Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack – San Francisco
Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - San Francisco
Photo from Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack
Emmy's Spaghetti Shack at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#642 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#46 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
572
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Pasta dishes
- Kind service
- Quirky atmosphere
- Value deals
Frequently criticized
- Unwelcoming staff
- Unclean environment
- Hidden fees
The restaurant Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack is an Italian Restaurant located in the vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. You can immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere where live music often sets the perfect backdrop for your dining experience.
This spot is known for its authentic Italian flavors and inviting ambiance, making it a local favorite.
Overview: Introducting Emmy's Spaghetti Shack
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack offers a lively spot where the overall dining experience shines, particularly with its well-regarded Italian fare. Many appreciate the comforting pasta dishes and the attentive nature of the staff, contributing to a generally positive visit.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, especially concerning the initial welcome. The atmosphere here is often described as fun and quirky, adding to its appeal.
While the food receives high marks for its quality and variety, potential diners should be aware that the overall value proposition can be a point of contention for some, with concerns about pricing practices occasionally surfacing.
Good
8
out of 10
572
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
74
negative
29
neutral
469
positive
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack earns a solid Restaurant Score of 8 out of 10, indicating a good overall performance. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 82%, which falls into the good category.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 572 customer comments, reflecting a generally positive sentiment with 469 positive remarks against 74 negative ones. Looking closer, the Food (8.3) is a clear highlight, consistently praised by many.
Ambience (8) also scores well, contributing to the restaurant’s unique character. The Service (7.9) is generally seen as good, with staff often described as kind and helpful.
However, Value (5.7) stands out as an area needing attention, scoring in the average range and suggesting that some patrons find the pricing or billing practices less appealing.
What people like
- Delicious pasta dishes
- Attentive, kind service
- Fun, quirky atmosphere
- Value deals available
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming front staff
- Loud, unclean environment
- Hidden fees, high prices
If you’re seeking a place with comforting Italian dishes and a distinctive, fun atmosphere, Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack is certainly worth considering. The strong Recommendation Score of 8 suggests many leave satisfied, especially with the quality of the main courses and the generally good service.
However, be mindful of potential issues with value and initial service interactions. While the food and ambiance are strong draws, it’s wise to check for any deals or be prepared for a bill that some find a bit steep, particularly with added fees.
It’s a good choice for a lively meal, but perhaps not for those strictly on a budget.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Emmy's Spaghetti Shack
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally thrilled, with a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.4%. Out of 316 comments, a whopping 270 rave about the delicious offerings. Many highlight the spaghetti & meatballs, delicious pasta, and cheesy garlic bread as standout elevated comfort food that comes in big portions.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 27 comments expressing some disappointment. Some found certain items to have a plain taste, noting underseasoned meatballs or a runny fettuccine sauce. There were also mentions of boiled pasta lacking flavor, suggesting a few areas where consistency could be improved.
Food
316
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
27
negative
19
neutral
270
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious comfort food
- Generous food portions
- Great pasta dishes
What people don't like
- Some dishes lack flavor
- Inconsistent pasta quality
- Runny sauces sometimes
Often praised
- foodI absolutely love this place. A recent menu addition, possibly a seasonal special, is so good it's the food equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold day. I highly recommend adding a salad or another pasta, along with the garlic bread or the cauliflower mozzarella balls (!) to truly enjoy your meal.
- meatballsIt feels sacrilegious to order anything else at a SPAGHETTI SHACK. Everything about this dish is perfect – the noodles, the perfectly tangy sauce, and those meatballs! It's my ultimate comfort food.
- spaghetti and meatballsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a proper serving of spaghetti and meatballs, so much so that I had to waddle my way out. I highly recommend ordering the meatballs grandma style (with pork, beef, and cashews) – you won't regret it.
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's an excellent casual pasta shop with well curated recipes and great cocktails. The Cauliflower aranciata was delicious and super cheesy, though a heads-up for vegans.
- lasagnaBeefy, creamy, soft and tender with just a touch of heat
- pastaA recent menu addition, possibly a seasonal special, is so good it's the food equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold day. I highly recommend adding a salad or another pasta, along with the garlic bread or the cauliflower mozzarella balls (!) to truly enjoy your meal. Emmy's staff are always very kind.
- FoodFood:5
- cheesy garlic breadI had the eggplant parm and some cheesy garlic bread for the table. I INHALED EVERYTHING it was so effing good!
