Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Detour – San Francisco
The Detour - San Francisco
Photo from The Detour
The Detour at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#1052 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#83 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
488
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lively atmosphere
- Good food/drinks
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- High prices/fees
- Broken games
The bar & pub The Detour in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood offers you a fantastic spot to catch the game. This casual and trendy establishment is well-known for its lively atmosphere, where you can enjoy sports, engage in bar games, and explore a great beer selection.
It’s the perfect place to unwind with friends.
Overview: Introducting The Detour
The Detour offers a lively experience, often praised for its electric atmosphere and fun games that create a unique hangout spot. Guests frequently commend the friendly staff and quick service, making for an enjoyable visit where great food and strong drinks are often part of the appeal.
However, some visits to The Detour have been marred by rude behavior from staff, particularly bartenders and bouncers, and issues with broken games. There are also concerns about overpriced items and an underwhelming food experience for some, alongside reports of a hidden fee.
Good
7.6
out of 10
488
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
84
negative
31
neutral
373
positive
Looking at the overall picture, The Detour achieves a solid 7.6 restaurant score, indicating a generally good experience for many. This aligns well with a customer satisfaction rate of 76.4%, suggesting that most patrons leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial volume of feedback, with 488 customer comments, including 373 positive remarks against 84 negative ones, providing a credible foundation for these assessments. Delving deeper, the Ambience (8.4) stands out as a strong point, creating an engaging environment.
The Food (7.6) also performs well, often exceeding expectations for this type of venue. However, Service (6.3) presents a more mixed picture, with some experiences being less consistent.
The Value (4.3) is where The Detour faces its biggest challenge, often perceived as needing improvement.
What people like
- Lively arcade atmosphere
- Thoughtful food and drinks
- Friendly, quick staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Overpriced items and fees
- Malfunctioning arcade games
With a recommendation score of 7.7, The Detour generally offers a good time, especially if you prioritize an energetic atmosphere and a unique entertainment experience. It’s a place worth considering for its engaging environment and often well-prepared food and drink selections.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and value, as well as possible issues with game functionality. If you’re seeking a lively arcade bar and can overlook these potential drawbacks, The Detour could be a fun destination.
If not, you might find aspects disappointing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Detour
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a solid 78.2% customer satisfaction. With 122 positive remarks out of 156 total, many patrons rave about the great food and Pan Pacific variety on offer. Dont miss the okonomiyaki tots or the Longanisa Corn Dogs which consistently receive high praise!
However, not every dish is a home run, with 19 comments highlighting areas for improvement. Some guests found small portion sizes to be an issue, particularly with the Wellness Bowl being light for its cost. A few also noted certain items like Nori tots were bland, or wished for more traditional bar food' options.
Food
156
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
19
negative
15
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique, tasty bar food
- Diverse menu options
- Delicious specialty tots
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Some dishes bland
- Specific items overpriced
Often praised
- foodThe staff maintains great attitudes and keeps things moving smoothly. The food was genuinely blown away; the burger is one of the best I've had at any bar – juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. Everything on the menu feels thoughtfully prepared, exceeding expectations for a typical bar.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the great food and strong drinks. The atmosphere was very fun, with a good selection of games.
- FoodFood was good.
- menua menu that isn't the expected or at least outside your normal bar food
- okonomiyaki totslove the okonomiyaki tots
- beerI intended to have a beer and wait for my friends for 15 minutes, but I ended up trying a new beer and playing pinball for an hour. The music was sick, and I got lost for a bit watching people play Smash.
- cocktailsa solid selection of cocktails
- corn dogsunique corn dogs with Polish sausage paired well
- tater totshad the fried cauliflower and tater tots, great!
- Detour Loco MocoRecommended dishes:Detour Loco Moco
Frequently criticized
- foodOur server, TC, was a delight and even made my friend a "surprise" cocktail that was great. My only complaint is that the food was underwhelming. The Wellness Bowl, priced at $20, was a light portion and fairly subpar for the cost.
