Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Holy Water – San Francisco
Holy Water - San Francisco
Photo from Holy Water
Holy Water at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 49 of the guests
#393 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#23 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
328
Reviews
88.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent drinks
- Unique ambiance
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Loud atmosphere
- High prices
The bar & pub Holy Water in San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood invites you to discover a truly unique spot. You’ll find a fantastic atmosphere that’s both cozy and casual, yet undeniably trendy.
It’s the perfect place to unwind, especially if you appreciate a great beer selection. Whether you’re looking for happy hour drinks or a wide array of cocktails, wine, and hard liquor, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Holy Water
Holy Water offers a distinct experience, particularly noted for its well-crafted cocktails and diverse beer selection. Many appreciate the inviting ambience and the thought put into its unique decor, making it a comfortable spot for a relaxed evening.
While generally seen as good value, some experiences with the service have been inconsistent, with occasional reports of delays. A few found the prices a bit steep, and the atmosphere can get quite loud at times.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
328
Reviews
88.1%
Satisfaction
25
negative
14
neutral
289
positive
Overall, Holy Water earns a solid 8.3 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 88.1%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 328 opinions, with a strong lean towards positive feedback, counting 289 positive remarks against just 25 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.9) stands out as excellent, particularly for its drink offerings.
The Ambience (8) also scores well, contributing significantly to the overall appeal. While Service (7.8) and Value (7) are both rated as good, there’s a slight dip compared to the other aspects, suggesting areas where experiences could be more consistently strong.
What people like
- Excellent drink selection
- Unique, inviting ambiance
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Can get very loud
- Occasional high prices
With a strong 8.6 recommendation score, Holy Water is generally a solid choice, especially if you appreciate a well-crafted drink in a distinctive setting. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of a good time, making it worth considering for your next outing.
However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and the possibility of a lively, loud atmosphere. If you prioritize excellent cocktails and a unique vibe over perfectly quiet evenings, this spot could be a good fit for you.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Holy Water
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to whats on offer, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and a stellar 96.2% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are thrilled. Out of 130 comments, a whopping 125 rave about the phenomenal cocktails, great craft beer selection, and fresh, delicious handcrafted drinks, with even the oysters getting a nod.
However, even with such high praise, theres always a tiny bit of room for different tastes. Only one comment mentioned that the drinks personally didnt quite hit the mark for them. This is a minor point given the overwhelming positive feedback, suggesting it's an isolated preference rather than a widespread issue.
Food
130
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
1
negative
4
neutral
125
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Phenomenal cocktails
- Great craft beer
- Diverse spirit selection
What people don't like
Often praised
- cocktailsMy experience was in a cozy yet stylish environment. I enjoyed the very good cocktails and the extensive spirits menu. The cocktails are priced between $13-16.
- drinksI really like this place. It's a great place to take a date, and the drinks are really good. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5.
- beer selectionMy experience was centered around the amazing cocktails and a great succinct beer selection. The vibe was very mellow, perfect for those wanting to relax, have a drink, and ponder their thoughts amongst a few select folks.
- cocktailThey are also very welcoming to fur babies, which is a huge plus if you have a pup. If you're looking for a solid cocktail, this is the spot for a proper drink.
- craft cocktailsoffers a fantastic selection of craft cocktails
- foodFood:5
- beer on tapMy experience at this restaurant was great! The bartenders were very knowledgeable, and there was a lots of beer on tap. I enjoyed the great hole in the wall vibe when I visited on a Tuesday.
- craft beerMy fiancé loves craft beer and he was very happy here!
- local beerstry some off the chain local beers
- piña coladagot a great piña colada!
Frequently criticized
- drinksuns persönlich die Getränke nicht so getaugt haben
If youre looking for a place with an outstanding beverage program, especially for cocktails and craft beers, this is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely find something delicious to sip on, making it a solid choice for a great drink experience.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 79.2%, its clear most folks have a good experience. Out of 42 positive comments, many rave about the friendly, easy-going, and highly skilled staff and bartenders, often highlighting their attentiveness and fast service.
However, its not always smooth sailing. The 10 negative comments point to some bumps, with reports of significant delays in getting attention or ordering. A few customers also encountered rude or unprofessional staff and bartenders, suggesting there might be occasional inconsistencies.
