Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Hardwood – San Francisco
Hardwood - San Francisco
Photo from Hardwood
Hardwood at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🍖 Barbecue Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 82 of the guests
#1145 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#10 Barbecue Restaurant out of 17 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
463
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- BBQ meats
- Attentive service
- Inviting ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Slow delivery
- Loud environment
The restaurant, a premier Barbecue Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant West SoMa neighborhood, invites you to savor authentic flavors. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
With a great beer selection, Hardwood is the ideal spot for a quick bite, late-night food, or a relaxed dinner. Enjoy small plates, wine, and cocktails, all while experiencing top-notch service.
Overview: Introducting Hardwood
Hardwood offers a distinct atmosphere with a warm, industrial vibe, making it a great spot for groups. Many appreciate the well-seasoned and juicy BBQ, particularly the brisket and pulled pork, which are often described as tender and flavorful.
However, some experiences at Hardwood point to occasional inconsistencies. While the service can be excellent and efficient, there are reports of slow food delivery and issues with hidden fees on take out orders, raising questions about overall value.
Good
7.5
out of 10
463
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
86
negative
28
neutral
349
positive
Overall, Hardwood maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its 7.5 Restaurant Score and 75.4% Customer Satisfaction. These figures indicate a generally positive dining experience for many patrons.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial volume of feedback, with 349 positive remarks outweighing 86 negative observations across 463 total customer comments. Delving into specific aspects, Service stands out with a strong (8.4) score, often praised for its efficiency.
The Ambience also garners positive feedback, scoring well at (8.1) for its inviting atmosphere. While the Food receives a respectable (7.3), indicating a generally satisfying culinary offering, Value (5.4) appears to be an area where opinions are more divided, suggesting some room for improvement.
What people like
- Quality BBQ meats
- Attentive service
- Inviting ambiance
What people don't like
- Hidden take-out fees
- Slow food delivery
- Occasional loud environment
Hardwood offers a generally positive experience, particularly for those seeking well-prepared BBQ in a lively setting. With a solid 7.6 Recommendation Score, it’s a place worth considering if you appreciate good meat and a vibrant atmosphere, especially during happy hour.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food delivery speed and the practice of hidden fees on take-out orders. While the core offerings are strong, these aspects might temper your overall satisfaction.
It’s a good choice for a casual, meat-focused meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hardwood
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.3 and a solid customer satisfaction of 72%. With 231 positive remarks out of 321 total comments, many rave about the amazing brisket, tender ribs, and delicious pulled pork. The unique smoked meats and flavorful sides also earn high praise.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 65 negative comments noting occasional dryness in the brisket and pulled pork. Some found the chicken bland or dishes lukewarm, and there were a few mentions of disappointing mac and cheese.
Food
321
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
65
negative
25
neutral
231
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Brisket is amazing
- Ribs are tender
- Meats are uniquely smoked
What people don't like
- Brisket can be dry
- Chicken can be bland
- Dishes can be lukewarm
Often praised
- foodI visited 5 BBQ restaurants while visiting San Francisco and this one was the best. I was there with two other barbecue aficionados and we all agreed everything was great. The food was exceptional, and the atmosphere and service were also top-notch, all receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- brisketI've wasted about a hundred bucks on brisket at various places over the last 6 months desperate to find somewhere that has delicious brisket. It was absolutely delicious! Can't wait to go back and order a half pound or a full pound.
- BBQI enjoyed their excellent beverages and warm hospitality. The mouthwatering BBQ was a highlight, with both the ribs and pulled pork being top-notch. The sides were equally impressive: incredibly colorful vegetables, a fresh side salad, and a balanced, crisp, and refreshing coleslaw that wasn't overly sweet or mayo-drenched.
- ribsThe rub on the brisket was great and it was well cooked; my only critique is that the brisket itself was a little too fatty for my preference. Judging by the quality of the rub, I suspect the ribs must be really good.
- pulled porkThe pulled pork, brisket and spare ribs, however, were superb!
- FoodFood Was Tender, Meaty and Flavorful
- beef brisketnaked chicken and beef brisket was still really good
- beerFrom the wings to soft tacos to beer, all was fresh
- brisket sandwichWe shared a platter of 4 types of meats for 3 people, along with nachos, a brisket sandwich, and sides. Overall, the food was good, but the chicken was the worst we've ever had – so dry and bland it was inedible.
- coleslawpulled pork and coleslaw, and both were absolutely delicious
Frequently criticized
- brisketheated brisket from maybe hours ago cooked furthermore it wasnt even preheated hot
- foodMy favorite items were the cornbread and greens. Overall, the food lacked flavor and was very tough.
