Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Blue Barn Polk – San Francisco
Blue Barn Polk - San Francisco
Photo from Blue Barn Polk
Blue Barn Polk at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🥗 Salad Shop
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#1881 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Salad Shop out of 7 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
389
Reviews
63.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Costly experience
- Noisy setting
The restaurant Blue Barn Polk is a casual salad shop nestled in the vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood of San Francisco. When you’re looking for a fresh and healthy meal, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dine-in experience.
You’ll appreciate the convenience of various service options, including takeout and delivery, making it easy to enjoy their delicious offerings wherever you are. It’s a go-to destination for those seeking quality and convenience in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Blue Barn Polk
Blue Barn offers a pleasant spot for a meal, often praised for its high-quality salads and sandwiches . While many appreciate the inviting atmosphere and the generally friendly service , some find the overall price point a bit steep for what’s offered.
It’s a place with clear strengths, but also areas where it could improve. This establishment aims to provide a good dining experience, balancing fresh ingredients with a comfortable setting.
However, opinions are somewhat divided on whether the value aligns with the cost, and occasional service hiccups or a noisy environment can detract from the visit.
Good
6.6
out of 10
389
Reviews
63.2%
Satisfaction
122
negative
21
neutral
246
positive
Blue Barn Polk registers an overall Restaurant Score of 6.6 , placing it in the average to good range, reflecting a generally satisfactory experience for many. Customer sentiment, captured by a Customer Satisfaction of 63.2% , indicates a mixed but leaning positive reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from 389 customer observations, with 246 positive remarks against 122 negative ones. Delving deeper, Food stands out with a strong (7.4), frequently highlighted for its quality and generous portions.
The Ambience also scores well at (7), often described as a nice neighborhood spot. However, Service comes in at an average (5.2), suggesting some inconsistencies, while Value is notably lower at (3.6), indicating that many perceive the pricing as a significant concern.
What people like
- Delicious salads, sandwiches
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Personable staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Loud environment
- Service inconsistencies
Blue Barn presents a compelling option if you prioritize well-prepared food and a comfortable setting. With a Recommendation Score of 6.9 , it suggests a generally positive experience for many, particularly those seeking quality salads and sandwiches in a lively atmosphere.
However, be mindful of the pricing, which some find steep, and potential noise levels. If you’re looking for a quick, quality meal and don’t mind paying a bit more, it’s worth considering.
If budget is a primary concern or you prefer a quieter dining experience, you might explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Blue Barn Polk
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.4 and good customer satisfaction at 76.5%, diners frequently praise the overall quality and fresh greens. Out of 247 comments, a whopping 189 were positive, highlighting big servings and a great variety of salads.
However, not every dish is a winner. There were 48 negative comments, with some guests noting concerns about inconsistent food quality, a pile of salad for the price, and disappointing portion sizes. A few found the flavor lacking or experienced underwhelming dishes.
Food
247
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
48
negative
10
neutral
189
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fresh food
- Generous portion sizes
- Creative menu options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portion sizes
- Lacking flavor
Often praised
- foodIt's a nice place to sit and have lunch! The food is pretty good; I normally get the buffalo chicken sandwich. I would probably go there more, but it is very expensive.
- saladsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with the food. The salads are incredible; I've had the thai chicken salad so many times and always suggest it to friends. Their tots are also incredibly delicious – I can't get enough.
- sandwichesAmazing sandwiches, every single one has been Delicious.
- friesbuffalo chicken sandwich and fries which i would also recommended
- portionsI appreciated the flexibility to make any salad into a grain bowl, and the meats were prepared freshly. I had a grilled salmon that was nice and tender, served with generous portions of all the salad fixings. The staff were also quite personable.
- saladsalad from this place and it is big enough to split in 2
- sandwichdaughter ate all her sandwich which was rhe perfect size
- ingredientsthe ingredients are top notch
- spicy tuna saladspicy tuna salad and it is delicious
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- oliveshardly found the olives I had ordered
- steak sandwichThe steak sandwich wasn’t even hot
- toppingsexpect a good amount of of toppings
- 30 gr of chicken30 gr of chicken and a pile of salad
- BLTThe blt was overthought and overly fancy. Not a fan.
- Fattoush saladMy Fattoush salad was incomplete: there was no any feta
- House arugula mixcharge you $16 for a box of spring mix...label it House arugula mix
- Kickin Chicken flavorsdidn’t love the Kickin Chicken flavors
- Thai chicken saladThe establishment had a formulaic, polished veneer, reminiscent of a chain, complete with a two-word name that seemed disconnected from anything. For example, the Thai chicken salad tasted nothing like Thai. It felt expensive for what it was, and the overall experience was underwhelming.
