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oChef » Tastebuds – San Francisco
Tastebuds - San Francisco
Photo from Tastebuds
Tastebuds at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 76 of the guests
#1295 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#140 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
546
Reviews
74.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Long Waits
- Dirty Tables
The restaurant Tastebuds, a charming spot in San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District, offers you a cozy escape. Imagine settling down by a warm fireplace, enjoying a casual meal or a quick bite.
This inviting restaurant is perfect for any time of day, whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or a delightful dinner experience in a relaxed atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Tastebuds
Tastebuds offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its delicious food and the genuinely friendly staff. While the cozy atmosphere is a draw, some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies.
However, the experience can sometimes be hampered by issues with service wait times and concerns about the dining area’s upkeep, which might detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Good
7.4
out of 10
546
Reviews
74.4%
Satisfaction
102
negative
38
neutral
406
positive
Tastebuds holds a respectable overall score of 7.4, indicating a generally positive reception. This aligns well with a solid customer satisfaction rate of 74.4%, suggesting most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 546 customer observations, with 406 positive remarks outweighing 102 negative ones. The Food (8.0) stands out as a clear strength, while the Ambience (7.1) also contributes positively.
However, Service (6.4) and Value (5.1) appear to be areas where experiences are more mixed, reflecting some room for improvement.
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Cozy, lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Service wait times
- Unkempt dining area
- Inconsistent value
If you prioritize flavorful dishes and a welcoming vibe, Tastebuds is certainly worth considering. The strong Recommendation Score of 7.7 suggests many find it a worthwhile stop, particularly for its culinary offerings.
However, be prepared for potentially longer waits and manage expectations regarding the dining area’s condition and overall value consistency. It’s a place with clear strengths, but also some notable areas for improvement.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tastebuds
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction of 81.6%, its clear many diners are leaving happy. Guests rave about delicious options like the high-quality fried chicken sandwich and the amazing shrimp and grits, praising the southern-style cooking.
Out of 310 opinions, a whopping 253 were positive, highlighting the overall great taste and variety. However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone. A smaller number of 34 opinions pointed out some areas for improvement.
Some found certain items to be tasteless or under-seasoned, while others mentioned issues with portions being too small or fries being soggy. A few experiences noted dry chicken or bread that wasnt toasted, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
310
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
34
negative
23
neutral
253
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Southern food
- Amazing fried chicken
- Outstanding shrimp grits
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small, awkward portions
- Under-seasoned dishes
Often praised
- foodThe folks serving didn't look like me at all, and even the customers were a variety, reminiscent of San Francisco, at least what little I saw. The food was good, the service was good, and striking up a conversation with a local about taxi and transit was also a positive. Ultimately, Tastebuds is where the emphasis should be on soul, not just the food.
- chicken and wafflesMy experience at the restaurant was really good! I enjoyed the vegetable omelette, chicken and waffles, and the breakfast burrito. The green smoothie was also a great choice.
- breakfast burritoMy experience at the restaurant was really good! I enjoyed the vegetable omelette, chicken and waffles, and the breakfast burrito. The green smoothie was also a great choice.
- coffeeThe fried chicken sandwich was FABULOUS and delicious, served with excellent brioche bread and chicken. I also enjoyed the fried cauliflower and coffee. The restaurant's decor is amusing, though not entirely cohesive.
- fried chicken sandwichI ordered the corned beef hash and the fried chicken sandwich. The food itself was pretty tasty, but the portions were a bit on the smaller side for the price. The decor inside leaves a lot to be desired; the black walls, destroyed carpet, and creaky tables made me really want to leave as soon as I finished eating.
- shrimp and gritsshrimp and grits, and they did not disappoint
- chickenWe were sat immediately inside without a wait. The fried chicken sandwich was FABULOUS and delicious, served with excellent brioche bread and chicken. I also enjoyed the fried cauliflower and coffee.
- fried chickenThe fried chicken was crunchy, well seasoned, and moist on the inside.
- mimosasThe mimosas and food were on point!!
- pancakesWe ordered the pancakes and the breakfast burrito southern style (aka fried burrito). They were both amazing!
Frequently criticized
- friesfries did not have the crispiness
- platesthe plates are a bit smaller so the food is all crunched together
- BiscuitsBiscuits were a bit under and cold
- Corned Beef HashI am pretty disappointed in this dish. This is more like what you would make at home the day after St. Patrick's Day dinner. Potatoes, Cabbage, Carrots and leftover corned beef.
- SaladSalad had too much dressing which was very sweet and overpowered it
- Southern Shrimp & GritsThe grits themselves are good and buttery, but the shrimp was not fresh (frozen out of bag) over cooked so it was a bit rubbery.
- breadBoth had decent flavor, but unfortunately, the shrimp and fries lacked the much-needed crispiness. The bread also wasn't toasted, which would have helped add some texture. On a positive note, the staff were friendly, attentive, and ensured we had everything we needed.
- breakfast itemsMy experience at the restaurant was a bit unusual. They were sold out of all breakfast items except for chicken and waffles, which was very strange. However, the chicken and waffles themselves were good!
