Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Mad Dog in the Fog – San Francisco
Mad Dog in the Fog - San Francisco
Photo from Mad Dog in the Fog
Mad Dog in the Fog at a glance
San Francisco Haight-Ashbury
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 70 of the guests
#1336 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#12 Bar & Grill out of 16 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
290
Reviews
75.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Vibrant ambiance
- Quality pub fare
Frequently criticized
- Value for money
- Hygiene concerns
- Limited selection
The bar & grill Mad Dog in the Fog in San Francisco’s vibrant Haight-Ashbury neighborhood offers you a truly engaging experience. You can immerse yourself in a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for catching a game or enjoying a night out.
This spot is renowned for its great beer selection, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, you’ll find delicious options here.
Overview: Introducting Mad Dog in the Fog
Mad Dog in the Fog offers a lively atmosphere where patrons often enjoy a genuine pub experience. Many appreciate the attentive bartender JAMES and the generally friendly staff, making for a welcoming visit.
It’s a spot where you can easily settle in for an afternoon or evening, enjoying the vibrant surroundings. However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies, particularly with service acknowledgment and certain value aspects.
While the overall vibe is positive, a few guests have noted concerns that can detract from an otherwise pleasant outing, hinting at areas for improvement.
Good
7.3
out of 10
290
Reviews
75.5%
Satisfaction
59
negative
12
neutral
219
positive
Mad Dog in the Fog holds a respectable overall score of 7.3, indicating a generally good experience, with customer satisfaction at 75.5%, which is also considered good. This positive sentiment is drawn from 290 total customer remarks, with 219 positive observations outweighing 59 negative ones, suggesting a solid foundation of approval.
Delving deeper, the Ambience (7.8) and Food (7.6) topics both score well, reflecting a pleasant environment and satisfying menu items. Service (6.7) also registers as good, though it’s worth noting some mixed feedback within this area.
The primary point of concern appears to be Value (4.1), which falls into the average range, indicating that pricing or portion perceptions could be a drawback for some visitors.
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Lively pub atmosphere
- Solid food options
What people don't like
- Pricing concerns
- Cleanliness issues
- Limited beer variety
If you’re seeking a casual, lively spot with a good pub atmosphere and generally satisfying food, Mad Dog in the Fog is certainly worth considering. It’s a place where the friendly staff and engaging environment often create memorable experiences, especially for those looking to relax and socialize.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and some pricing concerns, particularly regarding drinks. With a recommendation score of 7.5, it leans towards a positive experience, but managing expectations around value might enhance your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mad Dog in the Fog
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems many diners are leaving happy! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a healthy 79.3%, its clear the kitchen is doing a lot right. Out of 116 comments, a whopping 92 were positive, with guests raving about yummy foods like wings, nachos, and fish and chips, often described as delicious and amazing food.
However, not every dish hits the mark perfectly. While fewer, 17 comments pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found the tortillas cold, the Shepards Pie problematic, or the burger bun dry.
There were also mentions of chicken strips being underwhelming and general food quality concerns, suggesting a few items might need a bit more attention.
Food
116
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
17
negative
7
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious wings
- Great pub food
- Excellent fish & chips
What people don't like
- Cold tortillas
- Dry burger bun
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodIt's a great sports watching bar with lots of different seating options and diversions like pinball, arcade games, billiards, and trivia night. I was pleasantly surprised by the food quality and the menu; it's probably the best in SF for a sports bar. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5.
- beeramazing food and beer (we love IPAs)
- FoodFood:4
- GuinnessThe bartenders, Santos, James, and Killian, are truly the best. They really know how to pour a Guinness. 💯🍻⭐️
- nachosyummy foods like nachos and wings
- IPAsThey also carry IPAs which me and my partner love
- beer selectionthe beer selection is amazing
- beersWent for beers and trivia and had a fantastic time
- friesalthough the fries were good
- menuHaight Ashbury's BEST hidden gem bar. The menu is surprisingly good too. Ample seating and pool tables at the far end.
Frequently criticized
- Amber/Nut Brown optionno single Amber/Nut Brown option that isn’t jacked up with hops
- British beersdisappointed that the only British beers were Smithwicks and Guinness
- FoodFood:1
- Irish beersIrish bar with no Irish beers
- Shepard's PieShepard’s Pie and definitely got sick from it
- basic beer$7 for a plain basic beer hurts my wallet
- burger bunburger bun was so dry.
- chicken stripsmost two-dimensional chicken strips I’ve ever seen
- crispy spicy chickenCrispy spicy chicken was bad. It wasn’t spicy at all.
- diarrheaThey give me diarrhea but whatever.
