Highlights
- Sports
oChef » Palm House – San Francisco
Palm House - San Francisco
Photo from Palm House
Palm House at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 92 of the guests
#1581 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#190 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
600
Reviews
69.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Tropical ambiance
- Dog friendly
- Creative food
Frequently criticized
- Loud seating
- Slow service
- High prices
The restaurant Palm House in San Francisco’s vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood offers a unique dining experience, perfect for catching a game with its sports highlight. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for various occasions.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed brunch, a lively dinner, or just some late-night food and drinks, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Palm House
Palm House offers a vibrant atmosphere, often described as having a great vibe and unique decor, making it a pleasant spot for gatherings. Many appreciate its dog friendly policy, adding to its welcoming charm.
However, some experiences point to challenges, particularly with the noise level, which can be quite loud, and uncomfortable chairs. There have also been occasional concerns regarding attentive service.
Good
7.1
out of 10
600
Reviews
69.3%
Satisfaction
125
negative
59
neutral
416
positive
Overall, Palm House earns a respectable 7.1 on its restaurant score, indicating a generally good experience for many. However, customer satisfaction stands at 69.3%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception, with room for improvement in certain areas.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial pool of 600 customer observations, including 416 positive remarks and 125 critical comments. Diving deeper, the Ambience (7.5) and Food (7.2) are clear strengths, frequently praised by patrons.
On the other hand, Service (6.5) and Value (5.6) hover in the average range. While the culinary offerings and setting generally hit the mark, the attentiveness of the staff and the perceived cost-effectiveness could be more consistent.
What people like
- Vibrant tropical ambiance
- Dog-friendly atmosphere
- Creative food, good drinks
What people don't like
- Loud, uncomfortable seating
- Inconsistent, slow service
- High prices, small portions
With a recommendation score of 7.3, Palm House generally earns a nod for its appealing qualities. It’s a place worth considering if you prioritize a lively, visually engaging setting and enjoy creative culinary offerings, especially during happy hour.
However, be prepared for a potentially noisy environment and service that can be a bit hit-or-miss. If you value a quiet meal or consistently prompt service above all else, you might find aspects of the experience less satisfying.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
283
98.6%
- $$
- Lower Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
307
100%
- $$
- Saint Francis Wood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
97
99%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
182
96.2%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
249
98.4%
- $$
- Cow Hollow
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
533
98.1%
- $$
- Marina District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Palm House
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks, theres a lot to love here! With a good score of 7.2 and a mixed but nearly good customer satisfaction of 69.9%, many of the 207 positive comments rave about delicious cocktails, crispy fish tacos, and the amazing jerk chicken. Dont forget those tasty brussel sprouts!
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some of the 53 negative comments mention issues like food being cold or lukewarm, feeling overpriced, and occasionally lacking flavor. A few also noted that portion sizes could be a bit small, especially for certain items.
Food
296
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
53
negative
36
neutral
207
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious cocktails
- Amazing jerk chicken
- Crispy fish tacos
What people don't like
- Food served cold
- Lacks flavor
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was terrific! It's a great joint with good food, great music, and they are dog-friendly. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, making for a truly enjoyable time.
- drinksWe ordered a $69 bowl of booze, which was a fun way to drink some meaning back into life. The food is great, the drinks are fun, and the prices are reasonable. The vibes are adequate, making it a good spot to get loose and share a drink with friends or even strangers.
- cocktailsWe absolutely raved over the sweet potato fries and their accompanying Thai basil aioli sauce, as well as the tuna poke taquitos. If you're primarily looking for cocktails, I highly recommend aiming for their happy hour. The service was rated a 4, and the food a 5, with a price range of $30–50 per person for dinner.
- jerk chickenjerk chicken which she said was tasty and was a half chicken so lots of leftovers.
- coconut shrimpI ordered the coconut shrimp, jerk chicken, and the malasadas. So delicious.
- drinkThe customer service from all staff, including the bartenders and host, was wonderful. My drink was fantastic, and I had a wonderful time. I'll definitely be back!
- Avocado BenedictFood was creative and tasted good (avocado benedict
- Huevos RancherosRecommended dishes:Huevos Rancheros
- brunch menuthe brunch menu is ample and tasty
- brussel sproutsThe prices were reasonable for the tasty small plates offered. I would particularly recommend the brussel sprouts. It's a good place for people-watching, especially over breakfast cocktails.