- garlic breadA recent menu addition, possibly a seasonal special, is so good it's the food equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold day. I highly recommend adding a salad or another pasta, along with the garlic bread or the cauliflower mozzarella balls (!) to truly enjoy your meal. Emmy's staff are always very kind.
- Italian foodThe portions were good, and the funky decor, reminiscent of Dolly Parton's Corner, added a unique charm. I particularly enjoyed the great Italian food; it was a relief to have classic dishes prepared perfectly, rather than being altered beyond recognition. My sister and I took advantage of the Monday deal, which was well worth it.
Frequently criticized
- food qualityTastes like a bunch of Americans made Italian food. Truly Chef Boyardee quality
- lemon gnocchiNeed to work on the lemon gnocchi. Way too much lemon.
- pastaUpon arrival, I noticed that everything was sticky and dirty. The pasta was atrocious, with a sauce that tasted like too much canned paste. For those visiting San Francisco, this restaurant does not represent the city well.
- sauce$32 for some boiled pasta with crushed Italian sausage on it. It had no flavor and no sauce. It was horrible.
- Grandma's meatballGrandma's meatball tasted odd.
- Italian sausagecrushed Italian sausage on it no flavor
- appetizersNot a ton of flavor happening in... appetizers
- boiled pastasome boiled pasta with crushed Italian sausage on it
- caesar saladThe caesar salad was under dressed.
- cheesy garlic breadthe cheesy garlic bread, I expected more
Overall, if you're looking for hearty, delicious Italian comfort food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might need a bit more flavor, the vast majority of diners leave happy and full, especially with their signature spaghetti and meatballs.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a strong 81.5%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, excellent service, and the warm and welcoming atmosphere, often highlighting attentive servers and even specific bartenders. With 88 positive remarks out of 108 total, it's clear most experiences are quite pleasant.
However, a smaller number of 19 comments point to some bumps in the road. Issues like a rude hostess or host, long waiting times, and a dismissive attitude from staff occasionally crop up. While not the norm, these instances suggest that the initial greeting or managing expectations around wait times could sometimes be improved.
Service
108
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
19
negative
1
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, welcoming service
- Great bartenders
What people don't like
- Rude host/hostess
- Long wait times
- Dismissive attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe Beyond Meat meatballs and pasta were also a hit, with a well-executed and not too heavy marinara sauce. The A+++ service made the experience even better; I absolutely love this place!
- staffI highly recommend adding a salad or another pasta, along with the garlic bread or the cauliflower mozzarella balls (!) to truly enjoy your meal. Emmy's staff are always very kind. During the pandemic, I've been calling to order, paying with cash, and tipping via the tip jar at the register.
- ServiceService:5
- bartenderShout out to the bartender who checked on my order
- EmmyHaving grown up here, my mom was a close friend of Emmy and worked for her for about 10 years. The food is incredible, and Emmy is a wonderful person with a lot of love for her restaurant and food. I recommend this place to everyone who wants to try it.
- excellent serviceMy kiddo and I were so glad to find this gem! We enjoyed yummy food and excellent service. The atmosphere had all the lovely quirks, and the Dolly pinball was a fantastic addition.
- recommendationsmade some great recommendations on food and drink
- serverour server was funny and playful while still providing great service
- waitlistDefinitely join the yelp waitlist as soon as possible
- Dine inI also found the Beet and Goat Cheese salad to be exquisite. The dine-in service for dinner was enjoyable, with a price range of $30–50 per person.
Frequently criticized
- hostessthe hostess had the worst attitude
- serviceservice was annoying
- attitudeShe gave me the worst attitude
- dismissiveShe was totally dismissive to us
- employeeAnother employee also asked us to move out of the way in a very snotty tone.
- experienceSpoiled what would have been a nice experience here
- front door mait're DFelt like I wasn't cool enough to be paid attention to by the front door mait're D.
- front door personThe front door person let me stand there and looked at me for 5 min before engaging
- hostThe host asked if we had reservations in a very snotty way.
- mealrushed thru the meal
If youre looking for a place with generally excellent and friendly service, youll likely be very happy here. Just be prepared that theres a slight chance of encountering a less-than-stellar welcome or a bit of a wait, especially if its busy.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the ambience! This spot scores a solid 8, with a fantastic 83.2% customer satisfaction, indicating a generally good experience. Out of 113 comments, a whopping 94 rave about the vibe, atmosphere, and quirky decor, often highlighting it as a kid-friendly and lively place.
