Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Bobo’s – San Francisco
Bobo's - San Francisco
Photo from Bobo’s
Bobo's at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🥩 Steak House
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#1572 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#6 Steak House out of 7 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
594
Reviews
69.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Steak quality
- Attentive staff
- Distinct ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Pricey experience
- Service lapses
- Loud setting
The restaurant Bobo’s, a premier Steak House in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood, invites you to an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll discover a truly exceptional atmosphere, complemented by a great wine list that perfectly pairs with your meal.
This spot offers a blend of upscale, historic, cozy, trendy, and romantic vibes, making it ideal for various occasions. Prepare for a memorable visit where every detail is considered.
Overview: Introducting Bobo's
Bobo’s offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its exceptional steak and seafood, alongside genuinely attentive service. Many appreciate the unique, nostalgic atmosphere that sets it apart, contributing to a memorable visit.
However, some guests find the overall experience to be on the pricier side, with concerns about the price not always aligning with expectations, and occasional issues with a crowded or noisy environment.
Good
7.1
out of 10
594
Reviews
69.2%
Satisfaction
151
negative
32
neutral
411
positive
Bobo’s generally earns a respectable 7.1 overall score, indicating a good dining experience for many. Customer satisfaction, however, sits at a more mixed 69.2%, suggesting that while many leave pleased, a notable portion have reservations.
This perspective comes from a substantial 594 customer observations, with 411 leaning positive and 151 expressing concerns. Diving deeper, the Food (7.3) and Service (7.5) are consistently rated well, with guests frequently commending the quality of the dishes and the staff’s attentiveness.
The Ambience (7.2) also receives good marks for its unique character. Where opinions diverge most is on Value (4.5), which registers as average, indicating that while the quality is there, the cost can be a point of contention for some.
What people like
- Exceptional steak quality
- Attentive, polished service
- Unique, nostalgic atmosphere
What people don't like
- High cost perception
- Inconsistent service experiences
- Noisy, crowded environment
If you’re seeking a dining experience where quality Food and dedicated Service are paramount, Bobo’s is certainly worth considering. While it comes with a 7.4 recommendation score, indicating a generally positive reception, be prepared for a lively setting and a bill that reflects the caliber of the offerings.
This spot shines for those who prioritize a well-executed meal and attentive staff over a quiet, budget-friendly evening. However, if you’re sensitive to noise or looking for a more understated experience, you might want to weigh your options carefully.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bobo's
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here generally earns a good reputation, scoring a solid 7.3 with customer satisfaction at 71.8%. Based on 255 positive remarks, many rave about the delicious steak, filet mignon, and mac and cheese. Guests frequently highlight the high quality food and tender meat, making for a satisfying meal.
However, not every diner leaves completely thrilled, with 83 negative comments. Concerns include menu changes, bland flavors, and overcooked dishes. Some also felt the quality of food had declined, noting a lack of flavor in certain items, which led to disappointment.
Food
355
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
83
negative
17
neutral
255
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious steak options
- Tender filet mignon
- Amazing Mac & Cheese
What people don't like
- Bland, overcooked dishes
- Inconsistent food quality
- Menu changes noted
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I definitely recommend any of the sizzling seafood. The food was rated a 5, service a 5, and atmosphere a 5.
- steakWhile I felt it was quite pricey, the food was exceptional! The crab fettuccine is to die for, and our steak was made to perfection; it was literally the best steak we’ve ever eaten. The homemade mashed potatoes tasted just like the ones I make at home, yum.
- crabMy wife and I had an excellent experience. Aside from the steak and crab, we highly recommend the Mac and cheese, the garlic noodles, and the mashed potatoes. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- filet mignonMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the BEST place to get filet mignon. While it is expensive, the quality absolutely made it worth the cost.
- bone-in filetThe service was good, and the food was very tasty. We were a party of 4 and shared the angel hair crab lasagna, fettuccine alfredo with bacon, and a super bone-in filet.
- drinksdrinks, and service are top notch
- sidesThe place has an ageless atmosphere. The steaks are always great, and the sides are just enough. Sometimes you can share food with friends or keep it all to yourself.
- steaksThe place has an ageless atmosphere. The steaks are always great, and the sides are just enough. Sometimes you can share food with friends or keep it all to yourself.
