Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Marlowe – San Francisco
Marlowe - San Francisco
Photo from Marlowe
Marlowe at a glance
San Francisco South Beach
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 125 of the guests
#1706 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#89 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
736
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Loud environment
The restaurant Marlowe, an American Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant South Beach neighborhood, invites you to discover a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll find yourself drawn to its upscale yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.
Patrons consistently rave about the great dessert options, making it a sweet highlight of your visit. Whether you’re seeking a trendy spot for dinner or a casual lunch, Marlowe offers a welcoming ambiance.
Overview: Introducting Marlowe
Marlowe offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the consistently delicious dishes and the attentive, friendly staff. The vibe is often described as welcoming and comfortable, contributing to an enjoyable meal.
However, some visitors have noted significant drawbacks. Concerns frequently arise regarding the overall value, with several finding portions small or prices high.
The atmosphere can also be a point of contention, particularly due to noise levels and ventilation issues.
Good
6.9
out of 10
736
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
202
negative
56
neutral
478
positive
Marlowe achieves a respectable 6.9 overall score, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 64.9%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive reception.
With 736 customer opinions, including 478 positive and 202 negative remarks, there’s a solid foundation for these insights. Diving deeper, the Food (7.2) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality and flavor.
Ambience (7) also scores well, though some comments highlight issues with noise and ventilation. Service (6.9) is generally competent and friendly, while Value (3.5) is a clear area for improvement, with many finding the offerings overpriced for the experience.
What people like
- Delicious food quality
- Attentive, friendly service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Excessive noise level
- Ventilation concerns
With a Recommendation Score of 7, Marlowe is a place worth considering if you prioritize well-prepared dishes and attentive service. While the food and general atmosphere are often appreciated, be mindful of potential issues with noise and comfort.
However, if budget is a primary concern or you prefer a quieter, more spacious dining environment, you might find Marlowe less appealing. It offers a solid experience for those who don’t mind the price point and can overlook some of the ambient challenges.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Marlowe
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.2, which is quite good! While customer satisfaction sits at a 68.8%, indicating a mixed but mostly positive reception, many rave about the delicious burgers, creative cocktails, and fresh, quality ingredients. With 304 positive remarks out of 442 total opinions, there's a lot to love.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 98 opinions highlighting some areas for improvement. Concerns often revolve around small portions, dishes being overly salty, and a somewhat limited menu. Some also found certain items overpriced or lacking flavor, suggesting a few misses amidst the hits.
Food
442
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
98
negative
40
neutral
304
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious burgers
- Creative cocktails
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Overly salty dishes
- Limited menu options
Often praised
- foodMy boyfriend and I often come here for date nights, and it’s just as good during the day. The food is consistently delicious, and the vibe is cozy and lively. Pro tip: make a reservation!
- burgerSomething must have changed after 2012, and it's never been quite the same. Their burger is always good, however.
- friesThe burger was delicious and cooked to order, and we really enjoyed the horseradish aioli. The fries were great, and the Bordeaux was nicely paired with the burger. My only constructive feedback on the burger would be to perhaps substitute the shredded lettuce for arugula to elevate the burger and compliment the sauce.
- drinkseverything from the food to the drinks to the service was great!
- cocktailsWe enjoyed the oysters, which came with a great hot cocktail sauce, the salmon crudo, pork cheeks, and chicken. Everything was delicious, as were the cocktails and wine. The service was tippety top and friendly.
- pork cheekspork cheeks melted in the mouth, with a delicious rich au jus
- Marlowe BurgerThe burger was delicious with sautéed onions, bacon, shredded lettuce and horseradish cream.
- deviled eggsthe deviled eggs were a perfect bite with a nice finish of bacon on top
- scallopsThe cocktails were perfect too! I ordered the Caesar salad, Brussels chips, bone marrow, scallops, and octopus.
- bone marrowThe cocktails were perfect too! I ordered the Caesar salad, Brussels chips, bone marrow, scallops, and octopus.
Frequently criticized
- burgerThe renowned burger wasn't nearly as good as we remember it
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I found the food to be very overpriced for very little to no taste. Specifically, the scrambled egg sandwich, which cost $20, was a very poor tasting sandwich with stale-ish bread and very runny eggs.
