Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Causwells – San Francisco
Causwells - San Francisco
Photo from Causwells
Causwells at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#1495 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#76 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
629
Reviews
68.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Attentive service
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Cramped space
- Service issues
The restaurant Causwells, an American Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District, invites you to experience a truly memorable meal. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.
With a great wine list to complement your dining, you’re set for an enjoyable time. Whether you’re seeking a trendy spot for dinner or a relaxed brunch, this place has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Causwells
Causwells offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the overall atmosphere and the quality of the food . You’ll often find a lively vibe here, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies with service and raised concerns about the overall value for money. While the culinary offerings are often well-received, be mindful of potential issues that might affect your visit.
Good
7.2
out of 10
629
Reviews
68.2%
Satisfaction
151
negative
49
neutral
429
positive
Causwells holds a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 7.2 , indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. However, Customer Satisfaction sits at 68.2% , suggesting a mixed reception where some guests leave very pleased, while others might have reservations.
This blend of feedback is based on 629 customer remarks, with 429 positive and 151 negative observations. Delving into specifics, the Food (7.4), Ambience (7.4), and Service (7.3) all score well, reflecting consistent positive feedback in these areas.
Conversely, Value (3.2) is a clear area for improvement, with many comments pointing to pricing concerns.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Cramped indoor space
- Occasional service lapses
If you prioritize a well-executed meal and an enjoyable setting, Causwells is certainly worth considering. The kitchen consistently delivers on flavor, and the overall atmosphere contributes positively to the experience, making it a solid choice for many.
However, be prepared for the potential impact on your wallet, as the Value aspect is a recurring concern. With a Recommendation Score of 7.4 , it’s a place that generally satisfies, but it might not be the ideal spot if budget is your primary consideration.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Causwells
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it's generally a hit! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 70.4%, the culinary experience is considered good. Many rave about the delicious burger, the unique banana bread grilled cheese, and the impressive cocktails and fries, with 255 positive remarks out of 362 total opinions.
However, not every dish shines, as 70 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. Some found the burger to be soggy or overpriced, while the chicken sandwich and vegan cheesesteak occasionally lacked flavor or were dry. A few also noted issues with fries being cold or burnt.
Food
362
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
70
negative
37
neutral
255
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, juicy burgers
- Unique banana bread dessert
- Inventive craft cocktails
What people don't like
- Bland, dry food
- Soggy, cold items
- Overpriced burgers
Often praised
- foodMy previous visit to this restaurant was good. On my second visit during lunch, the waitress was great and the food tasted good. However, there were some issues with cleanliness: the glass I was given had not been washed and had a sesame seed stuck to it, and I discovered halfway through my chicken burger that the patty paper was still on and had been cooked with it.
- burgerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I found it to be the best place on Chestnut to get a burger, hands down. If you're dining with your partner, I highly recommend buying them a cocktail; you won't regret it.
- drinksFrom the friendly bar service to the outstanding food, the entire staff went above and beyond. I especially want to thank the bartender (Saturday around 11: 30) who made such unique and well-thought-out drinks and went out of his way to ensure we had a pleasant experience. I'm definitely planning to come back for brunch or Happy Hour.
- cocktailsThe service was friendly and engaging (thanks Eveline!), and the food was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the very well executed burger and chicken sandwich, inventive cocktails, and a very creative banana bread-based dessert that both surprised and exceeded expectations. I would happily eat here again!
- burgersMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a super nice place with superb burgers and drinks. The staff was also amazingly friendly and warm-hearted.
- FoodThe atmosphere was quiet and conducive to conversation, and the service was excellent. The food quality was outstanding.
- Americana burgerThe Americana burger is wonderful if you’re looking for an elevated American style burger.
- crispy onionsMy Sunday brunch experience was epic. I highly recommend the Americana burger, which is one of the best in SF, especially with roasted and crispy onions on the side. The toasted French toast and the banana cake with mascarpone and chocolate were also fantastic.
