Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Pete’s Bar-B-Que – San Francisco
Pete's Bar-B-Que - San Francisco
Photo from Pete’s Bar-B-Que
Pete's Bar-B-Que at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍖 Barbecue Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 34 of the guests
#737 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#9 Barbecue Restaurant out of 17 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
205
Reviews
78.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious BBQ
- Friendly service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Bland sauce
- No restrooms
- Inattentive staff
The restaurant Pete’s Bar-B-Que in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers you an authentic barbecue experience. This Barbecue Restaurant is known for its cozy and casual atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner, or even dessert, you’ll find delicious options here. It’s also a great choice if you’re dining with kids, ensuring a comfortable visit for the whole family.
Overview: Introducting Pete's Bar-B-Que
Pete’s Bar-B-Que has built a reputation for its hearty offerings, particularly its barbecue. Many appreciate the long-standing connection and memories associated with this local place, noting its consistent style and delicious menu.
The friendly staff and overall positive vibes contribute to a welcoming experience for many. However, some aspects could use attention.
While the food generally satisfies, there have been concerns about the quality of certain meats and the barbecue sauce. The ambience, though often described as having soul, sometimes lacks basic amenities like restrooms, and the surrounding location has been noted as less than ideal.
Good
7.9
out of 10
205
Reviews
78.5%
Satisfaction
31
negative
13
neutral
161
positive
Overall, Pete’s Bar-B-Que earns a solid 7.9, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a good Customer Satisfaction of 78.5%.
The Food (8.3) stands out as the primary draw, consistently praised by patrons. The Service (7.3) also contributes positively, with many highlighting the friendly staff and attentive approach.
Based on 205 customer remarks, with 161 positive and 31 negative, the establishment offers good Value (7.8) for its offerings. However, the Ambience (6.2) receives a more moderate assessment.
While some appreciate its no-frills character, others point to issues like the lack of restrooms and the surrounding environment, suggesting room for improvement in comfort.
What people like
- Delicious barbecue food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Excellent overall value
What people don't like
- Flavorless BBQ sauce
- Lack of restrooms
- Inattentive staff
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.4, Pete’s Bar-B-Que is certainly worth considering if you’re seeking a casual spot with a long-standing reputation. It’s a place where the food, particularly the barbecue, often hits the mark, and the value is consistently appreciated by many patrons.
If you prioritize hearty, affordable barbecue and a friendly atmosphere over modern amenities or flawless execution, this spot could be a good fit. Be prepared for a no-frills setting and potentially inconsistent sauce, but for many, the overall experience and history make it a worthwhile visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pete's Bar-B-Que
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8.3 and a strong 85.9% customer satisfaction. Based on 135 opinions, with 116 positive remarks, many rave about the best barbecue, delicious choices, and generous portion sizes. The rotisserie chicken and various sides also receive high praise for their taste and quality, making for a satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 15 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Concerns include ribs being a bit dry or tough, and some finding the BBQ sauce lacking flavor. There were also mentions of meat quality issues and general food quality concerns, suggesting a slight inconsistency in execution.
Food
135
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Best barbecue
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Dry ribs
- Tough meat
- Flavorless sauce
Often praised
- foodPete loves his food and you know it after the first bite
- chickenThe chicken is my favorite pot-luck take out dish.
- ribsThe salad includes coleslaw, which perfectly rounds off the meal. The ribs are available with or without an extra brush of BBQ sauce, and with sauce is a must. The seating area is rather modest but clean and truly centers on the food.
- baked potatoesI found it puzzling how this establishment calls itself a barbecue restaurant and how it has received such high ratings. On a positive note, I must credit them for the tasty coleslaw and baked potatoes. However, for the ribs, I'd give them 0 stars.
- potato saladDon't forget the potato salad. OOH Yeah !
- BBQ ribsI've been coming here since I was a kid; my dad would always take us, and now it's my favorite BBQ ribs place! The food is delicious, and the service is good.
- baked potatobaked potato with at least 1/4 a cup of butter loaded onto it
- beet saladbest beet salad for a delicious and nutritious side
- coleslawdelicious sides like coleslaw
- macaroni saladdelicious sides like macaroni salad
Frequently criticized
- ribsribs were not real BBQ and were raw
- sandwichI asked for juice on one side of my sandwich and mayo on the other. he gave me mayo on both
- BBQ saucedidn't have much BBQ sauce
- barbecue sauceThe barbecue sauce had no flavor.
- chickenChicken didn't have much BBQ sauce
- food contaminationcontaminate the other foods being cook
- food cooking methodthe way they cook the food stuck
- food qualityThe ribs were not real BBQ and were raw half the time. It seems like they need to change their sign to reflect the actual quality of the food. This is typical for SF.