- drinksWe finally received our drinks halfway through the meal
- menu itemsIf your menu items change just let the person ordering know
- menu optionsMy experience at this restaurant was a finer dining experience, though with relatively few menu options. Both table and counter service were available, and the staff was friendly.
- burgersWe asked for medium well burgers and got medium, it was too pink for our taste.
- deviled eggshocked to see $4 per ONE deviled egg
- friesasked for for fries for and a salad for both burgers and we got fries for both burgers
- horseradish aiolishe can't stand horseradish. When our order arrived, the waiter pointed out that hers was on the side
- mealIt's unacceptable to take a 7: 30 PM reservation for a group of 5 if you intend to rush guests out before they've finished their meal. We spent almost $500 for a meal that was sub-par due to the staff's behavior. We are disappointed and won't be returning.
If youre looking for a spot with some standout dishes like their famous burgers and creative drinks, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of potentially smaller portions and a few menu items that might not quite live up to expectations.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
Service here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 6.9 and 66.4% customer satisfaction, which is a mixed bag. Many guests, 95 out of 143 observations, praised the friendly staff, attentive service, and skillful bartenders. They often highlighted the team's accommodating nature, quick responses, and thoughtful attention, making for a seamless dining experience.
However, 45 comments pointed to areas needing improvement. Some encountered bad attitudes, slow service, and disinterested servers, with unwelcoming bartenders also noted. Issues like forgetting orders, feeling rushed, or experiencing uncoordinated service occasionally marred the experience for others.
Service
143
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
45
negative
3
neutral
95
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Skillful bartenders
- Accommodating service
What people don't like
- Bad staff attitudes
- Slow, uncoordinated service
- Unwelcoming bartenders
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was generally positive, with good food, decent service, and a pleasant ambience. The steak was cooked perfectly, described as tender and at the right temperature.
- staffThe fries and frito mixto were also both delicious; hot and crisp and perfectly salted. Service is excellent, with friendly staff always proving helpful with recommendations, water refills, meal pacing, and drink refills. For the party, they were especially helpful in accommodating with corkage of some special bottles we brought and in helping store and serve our home-made cake.
- ServiceService is excellent, with friendly staff always proving helpful
- bartenderKarl, the bartender, is arguably the best ever!
- serverThe manager and our server treated us like kings
- waiterI also enjoyed the Baker's Wife cocktail, which was very refreshing and balanced in taste. The waiter was nice and attentive throughout our meal. Since I cannot have dairy, I asked the waiter to hold the parmesan cheese from the polenta cakes, and the kitchen happily accommodated this request.
- JorgeOur serve Jorge was so sweet
- Managerthe Manager was fantastic.
- bartender RashawnBartender Rashawn took care of me at the counter and took great care of me
- coursesCourses were well timed out
Frequently criticized
- serviceService at first was quick but disappeared as lunch went on.
- managermanager over who also parroted what the server said
- ServerServer appeared very disinterested.
- ServiceService disappeared after dropping off the food.
- arroganceI sensed a bit of arrogance
- attitudebad attitude from the redhead
- bartenderThe bartender was so bad I kept looking around to see if we had interrupted a sitcom.
- bartendersWhile the food and atmosphere were excellent, receiving a 5/5 for both, the service at the bar was a significant issue. The bartenders made it very clear they did not want patrons sitting at the bar, using unwelcoming facial expressions and body language. This happened to me twice on different occasions with different bartenders.
- behaviorThat kind of behavior is unacceptable
- checkHad to wait awhile to get the check.
If you value friendly, attentive staff and a smooth experience, you'll likely be pleased. But be aware that some guests have reported issues with attitudes and slower service, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 69.8%. Many guests rave about the charming space, often describing it as having a modern yet cozy vibe, lively atmosphere, and even great music. Based on 74 positive sentiments out of 106 total, it seems to create a welcoming and stylish setting for many.
However, it's not all quiet charm. About 25 opinions highlight significant drawbacks, with common complaints revolving around the place being extremely loud, suffering from poor acoustics, and high noise levels. Some even mentioned a lack of proper ventilation, which can make the experience less comfortable, especially when busy.
