Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Gambrinus – San Francisco
Gambrinus - San Francisco
Photo from Gambrinus
Gambrinus at a glance
San Francisco North of Panhandle
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 19 of the guests
#535 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#35 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
285
Reviews
85.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Extra charges
- Service delays
The bar & pub Gambrinus in San Francisco’s North of Panhandle neighborhood invites you to discover its welcoming atmosphere. Known for its great beer selection, this casual and cozy spot is perfect for unwinding.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed evening, you’ll find a comfortable setting here. Enjoy delicious food, wine, beer, and cocktails, all served with friendly service.
Overview: Introducting Gambrinus
Gambrinus offers a welcoming spot where many appreciate the hearty fare and attentive staff. Guests often highlight the delicious food and the friendly, hard working bartender who ensures a pleasant visit.
It’s a place where you can feel at home, enjoying good company and a relaxed setting. However, some experiences at Gambrinus have noted issues with certain menu items, like burnt brussels sprouts, and occasional service delays.
While the overall vibe is positive, a few patrons have also pointed out an additional charge on the bill, which can be a minor point of contention.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
285
Reviews
85.6%
Satisfaction
27
negative
14
neutral
244
positive
Overall, Gambrinus maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 8.1. This indicates a generally good dining experience, supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 85.6%.
With 244 positive remarks against just 27 negative ones out of 285 total opinions, it’s clear that most visitors leave content. This positive sentiment suggests a consistent quality that resonates well with its clientele.
Delving deeper, the Food (8.2) stands out as a particular strength, closely followed by the attentive Service (8.5). The Ambience (7.9) also contributes positively to the experience, creating a pleasant environment.
However, Value (5.9) is perceived as average, suggesting that while the quality is there, some guests find the pricing or additional charges less appealing compared to other aspects.
What people like
- Delicious, varied food
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Lively sports atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unexpected extra charges
- Occasional service delays
Gambrinus presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere and satisfying meals, particularly if you appreciate a good beer selection. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.5, it’s certainly worth considering for a casual outing or catching a game with friends.
While the food and service generally impress, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in certain dishes and the possibility of extra charges. If you prioritize a lively pub feel and friendly staff, Gambrinus could be a great fit, but manage expectations regarding every menu item.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Gambrinus
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, diners are generally thrilled! With a strong 8.2 score and 87.8% customer satisfaction, it's clear the kitchen is doing something right. Out of 181 comments, a whopping 159 rave about the excellent food quality, traditional German cuisine, and generous portions, often paired with a great selection of beers.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 14 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found the burger inconsistent, while others were disappointed with side dishes like brussels sprouts or the pulled pork mac-n-cheese. A few also noted an outdated online menu, suggesting a need for better consistency.
Food
181
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
14
negative
8
neutral
159
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Great beer selection
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent burger quality
- Disappointing side dishes
- Outdated online menu
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a perfect place to get well-priced, delicious food. If you're a beer enthusiast, you'll be pleased to know they have plenty of taps and a solid selection that caters to any preference.
- beerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I had a great schnitzel, a delicious burger, and enjoyed a refreshing beer. I'm very glad I found this place after way too many years in the city.
- beer selectionIt's a clean and friendly spot with an awesome owner. They have a great selection of beer and the food was delicious. 😎
- hummus plateThey have a great tap list with tons of Eastern European beers. All the food is so good; the chicken kebabs are phenomenal, the burgers are tasty, the hummus plate is incredible, and the pizzas are all great. Honestly, nothing here is bad.
- burgerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I had a great schnitzel, a delicious burger, and enjoyed a refreshing beer. I'm very glad I found this place after way too many years in the city.
- German foodAny of the German food options is 👌🏼
- bar foodbar food to be above average
- beerssurprising amount of beers on tap and a variety I have never before seen
- chicken tendersone of the best chicken tenders in town
- friesThe fries were indistinguishable from McDonald’s but in a good way, they hit the spot!
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative. Myself and two other people with me all got sick from the food. Aside from that, the experience was nothing special, and it was not cheap.
- appetizerthe brussule spouts as an app was burnt to bits
- beersnot so much the beers
- brussels sproutsthe brussule spouts as an app was burnt to bits
- bunThe bun was also toasted poorly and chewy as well
- burgerthe burger on the other hand was one of the worst I’ve ever had
- friend's dishmy friend's was rather disappointing
- macaroniHowever, the pesto veggie pizza was a bit too salty, though it had a good crust. I was particularly unimpressed with the pulled pork mac-n-cheese; while the pulled pork itself was good, the macaroni was overcooked and the cheese sauce was ho-hum. On the service front, the server was personable and prompt.
