Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Phonobar – San Francisco
Phonobar - San Francisco
Photo from Phonobar
Phonobar at a glance
San Francisco Civic Center
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 56 of the guests
#1959 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#134 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
449
Reviews
63.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative food
- Lively atmosphere
- Happy hour
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Billing issues
- Cocktail quality
The bar & pub Phonobar in San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood is a vibrant spot where you can catch fantastic live music. This trendy and cozy establishment offers a casual atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
You’ll find a great beer selection alongside delicious food and a variety of cocktails, making it an ideal destination for a lively evening out.
Overview: Introducting Phonobar
Phonobar offers a lively atmosphere with creative drinks and interesting food options. Many appreciate the vibe and house music, making it a spot for a good time.
The menu features unique items like vegan food and specific tacos that often receive praise. However, experiences can be inconsistent.
Some find the service problematic, with issues ranging from rude staff to billing discrepancies. The cocktails, while sometimes creative, can also be a point of contention, occasionally being too sweet or poorly prepared.
Good
6.5
out of 10
449
Reviews
63.3%
Satisfaction
140
negative
25
neutral
284
positive
Phonobar earns an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5, placing it in the average category, with Customer Satisfaction at a mixed 63.3%. This indicates a somewhat divided experience among patrons.
Based on 449 customer opinions, with 284 positive and 140 negative remarks, it’s clear there are both strong suits and areas needing attention. Diving deeper, the Food (7.9) and Ambience (6.9) generally receive good marks, suggesting these are key draws.
However, Service (4.6) is noted as average, and Value (3.6) falls into the poor range, often due to billing issues and perceived high prices for certain items.
What people like
- Creative food options
- Lively atmosphere
- Good happy hour
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Billing concerns
- Cocktail quality
Phonobar presents a mixed experience, offering a vibrant setting and some genuinely interesting food. If you’re seeking a lively spot with unique vegan options and a good happy hour, it might be worth a visit.
Just be prepared for potential inconsistencies. With a Recommendation Score of 6.7, it suggests a cautious endorsement.
While the atmosphere and certain dishes shine, be mindful of service and billing. It could be a hit for a casual night out, but manage your expectations regarding overall consistency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Phonobar
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80.6%, many guests rave about the experience. Based on 154 positive remarks out of 191 total, youll find plenty of praise for the tasty food, plant-based menu, craft cocktails, and shareable bites that truly stand out.
However, its not all perfect. A smaller number of 26 comments point to some areas needing attention. Some diners found certain cocktails to be cloyingly sweet or over complicated, while a few described the food as bland or mentioned mediocre fries.
It seems the drink preparation can sometimes miss the mark.
Food
191
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
26
negative
11
neutral
154
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious vegan food
- Creative craft cocktails
- Extensive vegan menu
What people don't like
- Overly sweet cocktails
- Bland food sometimes
Often praised
- foodThe service was hostile and forgetful, living up to other reviews about their terrible service. However, the food itself was rated a 5 out of 5. After the new owner, Henry, contacted me, he kindly refunded both charges, which I appreciate.
- drinksdrinks here but they are always very nice
- cocktailsThe cocktails are creative and tasty too
- vegan foodI didn’t even know I liked vegan food but these dishes are on another level.
- hibiscus tacosI highly recommend their hibiscus tacos. These were fantastic.
- clam chowderIt was rich without being overly heavy and chock-full of diced veggies and tender mushrooms.
- flautasMy next recommendation would also be the flautas! Nice crispy outside with the soy chorizo on the inside.
- happy hourmy absolute favorite happy hour in SF
- nachosWe were "seated immediately" and able to "order quickly" as well. I "loved the nachos and tacos"!
- saladI had a good salad
Frequently criticized
- cocktailsvery disappointed by the cocktails. The cocktails were cloyingly sweet
- foodthe food was a significant letdown, scoring only a 2/5
- food itemsWhile the service and atmosphere were excellent, receiving a perfect 5/5 for both, the food was a significant letdown, scoring only a 2/5. Many of their food items have very misleading names. For example, "carne asada nachos" and "boneless chickn wings" have no meat in them.
