Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Palm City – San Francisco
Palm City - San Francisco
Photo from Palm City
Palm City at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 69 of the guests
#1869 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#128 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
395
Reviews
63.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Charming ambiance
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
- Loud atmosphere
The bar & pub Palm City in San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District offers a truly inviting experience. You will discover a fantastic wine list here, making it a standout spot for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
With its cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, it is the perfect place to unwind after a long day or gather with friends for a relaxed evening. Whether you are looking for a quick drink or a full meal, Palm City has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Palm City
Palm City offers a distinctive experience, often praised for its cute vibe and well prepared food , particularly its substantial hoagies. Guests appreciate the friendly staff and a decent wine selection , making it a pleasant spot for casual gatherings.
However, some find the hoagies overpriced and the dining area loud during busy times. While service is generally good, a few experiences point to slow service or a less welcoming staff, and parking can be a challenge.
Good
6.7
out of 10
395
Reviews
63.3%
Satisfaction
114
negative
31
neutral
250
positive
Palm City holds a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 6.7 , indicating a generally positive reception. Customer feedback shows a Customer Satisfaction of 63.3% , suggesting a mixed experience for some patrons.
This assessment is drawn from 395 customer remarks, with 250 positive observations outweighing 114 negative ones, painting a picture of a place with clear strengths and some areas for improvement. Diving deeper, the Food (7.2) and Ambience (7.1) are clearly strong points, consistently earning good marks from diners.
However, Service (6.3) registers as average, and Value (3.2) is a notable concern, falling into the poor category. This indicates that while the dining experience itself is often enjoyable, the perceived cost-benefit ratio could be better.
What people like
- Delicious, quality food
- Inviting, cute ambiance
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional slow service
- Loud, busy atmosphere
Palm City offers a pleasant dining experience, particularly if you prioritize a charming atmosphere and well-crafted food. While the Recommendation Score of 7.2 suggests it’s generally well-regarded, be mindful of the pricing and potential for a bustling environment.
If you’re seeking a spot with good food and a nice vibe for a casual outing, it’s worth considering. However, if budget is a primary concern or you prefer a quieter, more consistently swift service, you might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Palm City
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Alright, let's dive into the food! Overall, the culinary experience here seems to hit the mark, with a good score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction at a good 70.9%. Based on 161 positive remarks out of 227 total, many rave about the delicious Italian hoagies, the quality of locally-sourced ingredients, and the excellent natural wines that perfectly complement the meal.
However, not everyone is completely won over, with 47 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some found the hoagies bland or the bread dry, while others mentioned issues like soggy tomatoes or the food being overpriced. A few also found certain dishes challenging to eat due to size or preparation.
Food
227
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
47
negative
19
neutral
161
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious hoagies
- Quality ingredients
- Excellent wine selection
What people don't like
- Bland or dry food
- Overpriced sandwiches
- Challenging to eat
Often praised
- foodThe alert and savvy service staff were friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall dining experience. The food was well prepared with care and visually stunning, featuring balanced flavors. The culinary team's use of locally sourced ingredients reflecting California's bounty from farms to vineyards was impressive.
- sandwichesThe Italian American hoagie was a standout, piled high with mortadella, salami, arugula, and a zesty nduja sauce on a sturdy hoagie roll. The sandwiches are incredibly filling; a single hoagie easily satisfied two people. It's recommended to arrive early to secure the popular shrimp salad sandwich, as it often sells out quickly.
- hoagiesPalm City is more than just a tasty and hip sandwich spot; it also serves a variety of natural wines in a bright and welcoming atmosphere. It's a great place to meet up with friends after the beach, and make sure to share the hoagies since the portions are massive. Overall, I would come back to try the other dishes and wines.
- wine selectionMy experience at this wine bar was fantastic. I enjoyed their good selection of wine and beers. The food was great, and the service was excellent.
- wineWe each started with a glass of wine; I got the Skin Contact (orange wine) and my friend got the Picpoul white wine. Both were yummy! We split the chopped salad and the Italian American hoagie.
- FoodFood:5
- sandwichThis is definitely a new type of restaurant for the outer sunset district. I'll admit I was a little skeptical once I saw the menu and the prices, but I ate my words along with a great sandwich! In fact, my wife and I have been back four more times.
- Italian American hoagieWe split the chopped salad and the Italian American hoagie. Both were delicious! Everything comes out in a reasonable amount of time, and the service we had was great.