Ambience
106
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
25
negative
7
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming, cozy vibe
- Lively atmosphere
- Stylish decor
What people don't like
- Extremely loud
- Poor acoustics
- Lack of ventilation
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed a deviled egg, a burger, and a cocktail. The service was fast and friendly, and the atmosphere was clean and comfy.
- ambianceAmbiance, flavors, taste, service were impeccable!!!
- ambienceMy experience at this restaurant has unfortunately declined significantly since its reopening. Pre-covid, it was a cosy brunch place with a nice ambience and good food. However, today was a stark confirmation of its downhill trend.
- vibeEvery dish was full of flavor. The great service and welcoming vibe made it a perfect place for a memorable meal.
- interiorinterior is a bit more spacious and fresh looking
- placeThe dessert was also exquisite. The atmosphere was relaxed, the place was well-maintained, and the staff were very kind. I highly recommend it!
- experienceeven more amazing experience
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiencesadds to the authenticity to the ambiences
- bright atmospherethe bright atmosphere, great music and friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI am still shocked that this place has ZERO ventilation. Upon arriving for dinner, I found it to be sweltering and stuffy, with no ventilation whatsoever. Beside being uncomfortable, it was the perfect place to catch whatever virus is making its rounds.
- loudthe place does get pretty loud
- ACthere was no AC and I was uncomfortable and sweating
- acousticsthe acoustics are super live because of all the tile
- experienceMade it hard to enjoy the experience.
- interior designNot too freshly designed in the interior
- loud when fullCan be loud when full
- loudest restaurantHonestly the loudest restaurant I have ever been in
- musicMusic was incredibly loud
- noise levelSuper loud, everyone is yelling at each other
If youre seeking a lively, stylish spot with a good buzz and dont mind a bit of noise, this place could be a great fit. However, if you're after a quiet, intimate conversation or are sensitive to loud environments, you might find it a bit overwhelming.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems there's a bit of a mixed bag, though leaning heavily towards disappointment. A few diners found the prices decent, with some even noting that the meal cost them less than expected, offering Michelin-star quality without the hefty price tag. There were 5 positive remarks out of 45 total, highlighting terms like bill, prices, Michelin price tag, and meal cost.
However, the overall sentiment for value is quite low, with a score of just 3.5, which is considered poor, and customer satisfaction at a mere 11.1%, also indicating a poor experience. Many of the 34 negative comments revolved around the price and bill being too high, often mentioning mandate surcharge and feeling overpriced. It seems hidden fees and high costs for perceived low quality are significant concerns.
Value
45
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
34
negative
6
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are decent
- Less than expected
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Hidden mandate fees
- Excessively high prices
Often praised
- pricesprices have increased only slightly
- Michelin price tagThe flavor profile was always perfection, and I’ve never tasted anything that wasn’t short of amazing. This place offers Michelin Star quality without the Michelin price tag. It's a must-try!
- billThe bill with a pride flag as a neckerchief was cute
- meal costthe meal cost us about 20% less than expected
Frequently criticized
- priceIt's unacceptable to take a 7: 30 PM reservation for a group of 5 if you intend to rush guests out before they've finished their meal. We spent almost $500 for a meal that was sub-par due to the staff's behavior. We are disappointed and won't be returning.
- pricesThe serving sizes were small, and I found the flavors were often dull. Additionally, the prices were high, and there were limited non-spicy options, which was a drawback for me. For instance, the warm deviled egg had a lingering spiciness even after I requested no jalapeno.
- Price per persontabulated to 70 dollars is outrageous
- billBill after tax, SF mandate surcharge, and suggested minimum tip comes to $105 dollars.
- overpricedIt was difficult to find a typical scrambled egg with bacon or sausage. The dishes I tried tasted fine, but I felt they were a bit overpriced.
- tipThe once-renowned burger was not as good as we remembered, suggesting the kitchen was as unfocused as the bartender. The only positive was that the meal cost about 20% less than expected because we left a tip commensurate with the experience. We will never put ourselves through this again.
- 100$+ is too much100$+ is too much for what we got
- SF mandate chargecharged me, legally, 7% so-called "SF mandate"
- cocktailnot worth the upcharge
- cocktail pricespricier than even most average upscale cocktail bars
If you're looking for great value, this spot might not be your best bet, as many found it overpriced with hidden fees. While a few had pleasant surprises, the overwhelming feedback suggests you might leave feeling like you paid too much for what you received.
