Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » The Hook – San Francisco
The Hook - San Francisco
Photo from The Hook
The Hook at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 82 of the guests
#2292 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#45 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Average
5.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
449
Reviews
42.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Location
- Atmosphere
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Food quality
- Poor value
- Seating issues
The restaurant The Hook invites you to a delightful culinary journey in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf. As a premier seafood restaurant, you’ll discover a casual and cozy atmosphere perfect for any meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this spot offers a genuine taste of the city’s coastal charm. You can enjoy fresh catches and a welcoming environment right by the pier.
Overview: Introducting The Hook
The Hook offers a casual, laid-back vibe, often praised for its prime location on the pier. It can be a pleasant spot for a quick meal, especially if you’re looking to enjoy the views and a relaxed atmosphere.
However, opinions diverge significantly on the actual dining experience. While some appreciate the quick service and generous portions, others find the food quality inconsistent and the overall value questionable.
Average
5.1
out of 10
449
Reviews
42.8%
Satisfaction
213
negative
44
neutral
192
positive
The Hook registers an overall Restaurant Score of 5.1, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer Satisfaction stands at 42.8%, indicating a mixed reception among patrons, with slightly more negative feedback than positive across 449 total opinions.
Delving deeper, the Ambience (6.6) is a relative strong point, often highlighted for its setting. However, Service (5.8) and Food (4.8) hover in the average range, with the latter being the most discussed topic but also a source of frequent complaints.
Value (4.3) appears to be the most challenging aspect for many diners.
What people like
- Great pier location
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Efficient order process
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Questionable value for money
- Pigeons and seating
With a Recommendation Score of 5.4, The Hook presents itself as a place with potential, particularly if you prioritize a convenient pier location and a relaxed setting over culinary excellence. It might suit you for a casual stop rather than a dedicated dining experience.
If you’re seeking consistent food quality and clear value for your money, you might find the experience here a bit of a gamble. Manage your expectations, and it could serve its purpose for a quick bite.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Hook
Food (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many guests found delightful surprises, with positive comments often highlighting the amazing food and fresh seafood. Favorites included the clam chowder, fried calamari, and fish and chips, often praised for their flavour and taste and even larger portions. These positive experiences account for 110 remarks out of 286 total.
However, the foods overall customer satisfaction sits at a poor 38.5%, and the score is an average 4.8, reflecting significant inconsistencies. With 146 negative comments, many diners were disappointed by small portion size, bland or tasteless food, and overall poor quality. Issues like lumpy chowder, overcooked fish, and stale bread bowls' frequently popped up, indicating areas for improvement.
Food
286
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
146
negative
30
neutral
110
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing clam chowder
- Fresh seafood options
- Good flavor, taste
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Bland, tasteless food
- Poor food quality
Often praised
- foodI found the food to be good, and it's a nice hole in the wall spot. I only rated it 4 out of 5 because while the food was good, it wasn't absolutely fantastic. The atmosphere was a perfect 5.
- clam chowderWe tried the fish and chips, as well as the clam chowder. The fish was fresh, and we appreciated that the clam chowder was creamy and thick, which is our preference. Since the weather was chilly, the food cooled down quickly.
- fish and chipsWe tried the fish and chips, as well as the clam chowder. The fish was fresh, and we appreciated that the clam chowder was creamy and thick, which is our preference. Since the weather was chilly, the food cooled down quickly.
- crab cakesThe clam chowder was on the thicker and creamy side, which is my preferred style, though it did have a hint of bacon flavor that might not be for everyone. The crab cakes tasted fresh, as did the French fries. The portions were definitely large, so come hungry!
- chowderI found that anything you get is great. Personally, I think their chowder is better than Boudin ; D
- coleslawnoteworthy chowder and coleslaw
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a cool spot on the pier with delicious dishes. The prices are okay and not more expensive than other places on the pier.
- fish wraptried the fish wrap and have been thinking about it
- portionsI had the best fish I've ever eaten. The portions were large, and the prices were reasonable. The service was friendly, and I couldn't find any faults with the place.
