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oChef » Lillie Coit – San Francisco
Lillie Coit - San Francisco
Photo from Lillie Coit
Lillie Coit at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#666 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#87 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
272
Reviews
81.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Service
- Good Food
Frequently criticized
- Bad Drinks
- Slow Service
The restaurant Lillie Coit, a trendy spot in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood, invites you to a casual yet stylish dining experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere perfect for unwinding, whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a relaxed dinner.
This restaurant specializes in small plates, making it ideal for sharing and sampling a variety of flavors. With its welcoming vibe, it’s a must-visit for those seeking a memorable meal in the city.
Overview: Introducting Lillie Coit
Lillie Coit presents a compelling experience, often lauded for its vibrant atmosphere and attentive service. Many guests appreciate the lively setting and the engaging staff who make a visit memorable.
However, some experiences suggest the overall vibe can feel less authentic or even unwelcoming to certain patrons. While the food, particularly the steaks and oysters, receives considerable praise, the drink offerings can be a point of contention.
Some find the cocktails inconsistent or not to their taste, which can detract from an otherwise enjoyable culinary outing.
Good
8
out of 10
272
Reviews
81.3%
Satisfaction
35
negative
16
neutral
221
positive
Lillie Coit earns a solid 8 out of 10 for its overall performance, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a strong 81.3% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most visitors leave content.
The restaurant manages to balance its offerings well, with a significant number of positive remarks (221) outweighing the negative ones (35) out of 272 total opinions. The individual aspects contribute to this standing, with Service leading the way at (8.3), followed closely by Food (8.1) and Ambience (8.1).
These areas consistently impress guests, highlighting the staff’s dedication and the quality of key menu items. The Value score, however, is notably lower at (5.2), suggesting that while the experience is good, some find the pricing, especially for drinks, a bit steep.
What people like
- Exceptional Service & Staff
- Quality Steaks & Oysters
- Lively Atmosphere & Music
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Drink Quality
- Slow Service & Wait Times
- Unwelcoming Vibe for some
Lillie Coit is a place worth considering if you prioritize excellent service and a lively setting, especially for quality steaks and oysters. The 8.2 recommendation score suggests a strong likelihood of a positive experience, particularly if you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere and engaging staff.
However, be mindful of the drink menu, as it might not appeal to all palates, and some find the overall value to be a bit high. If you’re prepared for potentially inconsistent cocktails and are focused on the main dishes and the social aspect, Lillie Coit could be a good choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lillie Coit
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the culinary experience, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.1 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 84.6%, it's clear that the food here is a hit. Out of 123 customer opinions, a whopping 104 rave about the delicious offerings.
Patrons particularly praise the amazing oysters, superb steak frites, and the high-quality, unique cocktails, especially noting the excellent late-night menu. However, not every bite was perfect, with 13 negative comments surfacing. A few guests unfortunately reported issues with the charcuterie board, including concerns about prosciutto and stale bread.
There were also isolated incidents of forgotten steak orders and some drinks that fell flat, described as overly salty or sour.
Food
123
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
13
negative
6
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing oysters
- Superb steak frites
- Great late-night menu
What people don't like
- Charcuterie board issues
- Stale bread
- Disappointing drinks
Often praised
- foodWhile the vibes were great, I'm giving it 3 stars due to slow service and a lack of amazing drink options. The bar seems geared towards an older crowd, offering super strong drinks and expensive food like charcuterie. Unfortunately, I didn't really like any of the drinks on the menu; they weren't my cup of tea.
- drinksWe ended up chatting with a few other patrons who all raved about this place as being their favorite. Great music, drinks, and service. This is our new favorite place and can't wait to be back for dinner.
- cocktailscocktails, fresh oysters and lovely staff
- menuyou look at the menu and this place is so serious!
- oystersSuper fresh and the home made hot sauce was incredible!
- steakThe steak 8oz. Top of my list.
- FoodFood:5
- food and drinksThe food and drinks were amazing
- steaksone of the best steaks you can get
- BOGO oystersBOGO oysters from 10pm-1am brings me back
Frequently criticized
- drinksneither my friend nor I were able to get past 2 sips of our drinks
- breadThe bread was also very stale
- charcuterie boardgot food poisoning from the charcuterie board
- drink optionsnot amazing drink options
- gimletthe gimlet was nothing but sour
- hitw cold coffeedrinks were so bad that we didn’t feel like finishing them
- imperial stout beerdrinks were so bad that we didn’t feel like finishing them
- lemon dropdrinks were so bad that we didn’t feel like finishing them
- martiniThe martini was so salty one could throw up
- prosciuttoThe prosciutto was extremely red and tasted awful
If you're seeking a spot with fantastic oysters, top-notch steak, and a vibrant late-night food scene, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of the charcuterie board and perhaps inquire about drink recommendations to ensure a delightful experience.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 81.9%, it's clear that most guests have a good experience. Many of the 59 positive remarks highlight the amazing hospitality, attentive staff, and especially Nick, the owner, who often goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome.