- classic cocktailsaren’t able to make good classic cocktails
- cocktail preparationInstead of properly making the drink in a shaker or mixing glass filled with ice, he placed a 'big cube' in a room temperature glass, gave it a stir
- cocktail temperaturemy drink was delivered so fast was room temperature.
- drinksthe drinks. My husband had a grapefruit mezcal drink and I got something that I’m not even sure I ordered
- fake meatToo much fake meat on the menu imo
- friesFries were mediocre though.
- grapefruit mezcal drinkMy husbands drink was basic, not worth $15
If you're looking for a spot with a creative, plant-based menu and impressive craft cocktails, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some drinks might lean a bit sweet or complex for certain palates, and a few dishes could be hit or miss on flavor.
Service (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.6. Many guests celebrated the friendly staff, attentive servers, and quick service, often mentioning specific individuals or the efficient seating process. With 47 positive remarks out of 120 total, there are definitely moments where the service shines and leaves a great impression.
However, the customer satisfaction for service is quite low at 39.2%, largely influenced by 67 negative comments. Diners frequently reported issues with rude staff, inattentive servers, and slow service, sometimes even experiencing biased treatment. It seems consistency is a significant challenge, and these less-than-stellar interactions can unfortunately overshadow the positives.
Service
120
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
67
negative
6
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Inattentive service
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely out of this world! The space itself is beautiful and aesthetic, complemented by lovely service. The drinks were excellent, and the food, particularly dishes by Om Sabor, was exceptional.
- staffI also enjoyed the nice music, like the phonobar. The staff is friendly and welcoming. It's definitely a place to come back to or try if you are new to the area.
- SamSam is the best! He is attentive and charismatic
- serverOur server was friendly and attentive
- Attentive and friendlyAttentive and friendly
- Great serviceGreat service
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff is really cool though
- bartenderThe atmosphere was great and intimate. I sat at the bar, and the bartender was incredibly friendly, knowing exactly when to engage in conversation and when to allow me to dine peacefully. He even introduced us to an alcohol-free Amaro, which was a super cool touch!
- bartender ownersnew bartender owners that are SO cool.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was absolutely abysmal, earning a 0/10
- staffProblematic staff and service seem to be a common complaint
- serverhow i treated some server who i never even talked to
- waiterone waiter in specific with curly hair that is kinda rude
- bartenderMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative due to the extremely rude bartender. He repeatedly criticized how I treated a server I had never even spoken to, falsely claiming I had waved her off.
- bartendersI sat at the bar for about 20 minutes without getting served until I eventually left. While I was waiting, the bartenders were doing shots behind the bar and chatting. I wasn't shocked to read several other similar reviews with server issues--hard to remain professional after a few cheeky shots on shift!
- reservationOn the day of the reservation, we were met by two women; one was extremely sweet, and the other was shockingly unprofessional and rude. They claimed they had no record of our reservation and insisted they didn’t take reservations at all. The rude woman accused us of lying.
- rude womanHe confirmed our reservation for a party of 15 (+/- 5) and even showed us the tables we would be using. On the day of the reservation, we were met by two women; one was extremely sweet, and the other was shockingly unprofessional and rude. They claimed they had no record of our reservation and insisted they didn’t take reservations at all.
- ServiceMy recent experience was disappointing as I was overcharged for a simple margarita. Furthermore, I was charged more in tips than I actually left, which is concerning as I usually take a picture of the receipt. I am very disappointed and will not be recommending this place again.
- asked us to moveWe sat at the bar and noticed two bartenders whispering while looking at us. Eventually, one of the bartenders asked us to move to the very end of the bar, which was strange as no one else was seated there. About halfway through our visit, we saw a man pacing around the restaurant, who we later learned was the owner.