It sounds like a truly unique and welcoming environment. However, 12 comments did point out a few snags. Some found the music too loud or the lights too dim, making it hard to read the menu.
There were also mentions of sticky tables and parking' challenges, suggesting a few areas where the experience could be smoother.
Ambience
113
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
12
negative
7
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique lively vibe
- Fun quirky decor
- Kid-friendly games
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Dim lighting
- Cleanliness issues
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a good vibes and lots of energy, creating a hippy-fun, almost dive-bar atmosphere. The Arancini and pesto gnocchi are definitely worth trying!
- vibeThis place has a certain vibe to it
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance, hospitality, and food made it well worth the visit.
- bargreat place at the bar.
- environmentMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious and inexpensive pasta dishes in a low-key and fun environment. It's perfectly situated in the heart of SF's La Lengua district!
- interiorThe interior is fun
- locationI enjoyed delicious and inexpensive pasta dishes in a low-key and fun environment. It's perfectly situated in the heart of SF's La Lengua district!
- vibesAmazing vibes overall
- Dolly pinballWe enjoyed yummy food and excellent service. The atmosphere had all the lovely quirks, and the Dolly pinball was a fantastic addition. It's hard to go wrong with such a fun and satisfying experience!
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI wasn’t thrilled with the atmosphere, children running around screaming and crying
- musicThe music was way too loud
- cleanlinesseverything was sticky and dirty
- games with screensIt's a nice place to take kids, with a great kids menu and a very kid-focused atmosphere featuring colors, lights, and games. However, I wish the games with screens in the back did not exist, though my daughter would say otherwise.
- lightsThe lights were very dim. I had to use my phone light to read the menu
- menuthe menu was ridiculous and looked like a child
- parkingyou might find it hard to find parking around that area on weekends
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- spidera spider literally landed on me
- tablesDidn't clean tables in between our seating
If youre seeking a place with a vibrant, unique atmosphere and dont mind a bit of lively noise, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially loud music and consider alternative transport, as parking can be tricky.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found some real gems, especially with their Monday deal and happy hour specials. Customers appreciated the bang for your buck on certain dishes and the cash discount for those paying upfront. With 17 positive remarks out of 35 total, there are definitely fun offers that make it feel not too pricey for a good meal.
However, the experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 48.6% and an average score of 5.7. Many felt the regular menu items were overpriced and not worth the cost, especially given the quality. A major sticking point was the credit card fee and the mandatory tip calculated on the total, which left some feeling the prices were unfair and the billing practices opaque.
This led to 16 negative comments.
Value
35
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent Monday deals
- Great happy hour
- Cash payment discount
What people don't like
- Unexpected credit card fees
- Mandatory tip issues
- Regular menu overpriced
Often praised
- cash discountThey still do the cash discount!
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious and inexpensive pasta dishes in a low-key and fun environment. It's perfectly situated in the heart of SF's La Lengua district!
- $18 meatball parm sandwichI rolled up here at 11: 30pm the other night and it was excellent. The mezcal cocktail I had was delicious and the $18 meatball parm sandwich I had was far more delicious and sizeable for the price than I’d expect to be able to get in SF, I had trouble finishing it. It was also pretty lively at that hour with late diners which was refreshing.
- Monday dealMonday deal - well worth it
- Monday night dealamazing Monday night deal
- Monday night specialMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The vibes were immaculate, and the Monday night special was a fantastic deal with the perfect amount of food. I'm still amazed by how they make the cauliflower balls SO incredible, and the vodka sauce felt like a comforting blanket on the pasta.
- bang for your buckGood bang for your buck
- fun offersfun offers through the week
- happy houron happy hour
- not too priceynot too pricey
Frequently criticized
- pricebut pricy! We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and drinks, but paid over $50 a head
- billThe food was good, and the service was also decent, both receiving a 4-star rating. However, the overall experience was significantly marred by their shady practices on the bill. They add a 3.
- Price per personpaid $26 for a rigatoni with Italian sausage, plus tip...$32
- card feeYou will get charged a fee if paying with a card
- cash only for the dealit’s cash only for the deal
- costNot worth the cost
- credit card feeadd a 3.5% fee for credit cards
- credit card paymentsadditional amount is charged if you are paying with credit card
- mandatory tip5% fee for credit cards, which they wouldn't remove even when I offered to pay with a debit card. To make matters worse, they then add a mandatory 20% tip, which is manually calculated on the total, including taxes and the credit card fee. This means I'm paying a tip on a forced fee, which feels slimy and dishonest.
