Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Southside Spirit House – San Francisco
Southside Spirit House - San Francisco
Photo from Southside Spirit House
Southside Spirit House at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 7 of the guests
#954 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#62 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
151
Reviews
82.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent food
- Great staff
- Lively vibe
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Loud environment
- Pricey drinks
The bar and pub, Southside Spirit House, in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood, offers you a fantastic spot to unwind. You’ll discover a truly great beer selection here, perfect for any enthusiast.
This casual and trendy establishment provides a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food at the bar, catch up with friends, or simply relax after a long day. It’s a prime destination for those seeking quality drinks and a lively environment.
Overview: Introducting Southside Spirit House
Southside Spirit House offers a lively setting where many appreciate the diverse alcohol selection and creative bar food, particularly the truffle tater tots. Guests often find the pricing reasonable, especially for the experience provided.
The staff generally receives praise for their friendly and efficient approach, contributing to a positive visit. However, some experiences at Southside Spirit House point to potential drawbacks.
While the atmosphere is often enjoyed, it can become quite noisy and crowded, especially during happy hour. There have also been occasional concerns regarding service responsiveness and the perceived value of drinks, which some found a bit expensive.
Good
7.7
out of 10
151
Reviews
82.1%
Satisfaction
19
negative
8
neutral
124
positive
Southside Spirit House generally earns a solid reputation, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.7. This indicates a good overall experience, a sentiment echoed by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 82.1%.
These figures are drawn from 151 customer opinions, with a significant majority of 124 positive remarks against only 19 negative ones, suggesting a largely favorable perception among patrons. Diving deeper, the Food (8.4) stands out as a particular strength, often praised for its quality and unique options.
Service (7.6) also performs well, with staff frequently noted for their efficiency and friendly demeanor. The Ambience (7.1) contributes positively to the experience, though it can be a mixed bag depending on the time of visit.
Value (6.8), while not poor, sits in the average range, indicating some room for improvement in perceived pricing.
What people like
- Excellent bar food
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Noisy, crowded space
- Drinks can be pricey
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8, Southside Spirit House is certainly worth considering. It shines as a spot for good bar food and a vibrant atmosphere, especially if you appreciate a diverse drink menu and engaging events like trivia.
It’s a solid choice for a casual outing with friends. However, be mindful that it can get quite busy and loud, particularly during peak hours, which might impact service speed.
If you prioritize a quieter setting or are sensitive to drink pricing, you might find aspects less appealing. Overall, it offers a generally positive and energetic experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Southside Spirit House
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
The food and drinks here are a definite highlight, earning a good score of 8.4 and an impressive excellent customer satisfaction rate of 91.2%. Diners consistently praise the delicious cocktails, great food, and unique options like the truffle tater tots and fried chicken sliders, with 52 positive comments out of 57 total. Remarkably, there were no negative remarks about the food or drinks among all the feedback.
It appears guests found nothing to criticize, suggesting a consistently positive culinary experience across the board.
Food
57
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
0
negative
5
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious crafted cocktails
- Great bar food
- Truffle tater tots
What people don't like
Often praised
- drinksIt gets really busy during happy hour, but it's not so bad late at night, even on weekends. I enjoyed the good snacks and decent drinks. Looking back to 3 years ago (2021), it was way less crowded, and the experience was even better with great cocktails and great snacks.
- foodThe food, especially the truffle tater tots, were insanely good.
- cocktailsI enjoyed the good snacks and decent drinks. Looking back to 3 years ago (2021), it was way less crowded, and the experience was even better with great cocktails and great snacks. It's a beautiful spot with super cool staff and a great playlist.
- bar foodGreat bar food with some unique options
- truffle tater totsconsuming a whole bucket of their truffle tater tots
- Taco Tuesdaysthey have Taco Tuesdays
- alcohol selectiona fantastic alcohol selection
- beer selectionthey have a good beer selection
- beers on tapMy experience at this bar was pretty great. The drinks were good, and they had some solid beers on tap. The atmosphere is pretty great, and there’s a ton of seating.
- caged heattry the caged heat, a fiery cocktail
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're seeking a place with consistently praised food and drinks, this spot is a fantastic choice. Their crafted cocktails and standout bar food, like the truffle tater tots and fried chicken sliders, make it well worth trying for a satisfying experience.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
The service at this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a solid 78.1% customer satisfaction. Out of 32 total opinions, 25 reports praise the bartenders, staff, and their friendly, helpful, and charming demeanor. Guests frequently highlight the good vibes, efficiency, and great energy from the team, especially during events, making for a fabulous experience.