- meatold, tough, and lukewarm meat
- meat allergiesif you are allergic of certain meats, I would not suggest this
If you're looking for a solid barbecue experience with generous portions and delicious chicken, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some of the ribs or meat might occasionally miss the mark, so perhaps stick to the highly praised items for the best experience.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.3 and a solid 73% customer satisfaction. Many folks, 27 out of 37 comments, rave about the friendly staff and how they accommodate your needs. The owners and their excellent customer service often get a special shout-out, making for a welcoming experience.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 10 comments pointing to some areas for improvement. A few patrons have encountered less-than-stellar interactions with certain staff members, specifically mentioning an older guy at the meat station or a lady at the register who could be rude. Some old guys are also noted for not paying attention.
Service
37
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive owners
- Great customer service
What people don't like
- Rude staff members
- Inattentive older guys
- Unpleasant interactions
Often praised
- servicethe food and service has always been GREAT!
- staffSame staff same great food
- customer servicetheir excellent customer service
- ownersthe owners were lovely and kind
- peopleThe people were all super cool
- Mr. PeteMr. Pete is the MAN!!! Very polite, generous
- accommodate your needsthey will accommodate your needs with a smile
- attentionthe attention was good
- familyObviously, the location could be better; the streets are filthy, but that does not stop me from going! My family loves this place! We all love this place :) Thank you so much!
- friendly staffFriendly staff serve some of the best barbecue
Frequently criticized
- staffsome staff could be a little mean
- Chicken & Ribshe often runs out of Chicken & Ribs
- disposable platesdidn't have any disposable plates to go
- lady at the registerthe lady at the register was rude to me, big attitude
- meat stationThe older man at the meat station is darn right unpleasant
- old guysthe old guys don't pay attention
- older guyThe older guy doesn't listen when u place an order
- older guyswatch how the older guys make ur order, it will be wrong
- salad stationWhile I patiently waited my turn following social distancing, several people were allowed to just walk ahead of me without practicing social distancing, which angered me. I mentioned it, and then the woman on the salad station was rude. I think I will continue to patron 4505 from now on.
Overall, the service here is generally good, making it a pleasant spot for most. While you might encounter a few grumpy staff members, the friendly staff and attentive owners usually make up for it. It's worth trying if good customer service is important to you.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has a real charm that keeps people coming back. Many appreciate its enduring style and the deep soul of this place, often describing it as having all the right vibes. Its clearly a popular spot where families have built memories over generations, making it a great place to hang out with friends.
Based on 10 positive opinions out of 21 total, it certainly has its loyal fans. However, the overall experience for ambience is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.2 (average) and customer satisfaction at 47.6% (mixed). While the interior might be appealing, several concerns arise, particularly regarding the location which can be crazy and hard to park, with some finding the streets philthy'.
There are also issues with social distancing and a significant lack of restrooms, which is a major drawback for 5 reviewers.
Ambience
21
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
5
negative
6
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Retains unique style
- Has great vibes
- Full of memories
What people don't like
- Poor location
- No social distancing
- Lacks restrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- frillsThe baked potatoes were also a highlight, with a crispy outside and delicious interior. The place has all the right vibes with zero frills.
- hang out with friendsa good place to hang out with your friends
- local placesnot many great local places are surviving, but this one deserves our support
- memoriesMy family has a long-standing connection with this restaurant, spanning over 40 years. It's a place filled with memories, from my grandmother taking my mom when they were young, to my mom bringing me as a child. Now, I bring my own kids, and they absolutely love it!
- popular spotit's a super popular spot
- soul of this placestill can feel the soul of this place!
- styleI've known this place for almost 30 years, and it still retains its style and, above all, its delicious menu. We absolutely love the turkey here!
- vibesplace has all the vibes
Frequently criticized
- locationthe location could be better! Streets are philthy
- frillsZero frills
- restroomsMy experience at the restaurant was that the food was delicious and the attention was good. However, the lack of restrooms is a significant issue and obviously necessary. This is the only problem.
- social distancingseveral people were allowed to just walk ahead of me not practicing social distancing and it angered me!
If you value a place with history, genuine vibes, and a casual atmosphere for making memories, this spot might be for you. However, be prepared for potential frustrations with parking, crowded conditions, and the notable absence of restrooms, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Value (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot generally hits the mark! Many folks rave about the affordable price and how you can snag cheap eats or even a full meal for under $20 . With 8 positive remarks out of 12 total, its clear that customers feel its totally worth it and well worth the drive for what you get.
