Highlights
- Sports
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Fly Trap – San Francisco
The Fly Trap - San Francisco
Photo from The Fly Trap
The Fly Trap at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 77 of the guests
#1172 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#53 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
526
Reviews
75.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique ambiance
- Varied menu
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Loud atmosphere
- Price concerns
The restaurant The Fly Trap in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood offers a quintessential American dining experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for catching a game, as sports are a major highlight here.
Whether you’re looking for a great wine list, an impressive beer selection, or delicious small plates, this spot has you covered. They also cater to various dietary needs with excellent vegan and vegetarian options.
Overview: Introducting The Fly Trap
The Fly Trap offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its appealing atmosphere and a menu that delivers on flavor. Many guests highlight the decorations and the overall vibe, making it a memorable spot.
While the culinary offerings generally impress, some aspects of the experience can be inconsistent. Guests frequently commend the attentive staff and customer service, contributing to a welcoming environment.
However, there are instances where the pace of service or certain menu items don’t quite hit the mark, suggesting a varied experience for patrons.
Good
7.5
out of 10
526
Reviews
75.3%
Satisfaction
97
negative
33
neutral
396
positive
The Fly Trap achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 7.5, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 75.3%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 526 customer opinions, with 396 positive remarks outweighing 97 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Ambience (8.2) stands out as a strong point, creating a pleasant setting.
The Food (7.6) also performs well, with many finding dishes enjoyable. However, Service (6.7) is more moderate, and Value (5.6) registers as average, suggesting areas where the experience can fluctuate for guests.
What people like
- Unique, inviting ambiance
- Delicious food variety
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Slow, inconsistent service
- Loud, crowded atmosphere
- Can be pricey
With a Recommendation Score of 7.6, The Fly Trap is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize a unique atmosphere and generally good food. It’s a place that often leaves a positive impression, particularly for its inviting setting and flavorful dishes.
However, be mindful that service can sometimes be slow, and the overall value might not always align with expectations. If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with character and don’t mind potential inconsistencies, The Fly Trap could be a good fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Fly Trap
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
Overall, the food here gets a solid thumbs-up, with a good score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction sitting nicely at 76.9%. Many guests rave about the delicious offerings, with 206 positive remarks highlighting favorites like the amazing gnocchi, popular baked goat cheese, tasty ribeye, and flavorful chicken skewers. However, not every dish hits the mark, as noted in 40 negative comments.
Some diners found the bread pudding disappointing, while others mentioned overcooked chicken skewers, underwhelming pasta, or mushy brussels sprouts, suggesting a few areas could use a little extra love.
Food
268
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
40
negative
22
neutral
206
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food overall
- Excellent gnocchi
- Popular baked goat cheese
What people don't like
- Overcooked chicken skewers
- Disappointing bread pudding
- Underwhelming pasta
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. It truly checks all the boxes with great food, service, and atmosphere. It has become my go-to spot for pre-game meals before Giants night games, especially since it's within walking distance to the ballpark.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The ambiance was great, and the drinks were enjoyable. However, the food was very average, earning only 3 stars.
- baked goat cheeseFor food, we tried the smoked trout, which was well-seasoned, citrusy, and smoky, offering a refreshing taste. The baked goat cheese was super delicious, and the gnocchi were soft, creamy, and well-seasoned. We also enjoyed the tiramisu.
- gnocchiThe flavor of the gnocchi was outstanding
- ribeyeThe chicken was amazing after requesting a touch of salt and pepper. The ribeye was super tasty, though I would have preferred the sauce on the side to let the excellent steak shine more. Offering different sauces or seasoned butters for an extra charge could be a great addition.
- cocktailsI attended a private reception here, which is about a 15-minute walk from Union Square hotels. The bar offers a limited selection of beers on tap but boasts a big selection of cocktails and first-class bar service. The food was generally good, with highlights like crispy French fries and well-seasoned caprese skewers.
- calamariI had a gin cocktail and it was awesome. We had a few small plates starting from brussel sprouts, trout, calamari, chicken kabab and some entree plates like salmon, risotto and so on. The pot du creme dessert was absolutely mind-blowingly yum!
- burgerI had the burger both were Awsome
- menutheir menu looks great and suitable for vegetarians
- salmonI had a gin cocktail and it was awesome. We had a few small plates starting from brussel sprouts, trout, calamari, chicken kabab and some entree plates like salmon, risotto and so on. The pot du creme dessert was absolutely mind-blowingly yum!
Frequently criticized
- foodMediocre food. Unfortunately. None of the dishes we tried were great.
- chicken skewersThe burger was quite enjoyable. The chicken skewers though were terribly overcooked and almost inedible. So dry!
- pastaboth ordered pasta and were left underwhelmed
- steakThe steak for very raw, like raw raw then they “fixed” it with very rare
- BBQ pork ribsremoved the BBQ pork ribs from the menu, it just hasn’t been the same
- Brussel sproutsthere was an odd sweetness to the brussels
- Warm BreadThe bread was a disappointment - small portion for $4
- acme breadThe acme bread wasn’t the best choice of an appetizer
- appetizersnone of them was great
- beef slidersunderseasoned beef and veggie sliders
If youre looking for a meal with generally delicious options and a high chance of satisfaction, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of a few specific dishes that have received mixed reviews, and youll likely have a great culinary experience.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a decent showing with a score of 6.7, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 61%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff and attentive servers, often highlighting great service and even shouting out the owner for running a tight ship. With 72 positive remarks out of 118 total, theres definitely a lot to love about the team here.
