Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Common Sage – San Francisco
Common Sage - San Francisco
Photo from Common Sage
Common Sage at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#1276 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Ramen Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
441
Reviews
79.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious ramen
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Limited seating
Overview: Introducting Common Sage
Common Sage offers a pleasant experience for those seeking Japanese fare, often highlighted by its friendly staff and a generally welcoming atmosphere. Many patrons appreciate the delicious food, particularly the ramen, making it a reliable spot for a casual meal.
However, some visitors have noted occasional inconsistencies with slow service and concerns regarding high prices for certain items. Despite these points, the overall sentiment leans positive, suggesting a place with clear strengths.
Good
7.4
out of 10
441
Reviews
79.4%
Satisfaction
70
negative
21
neutral
350
positive
Common Sage achieves a respectable overall score of 7.4, reflecting a generally good dining experience. This aligns well with a solid customer satisfaction rate of 79.4%, indicating that most visitors leave content with their visit.
These figures are drawn from 441 customer remarks, with a strong balance of 350 positive comments against 70 critical observations. The restaurant’s strengths are evident in its Food (7.6), which is frequently praised, and its inviting Ambience (7.5).
Service (7.1) also performs well, though it sees some mixed feedback. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.8), which customers often find to be less compelling.
What people like
- Delicious ramen
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Limited seating
If you’re looking for a spot with good Japanese food and a pleasant setting, Common Sage is certainly worth considering. With a recommendation score of 7.8, it generally delivers on its promise, especially if you prioritize taste and atmosphere over strict budget concerns.
While the value proposition might not appeal to everyone, the quality of the food and the overall experience make it a solid choice for many. Just be mindful of potential service fluctuations and the pricing, and you’re likely to have an enjoyable visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Common Sage
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, things are looking pretty good! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a strong 81.3%, its clear many diners are happy. Based on 257 positive remarks, guests rave about the delicious ramen, amazing musubi, and impressive sake selection, often noting the quality ingredients and bold flavors.
However, its not all perfect. Out of 41 negative comments, some found the ramen quality inconsistent, with concerns about bland broth or small portions. There were also a few mentions of disappointing matcha and certain items being overpriced, suggesting some areas could use a little extra attention.
Food
316
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
41
negative
18
neutral
257
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious ramen
- Amazing musubi
- Great sake selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent ramen quality
- Disappointing matcha
- Small portions
Often praised
- ramenMy experience at this neighborhood Japanese cafe was positive. It's a casual eatery with great ramen. On Saturdays, they usually have vegan ramen available.
- foodI stumbled upon this lovely place while searching for ramen and I'm so glad I found it! The store has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food. As someone who is very picky about ramen, I absolutely loved the Shoyou ramen.
- onigiriThat said, the onigiri is SO good. It is always freshly made so it's always nice and hot. The tuna onigiri is amazing and extremely comforting.
- omusubiMy experience at the restaurant was great. I stopped by to grab some ramen, sandwiches, and omusubi. They also have an extensive selection of great sake, wine, and beer.
- sakeIt's a good place to get a variety of Japanese food, including Japanese ramen and other finger foods. They also have a back market that serves a large selection of sake and Japanese craft beer.
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was great! I found it to be a great option to grab awesome ramen, omusubi balls, coffee, and so much more. The atmosphere was cute, making it a must visit!
- rice ballsRame and rice balls surprisingly yummy
- Japanese snacksReplete with a delicious selection of Japanese snacks and liquor
- brothMy experience at this corner store was a great surprise. I found the ramen to be delicious with a hearty broth. I recommend going to try it for yourself to compare!
- noodlesI ordered the CS Miso Ramen. The noodles were tender with the perfect amount of elasticity. It came with 2 slices of chasu, bits of green onions, and bean sprouts.
Frequently criticized
- brothNeither the broth nor the veggie selection was great
- foodThe lady at the counter acted offended when taking my order, and I felt unwelcomed. I could have overlooked this if the food had been good, but the bibimbap ($20) was stale with microwaved beef. Overall, I recommend skipping this place and spending your money elsewhere.
- ramenmuch better places for ramen
- ricesome parts of the rice mushy from all the humidity
- Chashu OmusubiIt was pretty small
- Chashu pork sandwichChashu pork sandwich was a bit heavy
- French foodThe pastries are great too. I do regret that they sell less French food nowadays when they used to sell French and Japanese food equally; I guess the market is not so big on French food in the neighborhood. You can also buy wines, sakes, and beers in addition to your regular and hipster drinks.
- Kurobuta omusubioverpriced for two tiny slices of kurobuta
- bibimbapThe lady at the counter acted offended when taking my order, and I felt unwelcomed. I could have overlooked this if the food had been good, but the bibimbap ($20) was stale with microwaved beef. Overall, I recommend skipping this place and spending your money elsewhere.