If youre looking for a casual spot with generally tasty pub fare like wings and nachos, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that a few dishes might not live up to expectations, so perhaps stick to the crowd favorites.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot scores an average 6.7, with 62% customer satisfaction, indicating a generally mixed but often positive experience. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, especially shout-outs to bartender JAMES and other cool bartenders for their easy and quick service. With 44 positive comments out of 71, theres definitely a lot of love for the team.
However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing. Some patrons encountered a frustrating lack of acknowledgement and significant waiting times. There were also mentions of rude behavior from a bartender who, at times, seemed to ignore guests, leading to 24 negative comments.
It seems consistency can be a challenge here.
Service
71
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
24
negative
3
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, efficient team
- Attentive bartenders
- James remembers regulars
What people don't like
- Lack of acknowledgement
- Long waiting times
- Rude bartenders
Often praised
- serviceOn the menu, the tortilla chicken soup was outstanding. The service is great, and bartender JAMES makes it a point to remember you even when it gets busy – that's the kind of place you want to go back to. Mad Dog's is the type of place that blends an afternoon well into the evening while hanging out with friends on a SAT/SUN or any game night.
- Servicehaven't marked down the Service because the bartender was great
- staffStaff were professional and caring
- bartenderthe bartender on duty, James, was above and beyond
- serversThe shepherd's pie was a surprise as it was made with burger instead of lamb, but it was very tasty. The pub offered a good beer selection, and I was impressed by the great servers and the overall atmosphere.
- assortment to talk withfound pretty good assortment to talk with
- bartender JAMESbartender JAMES makes it a point to remember you
- bartender/waitressthe bartender/waitress was super attentive
- bartendersbest bartenders
- cool bartenderscool bartenders
Frequently criticized
- bartender" Instead of performing any further authentication, like scanning the ID, the bartender simply denied him. Based on this interaction, I would advise against visiting if you are from outside California, as you might encounter a ridiculously rude bartender.
- ServiceService:2
- acknowledgementno-one acknowledged us
- authenticationfailed to do any other authentication of the ID
- bartender ignored usMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a significant issue with the service. The bartender ignored us for 15 minutes. It was disheartening to see other tables who arrived after us receive attention.
- credit card fraudI was credit card frauded here
- fakesi’ve been getting too many fakes recently
- long time comingthough it took a long time coming
- machinethe machine isn’t working for it.
- motivation to do businessZero motivation to do business with an establishment that won't as much as acknowledge our presence
Overall, service here is a bit of a mixed bag. If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy friendly, attentive staff and quick service, especially from their standout bartenders. However, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less attentive interactions, as consistency seems to be the main hurdle.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines, boasting a good score of 7.8 and an impressive 87.9% customer satisfaction! With 80 positive remarks out of 91 total, guests frequently rave about the decor, diverse seating options, and its reputation as a fantastic sports watching bar. Many appreciate the lively vibe and welcoming atmosphere, making it a fun hangout with plenty of diversions like pool and arcade games.
However, not every experience is perfect, with 10 negative comments pointing out a few areas for improvement. Some patrons noted an unpleasant smell and concerns about dirty glassware. There were also mentions of toilet conditions and a feeling of an identity crisis, suggesting a need for more consistent upkeep in certain areas.
Ambience
91
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great sports bar
- Diverse entertainment
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unpleasant smell
- Dirty glassware
- Poor toilet conditions
Often praised
- atmosphereI was there for two days and both days had a different but very pleasant atmosphere 🙌🏼 You can eat and drink peacefully while watching different sports and live music at night.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- barVery friendly bar
- pool tablesThe menu is surprisingly good too. Ample seating and pool tables at the far end. It used to be a favorite lower Haight spot.
- seatingI stopped in for lunch before heading to Golden Gate Park. There was plenty of seating in the main bar area, as well as a back room with more seating. I ordered the Mad Dog Burger with bacon and a side salad.
- pub experienceThe staff is friendly and efficient. You could not ask for a better pub experience.
- triviaWent for beers and trivia and had a fantastic time
- vibethe vibe’s unpretentious fun
- Local atmosphereLocal atmosphere
- Mrs PAC manPool tables, foosball, and Mrs PAC man
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also not great
- cockroachsaw a small cockroach crawled up to our table
- conditionsaccept the mediocre conditions displayed here
- dishwasherschange the chemicals in the dishwashers
- glasswarethe glassware is dirty
- identity crisisSeems like they have a bit of an identity crisis
- pool tablesI had some of the best nachos I've ever tasted. The pool tables were also a lot of fun, although they were a bit sloped. Overall, a great time with good food and a lively atmosphere.
- smellthis bar smells bad
- toiletFrauen einen Code benötigen, um auf die Toilette zu gehen, Männer aber nicht!?