- brunchtold you cannot have brunch
- chickenchicken was tasteless and dry
Overall, if you're looking for a place with generally delicious and high-quality food, especially Southern-inspired dishes, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few items might not live up to the hype, so stick to the crowd favorites for the best experience.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
Many diners had great things to say about the service, with 81 positive comments out of 127 total discussions. Guests frequently praised the friendly team and attentive service, even noting the restaurant was dog friendly. Some also experienced quick service, contributing to a decent 6.4 score for service.
However, it wasnt all smooth sailing, as 43 negative comments pointed to areas needing improvement. Concerns included long wait times, feeling the place was understaffed, and a general lack of service or poor communication. ' This resulted in a mixed customer satisfaction of 63.8%, suggesting some inconsistency in the experience.
Service
127
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
43
negative
3
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating team
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Understaffed issues
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceThe folks serving didn't look like me at all, and even the customers were a variety, reminiscent of San Francisco, at least what little I saw. The food was good, the service was good, and striking up a conversation with a local about taxi and transit was also a positive. Ultimately, Tastebuds is where the emphasis should be on soul, not just the food.
- staffThis is perhaps our favorite brunch place in the city. It's a super low key spot with very friendly staff and delicious food. We always end up taking some home because the portions are huge.
- ServiceService was fantastic, the guy working the register was funny and kind.
- StaffStaff are down to earth and nice
- familysuper friendly and welcoming family
- serverserver apologized with complementary dessert, which was very nice of them
- Covid19 guidelinesFollowing Covid19 guidelines
- Good serviceGood service
- Great serviceGreat service
- attentive serviceFamily owned with attentive service
Frequently criticized
- service5 stars. The food was good, but the service was not good. We arrived at 1: 45 PM on a Sunday and were told we couldn't have brunch, even though the menu stated brunch was served until 2: 00 PM.
- waiting timeI ordered takeout online and when I arrived, I waited over an hour. I was then told my order was not received, despite having a confirmation.
- customer servicethe customer service was awful
- staff attitudenever seen attitude like that Everything was late and so rude
- waitMy experience at this restaurant involved a LONG wait. The food was so so, and to top it off, it was expensive.
- apologyreceived no apology
- communicationreceived no communication from any waiters
- cutleryThe time to serve food was incredibly long, requiring me to follow up three times. When the food finally arrived, no cutlery was offered. I ordered an oat latte but received a regular one, which I did not drink.
- helpI came here for brunch with a friend, and my experience was just okay; there was nothing super special about it. However, they definitely need more help. The presence of dirty tables, a line of people, and food in the window all indicate a need for additional staff.
- introductionThere was nothing soulful about it from the onset. We had a horrible introduction and simply walked out. If I could give it no stars, I would.
If youre looking for friendly staff and dont mind a potential wait, you might have a good experience. But be aware that service can be inconsistent, with some guests encountering long waits and communication issues.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.1, which indicates a good atmosphere that customers really appreciate. This positive sentiment is reflected in a strong 73.9% satisfaction rate. Many love the cozy atmosphere, great music, and the inviting outdoor dining options, making it a welcoming spot.
Out of 88 total remarks, a significant 65 were positive, praising the overall vibe. However, not everyone is completely charmed. Some guests noted challenges with parking, found the decor a bit dated, and a few even mentioned dirty tables or an unpleasant smell.
While these concerns are fewer, with 15 negative remarks, they do point to areas that could use a little sprucing up to enhance the overall experience.
Ambience
88
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
15
negative
8
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Great music
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Dated decor
- Dirty tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with decor that makes you feel at home.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is pretty casual and feels pretty open
- placeWonderful, quaint place
- cleanlinessNot to mention the cleanliness!!!!
- musicThey even change the music whit out as asking about it.
- neighborhood spotGreat little neighborhood spot
- vibeLooking at the nachos next to me, for $7 I personally wouldn't want nacho cheese as the cheesy topping. The vibe was definitely lively, and the staff was uber friendly.
- AmbianceAmbiance 4
- BLACK OWNEDBLACK OWNED.. IN THE AVES!! LET'S GO!!
- Black ownedBlack owned and family owned
Frequently criticized
- ChairsChairs could use some cushion
- ParkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- carpetThe food itself was pretty tasty, but the portions were a bit on the smaller side for the price. The decor inside leaves a lot to be desired; the black walls, destroyed carpet, and creaky tables made me really want to leave as soon as I finished eating.
- decorThe decor inside leaves a lot to be desired
- dining areathe dining area was dirty
- dirty tablesDirty tables
- finding parkinglooking for parking
- food in the windowHowever, they definitely need more help. The presence of dirty tables, a line of people, and food in the window all indicate a need for additional staff.
- restaurant experienceDefinitely not restaurant experience
- seating areaseating area was kind of small
If you're looking for a place with a generally good vibe, especially with its music and outdoor seating, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that finding parking might be a bit of a hunt, and some interior details could be improved.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
Lets talk value! While the overall score sits at an average 5.1, some customers definitely find their sweet spot. Many appreciate that certain items are "reasonably priced, " with "Wednesday Lunch specials" and "happy hour prices" often highlighted as a "great deal.
