Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » The Barrel Room – San Francisco
The Barrel Room - San Francisco
Photo from The Barrel Room
The Barrel Room at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#570 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#75 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
309
Reviews
83.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Service
- Quality Cuisine
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Noisy Ambiance
The restaurant The Barrel Room in San Francisco’s Financial District offers a truly unique dining experience. You’ll discover a versatile atmosphere that seamlessly blends casual comfort with upscale elegance, making it perfect for any occasion, from a cozy dinner to a trendy night out.
With an extensive selection of hard liquor, fine wines, and craft beers, alongside creative cocktails and delicious small plates, you’re sure to find something to delight your palate.
Overview: Introducting The Barrel Room
The Barrel Room generally offers a pleasant experience, with many guests appreciating the inviting ambiance and attentive service. The culinary offerings, including various drinks and appetizers, often receive praise for their quality and presentation.
It seems like a comfortable spot for various occasions. However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the overall value, citing expensive prices for certain items.
The ambiance can also be quite loud at times, which might detract from conversations. Despite these points, the positive aspects frequently outweigh the negatives for many.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
309
Reviews
83.5%
Satisfaction
42
negative
9
neutral
258
positive
The Barrel Room holds a solid overall rating of 8.1, reflecting a generally positive reception from its patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 83.5%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on 258 positive remarks against just 42 negative ones, out of 309 total comments, suggesting a consistent experience for many. Diving deeper, the Service (8.5) and Food (8.3) are clearly strong suits, often highlighted as key reasons for enjoyment.
The Ambience (8.1) also contributes positively, creating a welcoming atmosphere. However, the Value (3.1) is a notable area for improvement, with many finding the pricing to be on the higher side compared to what’s offered.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Quality Food Selection
- Inviting Atmosphere
What people don't like
- High Pricing
- Loud Dining Space
The Barrel Room generally delivers a positive experience, particularly if you prioritize excellent service and well-prepared food. With a strong 8.4 recommendation score, it’s a place many guests would happily suggest.
It’s well-suited for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere for drinks or a meal. However, be mindful of the value proposition and potential noise levels.
If you’re comfortable with a higher price point and don’t mind a lively, sometimes loud setting, The Barrel Room could be a good choice. Otherwise, you might find the overall cost a bit steep for the experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Barrel Room
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 87.6%, the culinary experience here truly shines. Guests frequently rave about the "tremendous food, " "delicious and well-prepared food, " and the "amazing plating, " often highlighting the "rotating menu" among 149 positive remarks.
However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups. Out of 170 total opinions, 16 mentioned some areas for improvement, with a few finding the food lackluster or uninventive and mediocre. There were also comments about dishes having too much salt and some fish options being less exciting.
Food
170
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
16
negative
5
neutral
149
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, well-prepared food
- Inventive rotating menu
- Amazing plating
What people don't like
- Occasional lackluster dishes
- Too much salt
- Some fish uninventive
Often praised
- foodAlex and Morgan created a warm, inviting space where we enjoyed drinks before our meal. The night featured incredibly coordinated service with amazing food, beautiful wines, and perfect presentation. I'm especially grateful for the amazing care the entire staff took in curating the menu to accommodate a special dietary need.
- drinksThis is a great place for a quick drink after work in the financial district, and also perfect for meeting up with friends on a Friday night!
- menuI opted for a light meal of lentil soup and a seasonal salad, both of which were well-prepared and delicious. The rest of the menu looked great, and I'm hoping to fit in a return trip before heading home. The only slight drawback was the noise; it was a little loud for my taste, but certainly not enough to deter me from returning.
- cocktailsThe restaurant offers several seating areas, and we were seated in the wine bar section. While the service was just okay, the delicious cocktails and food made the experience worthwhile, earning The Barrel Room 4 stars. I highly recommend trying the crispy brussels sprouts with bacon!
- wineThe wine was interesting and tasty
- winesAlex and Morgan created a warm, inviting space where we enjoyed drinks before our meal. The night featured incredibly coordinated service with amazing food, beautiful wines, and perfect presentation. I'm especially grateful for the amazing care the entire staff took in curating the menu to accommodate a special dietary need.
- appetizersWe also enjoyed three different appetizers
- dessertsone of our desserts were incorrect(but was still yummy)
- pork chopThe pork chop and bavette steak were exceptional.
- wine flightsMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with their wine flights
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was not as good as the wine
- FoodFood was uninventive and mediocre
- breadWe also ordered quick bites. I wasn’t happy with the burrata toast: the bread was very hard, seeming like it was a week old, and the veggies tasted like they were just boiled, lacking flavor. The service was good, though the only staff working was the bartender; I didn’t see any other personnel.
