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- Accepts reservations
oChef » Palmer’s Tavern – San Francisco
Palmer's Tavern - San Francisco
Photo from Palmer’s Tavern
Palmer's Tavern at a glance
San Francisco Pacific Heights
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 30 of the guests
#994 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#127 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
248
Reviews
80.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Inviting atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Value concerns
- Limited menu
The restaurant Palmer’s Tavern in San Francisco’s vibrant Pacific Heights neighborhood invites you to experience a delightful meal. As a full-service restaurant, you’ll find a welcoming spot for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch, an enjoyable dinner, or even a weekend brunch.
With its convenient location on Fillmore Street, it’s a perfect destination to gather with friends or family.
Overview: Introducting Palmer's Tavern
Palmer’s Tavern offers a generally positive experience, with many guests praising the well-crafted cocktails and the overall inviting vibe. You’ll often find the friendly staff eager to assist, contributing to a comfortable visit.
However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding add on charges. While the atmosphere and service often hit the mark, a few experiences point to occasional inconsistencies, including some finding the limited menu less inspiring.
Despite these minor points, the establishment maintains a reputation for its appealing setting and attentive moments.
Good
7.6
out of 10
248
Reviews
80.6%
Satisfaction
35
negative
13
neutral
200
positive
Palmer’s Tavern achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.6 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive reception. Customer Satisfaction stands at a good 80.6%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 248 customer opinions, with a clear majority of 200 positive remarks against 35 negative ones. The Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.8) are consistently rated as good, forming the backbone of the positive feedback.
Service (7.1) also performs well, though it occasionally faces criticism. The Value (5.9) score, however, suggests it’s perceived as average, indicating that while the experience is enjoyable, some find the pricing a bit high.
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Attentive, friendly service
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Questionable value for money
- Limited menu variety
Palmer’s Tavern is a worthwhile consideration if you prioritize a good atmosphere and well-prepared drinks, especially their cocktails. The overall Recommendation Score of 8 suggests a strong likelihood of a satisfying visit, particularly for those seeking a vibrant setting with attentive service.
However, be mindful of the average value perception and potential for inconsistent service. If you’re looking for an extensive menu or are particularly budget-conscious, you might want to review the offerings beforehand.
It’s a place that often delivers, but with a few caveats.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Palmer's Tavern
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
The food scene here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a happy 82.1% customer satisfaction. With 96 positive remarks out of 117 total, many rave about the excellent cocktails, lovely food, and specific delights like the schnitzel and curry fries, noting there's often something for everyone. However, not every bite is perfect.
There were 13 negative comments, with some mentioning drinks that were poorly mixed, meat that was a bit chewy, or wiener schnitzel that was overcooked. A few also felt the quality of food could be inconsistent or the menu a bit limited.
Food
117
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
13
negative
8
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent cocktails
- Delicious dishes
- Varied menu
What people don't like
- Poor drink quality
- Inconsistent food prep
- Limited food menu
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I loved the great vibe and the really good food. It was especially fun to sit outside on a glorious SF sunny day!
- cocktailsThis place is truly a gem known by local San Franciscans. It's a great place to hang out, have a casual chat, and enjoy some amazing cocktails.
- drinksThe drinks, food, and service were all top notch
- cocktailone cocktail and it was well prepared and tasty.
- menuThe atmosphere was beautifully warm, and the staff were excellent, friendly, and helpful. I enjoyed delicious food from a great menu. While it was a little pricey, it was totally worth it.
- schnitzelI had the schnitzel, which was very well done and served with roasted potatoes, arugula salad, and cucumbers – a very Austrian presentation. It was delicious. There's also a small mural that pays homage to the history of this part of Fillmore St.
- slidersThe sliders were all delicious
- Anchor on tapthey have Anchor on tap
- Angus burgersI enjoyed old school cocktails and the best service. The patio, complete with heaters, offered a great atmosphere to enjoy prawns, huge salads, and Angus burgers.
- Babe kale salad with SalmonLoved the Babe kale salad with Salmon
Frequently criticized
- beer selectionstwo in our party of four selected separate beers from the list that were out of stock
- cocktailfifteen dollar cocktail without weighing the risks
- common fareIt felt like common fare
- drinksdrinks that were poorly mixed
- food menuthe food menu is limited and bland
- food selectionFor a diverse food selection look elsewhere
- hair in foodfriends had hair in theirs unfortunately
- ingredientsTastes like low quality ingredients
- meatthe meat was a tiny bit chewy
- portionstiny portions
If youre looking for a spot with generally good food and some standout cocktails, its definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, there might be an occasional miss, especially with drink consistency or certain menu items.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had a really positive experience, reflected in a good score of 7.1. Reviewers frequently praised the friendly staff, attentive servers, and even the engaging owner and bartender who often showed a great sense of humour. With 29 positive remarks out of 42 total, it seems many found the service top-notch and helpful.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 69%, indicating there's still room for improvement. Some guests reported the service as severely lacking, with waitresses and servers appearing annoyed or even rude. Issues like slow drink service, a host who seemed upset, and a bartender unable to make a decent cocktail suggest that better training might be needed in some areas, accounting for 12 negative comments.