You might encounter genuinely friendly and efficient service, but be aware that many others have experienced rudeness and inattentiveness. If youre willing to take a chance, you could have a great experience, but theres a notable risk of disappointment due to inconsistent staff interactions.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to the ambiance, this spot generally hits the mark, with a 6.9 score indicating a good overall experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a more 66.1% mixed level. Many of the 76 positive comments praise the fantastic vibe, music and atmosphere, and intimate space, making it a popular happy hour spot. Guests often highlight the cool DJ sets and the overall lively yet cozy feel.
However, not everyone is completely charmed, as 31 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Concerns often revolve around the noise level, with some finding it too noisy or the music being loud, making it difficult to carry on a conversation. A few even mentioned a disconcerting smell or issues with the crowd, suggesting the vibe isn't always perfect for everyone.
Ambience
115
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
31
negative
8
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great music/DJs
- Intimate vibe
- Happy hour spot
What people don't like
- Too loud
- Bad smell
- Seating issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThe workers were super chill, contributing to a good vibe where nobody gives anyone trouble. They don’t make you wait forever, and the atmosphere is great! I found the seating in the bar area to be suitable for all group sizes, and the wait time was non-existent.
- vibePhonobar is always a vibe.
- vibesThe vibes, the music, the atmosphere… all top tier.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its cozy and chic ambiance. I enjoyed their great craft cocktails and shareable bites.
- house musicGreat house music!
- lightinggracefully lit with dim lighting which was bright enough to easily read the menus
- musicThe vibes, the music, the atmosphere… all top tier.
- seatingseating type: Bar area
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- DJ setMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its dark, intimate space, which was perfect for the deep house vibes. Although it's a long, narrow venue, it's worthwhile to make your way to the back to check out a DJ set if there is one going on. The reviewer rated the service, atmosphere, and food as a 5 out of 5.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereShortly after, when he took just one sip of his drink, the server aggressively confronted our group, declaring we were not welcome. If you're looking for the worst night ever, I highly recommend this place.
- bardisconcerting smell in the bar
- tableThe rude woman accused us of lying. They eventually seated us, but crammed 18 of us into a table meant for 8. The unpleasant woman repeatedly returned with rude remarks, clearly looking for a confrontation.
- back roomthe back room is very loud and has a DJ
- crowdthe crowd is a downer
- dance floor80-90% of the dance floor was filled with people standing and talking
- date spotnot a great date spot if you can only find seating in the back
- difficult to carry on a conversationDifficult to carry on a conversation
- disconcerting smella really disconcerting smell in the bar
- energyThe bar used to have a great vibe, but the new management has unfortunately killed the energy and soul of the restaurant and bar. We experienced patrons being turned away even though there were numerous empty tables available.
If youre looking for a lively spot with great music and an intimate vibe, especially for happy hour or a DJ set, this place is worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially loud environment where conversation might be a challenge, and perhaps avoid it if youre sensitive to noise or looking for a quiet dinner.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks find a silver lining here, especially praising the happy hour and its fantastic deals, with many noting the prices for drinks can be quite reasonable. Out of 23 customer remarks, 7 highlighted these positive aspects, suggesting that if you time your visit right, you might snag a good deal. However, the overall picture for value is quite poor, with a score of just 3.6 and customer satisfaction at a low 30.4%.
A significant 16 comments expressed frustration over unexpected charges, being overcharged for cocktails, and finding the menu generally pricey. Issues like forced gratuity and mysterious fees on card statements are common complaints.
Value
23
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour deals
- Reasonable drink prices
What people don't like
- Unexpected bill charges
- Frequent billing errors
- Overpriced menu items
Often praised
- happy hourawesome happy hour until 7p here on weekdays
- happy hour dealsThey have great happy hour deals during the week
- daily happy hourLove that they have daily happy hour
- priceI stopped in here Wednesday evening when I arrived in town and had an old fashioned with rye whiskey. The price was reasonable, about average for a cocktail, but it was a good sized drink and well put together. I also enjoyed the nice music, like the phonobar.
- pricesFor what it is, I think the prices are very reasonable
Frequently criticized
- billthe receipt and it was not what we ordered at all
- chargesboth charges remain on my friend’s card
- cocktailsway too expensive for the lack of effort.
