Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Sports
- Great coffee
- Fireplace
- Great tea selection
oChef » The Grove – San Francisco
The Grove - San Francisco
Photo from The Grove
The Grove at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 145 of the guests
#1280 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#59 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
772
Reviews
73.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great ambiance
- Quality food
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Poor service
- Parking issues
The restaurant The Grove is an American Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood, celebrated for its inviting atmosphere and great coffee. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or winding down with dinner.
It’s a welcoming destination where you can enjoy live music and a great tea selection.
Overview: Introducting The Grove
The Grove offers a generally pleasant experience, with many appreciating its inviting atmosphere and the quality of its dishes. Guests often find the food fresh and tasty, making for a satisfying meal in a lively setting.
However, some experiences at The Grove are hampered by concerns over value, with mentions of high prices and occasional reports of slow or unhelpful service.
Good
7.4
out of 10
772
Reviews
73.6%
Satisfaction
152
negative
52
neutral
568
positive
Overall, The Grove holds a solid Restaurant Score of 7.4, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 73.6%, indicating most patrons leave content.
With 772 customer opinions, including 568 positive and 152 negative, there’s a clear lean towards favorable impressions. Digging deeper, the Ambience (8.5) and Food (7.5) are definite strong suits, frequently praised for their quality and inviting nature.
Service (6.9) hovers around average, suggesting it’s generally acceptable but has room for improvement. The primary area for concern appears to be Value (4.3), which many find to be a significant drawback.
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Delicious, fresh food
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Poor value, high prices
- Inconsistent service
- Difficult parking
The Grove presents a mixed bag, offering a pleasant setting and generally good food, making it a decent choice for a casual meal. However, be mindful of the value proposition and potential service inconsistencies.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.6, it’s worth considering if ambience and food quality are your top priorities. If you’re sensitive to pricing or expect flawless service, you might want to manage your expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Grove
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 76.1%, its clear many diners are happy. Out of 401 comments, 305 rave about the delicious and fresh options, often praising the generous portions and comforting dishes like the BLT with salad and chicken sandwich.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some of the 69 negative comments point to issues like food being cold, dry, or even flavorless. A few found certain items overpriced or noted a lack of flavor in some preparations, suggesting a bit of inconsistency in the food quality.
Food
401
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
69
negative
27
neutral
305
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Generous portions
- Excellent breakfast choices
What people don't like
- Food served cold
- Dry or flavorless
- Inconsistent preparation
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. From the wonderful cocktails to the amazing service and delectable food, it was a truly memorable dining experience.
- coffeeMy experience at this rather standard coffee place was defined by its great location and reasonable coffee. While light food is offered, I found it to be somewhat overestimated.
- avocado toastthe avocado toast with a poached egg on top was gorgeous.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant in Yerba Buena was wonderful! I enjoyed fresh, delicious food with generous portions, complemented by excellent drinks. The atmosphere was warm and lively, and the staff were genuinely friendly and attentive.
- Eggs BenedictThe food is very delicious! My husband and I ordered Eggs Benedict one day and a Breakfast Sandwich on another, both paired with French Toast. Two dishes are enough to feed us well until lunchtime (we only got hungry much later, around 2 PM), and everything was very good!
- French toastIt's a decent option for breakfast. We had the French toast and Eggs Benedict with a cola, costing around $45.
- hashbrownsWorthy of two days in a row, and longer if needed. Try the #burrito and get the #hashbrowns if you’re feeling extra hungry and want to dive off the flavor cliff. I would say the portions are healthy, so the average stomach should be satisfied.
- menuThe menu is limited in size only. There's plenty of flavor and personality to go around!
- Breakfast Burritoshared a Breakfast Burrito, prepared with care so that each half looked identical
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- foodmy food came out within 5 minutes but it was all cold
- meatnot properly cutting the meat. I encountered multiple inedible parts of the meat
- French toastsuspect the French toast had been sitting all day
- avocado toastThe avocado toast was soggy, chewy, and light on avocado
- menuWhile the atmosphere was a definite win, the food didn't quite match the setting. The breakfast burger was just okay, and unfortunately, nothing on the menu really stood out. If you're prioritizing the vibe, this place is a win, but don't expect a standout brunch experience.
- Breakfast BurritoBreakfast Burrito is to die for. LIES. It’s overpriced, flavorless, and dry
- Malibu Bowlnot impressed with the Malibu Bowl
- apple crispapple crisp did not taste good and had a bit of a sour taste
- beerthe beer wasn't cold
- breadthey don’t even toast the bread
Overall, the food here seems to be a good bet, especially if youre looking for fresh, hearty meals. While theres a chance of hitting an off note, the majority of diners leave satisfied. It's definitely worth trying for a comforting and filling experience.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
The service here often shines, with a solid score of 6.9 suggesting a generally good experience. While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 62.9%, many of the 117 positive remarks highlight the friendly staff, quick service, and attentive team, often providing excellent recommendations. Guests frequently praise the warm welcome and prompt attention.
However, not every interaction is perfect. With 56 negative comments out of 186 total, some patrons encountered rude staff and long waits, especially with the counter service model. The lack of traditional table service and occasional issues with order accuracy also left some feeling disappointed, creating a noticeable contrast in experiences.
