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oChef » Jay’s Grill – San Francisco
Jay’s Grill - San Francisco
Photo from Jay’s Grill
Jay’s Grill at a glance
San Francisco Civic Center
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 50 of the guests
#143 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#27 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
273
Reviews
90.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Clean atmosphere
- Flavorful dishes
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Slow service
- Lemony dressings
The restaurant Jay’s Grill, located at 1400 Market St in San Francisco’s vibrant Civic Center neighborhood, offers a truly welcoming dining experience. You’ll find this spot perfect for those late-night cravings, serving up delicious food well into the evening.
It’s a versatile restaurant where you can enjoy a casual meal or grab a quick bite.
Overview: Introducting Jay’s Grill
Jay’s Grill offers a dining experience where the food generally shines, with many appreciating the bold, flavorful sides and diverse menu. Guests often highlight the friendly service and the owner’s personal touch, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
The establishment is frequently noted for its cleanliness and well-appointed interior. However, some diners have found certain dishes, like specific burgers or chicken preparations, to be less satisfying, citing issues with juiciness or portion sizes.
While many praise the reasonable prices, a few felt the value for money was lacking on particular items, leading to a sense of being “robbed. “
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
273
Reviews
90.5%
Satisfaction
22
negative
4
neutral
247
positive
Jay’s Grill maintains a strong overall standing with a Restaurant Score of 8.7, reflecting an excellent dining experience. This is further supported by an impressive Customer Satisfaction rate of 90.5%, indicating that nearly all patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, including 247 positive remarks against only 22 negative ones, providing a clear picture of customer sentiment. Digging deeper, Service stands out as exceptional (9.3), with guests frequently commending the attentive staff.
The Ambience also receives high marks (9), noted for its clean and inviting atmosphere. Food quality is generally excellent (8.5), though some specific items drew criticism.
Finally, Value is considered good (7.6), with many finding the pricing fair, despite a few concerns about portion sizes for the cost.
What people like
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Clean, inviting atmosphere
- Flavorful specific dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Occasional slow service
- Overly lemony dressings
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.8, Jay’s Grill generally delivers a satisfying experience. If you appreciate attentive service and a pleasant, clean setting, this spot is likely to impress.
It’s a solid choice for those seeking well-prepared Mediterranean staples, particularly the falafel and chicken shawarma, at what are often considered fair prices. However, be mindful that portion sizes can be inconsistent, and some specific dishes might not hit the mark for everyone.
While the service is usually excellent, there have been rare instances of delays. Overall, Jay’s Grill is certainly worth considering for a casual meal, but manage expectations regarding specific dish consistency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Jay’s Grill
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, earning a strong score of 8.5 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 88.3%. With 151 positive remarks out of 171 total, diners consistently rave about the authentic flavors, generous portions, and freshly prepared dishes. Many appreciate the overall quality food and the care put into each meal.
However, a few of the 17 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Concerns occasionally arise regarding portion size for specific items like chicken breast, with some finding the meat dry or the pita cold. While not widespread, these are worth noting for certain dishes.
Food
171
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Generous portions
- Freshly prepared food
What people don't like
- Dry meat
- Small chicken portions
- Cold pita
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The service was great, and the food was phenomenal. The owner was pleasant and took the time to explain the authenticity of the food and origin, which added a wonderful layer to the dining experience.
- portionsthey don’t skimp on the portions
- sidesMy experience at Jay's Grill was marked by their bold, flavorful sides and a diverse menu that truly offers something for everyone. It was a perfect mix of variety and taste.
- FoodFood:5
- burgerThe burger is very big and good.
- burgersLunch plates and burgers are particularly awesome
- chicken kebabsThe chicken kebabs are really good. Juicy and tasty.
