Highlights
- Live music
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Curio – San Francisco
Curio - San Francisco
Photo from Curio
Curio at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 39 of the guests
#1340 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#160 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
513
Reviews
74.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- delicious oysters
- great cocktails
- lively music
Frequently criticized
- slow service
- small portions
- overpriced drinks
The restaurant Curio in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers a truly unique dining experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere where live music sets the perfect backdrop for your evening.
This trendy and cozy spot invites you to unwind, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a full meal. With its casual vibe, Curio is an ideal destination for anyone seeking great food and entertainment in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Curio
Curio offers a generally pleasant experience, often highlighted by its engaging live music and inviting outdoor seating. Many guests appreciate the well-crafted cocktails and specific menu items like the oysters, contributing to a lively atmosphere.
However, some visits are tempered by observations regarding the pace of service and the perceived size of portion sizes. While there are definite high points, these aspects occasionally detract from an otherwise enjoyable outing.
Good
7.3
out of 10
513
Reviews
74.1%
Satisfaction
111
negative
22
neutral
380
positive
Curio maintains a solid overall standing with a Restaurant Score of 7.3, indicating a good dining experience. This is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 74.1%, which also falls into the good category.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 513 customer remarks, with 380 positive observations outweighing 111 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.6) are clear strengths, frequently praised for their quality and appeal.
However, Service (6.4) appears to be more of a mixed bag, with some guests noting room for improvement. Similarly, Value (5.7) registers as average, suggesting that while some deals are appreciated, general pricing can be a point of contention for others.
What people like
- Delicious oysters
- Great cocktails
- Lively live music
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Small portion sizes
- Overpriced drinks
If you’re seeking a spot with good cocktails, delicious oysters, and a vibrant atmosphere, especially with live music or pleasant outdoor seating, Curio is worth considering. Their Happy Hour deals, in particular, seem to offer good value.
However, be prepared for potentially slower service and consider that portion sizes might be on the smaller side for the price. With a Recommendation Score of 7.5, it’s a place that many enjoy, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding service speed and overall value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Curio
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests generally have a great time, with a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at 78.7%. Many rave about delicious items like the truffled mac & cheese, brunch burger, and spicy sweet potato tempura. With 196 positive remarks out of 249 total comments, it's clear the kitchen is hitting the mark for many diners.
However, there are some areas for improvement, as noted in 41 negative comments. Some found the burgers disappointing, mentioned small portion sizes, or experienced issues with food quality, like rubbery oysters or items tasting frozen. Menu availability can also be a concern, with popular dishes sometimes running out.
Food
249
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
41
negative
12
neutral
196
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious comfort food
- Creative small plates
- Excellent brunch items
What people don't like
- Inconsistent burger quality
- Small portion sizes
- Limited menu availability
Often praised
- foodThe owner, Jack, is a genuinely nice person. The establishment boasts great staff, great food, and fantastic cocktails. I am scheduled to perform there again on April 30, 2021, and I play beatbox cello funk (CelloJoe.
- cocktailsThe owner, Jack, is a genuinely nice person. The establishment boasts great staff, great food, and fantastic cocktails. I am scheduled to perform there again on April 30, 2021, and I play beatbox cello funk (CelloJoe.
- drinksThe food and drinks were divine
- deviled eggsdeviled eggs, oysters and hush puppies
- oystersthe oysters were delicious, without any trace of grit
- burgertheir burger is one of the things I think I will miss the most!
- hush puppiesdeviled eggs, oysters and hush puppies
- FoodFood:5
- French toastthe French toast was incredible
- brunchMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a great new place for brunch in the Mission. They were accommodating and made the Benedict vegetarian for me, which was a nice touch.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe curly fries were rock solid. I could accept the prices if the food was actually decent; alas, it was not. The atmosphere was somewhat interesting, and the service was acceptable.
- burgerThe cocktails were also home runs and worth the price. The spicy jack burger was decent but a bit too dry and not quite cooked to order, especially for its price, and it doesn't come with sides. If deciding between the burger and another entree, I'd recommend the non-burger option.
- food qualityThe food didn't taste very good
- menuI came here for dinner and ended up paying a lot of money for food I didn't want or like. The menu was very limited. I wanted something light, but all the appetizers were more expensive than the entrees, and the entrees were basically burgers.
