Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Mars – San Francisco
Mars - San Francisco
Photo from Mars
Mars at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 26 of the guests
#184 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#11 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
228
Reviews
92.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great service
- Vibrant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Limited options
- Parking issues
The bar Mars, nestled in the vibrant West SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco, offers you a dynamic Bar & Pub experience. You’ll discover Mars Bar & Restaurant is a fantastic spot for live music, creating an energetic atmosphere that truly sets it apart.
This casual and cozy venue is perfect for catching up with friends, enjoying a great beer selection, or soaking in the lively performances that make every visit memorable.
Overview: Introducting Mars
Mars offers a lively experience where the staff truly shines, making guests feel welcome and well-cared for. Many appreciate the friendly faces, from the bartenders to the owner, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
While the overall vibe is upbeat, some minor service hiccups have been noted. The culinary offerings, often described as elevated bar food, generally hit the mark, with specific items like the burger receiving high praise.
The inviting patio and engaging music further enhance the visit, though occasional kitchen closures or limited drink options are worth noting.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
228
Reviews
92.1%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
210
positive
Mars achieves a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.6, reflecting a generally positive guest experience. This is further supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 92.1%.
These figures, drawn from 228 customer remarks, indicate a consistently enjoyable environment for most visitors. Delving into specifics, Service (9) stands out as excellent, with many positive comments about the attentive staff.
The Ambience (8.6) also rates highly, praised for its lively setting and inviting patio. Food (8.4) is considered good, while Value (7.3) is seen as good, offering reasonable pricing despite some mentions of expensive parking.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Lively atmosphere, great patio
- Quality bar food
What people don't like
- Limited alcohol selection
- Kitchen sometimes closed
- Parking can be difficult
If you’re seeking a spot with a vibrant atmosphere and genuinely friendly service, Mars is certainly worth considering. Its strong scores for both service and ambience suggest a place where you can relax and enjoy yourself, especially with its inviting patio and engaging music.
With a solid Recommendation Score of 8.7, Mars is a reliable choice for a casual outing. While the food is generally well-regarded, be mindful that the kitchen might occasionally be closed, and the alcohol selection could be more extensive.
It’s a good place to meet friends and enjoy the lively scene.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mars
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! Its clear that the culinary offerings here are a big hit, with a strong 8.4 score and a fantastic 87.7% customer satisfaction. Out of 81 total remarks, a whopping 71 were positive, praising the awesome food, burgers, fries, and big portions.
Many found the quality extraordinary for bar food, making it a delicious experience. However, not everything is perfect. There were 7 negative comments, with some mentioning a limited alcohol selection and a few finding the food itself to be meh.
A notable concern was the Kitchen being CLOSED at times, and the sangria not quite hitting the mark for some patrons.
Food
81
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, awesome food
- Great burgers, fries
- Generous big portions
What people don't like
- Kitchen sometimes closed
- Limited drink selection
- Food can be 'meh'
Often praised
- foodTheir food has always been extraordinary for “bar food”
- bar foodbar food are very affordable
- burgerThe burger was cooked perfectly
- cocktailsThe cocktails were amazing.
- drinksthe drinks are very affordable
- friesYou want the fries, trust me.
- qualityThe quality and quantity was perfect.
- American foodserving fine casual restaurant quality American food
- Beyond Burgergot a Beyond Burger and he just about died from joy
- Mars burgerThe Mars burger is the hamburger by which I compare
Frequently criticized
- KSA kegKSA keg was definitely on the old side
- KitchenThe downfall of tonight was the Kitchen was CLOSED
- alcohol selectionalcohol selection is a bit limited
- chicken saladcoworkers chicken salad came out without any of the toppings
- drinksthe drinks werent cheap
- foodthe food is very meh
- sangriasangria isn't really even close to being sangria
If you're looking for a place with generally delicious and satisfying food, especially burgers and fries, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that the kitchen might have off-hours, and some drinks might not live up to expectations, but overall, your taste buds should be happy.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the service here! It sounds like this place truly excels, boasting an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 91.7%. Patrons consistently rave about the great people, friendly staff, and how wonderful the owner and bartenders are, with 44 positive remarks highlighting their welcoming nature and hard work.
