Highlights
- Live music
- Rooftop seating
- Great wine list
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Shelby’s Rooftop – San Francisco
Shelby’s Rooftop - San Francisco
Photo from Shelby’s Rooftop
Shelby’s Rooftop at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#2058 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#137 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
490
Reviews
57.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Rooftop views
- Delicious cocktails
- Helpful staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Poor service
- Parking issues
The bar & pub Shelby’s Rooftop in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District invites you to an unforgettable experience. You’ll discover a lively atmosphere where live music fills the air, making it a standout destination.
This popular spot offers not just great drinks but also a unique rooftop seating area, perfect for enjoying the city’s energy.
Overview: Introducting Shelby’s Rooftop
Shelby’s Rooftop offers a setting with truly awesome views and a generally pleasant vibe, making it a popular spot for an evening out. Many guests appreciate the accommodating staff who often go out of their way to ensure a comfortable visit.
However, some experiences with the initial welcome have been less consistent. While the atmosphere often shines, opinions on the culinary offerings are more divided, with some finding the dishes delicious and others noting underwhelming food quality.
The overall experience can be quite enjoyable, but guests should be prepared for potential inconsistencies, particularly regarding the service.
Good
6.3
out of 10
490
Reviews
57.1%
Satisfaction
173
negative
37
neutral
280
positive
Looking at the numbers, Shelby’s Rooftop holds a 6.3 overall score, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 57.1%, indicating a mixed reception from visitors.
This suggests that while many find aspects to enjoy, a significant portion also leaves with reservations. These insights are drawn from a substantial pool of 490 customer remarks, with 280 positive observations against 173 negative ones.
Diving deeper into specific areas, the Ambience (7.7) clearly stands out as a strong point, frequently praised by guests. The Food (6.2) receives an average rating, suggesting it’s generally acceptable but not consistently exceptional.
However, Service (5.3) appears to be a weaker link, often falling short of expectations, and the Value (3.5) is a notable concern, indicating that many feel the experience doesn’t quite justify the cost.
What people like
- Stunning rooftop views
- Delicious cocktails
- Accommodating staff
What people don't like
- High price point
- Inconsistent service
- Difficult parking
Shelby’s Rooftop presents a mixed experience, primarily shining with its impressive setting and enjoyable drinks. If you prioritize a vibrant atmosphere and a scenic backdrop for your evening, it could be a suitable choice.
However, be mindful of the potential for inconsistent service and the overall cost. With a recommendation score of 6.5, Shelby’s Rooftop is an average option.
It’s worth considering for a casual drink with a view, but for a consistently high-quality dining experience or if budget is a primary concern, you might find more satisfying alternatives elsewhere.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Shelby’s Rooftop
Food (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks here, its a bit of a mixed bag, but theres definitely some good stuff! Out of 160 customer remarks, we saw 90 positive comments, highlighting delicious food, craft cocktails, and specific dishes like paella and octopus. The overall score for food sits at an average 6.2, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 56.3%, suggesting some hits and misses.
However, 51 negative remarks point to areas needing improvement. Some found the food subpar, with bland sauce, or felt it was overpriced for the quality. Issues like rubbery shrimp and small portions also came up, indicating that while some dishes shine, consistency might be a challenge.
Food
160
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
51
negative
19
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food and drinks
- Excellent craft cocktails
- Paella and octopus praised
What people don't like
- Food quality inconsistent
- Some dishes bland/salty
- Portions can be small
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with excellent food and a wonderful atmosphere. The location is also a strong point.
- drinksThe ambience was so cool, offering a great view of the city. They also have so nice drinks. I highly recommend this place.
- cocktailsBest cocktails I have had for a long time
- flatbreadWe enjoyed a beautiful view of the city. We shared a flatbread, a charcuterie board, and tuna tar-tar. The beer was also good.
- paellaThe paella and oysters were delicious
- FoodFood:5
- dishesThe dishes are extraordinary and extremely tasty.
- menumenu isn’t very large, but there’s always something tasty
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the good food with good portions and good prices. While the menu selection is on the smaller side, the views and vibes were nice.