- chickenThe food, a sharing platter, was fab and more than we could eat. My only small criticism is that the chicken was a tiny bit dry. However, the pulled pork, brisket, and spare ribs were superb!
- meatmeat here was supposed to be really good but it was extremely dry and unpleasant
- ribsThe ribs definitely could have been better
- baked beanswish they served baked beans
- meatsthe meats were lukewarm and not so flavorful
- rib tipsThe rib tips were burned and old. Hard to chew.
- saucesthe ordered sauces were not brought
- Mac and cheesewish they served Mac and cheese
If you're craving some seriously good smoked meats, especially brisket and ribs, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While some dishes might miss the mark, the overall consensus points to a satisfying BBQ experience.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at 86.1%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Out of 79 remarks, a whopping 68 were positive, praising the friendly and efficiently staff, warm hospitality, and kind and caring staff who ensure a fast service speed.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups, with 10 negative comments noted. Some guests encountered confused, rude service, particularly from an inattentive bartender. There were also concerns raised about issues with take out orders, suggesting some areas could use a little more polish.
Service
79
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Fast service speed
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Inattentive bartender
- Confused, rude service
- Take-out order issues
Often praised
- serviceThe spicy sauce was hot and more vinegar-like, while the mustard sauce was a definite yum. It was a little noisy and busy during happy hours, but the service was excellent.
- ServiceService:5
- staffthe staff was rushing around to make sure everyone was taken care of
- Albert L. and his teamAlbert L. and his team are very friendly and efficiently
- Lalo GuServer Lalo Gu served us and he was amazing
- Service is efficientService is fast and efficient
- Service is fastService is fast and efficient
- chefIt was a pleasure meeting chef.
- closing the barThey even delayed closing the bar for us
- corporate lunch eventhelp me to plan my corporate lunch event
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was the worst we've ever seen
- serverThe bartender was the server, and she wasn't attentive
- bartenderthe bartender was serving all the tables
- beveragesShe also failed to offer beverages
- food deliverywhy it took so long to bring out our food
- take out ordersMy experience was that they automatically charge you an extra 20% when ordering from their website. This practice of cleverly tricking your customers into paying a hidden tip fee (pre-selected) for orders that are TAKE OUT needs to stop. It's manipulative and borderline scam behavior.
- white girlthe white girl was very rude
Overall, you can expect a generally good service experience here, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. While there are a few isolated reports of inattentiveness or confusion, the positive feedback heavily outweighs the negative, making it worth a visit for reliable service.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a good 8.1 with a strong 86.3% customer satisfaction. Many guests, with 44 positive remarks out of 51 total, loved the overall vibe and atmosphere. People appreciated the authentic industrial ambience and found parking surprisingly easy, making it a welcoming spot.
However, its not without its quirks, as 5 negative comments point out. Some found it could get "loud, " especially when crowded, making conversation difficult. A few also encountered a "stand-offish energy or issues with no available seating" upon arrival, which can be a bit off-putting.
Ambience
51
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Easy parking
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Stand-off'ish energy
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a distinct atmosphere and characteristic decor. The menu is primarily focused on grilled and smoked meats, with the ribs and brisket being well-seasoned and juicy.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeThe whole vibe felt warm and welcoming
- street parkingplenty of street parking available
- TVsplenty of TV’s to watch the game
- ambianceThe ambiance was pleasant
- ambienceAtmosphere:4
- ambientambient is cozy
- authentic industrial ambiencelovely authentic industrial ambience
- groupGreat place for a group too
Frequently criticized
- loudA bit loud though when it gets crowded
- no available seatingFrom the moment my husband and I walked in, we felt a stand-off'ish energy. The area near the entrance was crowded with people who stared at us as we were informed the rest of the restaurant was closed and there was no available seating. We were offered a seat at the bar, which we declined, and instead asked to place an order for takeout.
- restaurant with a barI wish it was a restaurant with a bar
- stand-off'ish energywe felt the stand-off'ish energy
If youre looking for a lively spot with a great vibe and dont mind a bit of noise, this place is worth checking out, especially with its easy parking. However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting or are sensitive to crowds, you might want to consider visiting during off-peak hours or for takeout.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 8% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 and customer satisfaction sitting at 50%. On the bright side, many appreciate that its truly "worth your time and money, " with "prices" often described as moderate. Patrons particularly love the "happy hour" deals, especially the "reasonably priced booze" and even "$2 Montucky" specials, as noted in 6 positive opinions.
However, the value proposition isnt universally loved. Some feel it's a waste of money, citing concerns over prices in general, and particularly the 20% tip or hidden tip fee that can be automatically charged, even for takeout. These points, highlighted in 6 negative opinions, suggest that while some find deals, others feel the cost adds up unexpectedly.