- portion sizesService was also excellent. I do have to say though that portion sizes are relatively small for the price. I didn’t feel completely full after my meal, but nonetheless, it was delicious.
- Benedictsent back my Benedict after one bite
- appetizersfor apps about 45 mins
- breakfast burgerLooked and tested like something you'd get at Wendy's
- breakfast burritoBreakfast burrito was kinda gross
- brunchruined what was supposed to be a great brunch
Overall, the food here seems to be a hit for many, especially if you stick to their acclaimed small plates and comfort food. While there are some fantastic dishes, be mindful of occasional inconsistencies with burgers or portion sizes, and check on menu availability.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The service here often shines, with 58 positive remarks highlighting the friendly and helpful staff and attentive waiters. Many guests appreciated the excellent service and speedy bartenders, making for a pleasant experience. Specific shout-outs to individuals like owner Jack and Yuri further underscore the positive interactions, contributing to an overall good vibe.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with 41 negative comments indicating room for improvement, reflected in the 56.9% customer satisfaction. Some encountered slow service and frustrating waiting times for drinks. Issues with the hostess and rude management' also cropped up, leading to a less than ideal experience for a few, pulling the score to an average 6.4.
Service
102
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
41
negative
3
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Excellent bartenders
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceour service was so awesome that it really helped to make me feel better
- staffI admit it's one of the best bar foods in SF👍🏻. The friendly and attentive staff, along with a quality jazz piano live performance, truly took my dining experience to the next level.
- ServiceMy non-vegan friend ordered the non-vegan truffle mac and tried a bit of my vegan version, and they said they were both delicious and very comparable! Service was also excellent. I do have to say though that portion sizes are relatively small for the price.
- bartendersExcellent service from the bartenders
- managerthe manager was responsive and apologetic
- serverGive this woman a raise, please! She's the perfect server! The food was great (shishito peppers were bommmmmb), and the drinks were good.
- Jenae D.Jenae D. was super attentive and friendly
- SeanThe food was delicious. Sean was so kind and made us feel so welcome. We will be back!
- YuriYuri (who served us) is the man
- bar and wait staffLovely bar and wait staff
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was a little underwhelming
- waiting timetook about 10 mins to get the wine and an additional 20-25 to get the oysters.
- waitressfailing to mention that they were not regular fries
- another employee yelledanother employee yelled from inside
- assigned waitressmy assigned waitress who seemed to be lack of awareness in the needs of customers
- bad serviceI would strongly advise against visiting this restaurant if possible. My experience was marred by bad service, rude management, an inaudible hostess, and an overall unpleasant atmosphere. Upon arrival for a quick drink before a show, we were met by a hostess who seemed inconvenienced by our presence, greeting us with a frown.
- bartenderno bartender asked us if we wanted another drink
- booster shot policyMy experience at this restaurant was that they have a strict policy regarding booster shots. Warning: if you don’t have a booster shot, it doesn’t matter if you’re not eligible yet, they won’t let you in. This was a significant point of contention for my visit.
- boxesTook forever to get boxes
- drinksThey have a good selection of beers and food. The service was a little slow, it took 15 minutes before we were served drinks, but otherwise, I would recommend!
Service at this spot is a bit of a gamble, landing an average 6.4 with 56.9% customer satisfaction. You might encounter incredibly friendly and attentive staff, but be prepared for potential slow periods or less-than-stellar interactions. If you're patient and the positives outweigh the negatives for you, it could be worth a visit.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 7.6 and a fantastic 83.1% customer satisfaction, its clear guests love the atmosphere. Many of the 113 positive comments out of 136 total highlight the vibrant live music , ample outdoor seating options, and the overall chill vibe .
Its spaciousness and various sections also make it a great place to relax. However, not every experience was perfect, with 18 less favorable comments noted. Some guests found the vibe to be uncomfortable or experienced issues with heaters not working, especially when it was freezing outside .
A few even mentioned dirty restrooms or concerns about bad security , suggesting theres room for improvement in maintaining a consistently pleasant environment.
