Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Nathan’s Hot Dog Cart – San Francisco
Nathan's Hot Dog Cart - San Francisco
Photo from Nathan’s Hot Dog Cart
Nathan's Hot Dog Cart at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 16 of the guests
#2391 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#121 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Poor
3.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
144
Reviews
22.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Good atmosphere
- Gourmet choices
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Poor service
- Small portions
The American restaurant Nathan’s Hot Dog Cart offers you a classic quick bite experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf. You can enjoy a casual meal here, perfect for lunch or dinner when you’re exploring the city.
This spot is known for its convenient takeout service, making it an ideal choice for a delicious and easy meal on the go. It’s also a great option if you are looking for a family-friendly place, as it is good for kids.
Overview: Introducting Nathan's Hot Dog Cart
Nathan’s Hot Dog Cart offers a varied experience. While some patrons highlight the kindness and attentive service from staff, others encountered less pleasant interactions.
The general atmosphere is often appreciated, yet the food frequently disappoints, with many feeling the offerings are overpriced for what you receive.
Poor
3.6
out of 10
144
Reviews
22.9%
Satisfaction
104
negative
7
neutral
33
positive
Overall, Nathan’s Hot Dog Cart registers a Restaurant Score of 3.6, placing it in the poor category. This sentiment is echoed by a Customer Satisfaction rate of just 22.9%, also indicating significant dissatisfaction.
These figures are drawn from 144 customer observations, with 33 positive remarks contrasting sharply with 104 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Ambience (7.5) stands out as a positive, suggesting a pleasant environment.
However, Service (5) is merely average, while Food (3.3) and Value (2.4) both fall into the poor range. This indicates that while the setting might be agreeable, the core offering and its cost-effectiveness are major concerns for many.
What people like
- Friendly service
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Gourmet options
What people don't like
- High prices
- Rude service
- Small portions
Considering the feedback, Nathan’s Hot Dog Cart currently holds a Recommendation Score of 3.6. If you prioritize a pleasant setting and don’t mind potentially higher costs for basic fare, it might be an option.
However, if value for money and consistent food quality are key, you might find yourself disappointed. It’s advisable to manage expectations regarding portion sizes and the overall cost-to-quality ratio before visiting.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
731
93.8%
- $$
- Bayview District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
780
93.3%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
423
94.6%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
804
89.9%
- $$
- Union Square
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
294
89.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
356
91%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Nathan's Hot Dog Cart
Food (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
While the overall food experience here seems to be a tough sell, a few bright spots shine through among the 15 positive remarks. Some guests appreciate the Gourmet Sausage & Hot Dogs and the better variety of sausages on offer, moving beyond the basic. Theres also mention of "Gourmet Sauces & Dressings" and even "organic or All Natural products" for those seeking quality ingredients.
However, the foods performance is largely disappointing, reflected in a poor score of 3.3 and a very low customer satisfaction of just 17%. With 68 negative opinions, many found the hot dogs to be smallest or tiny, often served on a dry bun. Concerns about food poisoning and overpriced items, alongside stingy sauces and poor presentation, paint a challenging picture.
Food
88
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
68
negative
5
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Gourmet Sausages
- Variety of Sausages
- Gourmet Sauces
What people don't like
- Food Poisoning
- Tiny Portions
- Dry Buns
Often praised
- foodfood was fantastic
- DijonHaven't been able to find an organic/Natural version of that. I refuse to give y'all Frenchies Mustard, NOTHING but Dijon - Most Likely GreyPoupon! VA Beach COMING SOON - ON THE BOARDWALK ❤️✊️
- Gourmet Sauces & DressingsThey offer ALL GOURMET SAUSAGE & Hot Dogs, with a better variety of sausages, NOT THE BASIC! They also have ALL GOURMET Sauces & Dressings! It will be NOTHING LIKE IT ANYWHERE, until The Man or whoever else starts to copy cat.
- Gourmet Sausage & Hot DogsI'll make sure y'all are SATISFIED THOROUGHLY! They offer ALL GOURMET SAUSAGE & Hot Dogs, with a better variety of sausages, NOT THE BASIC! They also have ALL GOURMET Sauces & Dressings!
- Hot Dogs & Sausagesgreat Hot Dogs & Sausages
- beef hotdogsThe Nathan’s beef hotdogs are made in a special sauce.
- corn man & his eliteI love the corn man & his elite
- hot dogsYesterday, we went for a stroll at Pier 39 and stopped to eat Nathan's famous hot dogs. We were served by a lovely young lady named Laura.
- hotdogssnag a couple of Nation's Hotdogs, and they are still just as Amazing as ever!
- nearby placesc'è sicuramente di meglio per uno spuntino
Frequently criticized
- hot dogMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ordered a regular hot dog, but it was the smallest I've ever seen in my life, and it cost $7. The food quality was rated a 2, and the atmosphere a 1, which aligns with my experience of receiving a very small portion for the price.
- sausageFor $5. 59, I received a small bun with a sausage. I even had to squeeze the ketchup and mustard out of plastic sticks.
