Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » The Lark – San Francisco
The Lark - San Francisco
Photo from The Lark
The Lark at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#1605 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#113 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
264
Reviews
73.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Good drinks
- Fair prices
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- High noise
- Billing issues
The Bar & Pub, The Lark, in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco, offers you a fantastic spot to unwind. You’ll discover a great beer selection here, perfect for enjoying with friends or catching a game.
This cozy and casual establishment provides a trendy atmosphere where you can relax and savor your time. Whether you’re looking for happy hour drinks or a full meal, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this welcoming San Francisco bar.
Overview: Introducting The Lark
The Lark offers a generally pleasant experience, often highlighted by its welcoming vibe and a lively atmosphere perfect for catching a game. Many appreciate the friendly bartenders who contribute to a good time, making it a solid choice for drinks.
However, some visits can be marred by inconsistent service and a notably loud noise level that can hinder conversation. While the space itself is often praised, these aspects occasionally detract from an otherwise enjoyable outing.
Good
7.1
out of 10
264
Reviews
73.9%
Satisfaction
55
negative
14
neutral
195
positive
The Lark achieves a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally positive experience for many patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at 73.9%, suggesting that a good majority leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 264 customer remarks, with 195 positive and 55 negative observations. Delving into specifics, Food scores well at (8.4), often described as fresh and enjoyable, particularly the drink selection.
The Ambience also rates favorably at (7.6), providing a good setting. However, Value (6.1) and Service (5.9) are more in the average range, with some experiences noting inconsistencies in staff attentiveness and pricing.
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Good drink selection
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Loud environment
- Billing concerns
The Lark presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking a lively spot with a good selection of drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. If you prioritize a vibrant setting and a decent beverage, it often delivers a pleasant experience, reflected in its 7.3 recommendation score.
However, be prepared for potential fluctuations in service quality and a noisy environment, which might not suit everyone. It’s a place worth considering for casual drinks and sports viewing, but perhaps not for a quiet, intimate gathering or if consistent, flawless service is your top priority.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Lark
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink scene here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction soaring at 87.1%, its clear most folks are loving what's on offer. Out of 62 comments, a whopping 54 were positive, highlighting fantastic beer selections, creative cocktails, and the genius option to order Joyride Pizza right to your table.
Many raved about the delicious Paloma slushy and even tasty burrata burgers. However, a couple of comments, just 2 out of 62, did point out some minor hiccups. The main concern revolved around food availability, with some wishing for more in-house options or specific items like deviled eggs.
It seems the focus is heavily on drinks, with food being more of a convenient add-on rather than a full kitchen experience.
Food
62
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
2
negative
6
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great drink selection
- Delicious cocktails
- Tasty external food
What people don't like
- No in-house food
Often praised
- foodThe food was fantastic and fresh
- beers on tapWhile it's a sports bar, the TV sound was at the maximum bearable level, making it impossible to hold a conversation. The cocktail was okay, and they had 8-9 beers on tap. Unfortunately, I left after one drink because of the overwhelming noise.
- drinksMy experience at this bar was great! It's a fantastic place to enjoy some drinks and watch a game. Even on a Monday, the place was packed, likely due to a convention in town.
- beerGood beer and service. Racer 5 ipa is delicious.
- cocktailsIt's a low-key spot perfect for catching a game. They have a solid draught list and cocktails, and the staff were super friendly. While they don't have their own kitchen, they conveniently order Joyride Pizza from next door and add it to your tab.
- GuinnessIt still has the same welcoming, no nonsense vibe but a bigger better space. The beers are cold, bartenders are friendly, and the Guinness is fresh and clean. If Anthony Bourdain were still around, he would have said to come and grab a pint here at 4pm, strike up a chat with someone you wouldn’t normally speak with, and enjoy the ride.
- Old Fashionedmade it with the High West double rye because I asked for it
- Paloma slushyand the Paloma slushy
- drinkMy experience at this restaurant was positive. I found it to be a good place for a drink, with great service. The prices were alright, and the ambiance wasn't too bad either.
