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oChef » Marengo on the Alley – San Francisco
Marengo on the Alley - San Francisco
531 Commercial St, 94111 San Francisco
7.5
von 10
von 10
Photo from Marengo on the Alley
Marengo on the Alley at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
€€€€€
Price per Person 1 – 10 €
mentioned by 1 of the guests
#257 von 500 Lokalen in San Francisco
#2 Bar & Grill von 2 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
155
Reviews
78.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Varied food
- Lively atmosphere
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Crowded/Loud
- Pricey portions
The restaurant Marengo on the Alley invites you to experience a classic Bar & Grill atmosphere right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Financial District. You’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for a casual lunch or an evening out.
This establishment is known for its relaxed vibe, making it an ideal choice when you’re looking for a comfortable place to unwind and enjoy good food and drinks in the city.
Overview: Introducting Marengo on the Alley
Marengo on the Alley offers a lively setting, often praised for its chill atmosphere and appealing decor, making it a good choice for groups or after-work drinks. While many appreciate the attentive staff and friendly bartender, some experiences suggest service can be inconsistent, with guests feeling ignored at times.
The culinary offerings are a strong point, with patrons frequently enjoying the diverse sliders and delicious fries, particularly the queso. However, some find the portions a bit small for the price, and there are occasional comments about dry buns or uninspired salads.
Good
7.5 von 10
155
Reviews
78.7%
Satisfaction
20
negative
13
neutral
122
positive
Marengo on the Alley generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its solid Restaurant Score of 7.5. Customer feedback indicates a Customer Satisfaction of 78.7%, placing it firmly in the good range.
This overall sentiment is drawn from 155 customer opinions, with a healthy balance of 122 positive remarks against 20 negative ones, suggesting a largely favorable experience for most visitors. Diving deeper, the Food (7.8) stands out as a primary draw, consistently receiving high marks.
The Ambience (7.4) also contributes positively to the dining experience. While Service (6.8) is generally seen as competent, it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the food or atmosphere.
The Value (6.5) is perceived as acceptable, though some find certain items a bit on the pricier side.
What people like
- Delicious varied food
- Pleasant, lively atmosphere
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Loud and crowded
- Small portions, pricey
Marengo on the Alley earns a solid 8 for recommendations, suggesting it’s a place many would happily revisit. If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with enjoyable food and a good vibe, particularly for happy hour or with a group, it’s certainly worth considering.
Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment. While the food and atmosphere are generally well-received, be mindful that service can be a bit hit-or-miss, and some items might feel a little expensive for their size.
However, for its strengths, Marengo on the Alley offers a compelling experience that often outweighs its minor drawbacks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Marengo on the Alley
Food (7.8 von 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 84.6%, its clear most diners are leaving happy. Based on 77 positive remarks out of 91 total, guests rave about the delicious sliders, amazing queso, and tasty sweet potato fries.
Plus, the diverse drink selection and unique menu options get a lot of love. However, it's not all perfect. A few of the 9 negative comments mention that the sliders can be quite small for the price, and some found the buns cold or dry.
There were also remarks about a limited pinot noir selection and occasionally soggy tortilla chips, so keep that in mind if those are your must-haves.
Food
91
Reviews
84%
Satisfcation
9
negative
5
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasty, diverse sliders
- Amazing queso, fries
- Great drink selection
What people don't like
- Small slider portions
- Cold, dry buns
- Soggy tortilla chips
Often praised
- slidersMy favorite go-to work lunch spot in the SF FiDi. I love the huge, tasty, and unique salads if you're trying to be healthy, and there's a ridiculously diverse selection of sliders if you're indulging. Oh, and the fries are BOMB!
- foodThe food made the loss more bearable
- cocktailsMy experience at the restaurant was great. They had a great list of cocktails and small plates. The bartender was great, and it was a definite plus that they spoke Spanish.
- quesoGET THE QUESO HERE. Add some chorizo and beans in there and it's the best pairing
- appetizersPretty good appetizers too
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was marked by good food, good drinks, and a pleasant vibe. However, it can get quite crowded, and there are not many seats or tables for everyone.
- friesI love the huge, tasty, and unique salads if you're trying to be healthy, and there's a ridiculously diverse selection of sliders if you're indulging. Oh, and the fries are BOMB! Don't miss out.
