Highlights
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Magnolia – San Francisco
Magnolia - San Francisco
Photo from Magnolia
Magnolia at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#1386 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#100 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
513
Reviews
73.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Craft beer
- Friendly service
- Good food
Frequently criticized
- Price concerns
- Slow service
- Vibe changes
The bar & pub Magnolia, located at 1398 Haight St in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle, offers a truly unique experience. As you step inside, you’re immediately enveloped by its historic and cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to unwind.
Known for its fantastic live performances, Magnolia SF – Haight provides an engaging backdrop to your evening. Whether you’re seeking a casual hangout or a trendy night out, this spot promises a memorable visit with its inviting ambiance and great beer selection.
Overview: Introducting Magnolia
Magnolia offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking quality craft beer and satisfying meals. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the generally welcoming ambiance that makes for a pleasant visit.
However, some recent changes have stirred mixed feelings about the overall atmosphere. While the food and drink selection often hits the mark, there are occasional concerns regarding slow service and the perceived value of certain items.
Good
7.3
out of 10
513
Reviews
73.1%
Satisfaction
103
negative
35
neutral
375
positive
Overall, Magnolia earns a solid 7.3 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a respectable 73.1%. This positive outlook is largely driven by strong feedback on the Food (7.6) and Service (7.6), which are frequently praised.
These insights come from a substantial 513 customer remarks, with 375 being positive and 103 expressing reservations. The Ambience (6.6) generally contributes to a pleasant visit, though it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the food and service.
The Value (5.6) is where opinions are most divided, with some finding prices fair while others feel certain items are a bit steep. This suggests a mixed perception on how well the cost aligns with the experience.
What people like
- Craft beer selection
- Attentive, friendly service
- Solid food choices
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Occasional slow service
- Ambience changes
With a 7.5 recommendation score, Magnolia is a solid choice, especially if you prioritize a good beer selection and reliable food. It’s a place worth trying for its generally positive atmosphere and attentive staff, making it a pleasant spot for a casual outing.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in value and service speed, which might affect your overall experience. If you’re seeking a consistently top-tier value proposition or are sensitive to atmosphere changes, it might be worth managing expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Magnolia
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Good news for your taste buds! The food here is generally well-received, scoring a solid 7.6 with customer satisfaction at 76.9%. Based on 227 positive remarks out of 295 total comments, many diners praise the delicious food, highlighting tasty burgers, flavorful chicken wings, and excellent fries.
However, there are some areas where the kitchen could improve. Around 47 negative comments mention concerns about inconsistent food quality, small portion sizes, and issues with fried food. A few also noted disappointment with specific items like the chicken burger or bland Fish 'N Chips.
Food
295
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
47
negative
21
neutral
227
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Food
- Great Burgers
- Tasty Wings
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Small Portion Sizes
- Poor Fried Food
Often praised
- foodThis is a neighborhood institution and a worthwhile stop when you're in the Haight. I enjoyed the great beers and solid food. Be sure to get there early on the weekend because it can get crowded.
- beerMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a great spot to grab a beer or even have a dinner. I highly recommend the pretzel, and I also loved the buffalo cauliflower.
- beersThis friendly local spot offers a great rotating selection of beers, including lagers, brown ales, sours, dark lagers, and IPAs. While the food is pretty average overall, they do have a fried chicken special on Thursdays which is worth going for.
- beer selectionMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The food was great, and they had a fantastic beer selection. We visited at midday on a Monday, and it was really quiet, making it easy to talk.
- burgerMy experience at this brunch spot was fantastic! I particularly enjoyed the great burger and the selection of beers. I especially loved the hazy IPA.
- fish and chipsMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the good burgers and good fish and chips. The staff were very nice, and the ambiance and location were also pleasant.
- drinksfood and drinks were delicious
- craft beerevery craft beer is excellent
- friesThe food ( chicken sandwich, fries, cobb salad, French toast) was delicious.
- French toastThe food ( chicken sandwich, fries, cobb salad, French toast) was delicious.
Frequently criticized
- beerthe beer is very mediocre in every style
- beerssome of the beers taste pretty messy, over-hopped
- foodI arrived on Friday night at 8: 30 PM for dinner and drinks, only to be informed that they were no longer serving food. We decided to find a bite elsewhere and return for drinks.
- food qualityFood quality has greatly diminished
- English beer stylesdeparture from well-executed English beer styles
- Fish 'N Chipsthe Fish 'N Chips and the batter was bland
- asparagusbreading is too thick on the asparagus
- basement brewsalmost all their basement brews taste like.. basement
- breadNo bread was available.
- breadingBreading is too thick
If youre seeking a place with a generally good menu and a variety of appealing dishes, its worth checking out. Just be aware that while many items are delicious, some diners have noted inconsistencies in quality or portioning.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
The service here generally shines, earning a good score of 7.6 and a strong customer satisfaction of 75.7%. With 78 positive remarks, guests frequently rave about the friendly, attentive staff and their accommodating nature. Many appreciate the quick service and helpful recommendations.
