Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » The Dog House – San Francisco
The Dog House - San Francisco
39 Pier 39, 94133 San Francisco
5
von 10
von 10
Photo from The Dog House
The Dog House at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🍔 American Restaurant
€€€€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 11 of the guests
#484 von 500 Lokalen in San Francisco
#18 American Restaurant von 20 in San Francisco
Average
5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
68
Reviews
42.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Good Chowder
- Friendly Service
- Charming Location
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Fake Cheese
- Rude Cashier
The restaurant The Dog House offers a casual American dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, this spot provides a welcoming atmosphere for both lunch and dinner.
It’s a great choice for families, ensuring a comfortable visit for you and your kids while exploring the iconic pier.
Overview: Introducting The Dog House
The Dog House offers a quick stop for a bite, with many appreciating the straightforward appeal of its hot dog and the comforting warmth of its Clam Chowder. Customers often note the friendly service and the convenience of a no wait experience, especially for a casual meal by the water.
However, opinions diverge sharply on the overall value, with some finding the offerings to be overpriced and the quality, particularly the flavorless bun and fake cheese, falling short. The service, while generally positive, has also seen some reports of a rude cashier.
Average
5 von 10
68
Reviews
42.6%
Satisfaction
30
negative
9
neutral
29
positive
The overall sentiment for this establishment sits at an average Restaurant Score of 5, with Customer Satisfaction registering a mixed 42.6%. This indicates a fairly balanced experience for many, though it’s clear there’s room for improvement.
These insights are drawn from 68 customer remarks, with 29 positive and 30 negative observations shaping the current perception. Diving into specifics, the Food scores an average (5), suggesting it’s generally acceptable but not outstanding.
Service also lands in the average range (5.5), indicating a decent but not exceptional experience. The Ambience, however, stands out as good (7.5), offering a pleasant setting.
The most significant area for concern is Value, which is rated as poor (2.9), highlighting a common point of contention among patrons.
What people like
- Good Clam Chowder
- Friendly, quick service
- Charming location
What people don't like
- High prices
- Fake cheese quality
- Rude cashier
With a Recommendation Score of 5, The Dog House presents a mixed bag. It could be a convenient stop if you’re in the mood for a quick bite and appreciate a pleasant setting by the water.
However, manage your expectations regarding value and the quality of some specific food items. If you prioritize a good clam chowder and quick, friendly service in a charming spot, it might be worth a visit.
But if you’re seeking exceptional value or gourmet hot dogs, you might find yourself disappointed. Consider it for a casual, no-frills experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Dog House
Food (5 von 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5 putting it squarely in the average category, and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 43.2%. Based on 44 total remarks, with 19 positive and 19 negative comments, many folks enjoyed the hot dogs, especially those described as fresher and high-quality, along with the fun of choosing your own condiments. The clam chowder, particularly when served in a bread bowl, also received high praise for being very good and a perfect snack.
However, the experience wasn't universally glowing. A significant number of comments pointed to hot dogs being bland, flavorless, or even mediocre at best, often accompanied by fake liquid cheese and a disappointing lack of topping choices. Issues with dry sausages, rubbery buns, and condiments served only in packets also frequently came up, suggesting some inconsistencies in quality.
Food
44
Reviews
43%
Satisfcation
19
negative
6
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasty clam chowder
- Quality hot dogs
- Fun condiment choices
What people don't like
- Bland hot dogs
- Fake liquid cheese
- Rubbery bun
Often praised
- hot doga typical American hot dog: bun, sausage, sauces, and pickles. It was tasty!
- Chowdertry the bowls of Chowder
- Clam ChowderStopped here on the go and was pleasantly surprised to find Clam Chowder on the menu. It was a chilly day, so I decided to get it, and it turned out to be very good. It was served in a bowl of bread, which was exactly what I needed on a cold day.
- bowl of breadServed in a bowl of bread!
- bunbun, sausage, sauces, and pickles. It was tasty!
- chilli hot dogTry the chilli hot dog
- clam chowderclam chowder very good
- condimentschoose your own condiments for some fun
- fresher dogsmuch fresher, high quality dogs
- good foodhad good food
Frequently criticized
- foodfood to be overpriced garbage
- Clam ChowderThe Clam Chowder me decepcionó completamente
- additional ingredientsNo additional ingredients, simply dry sausage
- bunMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The hot dog itself was mediocre at best, with a flavorless bun. The condiments were served in packets, which was a bit disappointing.