- $5.00 feescharged TWO $5.00 fees on my credit card
- card statementCheck your card statement after leaving this place
- extra drinkput an extra drink on my tab that we did not order
- gratuityrefused to pay the gratuity, which she clearly did not appreciate and charged us regardless
- losing businessLosing business no matter how good the food is
- margaritaI have visited this bar many times and previously recommended it to my friends, but not anymore. My recent experience was disappointing as I was overcharged for a simple margarita. Furthermore, I was charged more in tips than I actually left, which is concerning as I usually take a picture of the receipt.
- menumenu is expensive
If youre looking for great happy hour deals, this spot might be worth a visit. However, be cautious with your bill and check your card statements, as many customers reported issues with unexpected charges and feeling overcharged. Its a mixed bag, so proceed with awareness.
How are the prices at Phonobar?
On average, you’ll spend around 40 per person – from 56 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what others spend, prices are quite spread out. While the average is 40, many guests spend less, and a good number opt for pricier options, showing a diverse range of experiences rather than a tight cluster.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 56 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this Bar & Pub against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. Its not your cheapest option, but it offers a good mid-range experience that aligns with the citys vibe.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Phonobar
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Billing Issues and Extra Charges
My experience at this restaurant was marred by significant billing issues. After leaving, I checked my card statement and discovered I was charged TWO $5. 00 fees that I did not authorize.
Additionally, an extra drink was added to our tab that we never ordered. I strongly suggest they provide an itemized receipt BEFORE payment to prevent such discrepancies. While the food was good (rated 4), the service (rated 1) and atmosphere (rated 2) were poor, and the billing errors made the overall experience very negative.
- food8
- card statement2
- $5.00 fees1
- extra drink1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Good Plant-Based Food, Friendly Service
I actually dined at the connected "Om Sabor". The food was all plant-based, which was awesome, although the food was just good, not outstanding. The service was friendly.
There was limited seating, but enough to accommodate at 5-6pm.
- food6
- plant-based food8
- service8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Hidden Gem with Great Vibes
This place is the best kept secret in SF. The menu is entirely plant-based, but you wouldn't be able to tell – the food is that good. They also bring in top-tier talent for DJ sets across all genres.
Weekends here are an unforgettable time, while weekdays offer the best post-work drinks with a vibey atmosphere.
- plant based menu9
- top tier talent10
- DJ sets10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fantastic Vegan Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially given its all vegan menu with amazing options. The atmosphere was great and intimate. I sat at the bar, and the bartender was incredibly friendly, knowing exactly when to engage in conversation and when to allow me to dine peacefully.
He even introduced us to an alcohol-free Amaro, which was a super cool touch! I highly recommend the chicken skewers. The ganache dessert was also one of my favorite vegan desserts ever!
- all vegan menu10
- amazing options10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Food and Attentive Service
My experience at this restaurant was very good. The mushroom ceviche was great, and the beet salad was excellent. Our server was friendly and attentive.
- mushroom ceviche9
- beet salad10
- server9
What Phonobar offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Trendy
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trending
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Phonobar in San Francisco?
When you visit Phonobar, you’ll find several parking options including paid parking lots, garages, and street parking, often with plenty of spaces. The venue is also fully wheelchair accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom for your convenience.
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at Phonobar?
Phonobar offers a trendy, cozy, and casual atmosphere, making it a great spot to relax. You can enjoy live music, live performances, and even dancing. They also feature sports on screens and boast a great beer selection, hard liquor, wine, and cocktails, alongside food.
How does Phonobar generally rate among customers?
Phonobar holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 63.3%. Its Food (7.9) and Ambience (6.9) are well-regarded, though Service (4.6) is average and Value (3.6) is a concern.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Phonobar?
Phonobar is known for its lively vibe and house music, often featuring DJ sets. It offers a cozy and chic ambiance, though some find the back room loud and conversation difficult.
Are there any common issues customers experience at Phonobar?
Some customers report inconsistent service, including rude staff and long waits. There are also frequent concerns about value, with reports of overcharging, extra fees, and expensive menu items.