- mashed potatoesmash potatoes are homemade and tasted just like the ones I made at home yum
- bone-in filet mignonbone-in filet mignon (medium rare)- which was good
Frequently criticized
- crabI found the steak and pasta to be perfect and delicious. However, the 3 lbs of crab for $150 was a huge letdown; it had zero flavor and didn't seem to be the advertised weight. The giant lobster tail was also bland.
- steaksAfter the reheating our steaks for the second time they tasted terrible
- breadThe bread was disgusting
- filetchef cooked it center-side down. ... two halves, hardly changed
- foodthe food falls flat
- meatUnder cooked meat, not cut, poorly presented.. meat was blue
- menuIt wasn't until my partner inquired that we were told there is no valet service. We were then seated and scanned the menu on our phones, only to find it had completely changed. My husband, a veteran who has been coming here for over 10 years, noticed our favorite cranberry salad was gone.
- ribeyeribeye (medium rare)- wasn't worth it
- seafoodI felt cheated. The shrimp were extremely small, crab super skimpy
- steak$80 steak turning flat cold in a heartbeat
If youre seeking a classic steakhouse experience with well-prepared meat and popular sides, this spot is often a hit. Just be mindful that some recent feedback points to inconsistencies in quality and flavor, so its a bit of a mixed bag.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot often hits the mark! With a 7.5 score and 74.4% customer satisfaction, it's clear many diners have a good experience. Out of 117 comments, 87 praise the attentive service, friendly staff, and warm welcome.
Guests frequently highlight specific servers like Edgar, Jose, and bartender JC for their exceptional care and recommendations, making everyone feel good. However, not everyone leaves with a smile. 27 comments point to areas needing improvement, including instances of rude staff, long waiting times, and issues with reservations or valet parking. Some experiences mention an unfriendly hostess or servers ignoring tables, which can definitely put a damper on an evening.
Service
117
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
27
negative
3
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive service
- Friendly staff
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long waits
- Unfriendly hostess
Often praised
- serviceBobo's had been on my list for quite a while, and I wish I had gone there a lot sooner. The place has a super old school feel, both in its ambience and decor, and in the polished nature of its service. It's definitely cozy, especially in the quieter, secluded upstairs dining room, which felt like eating under a circus tent with colorful curtain-like fabrics draped from top to bottom.
- staffThis has to be the best service I have received since my first visit in 2013! The food never disappoints, and now the staff seems to be friendly and well-trained. I left Bobo's for over 4 years, and I'm happy to say that I'm back!
- waitercameriere molto gentile
- ServiceService was very attentive clearing plates, refilling drinks
- serversVery nice and accommodating servers
- wait staffIt was impossible to hear anything over her shouting. Thankfully, the wait staff moved her table, allowing the rest of us to enjoy our meals, including singing 'Happy Birthday' to another party.
- Edgar, our waiterEdgar, our waiter, was incredible.
- Head Mister EricI had the best time at this restaurant! A huge thank you to our bartender JC, the Head Mister Eric, and our waiter Edgar for providing great vibes ALLL night long. The staff even stayed past closing time so we could properly celebrate my little brother's birthday.
- JoseJose was our waiter and he was awesome
- JoséI was skeptical, but at the end of the night, I was so happy I decided to go. José was attentive and able to recommend various menu items. This has to be the best service I have received since my first visit in 2013!
Frequently criticized
- serverserver took the meat back to the kitchen and the chef cooked it center-side down
- hostessIt was perplexing why they accepted our 7: 30 pm reservation if they needed to close the kitchen so early. The hostess was extremely rude to my son when he was looking for our party and was very cold and unfriendly. She might be in the wrong field.
- orderWe planned on spending over $100 per person, and the food quality did not justify the cost. Our order took a very long time to come out, and when it did, it was half wrong, with extra items we didn't order. They were quick to acknowledge the mistake but were hesitant to take the incorrect food back.
- servicethe service was horrible
- waiting timekeep on waiting its already past 25 minutes
- anniversaryMy anniversary dinner at this restaurant was ruined. The service was horrible, with no mention of our anniversary. We were seated near a screaming kid and a couple arguing, which contributed to a terrible atmosphere.
- closing timeplace closes at 22:00. We came there at 21:20 and administrators told us that they are closed
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by bad customer service. Upon arrival, the Mexican lady at the front did not even welcome us.
