Highlights
- Fireplace
oChef » Jay’s Cheesesteak – San Francisco
Jay's Cheesesteak - San Francisco
Photo from Jay’s Cheesesteak
Jay's Cheesesteak at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#1132 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#44 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
274
Reviews
75.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food Quality
- Friendly Staff
- Unique Decor
Frequently criticized
- Slow Service
- Order Errors
- Parking Difficulty
The American restaurant Jay’s Cheesesteak in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers a truly inviting atmosphere. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot, perfect for a relaxed meal or a quick bite.
A standout feature is the charming fireplace, adding a warm glow that makes the space feel even more welcoming. It’s an ideal destination when you’re seeking an authentic American dining experience in a lively neighborhood.
Overview: Introducting Jay's Cheesesteak
Jay’s Cheesesteak offers a compelling experience, largely driven by its highly regarded food, with many praising the cheesesteak and fresh bread. The welcoming staff also contributes significantly to a positive visit, often making guests feel right at home.
However, some patrons have encountered challenges with service speed and occasional order accuracy. Beyond the main fare, the restaurant’s distinctive artwork creates an engaging atmosphere that many appreciate.
While the overall experience is generally positive, a few find the value proposition less compelling, and parking can be a bit of a hurdle.
Good
7.5
out of 10
274
Reviews
75.9%
Satisfaction
49
negative
17
neutral
208
positive
Jay’s Cheesesteak generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in a solid Restaurant Score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 75.9%. These figures indicate that most diners have a good experience here.
The restaurant’s strengths are clearly in its Food (7.9), which receives considerable praise, and its inviting Ambience (7.3). The Service (6.3) is rated as average, with some mixed feedback, while Value (6) also sits in the average range.
These insights come from a substantial 274 customer comments, comprising 208 positive remarks against 49 negative ones, providing a clear picture of what to expect.
What people like
- Excellent Food Quality
- Friendly, Warm Staff
- Unique Artwork
What people don't like
- Slow Service
- Order Inaccuracy
- Challenging Parking
With a strong Recommendation Score of 7.8, Jay’s Cheesesteak is certainly worth considering if you’re seeking satisfying food and a welcoming environment. It’s a place where the quality of the main dishes and the personal touch from the staff often shine through.
However, be prepared for potential waits or occasional mix-ups with your order, and plan your visit with parking in mind. If you prioritize flavor and a good vibe over perfect operational efficiency, you’ll likely find a visit here rewarding.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Jay's Cheesesteak
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.9 score and a 80.9% customer satisfaction, indicating a good dining experience. Many rave about the cheesesteaks, praising the veggie options, sides, and bread. With 152 positive remarks out of 188 total, diners frequently highlight the wide selection, quality ingredients, and generous portion sizes, making it a go-to for many.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 23 negative comments noting some cheesesteak disappointments. Concerns include the meat quality, a spicy taste that wasnt expected, and some feeling its not an authentic Philly cheesesteaks. A few isolated but serious issues like food poisoning were also mentioned, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
188
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
23
negative
13
neutral
152
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing cheesesteaks
- Diverse menu options
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Authenticity concerns
- Meat quality issues
- Food safety concerns
Often praised
- foodEverything was ABSOLUTELY GREATTTTT, they cooked everything perfectly
- cheesesteakcraving a cheesesteak for a really long time now and this place now has me hooked!
- cheesesteaksWe wanted to shop local, so we went to Jay's Cheesesteaks. Everybody was very happy with what they ordered. We will definitely go back again for 15 or more cheesesteaks.
- garlic friesgarlic cheesesteak and garlic fries were both really good
- breadI had an amazing cheese steak, so good that I ordered another one to take on the plane. The ingredients were not skimpy, the bread was fresh, and the mayo was fantastic. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
- friesThe fries are the same crinkle cuts in rhe big frozen bag we 80s babies love, so that was a winner with me.
- sandwichesI drive from Fresno, which is roughly 3 hours away, just to get their sandwiches. We stumbled upon this place by accident back in 2018, and whenever we come to San Francisco, we make sure to visit and buy extras to take home.
- FoodFood quality, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch
- French friesThey offer every type of French fries possible which is elite!