However, its not always smooth sailing. 7 complaints mention slow service and rude interactions, particularly concerning wait times and waitresses. Some found it hard to get service or were demanded to wait even for reserved tables, which can definitely put a damper on the experience if youre expecting seamless attention.
Service
32
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, charming staff
- Efficient bartenders
- Helpful event team
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Long wait
Often praised
- staffIt gets crowded during happy hour but has more of a lounge-y vibe with delicious cocktails and great food. I helped organize a private buyout here for a team outing a few years ago and the staff were all really great to work with. Loved the cassette wall!
- bartenderJason at the bar was an awesome bartender with great energy
- serviceThe food arrived quickly and so the beers
- bartendersbartenders provided good vibes
- Leilani and DanielleI recently hosted an event with SSH and it was a fabulous experience from start to end. Leilani and Danielle were incredible to partner with in particular, and the staff was incredibly friendly, helpful, and charming. Overall, a 10/10 experience, and I would love to host an event with them again soon!
- bar tendersMy experience was at a cozy spot with super friendly bar tenders. I visited during the day and it has an upper floor.
- bartenders and serversthe bartenders and servers had it dialed in
- drinks and foodThe bartenders and servers were incredibly efficient and had everything dialed in. Despite how packed it was, I was still quick to get drinks and food. To top it off, the food and drinks were first class.
- event experiencefabulous experience from start to end
- hosting usdid a great job hosting us
Frequently criticized
- servicealways hard to get service
- end resultsnice to know the end results as well but they were not even announced
- reserved tablewaiting for our empty reserved table
- waitdemanded that me and my group of 20+ wait in the cramped doorway
- waitressThe waitress was simply rude
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and efficient staff, especially at the bar or for events, youre likely in for a good time. Just be aware that during peak times, you might encounter some slower service or occasional rudeness, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 76%. Many guests, accounting for 38 positive opinions out of 50 total, rave about the fun atmosphere, cool music and vibe, and unique interior decorations like the cassette tape wall. The ample seating and chill space also get a lot of love, making it a great place for a casual night.
However, it's not all perfect, with 10 negative opinions pointing out a few quirks. Some found the location a bit small due to the entrance hallway, and it can get really busy during happy hour. A few also mentioned it being noisy, especially during trivia, and even blasting fans caused some discomfort.
Ambience
50
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun atmosphere
- Cool music vibe
- Unique decor
What people don't like
- Can get noisy
- Busy happy hour
- Blasting fans
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was quite enjoyable, particularly due to its nice atmosphere. They offer Taco Tuesdays, which is a great deal, and you can even participate in trivia against other patrons in the bar.
- seatingThe drinks were good, and they had some solid beers on tap. The atmosphere is pretty great, and there’s a ton of seating.
- DJ and musicthe DJ and music was on point
- Trivia TuesdaysTrivia Tuesdays aren’t overly crowded too
- Trivia night TuesdaysTrivia night Tuesdays are the best!
- ambienceGreat ambience
- barMy experience was at a small but good little bar with lots of fun interior decorations to look at. The staff is friendly, though the location is a bit small and half-taken up with the entrance hallway.
- cassette tape wallreally liked the cassette tape wall
- cassette wallLoved the cassette wall!
- casual nightA good place to go for a casual night
Frequently criticized
- entrance hallwayMy experience was at a small but good little bar with lots of fun interior decorations to look at. The staff is friendly, though the location is a bit small and half-taken up with the entrance hallway. We really liked the cassette tape wall.
- everythingEverything about this place is weird.
- fansAlso, the food was rather affordable considering the area, which is a huge plus. My only complaint is that the damn fans over the bar were blasting like a mf, giving me chills.
- happy hourReally busy during happy hour
- locationMy experience was at a small but good little bar with lots of fun interior decorations to look at. The staff is friendly, though the location is a bit small and half-taken up with the entrance hallway. We really liked the cassette tape wall.
- noiseit was so noisy
- placeIt is a weird place.
- questionsWhile the bar itself is good, the trivia aspect has significant room for improvement. It was so noisy that we could barely hear the questions, which is an issue I haven't encountered at other trivia nights. To enhance the experience, the TVs could have been used to display the questions instead of showing ESPN.
