Highlights
- Live music
- Great wine list
- Live performances
oChef » Black Cat – San Francisco
Black Cat - San Francisco
Photo from Black Cat
Black Cat at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 97 of the guests
#2085 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#139 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
6.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
704
Reviews
55.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Live music
- Good food
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Poor service
The bar & pub, Black Cat, in San Francisco’s vibrant South of Market neighborhood, invites you to an unforgettable evening. You can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, where captivating live music sets the perfect backdrop for your visit.
This spot, known as Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, promises a unique blend of entertainment and hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable experience in the city.
Overview: Introducting Black Cat
Black Cat offers a vibrant setting for those seeking an engaging night out. Guests frequently praise the lively atmosphere and the caliber of live music performances, creating a memorable experience.
The culinary offerings, including well-crafted drinks, also receive positive remarks. However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies with service and significant concerns regarding overall value .
These aspects, particularly the additional charges and the surrounding area, can detract from an otherwise enjoyable evening.
Good
6.2
out of 10
704
Reviews
55.8%
Satisfaction
264
negative
47
neutral
393
positive
Black Cat holds a Restaurant Score of 6.2 out of 10, placing it in the average range, while Customer Satisfaction stands at 55.8% , indicating a mixed reception. This feedback comes from a substantial 704 customer observations, with 393 positive remarks balanced against 264 negative ones.
Diving deeper, the Ambience (7.3) and Food (7.2) are generally well-regarded, suggesting these are strong points. Service (6) hovers around average, but Value (2.8) is a clear area for improvement, often cited as a significant drawback by patrons.
What people like
- Live music experience
- Inviting atmosphere
- Quality food, drinks
What people don't like
- Poor overall value
- Inconsistent service
- Challenging location
With a Recommendation Score of 6.5 , Black Cat presents a compelling option primarily for its vibrant entertainment and culinary offerings. If you prioritize a lively atmosphere and quality live music over all else, it could be a worthwhile visit.
However, be prepared for potential service inconsistencies and carefully consider the overall value proposition, especially regarding additional charges. It’s a place that shines for its specific strengths, but might disappoint if expectations aren’t aligned with its known drawbacks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Black Cat
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests generally have a good experience, with a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction sitting at a good 70.9%. Many rave about delicious options like the steak, Caesar salad with chicken, and truffle fries, with 124 positive remarks out of 175 total. You'll find plenty of praise for the menu variety and excellent cocktails.
However, not everyone is completely won over, as 33 comments point to some concerns. Some found the food mediocre, portions small and overpriced, and specific dishes like the Caesar salad occasionally too salty. There are also mentions of bland dishes and a few items like the cornbread muffins falling short, suggesting room for improvement in consistency.
Food
175
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
33
negative
18
neutral
124
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Excellent cocktails
- Great menu variety
What people don't like
- Overpriced small portions
- Mediocre food quality
- Salty Caesar salad
Often praised
- foodThe waitresses were incredibly nice and went above and beyond to take care of us. The food was absolutely amazing, especially the steak bites, salad, Pinot noir from Sonoma, and the key-lime pie – wonderful! We also did our research on the bands playing, which enhanced our experience.
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic for a friend's birthday celebration. We were really impressed with the amazing music, the overall atmosphere, the expertly crafted drinks, and the delicious dinner.
- cocktailsThe talent they bring in is amazing. It's a small, intimate venue with lovely cocktails and an extensive food menu. It's definitely worth an evening if you enjoy live music.
- small platesWe also ordered three small plates: handmade burrata, pork belly sliders, and salbut de res. All three dishes were beautifully plated and tasted as rich as they looked. The food was worth every penny.
- truffle friestruffle fries are also exceptional
- burgerI enjoyed an artisan cocktail (minus the mezcal) and a delicious chicken appetizer served with amazing cornbread muffins. The potato wedges, red snapper, and burger were also excellent. The performance was fire, and the vibe was amazing.
- Black Cat burgerThe Black Cat burger was delicious
- Caesar salad with chickenCaesar salad with chicken was AMAZING
- Caesar sauceThe food was unexpectedly good; the Caesar salad with chicken was absolutely AMAZING. I wasn't expecting it, but the homemade Caesar sauce was super yummy, and the chicken was top-notch. While it's a pricey place situated in a terrible location (literally in the middle of Tenderloin), everything is great if you Uber in and out.
- MaldonMy experience at the restaurant was incredible. While it was on the expensive side, the food was good and well prepared, only lacking a little salt, which they quickly rectified by providing some Maldon. The atmosphere was fantastic, enhanced by a great singer and band, making for an overall amazing experience.
