Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » Harper & Rye – San Francisco
Harper & Rye - San Francisco
Photo from Harper & Rye
Harper & Rye at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 31 of the guests
#1467 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#106 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
268
Reviews
76.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Craft Cocktails
- Vibrant Vibe
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Service Inconsistency
The bar & pub Harper & Rye in San Francisco’s vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood offers you a fantastic spot to unwind. You’ll discover a truly great beer selection here, perfect for any enthusiast.
This trendy yet casual establishment provides an upscale atmosphere where you can enjoy a wide range of drinks and some delicious food. Whether you’re catching up with friends or looking for a lively evening, this place has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Harper & Rye
Harper & Rye offers a lively setting where the expertly crafted cocktails truly shine, drawing patrons in with a fun and engaging atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the creative drink menu and the overall energetic vibe, making it a popular spot for a night out.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly concerning the bartenders and overall service. While the drinks are a highlight, guests should be mindful of the perceived value, as pricing and billing practices have occasionally raised concerns.
Good
7.2
out of 10
268
Reviews
76.9%
Satisfaction
50
negative
12
neutral
206
positive
Harper & Rye holds a respectable overall score of 7.2, indicating a good experience for many, with customer satisfaction standing at 76.9%. This suggests that a significant majority of patrons leave content, reflecting a generally positive sentiment across 268 total opinions, with 206 positive remarks outweighing 50 negative ones.
The strengths clearly lie in the Food (8), primarily driven by its strong cocktail program, and the engaging Ambience (7.9). However, Service (6) registers as average, suggesting room for improvement in consistency.
The most notable area for concern is Value (3.8), which falls into the poor category, indicating that many find the offerings to be on the pricier side.
What people like
- Excellent cocktail selection
- Lively, fun atmosphere
- Attentive staff (some)
What people don't like
- High drink prices
- Inconsistent service quality
- Billing discrepancies
If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with creative drinks and a lively atmosphere, Harper & Rye is certainly worth considering. The 7.4 recommendation score suggests it hits the mark for many, especially for those prioritizing a good cocktail and a fun environment over strict budget concerns.
However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and occasional service hiccups. It’s a place to enjoy a well-made drink in a bustling setting, but manage expectations regarding the overall cost and ensure you check your bill carefully.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Harper & Rye
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to whats on offer, this spot really shines, boasting a good score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 86.7%. Based on 65 positive remarks out of 75 total, guests consistently rave about the creative cocktails, wide variety of selections, and excellent beer options, often noting their quality and strength. However, a few of the 5 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
Some found the drinks not worth the effort or mentioned a very limited option in non-alcoholic drinks. There was also an isolated incident regarding a bartenders attitude when a drink modification was requested.
Food
75
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
5
negative
5
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative strong cocktails
- Wide drink selection
- Quality beer options
What people don't like
- Limited non-alcoholic options
- Bartender attitude issue
Often praised
- cocktailsI had a great experience here. The bar offers great beers and good cocktails. It also features a pool table and plenty of space to hang out with your friends, making it a fantastic spot for a casual outing.
- drinksThe service and drinks are top notch
- cocktail menufun cocktail menu
- Brit & Kellwhich was excellent
- Broken Dreamsgreat chardonnay (Broken Dreams)
- Cucumber Soursand Cucumber Sours!!
- Espresso MartinisDon’t miss the Espresso Martinis
- FoodFood:5
- Spee & Beastabsolutely loved this cocktail, which entertained a refreshing, fruity flavor
- Tash & ErikI would definitely order the Spee & Beast again. The Tash & Erik was also tasty, but more spirit-forward. While the cocktails and atmosphere were a 5-star experience, the bartenders weren't the friendliest, which was the only drawback.
Frequently criticized
- FoodFood:1
- drinkWhen I requested the bartender to use less ice in my drink, he became visibly mad and annoyed. Instead of making my drink, he filled the glass with water and placed it rudely in front of me. I felt extremely disrespected by his behavior.
- drinksthe drinks are not worth the effort
- margaritaI had a really good time with colleagues. While one colleague had an issue with their margarita, the bartender happily changed it out for a different drink, which was excellent service recovery.