- experienceI will be returning home soon to Houston and strongly advise others to avoid this restaurant. It was a horrible, horrible experience.
- mistakeThey were quick to acknowledge there was a mistake
Overall, the service here leans towards being a real highlight, with many guests enjoying attentive and friendly interactions. While there are occasional hiccups with wait times or less-than-welcoming staff, the positive experiences suggest youll likely be in good hands. Its worth a visit, but be prepared for a potential mixed bag on busy nights.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place generally hits the mark! With a score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction of 74.1%, the ambience is often described as good. Many guests rave about the beautiful place, pleasant atmosphere, and unique vibe, making for a cozy and memorable dining experience.
Out of 81 total mentions, 60 were positive, highlighting the restaurants charm and decor. However, not every visit is perfect, as 15 negative opinions point out. Some found the "crowded atmosphere" and "small table" less than ideal, leading to "neighboring conversations" becoming a distraction.
Occasionally, issues like a "screaming kid" or general noise can unfortunately spoil the mood, suggesting that a quiet, intimate setting isnt always guaranteed.
Ambience
81
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
15
negative
6
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful place
- Unique vibe
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Crowded atmosphere
- Small tables
- Noisy environment
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was the best meal we have had in the States during our last couple of visits. The service was fabulous and attentive, and while not overly posh, the atmosphere was great. I would love to return someday.
- decorWhat was your experience at the restaurant? It was an excellent place for a good cut of meat, with decor inspired by the origins of Italy.
- ambianceNice ambiance, and I personally love the harlequin decor.
- ambiencethe ambience is exactly what you expect
- experienceThank you for accommodating us at the last minute! It's always an experience at Bobo's!
- free parkinghay un pequeño parqueo gratis para los clientes
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Harlequin themeThe restaurant has a unique Harlequin theme
- Nostalgic SanFraNostalgic SanFra at it's best
- ageless atmosphereThe place is ageless
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe service was horrible, with no mention of our anniversary. We were seated near a screaming kid and a couple arguing, which contributed to a terrible atmosphere. This was not the experience I expected after reading other reviews.
- clearanceI particularly enjoyed the crab dip and creamed spinach. Just a note, while they have onsite parking, our rental (Jeep Wagoneer XL) would not fit the clearance, and we had to street park.
- couple arguingcouple arguing about taxes
- crowded atmospheremarked by a crowded atmosphere
- decorThe decor and music are foul
- musicThe decor and music are foul
- neighboring conversationsHowever, I did recently have a dry, bad crab experience. The restaurant itself is a bit too cozy/tight, so be prepared to be an unwilling participant in neighboring conversations. The service received a 4, atmosphere a 2, and food a 3.
- restaurantIt’s just not that good anymore and kinda tired
- restroomMy dining experience was the most absurd of my life, progressively worsening throughout the evening. At the end of the meal, I observed a kitchen staff member exit the single restroom near the kitchen without washing their hands after flushing. We were charged for an extra $55 steak we did not order.
- screaming kidseated by a screaming kid
If youre looking for a restaurant with a unique and generally pleasant atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that on busy nights, it might get a bit cozy, and you could find yourself closer to your neighbors than youd prefer.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.5, placing it in the average range. However, customer satisfaction sits at a rather low 22%, indicating a poor overall sentiment. Despite this, some diners felt it was well worth it and worth the price, especially for special occasions, with 9 positive remarks highlighting the experience as absolutely worth it for the quality received.
On the flip side, the majority of the 26 negative comments point to significant concerns about the price. Many found it overpriced or on the expensive side, with issues like unexpected corkage fees and a feeling that the quality for the pricetag just wasnt there. It seems many guests left feeling that the "bill" didnt match the overall experience they expected for their money.
Value
41
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
26
negative
6
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Worth it
What people don't like
- Overpriced
- Expensive side
- Corkage fee
Often praised
- better restaurantsdefinitely better restaurants out there for a better tasting steak for 1/2 the price
- decisionSo happy with our decision about having dinner here
- dinnerI particularly enjoyed the crab and the bone-in rib eye. While it's not a cheap dinner, it was absolutely worth it.
- parking lotAlso they have a parking lot... A FREE parking lot!!