Value
12
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good happy hour
- Worth time, money
- Moderate dish prices
What people don't like
- Automatic tip fee
- Feels like waste
- High Bay Area prices
Often praised
- pricesThe service was helpful and efficient, with staff readily providing information about the dishes. Prices were moderate considering the culinary profile of the establishment. While the interior can get quite noisy, especially when busy, it fits the overall vibe of the place.
- $2 Montucky$2 Montucky during happy hour
- boozethe booze was reasonably priced
- happy hourduring happy hour on Thursday too
- worth your time and moneyreally is worth your time and money
Frequently criticized
- 20% tipand the 20% tip
- automatically chargeautomatically charge you an extra 20%
- hidden tip feepaying a hidden tip fee (pre-selected) for orders that are TAKE OUT
- priceWe payed $100
- pricesIt's rare for California, much less SF, to measure up to Midwest and Southern food, but this place does the trick. Like anything else in the Bay, you will pay too much because it costs too much to live in the area. If they had the same prices anywhere else, I wouldn't recommend it, but this is SF where mid-range meals cost $30+ per person after accounting for tax, gratuity, and tip.
- waste of moneyfelt like this was a waste of my money.
Overall, if youre looking for specific deals like happy hour, you might find some great value here. But be mindful of the overall "prices" and potential automatic service charges, especially if youre sensitive to those extra fees.
How are the prices at Hardwood?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 82 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Barbecue Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 39, we see a good mix of spending, with many guests enjoying meals in the $21–$30 and $41–$50 ranges too, showing there’s something for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 82 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Barbecue Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option, and the spread of prices suggests flexibility for different dining preferences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hardwood
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Adequate BBQ, Lacks Texas Authenticity
My recent dinner at Hardwood Bar & Smokery, featuring the Smoked Spare Ribs with sides of Mac Salad and Seasoned Curly Fries, was a perfectly adequate meal. However, for those accustomed to genuine Texas barbecue, this experience falls short of the gold standard. While the service and atmosphere were excellent, the food itself was merely acceptable, not exceptional.
- Smoked Spare Ribs5
- Mac Salad5
- Seasoned Curly Fries5
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Tasty Meats, Dry Sides, Good Fries
My experience at the restaurant involved tasting some meats that were tasty enough, though many were quite dry. I did enjoy the fries and the very tasty ranch. While I'm not rushing back, I'm open to trying more items on the menu.
- meats7
- fries8
- ranch8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Good Brisket and Ribs, Friendly Service
I visited on a Monday night and had a positive experience. The service was good and friendly. I ordered the brisket, and my friend had the ribs.
While the food was good, it wasn't exceptional. Overall, I'm glad I had the chance to check it out.
- service8
- brisket6
- ribs6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Dry Pork, Charming Service
If I could give zero stars, I would. While the servers were charming and the booze was reasonably priced, I cannot forgive how dry the pulled pork was. How do you make pulled pork dry?
I feel like you have to try to make pulled pork dry. Don’t try to make pulled pork dry, please? I beg you.
Thank you for visiting my objective detached critical feedback. Will come back again.
- servers9
- booze8
- pulled pork1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
5
Mixed Feelings on Food, Good Sides
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. While the cornbread and potato salad were good, the main meat dishes were just "mid. " The sauce was also a bit questionable, described as "ummm…".
The reviewer's metadata indicates a food score of 3, service score of 3, and atmosphere score of 3.
- meat5
- sauce5
- cornbread7
What Hardwood offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Halal food
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and food can you expect at Hardwood Bar & Smokery?
You’ll find a casual, trendy atmosphere at Hardwood Bar & Smokery. The menu offers late-night food, quick bites, and small plates, including Halal options. Enjoy a great selection of beer, wine, or cocktails. Dining options include lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating, and catering services are also available.
What service options and amenities does Hardwood Bar & Smokery provide for its guests?
Hardwood Bar & Smokery offers convenient service options like dine-in, delivery, and no-contact delivery. You can stay connected with free Wi-Fi. Paid street parking is available nearby. The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit and secure your table.
How does Hardwood generally perform according to customer feedback?
Hardwood receives a respectable Restaurant Score of **7.5** and a Customer Satisfaction of **75.4%**. Its **Service** (8.4), **Ambience** (8.1), and **Food** (7.3) are rated well, though **Value** (5.4) is considered average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Hardwood?
Many customers praise Hardwood’s BBQ meats, especially the **brisket** and pulled pork, often describing them as tender, meaty, and flavorful. The **coleslaw** and **beer** also receive positive mentions.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have noted issues with hidden 20% tip fees on **take out orders** and occasional reports of slow food delivery. There are also mentions of the restaurant being **loud** at times.