- Anchor Steamhave an anchor steam when you are in sf
Frequently criticized
- clam chowderThe fish and chips were small, oily, and overcooked. While the sourdough was good, the clam chowder was floury, almost void of clams, and needed salt. Additionally, the sodas were $3.
- foodThe other reviews accurately mention the tiny portion size. Furthermore, the food is pretty bad; you could achieve a better result by microwaving something from the grocery store. The prices are way too high considering the poor quality and small portions.
- breadI particularly enjoyed the atmosphere, which was quite good. However, the bread served with the chowder had an odd taste, which detracted from the overall meal.
- fish and chips13.50 for fish and chips which come with 2 little fish is outrageous
- friesWe ordered the fish and chips, and upon tasting it, we found it was nothing but hot oil. We couldn't finish the meal as the fish had no taste and the fries were cold. We are giving it 2 stars because we did not try the other dishes.
- chowderthe chowder was so thick and lumpy
- crab cakesCrab cakes weren't the best executed; a little loose inside
- fishWe ordered the fish and chips, and upon tasting it, we found it was nothing but hot oil. We couldn't finish the meal as the fish had no taste and the fries were cold. We are giving it 2 stars because we did not try the other dishes.
- food qualityweren’t impressed with anything. Very mediocre.
- FoodFood:1
If youre craving classic seafood like clam chowder or fish and chips, you might find a gem here, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations regarding portion sizes and overall food quality.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests found things to love, with 30 positive remarks out of 57 total. Diners frequently highlighted the staff for being friendly and accommodating, often praising the service speed and no wait time. It seems many appreciated the quick attention and efficient handling of their orders, contributing to a generally positive experience.
However, the service isnt without its bumps, reflected in a score of 5.8 and a customer satisfaction of 52.6%. With 21 negative remarks, some encountered staff with attitude, long wait times, and even issues around closing time. Others mentioned impatient cashier interactions, forgotten orders, and a lack of apology' for delays, suggesting inconsistency.
Service
57
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
21
negative
6
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast, friendly service
- Efficient staff
- Minimal wait time
What people don't like
- Poor staff attitude
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was positive. The service was good and fast, and the prices were affordable, not too expensive. I really enjoyed the fish and chips; they were very good, a bit greasy but super crispy!
- staffThe staff was so friendly and kind
- service speed50. The food was quickly served and absolutely delicious.
- AtiendenAtienden muy rápido
- attentionBuena atención en un lugar muy lindo
- lineThe line wasn't too long and they moved it pretty fast
- no wait timeNo wait
- peoplePeople were very accommodating
- wait for orderWait for the order wasn't long either
- wait timeIt was also not too expensive compared to other places in the area. The service was incredibly efficient; they served it on the spot with zero wait time.
Frequently criticized
- ServiceThe fries and the soda came out first. I was done with that by the time the sandwich came out.
- serviceHay it's terrible service
- staffstaff brazenly starts throwing people out
- attitudeIf I could give 0 stars, I would. First off, their attitude is not it. They charge $9.
- cashierbad customer service cashier here Terrible and laughing and smile at me back
- closing timeThis was my favorite place for Fish and chips. However, at 20: 40, the staff brazenly started throwing people out to clean up. They could not sell me food and closed the place faster than expected.
- experienceI have never had such a negative experience at a resturant
- greetingdon’t even greet you
- lady at the counterlady at the counter is very impatient
- long waitlong wait of over 30 minutes
The service here is a bit of a mixed bag. While many enjoy quick, friendly interactions, theres a chance you might encounter some delays or less-than-stellar attitudes. If youre okay with a bit of a gamble, you might be pleasantly surprised, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
The vibe here is generally quite pleasant, with many customers appreciating the informal environment, cleanliness, and fantastic location. With 36 positive remarks out of 51 total, its clear that the setting is a big draw. The overall score for ambience sits at a solid 6.6, and customer satisfaction is a good 70.6%, suggesting most folks enjoy their surroundings, especially the great views and casual atmosphere.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. Some guests found the place a bit too noisy, and there were concerns about smelly areas, dirty tables, and even pigeons in the outdoor spaces. These 13 negative observations point to areas where the restaurant could definitely improve the overall experience for everyone.
