Highlights
- Live music
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Blue Light – San Francisco
The Blue Light - San Francisco
Photo from The Blue Light
The Blue Light at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 21 of the guests
#1323 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#104 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
218
Reviews
74.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Solid food
- Good value
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness issues
- Safety concerns
- Service variability
The restaurant The Blue Light is a vibrant Bar & Pub located in San Francisco’s lively Cow Hollow neighborhood. Here, you can immerse yourself in an energetic atmosphere where live music sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable night out.
It’s a casual yet trendy spot where you’ll find great beer and plenty of entertainment, making it an ideal destination for a fun evening.
Overview: Introducting The Blue Light
The Blue Light offers a lively setting where patrons enjoy a casual, social atmosphere, often highlighted by its engaging vibe and diverse crowd. Many appreciate the solid bar food and a selection of drinks that contribute to a relaxed outing.
However, some experiences point to areas needing attention, particularly regarding general upkeep. While the establishment provides a fun environment with options like Mario Kart and sports viewing, there have been mentions of less appealing aspects, such as dirty bathrooms .
The overall impression suggests a place with strong points for casual enjoyment, but with some practical considerations for visitors.
Good
7.3
out of 10
218
Reviews
74.3%
Satisfaction
44
negative
12
neutral
162
positive
The Blue Light achieves a respectable overall score of 7.3, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. This is further supported by a customer satisfaction rate of 74.3%, suggesting that a significant majority leave content.
The Food stands out as a strong point with a score of (8.2), often praised for its quality and variety, especially the tacos and bar fare. Value also performs well at (7.1), with many finding prices reasonable for both food and drinks.
While Ambience (6.9) and Service (6.7) are rated as good, they show a bit more variability in feedback. These scores are derived from a total of 218 customer opinions, comprising 162 positive remarks and 44 negative observations, providing a balanced view of the establishment.
What people like
- Solid bar food
- Good drink value
- Lively social atmosphere
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Personal item safety
- Service inconsistencies
With a recommendation score of 7.5, The Blue Light is certainly worth considering if you’re looking for a casual spot with good bar food and a lively atmosphere. It’s a place where you can enjoy sports, music, and games without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a relaxed social gathering.
However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding cleanliness and personal item security, as these have been noted as areas for improvement. If you prioritize a fun, energetic setting and decent food over pristine conditions, you’ll likely have a good time here.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Blue Light
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the grub! The food scene here is looking pretty solid, with a score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction hitting a great 83.6%. Based on 56 positive remarks out of 67 total, folks are really digging the tasty Mexican food, especially the tacos, and the generous portions of nachos.
Plus, the drinks, including good beers and delicious margaritas, are consistently praised as a highlight! However, its not all perfect, with 5 negative comments pointing out a few misses. Some found the tenders underwhelming, and there were specific complaints about the hot chocolate being foul-tasting, with hints of curdled milk.
Also, the Jell-O shots ran out quickly, which was a bummer for some.
Food
67
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
5
negative
6
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious tacos
- Great drinks selection
- Generous nacho portions
What people don't like
- Foul hot chocolate
- Limited Jell-O shots
Often praised
- foodthe new food/tacos that they’re serving up are solid
- drinksand the drinks..... Let's just say I felt way to tipsey
- bar foodthe epitome of what good bar food should be
- cocktailsThe cocktails were great
- tacosthe new food/tacos that they’re serving up are solid
- Drinks in linethey have Drinks in line while you wait for a table
- FoodFood is simple, yet satisfying
- Taco Tuesdaybeen for the Taco Tuesday
- Unlimited free Appetizer partyWe came to Blue Light Bar for the Unlimited free Appetizer party, which we won in a giveaway, and we had a blast. The staff were friendly & attentive and even allowed us to bring a birthday cake, offering to turn off the music so we could sing happy birthday.
- Wing Wednesdayand the Wing Wednesday
Frequently criticized
- Jell-O shotsThe atmosphere included a pool table in the back and decent music, though it's not much of a dance floor. We tried Jell-O shots, but they ran out very quickly.
- curdled milkWhile the drinks were overpriced, this was noted as average for the city. However, the hot chocolate was a major letdown, with a terrible, foul taste and hints of curdled milk. To make matters worse, a tip was added to my drink order without my consent.