- cheeseliquid fake pumped cheese that also has zero flavor
- condimentsThe condiments came in packets
- food tastecomida de muy mal sabor
- hot dogMediocre hot dog at best
- hot dog standsHowever, the Asian lady cashier was rude. I believe there are far better hot dog stands in the area.
- hot dogshot dogs are trash
If you're looking for a quick snack, especially a hot dog or a warm bowl of clam chowder, you might find something to enjoy. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as many found the hot dogs themselves to be quite bland with limited options.
Service (5.5 von 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 5.5, placing it squarely in the average range. Many customers appreciated the friendly staff, quick service, and the convenience of self-serve condiments and napkins. Based on 6 positive remarks out of 11 total, youll likely find some nice people ready to help.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at 54.5%, indicating a mixed experience for many. There were 4 negative comments highlighting issues with rudeness, particularly from a cashier. Some found certain staff members, including an Asian lady cashier, to be quite abrupt, even with simple tasks like handling change.
Service
11
Reviews
54%
Satisfcation
4
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Self-serve condiments
What people don't like
- Rude cashier
- Abrupt staff
Often praised
- condiments and napkinsall the condiments and napkins outside to serve yourself.
- ladies workingWe ordered a bread bowl clam chowder. The ladies working were very friendly and served up a hot bowl of chowder very quickly. My husband, a big fan of clam chowder, enjoyed the chowder itself, though he wasn't as keen on the bread bowl, which might have been due to it being a lot of food right before our big lunch.
- nice peopleIt was advertised as being close to SFO with good food. My experience was great; I met some very nice people, and it was someone's birthday that night (the 26th). I hope they had a good time.
- no waitMy husband, a big fan of clam chowder, enjoyed the chowder itself, though he wasn't as keen on the bread bowl, which might have been due to it being a lot of food right before our big lunch. It was a fun little stop with no wait and fair prices. We spent about $12.
- staffMuy amables de trato
- women sellingNice enough women selling the hotdogs
Frequently criticized
- Asian lady cashier, and that's exactly what I received, just a plain dog in a bun. However, the Asian lady cashier was rude. I believe there are far better hot dog stands in the area.
- changewent past my open hand and put it in the tip box without even asking
- ladylady is rude
- staff memberVery rude
Service here seems to be a coin toss; you might encounter genuinely friendly staff and quick help, or you could run into some rudeness. If youre looking for consistently stellar service, you might want to manage your expectations, but its worth a try if other aspects appeal to you.
Ambience (7.5 von 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines! Guests love the fantastic location right at the piers entrance, making it super easy to find, and many rave about the experience of eating by the sea. The building itself is often described as charming, contributing to a truly pleasant atmosphere.
With a solid score of 7.5 and a customer satisfaction rate of 75%, its clear most people have a good time here, based on 3 positive remarks out of 4 total. Interestingly, there were no negative comments about the ambience among the 4 total pieces of feedback. This suggests that while the overall experience is good, there aren't any glaring issues or dealbreakers that stood out negatively to visitors.
It seems the charming setting and seaside dining are consistently appreciated, with no major complaints to balance them out.
Ambience
4
Reviews
75%
Satisfcation
0
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pier entrance location
- Eating by sea
- Charming building
What people don't like
Often praised
- buildingThe building was charming though
- eating by the seanice to eat near the sea
- locationI recommend it as something to snack on. It's located right at the entrance of the pier, so it's easy to find.
Frequently criticized
Aktuell liegen keine Kritikpunkte vor.
If you're looking for a delightful spot with a great location and the charm of eating by the sea, this place is definitely worth a visit. The charming building adds to the appeal, making it a solid choice for a pleasant atmosphere without any reported downsides.
Value (2.9 von 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
While the overall value proposition here struggles, a few guests did find some bright spots, particularly noting fair prices for a quick, casual stop. This suggests that for certain small purchases, you might find it reasonable, though these positive sentiments are quite rare, with only 1 positive remark out of 9 total. However, the general consensus paints a different picture, with a poor score of just 2.9 and customer satisfaction at a dismal 11.1%.
Many experiences, reflected in 7 negative opinions, highlight concerns about the price and cost being too high, often leading to the feeling that it was a waste of money, especially for items like the hotdog price.