However, out of 72 total opinions, there are 10 negative ones that point to some areas needing attention. Some guests reported excessive waiting times for drinks and food, slow service, and even feeling unwelcomed. A few experiences mentioned a rude owner/manager, which certainly put a damper on things for those customers.
Service
72
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Owner Nick's hospitality
- Above and beyond service
What people don't like
- Excessive waiting times
- Slow service
- Unwelcoming experience
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant for NYE dinner and drinks was phenomenal. The steak was the best I've had, and the drinks, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch. It truly offered the best in the city.
- staffstaff and their ability to connect
- ServiceService:5
- bartenderMy husband and I were visiting SF from Carmel and stopped in for an after-dinner drink. We were instantly greeted with a smile from the bartender, Damitrius, and a fist bump by the bar back. We ended up chatting with a few other patrons who all raved about this place as being their favorite.
- ownerThe owner is wonderful and always makes you feel welcome.
- NickNick was so inviting
- bartendersThe bartenders really know how to show you a good time.
- hospitalityThe food was beautiful, and the drinks were great. I was particularly impressed by the amazing hospitality, with Nick being so inviting. We'll definitely be back for more.
- hostNick is an amazingly friendly and "on top of it" kind of host
- treatmentMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding, particularly due to the very best treatment I received from Nick on Christmas Eve. Thank you so much for the special, down to earth, authentic treatment! The oysters were amazing.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this bar was a mixed bag. While the vibes were great, I'm giving it 3 stars due to slow service and a lack of amazing drink options. The bar seems geared towards an older crowd, offering super strong drinks and expensive food like charcuterie.
- Google informationfailed to state on Google that they were closed
- business hoursGoogle information this restaurant was open on a Wednesday
- owner / managerInsanely rude owner / manager
- postingsAccording to their Google information, this restaurant was open on a Wednesday during regular business hours. When we got there, this business was not open, it looked like it wasn’t even in business and had no postings of any alternate hours of business.
- waitingwaited an hour
- waiting timewaited 25 mins for drinks, then they forgot our food so add additional hour of waiting
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff and an owner who makes you feel like family, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that on some occasions, service might be a bit slow, so its best to go when you're not in a rush.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.1 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 83.1%, its clear most folks are loving the atmosphere. Many describe it as having a great vibe, a cozy atmosphere, and being a cool neighborhood spot, making it perfect for a date spot or just a place to relax.
Out of 65 comments, a whopping 54 were glowing about the overall feel. However, not everyone was swept away. A few of the 7 negative comments mentioned feeling unwelcomed or that the vibe felt generic rather than unique.
Some found the place to be sterile and lacking local character, suggesting it didnt quite capture the essence they expected from the neighborhood.
Ambience
65
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe
- Cozy atmosphere
- Spacious layout
What people don't like
- Felt unwelcoming
- Generic atmosphere
- Lacks local character
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant for NYE dinner and drinks was phenomenal. The steak was the best I've had, and the drinks, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch. It truly offered the best in the city.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeGreat food and vibe
- vibesVibes are more exquisite than the queen on her coronation day
- musicWe ended up chatting with a few other patrons who all raved about this place as being their favorite. Great music, drinks, and service. This is our new favorite place and can't wait to be back for dinner.
- placehis place is my favorite spot
- addition to the neighborhooda great addition to the neighborhood
- ambienceambience is great
- barLarge bar
- conversationengaging conversation
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy friends and I felt unwelcomed here. I do not recommend this place for women; my girlfriends and I felt creeped out and left after one drink.
- culturepays no tribute to the culture of the neighborhood
- establishmentAccording to their Google information, this restaurant was open on a Wednesday during regular business hours. When we got there, this business was not open, it looked like it wasn’t even in business and had no postings of any alternate hours of business.
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- placefelt more generic than local
- vibeIt was one of the few bars open in the area at the time. While the drinks were fine, the place didn’t quite capture the vibe I associate with San Francisco. It felt more generic than local, lacking that distinct character or charm.