Service
186
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
56
negative
13
neutral
117
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, prompt service
- Excellent recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude staff encountered
- Long waiting times
- Counter service only
Often praised
- serviceWe enjoyed the French dip and a BLT, both of which were quite good. The portions were reasonable, and the service was pleasant, even though it was busy. The atmosphere was open and inviting, and the outdoor seating options looked nice.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive, largely due to its good vibe and amazing and friendly staff. The atmosphere was enhanced by great music, though the noise level was loud, it was still possible to converse.
- hostWe were welcomed by a friendly and warm host
- ServiceService is straightforward
- experienceit was a great experience
- serversServers are really nice and attentive
- AbelAbel was the greatest host
- Abel at the front doorif I could he would get a 10 star review
- AlbertOur first visit to The Grove–Yerba Buena was fantastic! Albert greeted us warmly at dinner, explained the menu, and offered a few great recommendations. The service was good, but the food was truly the star!
- Fadwashe was very cooperative and helpful
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeThe rest of my party was waiting for about 15 minutes
- managerthe manager was like did you guys even order your order isn’t in the system??
- serviceThe atmosphere was so great that I wanted to stay longer and order more food. However, the service requires improvement as you need to ask for food at the desk and then they bring it to your table, and they don't have table service. That said, the food is good, and I will come back.
- rude staffExtremely rude staff including the manager.
- staffstaff managed to sort it out but were very rude
- waiting in lineMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the rude staff, including the manager. After waiting in line for 20 minutes, I picked up our food and secured a table for four, as I was waiting for three more people to join me. To my disbelief, they kicked me out of the table.
- waterIt wasn’t busy, and I sat for a very long time before he addressed me. He didn’t serve me water at all during my brunch and seemed annoyed by my presence. I ordered the Ruben Sandwich, and unfortunately, they are not properly cutting the meat.
- Street parkingStreet parking surrounds the area, so plan on some time needed to wait out that perfect spot
- attitudeher attitude was very un-welcoming
- bartenderMy expectations weren’t high, but I at least expected the most basic levels of service. I sat at the bar for brunch, and unfortunately, the bartender was absent most of the time. It wasn’t busy, and I sat for a very long time before he addressed me.
If youre seeking generally friendly and quick service, youll likely be pleased, especially with helpful staff recommendations. Just be prepared for a counter-service setup and potential waits, as some experiences have been less than stellar.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.5 and an impressive excellent customer satisfaction of 93.8%! Guests consistently rave about the fantastic vibe, atmosphere, and cozy lighting, often highlighting unique touches like trees with twinkle lights. With 137 positive remarks out of 146 total, it's clear the environment leaves a lasting positive impression.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points surfaced among the 3 negative comments. Some guests noted concerns about flying insects and suggested the outdoor seating area could use more regular cleaning. Additionally, finding a parking space was occasionally mentioned as a challenge, but these are isolated observations in an otherwise glowing picture.
Ambience
146
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
6
neutral
137
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe
- Cozy atmosphere
- Beautiful decor
What people don't like
- Flying insects
- Parking difficult
- Outdoor cleaning needed
Often praised
- atmosphereThe portions were reasonable, and the service was pleasant, even though it was busy. The atmosphere was open and inviting, and the outdoor seating options looked nice. I would recommend it for lunch if you are in the neighborhood!
- placeThe place is just magnificent with the trees inside
- vibeThe vibe on this place is cool
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancegives a very nice ambiance
- ambienceThe service was quick, with friendly and efficient staff. While the atmosphere was loud and busy, it had a great ambience, and I noticed many groups of people meeting up. The seating is perfect for a group get-together.
- locationMy experience at this rather standard coffee place was defined by its great location and reasonable coffee. While light food is offered, I found it to be somewhat overestimated.
- decorEnjoyed the decor and photos/art in each space
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- outdoor seatingThe outdoor seating and laid-back vibe definitely deliver.
Frequently criticized
- flying insectswhat's with all the flying insects inside
- outdoor seating areaoutdoor seating area could use some more regular and attentive cleaning
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
If youre looking for a place with a truly inviting and memorable atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. The overwhelming positive feedback on its ambience suggests youll likely have a delightful experience, despite a few minor parking or outdoor area quirks.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
While the overall sentiment for value is quite low, with a poor customer satisfaction of just 23.1% and an average score of 4.3, some guests did find bright spots. Out of 9 positive opinions, many highlighted prices fair and considered it an affordable place, often praising reasonably priced items and decent portions. However, the majority of the 24 negative opinions, out of 39 total, paint a different picture.
Many felt the restaurant was overpriced and expensive, especially for certain items or portion size. Concerns also arose about additional costs like city tax and unexpected fee charges, making the overall experience feel less valuable.
Value
39
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
24
negative
6
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Good portions
- Affordable place
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Small portions
- Unexpected fees
Often praised
- priceThe staff were great, and the atmosphere was comfy. If you're looking for decent food at a reasonable price, I'd recommend it.
