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oChef » Mission Street Oyster Bar – San Francisco
Mission Street Oyster Bar - San Francisco
Photo from Mission Street Oyster Bar
Mission Street Oyster Bar at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 54 of the guests
#758 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
393
Reviews
80.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh seafood
- Warm service
- Happy hour
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Hidden fees
- Parking issues
The restaurant Mission Street Oyster Bar is a premier seafood restaurant located in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco. You’ll find a trendy yet casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh catches and a lively happy hour scene.
This spot is known for its inviting ambiance and delicious offerings, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers in the city. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, you’re in for a treat.
Overview: Introducting Mission Street Oyster Bar
Mission Street Oyster Bar offers a notable experience, often praised for its warm staff and the quality of its fresh oysters . Many appreciate the inviting atmosphere and the overall dining experience, often enhanced by happy hour deals.
However, some guests have noted concerns, particularly regarding unexpected surcharges and occasional inconsistencies with the service . Finding parking in the area can also be a challenge for visitors.
Good
7.9
out of 10
393
Reviews
80.7%
Satisfaction
54
negative
22
neutral
317
positive
Overall, Mission Street Oyster Bar presents a solid offering, reflected in its restaurant score of 7.9 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 80.7%. This positive sentiment comes from a significant number of diners, with 317 positive remarks outweighing 54 negative ones across 393 total opinions.
Digging deeper, the Service (8.6) and Food (8) are clearly strong points, consistently earning high marks. The Ambience (7.6) also contributes positively to the experience.
However, the Value (5.9) is perceived as more of a mixed bag, suggesting some guests find the pricing a bit high for what’s offered.
What people like
- Fresh, diverse seafood
- Attentive, warm service
- Good happy hour value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unexpected surcharges
- Challenging parking situation
Mission Street Oyster Bar generally delivers a positive experience, especially if you prioritize excellent service and a selection of fresh oysters . With a recommendation score of 8.1, it’s certainly a place many guests would suggest.
However, be mindful of potential surcharges and the parking situation. If you’re looking for a reliable spot with good seafood and attentive staff, and are prepared for these minor caveats, it’s worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mission Street Oyster Bar
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
It seems the food here is a real crowd-pleaser, earning a good score of 8 and a solid 82.8% customer satisfaction! With 197 positive remarks out of 238 total, many rave about the fresh, delicious oysters, excellent seafood, and generous portions. Dishes like cioppino and various seafood options consistently receive high praise for their quality and taste.
However, not every dish hits the mark. There are 26 negative comments, with some guests finding certain oysters disappointing or experiencing issues with the clam chowder. A more serious concern mentioned by a few is the unfortunate experience of food poisoning, which is definitely something to be aware of.
Food
238
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
26
negative
15
neutral
197
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious oysters
- Excellent seafood variety
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Oysters caused sickness
- Disappointing clam chowder
- Some items unavailable
Often praised
- oystersThe environment was relaxing and not at all snobby, which is a refreshing change from some of the older oyster spots in the city. I really enjoyed the fresh & tasty oysters, and the good happy hour deals made it even better. What’s not to love?
- foodIt was great to learn that the husband and wife team opened the restaurant after many years in the industry, with support from an organization I previously volunteered for. What truly sets this restaurant apart is the warm staff, the inviting atmosphere, and the delicious food. We thoroughly enjoyed the cioppino, oysters Rockefeller, caesar salad with crab meat, and of course, the raw oysters!
- seafoodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a really fresh and diverse set of seafood, with the oysters being a particular highlight. The atmosphere was great, and I highly recommend trying the cioppino and the ceviche.
- garlic breadMy experience at this restaurant was a solid option for raw oysters and cioppino in the Mission, conveniently located right next to Taqueria Cancun. The service was friendly and energetic, and the simple menu featured delicious garlic bread that was perfect for soaking up the cioppino sauce. I will definitely return.
- cioppinoMy experience at this restaurant was solid. From the super fresh oysters to the warmed Caesar salad and the off-the-hook delicious cioppino, it was truly wow! Delicious!
- clam chowderThe clam chowder and calamari were delicious
- fresh oystersa couple dozen fresh oysters and all was delicious
- fried oystersMy experience at the restaurant was marked by good service and some truly great fried oysters, crab cakes, and raw oysters. While the oysters Rockefeller had a bit too much cheese for my personal preference, I still enjoyed them.
- mashed potatoesThe mashed potatoes are fluffy and creamy
- premium oysterstry such premium oysters side by side
Frequently criticized
- oystersThey made me sick! Please pay more attention to the temperatures of the oysters.
- clam chowderclam chowder was runny, with not much flavor
- AlfredoThe Alfredo was not good
- KumamotosThey offered happy hour specials on a Tuesday, with oysters priced at $2 or $3 each. Unfortunately, they were out of Kumamotos, which was a disappointment as they are my favorite. Fanny Bay and Kumai were good alternatives, though they couldn't compare.
