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oChef » Nick’s Lighthouse – San Francisco
Nick's Lighthouse - San Francisco
Photo from Nick’s Lighthouse
Nick's Lighthouse at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 155 of the guests
#2367 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#48 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Average
4.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
942
Reviews
28.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Quality food
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent service
The restaurant Nick’s Lighthouse invites you to experience a classic San Francisco seafood restaurant in the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh catches.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or a memorable dinner, this spot offers a genuine taste of the city’s culinary heritage. It’s a welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting Nick's Lighthouse
Nick’s Lighthouse offers a mixed bag for diners. Many guests appreciate the friendly staff and the cozy ambiance, which often creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
This positive first impression can set a pleasant tone for your visit. However, the experience can be marred by concerns over the overall value, with some finding the pricing structure and additional charges less than ideal.
This often leads to a feeling of disappointment regarding the cost versus the quality received.
Average
4.1
out of 10
942
Reviews
28.9%
Satisfaction
597
negative
73
neutral
272
positive
Nick’s Lighthouse holds an overall score of 4.1, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction is notably low at 28.9%, indicating that a significant number of patrons leave feeling less than content.
This notable divergence suggests that while some aspects are appreciated, the overall experience often falls short for many. Looking closer, the Food (4.6) and Ambience (4.9) generally receive favorable remarks, with 272 positive opinions out of 942 total.
However, Value (1.9) is a clear area of concern, attracting 597 negative opinions, often due to pricing and additional fees. Service (4.7) also sees a mix of positive and negative feedback.
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Quality food items
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Poor value
- Inconsistent service
- Unclean conditions
Nick’s Lighthouse presents a somewhat mixed proposition. While the atmosphere and certain food items are often praised, the overall value and service consistency are notable drawbacks that can impact your visit.
It’s a place with clear strengths and weaknesses. With a recommendation score of 4, it suggests a cautious approach.
If you prioritize a lively setting and specific seafood dishes, you might find something to enjoy, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a higher price point.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Nick's Lighthouse
Food (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
With a score of 4.6 and customer satisfaction at 34.5%, the food here presents a mixed bag, though some dishes truly shine. Based on 469 opinions, with 162 positive remarks, many customers raved about the delicious clam chowder, praising its rich, creamy texture and fresh ingredients. Other highlights included the crispiest batter on fried items and generous portions.
However, with 261 negative remarks, there are significant areas for improvement. Common complaints point to poor quality and food that was often described as bland, no flavor, or simply not fresh. Some even mentioned dishes being greasy or fried in old oil, leading to disappointment.
Food
469
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
261
negative
46
neutral
162
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious clam chowder
- Fresh seafood
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland, no flavor
- Not fresh ingredients
- Greasy, old oil
Often praised
- foodDespite the low rating of this establishment, I was pleasantly surprised by the very tasty shrimp in batter. They were very tasty, although I expected the food to suck, but no, everything was delicious and fast. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the food was also rated 5/5.
- chowderthis is the only place I'll get my chowder
- clam chowdertry their clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, and I was not disappointed
- mealsThe store is very clean and offers ample seating, ensuring that even during busy times, the waiting time will not be long. I highly recommend the meals here; they are delicious, offer high CP value, and are definitely worth returning for again and again.
- shrimpThe tables might be worn, and it might be dingy inside, but that's part of the tavern's maritime atmosphere. The food, specifically the spicy and garlic butter shrimp, was very decent with large portions. I skipped the garlic bread in search of a snack and opted for steamed vegetables instead, which was a mistake because I would have rather filled up on bread than consume paper.
- fish and chipsI tried fish and chips, and the food was delicious.
- oystersMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag, but the sourdough bowl was an absolute standout. We started with oysters that were really good. I ordered the crab, which was unfortunately very bland – I've had better crab at Costco.
- pastapasta and ramen dishes were generous
- Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread BowlI make it a point to stop by every time I'm in San Francisco to get a bread bowl of clam chowder. The recommended dish, Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl, is a must-try. The price per person is between $10–20, and parking can be somewhat difficult to find in the paid parking lot.
- bread bowl clam chowderMy favorite place to get bread bowl clam chowder
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the location is great with lots to do, which might explain the price, the food was rather average and pricey. I was not a huge fan of the crab sandwich as it was dry, though the other menu items were decent.
- clam chowderThis was embarrassing considering Bodeen's is right there with fresh bread every day. I found it to be the most pathetic clam chowder ever. Additionally, there were hidden charges that appeared on the bill, both for cash and credit card payments.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I strongly advise others to avoid it and instead explore Boudin, which offers superior quality food at a very reasonable price, along with a nice ambience and good customer service. This establishment, Nick Lighthouse, seems to charge for absolutely everything, including an additional service charge for what I experienced as pathetic service and card fees.