- burgersThey offer a variety of options including burgers
Frequently criticized
- Philly cheese steakdid not like the Philly cheese steak
- foodcrappy food
- SteakThe texture was nice and well cooked however not very flavorful, I tasted the bacon and cheese more that any meat.
- Vegan OptionsI wish they had even more of them
- authentic Philly cheesesteaksnot even close to authentic Philly cheesesteaks
- better placesi feel like there are better places close by.
- burned the bunToo bad they burned the bun and served it Jerk styke.
- cheesesteaknot impressed with this cheesesteak
- cheesesteaksnot even close to authentic Philly cheesesteaks - that would be fine if they were equally as tasty, but they aren't
- chickenthe chicken was cubed in big peices and hard
If you're craving a diverse menu with hearty cheesesteaks and plenty of veggie options, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while most experiences are great, some find the authenticity or meat quality inconsistent, so manage your expectations for a classic Philly.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot lands squarely in the average range with a score of 6.3, and customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 58.7%. Many folks rave about the nice staff and great service, often highlighting the friendly and personable interactions, especially with the owner, Jay. Out of 46 total comments, 27 were positive, praising the customer interaction and overall helpfulness.
However, not everyone has had a smooth experience. There are quite a few mentions of waiting time and it being the slowest place, with some orders even coming out incorrect. With 16 negative comments, issues like staff not paying attention or being indifferent and incompetent also pop up, suggesting some inconsistencies in service delivery.
Service
46
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, nice staff
- Great customer service
- Engaging owner interaction
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Incorrect orders
- Indifferent staff
Often praised
- serviceAlways great service at Jay's Cheesesteak
- staffThe staff maybe Jay the owner is really warm
- ServiceService, and atmosphere were all top-notch
- customer servicethe customer service over there is absolutely amazing
- JayJay was great, friendly and a humble person... just seeing how he interacts with his customers is a great thing to see
- StaffStaff is friendly
- cash or cardThey take cash or card
- customer interactionjust seeing how he interacts with his customers is a great thing to see, you don't see that these days.
- driveI will definitely make this a regular thing. It was totally worth the drive and the price!
- east coast accentauthentic east coast accent so you know its good
Frequently criticized
- staffthe staff was so indifferent and incompetent
- waiting timewait 30 minutes definitely don’t come here
- Slowest placeSlowest place ever
- attentionthey don't seem to pay attention
- customers in storeprioritize online orders and not the customers in store
- glovesNo gloves
- order accuracyMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was pretty good, but the staff was so indifferent and incompetent that you often will not get what you ordered, or have to wait while they remake it (potentially still incorrectly).
- order customizationBeware order customization at all, you risk being disappointed
- order incorrectthey get my whole order incorrect
- simple instructionspeople who can't read simple instructions
If youre looking for a place with potentially friendly staff and a great owner, it might be worth a visit. However, be prepared for possible long waits and the chance your order might not be quite right. Its a bit of a gamble on the service front.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 7.3 and boasting a fantastic 80% customer satisfaction. Out of 30 customer remarks, a whopping 24 were positive, praising the overall atmosphere and environment.
Many loved the art on the walls and decor, finding the place clean and neat, with some even enjoying the outdoor tables and good music. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A few folks, 6 to be exact, pointed out some downsides.
The biggest recurring issue seems to be challenging parking and the location itself. There was also a specific mention of loud mariachi music that wasnt everyones cup of tea. While these are minor points, they're worth keeping in mind.
Ambience
30
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fantastic atmosphere
- Cool art and decor
- Clean and neat
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Loud mariachi music
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere was also fantastic
- placeThey offer a wide range of food with decent prices and big portions, ensuring you definitely get your money's worth. The staff is friendly, and the place is clean. The food is always hot and fresh.
- AtmosphereHonestly, everything on Jays menu is delicious! The food quality, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch, earning a perfect 5/5 in each category.
- art on the wallsthe art on the walls is some of the best
- art on their wallPrepare to eat a hot mess! The decor is also pretty cool; you'll find yourself zoning out to the awesome art on their wall.