- breadThe bread was a perfect blend of firm but not too hard
- BLTCurrently I'm to their gem salad and BLT
Frequently criticized
- sandwichessandwiches are way over priced and didn’t even include the meat
- breadbread is rolled in sesame seeds and cooked to a crisp
- hoagiesMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly with their hoagies. Anyone who says the hoagies are good has either drank a whole bottle of wine, or is too embarrassed to admit they spent $20 on a terrible sandwich. The bread is rolled in sesame seeds and cooked to a crisp, making the flavor clash with the ingredients and the consistency too difficult to eat.
- sandwichShrinkflation. At least for the Italian American specifically, they have gradually decreased the amount of meat in the sandwich while increasing the amount of the arugula salad. Don’t get me wrong - the salad is great - but I had a look at photos from 2-3+ years ago and my suspicion was confirmed.
- foodI ordered the BLT, and the bread was dry and lacked flavor. Overall, the meal was overpriced and not tasty at all. I believe there are much better places to get lunch around Irving St.
- cold sandwichThe ambiance was nice, but I did not feel welcomed by the staff. It took 20 minutes to make a cold sandwich, and I felt very pressured to stand outside even though there were plenty of open seats inside. The sandwich itself was 'aight', but I'm pretty sure it didn’t include the salami it was supposed to have.
- 'nduja saucethe 'nduja sauce on the Italian American was overly salty
- BLTGot the BLT and the bread was dry and it had no flavor.
- allergy restrictionsdue to allergy restrictions. I have an allergy
- apples on sandwichput apples on it and pretend it is worth twice the price
If you're looking for a spot with great hoagies, quality ingredients, and a fantastic wine selection, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some find the prices a bit steep and a few dishes might not hit the mark for everyone.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.3 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 59.4%. Many guests felt genuinely welcomed by the staff, praising the excellent service and helpful waiter recommendations. Out of 64 total opinions, 38 were positive, highlighting the friendly staff and efficient service.
However, there's definitely room for improvement, with 24 negative opinions pointing to some frustrating experiences. Issues like rude staff, slow service, and long waiting times for orders or even water refills popped up. Some felt snubbed or that the staff had a bad attitude, which can really put a damper on your dining experience.
Service
64
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
24
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent service
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceBoth were delicious! Everything comes out in a reasonable amount of time, and the service we had was great. Their portions are quite large, so I definitely recommend splitting if you want to try multiple sandwiches or dishes.
- ServiceService and vibes are similar any other bougie wine bar
- staffWhile they are known for their hoagies, we had already eaten. The vibe is cute and the staff was friendly. They offer a good selection of wine, though there's a $15 corkage fee if you bring your own bottle to share.
- service staffalert and savvy service staff friendly knowledgeable
- Jewels and hospitalitybut Jewels and hospitality shined through.
- peoplethe people also very friendly
- wait timeWait time:Up to 10 min
- waiter recommendationsexcellent waiter recommendations on food options
- waiting timeit took very less for them to make it, matter of minutes
- welcomedI felt very welcomed when I walked in!
Frequently criticized
- staffThe staff can be a bit pretentious and scene based.
- serviceWhile I usually give the benefit of the doubt, this experience was too much. Beyond the despicable service, the sandwiches were just fine, nothing special. The 'nduja sauce on the Italian American was overly salty, and the cookie was awful in both taste and texture.
- waiting timeThe ambiance was nice, but I did not feel welcomed by the staff. It took 20 minutes to make a cold sandwich, and I felt very pressured to stand outside even though there were plenty of open seats inside. The sandwich itself was 'aight', but I'm pretty sure it didn’t include the salami it was supposed to have.
- dining experiencesIt took them 20+ minutes to make a cold sandwich. Overall, one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had in San Francisco.
- illegal activityengaged in illegal activity
- napkins or a bagDidn’t get napkins or a bag
- ordering onlineTheir subs and wine are both great. However, I strongly suggest adding the ability to remove ingredients from subs when ordering online. This is crucial for allergy restrictions.
- outdoor tablesshouldn’t eat the to-go sandwiches at the outdoor tables
- party’s foodTo our surprise, there was a corkage fee on wine we had purchased there. Furthermore, they forgot part of our party’s food. The hoagies were stale and overpriced.