If youre looking for a lively sports bar with plenty of entertainment and a welcoming crowd, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that some minor cleanliness issues might pop up, but for the most part, its a great spot to catch a game and hang out.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks find the prices here to be quite solid, even calling the food reasonably priced and always worth the stop. Out of 12 total remarks, 3 positive comments highlight this aspect. However, with a score of 4.1, the overall value perception is average, and customer satisfaction sits at a low 25%, indicating a mixed bag.
On the flip side, many customers felt the value was lacking, with 8 negative remarks pointing to issues like being overcharged on their credit card or feeling they were targeted for tourist money. Concerns about draft beers not being a full pint at full price, and even a doctored receipt, suggest significant issues with pricing and transparency.
Value
12
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable food cost
- Worth the stop
What people don't like
- Credit card overcharge
- No full pint
- Doctored receipt
Often praised
- pricereasonably priced food
- pricesPrices are solid
- worth the stopAlways worth the stop
Frequently criticized
- Trumer Pilsa Trumer Pils was $9 on draft
- credit cardthey overcharged my credit card
- doctored receiptReceipt was doctored to add an extra $10
- draft beersHowever, I was disappointed with the pricing of their draft beers. They sell 12oz draft beers at full price, meaning you don't get a full pint. I only realized this when I bought a can and poured it into the glass, confirming it was indeed a 12oz serving.
- full pintYou do not get a full pint
- pricecost me $32
- pricesNot sure why they are so expensive
- tourist moneySeems they’re after the tourist money
While some find the food prices reasonable, be very cautious about your bill, especially regarding draft beers and credit card charges. It seems there's a significant risk of feeling overcharged, so double-check everything before you pay.
How are the prices at Mad Dog in the Fog?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 70 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Grill, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, most prices cluster nicely around this average, with a good number of slightly lower-priced options too, showing a focus on value.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 70 reviews.
How this Bar & Grill in San Francisco stacks up against similar spots when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Grill in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mad Dog in the Fog
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Best Sports Bar Food in SF!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great sports watching bar with lots of different seating options and diversions like pinball, arcade games, billiards, and trivia night. I was pleasantly surprised by the food quality and the menu; it's probably the best in SF for a sports bar.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5.
- sports watching bar9
- seating options8
- diversions8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Poor Service, Long Wait Times
My experience at this restaurant was not great. Initially, I thought I might have been overreacting, but after reading other reviews, I realized I wasn't alone. The bartender, who appeared unwell, ignored my girlfriend and me for over 10 minutes.
We eventually had to flag down another server just to place our order. When the drinks finally came out, they took much longer than expected. Overall, not a great experience.
- bartender2
- wait time2
- server3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great neighborhood pub experience
I really like this neighborhood pub. It has two sections, with the front having more bustle and chatter. During big events, it's standing room only.
The staff is friendly and efficient. You could not ask for a better pub experience.
- neighborhood pub9
- bustle and chatter7
- standing room only6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Great Sports Bar Atmosphere with Basic Food
My experience at this restaurant was centered around watching a sports match with fellow fans. The atmosphere was fantastic, described as friendly, fun, and welcoming, especially when joining the Barça fans for a game. The menu offered some basic classics like fish and chips, which were of fair quality but nothing overly fancy.
They had a good selection of international beers and drinks. The staff were professional and caring throughout the visit.
- atmosphere10
- basic classics5
- fish and chips5
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Credit Card Fraud and Awful Food
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I was a victim of credit card fraud, and so were the two people I was with. Our receipt was doctored to add an extra $10 to an already generous tip.
Furthermore, the food looked awful and nothing like what you'd expect from Ireland. I will have to find somewhere new to watch the football.
- credit card fraud1
- doctored receipt1
- food1
What Mad Dog in the Fog offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and highlights can you expect at Mad Dog in the Fog?
At Mad Dog in the Fog, you can anticipate a casual and trendy atmosphere. It’s a prime spot for sports enthusiasts, offering bar games and an impressive, great beer selection to enhance your visit.
Are there specific dining options or accessibility features available at Mad Dog in the Fog?
You can enjoy dining options like breakfast, lunch, and dinner with table service and seating. Mad Dog in the Fog is also wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Mad Dog in the Fog?
Mad Dog in the Fog has a good overall score of 7.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 75.5%. Customers generally appreciate the Ambience (7.8), Food (7.6), and Service (6.7), though Value (4.1) is an area where opinions are more mixed.
What do customers enjoy most about the atmosphere at Mad Dog in the Fog?
Customers frequently praise the pleasant and unpretentious atmosphere, describing it as a great pub experience with options like pool tables, arcade games, and trivia nights, making it a fun place to hang out.
Are there any common complaints regarding pricing or value at Mad Dog in the Fog?
Yes, some customers have expressed concerns about value, citing instances of high prices for draft beers, perceived short pours, and even issues with credit card overcharges or doctored receipts.