- broccoli and carrotsThey tasted like metal
- calamarislightly sour taste wasn't quite to my preference
- cioppinoThe cioppino was pretty disappointing
- foodthe food is nothing to day for
- food poisoninggot terrible food poisoning from the oysters
- lettucechef doesn’t wash their lettuce
If you're craving fresh oysters and a wide variety of seafood, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially given the high satisfaction. Just be mindful of some mixed reviews on specific items like clam chowder, and consider the rare but serious mentions of food poisoning.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction soaring at 89.9%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 69 total opinions, a whopping 62 rave about the "friendly staff, " "attentive" service, and how "welcoming" the team is, making for an "excellent" dining experience.
However, its not entirely without its bumps. A small handful of 6 negative opinions mention issues like a dismissive waiter or slow service, and a couple of folks had trouble with their to go order. While these are few, they suggest there's always a little room for fine-tuning.
Service
69
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Slow service
- To-go order issues
Often praised
- serviceI’d also recommend the Spicy Garlic Prawns; if you’re worried about spice, they’re very mild. The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch.
- staffIt was great to learn that the husband and wife team opened the restaurant after many years in the industry, with support from an organization I previously volunteered for. What truly sets this restaurant apart is the warm staff, the inviting atmosphere, and the delicious food. We thoroughly enjoyed the cioppino, oysters Rockefeller, caesar salad with crab meat, and of course, the raw oysters!
- customer serviceThe customer service was excellent
- ServiceThe food was excellent, earning a perfect 5/5. Service was also top-notch, rated 5/5. The atmosphere was great, also a 5/5.
- waitressMy waitress was very helpful in helping me decide
- RonnyRonny, he was very sweet and welcoming, true gentleman
- attentionthe attention and service are excellent
- attentiveOur waitress was very attentive
- dining experiencemake the whole dining experience better
- employeesthe employees make the whole dining experience better
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was the worst ever
- comp the dishDidn’t even offer to comp the dish
- to go orderThey made a mistake on my to go order
- waiterI let the waiter know my concerns, he smirked and walked away.
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. The service is a major highlight, ensuring a pleasant and attentive experience despite a few isolated hiccups.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a strong suit, with the ambience scoring a solid 7.6 and customer satisfaction hitting a great 80%. Based on 40 positive remarks out of 50 total, guests frequently praise the modern decor, cleanliness, and excellent music selection, especially the jazz. Many found the atmosphere inviting, family-friendly, and enjoyed the laid-back energy, making it a cozy and spacious spot with good seating options.
However, it's not without its quirks, as 7 negative comments point out. Some visitors struggled with parking, describing it as difficult to find. There were also concerns about the surrounding neighborhood and strange figures outside, which made a few feel uncomfortable and hesitant to even enter the restaurant.
Ambience
50
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, modern decor
- Great jazz music
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Uncomfortable neighborhood
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere was nice and relaxing for lunch
- placeThis is a must go to place
- restaurantA gem of a restaurant on Mission st.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Latino/Family owned restaurantAmazing Latino/Family owned restaurant right in the heart of the Mission District
- Mission Districtvisit in the Mission District
- Oyster Barabsolutely delicious Oyster Bar
- amazing timeIt was such an amazing time
- areaGreat area
- cleanlinessDecor was modern, cozy, and clean
Frequently criticized
- ParkingHad to drive around the block after times. Better to just catch the bus.
- atmosphereWe have not felt comfortable
- neighborhoodThe neighborhood doesn't look good at all
- parkingHard to find parking
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- restaurantUnfortunately, I cannot review the food as my family and I did not dare to go inside. The restaurant was completely empty, and there were only strange figures outside. We did not feel comfortable either outside or inside.
- strange figuresoutside only strange figures
If a great atmosphere with good music and a clean, inviting space is what you're after, this place delivers. Just be mindful that finding parking might be a challenge, and the immediate neighborhood could be a bit off-putting for some.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
Many guests find the value here to be a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.9 and mixed customer satisfaction at 50%. However, the affordable prices for oysters and fantastic happy hour specials, including reasonable drink prices, definitely stand out. With 18 positive remarks out of 36 total comments, these deals are a big hit.
However, not everyone is thrilled, as 15 negative comments highlight concerns about additional surcharges, generally expensive items, and particularly high dinner pricing. Some feel the quality doesn't always justify the premium price point, especially with credit card fees.
Value
36
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour specials
- Affordable oyster prices
- Reasonable drink prices
What people don't like
- Additional surcharges
- Expensive dinner pricing
- Credit card fees
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was excellent. The food was reasonably priced and super fresh. I was particularly impressed with the fantastic selection of premium oysters.
- happy hour specialsGreat (all day) happy hour specials.
- Happy Hour"Happy Hour" all day
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordable priceBig portions at affordable price.