- Truffle sandwichthe only sandwich available was the Truffle sandwich out of all 10 sandwiches
If you're looking for generally delicious and fresh food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistent quality or smaller portions for the price, so choose wisely!
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot lands squarely in the average category with a score of 5.2, and customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 44.1%. Out of 59 customer comments, with 26 positive remarks, many praised the friendly and knowledgeable staff, highlighting the kindly helpful customer service team and efficient staff speed. However, 31 negative observations point to some significant hurdles.
Issues with online ordering and unanswered phone calls are common, alongside frustrating waiting times and instances of unfriendly staff, especially when trying to get in touch or during closing hours.
Service
59
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
31
negative
2
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick service
- Efficient bartenders
What people don't like
- Online ordering issues
- Unanswered phone
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceService is top notch as well, friendly helpful people.
- staffI had a grilled salmon that was nice and tender, served with generous portions of all the salad fixings. The staff were also quite personable. I'd highly recommend Blue Barn for a delicious meal, whether dining in or to-go!
- ServiceService: Self Service. Order at the counter. Take a number and the food is delivered to the table.
- take outGood for dine in or take out
- StaffStaff was super kind
- bartenderone of the most efficient bar tenders I've ever met!
- customer service teamhighly satisfied with the customer service team
- dine inGood for dine in or take out
- kindly helpfulthey are very kindly helpful
- knowledgeablevery knowledgeable
Frequently criticized
- serviceIn terms of the service, it was underwhelming.
- waiting timetook more than 40mins to prepare my sandwich and tots
- apologyMy experience at this restaurant was frustrating due to their hours not being correct and them closing early without any explanation or apology. It would be nice if their hours were right and they didn’t close early for no reason and not even apologize about it.
- bread availabilitynot mentioned when ordering either
- closedtold me they were closed
- communicationminimal appropriate communication from your staff
- customer servicetheir customer service is non existent
- effort/serviceI expect At least a minimum amount of effort/service
- forks or napkinsNo forks or napkins with our take-up salads on Polk
- get in touchWhile there are plenty of reviews confirming the food quality, the customer service is non-existent. There's absolutely no way to get in touch after the fact, and it's a bummer because it seems they know they can get away with it.
If you're dining in and catch them on a good day, you might experience top-notch, friendly service. However, be prepared for potential frustration with online orders, phone communication, and longer waits, which could definitely sour your experience.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a sweet spot, boasting a good score of 7 and a solid customer satisfaction of 73%. Many patrons adore the vintage farm vibe, outdoor seating, and quaint atmosphere, often describing it as a lively and buzzy neighborhood scene. Out of 37 total opinions, 27 were positive, painting a picture of a charming and enjoyable setting.
However, its not without its drawbacks, with 8 negative opinions highlighting some significant concerns. The noise and noise pollution were frequently mentioned as unbearable for some, while tables being too close and limited seating also detracted from the experience. A few even noted issues with cleanliness, like a dusty rag' used for tables.
Ambience
37
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vintage farm vibe
- Outdoor seating
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Excessive noise
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Blue Barn was fantastic! It's a great place to grab high-quality salads and sandwiches in a nicer atmosphere that also features a bar. The menu is extensive, offering plenty of thoughtful ingredient combos.
- outdoor seatingthey had outdoor seating available.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- AmbianceAmbiance: 5/5 - Rustic
- busysaw it was super busy, so of course I had to check it out!
- cafeBeautiful healthy cafe
- locationhas a great location
- neighborhood atmosphereWhile the prices are a bit high compared to Korea, the food is delicious. The neighborhood atmosphere is quiet, and the restaurant's ambiance is wonderful. I really enjoyed the food and the overall atmosphere.
- neighborhood sceneBuzzy little neighborhood scene
- nice place to visitThere are other choices nearby that are much cheaper and I would say on par quality-wise. But if you need a quick, good meal and want to have a nice place to visit with a friend or zone out, this is a good place on Polk for that.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy complaint is about the atmosphere
- dusty ragclean our table with a dusty rag
- lightsThey turned off the lights at 7:30
- noisethe noise in this place is unbearable
- noise pollutionWe came here three times, but never again. The noise pollution exceeds 87 decibels, enough to give you a headache.
- seatingThe seating was limited
- tablesThe tables are so close to each other
- threads and dustleft our table full of threads and dust
If you're seeking a charming spot with a lively, often bustling atmosphere and enjoy outdoor seating, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially high noise levels and possibly snug seating arrangements, especially if you prefer a quieter, more spacious environment.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
While the overall value score is a poor 3.6, some customers found the prices responsible, even feeling a salad could be justified. With 4 positive remarks among 46 total, a few appreciate that the cost isn't always too expensive, especially given the good customer satisfaction of 8.7. However, the majority of feedback, with 35 negative comments, points to significant concerns.