- bland bad milkdrinking bland bad milk with some lumps
If youre looking for tasty ramen, musubi, and a great drink selection, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While some items might be a hit or miss, especially if youre particular about matcha or portion sizes, the overall food experience is quite positive and satisfying for most.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite good, scoring a solid 7.1 and boasting a strong customer satisfaction of 74.5%. Many customers rave about the friendly and helpful staff, often highlighting quick in-out service and amazing customer service. With 41 positive remarks out of 55 total, it seems most visits are met with a warm welcome.
However, there are some areas for improvement, noted in 14 negative comments. A few patrons have encountered grumpy cashiers or staff with an attitude, leading to slow service or a feeling of being annoyed. It appears consistency can be an issue, especially when certain key staff members aren't present.
Service
55
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
14
negative
0
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Helpful service
- Quick in-out
What people don't like
- Rude cashiers
- Slow service
- Staff attitude
Often praised
- staffI stumbled upon this lovely place while searching for ramen and I'm so glad I found it! The store has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food. As someone who is very picky about ramen, I absolutely loved the Shoyou ramen.
- serviceLast time I was there when he wasn't, the service was quite slow, though they may have been new employees. I've gone twice in the morning and that seems to be when the best service is available. I'm still going to stop by in the evenings to see if the pattern holds true.
- ownerThe owner remained calm and continued business
- customer serviceCorey has amazing customer service as well!
- friendly staffMy experience at the restaurant was positive, thanks to the friendly staff and a great selection of sake. I also enjoyed the decent pork ramen.
- Asian gentlemanThe best thing is that this place is open early. I've gone here a couple of times and I think the best times to go are when the Asian gentleman is quietly running around the place; it just seems to have more order when he's there, and he's probably the boss. Last time I was there when he wasn't, the service was quite slow, though they may have been new employees.
- CoreyHe's always educating me on the latest treats
- ServiceService:5
- call aheadcall ahead to have the ramen ready
- convenient to buyconvenient to buy there
Frequently criticized
- serviceI've gone here a couple of times and I think the best times to go are when the Asian gentleman is quietly running around the place; it just seems to have more order when he's there, and he's probably the boss. Last time I was there when he wasn't, the service was quite slow, though they may have been new employees. I've gone twice in the morning and that seems to be when the best service is available.
- alcohol consumptionif you buy alcohol here, you can't consume it on the premises
- cashierThe cashier woman held her kid all the time while serving
- counter personcounter person today theat had a attitude
- customer service skillsI have stopped going to this restaurant because the weekday female cashier is totally rude and lacks customer service skills. While the shop is at a very convenient location, I can get my Asian groceries at Golden Veggie Market down the street.
- drink orderdid not like me asking my drinks in 'for here' cups
- napkinsforgot to include napkins a few times
- staffgrumpy, mean female cashier who acts really annoyed
- takeout orderone of the ramen bowls didn't have any of the sliced pork
- weekday female cashierI have stopped going to this restaurant because the weekday female cashier is totally rude and lacks customer service skills. While the shop is at a very convenient location, I can get my Asian groceries at Golden Veggie Market down the street.
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and helpful staff, youll likely have a good experience here. Just be aware that occasional inconsistencies, particularly with certain cashiers or during specific times, might lead to a less-than-stellar interaction.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight, with many customers loving the atmosphere and cozy seating. Patrons frequently praise the spacious atmosphere and cute atmosphere, making it a welcoming spot to relax or work with wifi. With a score of 7.5 and a customer satisfaction of 85.2%, its clear most find the ambiance quite good, based on 46 positive remarks.
However, its not entirely perfect. A few of the 54 total opinions point out some downsides, with 5 negative remarks highlighting a lack of seating and tight seating in the small inside area. The absence of a restroom is also a recurring concern, suggesting that while the overall vibe is strong, there's room for improvement in practical comfort.
Ambience
54
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
- Spacious, pleasant vibe
- Good for relaxing
What people don't like
- Limited seating options
- No public restroom
- Small indoor space
Often praised
- place❤️ Make sure to try the omusubi (rice balls), especially the salmon, and the Bibimbop. Delicious, friendly place to hang out while you contemplate where your journey leads you next!
- atmosphereMy experience at this cute Japanese specialty shop and restaurant was wonderful. I found the nicest people working there, which contributed to a very pleasant atmosphere.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- seatingdecided to take advantage of the seating and chatted it up with a a friendly customer.
- spaceEverything is thoughtfully made and never feels rushed. The space is cozy and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable for the quality and freshness you get.
- Japanese vibeauthentically japanese vibe
- SeatingSeating both in and I believe some outside as well
- ambiancethe ambiance is calm and understated
- asian grocery storea lovely asian grocery store with a well-curated selection of sake
- big tablebig table to work with wifi
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- inside areaSmall inside area, sort of a weird hybrid
- lack of seatingThe menu offered a unique Japanese European fusion, featuring made-to-order sushi balls alongside freshly baked bread and a quality cheese selection. However, the lack of seating and high prices were significant drawbacks.