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was a pricey night out, but every penny is worth it. The food is unparalleled, the desserts are phenomenal, and the drinks are outstanding.
- well worth itbut it's well worth it as far as steakhouses go
- worth goingtotally worth going for speical occasions
- worth itabsolutely worth it
- worth the pricesi vale la pena
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was positive overall, with good food. However, I found it to be a little expensive. A key point to note is that the sides are quite large, enough for two people, which led to us having a table full of food.
- PriceSpent a lot of money here with a family of four, and was extremely disappointed
- corkage feethe website says corkage fee 25.
- billWhen the bill came they were still on the bill
- cheap sidenot on the cheap side of things
- corkage for our bottlethe corkage for our bottle 35.
- dinnerNot a cheap a dinner
- expensive sideA little on the expensive side
- experiencespent $500 ... expecting the experience and quality to be on par
- extra steakcharged for an extra $55 steak we did not order
If youre looking for a splurge and are prepared for a high bill, some find the experience "worth it" for special occasions. However, be aware that many feel its overpriced and doesn't always deliver the expected quality for the pricetag, so manage your expectations carefully.
How are the prices at Bobo's?
On average, you’ll spend around 90 $ per person – based on 86 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For a Steak House, that’s definitely on the higher-end.
While the average is 90 $, many diners actually spend quite a bit more, often over 100 $, suggesting a premium experience for those looking to splurge.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 86 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
For a Steak House in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair for a higher-end experience. It seems to deliver on a premium offering, given what many guests are willing to spend.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bobo's
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Service and Amazing Mac and Cheese!
My experience at the restaurant was truly excellent. The service was outstanding, and the Mac and Cheese was the best I have ever had. The overall experience was highly positive, with top marks for food, service, and atmosphere.
- service10
- Mac and Cheese10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Luxurious Experience with Delicious Food
My experience at this restaurant felt like a luxury experience. The waiter was very attentive, and the food was rich. I particularly enjoyed the crab dip and creamed spinach.
Just a note, while they have onsite parking, our rental (Jeep Wagoneer XL) would not fit the clearance, and we had to street park.
- luxury experience10
- attentive waiter10
- rich food9
- clearance3
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Great Food, Payment Hassle
My experience at this restaurant was marked by great food. However, the main negative aspect was the difficulty with payment. They were super difficult when we wanted to pay with Apple Pay, so I recommend bringing a physical card.
- food10
- payment2
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Enjoyable Meal with a Few Minor Quibbles
My experience at Bobo's was largely positive. The restaurant has a unique Harlequin theme and offers a pleasant atmosphere with a bar on the first floor and three distinct dining rooms. I enjoyed a glass of Merlot, Emmolo by Caymus, Rutherford, 2016.
For food, the Maui Onion Ring, beer-battered with sriracha aioli, was good. The Steak & Crab, a combination of 6 oz filet mignon and 1/2 crab, was also good and not too salty. To finish, the Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla gelato was good, though I could have done without the whipped cream.
The price per person was between $50–100.
- Harlequin theme8
- Merlot, Emmolo by Caymus, Rutherford, 20169
- Maui Onion Ring7
- whipped cream4
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Consistently Excellent Food, Drinks, and Service
We have been coming here for years and it is always excellent. The food, drinks, and service are top notch as usual.
- food10
- drinks10
- service10
What Bobo's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What parking options are available at Bobo's?
You’ll find convenient parking options when visiting Bobo’s. There is free street parking available, and often a free parking lot nearby. You can usually expect plenty of parking to be available for your visit.
Does Bobo's accept reservations, and are they recommended?
Yes, Bobo’s accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit. Dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially if you’re planning an evening meal, to ensure you secure your preferred seating time.
How does Bobo's generally rate among diners?
Bobo’s holds a good overall score of **7.1**. Its **Food** (7.3), **Service** (7.5), and **Ambience** (7.2) are well-regarded, though **Value** (4.5) is considered average.
Is Bobo's considered a good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the experience “worth it” despite the cost, others note it’s “a little on the expensive side” and not always aligning with expectations.
What is the typical atmosphere like at Bobo's?
Bobo’s offers a unique and nostalgic atmosphere, but some guests have found it to be a bit “crowded” or “noisy,” with occasional “neighboring conversations” being easily overheard.