While the overwhelming sentiment is positive, a couple of experiences out of 48 total comments did mention feeling understaffed at times. One specific interaction with a female bartender also led to an early departure for some. These seem to be isolated incidents, but its good to be aware.
Service
48
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, great staff
- Awesome owner
- Excellent bartenders
What people don't like
- Understaffed moments
- Rude bartender
Often praised
- serviceThe service and outdoor diner was above expectations.
- staffIt was groovy to see my peeps again! The staff worked hard, even though they had their hands full.
- ownerI also enjoyed the nice covered outside patio area. To top it off, the owner is a really awesome dude who is highly regarded in the community ; -)
- bartendersThe bartenders were so fun and lively.
- peopleMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. I found it to be a nice spot with wonderful people. The food was good, and based on my experience with the burger, I have faith that other menu items are just as delicious.
- bar staffthe bar staff was on point
- bartenderthe bartender was very nice and personable
- friendlyEveryone was friendly
- Alex the BARBACK5 STARS for Alex the BARBACK ALEX!!!
- awesome peopleMet some awesome people
Frequently criticized
- female bartenderthe female bartender & at 9:59pm...We were asked to leave
- understaffedit was totally understaffed
If you're seeking a spot with genuinely warm and welcoming service, this place is definitely worth a visit. The staff clearly makes a huge difference, creating a friendly and familial atmosphere. Just be mindful that busy periods might occasionally stretch the team thin.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
Looking for a spot with fantastic vibes? This place absolutely nails the ambience, scoring a solid 8.6 and boasting an excellent customer satisfaction of 96.7%! Customers rave about the chill vibe, great music, and especially love the outdoor seating area and patio options.
With 89 positive remarks out of 92 total, its clear most people find the atmosphere "fun, " "clean, " and "dog friendly, " making it a truly welcoming and enjoyable space. While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, there were a couple of minor points. Two opinions mentioned a temporary "health department" issue and avoiding "rush hour, " suggesting that while the ambience itself is great, timing your visit might enhance your experience.
These few comments dont detract from the generally stellar atmosphere, but are worth noting for planning your visit.
Ambience
92
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor patio
- Chill, fun vibe
- Excellent music selection
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereAlthough the place is currently undergoing a remodel, I'm eager to see the finished result. I genuinely like this place and these people and hope others get a chance to stop in and enjoy the atmosphere.
- musicIt truly stands out in a crowded field of subpar bar and grills. The place has great music on Sundays and, as everyone knows, an amazing patio.
- patioWhat a cool venue! My experience was defined by the spacious and airy interior spaces and the unique patio out back. There is no shortage of places to grab a drink and chat with your friends.
- crowda really nice crowd
- live musicIt was great to see my peeps again! And to have live music and dance with friends again! The nice patio outside was awesome!
- placeCool place to stop by and chill
- "Cheers" vibewith a "Cheers" vibe
- Cuban musicfantastic Cuban music
- Cuban music nightslove dancing at Mars Bar on their monthly Cuban music nights
- Cuban social dance classesGreat Cuban social dance classes there too
Frequently criticized
- health departmentIf it wasn't for the health department shutting it down tonight, it would have been cracking.
- rush hourdidnt go during rush hour
If youre seeking a lively spot with excellent music, a great patio, and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Its perfect for a fun outing with friends or just to soak in some good vibes, especially if you can avoid peak rush hours.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3, guests often rave about the affordable bar food and reasonable prices on drinks, especially during happy hour. Out of 7 comments, 6 were positive, highlighting that many feel they get their moneys worth, even for quality items like a $20 burger.
However, its not all smooth sailing. While customer satisfaction sits at a strong 85.7%, the main hiccup seems to be around Parking. One comment noted that parking can be both crowded and expensive, which might add an unexpected cost to your bill.
It's something to keep in mind before you head out.
Value
7
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good happy hour
- Quality justifies cost
What people don't like
- Expensive parking
Often praised
- priceWe had a BLAST at a Queen of the Damned themed private party, held on a day the restaurant was closed to the public. The drinks were good and reasonably priced. The bathrooms were clean, and the bartender was very nice and personable – he was the guy who boxes for fun.