" Based on 7 positive remarks out of 21 total, diners found portions large and "worth the price. "However, the customer satisfaction for value is a poor 33.3%, indicating a significant number of guests feel they arent getting their money's worth. With 10 negative comments, many found things expensive or pretty pricey, feeling it was not worth the charge for smaller portions or a lack of service.
Value
21
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Find good deals
- Portions worth price
- Reasonably priced items
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Not worth charge
- Small portions for price
Often praised
- priceFood is ordered at the counter, and they deliver it to your table. The portions are large and definitely worth the price.
- $2 a popFor $2 a pop, you can't go wrong
- Wednesday Lunch specialWednesday Lunch special on the sandwich
- dealGreat deal
- happy hour pricesthe happy hour prices are good
- reasonably pricedThe menu includes a variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch items, even featuring homemade potato chips. The service was great, and the prices were reasonably priced for San Francisco. You can choose between inside and outside seating.
Frequently criticized
- priceI ordered the corned beef hash and the fried chicken sandwich. The food itself was pretty tasty, but the portions were a bit on the smaller side for the price. The decor inside leaves a lot to be desired; the black walls, destroyed carpet, and creaky tables made me really want to leave as soon as I finished eating.
- expensiveit was very expensive
- $7For $7 I personally wouldn't want nacho cheese
- PricesPrices are regular for SF, which means it was expensive
- chargethis was not worth the $20 charge
- regular coffeeA cup of regular coffee is $4!
So, heres the scoop: if youre hunting for a deal, definitely check out their specials or happy hour, as those often get a thumbs-up for value. But if you're sensitive to higher prices or expect generous portions across the board, you might find some items a bit expensive for what you get.
How are the prices at Tastebuds?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 76 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average lands in the $21–$30 range, it’s worth noting that a significant number of guests spend a bit less, often in the $11–$20 bracket. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to some higher-end splurges.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 76 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think this pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value for a comfortable dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tastebuds
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
7
Strange Breakfast, But Good!
My experience at the restaurant was a bit unusual. They were sold out of all breakfast items except for chicken and waffles, which was very strange. However, the chicken and waffles themselves were good!
- chicken and waffles8
- breakfast items2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Tastebuds: Soulful Experience Beyond the Food
I Googled "Soul Food" and Tastebuds popped up. After checking the menu online and seeing Shrimp & Grits on the breakfast choices, my wife and I felt we'd found our spot. Upon arrival, we scanned the QR code.
I was delighted to see collard greens and fried chicken as offerings, but what truly impressed me was the vibe. The folks serving didn't look like me at all, and even the customers were a variety, reminiscent of San Francisco, at least what little I saw. The food was good, the service was good, and striking up a conversation with a local about taxi and transit was also a positive.
Ultimately, Tastebuds is where the emphasis should be on soul, not just the food.
- Shrimp & Grits8
- collard greens8
- fried chicken8
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Unacceptable Service and Order Issues
I ordered takeout online and when I arrived, I waited over an hour. I was then told my order was not received, despite having a confirmation. After sharing this, my order was still not made.
When I inquired about the delay 15 minutes later, I was told they were "not sure I still wanted it. " Expressing my frustration yielded no apology or attempt to rectify the situation. I am SO SO disappointed to be treated this way in a place where I've spent so much money and frequented so often.
- waiting time1
- order confirmation1
- order fulfillment1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Pancakes with Fruit Toppings!
We tried the pancakes and I must say they were excellent! They were rich with fruit and other toppings. I recommend adding chocolate chips to the batter, which makes them even softer and more delicious.
- pancakes9
- fruit and other toppings8
- chocolate chips9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
7
Great Food, Unpleasant Smell
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was soooo good and tasted great, making it a fantastic meal. It was also reasonably priced, fitting within the $10–20 per person range.
However, I did notice a stale, unpleasant smell in the place, which detracted from the overall atmosphere. Despite this issue, the food quality and value were excellent.
- food10
- price8
- smell2
What Tastebuds offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and amenities can you expect at Tastebuds?
At Tastebuds, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. You’ll also find complimentary Wi-Fi, making it a great spot to relax or catch up on work while you dine.
Is Tastebuds family-friendly and what service options are available?
Yes, Tastebuds is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for your little ones. For your convenience, service options include dine-in, outdoor seating, delivery, and no-contact delivery, ensuring you can enjoy your meal however you prefer.
What is the overall rating for Tastebuds?
Tastebuds has an overall score of 7.4. Its Food (8.0) is highly rated, Ambience (7.1) is good, while Service (6.4) and Value (5.1) are more average.
What do customers enjoy most about Tastebuds?
Customers frequently praise the delicious food, the friendly and attentive staff, and the cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
What are some common concerns at Tastebuds?
Some guests have experienced long wait times for service, noted issues with the cleanliness of the dining area, and found the value inconsistent for certain items.