However, its not all smooth sailing. Some experiences mention slow service and frustratingly long wait times for food and drinks. There are also instances of unattentive servers and even forgotten drinks, which can definitely put a damper on your meal.
These 39 negative comments suggest there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
118
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
39
negative
7
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great customer service
- Fast seating process
What people don't like
- Slow, distracted service
- Long wait times
- Unattentive servers
Often praised
- serviceI was very impressed by the whole thing. They have a wonderful atmosphere, great decorations, and service that is wonderful. The full bar makes a great cocktail, and they have a nice cocktail list.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive over the past 20 years. It's a trusted bar with excellent staff. The owner truly knows how to run a proper bar in SF!
- customer serviceI ended up ordering the Bad Ass Burger, and wow, it lived up to its name – juicy, flavorful, and worth coming back for. The customer service here is genuinely outstanding, and the patio is a perfect spot to relax and people-watch while you eat. Definitely recommend.
- peoplepeople here are caring and fun to be around
- serverWe were seated super fast. Our hostess had a really fun attitude, and our server was perfectly attentive. He recommended the truffle fries, which, in his accurate words, 'Just Don't Miss!
- service staffThe service staff were courteous and kind.
- HunterHunter was our server and she was amazing!!!
- ServiceService:5
- bar servicefirst class bar service
- bartenderCherry was our perfect bartender and friendly with good humor
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food and drinks were excellent, truly a highlight of the meal. However, the service was slow, which seemed to be a consequence of how busy the establishment was. Despite the wait, the quality of the food made up for some of the service shortcomings.
- waiting timeSummary: visit this place! Atmosphere is cute, the history is cool, food is worth trying (price isn't bad), but leave yourself plenty of time for service.
- server45 minutes for appetizers, though entrees arrived in a reasonable amount of time after the apps (significantly longer than after ordered, though). I know that food delivery times are not the server's fault, but our server was confused and misrang several items, none of which were modified. At the end, someone else came and asked if we needed anything (it was just after close, but 1.
- attentionThe seating process was a dramatic deal, though I was eventually given a seat in the back room. Attention was poor throughout the meal. My dinner was nothing special, with the seasoning being inconsistent – over or under salted depending on the bite.
- drinksTook half an hour to get our drinks
- staffRacist staff. The kitchen staff jokingly said they don’t have forks
- wait timesitting here for a hour and I still have not gotten my food
- bill presentationthe bill was presented before the desert arrived
- chicken skewersWe would’ve sent these back but we just didn’t have time before the show. They also took a really long time to come out which was strange. The brussels sprouts were also overcooked and probably would’ve been very good if they had not been overcooked but they were just mushy.
- extra drinksExtra drinks we didnt order but were still charged for
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly faces and good intentions, youll likely find it here. Just be prepared that service can be a bit of a mixed bag, so if you're in a rush, you might want to manage your expectations.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and a fantastic 88.1% customer satisfaction! With 111 positive remarks out of 126 total, guests rave about the charming outdoor seating, often warmed by cozy blankets. The vintage San Francisco atmosphere, complete with a delightful alleyway patio, creates a unique and welcoming vibe.
However, a few of the 12 negative comments point to potential downsides. Some found the atmosphere unpleasantly loud, especially near the bar, and mentioned acoustics could be an issue. Certain areas, like a specific corner table or the main space when crowded, were described as cramped, impacting the overall experience.
Ambience
126
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
111
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming outdoor seating
- Cozy, historic vibe
- Thoughtful decor
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Cramped spaces
- Poor acoustics
Often praised
- atmosphereSummary: visit this place! Atmosphere is cute, the history is cool, food is worth trying (price isn't bad), but leave yourself plenty of time for service.
- ambiancethe ambiance is by far the best part of this restaurant
- placeExtremely unique and high quality place overall
- barMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive over the past 20 years. It's a trusted bar with excellent staff. The owner truly knows how to run a proper bar in SF!
- decorThe service, decor and decent drinks you can't beat.
- restaurantvery cozy, small and beautiful restaurant
- vibecome back for the vibe
- ambienceThe ambience was good
- decorationsI was very impressed by the whole thing. They have a wonderful atmosphere, great decorations, and service that is wonderful. The full bar makes a great cocktail, and they have a nice cocktail list.
- hidden gemsuch a good hidden gem!
Frequently criticized
- loudwas crazy loud during our visit
- acousticsAcoustics were pretty bad
- atmosphereUnpleasantly loud.
- chairschairs at the tables are very small and kinda flimsy feeling
- corner tabledo NOT sit in the corner table in the main room
- crampedmake it feel a bit cramped
- crowded near the barHowever, there were not many options for food. Additionally, the place can get really loud and crowded near the bar.