- friesthe burger and fries are pretty decent
- onion stringsThe real highlight was the side of crispy onion strings
Frequently criticized
- burgerI had a burger on a previous visit last year and wasn't impressed
- foodThe food was very disappointing.
- friesthe fries had been sitting and when I asked for hot fries, they literally through these old ones back in the fryer and brought the same ones back burnt
- side saladHowever, the $35 Fancy Pants burger had pork confit with unbelievably strong boar taint that I just can’t ☠️☠️☠️. The side salad was probably marinated in vinegar 😵😵😵, and for the first time ever, I barely touched my salad, despite being someone that loves veggies. On a positive note, the bread and soup were good.
- bunthe bun was fresh out of the bag and not even warmed
- burgersMy experience at this burger place was not great. The burgers were not good, although the chicken one was fine. However, the $35 Fancy Pants burger had pork confit with unbelievably strong boar taint that I just can’t ☠️☠️☠️.
- chicken sandwichthen I had their chicken sandwich, and it just wasn't that good
- chilaquilesThe drinks were very strong, which was a definite plus! The burger was also good, but unfortunately, the chilaquiles were a bit cold and lacked flavor, tasting rather bland. We would probably come back just for the drinks.
- espresso martiniit was not for us. It was way too sweet
- Americana burgersthe burger was underwhelming
If you're looking for a great burger and some inventive drinks, this spot is definitely worth a try. While some dishes might miss the mark, the overall food experience, especially the unique desserts, seems to be a crowd-pleaser. Just be mindful of what you order!
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite impressive, earning a good score of 7.3 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 72%. Many guests, accounting for 113 positive remarks out of 157 total, raved about the attentive staff, friendly service, and often impeccable service, noting how accommodating the team can be. However, not everyone had a perfect experience.
A smaller number of guests, 38 to be exact, encountered issues like poor customer service, slow waiters, rude hostesses, or frustratingly long wait times, suggesting some inconsistencies in delivery.
Service
157
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
38
negative
6
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly service
- Accommodating team
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Slow wait times
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThe BANANA BREAD "GRILLED CHEESE" was such a unique, elevated dessert with high-quality ingredients and a beautifully executed concept. We had a wonderful time—the ambiance was lovely, service was prompt, and it’s a perfect spot for a date night!
- staffHowever, there were some issues with cleanliness: the glass I was given had not been washed and had a sesame seed stuck to it, and I discovered halfway through my chicken burger that the patty paper was still on and had been cooked with it. The staff was apologetic and offered a complimentary dessert, also stating they would take 50% off the burger, though the bill was not adjusted. Despite these issues, the food tasted good, even with the patty paper.
- ServiceIt was a truly satisfying meal. The atmosphere was quiet and conducive to conversation, and the service was excellent. The food quality was outstanding.
- serverMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, and our server was very nice, even though we were obviously tourists. However, the restaurant is rather cramped, which is not unusual for this city.
- managerI had the best burger of my life, and the service was incredibly attentive. Even when we had leftovers we couldn't take, the manager was super nice, checking if everything was okay. It was a great all around experience, and I can't wait to come back.
- bartenderFrom the friendly bar service to the outstanding food, the entire staff went above and beyond. I especially want to thank the bartender (Saturday around 11: 30) who made such unique and well-thought-out drinks and went out of his way to ensure we had a pleasant experience. I'm definitely planning to come back for brunch or Happy Hour.
- JaneJane made my first experience amazing
- Jennyeverything after that was great because of Jenny our server!
- Judy the managerJudy the manager made my first experience amazing
- ServersServers very helpful
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was some of the worst I have ever experienced
- waiterOur waiter wasn't even checking in on us
- customer servicedoesn’t understand good customer service.
- managerThe lady/guy (manager?) had stayed on the phone throughout most of our meal and seemed to not be in a good mood.