- affordablebar food are very affordable
- billThose Friday's were the $100 nights and worth it!
- happy hourThey got some kind of happy hour here
- pricesreasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking here can be crowded and expensive
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally good value, especially for food and drinks, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges, as thats where you might find an unexpected dent in your wallet.
How are the prices at Mars?
On average, you’ll spend around 27 per person – based on 26 guests. That places this Bar & Pub in the $21–$30 category. For San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps a touch above average for its type.
Most diners stick to this price bracket, though we see a few enjoying options both a little cheaper and a little more premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 26 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
For a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It’s not the cheapest pint, but it offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mars
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Fun Vibes and Great Classes!
My experience at this restaurant was filled with great vibes and a lot of fun. While it can take a few minutes to order when it's busy, that's part of the enjoyable experience. They also offer great Cuban social dance classes on the 3rd Friday of every month, hosted by RuedaConRitmo.
It's a really fun atmosphere!
- ordering6
- fun9
- great vibes9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Mixed Experience: Great Barback, Disappointing Kitchen Closure
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of highs and lows. I was incredibly impressed by Alex the BARBACK, who was a true rock star. It's been years since I last saw him, and this establishment should consider itself fortunate to have him.
He even went above and beyond by serving his employee meal to my friend, and provided 2 mozzarella sticks because he felt bad. Precious 💎 are forever! However, the downfall of the night was the Kitchen being CLOSED at 8: 59 PM, as confirmed by the female bartender.
To make matters worse, at 9: 59 PM, we were asked to leave because the bartender had a date with her boyfriend. We initially came here because I met Keith years ago and owed him a visit. If it wasn't for Alex, I would have voted negatively, but I want to thank him for his exceptional service.
We won't be back, but we will see Alex again someday.
- Alex the BARBACK10
- mozzarella stigs7
- Kitchen1
- female bartender2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great local spot for salsa and fun
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It has a wonderful local/community bar feel, making it feel both friendly & safe. The establishment offers different kinds of spaces, including an indoor dining area and a covered outdoor space, perfect for hanging out.
I went for a salsa class & dancing, which was a highlight of my visit. The atmosphere, service, and food were all rated a perfect 5, contributing to a truly enjoyable time.
- local bar feel9
- friendly9
- safe9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fun Sunday with Live DJ and Pool
My experience at this restaurant was a blast! We went with some friends for their Vinyl Sunday Live DJ Party, and it was a fantastic time. The crowd was friendly, and the music was great.
They also have a pool table, which was a fun addition to the atmosphere.
- Live DJ Party9
- crowd8
- music8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Fun, Old School SF Spot with Great Bar Food
My experience at this place was really cool and fun. They offer themed events, including DJs spinning vinyl on Sundays. The bar food was great, and the bartenders were friendly.
I also enjoyed the two outdoor patios. It truly felt like real old school San Francisco.
- themed events9
- bar food8
- bartenders9
What Mars offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment can you expect at Mars Bar & Restaurant?
At Mars Bar & Restaurant, you can look forward to a lively atmosphere with various entertainment options. You’ll enjoy live music and engaging live performances, making it a vibrant spot for a night out. It’s also a great place to catch sports events with friends.
What food and drink options are available at Mars Bar & Restaurant?
Mars Bar & Restaurant offers you a wide array of food and drink choices. You can enjoy food served at the bar, including happy hour food, alongside an excellent selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor. Dancing is also an option for those looking to move.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Mars?
Mars generally receives strong positive feedback, with a Restaurant Score of 8.6 and 92.1% customer satisfaction. Its Service (9), Ambience (8.6), and Food (8.4) are particularly well-regarded, while Value (7.3) is considered good.
What can I expect from the food and drink at Mars?
Customers often praise the “extraordinary bar food,” especially the burger and fries. While cocktails are well-received, some note the alcohol selection can be limited, and the kitchen might occasionally be closed.
What is the atmosphere like at Mars?
Mars is known for its lively atmosphere, often described as having a “Cheers” vibe. The patio is a highlight, and the venue frequently features great music, including Cuban music nights and live performances.