Frequently criticized
- foodI have never encountered someone so rude in this industry. The food is NOT good.
- portion sizesmaller portions than I’d expect
- drinksAll the food looked delicious, but wow, so disappointed. Even the drinks weren’t that great. I was so excited for the espressotini, and it tasted watered down as well.
- pineapple fried ricelunch menu doesn't include their pineapple fried rice
- Brunchdidn't know weekends only served Brunch, not Lunch
- Caribbean coffeeThe carribean coffee’s had no substance to them
- SF Restaurant Week lunch menuthey didn't serve the 2021 SF Restaurant Week lunch menu
- SF Restaurant Week menudisappointed that we couldn't try the items on the special menu
- burgerFood allergies are no joke! Once my proper order did arrive, I found the burger so dry that I could barely consume it. The only redeeming quality was the buzzy location, but that isn't much as many eateries along Union are buzzy.
- cheeseThey got my order wrong twice. I explicitly stated that I was allergic to cheese, and my burger arrived with cheese. Food allergies are no joke!
If youre looking for a spot with some standout dishes and creative drinks, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many find the food delicious, some experiences point to inconsistencies in temperature, flavor, and portion sizes.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.5 and customer satisfaction sitting at 60.3%. Many guests rave about the friendly service, attentive staff, and how accommodating the team can be, often highlighting great service from waiters and bartenders. These positive experiences are echoed in 76 positive remarks out of 126 total mentions.
However, some experiences suggest there's room for improvement. Concerns about slow service, inattentive server, and an understaffed feeling pop up in 39 negative comments. Issues like waiting time and a self-serve online ordering system that sometimes leaves guests feeling unattended also contribute to a less consistent experience.
Service
126
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
39
negative
11
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating requests
- Pet-friendly atmosphere
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Hostess issues
- Understaffed feeling
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was SO GOOD! I had the best jerk chicken I’ve ever had, and the service was great! :)
- staffIt's a great place to come with friends and entertain people. The atmosphere is nice, and they have a great bar and welcoming staff. Their style is American food with a flare for international flavors.
- serverMy experience at Palm House during happy hour was fantastic. The drinks were absolutely delicious, and our server was great. The decor inside is super cute, contributing to a really fun vibe overall.
- Santaone of Best Attractive Santas I ever seen
- friendly servicecome here for the friendly service
- wait staffMy experience at this restaurant was amazing for brunch! The bartenders were attentive and the wait staff was great. The food was excellent!
- QR code to payThe chairs were comfortable, and the service was friendly, contributing to a casual vibe. I appreciated the convenience of using a QR code to pay. The prices were reasonable for the tasty small plates offered.
- Santa ClausMy experience was amazing! Santa Claus was so friendly with all the Furry Friends. He was polite, had patience, and was sweet.
- ServiceService:4
- accommodatingthey were very accommodating
Frequently criticized
- serviceTo make matters worse, after I had already forgotten to tip due to being in a rush for a movie date, the establishment deliberately charged their own tip to my card two days after I left. I was furious because not only was the service garbage and the staff's energy stale, but being overcharged by deliberately taking a tip ruined my birthday and made me lose trust in the establishment's professionalism. The chicken sandwich was mediocre, nothing spectacular, just another gentrified neighborhood spot overcharging for a lackluster experience.
- stafftheir staff didn't even mention that that menu wasn't served on the weekends
- waitressa waitress jumped in and talked very impolitely
- attention givendistinct difference in the attention given
- cutleryThey brought out the food before the drinks, and I had to ask three times for our drinks. Additionally, I had to remind them for cutlery and water, which are basic necessities. It was strange because the restaurant wasn't even full, yet everyone seemed really stressed out.
- drinksThey took a while with our drinks and ended up getting drinks after the food.
- food before drinksHowever, the service quickly declined. They brought out the food before the drinks, and I had to ask three times for our drinks. Additionally, I had to remind them for cutlery and water, which are basic necessities.
- hostUnless you know the host you will not get a table
- hostessThe Hostess for no reason refused to sit us
- hostess ladyHowever, my recent experience was marred by terrible service. Specifically, I had a terrible experience with the hostess lady on 2023/24/06 at 9 pm. For no apparent reason, she refused to seat us because we only wanted appetizers and drinks, not entrees.