Ambience
51
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location
- Clean interior
- Casual, laid-back vibe
What people don't like
- Too noisy
- Dirty tables
- Pigeon issue
Often praised
- atmosphereThe casual, laid-back vibe of the place was perfect for a quick meal while enjoying the views. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but for fresh seafood and the atmosphere, it’s totally worth it. If you’re in the area, definitely give it a try!
- locationbesticht durch seine unschlagbare Lage im Herzen der touristischen Highlights
- placeThis was an excellent place to stop and grab a bite while at Pier 39. I highly recommend taking the 30-minute yellow boat ride across the way from the restaurant.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- LugarLugar muy tranquilo
- casual, laid-back vibeThe chowder was creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender clams, and the bread bowl was the perfect vessel—crispy on the outside and soft inside. The casual, laid-back vibe of the place was perfect for a quick meal while enjoying the views. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but for fresh seafood and the atmosphere, it’s totally worth it.
- cleanlinessIt has a cleaner feel as compared to the rest
- eat outsideyou can eat outside as well
- environmentprofitieren von einem lebendigen Umfeld
- hole in the wall spotnice hole in the wall spot
Frequently criticized
- pigeonsThe service was very fast, and the food was completely satisfactory. However, there were many pigeons in the outdoor area, and it's worth being careful because they are impudent.
- tablesthey were just opening up 2 tables for people to sit together.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- atmosphereSmall so when it’s busy there is no where to sit
- bowlsbowls aren’t cleaned proper
- cleaning tablesThey could not sell me food and closed the place faster than expected. If they sold me a meal, why were they running around me and cleaning the tables?
- environmentThe three small drinks totaled $11 and some change. Overall, this place is terrible, with horrible pricing, minuscule portions, an uncomfortable environment, and extremely poor value. I strongly advise to AVOID THIS PLACE.
- noiseHonestly, the food isn't good here. Additionally, the lady at the counter seemed impatient when I was trying to order over the noise of the staff.
- outside patioSince the weather was chilly, the food cooled down quickly. The service was excellent, but the outside patio could have been cleaner.
- restroomsThe only downside is that there are no restrooms on site
If you're looking for a casual spot with great views and a lively atmosphere, especially if you can snag an outdoor table, this place is worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment and keep an eye out for those pesky pigeons!
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
While the overall customer satisfaction for value sits at a rather low 29.1%, and the score is an average 4.3, there are still 16 positive remarks. Many appreciated finding value for money and reasonable prices, often noting it was cheaper than other restaurants for a cheap, quick bite. Some even praised generous portions for the price.
However, the majority of the 55 comments, with 33 leaning negative, paint a different picture. Many felt the offerings were overpriced and expensive, often citing small portions or generally poor value for what they received. Terms like pricing/value and tourist trap frequently appeared, highlighting significant concerns.
Value
55
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
33
negative
6
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Small portions
- Poor value
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was great! I had a fair price for a very generous portion of fried shrimps, which cost $13. 50.
- pricesI had the best fish I've ever eaten. The portions were large, and the prices were reasonable. The service was friendly, and I couldn't find any faults with the place.
- cheap, quick bitefor a cheap, quick bite that’s also pretty good!
- cheaper than other restaurantsDefinitely cheaper than other restaurants on the pier.
- pricedreasonable priced
- reasonable pricesThe had more reasonable prices compared to the neighboring restaurants
- valueThe casual, laid-back vibe of the place was perfect for a quick meal while enjoying the views. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but for fresh seafood and the atmosphere, it’s totally worth it. If you’re in the area, definitely give it a try!
- value for moneyexcellent the relationship quality price
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of delicious food and some minor execution issues. Everything on the pier is delicious and premium priced. Their shrimp chowder/bisque is one of the best I've ever had, and I usually dislike chowder.
