oChef » Buckhorn – San Francisco

Buckhorn - San Francisco

Barbecue Restaurant Buckhorn in San Francisco
Photo from Buckhorn
How do the guests rate it?
Buckhorn at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 39 of the guests
#1882 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#15 Barbecue Restaurant out of 17 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
6.7
Food
6.9
Service
6.3
Ambience
5.5
Value
167

Reviews

64.1%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Fresh food
  • Quick service
  • Good location
Frequently criticized
  • Bad service
  • Poor ambiance
  • High cost

The restaurant Buckhorn is a popular Barbecue Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a hearty meal.

Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a full dinner, this spot offers delicious barbecue options. It’s a great place to experience authentic flavors in a relaxed setting.

Overview: Introducting Buckhorn

Buckhorn offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating the quality of its offerings. Customers frequently highlight the fresh meat and generally positive food experiences, alongside commendations for quick service that makes for an efficient visit.

However, the dining environment can be a point of contention, with some describing a food court atmosphere rather than a traditional restaurant feel. While some find the overall experience to offer reasonable prices, others express concerns about the cost, suggesting a varied perception of value.

Good
6.6 out of 10
167

Reviews

64.1%

Satisfaction

44

negative

16

neutral

107

positive

Buckhorn registers an overall Restaurant Score of 6.6 out of 10, placing it squarely in the average category. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 64.1%, indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience for most patrons.

These figures are drawn from 167 customer opinions, with 107 positive remarks balancing 44 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Service (6.9) and Food (6.7) are the stronger aspects, often praised for their efficiency and quality.

The Ambience (6.3) sits in the middle, reflecting varied opinions on the dining environment. The Value (5.5) score is the lowest, suggesting that while some find prices fair, a notable portion of customers feel it could be improved.

What people like
  • Fresh, flavorful food
  • Attentive, quick service
  • Convenient location
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent service
  • Food court ambiance
  • Perceived high cost

With a Recommendation Score of 6.8, Buckhorn appears to be a decent option for those seeking a straightforward meal without high expectations for the dining setting. It’s a place where you can likely find a satisfying bite, especially if you prioritize speed and the core food quality over a refined atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a quick, no-frills meal with generally good food and efficient service, Buckhorn could be a suitable choice. However, if a strong dining ambiance or exceptional value is paramount, you might find the experience merely adequate.

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Verdict: Our expert take on Buckhorn

Food (6.7 out of 10)

mentioned by 98% of the guests

The food here generally earns a good reputation, scoring a solid 6.7, though customer satisfaction is a mixed 65.2%. Many guests rave about the delicious tri-tip burgers, generous portion sizes, and excellent sweet potato fries. The variety of options, including fresh salads and well-stuffed burgers, also receives high praise, with 73 positive comments.

However, not every dish hits the mark, contributing to that mixed satisfaction. Some diners have noted issues with food quality, such as salty pulled pork or missing ingredients in the bacon cheddar burger. There are also comments about artificial chicken breast texture, dry sandwiches, and overcooked meat, accounting for 27 negative remarks.

6.7 Food

112

Reviews

65%

Satisfaction

27

negative

12

neutral

73

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Delicious tri-tip burgers
  • Generous portion sizes
  • Excellent sweet potato fries
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent food quality
  • Artificial chicken texture
  • Overcooked meat

Often praised

  • food
  • meat
  • salads
  • tri tip
  • bread
  • burgers
  • salad
  • sweet potato fries
  • Bacon Cheddar Buck meal
  • Chicken salad

Frequently criticized

  • food
  • steak sandwich
  • Au Jus
  • Cesar
  • Cesar salad
  • Fries
  • Impossible burger
  • Tators and gravy
  • Tri-tip sandwich
  • bacon cheddar burger

If you're craving a delicious tri-tip burger or some great sweet potato fries, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might not live up to expectations, so stick to their strengths for the best experience.

Service (6.9 out of 10)

mentioned by 48% of the guests

Lets talk service! While the overall score sits at an average 6.9 and customer satisfaction is a mixed 63.6%, theres definitely a bright side. Out of 33 comments, 21 highlighted the positive aspects, praising the staff for being super friendly and helpful.