- chicken shawarmastrictly for the chicken shawarma and they did NOT disappoint
- falafelthis one was amazing — crispy on the outside and moist inside
- falafelsThe falafels are exactly like back in the middle east
Frequently criticized
- Chef's Fav burgerChef's Fav burger, the only good thing about this burger was the Jalapeños aioli
- avocadothe avocado was a sliver
- beef kebab lunch specialbeef kebab lunch special... four tiny pieces on one skewer
- burgerWas not juicy, was lacking Jalapeños
- chickenThe chicken didn’t have a good crispy edge to it.
- chicken breast2.2 oz/63 grams of chicken is not acceptable
- chicken breast menuPaying $20 for a chicken breast menu and only getting 2.2 oz/63 grams
- chicken sandwichchicken sandwich, the chicken patty was so thin
- cold pitacold pita, not the fluffy kind either
- dressingsDressings had way too much lemon
If youre seeking a place with genuinely delicious, authentic flavors and generous portions, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few specific dishes might occasionally fall short on portion size or moisture, but overall, its a solid bet for a satisfying meal.
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
The service at this spot truly stands out, boasting an excellent score of 9.3 and an outstanding customer satisfaction rate of 96.6%. With 57 positive remarks out of 59 total, guests consistently praise the friendly staff, great service, and the welcoming owner. Many highlight the genuine hospitality and personal touch, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
On the flip side, a couple of comments (2 out of 59) did point to some minor issues. The primary concern mentioned was that service took forever at times, even when the restaurant wasnt particularly busy. While these instances seem rare, its something to keep in mind.
Service
59
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great service
- Welcoming owners
What people don't like
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceI've never tried the old place, but this one is 🔥. I highly recommend it, as Omar and the chef took great care of me.
- staffstaff would periodically check on us
- ownerowner personally came over to make sure we were satisfied
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicecustomer service is always amazing
- friendly serviceThe rice plates were flavorful and well-balanced, and the hamburger options were just as impressive. The cozy vibe and friendly service contributed to a great experience. It's conveniently located on 10th & Market.
- friendly staffReally friendly staff
- DoorDash or Uber Eatsif you use door dash or uber eats as well
- Friendly ServiceFriendly Service
- Friendly staffFriendly staff, great service!
Frequently criticized
- serviceService:2
- took forevertook forever even tho there was only one other table
If you value a warm welcome and attentive care, this place is definitely worth checking out. The service is overwhelmingly praised, promising a great experience where you'll feel genuinely looked after, despite a very rare mention of slow service.
Ambience (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
Wow, when it comes to the vibe, this place really shines! With an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 93.8% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 32 opinions, a whopping 30 rave about the cleanliness, cozy vibe, and how warm and welcoming it feels, often calling it a hidden gem.
People consistently praise the relaxed and friendly setting, making a great first impression. However, its not entirely perfect, as one opinion did rate the atmosphere quite low. While this is a rare outlier among the many positive comments, it suggests that perhaps not every visit hits the mark for everyone, even in an otherwise highly-regarded setting.
Ambience
32
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Super clean space
- Cozy, welcoming vibe
- Quiet, easy to talk
What people don't like
- Atmosphere rated low
Often praised
- atmosphere4 stars for atmosphere was due to renovations
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeThe place is clean and well-appointed
- cleanlinessVery clean
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- addition to the neighborhoodGreat addition to the neighborhood
- ambiancehard work they put into their restaurant be reflected in their food and ambiance
- cleanFor a quick grill spot, they have everything you could want: quality food at a fair price, with good portions. The service was friendly, the place was clean, and the atmosphere was good. The lunch plates and burgers are particularly awesome.
- cozy vibeCozy vibe
- first impressionFirst impression is above expectations
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
If you're looking for a spot with a genuinely pleasant and clean environment, this place is definitely worth checking out. It consistently delivers a warm, welcoming, and relaxed atmosphere that most customers adore, making it a great choice for a comfortable outing.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a strong 81.8%, its clear most folks feel theyre getting a good deal. Many rave about the reasonably priced items and affordable prices, often calling it good value or even a steal for the city, based on 9 positive remarks.