If youre looking for a place with potentially friendly and accommodating staff, it might be worth a visit. Just be prepared that service can be a bit inconsistent, with some guests experiencing delays or less attention. Its a mixed bag, so your experience might vary.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.5 and boasting a 80% customer satisfaction rate. With 120 positive remarks out of 150 total, guests frequently rave about the tropical decor, fun vibe, and dog friendly atmosphere. Many appreciate the outdoor seating options, making it a lively spot for celebrations or just relaxing with friends.
However, not everyone finds the vibe perfect, with 21 negative comments. Some found the indoor areas loud, making conversation difficult, and mentioned chairs that weren't very comfortable. A few also noted sticky tables and occasional issues with parking, which could detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
150
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
21
negative
9
neutral
120
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tropical, fun vibe
- Dog-friendly patio
- Lively outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Loud indoor noise
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Sticky tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe Crab Cake Benedict was a perfect 5/5, and the Bloody Mary was also a 5/5 – truly to die for! The service was great, rated 5/5, contributing to a friendly atmosphere. Finding parking was surprisingly easy.
- placeThe place itself is very cute and nice to bring your friends to
- decorThe decor is so funky and makes you feel like you're on a tropical vacation.
- dog friendlyI absolutely loved my experience at this restaurant! I was searching for dog friendly restaurants to celebrate my birthday and my dog’s 13 and 1/2 birthday and stumbled upon this place. The food was so fresh and delicious!
- vibethe vibe there is amazing and is great for just hanging out
- locationMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the nice location in the afternoon sun and the fact that it's dog friendly patio. The tuna poke was great, and I also enjoyed the mescal cocktail.
- outdoor seatingthe outdoor seating has heat in case it gets too cold
- vibesI went for a happy hour with some friends on a random Tuesday and LOVED the vibes and the atmosphere. They were also incredibly pet friendly, even giving my puppy a flower necklace, which was so cute :).
- ambianceThe restaurant's theme is a standout, striking a perfect balance between bright, sunny, and fun without being overdone. This cheerful and inviting ambiance makes it an ideal venue for brunch with friends or family. The lively atmosphere, delicious food, and drinks create a memorable dining experience.
- areaCool Area, and looks amazing outside and inside.
Frequently criticized
- chairsWe sat in the second furthest dining area from the bar, and it was still incredibly loud. Additionally, the chairs are not accommodating of a curvaceous female figure; even a medium booty cannot fit. Our server quickly accommodated our request to move to a table with a bench.
- atmosphereincredibly uncomfortable the entire time
- cleanlinesscleanliness on the tables, were a little sticky
- covered area outsideWe sat in the covered area outside. Unfortunately we were next to the computer where the wait staff puts in their order, which means several butts were in my face throughout the meal...NOT FUN, but not worth it to ask to move, also the chairs were uncomfortable!
- dirty cupswater station had dirty cups
- energythe people were stale in energy
- experiencelack luster experience
- heat lampsthey hadn’t turned on the heat lamps.
- indoor atmosphereindoor is terribly loud
- loudIf you can secure a seat as far away from the interior as possible, literally try to be as close to the sidewalk as you can, it's not so bad. We sat in the second furthest dining area from the bar, and it was still incredibly loud. Additionally, the chairs are not accommodating of a curvaceous female figure; even a medium booty cannot fit.
If you're seeking a vibrant, dog-friendly spot with a tropical flair and great outdoor options, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially lively (and sometimes loud) indoor scene, and perhaps check the seating comfort if you plan to stay a while.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some definite bright spots! Many guests found the happy hour deals and small bites to be quite a steal, with some even calling it affordable and priced right. With 13 positive remarks out of 28 total, it seems that finding reasonable prices for certain items or experiences, like a worthwhile stop for drinks, is definitely possible here.
However, the overall sentiment for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of just 46.4% and an average score of 5.6. There were 12 negative comments, often pointing to smaller portions for the price and some items being overpriced food. Issues like not getting happy hour prices or being asked to tip in advance also left a sour taste for some.
Value
28
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Affordable prices
- Worthwhile stop
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Overpriced food
- Tip in advance
Often praised
- happy houraim for their happy hour
- pricesWe ordered a $69 bowl of booze, which was a fun way to drink some meaning back into life. The food is great, the drinks are fun, and the prices are reasonable. The vibes are adequate, making it a good spot to get loose and share a drink with friends or even strangers.