Frequently criticized
- foodHowever, after a 20 percent service charge and a 10 percent employee wellness charge, which DID NOT INCLUDE TIP, we ended up paying $125 per person. Our meals were definitely good, but NOT worth $125. I hate hate hate that the charges were not on the menu prior to receiving the bill.
- food qualityI believe in constructive criticism, especially when the cost of dining is not insignificant. If the food quality doesn't match up with the price, it should be addressed without negative backlash. Until there are positive changes in management, I'll be taking my patronage elsewhere.
- popcornpopcorn that came out in a tiny bag and was cold and stale
- Caviar eggsordered Caviar eggs so the got me 1 egg cut for 2 pieces
- Hummus platterhigh priced Hummus platter, you wouldn't get the expected pita bread
- Warm wineWarm wine - 1
- bread and butterordered bread and butter for 8 dollars and received 5 thin slices of cold sourdough bread
- caesar saladHowever, the food unfortunately fell short. The steak had the tendon attached, and the caesar salad was too salty. I'd suggest opting for bar food instead of the main dishes.
- coffeeno coffee only warm tea
- cornbread muffinsthe cornbread muffins tasted like box muffins
If youre looking for generally good food with some standout dishes and excellent drinks, its worth a visit. Just be mindful that some find the portions small and prices a bit high, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to appreciate here! Many guests raved about the staff, server, and waitresses, with special shout-outs to Aran the bartender and Nina for their excellent attention. Based on 60 positive remarks out of 115 total, it seems many found the team friendly and attentive, contributing to a pleasant experience.
However, the service experience isnt always smooth sailing, with a score of 6 and customer satisfaction at 52.2%, indicating a mixed bag. Some patrons encountered slow service, and issues with manager behavior, rude waiters and bartenders, and even the owner were mentioned in 48 negative comments. This suggests inconsistency and areas needing improvement.
Service
115
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
48
negative
7
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive servers
- Excellent bartenders
What people don't like
- Rude management
- Slow service
- Aggressive servers
Often praised
- serviceThe performance was fire, and the vibe was amazing. The service was great. For a 7pm show, reservations are needed ahead of time, and there's a $45 per person cover charge for the show that doesn't apply to food or drinks.
- staffThe club features Grammy award-winning groups, and the food is very good. I also enjoyed the good bar and the helpful staff. Parking is conveniently available one block away at EZ Park.
- ServiceService:5
- serverOur server was very attentive
- serversThe servers and atmosphere great
- waitressesThey tried to claim kids were not allowed in and stated they did us a favor, but it is clearly on the website that it is an all ages venue and the waitress admitted that we had spoken to her previously. The waitresses were friendly, however, the management staff were awful and aggressive. For that reason, I would never go back; it really ruined the whole evening.
- Aran the bartenderAran the bartender up top is phenomenal
- Bryce downstairsBryce downstairs is fantastic as well
- NinaNina was absolutely AMAZING and was able to move us
- Uberstrongly advise taking an Uber to get there
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe establishment offers a solid wine & cocktail selection. However, the service could be improved a bit.
- ServiceService - 2
- managementMy experience at this restaurant was marred by awful service and rude waiters and bartenders. Management has really let this place go. While the performances and setting were great as always, on our recent visit, I couldn't comprehend how badly we and others were treated.
- managerThe servers were excellent; they brought him water and helped him to the restroom. However, the manager was awful, rude, and disrespectful. He yelled at us to leave 'his establishment' because we called him out on his behavior and didn't seem gracious enough for his 'white saviorship.
- KirbyKirby was extremely rude and disrespectful
- bartendersoutweighed negatively by bartenders who were very rude
- checkGot check when the music was still on
- cocktailsThe atmosphere was nice, but despite clearly asking for water, they brought sparkling water, seemingly not understanding. They also continuously pushed us to buy more cocktails. The food was okay, but the service was a letdown.
- communicationI wish they communicated better.
- dancestrongly encouraged to stand up to dance
If youre considering a visit, be aware that service can be a bit of a gamble. While many enjoy attentive staff, others face frustrating issues with management and slow delivery. Its worth trying if youre prepared for potential inconsistencies, but dont expect flawless service every time.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot hits a high note, scoring a 7.3 and leaving 71.2% of customers satisfied. With 200 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the jazz music performance, intimate experience, and great audio, creating an authentic soulful vibe that truly shines. However, not everyone finds the atmosphere perfect.
Among the 69 negative comments, some found the extremely loud music and claustrophobic setting to be drawbacks. A few also noted obstructed views and an unpleasant walk to the venue, impacting the overall feel.