- overpricedsuch an overpriced way to get sick
If youre looking for a great deal, definitely check out their "Monday deal" or "happy hour" specials, especially if youre paying with cash. However, be aware that regular menu prices can feel steep, and the added credit card fees and mandatory tip can make the final bill surprisingly high. Its worth trying for the specials, but approach with caution if youre planning a full-price meal with card.
How are the prices at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack?
On average, you’ll spend around 41 per person – from 91 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, while the average sits in the $41–$50 bracket, we see a good spread. Many diners actually spend in the $21–$30 range, suggesting a nice mix of options from more casual to slightly more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
How this Italian Restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. The variety in spending options means theres likely something for everyone, which is always a good sign.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Emmy's Spaghetti Shack
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fantastic Atmosphere for Dates and Catch-ups
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere is truly the best thing about it, making it a fantastic choice for date nights or catching up with an old friend. The food, particularly the Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs, was perfect, and they offer great dietary options like dairy-free and vegan.
The service was also excellent, with a perfect score. We experienced moderate noise, which was pleasant. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience.
- atmosphere10
- date nights9
- catching up9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Classic Mission Spot with Fun Vibes
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a great time eating spaghetti and enjoying the unique atmosphere. The servers were kind, contributing to a very positive dining experience.
It's a classic spot in the Mission that offers a lot of fun.
- spaghetti9
- servers9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
10
Flawless Service and Bomb Food!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, especially considering we arrived with a massive group during Portola weekend. The crew handled us flawlessly, demonstrating incredible kindness and attentiveness – a solid 10/10. My partner and I shared several dishes, all of which were amazing.
The hot wings were bomb, as was the wild mushroom gnocchi. The fried eggplant cutlet with chili oil was also bomb. However, the absolute star of the show for me was the Spicy Caesar salad; I couldn't get enough and desperately need the recipe for that dressing!
The ambiance of the place felt like a warm hug from the 90s. I would absolutely return whenever I'm in the area. Thanks, team!
- crew10
- hot wings10
- wild mushroom gnocchi10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Brooklyn Vibes with Amazing Food!
My experience at this restaurant reminded me of Brooklyn, where I lived for six years. The menu was beautifully crafted with an 'if you know, you know' vibe. I really appreciated the detail in the menu and drink selection.
They offer Lambrusco, unique Negronis, and delicious pastas, with the lasagna being particularly insane. For group dinners, they have fun funky shots like the nacho cheese pickleback. I loved everything we had and we are definitely coming back often!
- menu9
- menu and drink selection9
- Lambrusco8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
A Comforting Home-Cooked Meal in SF
New to SF and feeling homesick, I was craving a home-cooked meal. Walking into Emmy's, I was immediately greeted with a smile and a great spot at the bar. Surrounded by friendly, local patrons, Kat the bartender truly made me feel at home.
I ordered the house wine (twice) during happy hour and the spaghetti with grandma's meatballs, which was delicious and enough for lunch the next day. My tab was $50. I left Emmy's with a full belly and a comforted soul!
- home cooked meal10
- smile10
- bar8
What Emmy's Spaghetti Shack offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience does Emmy's Spaghetti Shack offer?
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack provides a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for dinner. You can enjoy table service and seating, with dessert options available to complete your meal.
What service and accessibility features are available at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack?
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack offers convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery. The establishment is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your comfort.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Emmy's Spaghetti Shack?
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack generally receives good feedback, with an overall Restaurant Score of 8 out of 10 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 82%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (8.3), Ambience (8), and Service (7.9), though Value (5.7) is an area where opinions are more mixed.
Are there any specific dishes or aspects of the food that customers enjoy?
Many customers praise the comforting pasta dishes, especially the spaghetti and meatballs, noting the perfectly tangy sauce and quality noodles. Other popular items include lasagna, garlic bread, and cocktails, with some seasonal specials also receiving high recommendations.
What are some common concerns or negative points raised by diners?
Some diners have noted issues with unwelcoming front staff and an occasionally loud or unclean environment. Concerns about value also arise, with mentions of hidden fees, credit card surcharges, and prices that some find to be on the higher side.