- waiting timeI have waited more than 20mins
- ServiceService:1
- answering machineJust an answering machine
- dessert drink policyMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a rigid policy regarding ordering dessert drinks. Despite my desire to order a dessert drink before my meal, I was informed that this was not permitted and that I had to follow their specific ordering process.
- dinnerOur dinner took over two hours long
- hostessApart from the rude hostess and manager
If you're looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there are occasional reports of slow or inconsistent service, the majority of experiences point to a positive and accommodating team.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.4 and leaving 74.4% of customers satisfied. With 58 positive remarks out of 78 total, many guests rave about the lovely atmosphere, vibrant vibe, and stylish decor. The outdoor dining options, often with heaters, and enjoyable music also contribute to a great experience, making it feel like a welcoming, family-friendly spot.
However, it's not without its quirks, as 15 negative comments point out. Some found the seating arrangements tight and cramped, making the space feel a bit small. There were also mentions of a loud noise level and challenges with parking, which can sometimes detract from the overall comfort.
Ambience
78
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
15
negative
5
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lovely, vibrant atmosphere
- Great outdoor seating
- Enjoyable music
What people don't like
- Seating can be cramped
- Noise level can be high
- Parking is difficult
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was fantastic, and the food was delicious. The atmosphere was also great, contributing to a wonderful dining experience.
- AtmosphereThe atmosphere was quiet, easy to talk
- ambiancethe neighborhood and ambiance can’t are fun
- vibeWe loved the vibe of the restaurant
- ambienceThe ambience, food and the over all look of old sfo. Love it.
- outside seatingthey have outside seating on the curb area, and it's dog friendly
- placeNice looking place
- vibesCute vibes
- Outdoor patioSeating type:Outdoor patio / terrace
- bar seatsGot 3 bar seats for brunch
Frequently criticized
- atmosphere1-star (or less) for the LYING RESERVATIONIST.
- spacemake the space feel a bit cramped
- ParkingThe servers were very helpful, contributing to a vibrant vibe and nice crowds. Parking can be tricky, but you'll likely find a spot if you circle for about 5 minutes. Overall, a highly recommended experience!
- bathroomThey had one bathroom for both male and female
- crampedrather cramped
- glassthe glass they gave me had not been washed
- indoor seatingtheir indoor seating is very small
- noise levelThe noise level was louder than we liked
- outdoor seatingThe outdoor seating was also a bit rundown.
- outdoor spacenegligible heating. Upon seeing the space
If you're looking for a place with a lively atmosphere and good outdoor options, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially cozy seating and a bit of a hunt for parking, especially if you prefer a quieter, more spacious setting.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners found the prices to be quite reasonable, with some even calling them affordable. For these guests, the experience was so good it was worth the drive across town, suggesting that for some, the cost was justified by the overall enjoyment. However, the overall sentiment paints a different picture, with 28 negative comments compared to just 3 positive ones.
The value score sits at a 3.2 (poor), and customer satisfaction is a mere 9.4% (poor). Many felt the food was overpriced, citing issues with the bill, service fee, and generally finding the experience expensive and pricy for what they received.
Value
32
Reviews
9%
Satisfaction
28
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices reasonable
- Worth the drive
What people don't like
- Food overpriced
- High service fee
- Bill expensive
Often praised
- PricesOur server was attentive and friendly, ensuring we had a great dining experience. Prices were very reasonable. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Causwells.
- drive across townWorth the drive across town
- pricescheeky way to try and keep prices affordable
Frequently criticized
- pricethe bill turned out ~$60 after tip, so keep in mind that it can get pricey
- billthey never ended up adjusting the bill
- Price per personNothing special for a $20.00 burger.