Ambience
281
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
69
negative
12
neutral
200
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live jazz music
- Intimate atmosphere
- Great sound system
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Obstructed views
- Cramped space
Often praised
- atmosphereUpstairs, there's a pleasant bar, and downstairs, they offer performances with both a bar and dinner service. They feature some really great musicians, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with high energy for the music. While a few tables have obstructed views, I have always found great seating.
- musicWe enjoyed the downstairs speakeasy-style jazz bar. The staff were solid, the food was good, and the music was fantastic. I might choose to sit a little further from the stage next time, but overall, my wife and I loved it.
- ambienceThe ambience was elegant, lighthearted, mature, and very chill
- experienceI might choose to sit a little further from the stage next time, but overall, my wife and I loved it. It provided exactly the experience we were looking for, and perhaps even more. I definitely recommend it!
- live musicMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. On the one hand, it's a very good place to listen to live music and have a drink. The atmosphere was clearly a highlight.
- ambianceThe music, the ambiance, the service :.WOW!
- jazz clubMy experience at this restaurant was exactly what I wanted from a jazz club! It's a small, intimate venue with great audio and atmosphere.
- talentBlack Cat does a great job booking top talent
- venueMost people dressed casually dressy or dressy, but not tux and evening gowns. It’s a small venue with pep! Don’t forget to use Uber or some form of transportation like this to get around.
- vibeswho tendered smooth vibes
Frequently criticized
- neighborhoodHowever, the food was mediocre, and the service was lacking. Additionally, the neighborhood is very sketchy, as it's located in the Tenderloin, which was a significant drawback.
- areaThere were almost 40% or more in additional charges added. The venue is also not in the nicest area, so if you do decide to go, I would recommend a cab.
- locationin the heart of the Tenderloin basically
- musicThe music was a bit too loud (like a piercing sound)
- parkingIt’s not a good thing to dress up really nice and walk around in the city, especially certain neighborhoods like the Tenderloin at night. I don’t think parking is a safe option here or anywhere if you’re driving a rental in San Francisco. If you have a rental, it’s not recommended in the city – make sure your hotel has a locked garage and you don’t take the car out unless you are driving away from the city areas.
- jazzThe service was really poor. As a huge fan of jazz, I found that places like this make a beautiful art form inaccessible and give it a bad name. I would recommend checking out another Jazz bar in the city like Local Edition for better jazz, drinks, and service.
- showa really flat uninspiring show
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- ParkingParking is a huge challenge
- PerformersPerformers started over 15 minutes late
If you're seeking a vibrant, intimate jazz experience with top-notch music, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially loud music and consider your seating choice carefully to avoid obstructed views, especially if you prefer a quieter evening.
Value (2.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests found some bright spots. Some mentioned that certain items like apps or the prix fixe option offered reasonable prices, and the quality of the food was often deemed worth the cost. Based on 9 positive remarks, there's a glimmer of good value to be found if you know what to look for.
However, the overall sentiment paints a starkly different picture, with a poor score of 2.8 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 6.8. A staggering 114 negative comments highlight widespread issues with additional fees, overpriced drinks, and surprise bills. Many felt caught off guard by non-transparent pricing and endless extra charges, making the experience feel expensive and unfair.
Value
133
Reviews
6%
Satisfaction
114
negative
10
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Apps are reasonable
- Prix fixe is economical
- Food worth the cost
What people don't like
- Many hidden fees
- Drinks are overpriced
- Surprise bill shock
Often praised
- pricesprices were not out of line
- appsapps are reasonably priced
- foodAll three dishes were beautifully plated and tasted as rich as they looked. The food was worth every penny. I'm eager to return and try their large plates, which included ribeye, bass, and a chicken dish.
- minimum order thresholdeasily meet the minimum order threshold
- pricemake it clear about all the up charging beforehand
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- prix fixechose the prix fixe option, which was more economical
- tipThankfully, everything was clarified in the end. We left a 25 percent tip because he was in a very bad mood. The music and atmosphere were good, but it's incredible how one person with no service attitude can ruin all the hard work of a team.
Frequently criticized
- priceI believe in constructive criticism, especially when the cost of dining is not insignificant. If the food quality doesn't match up with the price, it should be addressed without negative backlash. Until there are positive changes in management, I'll be taking my patronage elsewhere.
- service chargeWe also opted for the prefixe dinner menu for $60 per person. However, after a 20 percent service charge and a 10 percent employee wellness charge, which DID NOT INCLUDE TIP, we ended up paying $125 per person. Our meals were definitely good, but NOT worth $125.