- Charcuterie boardWe got the Charcuterie board with fresh farmed honeycomb! So delicious!
Frequently criticized
- foodFor an $80 meal, the quality of the food was truly underwhelming, leaving us both disappointed. If you're hoping for a quality dining experience, I'd recommend looking elsewhere for food, as it was subpar at best.
- drinksThe drinks themselves were horrible
- paellaMy paella was similarly disappointing
- Kumamoto Oystersoysters weren’t cold enough, and they lacked the fresh, briny taste
- alcoholWe started with the Kumamoto Oysters, which, despite being served on ice, weren’t cold enough and lacked the expected fresh, briny taste. For drinks, we tried two Rick Ruben cocktails; they were sweet and delicious but noticeably lacking in alcohol, feeling more like overpriced mocktails at $22 each. The prices at Shelby Rooftop simply don’t match the quality of the food and beverages.
- alcoholic drinksother alcoholic drinks that was ordered
- artichoke pastaHowever, the food fell disappointingly short of expectations. My wife's artichoke pasta had the texture of a rubber band drenched in sauce, and my paella was similarly disappointing with poorly prepared rice and tough, rubbery shrimp. For an $80 meal, the quality of the food was truly underwhelming, leaving us both disappointed.
- beef short ribbeef short rib was super tender on the end side, but has a tough outside
- bland sauceThe noodles were hard and bland sauce.
- cocktailSaid I didn’t like the cocktail
If youre heading here, manage your expectations for the food; some dishes and craft cocktails are truly enjoyable, but others might disappoint. Its worth a try if youre open to exploring the menu, but dont expect every item to be a home run.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.3 putting it squarely in the average range. Customer satisfaction also reflects this, sitting at a 47% mixed rating. Based on 134 total opinions, with 63 positive and 66 negative, it's clear there are strong feelings on both sides.
Many guests praised the friendly service, attentive servers, and amazing staff, with some even highlighting their flexibility in making cocktails. However, a significant number of experiences pointed to slow service, rude staff, and a general lack of attentiveness, leading to long wait times for everything from ordering to getting the bill. Some even reported issues with reservation handling and feeling ignored.
It seems consistency is a key challenge here, with service being very hit or miss.
Service
134
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
66
negative
5
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Flexible cocktail making
- Professional servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- servicethe service was great, they were professional and invested
- staffExtremely accommodating staff from the host to your server
- ServiceService:4
- attentivealways attentive and with absolute predisposition
- hostExtremely accommodating staff from the host to your server
- peopleThe people there are nice and welcoming
- serverThe server was attentive and refill our water glass constantly
- DaniellaDaniella as my server and she was so kind
- Great serviceGreat service
- GuidaGuida made our night, she was nice and felt good her helping us!!
Frequently criticized
- serviceLiterally everyone else, even people who arrived after us, received their food before we did. We were seated outside, and my female friend was never offered a blanket until one waiter made it his business to help her. We were never checked on, and I felt completely embarrassed.
- waiterFrench waiter, he pushed my hand away and then never returned to check on us
- hostI really enjoyed my second visit to Shelby's rooftop, especially the amazing views. On my first visit in September, the service was decent, but the host had too much attitude. I was told to return to my seat immediately after briefly looking at the view from the bathroom.
- waiting timeWe wanted to ask about drinks and appetizers and still needed to address the mess on the cushion, but we never saw our waiter again. After waiting almost 10 minutes, we decided to leave. It was so frustrating, especially after taking a $25 Uber.
- staffhe was like “no, people aren’t even halfway done with their meals.”
- billwaiting for the waiter to bring the bill
- serverOur server was terrible
- tablethe couple that was next to us MOVED TO OUR TABLE
- attentionwas never checked on
- attentiveHe was not attentive at all
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service; it could be fantastic or quite frustrating. While some rave about the attentive and friendly staff, others have faced long waits and rudeness. It might be worth trying if youre feeling lucky, but don't go in with sky-high expectations for seamless service.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly stands out, earning a good score of 7.7 and a solid customer satisfaction of 77%. Many of the 124 positive remarks out of 161 total rave about the stunning views, relaxing atmosphere, and cozy vibe. Guests particularly appreciate thoughtful touches like heaters and blankets that make outdoor seating comfortable, creating a beautiful and intimate setting.