- Wellness Bowlordered the Wellness Bowl which was $20 but was pretty light portion-wise
- Nori totsHowever, the staff seemed a bit stern-faced. Regarding the food, the "Nori tots" were a little bland, while the "fried cauliflower" was flavorful but felt way too oily.
- Sauvignon Blanc winethe Sauvignon Blanc wine was HORRIBLE!
- amount of foodnot worth the amount of food
- bar foodI'm not a fan of any of the food served here. It really feels like they're trying too hard to have a different menu when all we want is good bar food. The food was a major letdown, scoring a 1 out of 5.
- cocktailsTGI Fridays and outback steakhouse make their cocktails from scratch
- draft beerMore draft beer would be nice
- food portionsthe food portions are VERY small
- menuI'm not a fan of any of the food served here. It really feels like they're trying too hard to have a different menu when all we want is good bar food. The food was a major letdown, scoring a 1 out of 5.
If you're seeking a fun atmosphere with unique and often delicious bar food that goes beyond the usual, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might have smaller portions or a more adventurous flavor profile than expected.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Based on 52 positive remarks out of 85 total customer comments, it seems many folks had a great experience. Youll often find praise for the friendly staff, top-notch service, and awesome bartenders who are quick and attentive.
The overall score for service sits at an average 6.3, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 61.2%, suggesting a decent but not universally stellar performance. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, with 33 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some guests encountered rude door staff, unresponsive bartenders, and a generally sassy attitude from certain employees.
Issues with ID policies and table management also popped up, indicating inconsistency in guest interactions.
Service
85
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
33
negative
0
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Top-notch service
- Quick bar service
What people don't like
- Rude door staff
- Unresponsive bartenders
- Strict ID policies
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a huge arcade gaming, bar, and food place with wonderful servers and quick service. They also host special nights like Trivia and bingo.
- staffVery friendly and attentive staff
- ServiceService:5
- TiffnyTiffny was the most helpful, gracious hostess
- bartenderthe bartender was awesome, very nice and overall cool dude
- friendly staffMy experience at this gay bar was fun! It's a great spot with lots of video games and friendly staff and clientele. The atmosphere inside felt like a sauna.
- BartendersBartenders are friendly and kind
- StaffStaff was great.
- TCOur server, TC, was a delight as well
- bar serviceWhile it can get loud and crowded, that's part of its charm. The bar service is super fast, impressively so given the crowds, ensuring you never wait long for drinks or food. The staff maintains great attitudes and keeps things moving smoothly.
Frequently criticized
- bartendersTerrible bartenders. I have no words for that.
- employeeI would have gladly purchased a drink and become a paying customer, but the employee's confrontational approach prompted me to inform him of my long-standing patronage and the risk he was putting it in jeopardy. He then began yelling and using offensive language, calling me a "white b****" and "c***, " while another employee intervened to physically restrain him. My attempts to de-escalate the situation were met with increased intensity.
- California drivers licenseDoesn’t accept an official California drivers license at the door for entry
- Smash tournamentSmash tournament was lame
- age restrictionwould avoid if your under 21
- attentiongood luck getting any attention on a packed Friday night
- bartenderone of the bartenders was very rude to us
- behaviorExtremely rude behavior.
- board lineyou call their board line, no human answers
- bouncerPut your bouncer in phonics. Just because he doesn’t know how to decipher a driver’s license doesn’t grant him the right to scream at people.
So, should you go? If youre looking for a fun spot with potentially great service and a lively atmosphere, its worth a shot. Just be prepared for a mixed bag, as some experiences suggest the service can be a bit hit-or-miss, especially with door staff and ID checks.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! This spot really nails the atmosphere, earning a solid 8.4 for ambience and a fantastic 88.2% customer satisfaction. With 194 positive remarks out of 220, guests rave about the lively arcade bar feel, packed with fun games and engaging weekly activities.
Its a dog-friendly and welcoming queer space, making it a great place to hang out. However, its not without its quirks. A few of the 14 negative comments mention it can feel a bit small for the crowd, leading to a sometimes crowded and loud bar experience.
While generally positive, a couple of folks noted a weird vibe' when it gets too busy, and some found the layout a bit confusing.