- non-alcoholic drinkvery limited option in non-alcoholic drink
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic selection of creative and strong alcoholic beverages, especially cocktails and beers, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that non-alcoholic options might be limited, and service can occasionally be a mixed bag.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have raved about the incredibly friendly and attentive staff, especially highlighting the great bartenders who craft amazing cocktails and offer professional, efficient interactions. With 40 positive remarks, it seems many have enjoyed a welcoming and skilled team. However, the experience isn't universally glowing, with 30 negative remarks pointing to issues like rude staff, poor customer service, and a general lack of hospitality, including long waiting times and impolite bartenders.
This mixed feedback results in an average score of 6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 57.1%, suggesting service can be a bit of a gamble.
Service
70
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
30
negative
0
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Skilled bartenders
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Lack of hospitality
Often praised
- serviceThere was ample space outside. The waiter was prompt and polite, ensuring we needed for nothing. I plan to take a photo next time.
- bartenderMy experience at the restaurant was highlighted by the amazing drinks. I asked the bartender for a cute drink with tequila, and he created my favorite of the whole night. Thanks!
- bartendersbartenders had the mad skills with making the cocktails
- stafffriendly fun staff that know what they're doing
- AlbertAlbert, who welcomes you at the door
- Friendly serviceFriendly service
- ServiceService:5
- attentive staffAttentive staff
- best bartenderJimmy is the best bartender
- door guythe door guy was friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceI literally came to support you. I was there for 15 minutes and had zero service. Very disappointed, I was so excited to have another place to safely grab a bite and relax.
- bartenderThe restaurant has a great location and decor. While I normally have a pretty good experience here, last night (February 13th around 11 pm) was an exception due to an exceptionally rude bartender. He was impudent towards my colleagues and me without any apparent reason.
- bartendersHowever, in the 3/4 times I’ve gone, the customer service has been so bad that I don’t go back. If it felt like the bartenders wanted my service at all, maybe things would be different.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative due to the exceptionally rude staff. The service, location, and/or the drinks were not worth the effort or endeavor.
- bar closing timetold us the bar closes whenever he decides
- bartender's attentiontake a bit to get attention of bartender
- business ethicThey leaned against the bar or served other people, totally ignoring me and never taking my order. This showed a total lack of hospitality and terrible business ethic.
- customer servicethe customer service has been so bad
- experienceHorrible experience
- hospitalityTotal lack of hospitality
If you're looking for a place with potentially friendly and skilled bartenders, it might be worth a visit. Just be aware that service quality can be inconsistent, so you might encounter some less-than-stellar interactions.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.9 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 91.7%. Based on 99 positive remarks out of 108 total, guests consistently praise the lively lounge vibes, open space, music, and dog friendly atmosphere, often highlighting the fun pool table and decor. It's clearly a comfortable and engaging spot for many.
However, a few of the 5 negative comments mention loud music and an overcrowded feeling, which can detract from the experience for some. There were also isolated concerns about a sewage smell and the location being less than ideal, suggesting minor areas for improvement to ensure everyone enjoys the vibe.
Ambience
108
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively lounge vibes
- Spacious, open layout
- Dog-friendly atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Occasional sewage smell
- Overcrowded at times
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great cocktails and the fun atmosphere. What truly made it special was the kindest and sweetest bartender in town, Michael, who was simply the best!
- pool tableMy experience at this bar was great for night cocktails with my significant other. The bar offers outdoor seating, a pool table, and 2nd floor seating, making it a versatile spot for different occasions.
- vibefun vibe once we got a spot to sit
- ambiancewe loved the ambiance
- crowdI go there regularly and always have a great time. The staff is always nice, and I appreciate the great atmosphere and stylish crowd.
- decorMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the great cocktails and the nice decor. The atmosphere was enhanced by the presence of a pool table and various seating options, both upstairs and down.
- musicThe ambience and music make it an amazing bar
- ambienceMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its great ambience. The fun music and lounge vibes created a really enjoyable atmosphere.
- spaciousThe service was great, and the atmosphere was lively with really good music. It's a spacious venue with 3 levels to hang out, and they even have pool. The staff, including the door guy, were friendly.
- 2nd floor seatingMy experience at this bar was great for night cocktails with my significant other. The bar offers outdoor seating, a pool table, and 2nd floor seating, making it a versatile spot for different occasions.