- burrata toastI wasn’t happy with the burrata toast
- cocktailGot baited by the $8 cocktail. Well, it wasn't.
- cocktailsthe cocktails are super weak and very sweet
- fishfish they had served us was salmon or the fish listed on the menu
- fish croquetteThe fish dishes, including the ceviche, were just okay – nothing special. The fish croquette even felt a bit grainy. However, the Dates with Bacon were amazing, and everything was forgiven with the Wagyu Steak.
- happy hour food optionshappy hour is somewhat limited with food options
- saltMy experience at the restaurant involved brisk service and solid American bar food offerings. However, I would advise asking for a bit less salt on your dishes.
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight, offering a consistently enjoyable and often impressive dining experience. While a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark or be a tad salty, you can generally expect delicious and well-prepared meals that will leave you satisfied.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
The service here truly shines, boasting a strong 8.5 score and an impressive 84.2% customer satisfaction! With 64 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the friendly, knowledgeable staff and excellent, accommodating service. Many highlight the engaged team, from servers to bartenders, who go above and beyond to make your visit special.
However, its not entirely flawless. Among 76 total comments, 9 mentioned minor hiccups like occasional waiting for drinks or a server being spread thin. While generally good, a few experiences noted slow service or issues with pours, suggesting theres a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
76
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Excellent, accommodating service
- Engaged team
What people don't like
- Occasional slow service
- Waiting for drinks
Often praised
- serviceWhen in town, you just have to stop by and enjoy ALL that is offered by them! The experience was fantastic across the board, with excellent service, a wonderful atmosphere, and truly delicious food.
- staffThe staff are incredibly friendly & helpful too - very attentive.
- customer serviceThe attention to customer service the bartender paid to us is excellent and exceptional
- serverOur server was very accommodating and patient
- serversservers were super knowledgeable
- teamThe team here is amazing.
- wine recommendationsHe also helped out with making wine recommendations
- 2 year oldmaking sure our 2 year old was comfortable
- Alex and MorganAlex and Morgan were amazing from the first minute
- Alex, Jose, Valentina, and NikkiAlex, Jose, Valentina, and Nikki all made my experience so memorable.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe meatballs aren't as good as those at Battuto, but they are still succulent. The only hiccup was the service. I wanted to order another glass of wine, but after waiting 20 minutes while sipping my glass of water, we decided to leave.
- ServiceService was poor
- food menuHe took the food menu away before asking us to order
- poursThe pours were awkwardly leveled and small
- serverOur server was spread very thin
- serversHarder to flag down servers to get our food orders in
- server’s recommendationgot a, “Yeah that’s what I said” in response
- waitingThe only hiccup was the service. I wanted to order another glass of wine, but after waiting 20 minutes while sipping my glass of water, we decided to leave. A shame.
Overall, you can expect a really positive service experience here. While there might be an occasional wait, the friendly and knowledgeable staff make it well worth a visit. It's definitely a place where the team goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.6%. With 44 positive remarks out of 52 total, guests rave about the intimate, hidden speakeasy style area and the overall cozy location. Many appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and live music, creating a unique and elevated dining experience perfect for socializing or a romantic meal.
However, its not without its minor drawbacks, with 7 negative comments. Some found the noise level to be loud, making conversation difficult in the noisy space. There were also mentions of a greasy table and the room being a little dark or cold', suggesting occasional minor discomforts.
Ambience
52
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Speakeasy style area
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Live music
What people don't like
- Loud environment
- Greasy tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe whole place feels intimate and a bit hidden, which makes the experience even more special
- ambianceambiance struck a perfect balance between being cozy and open
- placegreat place for a quick drink
- spaceThey created a warm, inviting space
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Europe a vibeVery Europe a vibe
- ambienceThe staff were also incredibly friendly & helpful, and very attentive. While this place is known for its private parties, I can’t recommend this establishment highly enough for an ambience that’s perfect for meeting with friends or a romantic meal. Will be back soon!
- basement private roomsThe basement private rooms are very cool
- business drink and mealsThis is a great place for business drink and meals.
- chill and sitwant to chill and sit
Frequently criticized
- roomthe room was alittle dark
- loudthe restaurant was so loud we could hardly hear each other speak
- noisethe noise - it was a little loud for my taste
- noisyCan be a little bit noisy for lunch
- spaceVery loud space
- tableThe table we sat at seemed a bit greasy
If you're seeking a unique, cozy spot with a great vibe and live music, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that it can get a bit loud, so it might not be ideal for very quiet conversations.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a tiny glimmer of hope, with 1 positive feedback point out of 11 total. Guests did appreciate the wines being offered at a good price, suggesting a potential bright spot if youre just looking to enjoy a bottle without breaking the bank. However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, reflected in a poor score of just 3.1 and a very low customer satisfaction of 9.1%.