However, not everyone leaves feeling like they got a bargain. While the overall sentiment is positive, a couple of experiences (2 out of 11 comments) left diners feeling robbed due to specific price points. It seems some portion sizes, particularly for certain dishes, didn't quite justify the cost for a few guests.
Value
11
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good overall value
- Reasonable city prices
- Affordable canned drinks
What people don't like
- Small dish portions
- Some dishes overpriced
- Felt completely robbed
Often praised
- pricesprices were very reasonable
- affordable pricesVery affordable prices overall
- canned drinkscanned drinks only $2
- fair pricequality food at a fair price
- good valueThe Mediterranean food was healthy and the portions were large. The service was friendly, and it offered good value. I particularly enjoyed the Falafels, the Chicken Shawarma Bowl, and the dinner entrees which came with soup and pita bread.
- price for everythingThe price for everything is just a steal for San Francisco
- reasonably pricedsuper reasonably priced for the City
Frequently criticized
- felt so robbedNever felt so robbed before
- pricePaying $20 for a chicken breast menu and only getting 2.2 oz/63 grams
If youre looking for generally affordable prices and good value, especially for a city like San Francisco, this place is usually a safe bet. Just be mindful of specific dish portions, as a few diners felt certain items were overpriced for what you received. Overall, its worth checking out for its reasonable offerings.
How are the prices at Jay’s Grill?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 50 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners (40 out of 50!) 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 50 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 mid-range restaurant experience in San Francisco. It seems like you know what to expect, and that’s always a good thing!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Jay’s Grill
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Fantastic Food, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant has been fantastic! I visit on a weekly basis because the food is so good and the prices are very reasonable. I highly recommend it!
- food10
- prices9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Genuine Food, Friendly Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I ordered from a specific side of the menu and the food was super genuine. The staff were really friendly.
I initially intended to get my food to go, but ended up dining in and I owe the staff a bigger tip next time! I will definitely be back, and I highly recommend you visit too.
- genuine food9
- friendly staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Simply the Best City Go-To!
My experience at this restaurant was simply the best! It's my go-to when I'm in the city. The food was fantastic, the prices were great, and the staff were wonderful.
I highly recommend it!
- food10
- prices9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Phenomenal Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The service was great, and the food was phenomenal. The owner was pleasant and took the time to explain the authenticity of the food and origin, which added a wonderful layer to the dining experience.
The atmosphere was also rated highly.
- service9
- food10
- owner9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Consistently Delicious Lunch Spot!
I come here all the time for lunch and love this place! The service is super friendly, and the food is always delicious.
- service10
- food10
What Jay’s Grill offers
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Salad bar
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Halal food
- Private dining room
Dining options
- Catering
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
What diverse culinary options can you find at Jay’s Grill?
At Jay’s Grill, you’ll discover a wide array of choices, including delicious vegan and vegetarian options, organic dishes, and even halal food. You can also enjoy fresh items from the salad bar or explore their selection of small plates, perfect for sharing.
What service and dining options does Jay’s Grill provide?
Jay’s Grill offers flexible service with dine-in, takeout, and delivery available for your convenience. You can enjoy lunch or even late-night food. They also provide catering services and have a private dining room for special occasions.
How does Jay's Grill rate overall?
Jay’s Grill holds an excellent overall Restaurant Score of **8.7** and a Customer Satisfaction of **90.5%**. This is driven by exceptional **Service** (9.3) and **Ambience** (9), with **Food** also rated excellent (8.5) and **Value** considered good (7.6).
What are the standout features of Jay's Grill?
Customers frequently praise the friendly service and the clean, cozy vibe of the restaurant. Many also highlight specific dishes like the flavorful falafel and chicken shawarma, noting the generally reasonable prices.
Are there any common concerns at Jay's Grill?
Some diners have noted inconsistent portion sizes for certain items, leading to concerns about value. There have also been occasional remarks about specific dishes not meeting expectations and rare instances of slow service.