- menuVaried menu will please many eaters
- All-American sliderMy personal favorite is the All-American slider
- HellraiserIf you like spicy try the Hellraiser
Frequently criticized
- bunsThe buns that were used for our sliders were cold and extremely dry.
- sliderssliders are quite small for the price
- larger burgersGrößere Burger werden auf der Speisekarte leider nicht angeboten
- limited vegetarian optionsLimited vegetarian options
- pinot noir selectionNot super impressed with the pinot noir selection
- saladsSalads not very exciting
- tortilla chipshalf soggy chip is not cool
Overall, if you're looking for a fun spot with delicious sliders, great appetizers like queso, and a fantastic drink selection, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some find the slider portions a bit small, and specific items like buns or chips might occasionally miss the mark.
Service (6.8 von 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
Many guests have had positive experiences with the service, often praising the friendly staff and attentive bartenders who keep everyone happy. With 18 positive remarks out of 27 total, its clear many appreciate the effort, noting the service as great or top-notch, with a particular shout-out to a nice waitress. The overall score for service stands at 6.8, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 66.7%.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience. Some guests felt ignored by the wait staff, having to constantly wave for attention, leading to a lousy service experience. With 7 negative remarks, complaints about long waiting time to order and get drinks suggest that service could be better at times, especially when the place isnt busy.
Service
27
Reviews
66%
Satisfcation
7
negative
2
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great bartenders
- Top-notch service
What people don't like
- Ignored by staff
- Long waiting times
- Slow to order drinks
Often praised
- serviceI've always been greeted with great service here. They are attentive
- staffI particularly enjoyed the fried pickles and sliders. The service and staff were also great. You really can't go wrong here.
- bartenderThe bartender was great
- LemarLemar for making us feel welcome
- MarkMark, that cheeky N Irish scamp, is an awesome dude
- Spanishwhen you speak Spanish
- bartendersthe bartenders managed to keep everyone happy
- call aheadcall ahead if you want a table
- waitressThe waitress was nice to come few times
Frequently criticized
- serviceHaving to keep waving for their attention to get any service
- wait staffThe queso was yummy and so was the taco salad. I sat at the bar and felt pretty much ignored by the entire wait staff, having to constantly wave for their attention to get any service. This was a pretty bad experience, and for that reason, I may not come back here again.
- order and get drinkstakes super long to order and get drinks
- waiting timeThe service was kind of lousy, which was surprising given that the place wasn't busy. The salads were not very exciting and took forever to come out; we suspect they forgot part of our order. I won't be returning anytime soon.
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly staff and good bartenders, youll likely have a pleasant experience. Just be aware that service can be a bit inconsistent, so if you're in a rush or expect constant attention, you might find yourself waiting.
Ambience (7.4 von 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambience here really hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.4 and boasting a strong 77.4% customer satisfaction. Many folks, in 24 positive remarks, rave about the delightful decor, good vibe, and overall atmosphere. Its often described as a cute, cool spot with beautiful interiors, perfect for after-work drinks or even catching a game, and the clean bathrooms are a nice touch.
However, its not always perfectly serene. A few guests, in 3 observations, noted that the place can get quite loud and busy, especially during happy hour. Some also mentioned that while the energy is good, there aren't always enough seats or tables for everyone, which can make it feel a bit crowded.
Ambience
31
Reviews
77%
Satisfcation
3
negative
4
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great energy, vibe
- Beautiful decor
- Lively social spot
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Limited seating
Often praised
- ambienceThe ambience is delightful
- atmosphereChill atmosphere
- bathroomsclean bathrooms with nice tile
- after work drinksGood spot for after work drinks
- crowdedTypically not super crowded
- decorthe decor is beautiful
- energy and vibesGood energy and vibes from this place
- groupsGood choice for groups
- happy hour spotMy experience was at a spirited happy hour spot located off a pedestrian-dominant side street. Around 5: 30 PM on a weekday, the small but well-curated selection of draught beers was paired perfectly with a bright 70s soul playlist.
- interiorWelcome interior of exposed brick and wood
Frequently criticized
- happy hourHappy hour can be really loud
- placethe place was loud and busy
- seats or tablesMy experience at the restaurant was marked by good food, good drinks, and a pleasant vibe. However, it can get quite crowded, and there are not many seats or tables for everyone.