- affordable placestill affordable place
- competitorsmore than a similar combo from nearby competitors
- pricedVery reasonably priced
- pricesMy experience was very positive. The food was fresh and tasty, the staff is friendly, and the prices are reasonable. This place is definitely worth returning to multiple times.
- prices fairprices fair
- valueI tried several items, including the ribs and the pastrami sandwich. The portions were very good, offering great value. A pleasant surprise was the coffee cake, which was also tasty!
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food felt unauthentic and pre-packaged, lacking any soul. It was also overpriced for the subpar food quality. I would advise against visiting this establishment.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by dishonesty regarding their prices. They dishonestly list their prices and then charge a fee of their own invention, which is neither legally required nor set by the city. This practice is unacceptable and leaves a negative impression of the establishment.
- overpricedIt’s overpriced, flavorless, and dry
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was marked by fantastic food. However, it got busy quickly, and I was shocked at how much breakfast was for two people. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5.
- city taxall the tax the City imposes
- expensivea little expensive
- feeCharges a fee of its own invention
- parkingParking is unavailable
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- payment and tipask for payment and tip before the service itself
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this spot might be a gamble. While some find it affordable, a significant number of guests feel its overpriced, especially with added fees. Proceed with caution if value is your top priority.
How are the prices at The Grove?
You’re looking at roughly 33 per person – reported by 145 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.
While the average hovers around 33, its interesting to see that many guests enjoy options in the slightly lower $21–$30 range, suggesting good value. However, theres also a healthy number of diners exploring more premium offerings, showing a nice variety in pricing.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 145 reviews.
Comparing value for money: this restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to those looking for a solid mid-range meal while also providing options for a slightly more indulgent experience. It seems like a place where you can find good value for your money.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Grove
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Treehouse Ambiance and Fresh OJ
I love coming here whenever I'm staying near the convention center. The fresh squeezed orange juice is the best, and the food is delicious for both breakfast and lunch. The ambience is really cool, making you feel like you're in a treehouse.
Even during a busy lunch with a big conference, we managed to get our food and finish within an hour, which was worth the wait if you have the time. They offer great salads, sandwiches, and breakfast options.
- fresh squeezed orange juice10
- food9
- ambience9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Polite Staff, Fresh Food, Great Ambiance!
My first time here, and it was conveniently located within walking distance from my hotel, The Herbert. The entire staff was incredibly polite and helpful. I absolutely loved the ambiance, and the food was so fresh.
I’ll definitely be back! 🥹
- staff10
- ambiance10
- food10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Pork Ribs and Amazing Desserts
I ordered the pork ribs with sweet potato and coleslaw. They were delicious. The coffee and chocolate chip cookies with a salty touch were spectacular.
The service was excellent (5/5) and the atmosphere was also great (5/5). It's a quiet place, easy to talk, and wheelchair accessible on the ground floor. They accept children, and reservations are not required.
Parking is available in a paid garage, but it can be difficult to find a space.
- pork ribs9
- sweet potato9
- coleslaw9
- parking space3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Classic American Breakfast with a Greasy Touch
My experience at The Grove involved ordering the THE GROVE EGGS BENEDICT and THE GROVE FRENCH TOAST. This classic American breakfast was very heavy and slightly greasy. However, the staff were helpful.
- THE GROVE EGGS BENEDICT6
- THE GROVE FRENCH TOAST6
- staff8
- heavy breakfast3
- greasy3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Good Location, Average Food
My experience at this rather standard coffee place was defined by its great location and reasonable coffee. While light food is offered, I found it to be somewhat overestimated. The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the service a 3, with food also receiving a 3.
It's a quiet place, easy to talk, and has street-level access for wheelchair accessibility. However, parking is unavailable and difficult to find. It's suitable for breakfast and can accommodate a group of 1 person.
- location8
- coffee7
- atmosphere8
- light food4
- parking3
- parking space3
What The Grove offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at The Grove - Yerba Buena?
At The Grove – Yerba Buena, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, with options for counter service or comfortable seating. It’s a welcoming spot for a quick bite or a relaxed dining experience, complete with a fireplace for added warmth.
Does The Grove - Yerba Buena cater to specific dietary needs or families with children?
Absolutely! The Grove – Yerba Buena offers a variety of healthy options, organic dishes, and vegetarian choices to suit diverse preferences. For families, you’ll find a dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, and an overall environment that is good for kids, making it a convenient choice for all.
How does The Grove generally perform according to customer feedback?
The Grove maintains a Restaurant Score of 7.4 and a Customer Satisfaction of 73.6%. Its Ambience (8.5) and Food (7.5) are highly rated, while Service (6.9) is average and Value (4.3) is a notable concern.
What do customers particularly enjoy about The Grove?
Many guests praise The Grove’s inviting atmosphere and decor, often highlighting the pleasant vibe and outdoor seating. The food is also frequently commended for being fresh, delicious, and having generous portions.
Are there any common complaints or drawbacks at The Grove?
The most frequent complaints revolve around value, with customers finding items overpriced and sometimes encountering unexpected fees. Some also report issues with service, including long waiting times or rude staff, and difficulty finding parking.