- artworklove the artwork in here
- clean and neatthe physical shop is clean and neat
- decorTheir decor is pretty cool too
- environmentMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great place to take family and friends, offering a great environment. The customer service was good, and the food was sooo delicious.
- great experienceI had a wonderful conversation with the store owner, who was a great person. It was a great experience overall, and I highly recommend this place.
Frequently criticized
- parkingBe aware that parking can be challenging
- hygieneMy experience at the restaurant was concerning due to poor hygiene practices. I observed the staff holding markers, picking up phone calls, writing down orders with a pen, and making sandwiches, all using the same hand.
- locationThe location is terrible for parking
- mariachi musicmariachi music they played loudly
- underappreciatedsad to see it so underappreciated
Overall, if youre looking for a spot with a great vibe, cool art, and a comfortable setting, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a bit of a hunt for parking, and maybe bring some earplugs if youre sensitive to loud music. It's a good bet for a pleasant experience.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
Value
10
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the nice hamburgers for a good price. The French fries were also very good and tasty.
- pricesprices are decent
- money's worthdefinitely get your moneys worth
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at Jay's was mediocre at best. I found the food to be crappy, which is a common issue in San Francisco, especially when paired with an inflated price.
- cash onlyCash only
- expensivefood was good but expensive
How are the prices at Jay's Cheesesteak?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 35 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests (28 out of 35) stick right within that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Jay's Cheesesteak
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Chicken Cheese Steak Disappointment
I tried the chicken cheese steak for the first time and found it difficult to swallow. The chicken was cubed into large, hard pieces, which is not how cheese steaks are typically prepared; they should be soft. I won't be ordering the chicken again, but everything else was fine.
- cheese steaks6
- everything else7
- chicken cheese steak2
- chicken2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Cheesesteak, Terrible Parking
I've never given much thought to cheesesteak sandwiches, having tried several throughout my life, including during trips to Baltimore. However, eating the mushroom cheesesteak sandwich from Jay's has changed my perspective. My taste buds are tingling, and despite a slight burn from eating it while it was too hot, the sandwich is absolutely delicious.
While the location presents a terrible parking situation, the physical shop itself is clean and neat. I doubt I'll ever have a cheesesteak sandwich that tastes quite like this again.
- mushroom cheesesteak sandwich10
- physical shop8
- clean and neat8
- location2
- parking2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Burger and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! I tried the chef's favorite burger, and it was truly outstanding. It felt like it was made with love.
The customer service was also absolutely amazing. I had a wonderful conversation with the store owner, who was a great person. It was a great experience overall, and I highly recommend this place.
- chef's favorite burger10
- made with love9
- customer service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Jays Cheese Steaks: A San Francisco Staple!
My experience at Jays cheese steaks was absolutely fantastic! This place is a true staple in San Francisco. I tried their "Suck Sandwich" and it was incredible.
Honestly, everything on Jays menu is delicious! The food quality, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch, earning a perfect 5/5 in each category.
- Suck Sandwich10
- Jays menu10
- Food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Cheesesteaks and Fries!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were incredibly friendly and personable. They offer an amazing variety of French fries, which I found to be elite.
The cheesesteaks were also excellent, packed with a great amount of ingredients.
- staff9
- French fries10
- cheesesteaks9
What Jay's Cheesesteak offers
Planning
- Reservations required
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Salad bar
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Jay's Cheesesteak accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, Jay’s Cheesesteak ensures a welcoming experience for all, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. For parking, paid street parking is available nearby, making your visit convenient in the bustling Mission District.
What kind of dining experience and food can you expect at Jay's Cheesesteak?
At Jay’s Cheesesteak, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. The menu includes a fresh salad bar and organic dishes, catering to various tastes while maintaining a focus on quality American cuisine.
How is Jay's Cheesesteak generally rated by customers?
Jay’s Cheesesteak holds a Restaurant Score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 75.9%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.9) and Ambience (7.3), while Service (6.3) and Value (6) are rated as average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Jay's Cheesesteak?
Many customers rave about the cheesesteak itself, noting the fresh bread and generous ingredients. The garlic fries and variety of French fries also receive positive mentions.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some visitors have experienced slow waiting time and occasional order accuracy issues. Additionally, finding parking near the restaurant can sometimes be challenging.