- hot chocolateterrible, foul tasting hot chocolate
- hot toddyunfortunately, the cloves were overabundant
- tendersordered tenders off the menu
If youre looking for a spot with great bar food, especially tacos and nachos, and a fantastic drink selection, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just maybe steer clear of the hot chocolate and dont get your heart set on Jell-O shots.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Based on 41 positive remarks out of 61 total, the service here often shines! With a good score of 6.7, many guests rave about the friendly and attentive staff, especially the fantastic bartenders and even the charismatic security guard Gabriel. It seems the team often goes the extra mile, making for a pleasant experience.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, with 67.2% customer satisfaction indicating a mixed bag. There are 19 negative comments, highlighting serious concerns like phones being stolen or guests being roofied. Other issues include complaints about certain bartenders, staff letting minors in, or even added tips, suggesting some areas definitely need attention.
Service
61
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
19
negative
1
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great bartenders
- Charismatic security
What people don't like
- Safety incidents
- Inconsistent bartender service
- Minors present
Often praised
- bartendersThe bartenders were absolutely fabulous, attentive and friendly.
- staffWe came to Blue Light Bar for the Unlimited free Appetizer party, which we won in a giveaway, and we had a blast. The staff were friendly & attentive and even allowed us to bring a birthday cake, offering to turn off the music so we could sing happy birthday. The appetizers were delicious and served as the perfect munchies for a night out drinking.
- serviceThe service was great and heartfelt.
- bartenderBartender apologized, made me another, and bought me a round
- DerekDerek runs that show pretty good he's on point
- DomDom is the best and works so hard
- GabeGabe was very accommodating
- GabrielGabriel is amazing, he made the night for us!!!
- ServiceService was amazing
- StaffStaff is friendly and fast
Frequently criticized
- bartenderwatched the bartender...take my card in a pile
- ServiceService:1
- added a tipthey added a tip to my drink
- cardleft my card behind the bar
- card roulettelet another patron choose a card in a game of card roulette
- experienceAwful experience
- minorsThey also let minors in
- no reasonable explanationthey had no reasonable explanation
- phone stolenMy phone got stolen here and they did absolutely nothing
- phones stolen10+ people had their phones taken
The service here presents a mixed experience. While many rave about the friendly and attentive staff, particularly the bartenders, significant safety concerns and inconsistent service are notable. If you prioritize a lively atmosphere with good bar staff, it might be worth a visit, but stay vigilant about your belongings.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the right notes, with a 6.9 score indicating a good experience and customer satisfaction at a solid 72.4%. Many of the 55 positive comments out of 76 total praise the lively atmosphere, often highlighting the great DJ, live music, and overall good vibe. It's a popular spot for sports fans with plenty of TVs and a fun pool table in the back.
However, not everyone finds the atmosphere perfect. Some of the 17 negative remarks point to issues like loud music, a small dance floor, and even concerns about personal belongings being stolen, which is quite serious. There were also mentions of low-effort holiday decorations and unsanitary conditions in the bathrooms, suggesting some areas need attention.
Ambience
76
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively music and DJ
- Great sports viewing
- Fun social vibe
What people don't like
- Safety concerns
- Unsanitary conditions
- Loud music issues
Often praised
- atmosphereall different age groups everybody is friendly and happy eating and drinking
- barawesome good ol fashion bar to chill
- musicMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great prices and generous portions of nachos. The atmosphere included a pool table in the back and decent music, though it's not much of a dance floor. We tried Jell-O shots, but they ran out very quickly.
- pool tablethere’s a pool table in the back
- TVsTV's are plentiful, and any game you want is either on or can be requested
- sportsLove sports, booze, and food?
- vibeI really enjoyed the vibe
- DJThe drinks, the DJ, it’s all amazing!!!
- Mario Karthad Mario Kart?! so fun
- NFL football gamesA joy to watch NFL football games
Frequently criticized
- Latino musicDO NOT COME HERE IF YOU ARE LATINO! They would not play 1 bad bunny song because “they don’t play Latino music” … ummmmmmm idk about yall but that is absolute insane …
- San Francisco vibeKids looking for “San Francisco” vibe
- bathroomsthe bathrooms are disgusting
- dance floorNot much of a dance floor
- dangerousI would advise caution and to watch your personal belongings, as over 10 people had their phones stolen. It was a very scary and dangerous situation.
- establishmentaggressively BARKING at people walking by this establishment
- glassthe glass i was served my beverage in was dirty
- holiday decorationsholiday decorations were low effort
- kitchenThe kitchen is gross looking
- local barNot a local bar at all
If you're looking for a lively spot with music, sports, and a good crowd, this place often delivers a fun time. However, be mindful of your belongings and manage expectations regarding cleanliness and the dance floor, especially on busy nights.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Value here generally hits the mark, with a solid 71.4% of customers walking away happy, and a score of 7.1 indicating its quite good. Many folks rave about the reasonable prices, especially for cheap eats and during happy hours. The drinks, including those famous $2 beers, often get a good price mention, based on 10 positive remarks.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A few guests, based on 3 negative opinions, have voiced concerns about overpriced drinks and even feeling like they were overcharged. While these instances seem isolated, it's something to keep an eye on.