- menu itemsSome of the menu items were out
- menu onlineMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The menu online is outdated. While my dish was alright, my friend's dish was rather disappointing.
If youre looking for a spot with generally delicious food, especially European comfort fare and a fantastic beer selection, youll likely be very happy. Just be mindful that a few specific dishes might be inconsistent, but overall, it's definitely worth a try.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The service here is definitely a highlight! With a solid score of 8.5 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 88.9%, its clear most folks are walking away happy. Out of 36 comments, a whopping 32 rave about the "staff, " "owner, " and especially the "bartender" (often named Neil/Nael), praising their "hospitality" and "really good service.
" Many feel right at home thanks to the friendly, personable crew. However, its not entirely perfect. A few of the 36 comments, specifically 4, did mention some hiccups.
There were concerns about waiting time and a lack of employee attention, with one person even waiting a half-hour without being served. There was also a note about needing to update Google hours, which, while not directly service quality, can impact the customer experience.
Service
36
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Excellent bartender/owner
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Lack employee attention
Often praised
- NeilNeil is a wonderful, funny and hard working bartender
- ownerNeil, the owner, is incredibly nice and always willing to go above and beyond!
- ServiceThe bartender greeted us very politely
- bartenderhard working bartender that will make sure you are well taken care of
- serviceAlways amazing service
- staffI've never felt so at home in a place before or since. My friend and I used to frequent it after work or for weekend games, and we'd always have great conversations with the staff and other patrons. When friends talk about visiting SF, I always recommend Bistro Gambrinus to them!
- NaelNael is an absolute gem
- NealNeal is super friendly
- another visitLooking forward for another visit
- bar tenderbar tender. One of the best
Frequently criticized
- Google hoursShould update your google hours!
- employee attentionlong enough to get looked at by two employees. Didn’t get served
- servicethe service was poor
- waiting timewaited a half hour, long enough to get looked at
If youre looking for a spot with genuinely friendly faces and top-notch hospitality, this place is definitely worth a visit. The staff, especially the owner/bartender, consistently goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Just be aware that on rare occasions, there might be a slight wait or a moment where you need to catch an employees eye.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The ambience here is quite impressive, scoring a 7.9 and boasting a 81.8% customer satisfaction! With 45 positive sentiments out of 55 total, many praise it as a fantastic local spot and sports bar with a friendly, neighborly vibe. Guests love the outdoor sitting and the overall lively vibe, making it a favorite for many.
On the flip side, the 4 negative comments highlight some limited TVs for game viewing and that it can feel like much more a bar for the college crowd. Finding a parking space can also be quite difficult, so keep that in mind if you're driving.
Ambience
55
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
4
negative
6
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly pub vibe
- Great sports viewing
- Lively local spot
What people don't like
- Limited TV screens
- Difficult parking
- College crowd focus
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food is delicious, and it's packed for Warriors games. The location right by USF attracts a young and happy crowd, contributing to a great atmosphere. I highly recommend stopping by to try the Mac and cheese!
- TV'sThe outside space was also a highlight, especially with the heaters. The big TV's added to the atmosphere, and Neal provided super friendly service.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- barMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's easily the best bar in the city for watching a game and getting dinner. They have a great tap list with tons of Eastern European beers.
- calm atmospherecalm atmosphere with a euro, german style
- casual drop inOur favorite casual drop in
- college studentsMy experience at Bistro Gambrinus was filled with steins and great times. This local watering hole is a fantastic place for watching sports games and is always buzzing with lively locals and college students. Nael is a fantastic host.
- crowdedWhile it's not the ideal place to watch a game due to limited TVs, it still works. The service is very good, and the atmosphere is usually relaxed as the place never seems too crowded. It's a good local spot with reasonable prices for both food and drink.
- environmentnice pub with a great environment
- favorite spotsOne of our favorite spots in the city
Frequently criticized
- TVslimited in TV's
- college crowdmuch more a bar for the college crowd
- outdoors lampsadditionally the outdoors lamps are for show only until they get the proper permits.
- parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
If youre looking for a lively "local spot" with a "friendly, neighborly vibe" and a great atmosphere for watching sports, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that TV options might be limited, and parking can be a challenge, especially if youre not keen on a college crowd.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some good things going for it! With 61.5% customer satisfaction and 8 positive remarks out of 13 total, many guests appreciate the reasonable prices and fantastic happy hour deals. Youll often find fair prices for ample portions, and even free street parking, plus they dont skimp on the pour!