Ambience
220
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
14
negative
12
neutral
194
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively arcade vibe
- Engaging weekly events
- Welcoming, safe space
What people don't like
- Can get crowded
- Loud bar atmosphere
- Confusing layout
Often praised
- atmosphereThis place is a fun hangout spot that never disappoints. The atmosphere is electric, especially on weekends, creating a lively, high-energy bar with a great mix of retro arcade and modern chill vibes. While it can get loud and crowded, that's part of its charm.
- gamesI enjoyed the great food and strong drinks. The atmosphere was very fun, with a good selection of games. Even though the place can be packed, it never felt crowded, which was a pleasant surprise.
- arcade gamesI recently attended their 1st Fridays appt Presentation night, and it was a good time with a great atmosphere. The food was good, they had bar specials, and arcade games. It's a place with a good atmosphere any time.
- arcadeAlthough there's no dance floor, the atmosphere is very upbeat with lively, recognizable dance music. What really stood out was the full arcade, complete with air hockey, shooter games, ski ball, and Frogger. It felt like a safe space and offered a perfect blend of a comfortable sit-down restaurant and a dance bar, all enhanced by the fun games.
- arcadesquite a few arcades with options for consoles as well
- pinballI intended to have a beer and wait for my friends for 15 minutes, but I ended up trying a new beer and playing pinball for an hour. The music was sick, and I got lost for a bit watching people play Smash.
- video gamesI particularly enjoyed the unique corn dogs with Polish sausage, which paired wonderfully with their Tasty Tots. Combined with a perfect variety of video games and a great selection of beers and drinks, this is one of the best arcade bars I've visited in the US.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- great gamesCool bar and great games.
- trivia nightthe place was packed for a trivia night - super fun and lively
Frequently criticized
- gamesMy experience at this arcade was a solid one if you're looking to play some old games. However, I'd recommend bringing your own quarters because most of their change machines were broken, and a good amount of the games were also not working. Despite these issues, they did have a good number of old school games, which still made for a good time.
- classic arcade gamesSome of the classic arcade games are out of order
- coin-op gameevery coin-op game we played ate two quarters before accepting payment
- coinsDefinitely a bar to take friends to have a good time! You need to be careful when changing coins and inserting them into the games, as some do not indicate how many coins they need.
- crowdedit's was crowded
- layoutthe layout can feel a bit confusing
- loud barplaying in the middle of a loud bar
- machinesThere are so many cool games to play, making it definitely a place to visit at least once. However, sadly, lots of machines are going out of service. My advice is to rush to play before they are gone.
- moodThe coin-op games were a hassle, with each one eating two quarters before accepting payment, and getting change back on a packed Friday night was difficult. The unnecessarily sassy attitude from both the bouncer and the bartender really killed the mood. Ultimately, unless you're specifically set on going to the Castro, I'd recommend Emporium on Divis for a cheaper, bigger venue with more bars, bartenders, games, and overall room to move around.
- placeThe place is small which kinds of sucks
If you're looking for a vibrant, game-filled hangout with plenty of events and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for it to get a bit lively and potentially crowded, especially on busy nights.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are some glimmers of hope, especially around the drinks price and reasonably priced games. Some folks found certain drinks to be fair for the city, and the option to plan a budget for events was a plus. With 5 positive remarks out of 27 total, it seems a few experiences hit the mark, particularly for those looking for good prices on specific items.
However, the overall picture for value is a bit murky, with a score of 4.3 (average) and customer satisfaction at a low 18.5% (poor). Many found the food and many drinks to be overpriced, with complaints about hidden fees and confusing tipping expectations or service charges. With 18 negative comments, its clear that the cost often doesnt align with expectations, especially for games and overall spending.
Value
27
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
18
negative
4
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable drink prices
- Affordable game play
What people don't like
- Food overpriced
- Drinks expensive
- Hidden fees
Often praised
- budgetOur event went off without a hitch, largely thanks to Tiffny. She was instrumental in helping us plan the budget for food, drink, and games. I highly recommend asking for her; she's great!