Ambience
136
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
18
negative
5
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great live music
- Ample outdoor seating
- Relaxed, chill vibe
What people don't like
- Inconsistent heating
- Unpleasant atmosphere
- Dirty restrooms
Often praised
- live musicIt's a great place for a date or to hang out with friends. They offered outdoor seating that was heated, complete with live music 🎶. The server provided an excellent recommendation for a sweet cocktail, the mermaid cocktail, which was amazing – very sweet and grapefruit-y.
- atmosphereI loved the amazing cocktails and the amazing food. The great staff provided excellent service, and the great atmosphere made for a memorable visit. It's a must in SF!
- outdoor seatingIt's a great place for a date or to hang out with friends. They offered outdoor seating that was heated, complete with live music 🎶. The server provided an excellent recommendation for a sweet cocktail, the mermaid cocktail, which was amazing – very sweet and grapefruit-y.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorThe bar and wait staff were lovely. I was particularly impressed with the decor, which was awesome and can be described as diverse and welcoming.
- musicthe music is always enjoyable
- ambianceambiance was exactly what I was looking for
- live bandamazing live band playing Spanish jazz guitar
- outdoor areaCute outdoor area with heating optional per table.
- placeVery nice place to eat
Frequently criticized
- avoiding harmWhile they do have a few clearly labeled "vegan" dishes on the menu, I discovered that the food was fried with animal products. It seems the restaurant prioritizes sales over ethical considerations like reducing environmental impact or avoiding harm to animals. This lack of genuine commitment to their stated dietary options was a major letdown.
- bad securityBad security
- bandI almost want to take a point away because the band can't really be heard from half the tables, and there is no bar to sit at. The bar inside you can get the same menu items, but you can't hear the band.
- barI almost want to take a point away because the band can't really be heard from half the tables, and there is no bar to sit at. The bar inside you can get the same menu items, but you can't hear the band.
- customer sittingcustomer sitting with two of his friends farted so loud
- dining outmade our dining out on Friday night very uncomfortable.
- experienceit was terrible experience
- fly in my drinkthere was a fly in my drink 2 times in a row
- heat from heatersthe heat from the heaters was also too much
- heaterstried to bring 4 different heaters, know worked
If you're looking for a lively spot with great live music and ample outdoor seating , this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that some minor issues like inconsistent heating or restroom cleanliness have been noted, so set your expectations accordingly for a generally good time.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot offers some pleasant surprises, with a 5.7 score and 50% customer satisfaction indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience. Many guests rave about the fantastic deals, especially during restaurant week and happy hour, where 1-dollar oysters and half off bottles of wine make for some truly amazing deals. Based on 13 positive comments out of 26 total, it seems savvy diners can find real bargains here.
However, its not all sunshine and savings. Some patrons felt that certain items, particularly drinks at the bar, were overpriced. There were also concerns about prices for portion sizes and issues with the check, specifically how tips with taxes were calculated, leading to feelings of paying extra tips'.
These 11 negative remarks suggest that while deals exist, some aspects of the pricing could use a closer look.
Value
26
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing happy hour
- Great oyster deals
- Half-price wine
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks
- Small portions
- Tip calculation issues
Often praised
- Happy HourCurio's Happy Hour reduced-price hush puppies
- pricesPrices not abovethe typical San Francisco range
- $2 discount per glassWe also enjoyed Curio's tasty Happy Hour reduced-price hush puppies, deviled eggs, and root vegetables. The restaurant has a wide selection of local craft beers on tap, and we sampled a few, benefiting from the $2 discount per glass during Happy Hour. We plan to return soon and have already recommended this Mission District gem to friends.
- 1-dollar oystersordering like 50 1-dollar oysters
- amazing dealsAmazing deals on the most delicious appetizers
- half off bottles of wineHalf off bottles of wine all day Wednesday!!
- happy hourwe got granted once it was all cleared up
- happy hour dealsGood happy hour deals
- oysters at $1 eachWhile the menu is limited, if you love raw oysters on the half shell, this is the place to go. During Happy Hour (5-7 PM), Curio offers oysters at $1 each! We were initially skeptical about the oysters originating from Baja California, Mexico, but our concerns were unfounded as they were delicious, without any trace of grit.
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of slowish service, but the cocktails were a work of art, which made up for it. The food was tasty and very reasonably priced. I will definitely be coming back.