- bill reviewserver didn’t give me an opportunity to review the bill
- burgerThis $34 burger should be $20 - nothing special about this except how overpriced it is
- burger and friesPaying over thirty bucks for a burger and fries
- cheeseburgertheir $20 cheeseburger
- cocktailsthey’ll run you at least $20 a pop after they charge an 8% fee
- dinnerDinner cost us over $90 and it wasn’t worth half that
- expensiveoverall experience felt expensive
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill. While a few found the prices reasonable, the overwhelming feedback suggests its often seen as overpriced, especially with added fees. Go in with your eyes open, or you might leave feeling like you paid too much.
How are the prices at Causwells?
You’re looking at roughly 43 per person – reported by 101 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 43, the prices are quite spread out, with a good number of guests spending between 21 – 40 $, and others enjoying more premium experiences above 60 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an American Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those willing to splurge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Causwells
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
3
Overrated Burger, Nothing Special
My experience at Causwells was underwhelming. I read reviews that listed their hamburger as one of the top burgers in SF, but I found it to be nothing special for a $20. 00 burger.
It was definitely overrated.
- hamburger3
- burger3
- Price per person3
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good Food, Cramped Space
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, and our server was very nice, even though we were obviously tourists. However, the restaurant is rather cramped, which is not unusual for this city.
- food8
- server9
- cramped4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Espresso Martini Ever!
My experience at Causwells was exceptional, largely thanks to Byron, who made the best espresso martini I’ve ever tasted in my life! 🍸 Causwells is officially #1 on my list.
- espresso martini10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great GF Options and Delicious Burger!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially for someone with gluten-free or celiac needs. They are super good and knowledgeable on cross contamination. The gf burger is delicious!
- gf burger9
- cross contamination10
- GF/celiac10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
10
Exceptional Burgers, Pasta, and Cocktails!
My experience at Causwells was truly amazing! I started with the Americana burger, which was a wonderful, elevated American-style burger. The garnish was crisp and fresh, with parsley in the lettuce mix that perfectly complemented the gamier meat, adding a brightness I didn't know I was missing.
For a nostalgic crunch, the crispy onion strings are a must-try, reminiscent of childhood Funyuns. The Bigoli pasta was exactly what I was looking for; it was creamy without being overly buttery and perfectly cooked. The sautéed mushrooms were so savory and filling that I almost forgot there was no meat.
The ceviche and octopus starter were also amazing, with the octopus featuring a perfectly spicy tomato sauce that was phenomenal. The cocktail program here is out of this world, arguably the best in the Bay Area. The Open Sesame cocktail was a great pairing with the light ceviche and octopus, engaging all senses with its aesthetic, taste, texture, and smell.
The baklava old fashion was equally impressive, a smooth blend of spirit-forward whiskey with a toasted pistachio rim and a subtle sweet base. Our server and bartender, Byron, enhanced the experience by sharing his knowledge and background on the cocktail creations and even offered samplers of other drinks we ended up loving. We were thrilled to find Causwells and eagerly look forward to returning!
- Americana burger10
- garnish9
- crispy onion strings10
What Causwells offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and services does Causwells offer?
At Causwells, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, all with comfortable seating and table service. They also provide convenient takeout and delivery services, alongside outdoor seating for those sunny San Francisco days. Reservations are accepted and recommended for both dinner and brunch.
What are the parking and accessibility options at Causwells?
Causwells is fully wheelchair accessible, offering an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience. While free street parking can be difficult to find in the Marina District, you’ll also find paid street parking and a paid parking garage nearby for your convenience.
How does Causwells rate overall?
Causwells has a Restaurant Score of 7.2 and a Customer Satisfaction of 68.2% . While Food (7.4), Ambience (7.4), and Service (7.3) are rated well, Value (3.2) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Causwells?
Many customers frequently praise the quality of the food, particularly the burgers and drinks. The pleasant atmosphere and attentive service from the staff are also often highlighted as positive aspects of their dining experience.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Causwells?
Some customers have expressed concerns regarding the pricing, finding certain items to be expensive. Additionally, the indoor seating can feel cramped, and there have been occasional mentions of service inconsistencies.