Value
14
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Cheap eats available
- Great happy hours
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks
- Watch for overcharging
Often praised
- pricesI visited on Taco Tuesday and was impressed by the great prices and excellent birria tacos. While I was there, I was watching the NBA playoffs.
- $2 beersgoing back for the $2 beers
- PricesPrices are reasonable
- cheap eatsCheap eats
- drinksDrinks reasonable priced
- good pricefor a good price
- happy hoursenjoying happy hours
- nachos priceonly $7!!
- priceWe were happy to find this place and were seated right away. The food was amazing and priced well. The service was also amazing.
Frequently criticized
- charged $36I was charged $36 instead
- over charge mepossibly over charge me
- overpriced drinksoverpriced drinks
Overall, this spot offers good value, especially if youre looking for cheap eats or happy hour deals. Just be mindful of drink prices, as a few experiences suggest they can sometimes be a bit high. Its definitely worth checking out for the right occasion.
How are the prices at The Blue Light?
On average, you’ll spend around 20 per person – from 21 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While most diners find themselves in this sweet spot, a good portion also spend a bit more, indicating a nice variety of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 21 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. Youre getting good value for a city known for its higher costs.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Blue Light
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.)
9
Fun Trivia Night with Great Food and Drinks!
I always have a great time at Blue Light! I came here for Thursday night trivia, and it was so fun. We split the el Rey burrito with my friend and enjoyed some delicious margaritas with it.
The kitchen even brought us some free churros! All the staff here are super friendly and personable.
- el Rey burrito8
- margaritas8
- churros9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Awesome Food and Friendly Staff!
My experience at The Blue Light restaurant was awesome. The food was great, and the staff was friendly. I had a wonderful time and would recommend this place.
- food10
- friendly staff10
- wonderful time10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Awesome Bar with Great Drinks and Food!
My experience at this bar was awesome! The bartenders were so nice and made awesome drinks. The kitchen was also awesome, and I tried one of their burgers, which was fantastic.
I particularly enjoy visiting on Sundays when they have a karaoke crew. I always have a fun time coming out and meeting new people to sing with!
- bartenders10
- drinks10
- kitchen10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Fantastic Appetizer Party at Blue Light Bar!
We came to Blue Light Bar for the Unlimited free Appetizer party, which we won in a giveaway, and we had a blast. The staff were friendly & attentive and even allowed us to bring a birthday cake, offering to turn off the music so we could sing happy birthday. The appetizers were delicious and served as the perfect munchies for a night out drinking.
We highly recommend checking out The Blue Light Bar if you are in the Marina, and we will definitely be coming back soon!
- Unlimited free Appetizer party10
- staff10
- appetizers9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Night with Great Service!
My experience at the restaurant was truly amazing! Gabriel, our server, made the night for us. The drinks and the DJ were all fantastic.
The overall atmosphere and service were top-notch, contributing to a memorable evening.
- drinks9
- DJ9
- Gabriel10
What The Blue Light offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment and atmosphere can you expect at The Blue Light?
At The Blue Light, you can immerse yourself in a casual and trendy atmosphere. Enjoy live music and live performances, challenge your friends to bar games, or hit the dance floor. It’s a vibrant spot for a fun night out in Cow Hollow.
What food and drink options are available, and can you get delivery?
The Blue Light offers a great selection of food, including options to eat at the bar. You’ll find a wide range of beverages, from beer and wine to cocktails and other alcoholic drinks. For your convenience, dine-in, outdoor seating, delivery, and no-contact delivery services are all available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for The Blue Light?
The Blue Light has an overall score of 7.3 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 74.3%. Food is highly rated at 8.2, followed by Value at 7.1, Ambience at 6.9, and Service at 6.7.
What kind of food and drinks can I expect at The Blue Light?
Customers often praise the solid bar food, especially the tacos, and find the cocktails and other drinks to be good and reasonably priced. They also have special events like Taco Tuesday and Wing Wednesday.
What is the atmosphere like at The Blue Light?
The Blue Light offers a lively atmosphere with a pool table, decent music, and plenty of TVs for sports. It’s described as having a good vibe for socializing, though some patrons have noted concerns about bathroom cleanliness and personal item safety.