Frequently criticized
- priceService was also excellent. I do have to say though that portion sizes are relatively small for the price. I didn’t feel completely full after my meal, but nonetheless, it was delicious.
- barBar is overpriced
- calculated tips with taxesthey calculated tips with taxes altogether
- chargedwas charged for it anyway
- checkcorrect a “bottomless mimosa” item to “single mimosa” in our check
- drinksDrinks are a little overpriced
- extra tipsit's not fair for consumers to pay extra tips
- overpricedso overpriced
- pricesThe curly fries were rock solid. I could accept the prices if the food was actually decent; alas, it was not. The atmosphere was somewhat interesting, and the service was acceptable.
If you're looking for a great deal, especially during happy hour or special events like restaurant week, this place can be a real winner. Just be mindful of regular menu prices, particularly for drinks, and double-check your bill to ensure a smooth experience.
How are the prices at Curio?
You’re looking at roughly 44 per person – reported by 39 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 44, the prices are quite spread out. Many diners spend in the $21–$30 range. But don’t be surprised to see some venturing into the $71–$80 and even higher categories.
This suggests a mix of offerings, from more casual to quite premium.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 39 most recent reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For a restaurant in San Francisco, an average of 44 per person feels quite fair, especially considering the range of prices available. It seems they cater to different budgets, which is always a good sign.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Curio
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Great Jazz, Good Food!
My experience at this restaurant was enjoyable, offering a great atmosphere for live jazz and a quick bite. I particularly enjoyed the grilled mushroom main, which was very good. The fried chicken strips were also a hit, coming with a good selection of sauces.
The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly, with clearly labeled vegetarian dishes and a high recommendation for vegetarians. While the noise level was loud, it was still possible to hold a conversation.
- grilled mushroom main8
- fried chicken strips7
- vegetarian dishes9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Flavorful Food, Great Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed the Garden Salad, which was incredibly flavorful. The Mango dessert was also delicious.
Additionally, the service was great.
- Garden Salad9
- Mango dessert9
- service9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Perfect Engagement Party Venue!
We had our engagement party at Curio last weekend, and Patricia and her team did an amazing job transforming the dining room into the perfect space for our event! The staff were incredibly attentive and accommodating. Everyone loved their drinks and had an absolute blast.
I highly recommend having a private event at Curio!
- staff10
- drinks10
- dining room10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
SF Burger I'll Miss Most!
Having just moved away from SF, their burger is one of the things I think I will miss the most! Make sure you get it with the cheese katsu. The live music was also great.
- burger9
- cheese katsu8
- live music8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Experience, Overpriced Food
My experience at this restaurant was the definition of mid. I ordered two tiny quesabirria tacos, which were about as thin as my pinky finger, and they cost $18. The curly fries were rock solid.
I could accept the prices if the food was actually decent; alas, it was not. The atmosphere was somewhat interesting, and the service was acceptable. However, I still wouldn’t come back.
- atmosphere5
- service5
- quesabirria tacos2
- curly fries1
- food2
What Curio offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Curio?
At Curio, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for various dining options. Whether you’re looking for brunch, dinner, or just dessert, table service is available. You can also opt for outdoor seating, or even takeout and delivery for convenience. It’s a great spot for kids too, with high chairs provided, and even welcomes your dogs.
What are the key offerings and highlights at Curio?
Curio boasts an impressive array of offerings, including late-night food, small plates, and organic dishes. You’ll find excellent beverage choices with a great wine list, extensive beer selection, and hard liquor for cocktails. Dietary needs are well-covered with both vegan and vegetarian options available. Don’t miss the live music that adds to the vibrant experience.
How does Curio generally score with customers?
Curio holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.3 and a Customer Satisfaction of 74.1%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.6), while Service (6.4) and Value (5.7) are considered average.
What are some of the standout items or features at Curio?
Many guests praise Curio’s cocktails and specific food items like the oysters, French toast, and hush puppies. The live music, inviting outdoor seating, and Happy Hour deals, especially for $1 oysters, are also frequently highlighted.
What are common concerns or areas for improvement at Curio?
Some customers have noted slow service and long waiting times. There are also mentions of small portion sizes for the price, and some drinks being considered overpriced. Occasionally, specific food items like the burger or breakfast dishes have received mixed reviews.