Highlights
- Sports
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Brixton – San Francisco
The Brixton - San Francisco
Photo from The Brixton
The Brixton at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 23 of the guests
#2063 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#108 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
361
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Tasty food
- Lively atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Overpriced
- Loud crowded
- Inconsistent drinks
The restaurant The Brixton, an American restaurant nestled in the vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood of San Francisco, invites you to experience a blend of casual comfort and trendy vibes. You’ll find yourself drawn to the cozy ambiance, especially with the inviting fireplace, perfect for unwinding.
Whether you’re catching a game or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, this spot offers a welcoming retreat where you can relax and savor delicious American fare.
Overview: Introducting The Brixton
The Brixton offers a lively spot with generally well-regarded food and a friendly atmosphere. Many appreciate the attentive staff and the overall vibe, making it a popular choice for a casual outing.
However, some experiences point to occasional issues with service speed and concerns about value, particularly outside of special offers. It’s a place that seems to have its moments of brilliance alongside areas needing refinement.
Good
6.3
out of 10
361
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
120
negative
28
neutral
213
positive
The Brixton holds a Restaurant Score of 6.3, indicating an average overall experience, with Customer Satisfaction at 59%, placing it in the mixed category. This assessment is drawn from 361 customer observations, comprising 213 positive and 120 negative remarks.
It suggests that while many find aspects enjoyable, there’s room for improvement in consistency. Looking closer, Food (7.1) is a strong point, often praised for its quality, and the Ambience (6.9) also contributes positively to the experience.
However, Service (4.9) appears to be a more average aspect, and Value (4.2) is where guests express the most reservations, often citing pricing concerns.
What people like
- Tasty food options
- Lively atmosphere
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Loud, crowded space
- Inconsistent drink quality
If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with generally good food and a welcoming atmosphere, The Brixton could be a decent option. The Recommendation Score of 6.4 suggests it’s worth considering, especially if you prioritize a lively setting over quiet dining.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and pricing, particularly if you’re not taking advantage of their noted happy hour deals. It’s a place that offers enjoyable moments, but perhaps not without a few caveats.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Brixton
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally earns a solid 7.1, landing it firmly in the good category. Many guests absolutely rave about the delicious cocktails, tasty appetizers, and standout dishes like the Brixton Burger and Chilaquiles. With 106 positive remarks, there's clearly a lot to love on the menu.
However, customer satisfaction for the food is a bit more mixed at 68.4%, suggesting some room for improvement. While the positive feedback outweighs the negative, 32 critical comments highlight issues such as inconsistent burger patties (sometimes raw!), disappointing Old Fashioneds, and even concerns about food poisoning. It seems quality can vary.
Food
155
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
32
negative
17
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Creative cocktails
- Quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Poor drink execution
- Food safety concerns
Often praised
- foodI ordered the prime rib special with a glass of cabernet sauvignon, while my friend opted for a burger and Black label scotch. The waiter was very friendly and attentive, and the food was good. My positive experience was partly due to the friendly welcome we received, especially given how tired and sore I was.
- drinksThe server we always have, though I forget her name, is consistently the sweetest and most attentive, even when the restaurant is crazy busy on a Sunday football night. The food is good and the drinks are delicious. It's definitely one of my favorite spots to visit on Union.
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a cool and hip joint that serves good cocktails and great appetizers. They have big screens and show sports, which adds to the atmosphere.
- French toastThe food was tasty, though the chicken salad, while delicious, wasn't quite filling enough for my appetite. The French toast was quite good. We'll definitely return to try more of their menu offerings.
- cocktailMy cocktail was inventive and refreshing
- BLTAI added smoked salmon to this one which I highly recommend. The bread is fantastic
- Braxton burger and friesHad the Braxton burger and fries. We recommend it.
- Brixton Burgera pretty darn good Brixton Burger with fries
- BurgerBurger – sloppy and fantastic. the flavor made up for any of the drips
- ChilaquilasThe Chilaquilas were excellent
Frequently criticized
- Moscow muleMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I paid $15 for a weak Moscow mule on Thirsty Thursday. The bartender made no effort to accommodate us or communicate the menu for Thirsty Thursday, which promised a $5 cocktail.
- foodfood was either super salty, super sweet or way too cheesy
- Coronai never got my corona :(
- NachosNachos are the definition of white people taco night
- Old FashionedProbably the worst old fashion I’ve ever had.