- remove ingredientsplease please please add the ability to remove ingredients
If youre looking for a quick bite and dont mind potentially inconsistent service, you might find a friendly face. But if attentive, seamless service is a top priority for you, be aware that experiences here can vary quite a bit.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.1, indicating a good overall experience. Many guests rave about the cute place, cozy feel, and a lovely neighborhood vibe, contributing to 49 positive sentiments out of 72 total. Its often described as having a nice atmosphere, perfect for a casual date or just hanging out.
However, customer satisfaction sits at 68.1%, which is a mixed bag, suggesting theres still room for improvement. Some find the dining area too loud or busy, and parking can be a real challenge. A few also noted that it's not very dog friendly inside, which might be a dealbreaker for pet owners.
Ambience
72
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
17
negative
6
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, cozy atmosphere
- Nice neighborhood vibe
- Bright, welcoming space
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Can be loud
- Not dog friendly inside
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this hidden, out-of-the-way grand restaurant was truly memorable. The stylish/smart atmosphere set the stage for an evening of culinary exploration. The alert and savvy service staff were friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- AtmosphereSuper friendly neighborhood spot
- ambianceSuper cute ambiance
- spaceThe bright and airy space with a neighborhood vibe
- bright and welcoming atmospherePalm City is more than just a tasty and hip sandwich spot; it also serves a variety of natural wines in a bright and welcoming atmosphere. It's a great place to meet up with friends after the beach, and make sure to share the hoagies since the portions are massive.
- casual date spotGreat casual date spot
- cozyThe place was very cozy
- cute and quiet aestheticvery cute and quiet aesthetic
- cute placeSuch a cute place!
- cute vibeSuch a cute vibe!
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking:Typical tough neighborhood for parking.
- dining areaBe prepared for slow service, especially when it's busy with 'hipster traffic'. I highly recommend ordering to-go because their dining area is way too loud and poorly laid out. The outdoor dining options were not good either.
- ParkingParking can be difficult but you can order ahead
- Street parkingThe combination of parmesan cheese and garlicky arugula with mortadella was truly amazing. Street parking is the only option. I highly recommend going; you will not be disappointed!
- blinds shutshut the blinds whenever someone is filming
- busy and loudDespite these minor points, I would totally come back and recommend this place. Be aware that the restaurant gets busy and loud; there was a line at 6 pm on a Friday.
- dog friendlyPro tip: take them home and microwave to make the chocolate a little bit melty 😋. Side note: I am a dog mom, so I always like to make note of this in reviews — they do not appear to be dog friendly inside, but they do have a small line of tables outside that you could sit at with your dog.
- lineDespite these minor points, I would totally come back and recommend this place. Be aware that the restaurant gets busy and loud; there was a line at 6 pm on a Friday.
- neighborhood spotdoesn’t feel like a welcoming neighborhood spot
- outdoor diningOutdoor dining options aren’t good either
If youre looking for a cute, cozy spot with a good vibe and dont mind a bit of a hunt for parking, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for it to get a little lively, especially during peak times.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When we talk about value, its a bit of a mixed bag here, with a 3.2 score, which unfortunately lands it in the poor category. However, out of 32 customer opinions, a couple of folks did find a silver lining, specifically appreciating the convenience of free street parking and other parking options available, which is always a plus in a busy area. Despite the low score, customer satisfaction hovers at a mixed 6.3, suggesting some find aspects acceptable, but the overwhelming feedback, with 26 negative remarks, points to significant concerns.
Many felt items like the hoagies and wines by the glass were consistently overpriced and expensive, with the corkage fee also being a frequent point of contention. It seems the price tag often doesnt match the perceived quality.
Value
32
Reviews
6%
Satisfaction
26
negative
4
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free parking options
What people don't like
- Overpriced sandwiches
- Pricey wine/drinks
- Unexpected corkage fees
Often praised
- free street parkingParking options:Free street parking
- parking optionsFree street parking
Frequently criticized
- pricesandwiches are way over priced
- hoagiesI enjoyed the drinks, finding them to be good. However, the hoagies were very bland and overpriced. While it's a nice place for a drink, I would not recommend the food.
- corkage fee$15 corkage fee if you wanted to buy a bottle and share
- $20 hoagieThat kinda hits low for a $20 hoagie.
- Price per personMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly with their hoagies. Anyone who says the hoagies are good has either drank a whole bottle of wine, or is too embarrassed to admit they spent $20 on a terrible sandwich. The bread is rolled in sesame seeds and cooked to a crisp, making the flavor clash with the ingredients and the consistency too difficult to eat.