- affordable pricesaffordable prices for oysters
- all-day happy hourthey had an all-day happy hour on Sunday
- decently priceddecently priced for the city
- good priceat a good price
- happy hourI also enjoyed the oysters, which were great and at a good price. They also have good drinks with a decent happy hour.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this small restaurant with seats and a bar was mixed. The fish was great, but I was disappointed in their oysters, which were really small in size for the price. Overall, the staff was friendly, and I would return.
- pricesprices are way too high
- additional surchargestab arrived with the additional surcharges 😒
- credit card payments4% surcharge for credit card payments
- dinner pricingQuality doesn't justify the high dinner pricing
- expensiveexpensive like other restaurant
- extra cardsee that I had an extra card
- premium price pointThe quality of this dish did not justify the high dinner pricing. The food was adequate but nothing special, especially considering the premium price point. For nearly $27 plus credit card fees, which ended up almost $30, I expected more creativity and quality in preparation.
- transactionstop the transaction and refund me my money
- value propositionthe value proposition for dinner is poor
If you're looking for great deals, especially during happy hour, this spot could be a real winner. However, be mindful of dinner prices and potential surcharges, as they might make your bill higher than expected.
How are the prices at Mission Street Oyster Bar?
You’re looking at roughly 55 per person – reported by 54 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average hovers around 55, guests actually spread their spending quite a bit. We see a good number of diners enjoying meals in the $21–$30 and $41–$50 ranges, but also a significant group opting for more premium experiences above 101 $. It’s a place that caters to a range of budgets within its mid-range positioning.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 54 reviews.
How this San Francisco seafood spot stacks up against similar restaurants in terms of value for money.
Overall, for a Seafood Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers flexibility for different budgets while maintaining a solid mid-range position.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mission Street Oyster Bar
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fresh Oysters and Great Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The oysters were incredibly fresh, and I was pleased to find they offered an all-day happy hour on Sunday. Our waitress was exceptionally attentive and ensured we were very well taken care of.
- oysters10
- all-day happy hour9
- waitress10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Oysters and Service
I visited the restaurant during lunchtime and found it to be quite empty. I ordered premium oysters, but unfortunately, one was bad. My request to exchange it was denied, which was not good.
Overall, the oysters were not good, and the service was also lacking. Thank you anyway.
- oysters2
- service2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Oysters and Cocktails!
My experience at the restaurant was during Happy Hour on a Friday. It was surprisingly quiet with only two people present. I enjoyed oysters and cocktails.
The Oyster Rockefeller were amazing!
- Oyster Rockefeller10
- oysters9
- cocktails8
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Dinner Value at Mission Street Oyster Bar
I visited Mission Street Oyster Bar on a Thursday evening and was the only customer during dinner service, which was concerning. On the positive side, the service was excellent; my server was patient and attentive. The happy hour oyster and sangria prices also appeared reasonable.
However, my experience with the dinner menu was less impressive. I ordered the Hawaiian Ahi Tuna for $26. 95, which was a very basic preparation featuring seared tuna, broiled vegetables, and potato puree.
The quality of this dish did not justify the high dinner pricing. The food was adequate but nothing special, especially considering the premium price point. For nearly $27 plus credit card fees, which ended up almost $30, I expected more creativity and quality in preparation.
While the service was genuinely good, the value proposition for dinner is poor. The empty restaurant during dinner hours may indicate others have reached similar conclusions.
- service9
- happy hour oyster8
- sangria prices8
- quality3
- dinner pricing3
- credit card payments4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Happy Hour Oysters and Friendly Service
I stopped in for their all-day happy hour and ordered three of their “premium” oysters at $3. 50 each. The Kumamoto oysters were my favorite, but the other two were also tasty and fresh.
The service was quick and friendly.
- Kumamoto oysters9
- premium oysters8
- service10
What Mission Street Oyster Bar offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Mission Street Oyster Bar?
You can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, they also offer curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery, ensuring you can savor their seafood delights wherever you are.
Does Mission Street Oyster Bar accommodate guests with accessibility needs and what are the parking options?
Yes, Mission Street Oyster Bar is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Parking can be somewhat difficult, but both free and paid street parking options are available nearby for your visit.
What is the overall rating for Mission Street Oyster Bar and what are its strengths?
Mission Street Oyster Bar has an overall score of **7.9**. Its strongest aspects are **Service** (8.6) and **Food** (8), with **Ambience** (7.6) also rated well. **Value** (5.9) is considered average.
Does Mission Street Oyster Bar offer good value or specials?
Many customers appreciate the happy hour deals, with some mentioning all-day happy hour and affordable prices for oysters, making it a reasonably priced option for some items.
Are there any common issues visitors should be aware of?
Some guests have noted difficulties with parking in the area and have reported unexpected surcharges , including a 4% fee for credit card payments.