Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Roaming Goat – San Francisco
Roaming Goat - San Francisco
Photo from Roaming Goat
Roaming Goat at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 40 of the guests
#427 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#30 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
455
Reviews
85.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Great ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Small portions
- Loud atmosphere
The Bar & Pub Roaming Goat, nestled in San Francisco’s lively Cow Hollow neighborhood, offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll immediately notice its cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
A standout feature is its great wine list, promising delightful sips for every palate. Whether you’re seeking happy hour drinks or delicious bar food, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Roaming Goat
Roaming Goat offers a delightful experience for those seeking a charming evening. Guests frequently praise the inviting atmosphere, often described as romantic, and the generally attentive staff who contribute to a pleasant visit.
The culinary offerings, especially the wine selection and various dips & cheeses, are consistently well-received. However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the overall cost, particularly the price of certain items and the perceived smallness of portions.
While the positive aspects shine through, it’s worth considering these points for a balanced expectation of your visit.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
455
Reviews
85.5%
Satisfaction
61
negative
5
neutral
389
positive
Roaming Goat achieves a solid overall score of 8.2, indicating a generally good dining experience, with customer satisfaction sitting at a strong 85.5%. This positive sentiment is built upon 389 positive remarks out of 455 total customer observations, suggesting most guests leave pleased.
The culinary experience stands out, with Food scoring an impressive (8.4), closely followed by the inviting Ambience (8.5). The attentive Service also contributes significantly, earning a good (7.9).
However, the Value (5.1) aspect presents a noticeable contrast, being the lowest-scoring topic. This suggests that while the quality of the experience is appreciated, some guests find the pricing to be a point of contention, as reflected in 61 negative comments.
What people like
- Delicious food & wine
- Attentive, friendly service
- Inviting, romantic ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices, small portions
- Overpriced water/drinks
- Loud, pressured atmosphere
Roaming Goat appears to be a place where you can expect a generally positive and enjoyable outing, especially if you prioritize a great atmosphere and well-crafted dishes and drinks. The strong 8.2 recommendation score suggests many find it a worthwhile destination for its quality offerings and pleasant environment.
However, be prepared for the possibility that the experience might come at a higher cost than some expect, particularly concerning portion sizes and drink pricing. If you’re seeking a charming spot for good food and wine and are less sensitive to the bill, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Roaming Goat
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a good score of 8.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 88.1%, its clear diners are loving the culinary experience. Based on 215 positive remarks out of 244 total opinions, many rave about the delicious hummus, falafel, octopus, and kebabs, often highlighting the great variety and perfect sharing plates.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 27 negative comments pointing to some concerns. Issues like small portions, particularly with the meat and cheese plates, and occasional comments about the overall quality of dishes, suggest there's room for improvement in consistency and value.
Food
244
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
27
negative
2
neutral
215
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Great variety
- Perfect for sharing
What people don't like
- Small, overpriced portions
- Inconsistent dish quality
Often praised
- foodI spent 6 hours here with friends and it truly has everything you could want. The fantastic wine and amazing food were highlights, complemented by the phenomenal staff who were SO friendly and welcoming. This is definitely my new go-to spot!
- wine selectionIt's a not-so-hidden gem with a happy hour that can't be missed. The apps were amazing, and they have a fantastic wine selection. The service was spectacular, and I'll definitely be bringing friends and family back.
- wineI spent 6 hours here with friends and it truly has everything you could want. The fantastic wine and amazing food were highlights, complemented by the phenomenal staff who were SO friendly and welcoming. This is definitely my new go-to spot!
- hummusThe dips were absolutely amazing—fresh, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Each one had a unique taste, from the creamy hummus to the rich eggplant dip, making it a must-try for any food lover. The happy hour specials were great, offering a nice selection of drinks and small plates at a reasonable price.
- menuWe stopped here to check it out a couple weeks ago and it’s a great wine spot paired with amazing food. The dishes we ordered were not overbearing and large, but the menu had just the right amount of dishes and they paired so well with the wine that we had. Highly recommend if you have an afternoon or evening to go eat great food and drink amazing wine.
