Highlights
- Bar games
oChef » Hawaii West – San Francisco
Hawaii West - San Francisco
Photo from Hawaii West
Hawaii West at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 3 of the guests
#2242 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#146 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Average
5.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
88
Reviews
53.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic dive
- Good drinks
- Spicy Lumpia
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- No pool table
- Poor value
The bar Hawaii West in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood offers a casual and inviting atmosphere where you can unwind. You’ll find a lively spot perfect for an evening out, especially if you enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
With bar games available, you can challenge your friends while savoring a drink from their extensive selection. It’s a great place to experience the local San Francisco bar scene.
Overview: Introducting Hawaii West
Hawaii West offers a distinct dive bar experience, often appreciated for its unique character and described as a true “hole in the wall. ” While many find the atmosphere authentically appealing, some note it can feel a bit dusty or that the name is somewhat misleading.
The culinary side presents some good food and drinks, with particular positive mentions for the Spicy Lumpia. Service, however, can be a mixed bag; while some praise the friendly staff, others have encountered less accommodating interactions, suggesting an inconsistent approach.
Average
5.5
out of 10
88
Reviews
53.4%
Satisfaction
35
negative
6
neutral
47
positive
Overall, Hawaii West earns an average 5.5 out of 10, with customer sentiment showing a 53.4% satisfaction rate, indicating a mixed reception. This perspective is drawn from 88 customer opinions, comprising 47 positive remarks and 35 negative ones, painting a balanced picture of its strengths and weaknesses.
Delving into specifics, the Food (6.3) emerges as a relative strong point, suggesting generally well-received culinary offerings. The Ambience (5.8) also sits around average, contributing to the overall feel.
However, both Service (4.8) and Value (4) appear to be areas needing improvement, reflecting some customer frustrations.
What people like
- Authentic dive bar
- Good drinks
- Spicy Lumpia
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Misleading pool table
- Poor value
With a recommendation score of 5.7, Hawaii West is a unique spot that caters to a specific preference. If you appreciate a genuine, no-frills dive bar atmosphere and are seeking a casual evening with decent drinks and unique food items like the Spicy Lumpia, it might be worth a visit.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and a setting that some might find a bit rough around the edges. It’s a place with character, but if you prioritize polished service or clear value, you might find it falls short of expectations.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
317
93.7%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
105
99%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
217
94.5%
- $$
- Dogpatch
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
101
98%
- $$
- West Portal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
277
95.7%
- $$
- North Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
92
96.7%
- $$
- Sunnyside
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Hawaii West
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a decent buzz, with 10 positive remarks out of 16 total. Many found the food good, especially praising the Spicy Lumpia and unique Tequila with Kimchee juice. If youre into strong sips, the drinks are noted for being 99% liquor, and kimchi fried rice also gets a shout-out.
The food scores an 6.3, landing it in the average range. However, its not all perfect, with 4 negative comments. Some patrons were disappointed by the lack of Guinness and a generally bad-to-average bottled beer selection.
A few also noted issues with the glass cleanliness, mentioning specs of foreign material. Customer satisfaction sits at 62.5%, which is a mixed bag, suggesting theres room for improvement in these areas.
Food
16
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spicy Lumpia great
- Strong liquor drinks
- Kimchi fried rice
What people don't like
- No Guinness beer
- Poor beer selection
- Dirty drink glasses
Often praised
- foodthe food to be good
- drinksI visited during the pandemic, and the service provided by Sunny was so nice. I can't wait to go back, and the drinks were so good 👍.
- Spicy LumpiaSpicy Lumpia is great
- Tequila with Kimchee juiceorder Tequila with Kimchee juice back. Not for everyone but I liked it
- bottled beerWas cold
- coke or coffeewant a coke ir coffee? Thats not a problem
- kimchi fried riceended up eating kimchi fried rice, by hand at the bar
Frequently criticized
- GuinnessThe lady behind the bar has been there for over 20 years, and she just keeps getting saltier, but in a good way! The only con is that they don't serve Guinness anymore. If they still did, I'd live there.