- hot dogsOverpriced hot dogs in a prime touristy spot.
- colathe cola was mixed with too much syrup
- foodhot dog ingoiato con meno di due morsi
- ketchup and mustard59, I received a small bun with a sausage. I even had to squeeze the ketchup and mustard out of plastic sticks. I do not recommend this place!
- mustard and ketchupSenf und Ketchup kann man sicher auch aus der Tube machen und nicht aus den Mini Müll.
- Frenchies MustardHaven't been able to find an organic/Natural version of that. I refuse to give y'all Frenchies Mustard, NOTHING but Dijon - Most Likely GreyPoupon! VA Beach COMING SOON - ON THE BOARDWALK ❤️✊️
- Jumbo DogJumbo Dog was just a dry bun with a sausage lol
- Jumbo Hot DogHatte den Jumbo Hot dog und es war sicher nur ein normaler.
If you're looking for a satisfying hot dog experience, you might want to manage your expectations or consider other options. The overwhelming feedback suggests the food here is often tiny, dry, and not worth the price, making it a risky choice for a meal.
Service (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has some real shining moments! Many folks raved about the awesome service and the genuine kindness they experienced, with specific shout-outs to friendly people and even a lovely server named Laura. Based on 10 positive remarks, it seems theres a good heart to the team, even if the overall score of 5 and customer satisfaction of 45.5% suggest a bit of a mixed bag.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. There were 12 negative comments highlighting issues like rude service, bad attitude, and generally poor customer service from some staff members. It sounds like some guests encountered servers who were perceived as annoyed or unwilling to help, which definitely needs some attention to ensure a consistently pleasant experience for everyone.
Service
22
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Awesome service
- Genuine kindness
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Bad attitudes
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceWe were served by a lovely young lady named Laura. She treated us very well, and the price was very good. I loved this place, especially the way she served us.
- peopleMy experience at this restaurant is always a positive one, regardless of whether I'm celebrating a win or trying to feel better after a loss at the casino. The awesome service and great people make me feel better. I recommend this place fully.
- LauraShe treated us very well, and the price was very good. I loved this place, especially the way she served us.
- customer servicethey have great customer service for the public.
- kindnessI was able to clean everything up and get back to enjoying vacation with my family. Very much appreciate the kindness! BTW, watch out for the seagulls.
- waiting timewaited up to an hour at least twice and it's always been worth it
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceI went to the OG Nathan’s years ago and thought this would be just as good. Unfortunately, the reviews are correct; it’s overpriced and sloppy, with awful customer service. It's a shame for such a prime location!
- rude servicemarked by rude service
- bad attitudethe guy serving the hot dogs had a bad attitude
- serverguy who served us hadn't looked so rude
- serviceact like you didn't want to service us
- social media timeinterfering with their social media time
- staffTwo staff working offered no apologies
- staff memberstaff member was rude and acted annoyed
- staff responsethey do not even care to respond.
So, whats the verdict on service? Its a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter genuinely kind and awesome service, be prepared that theres also a chance of running into some less-than-stellar attitudes.
If youre feeling lucky, you might just get a fantastic experience, but consistency seems to be the main challenge here.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! Many guests rave about the wonderful atmosphere and how great the overall place feels. With a solid 7.5 score and 75% customer satisfaction, its clear most people enjoy their surroundings.
Folks also appreciate the high-quality stand and the hassle-free parking, making your visit smooth from the start, based on 6 positive remarks. However, theres one small detail that could use a tweak. A single comment pointed out an issue with the restroom, specifically the lack of paper towels.
While the staff were helpful in that instance, it's something to keep in mind for future visits, as noted in 1 negative feedback out of 8 total comments.
Ambience
8
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- High-quality stand
- Easy parking
What people don't like
- No restroom paper towels
Often praised
- atmosphereit’s great and the atmosphere and the people are wonderful.
- parkingI've waited up to an hour at least twice, and it's always been worth it. Parking is never a problem, and you can't go wrong with it only being $2.
- placeShe treated us very well, and the price was very good. I loved this place, especially the way she served us.
- standStand looks very high-quality and professional
Frequently criticized
- paper towelsI had an unfortunate incident where a seagull pooped on me. The restroom around the corner doesn't have any paper towels. The guy was kind enough to not only give me some napkins, but also a couple wet wipes too.
Overall, if youre looking for a place with a great vibe and easy parking, youll likely be very happy here. Just be aware that the restroom might be missing paper towels, so it's a minor detail to consider.
Value (2.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
Despite the general sentiment, a couple of diners found some positive aspects regarding price . One customer was delighted by a specific $2 item, while another felt the price was very good, especially when paired with excellent service. These few positive remarks, based on 2 positive comments out of 26 total, suggest that value can occasionally be found.
However, the overwhelming majority of feedback paints a different picture. With a 2.4 score and a mere 7.7% customer satisfaction, value is clearly a major concern. Many felt items were overpriced , an absolute rip off , or simply not worth it , often citing small portions for high costs.