- drinks pricedrinks which were reasonably priced for the city
- good pricesMy experience at this restaurant was awesome! I enjoyed the great food and good drinks, which were also at good prices. The fun games made it a great place to hang with friends or even meet people.
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- reasonably pricedall reasonably priced per play
Frequently criticized
- priceabsolute, overpriced garbage
- Price per person$33 for two, plus tip
- added tipHoping the added tip isn't more than 25%
- change machinesMy experience at this arcade was a solid one if you're looking to play some old games. However, I'd recommend bringing your own quarters because most of their change machines were broken, and a good amount of the games were also not working. Despite these issues, they did have a good number of old school games, which still made for a good time.
- costnot worth the amount of food
- drinksDrinks were crazy expensive though
- foodfood is a bit overpriced imo
- gamesIt's a cool spot overall. It would be great if the games were more affordable, perhaps with an hourly game card option.
- hidden feeThe clientele is really nice too, and they host tons of fun recurring events. Unfortunately, they have a 4% hidden fee, so I'm subtracting 3 stars.
- overpricedif overpriced, and at $14 for a sickly sweet margarita they are definitely overpriced
If youre heading out, be prepared for a mixed bag on value. While some drinks and games might be reasonably priced, many find the food and other beverages quite expensive, often with added fees. Its worth a try if youre mindful of what you order, but it might disappoint if youre expecting great value across the board.
How are the prices at The Detour?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 71 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.
Looking at what everyone else is spending, most folks are right there with you, clustering around the $21–$30 mark, showing prices are pretty consistent around this average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Bar & Pub, we think this pricing feels pretty fair for a good time without breaking the bank. Its a solid choice if you’re looking for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Detour
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fun Games, Great Service, Playful Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! There's lots of seating and a huge variety of arcade games to play. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was friendly and playful.
They even host various game nights, including bingo. It's a fun place to hang out with friends, drink, and play games.
- seating9
- arcade games10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Tap Cocktails at High Price
My experience at the restaurant involved paying $18 for a pre-made cocktail that came out of a tap. 🙄 I believe even establishments like TGI Fridays and Outback Steakhouse prepare their cocktails from scratch.
- pre-made cocktail2
- cocktails2
- price2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Awesome Arcade and Great Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was awesome! The vibe of the place was fantastic, with a large selection of old school arcade games that are all reasonably priced per play, some as low as 25c. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5.
- vibe10
- old school arcade games10
- reasonably priced9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Fun Video Game Bar with Great Pizza
My experience at this fun video game bar was surprisingly good, especially considering the food. The Island BBQ pizza was the best. The atmosphere was a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5.
It was loud, but you could still hold a conversation.
- Island BBQ pizza10
- atmosphere10
- food10
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Bouncer Needs Training
My experience at the restaurant involved an issue with the bouncer. It seems he lacks the ability to properly decipher a driver's license, and instead of handling the situation professionally, he resorted to screaming at people. This was a very negative aspect of the service.
- bouncer2
- decipher a driver's license2
- screaming at people1
What The Detour offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of experience can you expect at The Detour?
At The Detour, you’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Enjoy watching sports, playing bar games, and choosing from a great beer selection. They also offer food at the bar, hard liquor, wine, and cocktails, with happy hour drinks available.
Does The Detour offer outdoor seating and accommodate pets?
Yes, The Detour provides outdoor seating for you to enjoy the San Francisco weather. Additionally, it’s a pet-friendly establishment, so your dogs are welcome to join you. They also offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
How is The Detour generally rated by customers?
The Detour holds a solid restaurant score of 7.6, with customer satisfaction at 76.4%. Its Ambience (8.4) and Food (7.6) are well-regarded, though Service (6.3) and Value (4.3) show room for improvement.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at The Detour?
You can expect a lively, high-energy atmosphere with a great mix of retro arcade and modern chill vibes. It features a full arcade with various games, creating a fun and upbeat environment.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at The Detour?
Some customers have noted issues with inconsistent service, including rude staff, and perceive items as overpriced. There are also reports of malfunctioning arcade games and a crowded environment at times.