- bottled beer selectionBad-to-average bottled beer selection.
- drinksserve you drinks that are straight booze
- glassthe glass comes with specs of something foreign in rim
If you're looking for some unique, strong drinks and specific dishes like Spicy Lumpia or kimchi fried rice, this place might be worth a shot. However, if a good bottled beer selection or a pint of Guinness is crucial for your visit, you might find yourself a bit disappointed.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.8 putting it squarely in the average range, and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather mixed 44.4%. On the bright side, many guests praised the friendly vibe, with shout-outs to the bartender, friendly hosts, and even specific mentions of Sunny and the owner. There were 12 positive remarks highlighting these welcoming interactions.
However, there were 15 negative comments that paint a different picture. Issues revolved around the owner/bartender lighting up inside, inaccurate hours, and a bartender who was reportedly rude or upset about serving water. Some also noted poor customer service skills and a general lack of attention from the staff, especially concerning drink lists and phone orders.
Service
27
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
15
negative
0
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly hosts
- Super friendly bartender
- Pleasant owner
What people don't like
- Rude bartender
- Inaccurate hours
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- bartenderFriendly bartender, super mellow
- servicethe service was also excellent
- SunnyMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I visited during the pandemic, and the service provided by Sunny was so nice. I can't wait to go back, and the drinks were so good 👍.
- barkeepHowever, the service was impacted by the barkeep, an elder woman who is very hard of hearing and senile. Despite this, she is very sweet if she likes you.
- friendly hostsfriendly hosts
- lady behind the barshe just keeps getting saltier but in a good way!
- localsthe locals are kind
- ownermet the owner. Pleasant
- ownersGreat owners
Frequently criticized
- staffWhen I inquired about drinks from a list hanging on the wall, the staff informed me, "No honey, don't order off that list. We don't make those drinks. " This created a sense of disappointment regarding the drink offerings and service accuracy.
- bar tenderbar tender was rude as hell
- barkeepthe barkeep is an elder woman who is very hard of hearing and senile
- barkeep knowledgebarkeep walks to wall to read what's in it
- bartenderThe bartender that was there was upset about serving water
- business hoursshowing as open, they seem very much shuttered for business
- categoriesSomeone needs to update those categories
- customer serviceTerrible customer service tried calling in to order they didn’t answer
- customer service skillsneeds work done on not just her teeth but her customer service skill
- drink listabout the list that was hanging on the wall
If youre looking for a place with potentially friendly faces and a good drink, you might find it here. But be prepared for some inconsistencies in service, especially regarding accuracy of information and overall attentiveness. Its a bit of a gamble, so go in with an open mind.
Ambience (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
Based on 43 opinions, with 25 positive remarks, the ambience here is a mixed bag, reflected in an average 5.8 score and 58.1% customer satisfaction. Many adore its hole in the wall charm and dive bar feel, praising the local clientele and fun vibe that gives it unique character and makes it a special place. However, 15 negative remarks highlight that this dive bar isnt for everyone.
Some found the smell off-putting, describing it as smokey and giving off a seedy bar or even looking for drugs vibe, ' which can be a significant turn-off for those expecting a different atmosphere.
Ambience
43
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hole in wall charm
- Authentic local vibe
- Unique character
What people don't like
- Seedy dive bar
- Unpleasant smell
- Smokey atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereit smells like perfection
- barGood bar to get the night started
- dive barMy experience was at an absolute hole in the wall, and that's precisely why it was so good. It's a 100% real dive bar.
- hole in the wallabsolute hole in the wall and that is why this is so good
- characterMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a total hole in the wall with SO much character. I found it to be a truly special place and the best kept secret in town!
- couchesCouches. I love it
- crowdedNever crowded
- dive bar credentialsExcellent dive bar credentials
- dive barsReminds me of the dive bars I used to love
- dive tiki barCool dive tikki bar
Frequently criticized
- pool tableAdvertises pool table but doesn't have one.
- atmospheresimply a dive.