- experienceexpected alot more our meals and experience
- inside temperaturehow warm it was inside
- looks over substanceThis place is just looks over substance
If you're seeking a spot with character, a great outdoor area, and a cozy, historic feel, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get lively and a bit loud, so it might not be your top pick for a quiet, intimate conversation during peak hours.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres a decent upside! Many folks appreciate the reasonable prices and even call it a great price, especially noting the solid happy hour deals. With 7 positive remarks out of 14 total, its clear that many find the food worth trying without breaking the bank.
However, the overall score of 5.6 (which is average) and a customer satisfaction of 50% (a mixed bag) tell us theres another side to the coin. Some guests felt things were a bit pricey, particularly mentioning the cost of beverages or feeling they expected more for the menu items. With 6 negative comments, its something to keep in mind.
Value
14
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Solid happy hour
- Good value food
What people don't like
- Some items pricey
- Expected more for price
- High beverage cost
Often praised
- priceSummary: visit this place! Atmosphere is cute, the history is cool, food is worth trying (price isn't bad), but leave yourself plenty of time for service.
- pricesReasonable prices.
- great priceat a great price
- happy hour dealsHappy hour deals are solid
- menu/pricesmenu/prices do not change during xmas/NYE
Frequently criticized
- priceThe service was attentive and fast, yet our server seemed unfamiliar with the menu, dissembling at every question. For $70 a person, I expect servers to be able to answer any questions about the menu, provide guidance, and help with decisions, which we did not experience.
- beveragewith a $12 price tag
- gratuitygratuity was already included
- new billheres your new bill its $80 more
- priceyA bit pricey for a late night snack
So, is it worth it? If you're looking for some decent happy hour deals or generally reasonable prices, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be mindful that some find certain items, like beverages, a bit on the expensive side, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at The Fly Trap?
Hey there, foodies! On average, you’ll spend around 41 per person here, based on what 77 guests have reported. That comfortably places this American Restaurant in the $41–$50 category.
For San Francisco, that’s definitely mid-range, perhaps even a touch above for a casual American spot. Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good cluster around the $21–$30 and $31–$40 marks. But the biggest group of recent diners lands right in that $41–$50 sweet spot, showing a clear lean towards the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 77 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Considering its an American Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Youre getting a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, which is a good deal in this city.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Fly Trap
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Captivating Ambiance, Decent Food & Service
My experience at this San Francisco spot was a mix of delightful ambiance and average food. The ambiance was truly captivating, and the place was adorned with impressive decorations, creating a wonderful atmosphere. The drinks were excellent.
I ordered the meatballs, which were just okay. The service was decent; we finished our drinks and it took about 15 minutes for the server to inquire if we wanted to order anything else.
- ambiance9
- drinks9
- meatballs5
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Excellent Food, Slow Service
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food and drinks were excellent, truly a highlight of the meal. However, the service was slow, which seemed to be a consequence of how busy the establishment was.
Despite the wait, the quality of the food made up for some of the service shortcomings.
- food and drinks9
- busy6
- service4
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Good Food, Fair Prices, No Holiday Surprises
This is not a fancy place, but the food is good and the prices are good. I especially appreciated that their menu and prices do not change during holidays like Christmas and New Year's Eve, which is a big plus.
- food7
- prices8
- menu/prices9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Drinks and Service in the Alley
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the fly trap. The drinks were great, and the service was always kind.
I especially enjoyed sitting in the alley outside.
- fly trap10
- drinks9
- service9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Ambiance Shines, Food and Service Fall Short
As others have shared, the ambiance is by far the best part of this restaurant, especially the outside seats 😍. The food was good, not great; I enjoyed everything we ordered, but nothing was remarkable. The service was attentive and fast, yet our server seemed unfamiliar with the menu, dissembling at every question.
For $70 a person, I expect servers to be able to answer any questions about the menu, provide guidance, and help with decisions, which we did not experience.
- ambiance10
- outside seats10
- food6
- service3
- menu3
- price3
What The Fly Trap offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Counter service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What accessibility features and dietary options does The Fly Trap offer?
The Fly Trap ensures a comfortable visit with wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. You’ll also appreciate their diverse menu, which includes excellent vegan and vegetarian options, alongside a great selection of hard liquor, wine, and beer.
Can you make reservations at The Fly Trap, and what's the atmosphere like?
Yes, The Fly Trap accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are recommended, especially if you’re planning a visit. You’ll enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal or catching up with friends over happy hour drinks and food.
How does The Fly Trap generally rate with customers?
The Fly Trap holds a Restaurant Score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 75.3%, indicating a generally good experience. Customers particularly appreciate the Ambience (8.2) and Food (7.6), though Service (6.7) and Value (5.6) are more moderate.
What can I expect from the atmosphere at The Fly Trap?
The Fly Trap is known for its unique and inviting atmosphere, with many praising its decor and overall vibe. However, some guests have noted that it can get quite loud and crowded, especially near the bar.
Is the service at The Fly Trap reliable?
Service at The Fly Trap receives mixed feedback. While many describe the staff as attentive and friendly, others have experienced slow service, long waiting times for food and drinks, and occasional inconsistencies.