Service
42
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Engaging owner/chef
- Courteous bartenders
What people don't like
- Lacking, rude service
- Annoyed, absent staff
- Poor bartender skills
Often praised
- servicethe service and food more than make up for the COVID protocols
- staffexcellent friendly helpful staff
- ownerThey also know how to make a classic Old Fashioned, and they have a full bar. The service was great, and the owner even came out to check on us. They have some nice covered booths outside, but I can't wait to sit inside; it's kinda swanky with a throw back vibe.
- serverOur server was friendly and a real pro.
- Samhuge thank you to Sam at Palmer’s! He was incredibly helpful
- bartenderThe bar tender was very friendly and courteous
- best servicethe best service
- chefThe chef even came out to our table to speak to us
- menu attentionMy experience at the restaurant was fun and friendly, with the staff showing strong attention to their menu. I would have liked to have had a better olive selection, specifically served without pits, but I understand this may be due to liability reasons.
- sense of humourThe bartender went through all of them and also picked out a lovely IPA drink for me. The bartender was very friendly and courteous and had a sense of humour. We sat outside as the weather was good.
Frequently criticized
- added a chairinstead they added a chair to the end
- bartenderthe bartender seemingly unable make a decent cocktail
- getting a beerfelt like such an inconvenience just getting a beer
- host greetinghost who seemed upset that we walked in
- hustling meHe was hustling me.
- reservation for 6 peoplewe had a reservation for 6 people and they put us in a booth
- serversservers were visibly annoyed and irritated with us
- servicethe service was severely lacking
- staffstaff to be incredibly rude
- trainingBetter training is needed
Overall, the service here often shines with friendly and attentive staff, making for a pleasant visit. However, be aware that experiences can be a bit of a mixed bag, with some guests encountering less stellar service. It's worth a try for the generally good vibe, but keep an open mind.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
The ambience here truly stands out, earning a solid 7.8 score, which is definitely in the good range. Customer satisfaction is also high at 87.5%, reflecting a largely positive experience. Based on 70 positive remarks out of 80 total, guests frequently rave about the great atmosphere, stylish vibe, and old school elegance, often highlighting the outdoor dining section and cozy place as key features.
Its often described as a "fantastic date spot" or a "swanky" place with a "throw back vibe. "However, not every experience is perfect, with 7 opinions pointing out some areas for improvement. A few found the "booth seating" to be "very cramped, " which can detract from comfort.
There were also mentions of "large flatscreen TVs" that some felt didnt quite fit the otherwise elegant decor, and a hygiene issue with lipstick stains on a glass, though less about the overall feel of the place.
Ambience
80
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor seating
- Stylish, welcoming vibe
- Elegant, cozy decor
What people don't like
- Cramped booth seating
- Unfitting large TVs
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere and service were both a perfect 5/5
- decorimpressed by the warm and welcoming decor. Super classy.
- outdoor seatingToms of outdoor seating too which was great!
- vibeIt's a great neighborhood bar to grab a bite to eat or enjoy happy hour with drinks. The atmosphere is super comfortable and very relaxed, creating an easy and very cool vibe. I absolutely love this place!
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was defined by an excellent cocktail and a more exciting place to be. The atmosphere was vibrant and engaging, making it a memorable visit.
- New York kind of vibeHas a New York kind of vibe
- ambianceNice ambiance gotta come back for food
- bar scenefound a cool bar scene
- booth seatingbooth seating with overstuffed red upholstery
- businessDrinks are reasonably priced, with wine and champagne by the glass for $13 and full bottles available, as well as drafts for $8. It's a versatile spot, perfect for game day, a romantic date, a business meeting, or a fancy night out.
Frequently criticized
- Covid-19This is during Covid-19
- booth sized for 4put us in a booth sized for 4
- hygieneHowever, tonight was an exception. Not only was the bartender seemingly unable to make a decent cocktail, he also lacked basic hygiene. He looked disheveled with his sleeves rolled up and was talking with food in his mouth.
- large flatscreen TVsI enjoyed an elegant cocktail and an incredible meal in a gorgeously decorated space. While I wish the large flatscreen TVs were omitted, Palmer’s is always solid, and I’m so glad it’s back open. The atmosphere and service were both a perfect 5/5, and the food also received a perfect 5/5.