Value
9
Reviews
11%
Satisfcation
7
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- High cost
- Waste of money
Often praised
- fair pricesMy husband, a big fan of clam chowder, enjoyed the chowder itself, though he wasn't as keen on the bread bowl, which might have been due to it being a lot of food right before our big lunch. It was a fun little stop with no wait and fair prices. We spent about $12.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I found the food to be overpriced garbage. For the price, I would have preferred to buy a sausage wrapped in bacon with onions and peppers from street vendors, which costs significantly less.
- costThis became our breakfast stop for the morning, despite the very high cost. We opted for a $9.
- hotdog priceThe "cheese" is liquid fake cheese that also lacks any flavor. For an expensive $8 hotdog (!), they could grill them, offer real toppings beyond packets of ketchup and relish, and perhaps a vegan option given the high price. It felt like a real waste of money.
- waste of moneyReal waste of money
If youre just looking for a very quick, small bite and arent too concerned about getting bang for your buck, you might find it acceptable. However, for anything more substantial or if value is a key factor for you, prepare for potential disappointment and a feeling of overspending.
Wie sind die Preise pro Gast bei The Dog House?
You’re looking at roughly 12 per person – reported by 11 diners. That puts it in the 11 – 20 € category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most of the recent reviews cluster nicely around this 11 – 20 € average, with a good number of options also available in the 1 – 10 € range, showing a balanced mix.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 11 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 with options available across a couple of price brackets. It seems like a good spot for a casual meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Dog House
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing Food, Friendly Service
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The staff were very friendly, but the food was of very poor taste and expensive. I was completely disappointed with the Clam Chowder.
- staff8
- food taste2
- price3
- Clam Chowder1
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
1
Terrible food, avoid this place
As often to be expected in such touristy places, the food was absolute garbage. You'd better go somewhere else.
- food1
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Rude Service, Terrible Hot Dogs
My experience at this restaurant was very negative. The lady serving was rude, and the hot dogs were trash. I would advise others to walk a few meters down the street towards Pier 31, where there are loads of people selling much fresher, high quality dogs.
- fresher dogs9
- high quality dogs9
- lady1
- hot dogs1
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Quick and Friendly Clam Chowder Stop
This stand is conveniently located just outside of Pier 39, near the street. We ordered a bread bowl clam chowder. The ladies working were very friendly and served up a hot bowl of chowder very quickly. My husband, a big fan of clam chowder, enjoyed the chowder itself, though he wasn't as keen on the bread bowl, which might have been due to it being a lot of food right before our big lunch. It was a fun little stop with no wait and fair prices. We spent about $12.
- bread bowl clam chowder6
- hot bowl of chowder8
- ladies working9
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Overpriced, Bland Hotdogs
The women selling the hotdogs were nice enough, but it's absurd to call them "the best" or "gourmet" 🤣. They are simply cheap, bland, flavorless boiled hotdogs with no extra toppings or choices. The "cheese" is liquid fake cheese that also lacks any flavor. For an expensive $8 hotdog (!), they could grill them, offer real toppings beyond packets of ketchup and relish, and perhaps a vegan option given the high price. It felt like a real waste of money.
- women selling7
- hotdogs2
- toppings1
- cheese1
Das erwartet dich bei The Dog House
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Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does The Dog House offer?
The Dog House welcomes you for both lunch and dinner. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access for all guests. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a convenient and family-friendly dining option in Fisherman’s Wharf.
Can I get a quick bite to go from The Dog House, and what's the atmosphere like?
Yes, The Dog House offers convenient takeout options, ideal for a quick bite while you’re on the move. The atmosphere is distinctly casual, providing a relaxed and comfortable setting for your meal. It’s perfect for a laid-back dining experience in San Francisco.
What is the overall customer sentiment for The Dog House?
The Dog House holds an average Restaurant Score of 5 and a mixed Customer Satisfaction of 42.6%. While Ambience (7.5) and Service (5.5) are fair, Food (5) is average, and Value (2.9) is a notable concern.
What do customers generally enjoy at The Dog House?
Many customers appreciate the good Clam Chowder, the friendly and quick service, and the charming location, especially for eating by the sea.
What are the main complaints about The Dog House?
Common complaints include high prices, the quality of the hot dogs (specifically fake cheese and flavorless buns), and occasional reports of rude staff members.