- octopusoctopus and kebabs are to die for
- dishesWe stopped here to check it out a couple weeks ago and it’s a great wine spot paired with amazing food. The dishes we ordered were not overbearing and large, but the menu had just the right amount of dishes and they paired so well with the wine that we had. Highly recommend if you have an afternoon or evening to go eat great food and drink amazing wine.
- grilled halloumiThe grilled halloumi and hummus are both a must order
- wine listThe ambiance was lovely, and the service was fantastic. The staff were super friendly and very well versed in their extensive wine list. Of the food we tried, we were impressed by the fried halloumi, which was flavorful, crisp, and had a hint of truffle.
- bitesThe service was solid, and the food was a standout; it was delicious and perfect for sharing with drinks. Overall, it’s got that mix of good energy, tasty bites, and a relaxed bar setting that makes you want to come back. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by poor service and a food offering that can only be described as a joke. The plates were comically small and overpriced.
- meat platemeat plate including 4 slices of prosciutto and 4 pieces of figs doesn’t justify $18
- MahammaraIt was very salty. After a few bites, I could not eat it.
- Trumpet MushroomWe'd probably pass on this one next time
- brussel sproutsbrussel sprouts a bit under cooked
- burrataThe burrata i felt like it was 1/4 of a burrata
- cheese platecheese plate has 2 tiny slices of cheese
- dangerous to eatwas dangerous to eat
- food portionsfood portions were extremely small
- happy hour food optionsThe ambiance was cozy yet vibrant, adding to the overall enjoyable experience. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that I wish there were a few more happy hour food options, but overall, this place is a gem! I’ll definitely be back when I am in San Francisco!
If you're looking for a place with delicious Mediterranean bites and a great variety of sharing plates, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some portions might be on the smaller side, and a few diners have noted inconsistencies in dish quality.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
Service here generally shines, with a good score of 7.9 and a solid 80.8% customer satisfaction. Out of 99 total remarks, 80 were positive, frequently praising the friendly staff, attentive servers, knowledgeable sommeliers, and a genuine warm welcome. Guests often highlighted the personable interactions, quick food delivery, and helpful recommendations.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 19 negative instances noted. Some guests encountered issues with the host, describing interactions as rude and dismissive or instances of poor service where a bartender rushed them. There were also mentions of feeling ignored or a lack of effort to accommodate requests.
Service
99
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
19
negative
0
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Attentive, fast service
- Personalized recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude, dismissive hosts
- Feeling rushed
- Poor accommodation
Often praised
- serviceIt's a great place with delicious food perfect for sharing. The service was fast and extremely kind. I highly recommend the grilled cheese, zucchini, and octopus.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marked by nice staff and a great atmosphere. While I only had wine and cannot comment on the food itself, it certainly looked delicious.
- serverI would have the exact same again, but if you are going, you cannot pass up the mushroom and beef kebab or the little gem salad (best salad we have ever had). Derek, the head chef, and our server were so kind and attentive. You could tell Derek was very passionate about his work and cared to know how we liked the dishes.
- recommendationsrecommendations of the owner, Jacob and the sommelier Tim
- wait staffwait staff that is knowledgeable
- Joechat with Joe, who is just wonderful and always smiling
- ServiceThe service is friendly and attentive
- TimTim, the head sommelier is a pleasure to talk to
- ownerTim (the owner and the person behind the carefully curated wine selection) is wonderful and knowledgeable
- serversThe service was amazing and everyone helping us was incredibly friendly and kind. Our servers went out of their way to make us feel special and were so much fun to interact with. They even came running out of the restaurant after us to give me my phone that I had left on the table by accident!
Frequently criticized
- hosthighly disappointing experience with the host of the restaurant
- serviceservice was poorly lacking — rude and dismissive
- accommodate usdid not lift a finger to try and accommodate us
- attitude toward customersSuch attitude toward customers is appalling
- bartenderbartender rushed us throughout the meal
- checkDespite the bar being nearly empty, the bartender, who identified himself as the owner, rushed us throughout the meal. He repeatedly asked if we were ready to order and later if we were finished, ultimately bringing the check without being asked. This created a pressured and unwelcoming atmosphere, leaving a negative impression.