- au jusHe wasn’t crazy about the au jus…lacking a bit of flavor
- broccoli cheddar soupBroccoli cheddar soup was disperaging and ultimately left me depressed.
- burgerThe burger was over cooked
- chicken saladOur waitress was friendly and efficient, and our food and drinks arrived promptly. The food was tasty, though the chicken salad, while delicious, wasn't quite filling enough for my appetite. The French toast was quite good.
- chips and guacamole/salsaor the chips and guacamole/salsa
If you're eyeing this spot, know that many find the food and drinks quite enjoyable, especially the creative cocktails and popular dishes. Just be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as some guests have faced issues with food quality and drink execution.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
Many guests found the service to be quite pleasant, with 45 positive comments highlighting friendly staff, attentive servers, and even specific shout-outs to bartenders and management. Patrons often appreciated a friendly welcome and being seated immediately, setting a good tone for their visit. However, with 53 negative comments, the service experience can be a mixed bag, reflected in a 4.9 score and 43.7% customer satisfaction.
Issues frequently mentioned include slow service, inattentive staff, and disorganized management, sometimes leading to frustrating waits or unprofessional interactions.
Service
103
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
53
negative
5
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Prompt seating
- Great bartenders
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Disorganized management
- Unprofessional staff behavior
Often praised
- serviceHowever, the food was a letdown, with dishes being either super salty, super sweet, or way too cheesy. On the positive side, the presentation was well done, the service was good, and the atmosphere was nice. I also appreciated the bumpin' playlist.
- staffThey also offer a new weekend brunch menu, with outdoor seating available. I definitely suggest giving it a try and saying hello to the super friendly and welcoming staff. It was an enjoyable time watching the Warriors beat the Celtics in the playoffs.
- serverThe server we always have is always the sweetest and most attentive
- bartenderThe bartender came to our high top several times
- food and drinksThe music was initially pleasant, though it did get a bit louder when they switched to a sports channel. Our waitress was friendly and efficient, and our food and drinks arrived promptly. The food was tasty, though the chicken salad, while delicious, wasn't quite filling enough for my appetite.
- waitressOur waitress was friendly and efficient
- LiaLia was AMAZING! So sweet and brought the energy up
- Rachel and her teamIt was an enjoyable time watching the Warriors beat the Celtics in the playoffs. Rachel and her team were amazing, even with the big, boisterous, and fun crowd. I recommend the bang bang shrimp 🍤!
- bartendersBartenders were great
- busboysbus boys was really nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceBrixton boasts a nice classy looking aesthetic, but the service is extremely slow, even when it's not busy. I ordered a drink during happy hour and was charged full price 😕.
- bartenderNo one asked how it was. We sat at the bar (we never saw the bartender at the end of the bar or spoke to him once, except to pay the bill; this was the same for other guests as well). Ten minutes after our food arrived, we had to again flag someone down and ask for a napkin and silverware.
- staffTen minutes after our food arrived, we had to again flag someone down and ask for a napkin and silverware. The reason why myself and the rest of the restaurant and bar wasn’t getting any service was because the staff was all congratulating at the back together with each other and seriously weren’t checking on anyone. It was so shocking I took a photo.
- Basic serviceBasic service not there
- advertised drink specialThe place was overpacked, likely exceeding its fire code capacity. To make matters worse, the bartender and manager refused to serve us an advertised drink special even though we were within the specified time frame. They then proceeded to serve us drinks with mid-shelf alcohol without asking.
- attentionshe turned her head away to assist another group
- bar staffbar staff are so unprofessional
- bartender behaviorShe then proceeded to serve multiple other customers before me and blatantly ignored my order. When I called her out, she tried to have me kicked out. All I wanted was my bottled Corona.
- card readerquickly snatched back the card reader from my hands
- checkAlways have to ask for check
Service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While many rave about friendly and attentive staff, others have faced significant issues with slow or disorganized service. If you're willing to take a chance, you might have a great experience, but be prepared for potential hiccups.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 6.9 and a customer satisfaction of 70.4%, its clear most folks enjoy the vibe. Many of the 57 positive comments rave about the lively atmosphere, beautiful decor, and great music.