- $69 bowl of boozeOrder a $69 bowl of booze
- Priced rightPriced right! Very reasonable!
- affordableaffordable! It was like going back to 2015 prices
- drink pricethe drink price was worth the drink
- happy hour dealsMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The small bites and happy hour deals were great, offering good value and taste. However, the atmosphere was incredibly uncomfortable due to the chairs.
- priceThe deviled egg plate was only two egg halves, which I haven't seen quite such a small serving of those before. Taste-wise, they were still worth it for the price. I got a virgin mixed drink that I really liked, but my husband didn't so much.
- reasonable pricesReasonable prices
- three-course mealhad a three-course meal for $45. Not bad!
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price was such that I don’t think we would come back
- flavored ketchupcharge you for the flavored ketchup
- group drink bowlsgroup drink bowls (also pricey)
- happy hour pricesdid not give us happy hour prices
- prices for portion sizesprices for the portion sizes a lil high
- tipcharge their own tip to my card
- tip in advancerequests that you tip in advance
If youre looking for a good deal, aim for their happy hour or specific promotions, as many found great value there. Otherwise, be mindful of portion sizes and pricing, as some items might feel a bit steep for what you get. Its a place where strategic ordering can make all the difference.
How are the prices at Palm House?
You’re looking at roughly 36 per person – reported by 92 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 36$, the most common spending range is actually 21-30$, though a good number of guests also spend more, showing a nice variety of price points available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 92 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range option with flexibility for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Palm House
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Worst Margarita and Mediocre Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I paid $14 for what I consider the worst margarita I've ever had. This drink was so bad that it deterred me from ordering any food.
Additionally, the service was very mediocre. Due to these issues, I won't be returning.
- margarita1
- service3
- price2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Joint with Dogs and Music!
My experience at this restaurant was terrific! It's a great joint with good food, great music, and they are dog-friendly. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, making for a truly enjoyable time.
- food8
- music9
- dogs9
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Influencer Invitation Turned Disappointment
I was contacted and invited to dine at this restaurant as a social media influencer. However, the experience was far from ideal. They repeatedly dropped the ball and kept me running in circles for over a month before ultimately canceling the invitation.
It was a complete waste of my time. I advise others to be cautious if they receive a similar invitation.
- invitation2
- waste of time1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Amazing Vibe, Disappointing Food
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the vibe was amazing and perfect for hanging out, and the staff was very friendly, the food unfortunately did not live up to expectations. Everything we ordered, both food and drinks, felt like they were just thrown together without a clear culinary vision.
The pineapple fried rice was surprisingly bland, and the Caribbean coffees lacked substance, tasting only of strong, alcoholic coffee and desperately needing cream for texture. The atmosphere was a definite highlight, scoring a 5 out of 5, and the service was good at a 4 out of 4, but the food quality, rated at a 1 out of 5, was the major letdown.
- vibe10
- staff9
- atmosphere10
- food1
- pineapple fried rice2
- Caribbean coffee3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Style Over Substance, Lacking Flavor
Don’t let the menu fool you! This is all style no substance. The service is good and the atmosphere is decent, but the food was decidedly subpar.
It was oversalted and felt weighed down. It was not cooked with love. You can do much better in SF.
- service5
- atmosphere4
- food2
- oversalted1
What Palm House offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Palm House?
At Palm House, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. You can enjoy a delightful brunch, a satisfying lunch, or a memorable dinner, all with comfortable table service and seating available.
Does Palm House cater to specific dietary needs or families with children?
Yes, Palm House offers organic dishes and vegetarian options to accommodate various preferences. For families, a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs are available, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for children. It’s considered a good place for kids.
How does Palm House generally rate among its patrons?
Palm House holds a restaurant score of 7.1, indicating a good overall experience. Its Ambience (7.5) and Food (7.2) are well-regarded, while Service (6.5) and Value (5.6) are considered average.
What makes Palm House a popular choice for many?
Many guests appreciate Palm House for its vibrant, tropical decor and dog friendly atmosphere. The happy hour deals and creative drinks also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Palm House?
Some patrons have noted that the indoor atmosphere can be quite loud, and the chairs are occasionally uncomfortable. There have also been instances of inconsistent service and concerns about the price for certain portions.