- crabWhen eating the innards, they were drowned in butter, messing up the complex innards crab taste. The crab itself was not roasted; other better restaurants in the area actually roast the crab and serve it on a cast iron plate. They don't provide a crab bib like other crab restaurants, so be prepared to get your clothes messed up.
- friesUnfortunately, the food was a big disappointment. The fries were inedible. The frying oil seemed very old, which completely ruined the taste.
- breadI ordered the clam chowder and a shrimp sandwich. The clam chowder wasn't even hot, and the bread tasted acidic and chewy. I'm quite sure the ingredients weren't fresh, and it definitely didn't taste like fish at all.
- fishI ordered the clam chowder, which was the worst I have ever tried. The ramen was fake, and the fish tasted like cardboard. My family of six tried various dishes, and not a single one was good or edible.
- lobsterlobster was pre cooked, cold, and like leather
- lobster rollordered a lobster roll, but I got a shrimp burger
- menuToo many things on the menu is never a good sign
If you're considering dining here, proceed with caution. While some rave about specific items like the clam chowder, the overall food experience seems inconsistent. Be prepared for a potentially average meal, and perhaps stick to the highly recommended dishes.
Service (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
Many guests highlighted the warm and attentive care from the staff, with specific mentions of friendly staff and servers like Gerardo who provided great customer experience. Some even praised the fast and efficient service, making their visits enjoyable. However, the service often fell short, reflected in an average score of 4.7 and a poor customer satisfaction of 39.5%.
With 94 negative comments against 66 positive out of 167 total, many experienced slow and bad service, unfriendly staff, and long waiting times, leading to a subpar service overall.
Service
167
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
94
negative
7
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Great customer experience
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Unfriendly, rude staff
- Aggressive staff tactics
Often praised
- serviceDespite the low rating of this establishment, I was pleasantly surprised by the very tasty shrimp in batter. They were very tasty, although I expected the food to suck, but no, everything was delicious and fast. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the food was also rated 5/5.
- staffGot convinced to eat inside by nice friendly staff
- ServiceEverything was great, Except the lobster
- serverThe food and beer were good, and the atmosphere was very cool. Although they seemed short-staffed, our server was as attentive as he could be. We enjoyed our experience.
- serversThe chips, which were essentially McDonald's french fries, were cold, leading to some disappointment. Overall, the food was really good and the servers were nice, so I would go back.
- waitersMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the waiters provided good service, the food quality was poor. It felt too expensive for the quality received.
- waitressthe girl who attended us was very kind and attentive
- GerardoOur server Gerardo was d’une gentillesse et d’un professionnalisme impressionnant.
- customer servicegreat customer service
- friendly staffComing from Texas, where clam chowder isn't a staple, I was unsure what to expect, but the moment we walked in, I sensed something special. The aroma of fresh seafood, the cozy ambiance, and the friendly staff created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. When the Clam Chowder arrived, I was captivated by its rich, creamy texture and perfectly seasoned broth.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe main issue is that the service fee is automatically included in the price, and then they ask for an additional tip. If the service had been good, I would have happily paid, but I don't understand why I have to pay twice for service. If this is standard in the US, then I have nothing to say, but it's a bit frustrating to have restaurants so casually ask for money like this, especially after visiting only a few places.
- serverShe ate her vegetables and figured, ahh, it’s okay, we’ll just have a quick bite on our way home since no one was actually satisfied with the poor food. As I went to pay (150 or so), I had eyes just standing over me on both ends; one side to make sure we pay, and my side to see if I’d tip that horrible food and service! 🤣 As I began to sign, the server looked at everything, and just as I started to write down the tip amount, he said, “Ahh, tips already included….
- waiterIt was extremely expensive, and the food was very mediocre. Additionally, the waiter I had was not friendly.
- serversI gave 3 stars to the service because we had to ask 3-4 servers for take out boxes until I took it by myself. It was quite the rush so they were not really attentive on what we need and asked for. But still, a great spot for fresh seafood along Fisherman’s Wharf.
- checktook a solid fifteen minutes from the time we finished our food to when we finally got our check
- customer servicedont care much about customer service
- experienceTo make matters worse, he then returned to inform me that my order had been prepared incorrectly. Given this overall displeasing experience, I left and will not be returning. I advise others to avoid wasting their money here as well.