However, not everything is perfect, as 28 negative comments highlight some areas for improvement. Some guests encountered unclean bathrooms, while others were disappointed by construction obstructing their view or a windy evening. A few also mentioned loud music or a dead atmosphere detracting from the experience, suggesting some inconsistencies.
Ambience
161
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
28
negative
9
neutral
124
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning city views
- Cozy, relaxed atmosphere
- Heaters and blankets
What people don't like
- Unclean bathrooms
- Obstructed views
- Loud, poor music
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with excellent food and a wonderful atmosphere. The location is also a strong point.
- viewThe ambiance was truly lovely, with a beautiful setting and friendly service that made it feel like a special place for an evening out. The staff were fantastic, and the view makes it an excellent spot for drinks. However, the food fell disappointingly short of expectations.
- viewsMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The location and awesome views were definitely a highlight, offering a beautiful backdrop. However, the service was very hot and miss, which was disappointing.
- ambianceThe restaurant has a lovely ambiance, with a beautiful setting
- locationThis was also the case for other alcoholic beverages ordered. Despite the drink issue, I still give them 5 stars for location, food, and atmosphere.
- vibethe perfect vibe for a relaxing night out
- placeThe people there are nice and welcoming. It’s a great place to celebrate any kind of event, like birthdays, anniversaries, and more.
- rooftopBeautiful rooftop overlooking the metreon
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- amazing viewgifts an amazing view
Frequently criticized
- atmosphererowdy group of blue collar sports fans. They were excessively loud and disruptive
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- ambianceway better ambiance
- barIts really a bar more than a restaurant.
- bathroomsthe bathrooms estan super sucios
- bird droppings on sofaOutside was our preference. As the host led us to our seats, we noticed bird droppings on the sofa. The host shrugged, said our waiter would be with us soon, and walked away.
- birthday nightbirthday night that was supposed to feel special ended up being frustrating and stressful
- constructionview faced construction and old worn down buildings
- cool in the eveningIt can be cool in the evening
If you're looking for a place with breathtaking city views and a generally cozy, relaxed atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that occasional issues like cleanliness or noise might arise, so keep that in mind for your visit.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
It's a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to value here! While only 3 out of 35 comments specifically highlighted positive aspects, some guests did find the experience worth it, appreciating good prices and the overall vibe. Interestingly, customer satisfaction for value is quite good at 8.6, suggesting that despite the cost, many still left happy.
However, the overwhelming majority of feedback, with 28 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many found items like drinks and cocktails to be expensive and overpriced, often citing tiny portions for high prices. The overall score for value is a poor 3.5, reflecting widespread disappointment despite the higher satisfaction.
Value
35
Reviews
8%
Satisfaction
28
negative
4
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the experience
What people don't like
- High prices
- Tiny portions
- Overpriced drinks
Often praised
- experienceThe service was great; they were very flexible in making cocktails not on the menu. While it was pricey, I felt it was worth the experience.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the good food with good portions and good prices. While the menu selection is on the smaller side, the views and vibes were nice.
- worth itbut definitely worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceI had high hopes for this place, but it fell short. Beyond the poor service interaction, the food was mediocre for the price. If you're visiting SF, I recommend trying somewhere else and not wasting your time.
- pricesMy experience at this rooftop bar was marked by a great ambiance. However, the prices were high, though this is somewhat expected for a rooftop establishment. The drinks were on par with any other run-of-the-mill bar.
- cocktailscocktails are unique but pricey
- drinksDrinks were not included in the tab. Additional fee.