- Cali Squeeze Blood Orangethe Cali Squeeze Blood Orange was really good!
Frequently criticized
- deviled eggsNo deviled eggs, we were told that's something people look for but they don't have it
- food availabilityNo food available
If youre seeking a place with an excellent drink menu, from craft beers to unique cocktails, youll be very happy. While in-house food options are limited, the convenience of ordering delicious pizza from next door makes it a great choice for a casual outing.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
Many guests praise the friendly staff and attentive bartenders, often highlighting fast service and a timely manner for orders. With 51 positive opinions among 90 total mentions, service can be a real highlight, contributing to an average score of 5.9 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 56.7%. On the flip side, 37 negative opinions point to issues with rude bartenders and feeling ignored, sometimes involving the bouncer staff.
These experiences suggest inconsistency, pulling down the overall customer satisfaction of 56.7% and contributing to the average score of 5.9.
Service
90
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
37
negative
2
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive bartenders
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Rude bartenders
- Feeling ignored
- Aggressive bouncers
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was positive, primarily due to the efficient and helpful service. The outside sitting area was a highlight, being well lit and heated, which is crucial in San Francisco.
- bartendersIt still has the same welcoming, no nonsense vibe but a bigger better space. The beers are cold, bartenders are friendly, and the Guinness is fresh and clean. If Anthony Bourdain were still around, he would have said to come and grab a pint here at 4pm, strike up a chat with someone you wouldn’t normally speak with, and enjoy the ride.
- staffI enjoyed the good cocktails and the beer selection. The great staff made the visit even better. I would definitely become a regular if I lived in SF.
- bartenderThe bartender was very friendly and engaging
- ServiceService:5
- attentive bartendersAttentive bartenders
- bar staffFriendly bar staff
- entire staffThe entire staff is knowledgeable and prompt
- fast serviceThe bar certainly has personality! I was impressed with the great whiskey selection and the fast service.
- friendly bartenders" The venue seemed cool initially, but the experience was completely ruined by rude bartenders trying to close up early and aggressively kicking us out. I strongly recommend finding somewhere else and again suggest the Golden Gate Taproom, just a short walk away, which offers an amazing viewing experience and friendly bartenders.
Frequently criticized
- serviceInitially, I found the bartenders to be attentive and the prices to be good. However, on a subsequent visit, I was not greeted at all and sat at the bar for a while without acknowledgment, while others who arrived later were served immediately. It's clear that the service quality depends on which bartender is working.
- bartendersbartenders said the sound wasn’t working and they didn’t seem to care
- bartenderMy wife had a white wine, and I noticed that a $14 white wine showed up as $26 on my credit card statement. My other friends were less fortunate because the bartender gave their card to the wrong group. So, not only did they charge the wrong amount to the wrong card, but they also lost their card.
- staffstaff were physically intimidating
- bouncerbouncer made me so uncomfortable with his refusal to speak
- security staffRegardless of your tip, they will forcibly boot you out. Google states they are open until 2 AM, but I recommend not arriving after 12 AM unless you want trouble from the security staff. It's a real "yikes" situation, and I hope they fix this because otherwise, it's a good place.
- attitudebartender had attitude with everything
- bartender take shotsSo, not only did they charge the wrong amount to the wrong card, but they also lost their card. Lastly, we all witnessed the bartender take shots from behind the bar while working. While I can imagine they have a healthy tolerance, I have to assume this was one of the many reasons our group had these major issues with a simple order.
- biasI truly think there some bias in how she reacted
- bouncer at the doorHostile and aggressive bouncer at the door
When the service is on point, youre in for a great experience with friendly and efficient staff. However, be aware that some visits might encounter inconsistent or even rude service, particularly from bartenders or bouncers. Its a bit of a gamble, so go in with an open mind.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the vibe! The ambience here scores a solid 7.6, with customer satisfaction hitting a great 83.5%. Out of 97 remarks, a whopping 81 were positive, praising the welcoming atmosphere, cool memorabilia, and lively sports bar feel.