- refillsMy lunch experience started well with quick and hot food, but it quickly went downhill. There was no check-in to see how the food was, and I had to flag someone down for refills. The food itself was okay at best; the crab cakes were good, but the chowder was unremarkable.
- staffannoying staff
- subpar serviceprovide subpar service because of it
When it comes to service, this spot is a real mixed bag. While you might encounter some genuinely friendly and efficient staff, be prepared for potential frustrations like long waits or inattentive service. If service is a top priority for you, you might want to manage your expectations or consider other options.
Ambience (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has some charm! Many guests loved the great atmosphere and cozy ambiance, often highlighting its convenient location and even a fresh and clean cart for quick bites. With 42 positive remarks, it seems some found a truly welcoming vibe here, enjoying aspects like great music and a unique old-school takeaway shop feel.
However, the experience isn't universally glowing. Despite an average score of 4.9, customer satisfaction sits at a poor 36.2%, largely due to concerns about uncleanliness, cramped space, and dirty tables. With 59 negative observations, many found the overall atmosphere disappointing, citing issues like dusty booths, sticky menus, and a noisy and disruptive environment.
Ambience
116
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
59
negative
15
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy welcoming ambiance
- Great convenient location
- Enjoyable music selection
What people don't like
- Unclean, dirty restrooms
- Cramped, small space
- Dirty tables, booths
Often praised
- atmosphereMost seafood places at Fisherman's Wharf get poor ratings, but this one isn't worth particularly harsh criticism. The tables might be worn, and it might be dingy inside, but that's part of the tavern's maritime atmosphere. The food, specifically the spicy and garlic butter shrimp, was very decent with large portions.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It is a very large and bright place, offering the same menu as the Taylor Street location. The staff were great and the owner was very friendly.
- AtmosphereRed Lobster seemed like a 5 star restaurant
- ambienceservice and ambience are top notch!
- locationlocated conveniently at the Wharf
- ambianceThe service, ambiance and food were excellent
- child friendlythe fact they child friendly
- cold eveningWorth it on a cold evening
- cozy ambianceComing from Texas, where clam chowder isn't a staple, I was unsure what to expect, but the moment we walked in, I sensed something special. The aroma of fresh seafood, the cozy ambiance, and the friendly staff created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. When the Clam Chowder arrived, I was captivated by its rich, creamy texture and perfectly seasoned broth.
- crab boileat standing out by the steamy crab boil
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI found it to be not worth the price or the time, and it was arguably the worst place we’ve ever eaten in Fisherman’s Wharf. All the seafood was really disappointing, the inside atmosphere is pretty bad, and the service was non-existent. The only positive aspect of the meal was the pork katsu.
- tableUpon entering, the restaurant was empty, with only our party present. We were seated at a booth, but the table was dirty, and the top of the booth was dusty. Despite this, we decided to stay and give them a chance.
- placeThe place is also really dirty
- restaurant's appearanceThe aspect of the restaurant is messy
- toiletsThe toilets just complete the overall uncleanliness
- AClack of AC made it uncomfortably hot
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- back reststhe back rests were so erect, it actually felt like you were being pushed forward
- bad impressionplace left a bad impression on San Fran
- boothtop of booth was dirty and dusty
If youre looking for a quick bite in a lively, convenient spot and dont mind a rustic, old-school feel, you might find its charm. However, if cleanliness, spaciousness, and a quiet dining experience are high on your list, you might want to look elsewhere.
Value (1.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a tough story to tell. While a couple of folks did find the pricing reasonable and even mentioned a high CP value, these positive sentiments are quite rare, based on only 2 positive opinions out of 190 total. It seems a few customers genuinely felt they got a good deal.
However, the overwhelming sentiment, reflected in 183 negative opinions, paints a picture of significant concern. The overall score for value is a poor 1.9, and customer satisfaction is an equally poor 1.1%. Many felt overcharged due to hidden charges, mandatory tips, and additional service fees, often described as a tourist trap or rip-off.
Terms like expensive, fine print, and card payments frequently popped up, indicating frustration with unexpected costs.
Value
190
Reviews
1%
Satisfaction
183
negative
5
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Hidden charges
- Mandatory tips
- Overpriced food
Often praised
- CP valuehave high CP value
- pricingThe pricing was very reasonable
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was far from satisfactory. I found it to be not worth the price or the time, and it was arguably the worst place we’ve ever eaten in Fisherman’s Wharf. All the seafood was really disappointing, the inside atmosphere is pretty bad, and the service was non-existent.
- service feeThe Clam Chowder was gross, and the drinks were overpriced. To make matters worse, they attached a service fee without disclosing it beforehand.
- billMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. When we wanted to pay in cash, the waiter simply removed the bill and demanded a certain amount, which included a generous tip for himself. The menu was also a concern; it offered a bit of everything, which always makes me very skeptical.
- service chargeThe service was poor, and the food was not fresh. To add to the frustration, the bill was terrible, with a huge service charge. They also charged more when using a card.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was pretty good, but I wouldn't say it was worth the prices they charge. For example, two pieces of fried fish and fries cost $19, four mozzarella balls were $12, and fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp exceeded $20.
- tipThe service was quick to arrive at our table, wanting to take our drink order before we could even properly look at the menu. In hindsight, we understood why: the fine print at the end of the menu stated that an 18% tip for 'good service' was automatically added. Additionally, there would be an extra 4% for card payments.
- expensiveI would not recommend this place. The food was just okay and expensive. While the staff was friendly, they looked old and dirty.
- card paymentsIn hindsight, we understood why: the fine print at the end of the menu stated that an 18% tip for 'good service' was automatically added. Additionally, there would be an extra 4% for card payments. However, the service was far from good.
- gratuityThey also add 18.5% gratuity for 3 people
- menu pricesprices displayed on the menu are the prices if you pay in cash
If you're looking for a place where value is a priority and transparency is key, you might want to proceed with extreme caution. The numerous reports of hidden fees and high prices suggest this restaurant could be a significant disappointment for your wallet.
How are the prices at Nick's Lighthouse?
You’re looking at roughly 49 per person – reported by 155 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
What’s interesting is that while the average sits here, prices are quite spread out. Many guests enjoy a more budget-friendly meal, while a notable number also go for a truly premium experience, which helps shape that average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 155 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nick's Lighthouse
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Terrible Food, Great Service
Honestly, I do not recommend this food; it's disgusting. I ordered the fries a second time, and they were the same garbage. The clam soup has more celery than clams.
The garlic fries are disgusting, and on top of that, it's very expensive. I do not recommend it at all. However, the waiters were very friendly.
The food was very bad. 0 out of 0.
- waiters5
- food1
- fries1
- clam soup2
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Great for Families!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The food was delicious overall. The fried rice had an enormous amount of shrimp, and the seafood stew, despite being tomato-based, had a broth made from seafood that was exceptionally tasty.
We enjoyed our meal with our child and highly recommend it.
- food10
- enormous amount of shrimp9
- exceptionally tasty10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Fantastic 20th Anniversary Trip!
My wife and I came to San Francisco to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. We had a fantastic experience with wonderful food, a great atmosphere, and truly friendly staff! The weather was also amazing!
Thank you, Baek Sajangnim!
- food10
- atmosphere10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Delicious Food, Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was absolutely delicious, earning a perfect score. However, the service was disappointing, with servers not appearing welcoming.
Despite the pricey nature of the establishment, the food's quality was undeniable. The restaurant also charges an 18% service fee, which, given the customer service experience, felt unwarranted.
- food10
- servers2
- service fee2
- customer service2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Tasty Fish and Chips at Fisherman's Wharf
My experience at this restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf was simple but good. They offer both terrace and inside tables. The menu is straightforward but delivers on taste.
The staff were friendly, adding to a pleasant atmosphere. While there was live music across the street, it didn't detract from the dining experience. I tried the fish and chips and the shrimps and chips, and both were tasty.
I would fully recommend eating here.
- fish and chips9
- shrimps and chips9
- friendly staff9
What Nick's Lighthouse offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Nick's Lighthouse?
At Nick’s Lighthouse, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy onsite dining with table service, opt for takeout, or even have your meal delivered. Outdoor seating is also available for those who prefer to dine al fresco.
Does Nick's Lighthouse offer accessible facilities and parking?
Yes, Nick’s Lighthouse is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible restroom and seating. For parking, you’ll find both paid parking lot options and paid street parking available nearby for your convenience.
How is Nick's Lighthouse rated overall?
Nick’s Lighthouse has an overall score of 4.1 and a customer satisfaction of 28.9%. While Food (4.6) and Ambience (4.9) are generally well-regarded, Value (1.9) is a significant drawback, leading to a mixed experience for many.
What do customers appreciate most at Nick's Lighthouse?
Many customers highlight the Ambience (4.9) for its welcoming feel and the Food (4.6), particularly specific seafood items like clam chowder. The Service (4.7) also receives positive mentions for its friendly staff.
What are the main concerns for diners at Nick's Lighthouse?
The primary concern is Value (1.9), with many finding the pricing expensive and additional fees frustrating. Inconsistent Service (4.7) and issues with the cleanliness of the Ambience (4.9) are also frequently mentioned drawbacks.