This strong negative sentiment, reflected in 23 negative comments, indicates a significant issue with the price-performance ratio .
Value
26
Reviews
7%
Satisfaction
23
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Not worth money
- Poor price-performance
Often praised
- priceWe were served by a lovely young lady named Laura. She treated us very well, and the price was very good. I loved this place, especially the way she served us.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience was just a plain hot dog on a bun, nothing more! Definitely not recommended considering the price.
- overpricedWAY TOO OVERPRICED!!!
- pricesI cannot recommend this hotdog stand at all. The prices are far too high for what you receive. The hotdog was tiny and definitely not worth the money.
- expensiveexpensive, not recommend
- hella pricyHella pricy I thought I'd get some onions
- moneyMy experience at the restaurant was surprisingly bad and not worth the money. I love hot dogs, even cheap frozen ones from the supermarket.
- packaging95 before tax, it was actually an outrage. Mustard and ketchup were provided separately in packets, which you can see however you want; I find it very inconvenient and not good for the environment either.
- price-performance ratioThe hotdog was tiny and definitely not worth the money. The price-performance ratio is completely off here.
- rip offfelt was an absolute rip off
- worth itNot worth it
If you're looking for good value, this might not be your best bet, as most customers found it significantly overpriced and not worth it . Expect to pay a premium for what you get, and be prepared for potentially small portions. Unless you find a specific low-priced item, you might leave feeling disappointed by the cost.
How are the prices at Nathan's Hot Dog Cart?
Expect to pay about 7 per person, based on 16 reviews. That places it in the $1–$10 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s fair – not the cheapest, but reasonable for quick bites.
Most of the prices (13 out of 16) actually fall right into this $1–$10 range, showing a pretty consistent and affordable experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 16 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here offers good value for an American Restaurant in San Francisco. Its a solid choice if youre looking for an affordable and consistent meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nathan's Hot Dog Cart
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Nation's Hotdogs at Fisherman's Wharf!
My experience at Nation's Hotdogs was truly amazing! I made a special detour to Fisherman's Wharf just to get their hotdogs, and they did not disappoint. They are still as amazing as ever.
The food was fantastic, and the overall experience was a perfect 5 out of 5 stars across the board for service, atmosphere, and food.
- hotdogs10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Tiny, Bland Hot Dogs, Overpriced
My experience was very disappointing. The hot dogs were minuscule and completely unseasoned, lacking any sauce or other ingredients. The prices were exorbitant for what was served.
This is nothing like the original Nathan's in Coney Island, New York. I strongly advise against it.
- hot dogs1
- sauce1
- prices1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Disappointing Hot Dogs at Pier 39
I had a great memory of Nathan's, having enjoyed their hot dogs, though not without a very long queue, at their historic Coney Island, New York location. This time, however, I must confess I was particularly disappointed. The buns were tiny, the hot dogs were simple with no special features, except for the exorbitant price for the product provided: 7 dollars for a hot dog swallowed in less than two bites.
Located on the famous Pier 39, there are definitely better places nearby for a snack.
- nearby places8
- hot dogs2
- buns2
- price1
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Rude Service, Stingy Sauces
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the rude service and stingy sauce portions. We only received two sauces per person, which felt inadequate. The food was rated a 2, suggesting it was not a highlight of the visit.
- rude service2
- stingy sauces2
- sauces2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Great Service and People!
My experience at this restaurant is always a positive one, regardless of whether I'm celebrating a win or trying to feel better after a loss at the casino. The awesome service and great people make me feel better. I recommend this place fully.
- service10
- people10
What Nathan's Hot Dog Cart offers
Payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Nathan's Hot Dog Cart accessible and what dining options are available?
Yes, Nathan’s Hot Dog Cart features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access for all guests. You can enjoy your meal for both lunch and dinner, making it a flexible choice for your schedule. This American restaurant primarily offers takeout service for your convenience.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Nathan's Hot Dog Cart, and is it suitable for children?
At Nathan’s Hot Dog Cart, you will find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite. This American restaurant is also good for kids, making it an excellent spot for families visiting Fisherman’s Wharf. You can easily grab a delicious meal on the go with their convenient takeout service.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Nathan's Hot Dog Cart?
Nathan’s Hot Dog Cart has an overall Restaurant Score of 3.6 and a Customer Satisfaction of 22.9%. While Ambience scores well at 7.5, Service is average at 5, and both Food (3.3) and Value (2.4) are considered poor.
What are the main concerns customers have about Nathan's Hot Dog Cart?
Customers frequently express concerns about the high prices, often describing items as “overpriced” and “not worth the money.” There are also reports of “rude service” and “bad attitude” from staff, alongside complaints about “small portions” of food.
What aspects do customers appreciate about Nathan's Hot Dog Cart?
Patrons often appreciate the “kindness” and attentive “service” from specific staff members. The “atmosphere” is generally well-regarded, and some enjoy the “gourmet sauces” and variety of hot dog and sausage options available.