If you're looking for a lively spot with a great vibe and cool decor, especially for happy hour or groups, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for it to get a bit loud and potentially crowded, as seating can be limited during peak times.
Value (6.5 von 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
Looking at the value here, many guests are quite pleased, often mentioning reasonable prices and fair prices, with the happy hour specials being a particular hit. With 3 positive comments out of 6 total, it sounds like there are definitely some wallet-friendly options to explore. However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 6.5 and customer satisfaction at 50%.
While most experiences are positive, one diner did find the price of certain items, like the sliders, to be a little on the expensive side, indicating some items might not offer the same great value.
Value
6
Reviews
50%
Satisfcation
1
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Happy hour specials
What people don't like
- Sliders are pricey
Often praised
- pricesreasonable prices
- happy hour specialsHappy hour specials as well
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was positive overall. I enjoyed the great sliders, although I found them to be a bit pricey. It's a good place to hang out and watch sports or for other casual activities.
If youre on the hunt for good deals, especially during happy hour, this place could be a decent option. Just keep in mind that while many prices are fair, some specific items, like the sliders, might feel a bit expensive. Its a mixed bag, so choose your orders wisely!
Wie sind die Preise pro Gast bei Marengo on the Alley?
On average, you’ll spend around 6 per person – from 1 guest. That puts the restaurant in the 1 – 10 € category. For a Bar & Grill in San Francisco, that’s incredibly budget-friendly!
All the reported prices cluster right in this lowest range, showing a very consistent, low-cost experience. Just a heads-up, this is based on limited data, but it gives a good indication.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 1 review. While the data is limited, it gives us a good idea of the typical cost.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
We think this pricing feels incredibly fair for a Bar & Grill, especially in San Francisco. It looks like a fantastic spot for a very affordable meal or quick bite!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Marengo on the Alley
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Cute Spot Near Transamerica Pyramid
What a cute little place tucked away near the Transamerica pyramid! The ambience is delightful and the food/drinks are great. Can get busy with the happy hour crowd.
- ambience8
- food/drinks8
- happy hour crowd6
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
A Quick Drink Hit the Spot
I just came here for a quick drink before catching a film. The Old Cuban satisfied as a nice rum cocktail.
- Old Cuban8
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Food made a tough game bearable
I watched my Saints lose to the 49ers as I dined. The food made the loss more bearable.
- food8
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Cocktails and Spicy Delights
My experience at this restaurant was centered around enjoying cocktails and munchies. The sliders were particularly delicious. For those who enjoy heat, I highly recommend trying the Hellraiser. The chorizo cheese dip was also really good.
- cocktails8
- munchies7
- sliders9
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Good Happy Hour Food, Loud Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was during happy hour. I found the quality of the wine to be good, and the bar food menu was tasty. However, the happy hour can get really loud, which is common for places catering to a working crowd.
- wine quality8
- bar food menu7
- happy hour4
Das erwartet dich bei Marengo on the Alley
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Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Lunch
FAQs
What kind of dining options and drinks can you find at Marengo on the Alley?
At Marengo on the Alley, you can enjoy a satisfying lunch during the day. For drinks, you’ll discover a wide selection including happy hour specials, wine, beer, and expertly crafted cocktails, alongside a full range of alcohol options.
Where is Marengo on the Alley located and what type of restaurant is it?
Marengo on the Alley is conveniently situated at 531 Commercial St in San Francisco’s bustling Financial District. It operates as a welcoming Bar & Grill, offering you a relaxed setting for your dining and drinking pleasure in the city.
What are the main highlights of Marengo on the Alley's menu?
Customers frequently praise the diverse selection of sliders, delicious fries, and the highly recommended queso. They also appreciate the varied menu and cocktail options.
What is the overall customer sentiment and how does Marengo on the Alley score?
Marengo on the Alley holds a good Restaurant Score of **7.5** with **78.7%** customer satisfaction. **Food** (7.8) and **Ambience** (7.4) are strong points, while **Service** (6.8) and **Value** (6.5) are rated as competent.
Is Marengo on the Alley a good spot for a quiet meal or for groups?
The restaurant is often described as having a pleasant, lively atmosphere and is a good choice for groups or happy hour. However, it can get loud and crowded, especially during peak times, and seating might be limited.