- Parking optionsParking is unavailable
- PriceyPricey, but definitely worth it
- SF Employed Mandatespay in concept of "SF Employed Mandates" (6%)
- Ubertook a $ 25 UBER to this spot
- billLe total sur la note est hallucinant pour ce qu’on a avalé
- expensivehow expensive this was it was far form worth it
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a hefty bill, as many found the prices to be quite steep for what you get. While some felt the overall experience justified the cost, the majority found it to be poor value. Go for the ambiance, but dont expect your wallet to thank you.
How are the prices at Shelby’s Rooftop?
On average, you’ll spend around 63 per person – from 94 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits at 63, the pricing is quite spread out. We see a good number of guests spending less, in the 21 – 40 $ range, but also a significant portion opting for more premium experiences above 100 $. This suggests a diverse offering, from quick bites to more substantial meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse price points and the San Francisco location, we think the pricing offers good flexibility. You can likely find something to fit your budget, whether you’re just grabbing a drink or settling in for a fuller experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Shelby’s Rooftop
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Vibe, Delicious Food!
I came here for dinner and had such a great experience! The service was amazing, super friendly and attentive. The menu was a little limited, but everything we ordered was delicious.
The music, ambiance, and drinks were all on point, definitely the perfect vibe for a relaxing night out.
- service10
- menu6
- everything we ordered9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Undercooked and Overcooked Food
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was below average, with the eggs being undercooked and the potatoes overcooked. I really do not recommend it.
- food2
- eggs1
- potatoes1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Unforgettable Night for All the Wrong Reasons
My date and I had an experience that was definitely a night to remember, but not in a good way. The view was beautiful, but that was the only positive aspect. The drinks were not the best, and the food was bland; everything looked pretty but lacked flavor.
The highlight of the dinner was waiting for the check. We waited so long that we both ended up going to the bathroom around the same time. While I was waiting for my date, I saw that the couple next to us had moved to our table.
They had cleaned off our table and seated someone else, even though we hadn't received our check and items were still being cleared from our table throughout the meal. This interaction with the couple left me "OVER IT. " When I finally found our server, he claimed he thought we were done and was looking for us, despite the fact that we had been waiting over 30 minutes for the check.
It's unbelievable he assumed we left when he was still printing the bill. Our bill was almost $300, so cost was not a factor in the poor service. It was truly an unforgettable night.
- view8
- drinks3
- food3
- check2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Amazing Location and Friendly Staff!
What an absolutely great location with a breathtaking view! 🌅 The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel instantly comfortable. It's perfect for a relaxing evening.
Highly recommended!
- location10
- view10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Horrible Service, Not Worth the Price
My experience at this restaurant was horrible. The service was exceptionally poor, with no one offering drink refills. We had to practically force our waiter to bring the bill after asking three times.
Considering how expensive the meal was, it was far from worth it. I would advise looking elsewhere.
- drink refills1
- waiter1
- expensive1
What Shelby’s Rooftop offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Shelby's Rooftop?
At Shelby’s Rooftop, you’ll find a versatile atmosphere that can be casual, upscale, cozy, trendy, or even romantic. It’s designed to cater to various moods, ensuring you feel comfortable whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening or a vibrant night out.
Does Shelby's Rooftop offer live entertainment and outdoor seating?
Absolutely! Shelby’s Rooftop is renowned for its live music and live performances, creating an energetic ambiance. You can also enjoy the fresh air and city views with their inviting outdoor and rooftop seating options, perfect for any occasion.
What is the overall rating for Shelby's Rooftop, and how do its key aspects compare?
Shelby’s Rooftop has an overall score of **6.3** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **57.1%**. Its **Ambience** (7.7) is a strong point, while **Food** (6.2) and **Service** (5.3) are average. **Value** (3.5) is a significant area for improvement.
What are the main reasons people enjoy visiting Shelby's Rooftop?
Guests frequently praise the restaurant’s beautiful setting and **awesome views**, which create a wonderful atmosphere. Many also highlight the quality of their **cocktails** and the generally **accommodating staff**.
What are the common complaints or drawbacks at Shelby's Rooftop?
Common concerns include the **high prices** for the overall experience, leading to questions about **value**. Some visitors also report **inconsistent service** and **underwhelming food quality**, particularly for the cost.