the space.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Birba, and are pets welcome?
Birba offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed outing. You’ll be pleased to know that dogs are allowed, so you can bring your furry friend along to enjoy the outdoor seating.
How does Birba generally rate with customers?
Birba holds a good Restaurant Score of 8.3 and a Customer Satisfaction of 88.1%. Its Ambience (8.8), Food (8.2), and Service (8.2) are well-regarded, though Value (5.1) is considered average.
What is the atmosphere like at Birba?
Customers frequently describe Birba’s atmosphere as lovely, quiet, and relaxing, with a charming outdoor patio that contributes to a beautiful ambiance. It’s often noted for being an easy place to talk.
Are there any common concerns about Birba?
Some customers have noted that items can be on the pricey side, and there have been occasional comments about slow or inconsistent service, particularly regarding seating incomplete parties or wait times.