- barbar is disgusting
- bar and atmosphereThe bar and atmosphere was dusty
- bar stoolsBar stools are occupied by various (functioning) addicts.
- dive barThis is a dive bar
- kitchen smokeyKitchen smokey
- locationWalked across SF to a closed bar
- nameHawaii is a misleading name
- regularThere is a regular that will fight you for the pool table!
If youre seeking an authentic, no-frills hole in the wall with local character, this spot could be your hidden gem. But if you prefer a pristine, smoke-free environment, the dive bar atmosphere and occasional seedy' vibe might leave you disappointed.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 8% of the guests
When it comes to value, there isnt much positive buzz to report from the 2 opinions weve gathered. With a score of just 4, it lands squarely in the average range, but customer satisfaction is a stark 0%, indicating a poor experience for those whove weighed in. The main concern, highlighted in the 1 negative comment, revolves around the cost.
Patrons felt they "Spent way tooo much money, " with "money" being the key negative term, suggesting that the price point doesnt align with the perceived worth.
Value
2
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Spent too much money
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- moneySpent way tooo much money
If you're looking for great value, this might not be your best bet. Based on the feedback, you could end up feeling like you spent too much, so manage your expectations regarding the cost.
How are the prices at Hawaii West?
On average, you’ll spend around 14 per person – from 3 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, most of the recorded prices cluster in the 1 – 20 $ range, suggesting a focus on more affordable options. While our data is limited to just 3 guests, it gives us a good indication of what to expect.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 3 reviews. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication.
How this Bar & Pub stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco for value.
We think this pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hawaii West
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Can't Wait to Go Back!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I visited during the pandemic, and the service provided by Sunny was so nice. I can't wait to go back, and the drinks were so good 👍.
- Sunny9
- drinks9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Seedy bar with terrible service
DO NOT COME HERE! My experience was overwhelmingly negative. The bartender seemed upset about serving water, even though we purchased multiple drinks.
There was also a regular who was aggressive and seemed ready to fight over the pool table. This bar has a very seedy atmosphere and gives off a vibe of looking for drugs. There was nothing redeeming about the experience.
- bartender1
- regular1
- seedy bar1
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
1
Closed Despite Being Open
Despite showing as open, this establishment seemed very much shuttered for business. I walked across San Francisco to find a closed bar.
- business hours1
- location2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Restaurant closed during business hours
I had a frustrating experience at this restaurant. I visited at 11: 30 AM and again at 12: 00 PM on a Friday, expecting it to be open, but it was closed. This was quite inconvenient as I had made a specific trip to dine there.
- hours1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Horrible Pool, Dusty Atmosphere
I did not try the food during my visit. My experience with the pool table was horrible, and the bar and atmosphere were dusty. It's okay if you only want to drink, but it's horrible to play pool.
- atmosphere5
- pool table1
- bar and atmosphere2
What Hawaii West offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What can you expect to find at Hawaii West?
At Hawaii West, you can expect a casual bar and pub experience in San Francisco’s North Beach. You’ll find a variety of hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, plus food. Enjoy bar games in a relaxed atmosphere. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery services are available for your convenience.
What payment options are available at Hawaii West?
When visiting Hawaii West, you have several convenient payment options. You can easily pay using major credit cards or debit cards for your purchases. Additionally, for a quick and modern transaction, NFC mobile payments are also accepted, making your experience smooth and hassle-free.
How does Hawaii West rate overall?
Hawaii West holds an overall score of 5.5. Its Food (6.3) is a relative strength, while Ambience (5.8) is average. However, Service (4.8) and Value (4) are areas that could see improvement.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Hawaii West?
You can expect an authentic **dive bar** atmosphere with a lot of **character**, often described as a “hole in the wall.” It’s generally not **crowded**, but some have noted it can feel **dusty** or that the name is misleading.
Is the service at Hawaii West generally good?
Service at Hawaii West receives mixed reviews. While some customers praise **friendly** bartenders and **mellow** interactions, others have experienced **rude** staff or inconsistent attention, particularly regarding drink knowledge.