- expensivetoo expensive
- fancyMy experience at this restaurant was with their hoagies, which were good. However, I found them to be way too fancy & expensive. On a positive note, they do have a good wine selection.
- glass of winesell me a 16 dollar glass of wine
- in-store bottle corkage feeThe atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5. However, I was unsure about the in-store bottle corkage fee for their own in-house wines.
- menuThis is definitely a new type of restaurant for the outer sunset district. I'll admit I was a little skeptical once I saw the menu and the prices, but I ate my words along with a great sandwich! In fact, my wife and I have been back four more times.
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially pricey experience, especially concerning the food and drinks. While parking might be easy, the value proposition for many items, particularly the sandwiches and wine, seems to be a common disappointment. Weigh if the convenience and specific offerings are worth the higher cost for you.
How are the prices at Palm City?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 69 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, most guests (42 of them!) actually spend in the $21–$30 bracket. While the average is 32, there’s quite a spread, with some spending less and others enjoying a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 69 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub compares on value for money with similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub, especially considering the variety in what people choose to spend. It offers good value whether you’re looking for a quick, more budget-friendly bite or something a bit more indulgent.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Palm City
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Shrimp Salad Sandwich!
My experience at the restaurant was great! The bread was a perfect blend of firm but not too hard. I tried the shrimp salad sandwich and was not disappointed.
It was a delicious sandwich with big pieces of shrimp and great texture from the potato chips. The Service, Atmosphere, and Food all received a perfect score of 5.
- bread9
- shrimp salad sandwich10
- pieces of shrimp9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Disappointing Experience After Years of Enjoyment
I have enjoyed this place for years, and I would say most people would really enjoy it. However, my last experience was terrible. The wait staff was terribly rude, and I couldn't even get a water refill.
My salad greens were old and wilted, and the broccoli rabe on my roast pork was cooked to death and incredibly bitter. I've had that sandwich dozens of times and used to crave it, but not anymore. I guess everyone has off days.
- wait staff1
- water refill1
- salad greens2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Drinks, Limited Food Options
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a great selection of both wines and beers. The food menu was a little limited, but that’s alright for a bar.
- wines and beers9
- food menu6
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Bread on a Pricey Hoagie
I was excited to return to this restaurant, having been before. This time, I brought a friend who was less enthusiastic than I expected. When I asked what was wrong, he pointed out that the bread was a day old.
I then realized my hoagie was served on stale bread. I didn't have the courage to mention it to the waitress. They were proud to share that the bread came from a relatively new bakery for them.
While the bread looked fantastic, its staleness was a letdown, especially for a $20 hoagie.
- bread2
- $20 hoagie3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Best Bread on the West Coast!
I was so eager to eat this that I didn't even bother making the pictures look good. I learned about Palm City yesterday and heard it was a collaboration of west and east coast individuals creating perfection. They were absolutely right!
As a native Philadelphian, I can confidently say this is the best bread I've ever had on the west coast, hands down. I'd sell my kidney for this bread. The shrimp salad was phenomenal, and the pastrami was even better.
I'm considering going back tomorrow to try the rest of the menu. You should cancel your weekend plans and go get a sandwich. 🦅
- bread10
- shrimp salad9
- pastrami10
What Palm City offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Palm City?
At Palm City, you will find a welcoming and comfortable setting. The atmosphere is described as cozy, casual, and trendy, making it an ideal spot for various occasions, from a relaxed evening out to a lively gathering with friends in the Sunset District.
What service options are available at Palm City?
Palm City offers flexible service options to suit your preferences. You can enjoy the fresh air with outdoor seating, settle in for a comfortable dine-in experience, or conveniently pick up your order with their takeout service.
What are the main strengths of Palm City?
Palm City is particularly noted for its Food (7.2) and Ambience (7.1), which consistently receive good scores. Customers often praise the well-prepared dishes and the inviting atmosphere.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Palm City?
Yes, some patrons find the Value (3.2) to be poor due to perceived high prices for items like hoagies. Additionally, Service (6.3) can be inconsistent, and the dining area can get loud and busy.
How does Palm City rate overall, and what do customers think?
Palm City has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.7 and a Customer Satisfaction of 63.3% . While the food and ambiance are well-received, the value and occasional service issues contribute to a mixed but generally positive customer sentiment.