However, not everyone is completely thrilled, as one person noted that its getting pricey. ' While the overall score for value is a solid 7.8, indicating a good experience for most, customer satisfaction sits at 66.7%. This suggests a bit of a mixed bag, with some finding the price a concern despite the generally positive sentiment.
Value
12
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
1
negative
3
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheap eats
- Great value
- Affordable meals
What people don't like
- Getting pricey
Often praised
- affordableand affordable
- cheap eatscheap eats but exceptionally tasty for its price
- dinnersone of the cheapest dinners you can find
- driveWell worth the drive
- full mealget a full meal for $15 here
- pricefor bbq the price was reasonable
- under $20for under $20
- valueit's totally worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceIt's getting pricey
If you're looking for a place where your dollar stretches, this spot is generally a good bet, offering solid value for many. Just be aware that while most find it affordable, a few recent comments suggest the price might be creeping up, so keep an eye out.
How are the prices at Pete's Bar-B-Que?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 34 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Barbecue Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is in this range, the prices are quite spread out, with many guests opting for more budget-friendly meals alongside some higher-end choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 34 reviews.
How this Barbecue Restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of price points and the Barbecue Restaurant type, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair. You can find options to fit different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pete's Bar-B-Que
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Best BBQ I've Ever Tried!
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. My boss used to bring me lunch from this place a lot, and I would always devour the entire plate. Anytime he called and asked if I wanted a plate, I would happy dance and try not to scream yes.
Seriously, the BEST BBQ place I have EVER tried. My little southern-meant-to-be-born heart has tried most of them. I want so badly to take my family here, though we live in the East Bay.
- BBQ place10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Good Chicken, Tough Ribs
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The chicken was excellent, described as good, moist, and juicy, earning it a 5-star rating. However, the spare ribs were a bit tough to chew, leading to a 3-star rating for that dish.
Overall, the food received a 4-star rating. The service was good, rated at 4 stars, and the atmosphere was rated at 3 stars with moderate noise. I visited as a solo diner with no wait time.
- chicken10
- food8
- service8
- spare ribs4
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Must-Try for Rib Lovers!
This place is an absolute must-have! Pete loves his food, and you know it after the first bite, but it's a piece-by-piece experience. The menu is concise, featuring chicken, turkey, roast beef, and ribs, served as a dinner with a baked potato and salad.
The salad includes coleslaw, which perfectly rounds off the meal. The ribs are available with or without an extra brush of BBQ sauce, and with sauce is a must. The seating area is rather modest but clean and truly centers on the food.
While plastic cutlery isn't ideal, it fits the American vibe, much like a Coke. Finding parking can be a bit of a search, and you might not park directly in front, but it's worth the effort. As a competitor from the fast-food scene might say, 'Finger licking good' – I'd replace that with 'fantastic'.
- food10
- menu6
- ribs9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Long-time Love for Pete's Chicken
I've been going to this restaurant for over 25 years and I still love it. The chicken is fantastic, and I've been a fan of Pete's for a long time. The service, atmosphere, and food all receive a perfect 5/5 rating.
- chicken10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Classic Hof Brau with Excellent Meats
My experience at this old-school Hof Brau spot was fantastic! They serve excellent meats, including roast chicken, turkey, beef, pork ribs, and sausages. The delicious sides like spaghetti with meat sauce, coleslaw, bean salad, and macaroni salad were also a hit.
The service was excellent, and it's inspiring that the owner, in his 90s, is still going strong! I love this place!
- meats9
- roast chicken9
- turkey9
What Pete's Bar-B-Que offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Pete's Bar-B-Que accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Pete’s Bar-B-Que ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. You will find both a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating available.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Pete's Bar-B-Que?
At Pete’s Bar-B-Que, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal. They offer dining options for lunch, dinner, and even dessert, making it a versatile spot for your cravings.
How does Pete's Bar-B-Que generally rate among customers?
Pete’s Bar-B-Que holds a good overall score of 7.9. Customers particularly praise the Food (8.3) and find the Value (7.8) to be quite good. The Service (7.3) is also well-regarded, though the Ambience (6.2) receives a more moderate assessment.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Pete's Bar-B-Que?
Many customers consistently highlight the delicious barbecue, including items like the chicken, ribs, and various sides such as baked potatoes, potato salad, coleslaw, and macaroni salad. The food is often described as hearty and satisfying.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some visitors have noted concerns regarding the lack of restrooms and the surrounding location. Additionally, there have been occasional comments about inconsistent meat quality, bland BBQ sauce, and some staff interactions being less than ideal.