- ticketsThis means you should plan on spending an additional 50% on top of the per-plate charge for dinner (20% service charge, 10% city charge, 20% tip). You won't discover this until you are seated and have already purchased your $50 per person tickets, plus a service charge. It's a shame because the music was incredible and the food was delicious.
- billMy experience at the restaurant was marred by a detestable and shouting manager who tried to shortchange us on the bill. Thankfully, everything was clarified in the end.
- drinksDrinks are tasty but expect to pay basically $20 per drink
- feesHowever, it’s pricey. A $19 glass of wine becomes $28 after all kinds of fees, and that does not include a tip. Hopefully, it’ll be more clear on the menu how much everything actually is.
- pricingdifference in pricing from the online menu
- tipAs some other reviewers have mentioned, there is a 20% service charge added to your bill, in addition to the 10% city charge. The menu makes it clear that this is not gratuity, so you're still expected to tip. This means you should plan on spending an additional 50% on top of the per-plate charge for dinner (20% service charge, 10% city charge, 20% tip).
- additional feesthere were lots of additional fees, including charging a baby $35
- cocktailscocktails for $50!
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for potential sticker shock. While some items offer decent value, the restaurants approach to pricing, especially with numerous hidden fees, means you need to scrutinize your bill carefully. Its a place that might disappoint if youre on a budget or expect straightforward pricing.
How are the prices at Black Cat?
On average, you’ll spend around 72 per person – based on 97 guests. That places it in the $71–$80 category. For a Bar & Pub, thats definitely on the higher-end side of things.
Looking at the full picture, while the average is 72, we see a pretty wide spread in what people spend. Many guests opt for a more premium experience, with a significant number spending over 101 $, while others keep it more casual in the $41–$50 range. Its a real mix!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 97 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
For a Bar & Pub, 72 per person is certainly a premium price point. We think it suggests a higher-end experience, and if thats what youre after, the pricing could feel fair for the quality and ambiance you’d expect in San Francisco.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Black Cat
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Unique Downtown SF Bar Experience
This is a bar located in downtown San Francisco. If you go at night, you'll see many people living on the street. They don't bother you, but it can be a bit scary.
There's a cover charge to enter, ranging from $20-50 USD depending on how close you are to the stage. The music was very good. It was a very pleasant and entirely new experience.
- cover charge5
- music8
- experience8
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Jazz Night Experience!
I took my dad here for a live jazz event and we had such a great experience. The atmosphere was amazing, creating a truly memorable evening. 🎶🎵
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Black Cat Jazz Supper Club: A Must-Visit SF Gem
I really enjoyed my experience at the Black Cat Jazz Supper Club. I had the pre-fixe meal, which included a delicious wedge salad, a satisfying double smash burger with fries served with both ranch and ketchup, and a delightful key lime pie for dessert. The drinks were perfectly balanced – delicate yet strong.
The service was swift and very courteous. While the neighborhood might seem a bit rough, please don’t let that deter you from visiting. It's an SF staple, and you shouldn't miss out on the great jazz talent!
- wedge salad8
- double smash burger8
- key lime pie8
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Great Experience, But Watch Your Budget
My experience at this restaurant was great overall, but I would advise against it if you're on a budget, especially when there are live performances. Everything else was fantastic.
- everything else8
- budget3
- live performances4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Awesome Spot, SF Area Needs Work
My experience at this restaurant was awesome! The only issue I encountered was with the surrounding area; the City of SF needs to clean it up. The wait time was non-existent, and the price per person was between $20–30.
- wait time10
- price per person8
- area3
What Black Cat offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment can you find at Black Cat Jazz Supper Club?
You can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Black Cat Jazz Supper Club with its captivating live music and engaging live performances. It’s the perfect spot for an evening out in San Francisco.
What dining and drink options are available at Black Cat Jazz Supper Club?
At Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, you can enjoy a diverse selection of food, including options served at the bar. Complement your meal with a great wine list, beer, or expertly crafted cocktails.
What is the overall verdict for Black Cat?
Black Cat has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.2 and Customer Satisfaction of 55.8% . While Food (7.2) and Ambience (7.3) are rated well, Service (6) is average, and Value (2.8) is a significant concern.
What do customers enjoy most about Black Cat?
Patrons frequently praise the engaging live music and the warm, inviting atmosphere . Many also appreciate the quality of the food, including items like steak bites and the Black Cat burger, along with expertly crafted drinks.
What are the main concerns at Black Cat?
Key concerns revolve around value , with many noting high prices and unexpected additional fees. Service can be inconsistent, and the restaurant’s location in the Tenderloin neighborhood is often mentioned as a drawback.