Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Fifty Vara – San Francisco
Fifty Vara - San Francisco
Photo from Fifty Vara
Fifty Vara at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 31 of the guests
#541 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#74 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
245
Reviews
84.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Food
- Friendly Service
- Good Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Small Portions
- Inconsistent Dishes
The restaurant Fifty Vara in San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District is a must-visit spot. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Known for its great beer selection, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience where you can unwind and enjoy quality time with friends or family. Whether you’re craving small plates or a full meal, Fifty Vara has you covered with its diverse offerings and welcoming vibe.
Overview: Introducting Fifty Vara
Fifty Vara offers a compelling experience, often praised for its excellent food and engaging ambience. Guests frequently highlight the quality of the dishes and the inviting atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for a meal.
The attentive service also stands out, with many appreciating the helpful and friendly staff. However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the overall value.
Opinions suggest that while the quality is there, the portion sizes can be small for the cost, leading to perceptions of it being a bit pricey. This aspect might be a consideration for those mindful of their budget.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
245
Reviews
84.5%
Satisfaction
32
negative
6
neutral
207
positive
Overall, Fifty Vara earns a solid 8.1, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is reinforced by a strong 84.5% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting most visitors leave pleased.
These figures are drawn from 245 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 207 positive comments outweighing the 32 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Food (7.9), Service (8.7), and Ambience (8.7) all perform well, consistently receiving high marks from patrons.
However, the Value (3.8) stands out as an area needing attention. While the quality of the experience is often praised, the perceived cost-to-portion ratio is a recurring point of contention among some guests.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Attentive, Friendly Service
- Inviting Atmosphere & Decor
What people don't like
- Perceived High Prices
- Small Portion Sizes
- Inconsistent Appetizers/Pasta
With a strong recommendation score of 8.4, Fifty Vara generally delivers a commendable experience. If you prioritize a vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and well-prepared dishes, it’s certainly worth considering.
Be prepared for a potentially higher bill, but the quality often justifies it for many. However, if budget is a primary concern or you expect generous portions, you might find the value proposition less appealing.
For those seeking a pleasant outing where food and setting shine, Fifty Vara offers a solid choice, provided you manage expectations on pricing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fifty Vara
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally delighted, with the experience scoring a good 7.9 and customer satisfaction hitting a solid 81%. With 115 positive remarks out of 142 total comments, many rave about the delicious pork chop, perfectly prepared burgers, and flavorful pasta dishes. The flatbreads and overall food quality also receive high praise, often described as excellent and amazing.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as indicated by 21 negative comments. Some found the flatbread to be undercooked or chewy, while certain pasta dishes were described as out of balance or even really bad. There were also mentions of crab cakes being flavorless and burgers occasionally being mediocre or small, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
142
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
21
negative
6
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Amazing pork chop
- Delicious burgers
What people don't like
- Inconsistent flatbread
- Poor pasta dishes
- Flavorless crab cakes
Often praised
- foodThis is a cool spot with good vibes and great food/cocktails. The service was awesome.
- burgerMy wife had the burger and couldn't help herself, so good it was gone!
- cocktailsThis is a cool spot with good vibes and great food/cocktails. The service was awesome.
- pork choppork chop, and I can honestly say it was one of the freshest and most flavorful
- beerThe dishes offered a firework of flavors, and the presentation was excellent. Even as someone not easily impressed by beer, they managed to surprise me! I want to give a special shout-out to the staff, especially our server Mari.
- FoodFood very good
- Dahlia DellThe stand out was my drink - the Dahlia Dell. I am dreaming of it!
- beersWe had the beers (lager and porter)
- craft beerin-house brewed craft beer lineup is something special
- dishesThe cuisine was absolutely delicious. What stood out was the exceptional service; the staff was kind enough to allow us to order two of the pick-up sticks each so we could sample the dishes. I will definitely come back again!
Frequently criticized
- pastathe pasta and some of our other appetizers were a big let down. The pasta specifically was really bad
- Baked goat cheeseUnderwhelming but could have been delicious
- Chips & dipChips & dip were a letdown
- Tomato flatbreadTomato flatbread was undercooked and therefore chewy and doughy
- appetizersMy experience at the restaurant was a let down after much anticipation following the change in ownership. While the service and atmosphere were great, and the burger & beer were pretty good, the pasta and some of our other appetizers were a big let down. The pasta specifically was really bad and was more of a soup, so I would recommend picking something else on the menu.