Many enjoyed the quick service, noting how easy and pleasant everything was from placing their order to receiving it. On the flip side, 9 negative remarks point to some areas needing attention. Some guests encountered poor customer service, particularly with cashiers or specific staff members.

There were also concerns about how Uber Eats orders and to-go requests were handled, indicating that the experience can be inconsistent for some patrons.

6.9 Service

33

Reviews

63%

Satisfaction

9

negative

3

neutral

21

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Friendly staff
  • Quick service
  • Attentive employees
What people don't like
  • Poor customer service
  • Cashier issues
  • Order mix-ups

Often praised

  • staff
  • service
  • Came in fast
  • Gonzalo
  • Service
  • amazing service
  • customer service
  • employee
  • placing my order
  • quick service

Frequently criticized

  • Uber Eats order
  • cashier
  • customer service
  • dine-in orders
  • experience
  • lady
  • staff
  • staff member
  • take to go

If you're looking for generally friendly and quick service, this spot can deliver, especially with attentive staff members on duty. However, be aware that some experiences with cashiers or specific order types, like Uber Eats, might be inconsistent, so manage your expectations.

Ambience (6.3 out of 10)

mentioned by 21% of the guests

When it comes to the vibe, there are some definite bright spots! Many customers love the location, noting its conveniently "located in the heart of San Francisco. " The place is often described as clean, with a "modern barbecue vibe" and "bold décor, " creating a pleasant atmosphere.

With 7 positive observations among 12 total, theres a good foundation here. However, the overall ambience scores an average 6.3, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 58.3%. Some found the atmosphere a bit lacking, describing it as like a food court with dim lights and hard chairs.

A few even felt rushed, mentioning they were kicked out of the dine-in area quickly, which isn't ideal for a relaxed dining experience.

6.3 Ambience

12

Reviews

58%

Satisfaction

4

negative

1

neutral

7

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Central location
  • Always clean
  • Modern vibe
What people don't like
  • Food court feel
  • Dim lights
  • Hard chairs

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • Atmosphere
  • clean
  • cleaner
  • heart of San Francisco
  • location

Frequently criticized

  • atmosphere
  • dim lights
  • dine-in area
  • hard chairs

If youre looking for a quick bite in a clean, centrally located spot with a modern look, this place could work. Just be prepared that the overall atmosphere might feel a bit like a food court, and you might not want to linger too long. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations for a cozy, relaxed meal.

Value (5.5 out of 10)

mentioned by 24% of the guests

When it comes to value, many folks found things to like, with 6 positive remarks highlighting aspects like prices being priced reasonably and offering reasonable prices for quality food. Customers felt the food is amazing and affordable, and that Prices were fair for the quality and portions. Overall, the score for value sits at an average 5.5, suggesting a somewhat balanced view.

However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 4 negative comments point to some concerns. Some found the price to be super expensive or even ridiculous, with one person feeling it was a waste. Theres also a specific gripe about tipping before service.

Customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed 60%, indicating that while some are happy, others definitely feel the pinch.

5.5 Value

10

Reviews

60%

Satisfaction

4

negative

0

neutral

6

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Reasonable prices
  • Fair for quality
  • Affordable food
What people don't like
  • Expensive price
  • Ridiculous cost
  • Tipping before service

Often praised

  • $16.00
  • Prices
  • price
  • priced reasonably
  • prices
  • reasonable prices

Frequently criticized

  • price
  • $50 bucks
  • tipping

So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? If you're looking for decent portions at what many consider fair prices, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared that some find the overall cost, especially with tipping expectations, to be on the higher side.

How are the prices at Buckhorn?

You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 39 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Barbecue Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.

Digging into the numbers, we see that while the average is 21$, a good number of guests (25, to be exact!) actually spend a bit less, in the $11–$20 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, with prices generally clustering in the mid-range but leaning towards the more affordable side for many.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 39 reviews.

Comparing the value for money at this Barbecue Restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.

Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Barbecue Restaurant. It offers good value, especially with those options in the lower-mid range, making it accessible for a variety of budgets while still delivering that classic BBQ experience.