How are the prices at Marlowe?
On average, you’ll spend around 52 per person – from 125 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For an American Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, we see a good spread in what people actually spend. Many guests opt for meals in the $41–$50 range, but theres also a significant number enjoying more premium options, with some spending $91–$100 or even higher. Its a nice mix!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 125 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an American Restaurant in San Francisco, and the pricing offers a good range from mid-tier to higher-end options, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It caters to different budgets while still offering that classic American experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Marlowe
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Decent Burger, Service Lacked
I stopped by Marlowe for lunch and found the interior to be very nice, comfortable, and clean, despite being fairly small. We arrived a bit before the lunch crowd, so it was quiet initially. The service started off quick but unfortunately disappeared as the meal progressed.
The lunch menu is quite limited, leading us both to order the Marlowe burger with fries. My partner requested her horseradish aioli on the side, but the waiter mistakenly put it on mine. We discovered the order was reversed when our food arrived, which was a bit of a chagrin.
We switched orders ourselves rather than calling the waiter back. We had asked for our burgers to be cooked medium, but they arrived closer to medium-rare. However, the burger itself was pretty good, especially with the bacon.
The fries were nicely cooked and tasty. After the food was delivered, the service vanished; there was no check-in on our satisfaction or drink refills. The prices were as expected for the city.
Overall, it was a decent experience.
- interior8
- Marlowe burger7
- burgers5
- service4
- lunch menu4
- horseradish aioli3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Stylish Comfort Food with Great Service
My experience at Marlowe was fantastic! It's a stylish American restaurant that serves delicious comfort food. The atmosphere is cozy, and the menu offers classic favorites made with quality ingredients.
Every dish was full of flavor. The great service and welcoming vibe made it a perfect place for a memorable meal.
- comfort food9
- atmosphere10
- classic favorites8
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
New American food disappointment
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I was expecting a good meal, but the burger was overpowering with horseradish, and the steak tartare took an excessive 40 minutes to arrive, proving to be super bland. It's surprising how they managed to mess up New American cuisine this badly.
- burger2
- steak tartare2
- New American cuisine1
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Bartenders Unwelcoming at the Bar
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the food and atmosphere were excellent, receiving a 5/5 for both, the service at the bar was a significant issue. The bartenders made it very clear they did not want patrons sitting at the bar, using unwelcoming facial expressions and body language.
This happened to me twice on different occasions with different bartenders. If serving bar guests is a hassle, it should perhaps not be offered. The service received a 1/5.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service1
- bartenders1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Great Food, Arrogant Staff
I visited this restaurant twice, once after spending Mother's Day here. The quality of the place and the knowledgeable staff were evident. However, I sensed a bit of arrogance during both visits, possibly due to the all-male waitstaff (except the hostess).
Interestingly, this arrogance seemed to add to the authenticity of the ambience. The food was unquestionably great! 😊
- quality8
- staff8
- ambiences7
- arrogance4
What Marlowe offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Marlowe, and do you need reservations?
At Marlowe, you can enjoy a full range of dining experiences including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with comfortable seating. Table service is provided for your convenience. Reservations are accepted and highly recommended, especially for dinner, brunch, and lunch, to ensure you secure your spot.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Marlowe, and what unique offerings are available?
Marlowe offers an atmosphere that is both upscale and cozy, yet also casual and trendy, catering to diverse preferences. You’ll find a wide array of offerings, including healthy and organic dishes, small plates, and a full bar with hard liquor, cocktails, a great wine list, and a great beer selection. Coffee is also available.
What is the overall dining experience like at Marlowe?
Marlowe generally offers a good dining experience with an overall score of 6.9. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.2), Ambience (7), and Service (6.9), though Value (3.5) is a notable area for improvement.
What are the main strengths of Marlowe?
Customers frequently praise Marlowe for its delicious food quality, attentive and friendly service, and a generally welcoming atmosphere that contributes to an enjoyable meal.
What are some common complaints about Marlowe?
Common complaints include the perception of poor value for money, with some finding dishes overpriced. Additionally, the restaurant can be quite loud, and some guests have noted issues with ventilation or lack of air conditioning.