Yet, not every visit is flawless. Among 103 opinions, 22 mention occasional slow service, understaffed situations, or inattentive staff. A few experiences also highlight impolite interactions, indicating some room for improvement in consistency.
Service
103
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
22
negative
3
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating service
- Quick service speed
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Inattentive staff
- Understaffed moments
Often praised
- serviceThe place is very pleasant and clean. We were served quickly and kindly. They have several homemade beers and let us try different options to see which one we liked.
- staffthe staff was very friendly and attentive!
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceSome of the best customer service I have ever had
- employeesthe employees were nice
- serverRyan was our server! He was berry sweet and kind!
- waiterwaiter was very friendly and knowledgeable
- waitressthe poor waitress was having a tough time keeping up. She did great!
- Claire CClaire C is absolutely adorable and oh so sweet
- MattMatt is delightful
Frequently criticized
- bartenderThe bartender was inattentive to patrons seated there
- serviceThe design of the place also really impressed me. However, I must admit that the service can be very slow. Despite the slow service, it remains one of my favorite breweries in SF.
- waiterMy experience at this restaurant was terrible. Both the waiter and waitress walked by us twice without acknowledging us, even when we were actively waving to get their attention to take our order. The waitress was also extremely impolite when handing out menus.
- ServiceService:2
- acknowledging uswithout acknowledging us actively waving at them
- businesswill not be giving them my business
- deliveryslow delivery to boot
- internetWhile we were dining, the power went out in the entire block, which meant we had to leave our card details for later payment. They were efficient with that (thanking us, etc.), but when we asked if they could share their internet for a couple of minutes to request an Uber (our hotel was far away), the waiter made excuses and didn't help, nor did his colleagues. Obviously, the power outage wasn't their fault, but the staff's response in this situation wasn't very appropriate.
- new ownersThe new owners suck.
- phoneshe stayed on her phone most of the time
If good service is high on your list, this place is generally a safe bet. Youll likely encounter friendly, attentive staff, though be prepared for potential occasional slowdowns. Its worth trying for the overall positive customer care.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel of the place, the ambience gets a decent score of 6.6, with a solid number of positive remarks. Many guests loved the vibe and atmosphere, especially appreciating the live music and decor. With 65 positive observations out of 101 total, it seems many find it a family friendly spot to hang out.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64.4%, indicating theres still room for improvement. Some found issues with cold wind from an open door, unpleasant smells from ventilation, or an outdated vibe. A few also mentioned it could get crowded, ' suggesting comfort can sometimes be an issue.
Ambience
101
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
28
negative
8
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming, fun vibe
- Live music available
- Great decor
What people don't like
- Cold drafts
- Unpleasant smells
- Outdated vibe
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's a great craft beer place located in a very cool spot. The service was great, and the music and atmosphere were also top-notch. I highly recommend this place.
- musicIt's a great craft beer place located in a very cool spot. The service was great, and the music and atmosphere were also top-notch. I highly recommend this place.
- vibeservice and vibe were cool tho
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- family friendlyMy experience at Magnolia Brewing on Haight was unbelievably kind service and family friendly to the extreme. They truly made our day.
- locationBeautiful location on the corner
- Monterey aquarium live feedLoved the Monterey aquarium live feed on the TV
- ambianceNice ambiance
- ambienceambience is welcoming and fun
- bathroombathroom smells really good
Frequently criticized
- atmospheredon’t dig the atmosphere since the ownership change
- doorask them to close the door because I have a cold
- vibethe recent remodel kind of sterilized the vibe
- Haight AsburyHaight Asbury has gone seriously downhill since I last visited 20 years ago - tourist trap crap.
- PothosPothos!
- artistic expressionThis place feels more like a tourist trap than a focal point for craft beer. It goes to show that, given enough time and corporate pressure, what once was a vibrant space of artistic expression can become crushed into monotony by data points and bottom lines.
- bathroomsno toilet paper in any of the bathrooms
- chairs outsideunaware that the chairs were restricted for cafe use
- cold winda cold wind that made us eat a bit uncomfortable
- country musicCountry music in SF?
So, is the ambience right for you? If youre looking for a casual, lively spot with good music and a generally welcoming feel, its definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that on busy days or during colder weather, some minor comfort issues might pop up, so manage your expectations.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
Looking at value, theres definitely some good news! Many guests appreciate the wallet-friendly options, especially the fantastic happy hour with its appealing $5 draft beers. Reviewers often highlight that beer flights are well-priced, and overall, they find the prices to be quite reasonable.