Youll find a welcoming, open space with spacious outdoor seating, perfect for a good time. However, its not always a quiet retreat. Some of the 19 negative remarks point to it being quite loud and crowded, especially when overpacked.
If youre looking for a relaxed, quiet dining experience, the noisy atmosphere might be a bit much, making it hard to hear conversations.
Ambience
81
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
19
negative
5
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, welcoming atmosphere
- Beautiful decor, aesthetic
- Spacious outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Often crowded
- Hard to hear
Often praised
- atmosphereHowever, the food was a letdown, with dishes being either super salty, super sweet, or way too cheesy. On the positive side, the presentation was well done, the service was good, and the atmosphere was nice. I also appreciated the bumpin' playlist.
- outdoor seatingThe menu is clearly designed for those seeking a warm and welcoming location to enjoy company, whether solo or in a group, over a meal or an impromptu gathering. They also offer a new weekend brunch menu, with outdoor seating available. I definitely suggest giving it a try and saying hello to the super friendly and welcoming staff.
- ambianceNice ambiance and it’s a big restaurant and bar
- vibeMy experience at the restaurant was delicious with a good vibe and the best service! We recommend the vegetable pasta and the white beans starter.
- interiorMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The ambiance was definitely a highlight, with a nice interior and a great vibe. It's a big restaurant and bar, which contributes to the overall atmosphere.
- decorMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful! It's the cutest restaurant with amazing decor, food, and service. The waitress was super nice and helpful in letting us know what options are vegetarian.
- musicthe music was shockingly great
- Brixton San FranMy love for the band of horses started at the Brixton San Fran
- aestheticBrixton boasts a nice classy looking aesthetic, but the service is extremely slow, even when it's not busy. I ordered a drink during happy hour and was charged full price 😕.
- ambienceambience inside was lovely
Frequently criticized
- noiseThis restaurant does get loud tho
- placeSad to see the weight of Father Time slowly drag this place down
- COVID-19security doesn’t care about covid 19
- Covid-19 restrictionsnobody care’s about Covid-19 restrictions
- atmospherejust loud and crowded
- barcreepy and cheap bar
- hearingIt was hard to move around and even harder to hear anyone talk. While it might appeal to a younger crowd looking to socialize, it's definitely not a great spot if you value your hearing or prefer a more relaxed dining experience where you don't have to worry about getting a drink spilled on you.
- large crowdsThe restaurant claimed to be part of the NYE pub crawl online, but upon arrival, they stated they were not participating. This led to confusion and a negative experience, especially as they couldn't handle the large crowds associated with such an event.
- maskno mask in side and security guards even dont wear mask
- musictoo load music
If you're seeking a lively, energetic spot with a great vibe for a fun night out or a group hangout, this place is definitely worth checking out. However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting where conversation flows easily, you might find the noise and crowds a bit overwhelming.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag. On the bright side, some patrons rave about the fantastic Happy Hour deals and competitive pricing, especially noting the lowest prices theyve encountered for certain offerings. With 5 positive remarks out of 22 total, there are definitely moments where the value shines.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a customer satisfaction of just 22.7% and an average score of 4.2. Many of the 16 negative comments highlight concerns about overpriced drinks and food, unexpected hidden charges like cover fees, and general feelings that the price of food doesnt match the quality.
Value
22
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great Happy Hour deals
- Competitive happy hour pricing
- Lowest prices found
What people don't like
- Overpriced food, drinks
- Unexpected hidden charges
- Inconsistent item pricing
Often praised
- Happy HourThey have Happy Hour from 5pm to Closing
- Happy Hour dealTheir Happy Hour deal is such an amazing deal
- happy hourThis is my favorite place in town. They have happy hour all day on Thursdays, with great deals like $3 beers, $4 wells, and $5 select foods. I've visited many bars, and this one has the nicest bar with the lowest prices I've encountered.
- lowest priceslowest prices yet ive visited
- pricingHow can you beat these pricing
Frequently criticized
- priceSuper weird. Overall, the food was okay but overpriced.
- Thirsty Thursdaymenu for thirsty Thursday that promised a $5 cocktail
- burger$22 for a burger challenges Spruce… only in price
- chips and guaccharged us for FREE chips and guac
- cover chargethere’s a cover charge, $5 per person
- drink pricingInitially, I ordered three gin and tonics with Hendricks gin and was charged $40. Later, about 30 minutes after my first order, I ordered two more of the same drinks, and a different bartender charged me $33. This inconsistency in pricing for the same order was notable.