- lipstick stainsserved water in a glass with fresh lipstick stains
- place to grab a drinknot the best place to grab a drink and relax with friends
- very crampedit was very cramped
If youre looking for a spot with a vibrant atmosphere, charming decor, and great outdoor seating, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some seating might feel a bit cramped, and a few modern touches might not align with everyones taste. Overall, it's a strong contender for a memorable outing.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests found some sweet spots, especially with their Happy Hour deals, drafts, and wine and champagne by the glass, often noting the price was quite reasonable. Out of 9 customer comments, 5 were positive, highlighting that while the overall score for value sits at an average 5.9, there are definitely some good deals to be found, particularly with their signature cocktails being decently priced. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
With 3 negative remarks among the 9 total, some diners were surprised by unexpected add on charges to their bill, sometimes as much as $10 per person. This contributes to a mixed 55.6% customer satisfaction, as others felt the overall experience was expensive for a bar, even if the cocktails were well-made and the food good.
Value
9
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy Hour deals
- Decently priced cocktails
- Reasonable drink prices
What people don't like
- Unexpected bill add-ons
- Expensive for a bar
Often praised
- priceTheir menu was rather limited, but everyone enjoyed what they ordered. The standout factor had to be their signature cocktails, though; they were delicious and decently priced!
- DraftsDrafts for $8
- Happy HourMonday from 4-6pm is "Happy Hour"
- Wine and champagneWine and champagne by the glass for $13
Frequently criticized
- add on$10 in add on for one person.
- billThey added on a lot to the bill I didn’t request for.
- expensive for a barThe cocktails were well made. While the food was very good, I found it to be expensive for a bar, though this is understandable given the location in Fillmore.
If you're looking for a good deal, definitely hit up their Happy Hour or enjoy their reasonably priced drafts and cocktails. However, keep an eye on your bill for unexpected add-ons, as some found the overall experience a bit pricey for a casual bar setting.
How are the prices at Palmer's Tavern?
On average, you’ll spend around 30 per person – from 30 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, while the largest group falls into that $21–$30 sweet spot, there’s a pretty even split between those spending a bit less and those opting for more premium choices, showing a nice variety of price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 30 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a meal out.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Palmer's Tavern
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Palmers is Back and Better Than Ever!
We are so happy that Palmers is back open! Without a doubt, this is my favorite spot on Fillmore, and it’s back and better than ever. The food, service, and atmosphere were all exceptional, receiving perfect scores.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Palmer's is Back and Better Than Ever!
Palmer’s is back! I enjoyed an elegant cocktail and an incredible meal in a gorgeously decorated space. While I wish the large flatscreen TVs were omitted, Palmer’s is always solid, and I’m so glad it’s back open.
The atmosphere and service were both a perfect 5/5, and the food also received a perfect 5/5.
- elegant cocktail9
- incredible meal10
- gorgeously decorated space10
- large flatscreen TVs3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Our Favorite Neighborhood Spot!
As Sagar Thakur, I can confidently say that we love Palmer's. It's our go-to local neighborhood spot that we've been frequenting for years. The atmosphere is great, it's kid-friendly, and the service is excellent.
Plus, they serve terrific cocktails!
- atmosphere10
- kid-friendly10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Palmer's Elegant Comeback
Palmer's has made a triumphant return with its old-school elegance after a two-year renovation. The restaurant boasts a classic long bar, comfortable booth seating with plush red upholstery, and outdoor tables. A thoughtful touch is the inclusion of USB charger sockets at each seat.
The menu is extensive, offering everything from snacks to full-course meals. Drinks are reasonably priced, with wine and champagne by the glass for $13 and full bottles available, as well as drafts for $8. It's a versatile spot, perfect for game day, a romantic date, a business meeting, or a fancy night out.
- old school elegance9
- classic long bar8
- booth seating8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fabulous and Cozy Place!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fabulous and cozy. The decor was so fun, especially the leg lamp! I really appreciated the old-school charm of the leather booths.
I hope they open again or that the new owners take good care of the place.
- decor9
- leather booths8
What Palmer's Tavern offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
What dining options and services can you expect at Palmer's Tavern in Pacific Heights?
At Palmer’s Tavern, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating available. They also accept reservations, making it easy to plan your visit. For added convenience, you can choose from outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or delivery services.
What beverage selections and accessibility features does Palmer's Tavern offer?
Palmer’s Tavern provides a full bar onsite, featuring a wide array of alcoholic beverages including happy hour drinks, wine, beer, and cocktails. For your comfort, the establishment is wheelchair accessible at the entrance. Restrooms are also available for all guests.
How does Palmer's Tavern generally rate with customers?
Palmer’s Tavern holds a strong overall score of **7.6** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **80.6%**. Guests particularly appreciate the **Food** (7.8), **Ambience** (7.8), and **Service** (7.1), though **Value** (5.9) is seen as average.
What do customers enjoy most about the dining experience at Palmer's Tavern?
Many patrons praise the well-prepared **cocktails** and the overall **vibe** of the place. The **staff** is often described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a pleasant visit.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some guests have noted issues with **add on** charges on their bill and found the pricing to be **expensive for a bar**. There were also occasional comments about **limited menu** options and inconsistent service.