- company policycouldn’t get a 3rd of the same because of ‘company policy’
- ignoredWe were ignored completely
- indifferenceWe were treated with indifference and then plain rudeness
- lied toI felt lied to by the end of the meal
If you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly and knowledgeable staff, this spot is likely to impress. While most experiences are stellar, be aware that a few guests have encountered less-than-ideal interactions, particularly with the host or feeling rushed.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 94.4%, its clear guests are loving the vibe. Many praise it as a perfect "date spot" or "vibey casual spot, " highlighting the "atmosphere, " "decor, " and "lighting" that create a warm and welcoming experience, making it one of the best "wine bars" around, according to 85 positive opinions.
However, out of 90 total opinions, a handful (4) did mention some minor drawbacks. A few found the "atmosphere" could feel "packed and loud, " and one even described it as "unwelcoming. " While these are isolated comments, its worth noting that on busy nights, the energy might lean more towards lively than serene.
Ambience
90
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
85
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great date spot
- Welcoming vibe
- Inviting decor
What people don't like
- Can be loud
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was great and romantic, with weird art on the walls that I loved overall! The Chardonnay was yummy, as were the chicken kebab, beef meatballs, and cucumber salad.
- ambianceI was so happy to stumble upon this cute Mediterranean wine bar. The wine selection is STELLAR, the food is INCREDIBLE, with a great ambiance, lovely decor, and a wait staff that is friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
- date spotHighly recommend this Both for your next date spot
- decorI was so happy to stumble upon this cute Mediterranean wine bar. The wine selection is STELLAR, the food is INCREDIBLE, with a great ambiance, lovely decor, and a wait staff that is friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
- lightinglighting that is actually atmospheric
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food, the great place, and the great atmosphere. It's definitely the place to go for the best Mediterranean wines ❤️🔥.
- vibesvibes, staff, service, and venue are all nice though
- wine barwine bar that feels comfortable and approachable
- wine barsone of the best wine bars that the city had to offer
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere felt pressured and unwelcoming
- empty tablesThey had a number of empty tables available
- experienceIt was a very weird experience overall
- packed and loudvery packed and loud
If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere for a date or a casual night out, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. The overall vibe is highly praised, though be prepared for a potentially lively and bustling environment on peak occasions.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
Lets talk value! While the overall score sits at an average 5.1 and customer satisfaction is a mixed 40.9%, theres definitely a bright side. Many guests praise the fantastic happy hour specials and well-priced items, often feeling the bill is truly worth it.
With 9 positive opinions out of 22 total, terms like happy hour, well-priced, and worth it pop up frequently. However, its not all sunshine and savings. With 11 negative opinions, many customers felt items were pricey or overpriced for what they received, with some even mentioning price gouging.
Concerns about comically small' portions relative to the cost frequently surfaced, indicating a disconnect in perceived value.
Value
22
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Well-priced items
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Small portions, high price
- Price gouging concerns
Often praised
- billready to drop $$, but know the food, wine, and atmosphere are well worth the bill!
- happy hourHappy hour that can't be missed
- happy hour menuLove the happy hour menu
- happy hour specialsThe happy hour specials were great
- pricevery fairly priced
- pricesPrices are still great
- valuealigned in value and quality
- well-priceddips & cheeses were delicious and well-priced
Frequently criticized
- priceway overpriced for the quality of the dishes
- bottle of waterthis was ridiculous. Update: I reviewed my receipt and it was $14 for a glass of wine, $10 for a bottle of water
- expensivewas expensive
- glass of waterThey charged me $10 for a glass of water
- overpricedcomically small and overpriced
- price gougingexpect a fair degree of price gouging
- pricesUnfortunately, we experienced a nearly hour-long wait for our food, despite ordering only a few small items and observing other tables receive their orders promptly. The portion sizes were quite small relative to the prices, which was disappointing. As individuals who frequently explore Bay Area dining spots and work in the food and tourism industry, we were particularly let down by this experience.