Many found items expensive and pricey, citing high prices for a sandwich or salad. Additional charges like a 5% fee for online orders also left a sour taste, contributing to the poor value score.
Value
46
Reviews
8%
Satisfaction
35
negative
7
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the cost
- Prices can be decent
What people don't like
- Very high prices
- Expensive for portions
- Extra fees charged
Often praised
- priceThe price is decent not to expensive
- pricesthe prices are responsible
- saladjustifies a $20 salad
Frequently criticized
- priceThe price is steep at $14-15 per sandwich
- expensiveit’s painful considering this place is expensive
- pricesI dropped in passing and it was packed even at 2 PM. While the prices are a bit high compared to Korea, the food is delicious. The neighborhood atmosphere is quiet, and the restaurant's ambiance is wonderful.
- salad$17 for a salad is quite a lot of coins
- 5% fee for online ordersa 5% fee for online orders
- cost/quality ratiodon't think the cost/quality ratio is inline
- covid taxlove how you guys charge a 5% covid tax 🤣🤣
- exorbitant priceexorbitant price for such a meager offering
- expensive sidea little on the expensive side
- high pricescharging such high prices
If youre looking for a great experience and dont mind spending a bit more, this spot might satisfy, given its high customer satisfaction. However, if you're budget-conscious or expect large portions for the price, you might find the value disappointing.
How are the prices at Blue Barn Polk?
On average, youll spend around 28 per person here, based on 58 guests. That places this Salad Shop squarely in the $21–$30 category. For a Salad Shop, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps a touch above.
Most diners spend right around that $21–$30 mark. But there are also quite a few options in the $11–$20 range, offering some good value. Only a handful of diners opt for much pricier choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 58 reviews.
How this Salad Shop’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Salad Shop, especially considering its San Francisco. Youre getting good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Blue Barn Polk
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Great Food, But Food Poisoning
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food tasted so good, and I really enjoyed it. However, the price was really high.
Unfortunately, I got food poisoning from the grilled chicken, which was a significant disappointment. Due to this, I will not be coming back.
- food taste8
- price3
- grilled chicken1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Frustrating Service and Cold Food
My experience at this restaurant was quite frustrating. We waited over 30 minutes for our food, even after asking about it twice. To make matters worse, the steak sandwich wasn't even hot and was overcooked.
The service was a major letdown, and the food temperature and cooking quality were disappointing.
- service2
- waiting time1
- steak sandwich2
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Great Food, Unbearable Noise
My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The food was very good, and the portions were generous. However, the noise in this place was unbearable.
The tables are so close together that you end up hearing every single conversation, which made the experience very uncomfortable. We came here three times, but never again. The noise pollution exceeds 87 decibels, enough to give you a headache.
- food9
- portions8
- noise2
- tables3
- noise pollution1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Skimpy Protein, High Price
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the extremely skimpy portion of protein. I received only a few pieces of chicken along with a huge amount of lettuce. When I complained about the portion size, I was asked to purchase an additional side of chicken for $8, which I found ridiculous.
I will not be coming back.
- lettuce5
- protein2
- chicken2
- side of chicken1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Great Food, Awful Packaging
My experience at this restaurant was marked by great food made with fresh ingredients. However, the to-go packaging was a significant letdown; it was horrible, making it difficult to access the food and impossible to mix. I sincerely hope they will improve their packaging in the future, perhaps adopting a style similar to Sweetgreen or Mendocino.
- food10
- to-go packaging2
- packaging2
What Blue Barn Polk offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features does Blue Barn Polk offer?
Blue Barn Polk prioritizes your comfort and accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access for all guests. Additionally, the restaurant provides a wheelchair accessible restroom for your convenience. These features ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, allowing you to focus on your fresh meal in San Francisco’s Polk Gulch.
What parking and service options are available at Blue Barn Polk?
Blue Barn Polk offers convenient parking and flexible service. You can utilize free street parking or paid street parking options nearby. For your meal, you have the choice to dine-in and enjoy the casual atmosphere, pick up a quick takeout, or have your fresh order delivered directly to you. They make enjoying your meal simple and hassle-free.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Blue Barn?
Blue Barn has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.6 and Customer Satisfaction of 63.2% . While Food (7.4) and Ambience (7) are well-regarded, Service (5.2) is average, and Value (3.6) is a notable concern.
What do customers appreciate most about the food at Blue Barn?
Customers frequently praise the delicious salads and sandwiches , often highlighting the top notch ingredients and generous portions . Many find the salads to be substantial enough to share.
What are the common drawbacks mentioned by diners at Blue Barn?
Recurring concerns include the high prices for items, a noisy atmosphere that can be overwhelming, and occasional service issues such as long waiting times or incomplete orders.