Frequently criticized
- atmospheretoo overcrowded to enjoy
- barhorrible bar
- locationthe location... are not worth the effort
- loud musicmusic was really loud
- sewage smellsmelt like sewage all night
If you're looking for a lively spot with great lounge vibes and plenty of space to socialize, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get a bit loud and crowded, so it might not be your go-to for a quiet, intimate evening.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
A few guests did find some silver lining regarding value, noting a great price for cocktails, especially considering the city. These 2 positive remarks suggest that, for some, the initial cost felt reasonable, highlighting price as a potential upside. However, the overall sentiment is quite poor, with a score of 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a mere 13.3%.
Many of the 10 negative comments out of 15 total highlight pricey drinks, unexpected tip suggestions, and extra tip charge on the bill, urging patrons to check your credit card charge carefully.
Value
15
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great initial price
What people don't like
- Hidden charges
- Pricey drinks
- Check your bill
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the great cocktails, especially considering the great price for the city. The staff was incredibly super friendly, with a special mention to Albert, who provided a warm welcome at the door.
Frequently criticized
- drinks3 drinks = $55+
- cocktailsA bit pricy for the cocktails
- billcheck your bill and what they charge your credit card
- credit card chargeMy experience at the restaurant involved a crucial reminder to check your bill and what they charge your credit card. Buyer beware.
- extra tip chargefound that I got extra tip charge on my credit card
- price per personPrice per person:$50–100
- tip suggestionsWhile the cocktails were advertised as "reasonable, " they added numerous charges to the total bill. In addition to exorbitant tip suggestions, three drinks ended up costing over $55. The atmosphere was rated a 5 and service a 4, but the pricing was a significant issue.
If youre weighing a visit, be prepared that value is a significant concern for many. While a few found the initial "price" appealing, the majority experienced "pricey drinks" and unexpected "extra tip charge. " Its wise to meticulously check your bill and credit card charge before settling up.
How are the prices at Harper & Rye?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 31 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While most guests spend between 11 – 30 $, there’s a sprinkle of higher-end tabs, showing a nice mix of options.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 31 most recent reviews.
Heres how this spots value for money stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Harper & Rye
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great bar with wide drink selection
My experience at this bar along the Polk corridor was excellent. I recommend it for both large or small groups. They offer a wide variety of selections of cocktails and other drinks.
- groups9
- variety of selections10
- cocktails10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Ambiance and Beer!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The ambiance was great, and what I loved most was their accommodating attitude towards outside food. I didn't have to finish my pizza before entering and could enjoy my dream of "Pizza Beer Pizza Beer Pizza Beer.
" The beer was also great. It was somewhat crowded, but not overly so, especially for a Friday night.
- ambiance9
- beer9
- crowded6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Bar for Meeting People
My experience at this bar was very good. The atmosphere was excellent, and the drinks were also good. It's one of the best bars I know of in SF for meeting and talking to people.
- atmosphere10
- drinks9
- meeting and talking10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Fun bar, pricey and slow drinks
My experience at this bar was that it's a fun place, but it's always full. The drinks are pricey, and because it's so busy, you're waiting like 20 minutes for every single drink.
- atmosphere7
- drinks3
- waiting time2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Cocktails and Kind Bartender!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great cocktails and the fun atmosphere. What truly made it special was the kindest and sweetest bartender in town, Michael, who was simply the best!
- cocktails9
- atmosphere9
- bartender10
What Harper & Rye offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Can you make reservations at Harper & Rye?
Yes, Harper & Rye accepts reservations, allowing you to plan your visit conveniently and secure your spot.
Is Harper & Rye wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely, Harper & Rye features both a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom for your comfort and convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Harper & Rye?
Harper & Rye generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of **7.2** and customer satisfaction at **76.9%**. Its **Food** (8) (especially cocktails) and **Ambience** (7.9) are highly praised, though **Service** (6) is average and **Value** (3.8) is a notable concern.
What makes the atmosphere at Harper & Rye enjoyable?
Customers frequently enjoy the fun and lively atmosphere, noting the nice decor, good music, and spacious layout. Features like a pool table, outdoor seating, and multiple levels contribute to a versatile and engaging vibe.
Are the drinks at Harper & Rye worth it?
The drinks, particularly the cocktails, are a major highlight, with many positive opinions on their quality and creativity. However, some guests find them to be on the pricier side, and there have been occasional negative experiences with bartender service.