- priceypricey for what you get
- way overpricedLow quality food that is way overpriced
- wine policyVery pretentious and rude for a $45 bottle of wine
If you're looking for a great deal, aim for their happy hour specials, which seem to offer excellent value. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and smaller portions on the regular menu, as many found it to be overpriced for the quality.
How are the prices at Roaming Goat?
You’re looking at roughly 46 per person – reported by 40 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 46, our data shows a pretty wide range of spending, from more budget-friendly visits to some higher-end tabs. It seems there’s something for everyone!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 40 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this spot against similar places in San Francisco.
For a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers a good range of options, so you can tailor your visit to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Roaming Goat
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Amazing Mediterranean Mezes and Patio Service
My experience at The Roaming Goat was fantastic! I enjoyed their great Mediterranean style mezes and amazing pita. Although the restaurant was packed and loud, we were seated in the garden patio.
Our server was great and ensured we had a heater to stay warm outside.
- Mediterranean style mezes9
- pita10
- garden patio8
- packed and loud4
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great New Wine Bar Addition
My experience at Roaming Goat was fantastic! It's a great new addition to the San Francisco wine bar scene. I sat at the bar and really enjoyed the atmosphere, which was lively without being overwhelming, with a cool, welcoming vibe.
The service was solid, and the food was a standout; it was delicious and perfect for sharing with drinks. Overall, it’s got that mix of good energy, tasty bites, and a relaxed bar setting that makes you want to come back. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!
- atmosphere9
- vibe9
- service9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
6
Disappointing Service Despite Good Food
I’ve been a frequent guest at this wine bar and have always enjoyed the food. However, my last visit was disappointing. On a quiet Sunday afternoon, my friend and I sat at the bar.
Despite the bar being nearly empty, the bartender, who identified himself as the owner, rushed us throughout the meal. He repeatedly asked if we were ready to order and later if we were finished, ultimately bringing the check without being asked. This created a pressured and unwelcoming atmosphere, leaving a negative impression.
- food8
- service2
- atmosphere4
- bartender2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great Food, Small Portions, High Price
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The service was really good, and the food was great. However, the portions were disappointingly small, even for items labeled as medium.
This made the meal quite pricey for what we received. We were a group of 4 and had to order a lot of food. I felt the burrata portion was about 1/4 of a burrata.
The wine was also good, and I appreciated that they had a sommelier.
- service10
- food8
- wine8
- portions3
- pricey3
- burrata2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Appalling Host Service, Avoid This Restaurant
My experience at this restaurant was highly disappointing due to the host's behavior. We were met with indifference and then outright rudeness when we requested to be seated indoors, despite numerous empty tables being available. Our reservation was for outside, but the area was very crowded.
We were completely ignored, even when showing available reservations on OpenTable. The host made no effort to accommodate us and directly suggested we find another restaurant. To make matters worse, both the host and another staff member reeked of marijuana.
This appalling attitude towards customers means I would never return or recommend this establishment. I hope the owner addresses this, as the host is also a manager. It's unclear if they are interested in making a good impression.
We never got to try their food.
- host1
- indifference1
- rudeness1
What Roaming Goat offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Roaming Goat offer?
At Roaming Goat, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. You can enjoy your visit with comfortable seating and table service, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed experience in Cow Hollow.
Can you make reservations and what are the parking options at Roaming Goat?
Yes, Roaming Goat accepts reservations, which is great for planning your visit. Regarding parking, you might find it somewhat difficult, but free street parking, paid street parking, and a paid parking garage are available nearby.
What are the standout features of Roaming Goat?
Roaming Goat is frequently praised for its delicious food and excellent wine selection, complemented by an inviting and romantic ambiance. Many guests also highlight the attentive and friendly service.
What should I be aware of regarding pricing at Roaming Goat?
While the quality is generally appreciated, some customers have found the prices to be on the higher side, particularly for certain items and portion sizes, with specific mentions of overpriced water or drinks.
How does Roaming Goat generally score with customers?
Roaming Goat holds a strong overall score of 8.2, with 85.5% customer satisfaction. Food (8.4) and Ambience (8.5) receive high marks, and Service (7.9) is also well-regarded, though Value (5.1) is noted as an area of concern.