- bar foodvery OK bar food
- beef patty burgera small beef patty burger
- beerthe beer felt like it was a backyard brew.
- burgerthe burger would be justified or phenomenal. It wasn’t.
- burgersThe burgers were small and mediocre
Overall, the food here is a strong contender, with many dishes earning high praise and a good overall score. While there might be a few inconsistent items, the majority of diners leave satisfied. It's definitely worth a visit, but perhaps stick to the highly recommended mains like the pork chop or burgers for the best experience.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 8.7 and an impressive 91.5% customer satisfaction! Out of 47 customer experiences, a whopping 43 rave about the experience. Guests consistently praise the warm, welcoming staff, attentive waiters, and friendly owners.
Terms like staff, waiter, owner, and attentive service pop up frequently, highlighting a truly top-notch experience. However, its not entirely without a hitch, with 4 negative comments noted. A few experiences mentioned a rude host or a bartender who left mid-dinner without notice.
Some felt the service' was just meh. While these are isolated incidents, they are worth noting for a complete picture.
Service
47
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, warm staff
- Attentive, fast service
- Welcoming, kind owner
What people don't like
- Rude host
- Bartender left early
Often praised
- serviceWe had been meaning to try it and had heard good things, and it truly delivered on all fronts. The food was great, the vibes were excellent, and the service was top-notch. We will definitely be going back.
- staffThe staff was kind enough to allow us
- ServiceService is always friendly
- ownerThe restaurant offers a wide selection of beers for everyone, and there's in-house brewing equipment, too. The owner definitely knows what he's doing! Plus, the mocktails were flavorful and unique.
- AlexisAlexis? I believe was the server and she was so sweet.
- JohnJohn who took our initial appetizer orders both gentleman were tentative and helpful
- MarinoMarino swung by, dropped off waters
- MiguelMiguel was great.
- NickJust like everyone else Nick was friendly, sympathetic and patient
- StevenSteven welcomed us at the door, joyful and very whole hearted
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe called ahead to see if we could watch the Cowboys game and if we could bring our service dog, and we were told yes on the phone. However, upon arrival, we were greeted by an incredibly rude host who questioned us excessively about our medical conditions, even though our dog was being very well-behaved. Sadly, we will never return to this place with or without our dog.
- bartenderthe bartender left middle of our dinner without even letting us know.
- hostWe called ahead to see if we could watch the Cowboys game and if we could bring our service dog, and we were told yes on the phone. However, upon arrival, we were greeted by an incredibly rude host who questioned us excessively about our medical conditions, even though our dog was being very well-behaved. Sadly, we will never return to this place with or without our dog.
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this spot is definitely worth trying. The service is overwhelmingly praised as excellent, making for a fantastic dining experience. Just be aware that a rare hiccup with a host or bartender has been reported, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a fantastic score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 96%! Based on 48 positive remarks out of 50 total, guests consistently rave about the stunning space, gorgeous lights and plants, and the overall welcoming vibe. It's clearly a modern, comfortable neighborhood spot with great atmosphere.
However, with only 2 negative comments, a couple of minor points emerged. One guest wished the spot was in their neighborhood, while another found the outdoor seating a bit chilly. These are small considerations, but worth noting if you prefer warmer outdoor options.
Ambience
50
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning space
- Beautiful lights, plants
- Welcoming community vibe
What people don't like
- Chilly outdoor seating
Often praised
- atmospherethe place is really nice with all the plants and the light and the beautiful bar
- spaceThe space itself is stunning with gorgeous lights and plants.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorthe decor was very nicely done—a huge upgrade
- parkingPlenty of parking
- vibesWe had been meaning to try it and had heard good things, and it truly delivered on all fronts. The food was great, the vibes were excellent, and the service was top-notch. We will definitely be going back.
- ParkingI highly recommend supporting this local treasure. Parking is free and abundant.
- ambianceGreat ambiance too!
- ambiance & vibethe icing on the cake is definitely the overall ambiance & vibe
- ambiencethe ambience was very nice
Frequently criticized
- neighborhoodMy only gripe is that it's not in my neighborhood
- outdoor seatingI sat outdoor which felt a bit chilly.
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. The stunning interior and welcoming vibe make it a great choice for almost any occasion, just be mindful of outdoor seating on cooler days.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems there's a bit of a mixed bag, though leaning heavily one way! While 1 customer did feel it was a great value, the overall sentiment suggests otherwise. With 5 negative opinions out of 6 total, many customers found the experience to be quite pricey.