If youre looking for a lively, cozy, and welcoming spot with a great atmosphere for a date or a casual hangout, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that a small minority found the vibe a bit generic, so manage your expectations if youre seeking something hyper-local or super unique.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
Based on 12 opinions, with 4 positive remarks, some guests found the value here surprisingly good! They highlighted the price per person in the $20–30 range as reasonable, feeling the experience was worth it. Plus, theres a "good oyster deal" after 10 pm thats a definite win.
Despite these bright spots, the overall score for value is an average 5.2. On the flip side, with 5 negative remarks, the value proposition isn't always clear, especially considering the poor 33.3% customer satisfaction. Many found drinks are expensive, particularly cocktails that felt overpriced.
There were also frustrating Uber cost issues due to incorrect hours, leading some to label it a generally expensive place.
Value
12
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good oyster deal
- Reasonable meal price
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Expensive cocktails
- Wasted Uber cost
- Overall high cost
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- oyster dealgood oyster deal after 10pm
- pricePrice is reasonable as well
- worth itbut worth it
Frequently criticized
- DrinksDrinks are expensive
- Price per person$40 down the drain
- Uber costThe restaurant failed to state on Google that they were closed on the day they were supposed to be open. We wasted money on an Uber to eat at this establishment. According to their Google information, this restaurant was open on a Wednesday during regular business hours.
- cocktaillittle salty over 18$ cocktail
- pricesterile and expensive place
If youre eyeing a late-night oyster deal or a moderately priced meal, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for potentially high drink prices and always double-check opening hours to avoid wasted travel costs. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations carefully.
How are the prices at Lillie Coit?
On average, you’ll spend around 36 $ per person here, based on what 35 guests reported. That places it comfortably in the $31–$40 price category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, this is definitely mid-range, perhaps leaning slightly towards the higher end of mid-range.
While the average is 36 $, it’s interesting to note that most diners actually spend a bit less, with the largest group falling into the $21–$30 range. This suggests a good mix of options, catering to different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, allowing guests to enjoy a quality meal without breaking the bank, while also having options for a slightly more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lillie Coit
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Food and Late Kitchen Hours!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, especially the steak and fries. I was also impressed by the vibe and the fact that the kitchen is open until 1 am.
I'm looking forward to trying the French omelets on my next visit.
- food9
- steak and fries9
- vibe8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Great food, rude owner
I love the vibe and food of this place, but the owner/manager was insanely rude. Despite enjoying the atmosphere and the delicious food, the service experience was marred by the owner's behavior.
- vibe9
- food9
- owner / manager2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Spot with Friendly Owner!
What a great spot! I had a totally cool experience with great drinks and the owner, Nick, was so friendly. You need to stop by here if you’re in North Beach!
- great drinks9
- owner, Nick10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Delicious Oysters, Steak, and Charcuterie!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I started with 24 Oysters, which were a must-try. For my main course, the 8oz steak was at the top of my list and absolutely delicious.
The charcuterie, with all three items, was also incredibly tasty. I enjoyed a bottle of their house red and white wine. To round off the meal, I had the Caviar and an order of broccolini.
The service was exceptional, with Nic going out of his way to ensure great service. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
- Oysters10
- steak10
- Chacuterie10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Favorite Bar with Late Kitchen
My favorite bar in the city. It's a great date spot and best of all, the kitchens are open late. The dirty martinis are fantastic.
- date spot9
- kitchens open late10
- dirty martinis10
What Lillie Coit offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Lillie Coit's?
At Lillie Coit, you can anticipate a casual and trendy dining experience perfect for dinner. The restaurant offers comfortable seating and specializes in small plates, ideal for sharing and exploring various flavors. You can also enjoy a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails.
Does Lillie Coit's offer reservations and what are the parking options?
Yes, Lillie Coit accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit. For parking, you’ll find paid street parking available in the North Beach area. This ensures you can secure your spot and enjoy your dinner without hassle.
How does Lillie Coit generally perform?
Lillie Coit has a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8 out of 10, with a customer satisfaction rate of 81.3%. Its Service (8.3), Food (8.1), and Ambience (8.1) are highly rated, though Value (5.2) is perceived as average.
What are the standout positive aspects of Lillie Coit?
Customers frequently praise the exceptional service and friendly staff, particularly mentioning specific bartenders and the owner. The quality of the steaks and fresh oysters, along with the lively atmosphere and good music, are also highly regarded.
What are some potential drawbacks or areas for improvement at Lillie Coit?
Some guests have noted inconsistent drink quality, with certain cocktails being disappointing. There have also been complaints about slow service and long wait times, and a few patrons found the atmosphere unwelcoming or generic.