- overpricedKind of overpriced for the quality and quantity
- Overpriced trashOverpriced trash
- expensiveExpensive as heck
- larger portionswished they had larger portions for the buck
- low ratingI’m surprised they have such a low rating!
- onionsasked for an extra couple of bucks for onlons
- portion sizea little expensive for small servings
- price pointespecially at the price point they charge
- pricesFurthermore, the food is pretty bad; you could achieve a better result by microwaving something from the grocery store. The prices are way too high considering the poor quality and small portions.
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this place might be a hit or miss, as many find it overpriced for the portion sizes. While some praise its reasonable prices, be prepared for the possibility of feeling like you didnt get your money's worth.
How are the prices at The Hook?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 82 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 25, many guests actually spend less, with a big cluster of prices falling into the $11–$20 range, showing there are some great value options alongside the mid-range choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 82 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a seafood spot in San Francisco. It offers a good mix of options, making it accessible while still providing that fresh seafood experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Hook
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Seafood Soup and Fried Fish Delight
My experience at this restaurant, located at Pier 39, was quite enjoyable. I had the opportunity to try their famous seafood chowder served in a bread bowl, which was a highlight. We also ordered fried fish and fried shrimp.
For the bill, we paid $70 for 2 soups, the fried fish and shrimp, and 1 beer and wine. The food received a rating of 4, and the atmosphere was also rated 4. The service was rated 4, and there was no wait time.
The noise level was moderate.
- seafood chowder8
- fried fish7
- fried shrimp7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Chowder and Stale Bread
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I ordered the clam chowder bowl, and unfortunately, the bread was both cold and stale. The clam chowder itself tasted like canned baked potato soup and contained very few clams.
Given these issues, I would never eat there again, as there are much better places all around.
- bread2
- clam chowder2
- clams3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good Food, Excellent Service, Cleanliness Lacking
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. I found the food to be quite good, depending on your choice. We tried the fish and chips, as well as the clam chowder.
The fish was fresh, and we appreciated that the clam chowder was creamy and thick, which is our preference. Since the weather was chilly, the food cooled down quickly. The service was excellent, but the outside patio could have been cleaner.
- food8
- fish and chips8
- clam chowder8
- outside patio3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Food and Service at Fisherman's Wharf
My experience at this restaurant in Fisherman's Wharf was very positive. The attention was good, and the place itself is very nice. While the menu is similar to most restaurants in the area, the quality of the food was very good and tasty.
The atmosphere was very tranquil, and we had the option to eat inside or outside. The service was also very fast. I would recommend this place.
- attention8
- place8
- quality of the food9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Service, Food, and Value at Pier 39
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. The service was great and the staff were very friendly. The food was also good, and the prices were reasonable, especially for the location at Pier 39.
I would recommend this place and we will definitely be back again.
- service10
- staff10
- food9
What The Hook offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at The Hook?
At The Hook, you have several convenient service options. You can choose to enjoy your meal with outdoor seating, dine-in for a cozy experience, or opt for takeout if you’re on the go. The restaurant aims to provide flexibility for your dining preferences.
Is The Hook suitable for families with children and pets?
Absolutely! The Hook is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for the little ones. If you’re bringing your furry friend along, dogs are allowed outside, making it a welcoming spot for the whole family to enjoy.
What is the overall standing of The Hook?
The Hook holds an average Restaurant Score of 5.1 with a mixed Customer Satisfaction of 42.8%. While its Ambience (6.6) is a relative strength, Service (5.8), Food (4.8), and Value (4.3) generally fall into the average or lower-average categories.
How is the food quality at The Hook?
Opinions on the food at The Hook are quite mixed. While some customers enjoyed dishes like the clam chowder and fresh fish, others found items like fish and chips to be oily or overcooked, and portions to be small for the price.
Does The Hook offer good value for money?
Customer feedback on value is divided. Some found the prices reasonable for the portions received, especially compared to other pier establishments. However, a significant number of patrons felt the restaurant was overpriced for the quality and quantity of food offered.