Service
53
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Skilled bartenders
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Service delays
- Order errors
Often praised
- bartendersThe prices are reasonable for SF, making it a great spot. The bartenders are fun and kind, and I always have a good time here. I especially loved the piña colada 🍹.
- serviceMy experience at this little neighborhood bar in Bernal, off Cortland, was fantastic. I enjoyed the good drinks, good service, and nice ambience. The prices are reasonable for SF, making it a great spot.
- bartenderMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the amazing cocktails and the really friendly & knowledgeable bartender. I particularly enjoyed The Sacred Valley cocktail; it was perfectly tart and not too sweet.
- staffThe staff were incredibly friendly
- ServiceService:5
- ChrisHe was surgical when it came to making cocktails
- StaffStaff know thier beers well
- fast serviceFast service from the bartenders
- find a seatcan’t find a seat at the bar
- friendly, easy-goingfriendly easy going
Frequently criticized
- serviceThis is a pretty good place to stop for a drink. However, the service wasn't good the night I went.
- bartendersbad service or bartenders
- get their attentionMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a significant delay in service. It took forever to order something when we were standing right there in front of them trying to get their attention.
- orderdid get my boyfriends order wrong
- order somethingMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a significant delay in service. It took forever to order something when we were standing right there in front of them trying to get their attention.
- rude bartenderI had a rude bartender who was making negative comments
- staffAbsolutely rude staff
If youre looking for a place with generally good service and skilled, friendly bartenders, youll likely enjoy your visit. Just be aware that a few patrons have experienced delays or less-than-stellar interactions, so keep that in mind.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8 and a fantastic 86.6% customer satisfaction, its clear most guests adore the atmosphere. Based on 110 positive comments out of 127 total, people consistently praise the lively ambience, unique and amazing decor, and cool vibe.
Many also appreciate that its dog friendly, adding to its welcoming and eclectic charm. However, a few of the 12 negative observations suggest theres room for improvement. Some patrons mentioned issues with air circulation, noting it can get stuffy.
Others found the place could get quite loud, with concerns about the acoustics' making conversation difficult, especially when crowded. While generally loved, these points are worth considering for a truly perfect experience.
Ambience
127
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
110
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique decor
- Lively atmosphere
- Dog friendly
What people don't like
- Poor air circulation
- Can be loud
- Bad acoustics
Often praised
- atmosphereIt truly caters to beer and craft cocktail lovers with an excellent selection that rotates. It’s a great place for a lively date or to meet with friends and watch a game.
- vibethe vibe is… spiritual
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe ambiance is uniquely unhinged (in a good way)
- barRomantically lit bar with great options
- decorso much thought into their decor
- ambienceMy experience at this little neighborhood bar in Bernal, off Cortland, was fantastic. I enjoyed the good drinks, good service, and nice ambience. The prices are reasonable for SF, making it a great spot.
- crowdNothing pretentious about anything including the crowd
- dim lightingWhat a divine experience at this bar! Every detail was tastefully done, from the great collection of Jesuses to the bible light fixtures, and the perfectly dim lighting. The very useful coat hooks under the table were a thoughtful touch.
- dog friendlythey are dog friendly
Frequently criticized
- loudgets pretty loud
- acousticsthe acoustics are terrible
- air circulationneeds better air circulation. Gets stuffy later in the night.
- atmospheremake a lot of noise
- climbclimbing the hill to reach said bar
- dinsoften the din
- dog friendlynot a good environment for anything other than a small dog
- draftda es etwas gezogen hat weil die Türe die ganze Zeit offen stand
- migrainesI get migraines in here
- outdoor seating areawould be an outdoor seating area
If you're looking for a vibrant spot with unique decor and a welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that it can get lively and a bit loud, so it might not be your top choice for a quiet, intimate chat.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7. Many guests, accounting for 12 positive remarks out of 18 total, found the prices quite reasonable, especially for SF. They frequently praised the affordable and reasonably priced cocktails, along with fair-priced beers, wines and cocktails, often highlighting the happy hour as a great deal.
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66.7%, indicating not everyone agrees on the value. While only 2 negative opinions were noted, some felt the price or prices were a bit steep, with one even exclaiming Pricy pricy! This suggests that while many find it affordable, a few guests might find certain items a bit on the higher side.
Value
18
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
2
negative
4
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable drinks
- Reasonable SF prices
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- Some find it pricey
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- priceThis is one of my favorite bars in SF. The cocktails are creative and extremely reasonably priced. The decor is subtle yet funny, and the ambiance is excellent, with old bottles turned into overhead lamps.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the great drinks and the affordable prices. The bartenders were col, and I truly love this place.
- affordableThe selection of beer is top notch. The bourbon, rye, scotch whisky selection is top notch and actually quite affordable. It’s never too crowded and you can even bring food in.
- beers, wines and cocktailstheir fair-priced beers, wines and cocktails
- happy hourThe happy hour is until 6pm
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- priced cocktailsMy experience at this nice bar in the Mission was centered around their reasonably priced cocktails. It's a self-seating establishment, meaning there are no waiters, and guests find their own spots at tables or the bar.
Frequently criticized
- pricePricy pricy!
- pricesuns die Preise etwas hoch vorgekommen sind
Overall, if you're looking for a place with generally reasonable drink prices, especially during happy hour, this spot is worth checking out. While most find it affordable, be aware that a few items might feel a bit pricey to some, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Holy Water?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 49 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.
Most folks spend between 11 – 30 $, but a few guests opt for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 49 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a mid-range spot. It offers good value without breaking the bank for a casual outing.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Holy Water
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Cozy Bar with a Draft and Pricey Drinks
What a great little bar with an atmosphere that's really something special. 👍 I'm giving it one star less because there was a noticeable draft, likely due to the door being kept open constantly, perhaps to signal that the place is open and attract customers. Additionally, personally, we didn't enjoy the drinks as much as we'd hoped, and the prices seemed a bit high.
(Of course, this is subjective and can vary for everyone.)
- atmosphere10
- drinks4
- prices4
- draft3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Great Drinks, Terrible Acoustics
This is my neighborhood bar, and I want to like it, but the acoustics are terrible. Just hang up some cloth on the walls already, or whatever works best for you to soften the din. I get migraines in here, but I love the drinks and wish I could come in without getting a headache every time and shouting to hear friends.
- drinks8
- acoustics2
- din2
- migraines2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Rude Bartenders, Decent Drinks
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The drinks were good, though nothing particularly special. However, the bartenders were rude and quite noisy, which detracted from the atmosphere.
While they claim to be dog-friendly, the environment isn't ideal for anything larger than a small dog due to the general atmosphere and the bartenders' behavior.
- drinks7
- bartenders2
- atmosphere3
- dog friendly3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Holy Water: A Moody Vibe That Keeps Getting Better
My experience at Holy Water was fantastic! As a former neighborhood resident, I always make a point to return and hang out here. They put so much thought into every detail, from their cocktails and tap list to the decor and menus.
The glassware is also noteworthy. It all contributes to a whole moody vibe that they consistently improve upon.
- cocktails9
- tap list9
- decor9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Cocktails and Ambiance
My experience at this bar was fantastic! They serve some of the best drinks in SF, managing to achieve that perfect balance where drinks are both tasty and strong. The bartenders clearly know how to craft great cocktails.
Beyond the drinks, the ambiance is lovely too, contributing to a great overall experience.
- drinks10
- cocktails10
- bartenders9
What Holy Water offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Holy Water wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Holy Water ensures a comfortable visit for all guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, making it a welcoming bar & pub in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights neighborhood for everyone to enjoy its offerings.
What parking options are available at Holy Water, and can I bring my dog?
At Holy Water, you’ll typically find ample free street parking, with paid street parking as another option. For those with pets, dogs are welcome, making it a convenient and pet-friendly bar & pub in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights neighborhood.
What is the overall rating for Holy Water and its key aspects?
Holy Water holds a strong overall score of **8.3** out of 10. Its **Food** (8.9) is excellent, followed by good ratings for **Ambience** (8), **Service** (7.8), and **Value** (7).
What are Holy Water's main strengths?
Customers frequently praise Holy Water for its excellent selection of **cocktails** and **beer**, as well as its unique and inviting **ambience** with thoughtful decor and dim lighting.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Holy Water?
Some visitors have noted inconsistent or slow **service**, and the atmosphere can occasionally become quite **loud**. A few also found the **prices** to be a bit high.