These positive experiences, noted in 5 opinions, contribute to an average score of 5.6 for value. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy. Many feel that the general price or prices are a bit steep for what you get, with some specifically calling out items like the cheese board as drastically overpriced.
These concerns, noted in 6 opinions out of 14 total, contribute to a quite poor customer satisfaction of 35.7%, contrasting with the average score of 5.6.
Value
14
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Well-priced beer flights
What people don't like
- Overpriced for value
- Cheese board overpriced
Often praised
- pricesthe prices were totally fair
- $5 draft beersIt was a great experience to grab beer & food on Haight. A useful note for others is that the happy hour, offering $5 draft beers, is now available from 3-5 PM Monday-Friday.
- beer flightsTheir beer flights are well priced
- happy hourhappy hour, offering $5 draft beers
Frequently criticized
- priceAlso, as soon as we sat down, they served us water, which is appreciated. The food was not bad, although I think the price is a bit expensive for what it is. The bathrooms were clean and pleasant.
- priceswish the prices were a little bit lower
- cheese boardThe cheese board is drastically overpriced
- preciosprecios un poco elevados
If you're looking for a deal, definitely aim for happy hour or their beer flights, as these offer good value. Otherwise, be prepared that some menu items might feel a bit overpriced for what you receive, leading to mixed feelings about the overall cost.
How are the prices at Magnolia?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests cluster around that $21–$30 price point, but there’s also a good number spending in the $11–$20 range, showing a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Magnolia
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Beer, Mixed Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I absolutely loved their awesome pumpkin beer, and the food also seemed amazing. On the positive side, the bathroom was surprisingly clean and smelled really good.
However, the main dining area's sitting area had an unpleasant odor, smelling like the ventilation from the bathroom. They really need to fix the ventilation to improve the overall atmosphere.
- pumpkin beer10
- food9
- bathroom8
- sitting area3
- ventilation3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fantastic Food, Service, and Family-Friendly Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The food was great, and they had a fantastic beer selection. We visited at midday on a Monday, and it was really quiet, making it easy to talk.
The service was fantastic, and the staff were very accommodating to us and our two young kids. I definitely recommend this place!
- food10
- beer selection10
- noise level9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Mixed Feelings on Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was a bit of a mixed bag. On the positive side, there are a few solid dishes like the chicken sandwich and fish and chips. The fries were also great.
I appreciated that the prices were reasonable and the portions were normal. However, the smash burger left a lot to be desired. The atmosphere has also taken a hit since the ownership change; I'm not a fan of country music in SF, and the insistence on leaving the door open when it's cold was quite uncomfortable.
Service was hit or miss – some staff were attentive, while others were less so. Additionally, some of the beers tasted pretty messy and over-hopped. I hate to leave a mid review, but hopefully, these are some things that can be improved.
- chicken sandwich8
- fish and chips8
- fries9
- smash burger3
- atmosphere3
- country music2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing Beers, Cool Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the service and vibe were cool, the beers were a significant letdown. I would not recommend them, as other places like Woods and Cellarmaker are far superior.
My friend, who is a borderline alcoholic, didn't even finish either of the two beers he ordered, which says a lot about their quality. The food received a very low rating.
- service8
- vibe8
- beers2
- food1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Great Food, Questionable Brews
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food here consistently rules, with a special shoutout to the whipped feta. The service was also great, and the atmosphere was a perfect 5.
Unfortunately, almost all of their basement brews taste like, well, basement – like they're made with dirty water or have issues with the beer lines. I've tried a number of their house brews, and guests I've taken always agree. There often aren't non-Magnolia beer options available, and even a cheap bottled option would satisfy me.
I'll be back for the food, and I guess I'll get into High Noons!
- food10
- whipped feta10
- service10
- basement brews2
- house brews3
- non-magnolia beer options3
What Magnolia offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at Magnolia SF - Haight?
At Magnolia SF – Haight, you’ll find a historic, cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. They are well-known for their engaging live performances and a great beer selection, ensuring a lively and enjoyable visit every time you stop by.
Does Magnolia SF - Haight offer convenient services and accessibility options?
Absolutely! Magnolia SF – Haight provides outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery options for your convenience. The venue is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms and entrances. They also welcome dogs and accept reservations, making planning your visit easy.
How does Magnolia generally score with customers?
Magnolia holds a 7.3 overall score, with Customer Satisfaction at 73.1%. Its Food (7.6) and Service (7.6) are highly rated, while Ambience (6.6) is good, and Value (5.6) is perceived as more inconsistent.
What are some popular food and drink options at Magnolia?
Customers frequently praise the craft beer selection, including beer flights and $5 draft beers during happy hour. Popular food items include the burger, fish and chips, pretzel, and buffalo cauliflower.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Magnolia?
Some customers have noted that the value can be inconsistent, with certain items like the cheese board considered overpriced. There are also occasional mentions of slow service and changes to the ambience after recent remodels.