- drinks$15 drinks plus tax plus SF Mandate plus tip and you’re at well over $20 per drink
- hidden chargescharged us for FREE chips and guac after we ordered
- overpricedTo top it off, they quickly snatched back the card reader while we were questioning the price, before we could even select a tip option. If you're not into overpriced, overcrowded, sweaty bars with shifty management and staff, I wouldn’t recommend The Brixton.
- price of foodWe came to have the impossible burger and left disappointed of equality. This place has a nice atmosphere, but the price of the food does not match the quality.
If you're looking for a great deal, aim for their Happy Hour, as that seems to be where the value truly lies. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially high prices and unexpected fees that could leave you feeling less than satisfied.
How are the prices at The Brixton?
You’re looking at roughly 37 per person – reported by 23 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what others spend, prices are quite spread out, with many diners opting for options a bit above this average, suggesting a nice mix of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 23 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant, especially considering the variety of options available to diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Brixton
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Food Great, Service Lacking
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. We were seated immediately, which was a good start. However, we then experienced a significant wait time of over 20 minutes before anyone attended to us, and I had to flag down the waitress.
While the alcohol arrived quickly, we faced another wait for water. Fortunately, the food itself was excellent and, to some extent, made up for the poor service. I'm unsure if dining on a Sunday made a difference, but I would consider returning another time, as it seems many reviews focus on brunch/lunch.
- seated immediately8
- alcohol7
- food9
- wait time2
- flag down the waitress3
- water3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Cozy Autumn Dinner with Great Food
We were seated Al Fresco, near the fireplace, which made for a comfortable autumn evening. Our server was pleasant and engaged in great banter, leading to a few laughs. We started with a wonton starter, perfectly portioned to tide us over.
For the main course, I enjoyed the baby's back ribs, which were very meaty and plentiful. Our friends raved about their shrimp and claim linguini. My husband's French dip was massive with a good amount of meat, though he found the au jus lacking in flavor, suggesting room for improvement.
Overall, I'd recommend a visit for the great options available in the neighborhood.
- fireplace9
- server9
- wonton starter8
- au jus4
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Terrible Service, Avoid This Place
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the service. The male host with glasses was particularly unhelpful; he completely ignored me when I stood right in front of him. This level of poor service is concerning and could potentially ruin the establishment.
- service1
- male host1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Community Spot with Amazing Food
I’ve been coming here for years, and it’s such a great community spot where you always feel welcome. I used to go more at night for drinks with friends, but lately I’ve been hooked on the food menu. Just had the Micky D’s breakfast and they nailed it.
It totally hit that fast-food craving, but with legit quality ingredients. The hash browns 🔥🔥 were perfect – such a fun, creative menu item with perfect crisp, flavor, and texture.
- Micky D’s breakfast9
- quality ingredients9
- hash browns10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Food, Vibe, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! The food was incredibly delicious, and the service was great. The atmosphere truly is a vibe, complemented by a beautiful interior and exceptional cleanliness.
I'd give it 10 stars!
- food10
- service10
- vibe10
What The Brixton offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Salad bar
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and family-friendly features does The Brixton offer?
At The Brixton, you can enjoy a wide range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with table service available. For families, you’ll appreciate the dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables, making it a great spot for children.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you expect at The Brixton?
You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere at The Brixton, perfect for a relaxed outing. Amenities include clean restrooms, free Wi-Fi to stay connected, and a convenient bar onsite. Plus, you can even bring your dog along as pets are allowed.
What is the overall customer sentiment for The Brixton?
The Brixton has a Restaurant Score of 6.3 and Customer Satisfaction at 59%, indicating a mixed experience. While Food (7.1) and Ambience (6.9) are generally positive, Service (4.9) and Value (4.2) are more average.
Does The Brixton offer good value for money?
The Brixton is noted for its attractive Happy Hour deals, which many customers find to be good value. However, some regular menu items and drinks are frequently mentioned as being overpriced.
What is the atmosphere like at The Brixton?
The Brixton generally offers a lively and engaging atmosphere, often praised for its good music and decor. However, it can get quite loud and crowded, which might not suit everyone.