With 10 negative comments, many found the place expensive, citing high prices for everything else and a general lack of value. Concerns also arose from billing errors and unexpected admin fees, adding to the overall cost.
Value
11
Reviews
9%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good wine prices
What people don't like
- High prices
- Hidden fees
- Billing errors
Often praised
- winesWines at a good price
Frequently criticized
- admin feeadded a 6% “admin fee”
- billing errorscharged for 14 people while only 13 had dinner
- costnot worth it
- everything elseEverything else is incredible overpriced
- expensive placeExpensive place!
- extra costended up paying around $200-250 extra
- pint of beercharging $12 for a pint of beer
- pricePrice was a bit steep
- pricesprices aren't very happy in comparison to other places
- valueI just couldn’t see the value
If youre watching your wallet, this spot might not be your best bet. While the wines might be reasonably priced, the general sentiment points to high costs and unexpected charges. Be prepared for a potentially steep bill, as many guests felt it simply wasnt worth the price.
How are the prices at The Barrel Room?
On average, you’ll spend around 65 $ per person – from 22 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While many diners find themselves comfortably in that $61–$70 sweet spot, we also see a good number exploring options in the higher 71 – 101 $+ ranges. This suggests a nice mix of experiences, from a solid mid-range meal to something a bit more premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair for the experience. It offers a good balance, with options for different budgets within a quality setting.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Barrel Room
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional Experience at The Barrel Room!
I cannot say enough good things about The Barrel Room! We were able to secure a reservation for our party of 7 on short notice, and upon arrival, we were seated promptly. The wine flights were phenomenal, and we thoroughly enjoyed three different appetizers and a variety of entrees, all of which were excellent.
My personal favorite was the short rib Ragu, which was outstanding. We concluded our meal with a piping hot and very tasty brownie and vanilla bean gelato. The service was on point, the food was great, and the atmosphere struck a perfect balance between sophisticated and welcoming.
A truly memorable highlight was the owner personally thanking us and gifting us a bottle of champagne to celebrate our upcoming wedding – an amazing gesture! This was a wonderful and memorable dinner, and I highly recommend dining or hosting an event here!
- wine flights10
- appetizers9
- entrees9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Experience at The Barrel Room
My experience at The Barrel Room was amazing from the moment we arrived. Alex and Morgan created a warm, inviting space where we enjoyed drinks before our meal. The night featured incredibly coordinated service with amazing food, beautiful wines, and perfect presentation.
I'm especially grateful for the amazing care the entire staff took in curating the menu to accommodate a special dietary need. It was a perfect way to welcome a newly married couple into their new life.
- Alex and Morgan10
- space9
- food10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Cool speakeasy with great service
My experience at the restaurant was very cool. The basement private rooms are a unique feature, requiring a walk through the kitchens to reach a hidden, "speakeasy" style area. The service was impeccable.
- basement private rooms9
- speakeasy style area9
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Delicious and Special Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely delicious from start to finish. The cheese croquettes, cocktails, and burger were all incredibly tasty. The service was top-notch, described as professional, discreet, and very attentive.
The atmosphere of the place is intimate and a bit hidden, which made the overall experience even more special. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be coming back!
- cheese croquettes10
- cocktails10
- burger10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, with tremendous food and excellent service. The wine flights and the food made the visit fun and special. You have to see the size of the charcuterie board!
- tremendous food10
- excellent service10
- wine flights9
What The Barrel Room offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What dining options and services does The Barrel Room offer?
At The Barrel Room, you can enjoy a full dining experience with options for lunch, dinner, and dessert, all served with table service. They also provide convenient takeout service if you prefer to enjoy your meal elsewhere. Reservations are accepted and recommended for dinner.
Is The Barrel Room accessible and what amenities are available?
Yes, The Barrel Room is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restrooms. You’ll also find a gender-neutral restroom and a bar onsite, ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests.
What are the main strengths of The Barrel Room?
Guests frequently praise the exceptional service, the quality of the food and drinks, and the generally inviting ambiance. Many find it a great spot for both casual and business gatherings.
What should I be aware of before visiting The Barrel Room?
Some patrons have noted that the value can be a concern due to expensive prices for certain items. The ambiance can also get quite loud, which might affect conversation during peak times.
How does The Barrel Room score overall?
The restaurant has a strong overall score of 8.1. Its highest marks are for Service (8.5) and Food (8.3), followed by Ambience (8.1). However, Value (3.1) is an area where it scores lower.