Customer Reviews: what people think about Buckhorn

Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Takeout
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Joseph R.
Review date: 10/21/2025
2
Disappointing SF Location vs. Vacaville
I usually go to the one in Vacaville, but since I was in the SF area, I decided to try the SF location for the first time. Unfortunately, I was disappointed; it was nothing compared to the one in Vacaville. The food quality is drastically lower. I ordered my usual, the Tri Tip Platter with Fries, and Tators (mashed potatoes) with gravy. The tators and gravy tasted like leftovers and lacked seasoning, whereas the Vacaville version tastes amazing. The fries were stale, and the meat was just okay – the only good part of my order. I rarely leave bad reviews, but this was a disappointing meal. I hope they reach the quality of their counterpart.
  • Tri Tip Platter5
  • food quality2
  • Fries3
  • Tators and gravy2
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Sage R.
Review date: 09/06/2025
9
Impressive Modern BBQ Experience
I visited Buckhorn Grill for dinner one night after a conference and was truly impressed. The restaurant boasts a modern barbecue vibe with bold décor and visible open flames, creating an authentic and fresh atmosphere. Ordering was made easy with their digital menu boards, and the staff was both friendly and efficient. The food was excellent. My burger and fries were hot, flavorful, and satisfying, with the fries being crispy and not greasy, and the burger juicy with a soft bun. The salad with salmon and avocado was fresh and well-portioned, featuring generous toppings like blue cheese and crispy onions. The tri-tip platter was tender and smoky with a perfect char, complemented by the onion straws. They also offered tempting churros for dessert. The prices were fair for the quality and portions, especially considering the location. Overall, Buckhorn Grill delivered on taste, freshness, and atmosphere, making it a perfect casual spot to unwind. I would definitely return when in the area.
  • atmosphere10
  • staff9
  • burger and fries9
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Capucine M.
Review date: 08/14/2025
10
Incredible Burgers and Fries!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had incredible burgers that were well-stuffed, delicious, and generous in portion. The sweet potato fries were also very good, and the drinks were equally succulent. The service and atmosphere were rated a perfect 5/5.
  • burgers10
  • sweet potato fries8
  • drinks9
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Bay W.
Review date: 07/05/2025
9
Delicious Tri Tip Sandwich Exceeds Expectations
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with the tri tip sandwich, which beat my expectations! The bread was perfectly toasted and buttered or oiled, and it came with many options. The horseradish was great. While the self-service computer took a bit of navigating, my friends managed to get a person to help them.
  • tri tip sandwich9
  • bread9
  • options8
Price per Person
  • $41–$50
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Short (6–15 min.)
Ronnel C.
Review date: 07/04/2025
2
Expensive and Rude Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by poor customer service. The cashier allowed another customer to cut in front of me and completely ignored my presence. Adding to the negative experience, the price is super expensive, and the food quality is only fair. If you're looking for an expensive, rude, and below-average food experience, this is the place to try.
  • quality5
  • customer service1
  • cashier1
  • price2

What Buckhorn offers

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Tourists
  • Groups

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Kids' menu
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs

Popular for

  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining

Amenities

  • Restroom

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Wine
  • Beer
  • Small plates
  • Quick bite

Dining options

  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Lunch

Service Options

  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery

Atmosphere

  • Casual

FAQs

What dining options and services does Buckhorn Grill offer?
At Buckhorn, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, dessert, and catering services. You have the flexibility of dine-in, takeout, or convenient delivery. The restaurant also provides comfortable seating for your meal.
Yes, Buckhorn is highly accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. It’s also very family-friendly, offering a dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, and is generally considered good for kids.
Buckhorn holds an overall score of **6.6** out of 10, with a **Customer Satisfaction** rate of **64.1%**. Its **Service** (6.9) and **Food** (6.7) are its stronger points, while **Ambience** (6.3) and **Value** (5.5) are more moderate.
The atmosphere at Buckhorn receives mixed reviews, with some appreciating its modern barbecue vibe and cleanliness, while others describe it as having a food court feel with dim lights and hard chairs.
Opinions on pricing at Buckhorn are divided. Some customers find the prices fair for the quality and portions, describing them as reasonably priced, while others feel the cost is too high.
Loading map…
Location
135 4th St, 90110 San Francisco
Opening hours
Monday – Sunday
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM