Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
oChef » IHOP – San Francisco
IHOP - San Francisco
Photo from IHOP
IHOP at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 142 of the guests
#2124 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#241 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
554
Reviews
55.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Tasty pancakes
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
The restaurant IHOP in San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood offers a delightful dining experience. You’ll find a casual and cozy atmosphere perfect for any meal, whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or enjoying a relaxed dinner.
Known for its great dessert options and excellent coffee, it’s a welcoming spot where you can unwind. This restaurant provides a convenient stop for locals and visitors alike, ensuring you have a satisfying visit.
Overview: Introducting IHOP
IHOP offers a classic American breakfast experience, often praised for its generous portions and a menu that truly tempts. Many find the pancakes to be a standout, exceeding expectations with their quality and variety.
However, the experience isn’t without its drawbacks. Some customers have noted concerns about the food being overly artificial or sugary, and the overall value can be a point of contention for others.
Good
6.1
out of 10
554
Reviews
55.8%
Satisfaction
194
negative
51
neutral
309
positive
Overall, IHOP registers a Restaurant Score of 6.1, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer Satisfaction sits at 55.8%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This suggests that while many find aspects to enjoy, there’s also a notable portion of customers who leave feeling less than fully satisfied. Looking closer at the details from 554 customer observations, the Food (6.7) generally performs adequately, with 309 positive remarks often highlighting specific items.
Ambience (6.0) also falls into the average range, while Service (5.6) and Value (4.3) are perceived as more middling, with 194 negative comments often touching on these areas.
What people like
- Tasty pancakes
- Generous portions
- Polite staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Slow service
- Sugary food
- Unkempt areas
If you’re seeking a substantial breakfast with a focus on classic pancake dishes and don’t mind potentially higher costs, IHOP could be a suitable choice. The Recommendation Score of 6.4 suggests it’s a place many would consider revisiting, despite its imperfections.
However, be mindful of potential service delays and the possibility of food that leans sweet or artificial. It’s a spot that delivers on certain expectations but might not impress those looking for a consistently refined or budget-friendly dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on IHOP
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, many diners rave about the selection, especially the pancakes and eggs benedict, often praising the large portions and menu variety. With 171 positive remarks out of 262, theres a lot to love, contributing to an average 6.7 score for the food. However, the food experience isnt always perfect, with 68 negative comments highlighting issues like undercooked food, greasy omelets, and sometimes small portions.
This mixed feedback results in a 65.3% customer satisfaction, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency and preparation.
Food
262
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
68
negative
23
neutral
171
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pancakes
- Generous portions
- Varied menu
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Greasy food
- Undercooked items
Often praised
- foodWe ordered food for four, including stacks of pancakes and two mixed breakfast options (eggs, sausages, bacon, French toast, pancakes). The food came promptly and everything was good. However, after being served, the service disappeared completely.
- pancakesI was very surprised by the quality of the food here. I had only been to "proper" diners before, but the pancakes I got here topped everything. I tried the Cinn-a-Stack, the Tres Leches, and the eggs and hash browns; everything tasted great.
- breakfastWhile the food was great, the service was somewhat tardy, leading to a slight delay in receiving our breakfast. Despite this minor inconvenience, the overall breakfast experience was enjoyable.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was for breakfast 🥞 🍳. The sitting at the table is comfortable and the portions are quite large. If you want a heavy breakfast, this place is for you.
- FoodFor dessert, the Lemon Ricotta Crepes are always a welcomed treat. The food quality was exceptional, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch.
- coffeethe coffee and O-Saft very tasty
- menuAh, the American breakfast experience 😁 The feeling of calm is pleasant, and it feels like being in a diner! The menu really makes you want to eat everything, but you have to know when to stop! An impressive choice, and some dishes are very sweet!
- portion sizesThe portion sizes are way bigger than expected
- baconeieren, spek, pancakes, vis
- orange juicethe coffee and O-Saft very tasty
Frequently criticized
- pancakesOrders were not being served in the correct sequence, which is unacceptable. The food portions were small and the prices were way too expensive; paying $19 for three pancakes is insanity.
- foodIt’s a good spot if you’re hungry and just want something quick and affordable. However, I found the food to be quite artificial and very sugary. So if you’re someone who doesn’t like consuming too much sugar or artificial ingredients, it might not be the best option.
- coffeeMy experience at the restaurant involved a long wait, which is to be expected for the area. However, if you're looking for coffee, it's not a great place for coffee.
- food qualityVery disappointed with the food
- hash brownthe hash brown was burnt on the bottom
- hash brownsthe hash browns were consistently a bit underdone
- steakthe steak came out cold
- CoffeeCoffee… should have skipped that
- Eggs BenedictEggs Benedict were overcooked
- Food qualityThe coffee was also not up to par; I wish I had skipped it. Given the price, the food quality was not what I expected.
If youre craving classic American breakfast with generous portions and a wide menu, youll likely find something to enjoy. Just be aware that while many praise the food, some experiences point to inconsistencies in quality and preparation.
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.6 placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 49%, indicating a mixed experience for many. Based on 192 customer opinions, with 94 positive remarks, many guests praised the friendly service, speed of service, and attentive staff, often highlighting great customer service that made their visits pleasant.
However, the 87 negative comments reveal some significant bumps in the road. Common complaints included long wait times, rude staff, and indifferent behavior, leading to poor service experiences. It seems that while some encounters were stellar, others left customers feeling overlooked or disrespected, creating a noticeable inconsistency in the overall service'.
Service
192
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
87
negative
11
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Good service speed
- Great customer care
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude, indifferent staff
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceI visit this restaurant a couple of times a week to enjoy their $7 Specials. The food is consistently hot and fresh, and the service is always very friendly and fast. This is truly one of the best restaurants in the area.
- staffFor dessert, we shared the fluffy and light pancakes. We had a wonderful time; the staff was friendly, and the value for money was excellent. The prices were lower compared to other restaurants.
- ServiceFor dessert, the Lemon Ricotta Crepes are always a welcomed treat. The food quality was exceptional, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch.
- friendly serviceFrom the friendly service of the waitress
- peopleReally nice people.
- wait timeWait time:Up to 10 min
- waiterthe waiter checked on us frequently
- waitressI visited iHop with my family and we had a good experience overall. The waitress was very polite and kind, and the service was really fast. It’s a good spot if you’re hungry and just want something quick and affordable.
- EmmaToday we were served by the waitress Emma, very pleasant service and we are very grateful for her work. The food was excellent, receiving a perfect score.
- PlacidoPlacido que nos atendió en nuestra mesa
Frequently criticized
- serviceThey bothered to separate accounts, which was bad, bad, bad, very bad. I don't understand where the respect is for the customer who leaves their tip, but with terrible service, what tip should be left? If you don't like working with servers, look for something else and let someone else do it better!
- waiting timeThe food was super, earning a perfect score. However, we had to wait a bit long for our food and the order, which impacted the overall experience.
- staffHowever, the service was poor. The staff were not very polite, and everything took too long.
- waitressShe was great. However, they had 1 waitress for the entire restaurant. Bless her heart.
- long waitlong wait, which is to be expected
- serversIn the end, we were given the bill (which we hadn't asked for) and had to call over to someone to ask for drinks. The servers seemed to be avoiding waiting on tables. All in all, a real shame as we quite liked the food, and it was our first visit to an IHOP, but not an experience we would want to repeat.
- Google detailsWe entered at 9: 20 PM and were not allowed to dine-in, even though the place is open until 10 PM. Please update your Google details accordingly.
- IHOPnot what I expect from an IHop
- WaitressWaitress was rude as well
- apologyKnappe Entschuldigung
So, whats the verdict? If youre looking for a quick meal and hoping for a friendly face, you might just hit the jackpot. But be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less-than-stellar interactions, as service quality can be quite inconsistent here.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6 with 50.7% customer satisfaction. Many guests appreciate the cozy ambiance, chill music, and the overall clean and quiet atmosphere, often feeling like a classic diner. With 36 positive remarks out of 71 total, theres definitely a pleasant vibe for those seeking a relaxed setting or plenty of space.
However, not everyone is charmed. About 21 comments highlight concerns about the restaurants dated looks, dirty bathrooms, and even a cockroach sighting. Some found the entrance smelly or the waiting area too crowded, making the initial impression less than ideal.
Parking can also be a challenge, adding to the less positive aspects of the overall atmosphere.
Ambience
71
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
21
negative
14
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, quiet ambiance
- Cleanliness noted
- Wheelchair accessible
What people don't like
- Dirty bathrooms
- Cockroach sighting
- Crowded waiting area
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was generally positive. The employees were very friendly, and the atmosphere was good for sitting and talking. The food was tasty, and I enjoyed my breakfast.
- AtmosphereFor dessert, the Lemon Ricotta Crepes are always a welcomed treat. The food quality was exceptional, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch.
- locationBless her heart. It's in a fairly safe location compared to other places in the city. It's just a block or so away from Fisherman’s Wharf, etc.
- opening hoursThe portions were generous, and the service was incredibly friendly and nice. Our meals were served very quickly, and they open early. I highly recommend it!
- placeMy whipped cream fell off my pancake and held its shape, which I'm pretty sure isn't supposed to happen. On the positive side, the service was good and the place was clean. No complaints there.
- Wheelchair accessibilityWheelchair accessibility:No steps all flat
- bathroomsBathrooms wheelchair frendly yes.
- calm feelingAh, the American breakfast experience 😁 The feeling of calm is pleasant, and it feels like being in a diner! The menu really makes you want to eat everything, but you have to know when to stop!
- chill musicChill music
- cleanlinesspleasantly surprised with the cleanliness
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMore like a gulag than a restaurant
- tablesWe arrived at 10: 30 AM and there was a huge line in the store, with people waiting in the waiting area. The restaurant was half empty, but all the tables were still full of trash. No words.
- waiting areawas a bit full in the waiting area
- ParkingParking space:Difficult to find parking
- areathe area was not the best
- bar areathe bar area “isn’t set up for food” lol right away
- bathroomsthe bathrooms were pretty foul smelling
- cockroach on floora cockroach on the floor
- crowdNormally, I prefer to go early to avoid the crowd. However, if you go anytime post 8 am, it gets very crowded, and you have to wait for your turn. But it’s worth the wait.
- dirty bathroomsthe bathrooms were dirty
If youre looking for a quiet, cozy spot with a classic diner feel and dont mind potentially older decor, you might enjoy the relaxed atmosphere here. However, be prepared for a potentially crowded waiting area or less-than-pristine bathrooms, which could detract from your experience.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 4.3 indicating an average performance. However, customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 27.6%, suggesting many arent thrilled. Still, based on 8 positive remarks out of 29 total observations, some diners found good value for money with specific offerings like the cheapest food option and popular $7 Specials.
On the flip side, the majority of feedback, with 18 negative comments, highlights significant concerns. Many felt the prices were simply expensive, pointing to issues like high Breakfast costs, unexpected surcharge for early arrivals, and even ridiculous pricing for everyday items. This disparity clearly contributes to the low satisfaction.
Value
29
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable options
- Special deals
What people don't like
- High prices
- Hidden surcharges
- Expensive breakfast
Often praised
- pricesWe had a wonderful time; the staff was friendly, and the value for money was excellent. The prices were lower compared to other restaurants.
- $7 Specialstheir $7 Specials
- cheapest food optionthe cheapest food option near marina
- pricegreat for what you pay
- spotThe waitress was very polite and kind, and the service was really fast. It’s a good spot if you’re hungry and just want something quick and affordable. However, I found the food to be quite artificial and very sugary.