- roomroom is sparse
- triviathe trivia has room for improvement
So, if youre looking for a lively spot with a cool vibe, great music, and unique decor for a casual night out, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for it to get a bit noisy and busy during peak times, especially if youre sensitive to sound or crowds.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a decent score of 6.8 and a solid 75% customer satisfaction. Based on 9 positive remarks out of 12 total, many appreciated the reasonable two drink specials and found the food to be affordable for the area. The happy hour and reasonably priced options clearly make it a popular choice.
On the flip side, a couple of observations noted that drinks were a bit more expensive than before, with one person even calling it pricey for the Bay area. So, while generally good, you might want to keep an eye on those beverage costs.
Value
12
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable drink specials
- Affordable food
- Good happy hour
What people don't like
- Drinks are pricey
Often praised
- pricesreasonable prices
- PricesPrices are alright
- experienceThe price was ok for the experience
- foodfood was rather affordable considering the area
- happy hourone of my favorite after work happy hour places
- priceThe price was ok for the experience
- pricedThe staff were friendly and there was a good amount of seating. The cocktails were pretty good and reasonably priced.
- reasonable two drink specialsreasonable two drink specials, which was a good value
Frequently criticized
- drinksThe atmosphere was lively as ever, which was a welcome sight. However, I did notice that the drinks were a bit more expensive than before.
- priceboy pricey for a Bay
If you're seeking a place with generally good value, especially for happy hour or affordable food, this spot is worth considering. Just be aware that some find the drinks a bit on the pricier side, so plan your sips accordingly.
How are the prices at Southside Spirit House?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 7 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 24, we see a mix of prices reported, with some guests spending less (in the $11–$20 range) and others a bit more (in the $31–$40 range). Since this is based on a smaller number of reviews, it gives us a good indication, but it’s worth noting the spread.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 7 reviews. Since this data is from a limited number of reviews, it gives a good indication of the typical spend.
How this Bar & Pub stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco for value.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. Its a solid mid-range option if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Southside Spirit House
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fabulous Event Experience at SSH!
I recently hosted an event with SSH and it was a fabulous experience from start to end. Leilani and Danielle were incredible to partner with in particular, and the staff was incredibly friendly, helpful, and charming. Overall, a 10/10 experience, and I would love to host an event with them again soon!
- event experience10
- Leilani and Danielle10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Atmosphere and Drinks for Taco Tuesday!
My experience at this restaurant was quite enjoyable, particularly due to its nice atmosphere. They offer Taco Tuesdays, which is a great deal, and you can even participate in trivia against other patrons in the bar. The drinks were great, and the prices were reasonable.
- atmosphere10
- Taco Tuesdays9
- trivia8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Terrific Bartenders, Tasty Food
I attended a private event at this restaurant and had a great experience. The bartenders were terrific and courteous, and the drinks were solid. The food was tasty as well.
- bartenders9
- drinks8
- food8
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Kind staff helped during a friend's illness
My experience at the restaurant was defined by the exceptional kindness of the staff. The bartender was super helpful and provided a lot of support when my friend got sick. The people were super kind.
- bartender9
- people9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Wonderful place for private events
I've visited this restaurant twice for private events. It's a wonderful place, and I'm keen to return for a personal visit when it's not company-sponsored. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect score.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food10
What Southside Spirit House offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Southside Spirit House?
At Southside Spirit House, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for relaxing. You can enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms, making it a comfortable spot to hang out with friends or catch a game.
What are some of the main attractions and offerings at Southside Spirit House?
Southside Spirit House offers you a great beer selection and bar games, perfect for sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy a variety of alcoholic beverages, including hard liquor, wine, and cocktails, along with delicious food. Happy hour drinks and food are also available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Southside Spirit House?
Southside Spirit House holds a **Restaurant Score** of **7.7** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **82.1%**, indicating a generally good and well-regarded experience among patrons.
What are the standout features of Southside Spirit House's offerings?
Customers frequently praise the **Food** (8.4), particularly the bar food and unique options like truffle tater tots, and the diverse alcohol selection. The **Service** (7.6) is also often highlighted for its friendly and efficient staff.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Southside Spirit House?
Some guests note that the **Ambience** (7.1) can be quite noisy and crowded, especially during happy hour or trivia nights. Additionally, the **Value** (6.8) for drinks has occasionally been perceived as a bit pricey.