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, as reflected by an average score of 5.9. While many find the prices fair, 5 negative comments highlight concerns about value. Some diners were surprised by an automatic gratuity, suggestions for additional tips, or a 4% additional charge on their bill, which can certainly add up.
Value
13
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great happy hour
- Free street parking
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity
- Hidden charges
Often praised
- Reasonable pricesReasonable prices for food and drink
- fair priceI enjoyed the well prepared and delicious pub fare, which was served in ample quantity. The quality selection of food was impressive, and the fair price made it even better. I also appreciated the good selection of draft beer.
- free street parkingParking options:Free street parking
- happy hour dealsAmazing deals for happy hour
- pourdon't skimpy on the pour
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a perfect place to get well-priced, delicious food. If you're a beer enthusiast, you'll be pleased to know they have plenty of taps and a solid selection that caters to any preference.
- pricesPrices are incredibly reasonable
- reasonable pricesMy experience at the restaurant was great. I enjoyed the huge portions and reasonable prices. I had the Wings n Fries and a huge beer.
Frequently criticized
- priceIt's difficult to give a 3-star rating because the entree was truly excellent; I savored every bite of the main dish. However, the brussels sprouts appetizer was burnt to a crisp, and I really didn't want to pay for it.
- additional chargethere’s a 4% additional charge on the total bill
- additional tipsuggest that you tip an additional amount
- automatic gratuitythey include an Automatic Gratuity of 20%
If you're looking for reasonable prices and great happy hour deals, especially with free parking, this place could be a solid choice. Just be aware of potential automatic gratuities or extra charges that might affect your final bill, as these have left some guests feeling a bit short-changed.
How are the prices at Gambrinus?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 19 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 20, many guests actually spend a bit more, with prices often clustering in the $21–$30 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 19 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub. It offers a good middle-ground option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Gambrinus
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Beer, Delicious Food, Awesome Owner!
My experience at this neighborhood bar/pub was fantastic! It's a clean and friendly spot with an awesome owner. They have a great selection of beer and the food was delicious.
😎
- neighborhood bar/pub9
- beer selection9
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Beer and Bacon Mac n Cheese!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the good beer and yummy food. I particularly loved the czecvar beer paired with the bacon mac n cheese.
Additionally, the bartender was a nice guy.
- beer9
- food9
- czecvar beer10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Hangout Spot Near USF
This is a great place to hang out with my friends. It's very close to USF. I haven't seen any USF grad students yet, but it is Summer.
The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5. Parking can be a bit tricky, with difficult to find parking, but there are free street parking options. Down the hill, there's a market with underground parking, which is rare in SF.
Wheelchair accessibility might be an issue getting to the location as it's up a hill, but the inside is fine with low tables that can be wheeled up to.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
- parking space3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Improved Food and Great Beer Selection
I've been coming here for years, especially when a friend lived nearby. Neil has done a lot to improve the place, and the food has definitely gotten better. I tried the fish and chips, which came with thin, crispy fries and three pieces of fish.
It was served with tartar sauce, vinegar, and a spicier red dip. They offer a wide beer selection, and I always appreciate their nice Chardonnay. They also host pub quizzes.
- food8
- fish and chips7
- fries8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Bistro and Bar Menu Options
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. They offer a good bistro menu and the bar menu is good too. It's hard to go wrong with any of their selections.
- bistro menu8
- bar menu8
- selections9
What Gambrinus offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Gambrinus?
At Gambrinus, you can enjoy various dining options including comfortable table service and ample seating. You can also indulge in delicious desserts after your meal.
Does Gambrinus offer convenient parking and accessibility?
Yes, Gambrinus provides free street parking for your convenience. Additionally, the establishment features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Gambrinus?
Gambrinus generally receives positive feedback, with a strong **Customer Satisfaction** of **85.6%** and a **Restaurant Score** of **8.1**. Most patrons appreciate the experience, though some minor issues are noted.
What are the standout features of Gambrinus?
Customers frequently praise the **Food** (8.2) for its delicious and varied options, and the **Service** (8.5) for its friendly and attentive staff. The lively **Ambience** (7.9) also contributes to a positive visit.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Gambrinus?
Some guests have experienced inconsistent food quality, such as burnt items, and have noted unexpected additional charges on their bills. There are also occasional mentions of service delays and outdated online menu information.