- value for moneyFor dessert, we shared the fluffy and light pancakes. We had a wonderful time; the staff was friendly, and the value for money was excellent. The prices were lower compared to other restaurants.
Frequently criticized
- priceway expensive how can you pay $19
- pricesBut it's worth trying at least once. Prices are a bit high, but personally, I'm not disappointed. Friendly service.
- pricingridiculous pricing in every restaurant I’ve been too
- BreakfastBreakfast is over $35 per person
- PriceExpensive breakfast
- WiseIt doesn’t accept Wise
- billOne has to be careful when going for breakfast. We arrived before seven o'clock and were surprised by the deviations in the bill, amounting to $7. The friendly answer, we were too early and then a surcharge would be levied, is that acceptable?
- coffeethey now charge $5 per person for the coffee
- everythingThe friendly answer, we were too early and then a surcharge would be levied, is that acceptable? Everything has become more expensive as it is.
- expensiveVery expensive
If you're looking for a quick, affordable bite and stick to their specials, you might find a good deal. However, be wary of breakfast costs, hidden surcharges, and general pricing, as many customers found it to be quite expensive.
How are the prices at IHOP?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 142 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend right around this average, with a good chunk also enjoying options in the $11–$20 range, showing a nice mix of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 142 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, making it a good option for many diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about IHOP
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fantastic Breakfast with Huge Portions
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for breakfast. The Eggs Benedict was truly one of the best I have ever had. I would strongly recommend this place if you are in the area.
The portions were huge, and the menu choice was extensive.
- Eggs Benedict10
- portions9
- menu choice9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious American Breakfast with Great Service
My experience at the restaurant was a delightful American-style dinner, located conveniently close to our hotel. Roberto provided exceptional service every morning, being very attentive. The portions were very generous!
It was a true treat, with both savory options (scrambled eggs, bacon, etc.) and sweet treats like enormous pancakes. Thank you very much for a very good memory.
- service10
- attention9
- food10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Consistently Great Food and Service!
I visit this restaurant a couple of times a week to enjoy their $7 Specials. The food is consistently hot and fresh, and the service is always very friendly and fast. This is truly one of the best restaurants in the area.
- $7 Specials9
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Hair in silverware, cold coffee, poor service
My experience at this restaurant was marred by several significant issues. I found a small ball of hair in the silverware basket, which was quite unsettling. Additionally, the coffee was cold, not even warm.
To make matters worse, one of the servers questioned me about wanting my silverware changed after I pointed out the hair. The overall service and food quality were very disappointing.
- hair in silverware1
- coffee2
- service1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Good Food, Bad Bathrooms
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was great, and the service was good. However, the bathrooms were pretty foul smelling, even though there were only a few people there.
I suspect there might be an issue with the plumbing. On a positive note, we were able to pay at the table.
- food10
- service8
- plumbing5
- bathrooms2
What IHOP offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Salad bar
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features does IHOP in Fisherman's Wharf offer, and how is parking?
At IHOP in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find excellent accessibility with a wheelchair accessible restroom, parking lot, and seating. Regarding parking, it can be somewhat difficult to find a space, but paid street parking options are available nearby for your convenience.
What dining options are available at IHOP, and is it suitable for children?
IHOP offers a wide range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. It’s also a great choice if you’re dining with kids, as they provide a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs to ensure a pleasant family experience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for IHOP?
IHOP has an average overall Restaurant Score of 6.1 and a Customer Satisfaction of 55.8%, indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience for many diners.
What do customers appreciate most about IHOP's offerings?
Customers frequently praise the quality of the Food (6.7), especially the pancakes, and appreciate the generous portion sizes. Many also highlight the friendly and polite Service (5.6) from the staff.
What are some common complaints about IHOP?
Common complaints include concerns about the Value (4.3) due to high prices, occasional slow Service (5.6), and some find the food to be artificial or overly sugary. Issues with the Ambience (6.0), such as cleanliness in certain areas, have also been noted.