Terms like price, overpriced overrated spot, portion size, cost, and pricey popped up frequently. The score for value sits at a poor 3.8, and customer satisfaction is also quite low at just 16.7%, indicating significant room for improvement in this area.
Value
6
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced and overrated
- Small portion sizes
- High cost
Often praised
- valueit was a great value
Frequently criticized
- costsmall portion size for cost
- overpriced overrated spotFeels like the kind of overpriced overrated spot I’d expect in Malibu
- portion sizesmall portion size for cost
- priceSimple burger, beer, and appetizer was $60+ Overpriced and overrated.
- priceyI do find it pricey in certain ways
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your spot, as many find it overpriced with small portions. However, if youre not concerned about the cost and are willing to overlook the value aspect, you might still enjoy other elements of your visit.
How are the prices at Fifty Vara?
On average, you’ll spend around 42 $ per person – from 31 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits at 42 $, the data shows a mix. Many guests spend in the $21–$30 range, but a significant number also opt for higher-priced experiences, pulling the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 31 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance for a city like this.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fifty Vara
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Vara Burger: A Fresh and Flavorful Experience!
My experience at Vara Burger was absolutely mind-blowing! It's a refreshing change from the usual fast-food options. The dishes offered a firework of flavors, and the presentation was excellent.
Even as someone not easily impressed by beer, they managed to surprise me! I want to give a special shout-out to the staff, especially our server Mari. She was incredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming.
The interior also deserves a solid 5 out of 5. Highly recommended!
- dishes10
- presentation9
- beer8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Food, Great Experience!
My experience at the restaurant was very good. I really enjoyed the cats burger, baked goat cheese, and Persian cucumbers. The herb garlic fries were delicious!
- cats burger9
- baked goat cheese9
- Persian cucumbers9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Modern Spot for Great Food & Service
I had an upscale casual dining experience at this restaurant. The interior is very modern, and the service staff were both friendly and efficient. My food arrived in good time, with excellent presentation and quality.
It's a good place for date night, celebrations, and everything in between, offering a comfortable neighborhood spot vibe.
- modern interior9
- service staff9
- food10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Great Food, Terrible Service Experience
My first visit to this restaurant was great. We called ahead to see if we could watch the Cowboys game and if we could bring our service dog, and we were told yes on the phone. However, upon arrival, we were greeted by an incredibly rude host who questioned us excessively about our medical conditions, even though our dog was being very well-behaved.
Sadly, we will never return to this place with or without our dog.
- food5
- atmosphere1
- service1
- host1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Garlic Fries & Flatbread!
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with the garlic fries being a highlight. I was so focused on eating them, I almost forgot to take a picture! Lol The mushroom flatbread was also super, with an excellent flatbread base that I could enjoy even with a dip.
I suggested adding crushed pepper flakes or goat cheese to make it more vibrant, but that's just my personal opinion as I'm no chef. The service was fantastic! I sat outdoors, and while it was a bit chilly, my server mentioned they will be installing outdoor heat lamps soon, which is great news.
- garlic fries9
- mushroom flatbread10
- flatbread9
- outdoor seating4
What Fifty Vara offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What accessibility and parking options are available at Fifty Vara?
Fifty Vara ensures a comfortable visit with a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. You’ll also find free street parking readily available, making your arrival and departure hassle-free. Usually, there’s plenty of parking to be found in the area.
Does Fifty Vara offer family-friendly dining and various meal options?
Absolutely! Fifty Vara welcomes families with a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. You can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner, with options ranging from small plates to full table service, ensuring a meal for every preference.
How does Fifty Vara generally rate among its patrons?
Fifty Vara holds a strong overall rating of 8.1. Its Food (7.9), Service (8.7), and Ambience (8.7) are highly regarded, though Value (3.8) is an area where some guests express reservations.
What are the standout features of Fifty Vara's dining experience?
Guests frequently praise the quality of the food, highlighting dishes like the pork chop and unique cocktails. The inviting atmosphere and the friendly, attentive staff also consistently receive positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns visitors have about Fifty Vara?
The primary concern for some visitors is the perceived value, with comments often mentioning small portion sizes for the cost, leading to it being considered pricey. Some specific appetizers and pasta dishes have also received mixed feedback.