- no restroomNo restroom
- seatingSeating is a bit tight
If youre looking for a place with a genuinely pleasant and cozy atmosphere to relax or get some work done, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that seating can be limited and theres no restroom, so plan accordingly if those are dealbreakers for you.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, especially with specific items like the $9 Common Sage ramen. Many appreciated the overall value and felt the prices were quite cheap for a satisfying meal, often highlighting the convenience factor. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.8, these 6 positive remarks suggest there are definite upsides.
However, a significant number of customers, 10 out of 16, felt quite differently. Many found the food, particularly the ramens, to be overpriced and expensive, leading to a feeling of not getting their money's worth. This sentiment is reflected in a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 37.5%, indicating that for many, the high prices were a real drawback.
Value
16
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheap ramen options
- Good value experience
- Convenience is valued
What people don't like
- Ramen is overpriced
- Generally expensive items
- Poor money's worth
Often praised
- pricesThe space is cozy and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable for the quality and freshness you get.
- $9 Common Sage ramenordered the $9 Common Sage ramen
- cheapCheap and small portioned snacks
- conveniencefor convenience, it's worth paying more
- valueconsistently a great value eating experience
Frequently criticized
- priceThe lady at the counter acted offended when taking my order, and I felt unwelcomed. I could have overlooked this if the food had been good, but the bibimbap ($20) was stale with microwaved beef. Overall, I recommend skipping this place and spending your money elsewhere.
- expensiveA bit expensive
- high pricesThe menu offered a unique Japanese European fusion, featuring made-to-order sushi balls alongside freshly baked bread and a quality cheese selection. However, the lack of seating and high prices were significant drawbacks.
- moneythey threw the money back at me.
- money's worthdidn’t feel like I got my money’s worth
- pricesMost prices are more than major grocery stores
- ramensthe ramens are overpriced for what it is
- value for moneylesser value for my money that I spent here
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? If you're looking for specific cheap eats or convenience, you might find some good deals. However, be prepared that many feel the overall pricing is too high, and you might not always get the value you expect.
How are the prices at Common Sage?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 36 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Ramen Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests stick right around this sweet spot, with a few opting for slightly cheaper or a bit more premium bowls.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 36 most recent reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Ramen Restaurant, especially in a city like San Francisco. It offers good value for a satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Common Sage
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Unpleasant Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was unfortunately as off-putting as the service. The lady at the counter acted offended when taking my order, and I felt unwelcomed. I could have overlooked this if the food had been good, but the bibimbap ($20) was stale with microwaved beef.
Overall, I recommend skipping this place and spending your money elsewhere.
- service2
- food2
- bibimbap2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Terrible service, paid money thrown back
My experience at this restaurant was quite negative, primarily due to the service. Despite paying the normal amount, the staff threw the money back at me. The food was average, and the atmosphere was decent.
- food3
- atmosphere4
- service1
- money1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
3
Average Ramen, Better Options Elsewhere
My experience at the restaurant was average. The ramen had very few ingredients, consisting mainly of noodles, cheshunt, and bean sprouts, with nothing else. Due to the lack of variety and the availability of many better options elsewhere, I will not be returning.
- ramen5
- ingredients3
- options elsewhere3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Great Japanese Corner Store!
My experience at this lovely little corner store was fantastic! It has a really great selection of Japanese food, and I particularly enjoyed the miso. The food quality was excellent, earning a perfect score.
- Japanese food10
- miso10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Hidden Gem for Ramen & More!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Common Sage is one of the best hidden gems for ramen and comfort food. Their Common Sage Miso Ramen is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with tender chicken, garlic, and fresh toppings. They also have a great Vegetarian Shoyu Ramen that’s light but still packed with flavor — perfect if you want a vegan option.
Beyond ramen, their onigiri (rice balls) are a must-try, especially the tuna mayo and spam varieties. I also love their bibimbap bowls and unique sandwiches, which give you something different if you’re not in the mood for noodles. Drinks are another highlight — from smooth lattes to creative options like the black sesame latte and golden milk tea, plus a full coffee menu for espresso lovers.
Everything is thoughtfully made and never feels rushed. The space is cozy and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable for the quality and freshness you get.
- Common Sage Miso Ramen10
- Vegetarian Shoyu Ramen9
- onigiri9
What Common Sage offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
How does Common Sage rate overall?
Common Sage holds a respectable overall score of 7.4, with customer satisfaction at 79.4%. Its strengths lie in Food (7.6), Ambience (7.5), and Service (7.1), though Value (4.8) is an area for improvement.
What are the standout menu items at Common Sage?
Customers frequently praise the ramen, noting its deliciousness, and the freshly made onigiri, which many find comforting.
What should I know about the service and pricing at Common Sage?
While many find the staff friendly, some experiences mention slow service or issues with specific cashiers. Be aware that some customers perceive the prices as a bit high, particularly for certain items.