Many loved the heated outdoor seating, ample space, and even quiet corners, making it a versatile spot with chill vibes. However, its not without its quirks, as 12 negative comments pointed out. Some found the atmosphere could get tight, noisy, and crowded, making conversation difficult.
There were also mentions of sound issues with the TVs and concerns about ceiling cleanliness, suggesting it might not always be the quietest or most pristine spot.
Ambience
97
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming sports bar vibe
- Unique decor
- Great for watching games
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Crowded atmosphere
- Sound issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThis is a very nice, pleasant bar with a lovely crowd and a very nice atmosphere & service. We've already spent two evenings here and plan to spend three more beautiful evenings before our departure to Germany/Berlin on Saturday, November 26, 2022.
- vibeI was always a fan of this place, and its new location at 685 Market is a solid upgrade. It still has the same welcoming, no nonsense vibe but a bigger better space. The beers are cold, bartenders are friendly, and the Guinness is fresh and clean.
- TVsthe TVs offer a great view of sports events
- barThis is a very nice, pleasant bar with a lovely crowd and a very nice atmosphere & service. We've already spent two evenings here and plan to spend three more beautiful evenings before our departure to Germany/Berlin on Saturday, November 26, 2022.
- crowdI loved the crowd
- funlooks a lot of fun
- great placeThis place is a great place to watch sports
- memorabiliacool memorabilia on the walls
- placeIt's a fantastic place to enjoy some drinks and watch a game. Even on a Monday, the place was packed, likely due to a convention in town. Despite the crowd, the bartenders were fast but friendly, ensuring no one went thirsty for very long.
- spaceI was always a fan of this place, and its new location at 685 Market is a solid upgrade. It still has the same welcoming, no nonsense vibe but a bigger better space. The beers are cold, bartenders are friendly, and the Guinness is fresh and clean.
Frequently criticized
- placea place that wants you there, cause these.peiple obviously don't
- TV soundTV sound is at the maximum bearable level
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- ceiling cleanlinesscan't say the same about the ceiling
- conversationno way to hold a conversation
- experienceabsolutely ruined the experience
- kid-friendlinessIt's a bar so this is a no
- noisebecause of the noise
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- soundthe sound wasn’t working
If youre looking for a lively sports bar with a welcoming atmosphere and unique decor, especially for post-work drinks or catching a game, this place is definitely worth checking out. However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting for deep conversation, or if youre sensitive to noise, you might want to consider other options.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag. With a score of 6.1, it lands squarely in the average category, and customer satisfaction sits at a 60% mixed level. Many patrons appreciate the reasonable price and good prices for food and general drinks, often highlighting it as a great option for happy hour.
This positive sentiment is reflected in 9 positive remarks out of 15 total customer observations. However, some significant concerns temper the enthusiasm. There are 4 negative remarks, with issues frequently revolving around the drink selection being overpriced and, more critically, serious problems with credit card statement discrepancies.
These billing errors, combined with reports of rude service, left some feeling it was simply not worth the money.
Value
15
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Good happy hour
What people don't like
- Credit card issues
- Rude service
Often praised
- drinksthe drinks have been reasonably priced
- good pricesgood prices
- happy hourThis place is good for a happy hour
- other placesdozens of other places to spend money at
- price per personprice per person was very reasonable
- pricesGood prices for the area.
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
- reasonable pricescurious with reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- credit card statementY’all, I have a few problems with this spot. Please read them and make sure that you check your credit card statement and the credit card that is returned to you. I visited with 4 friends and we each got a drink.
- drink selectionoverpriced drink selection
- moneyThe bartenders were incredibly rude, which significantly detracted from the overall visit. Considering the poor service, I found it not worth the money.
- white wineVery easy, very basic. My wife had a white wine, and I noticed that a $14 white wine showed up as $26 on my credit card statement. My other friends were less fortunate because the bartender gave their card to the wrong group.
If you're looking for a place with generally reasonable prices and a good happy hour, it might be worth a visit. However, be sure to double-check your bill and credit card statement carefully, as some customers have reported significant issues with overcharging and service.
How are the prices at The Lark?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 35 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.
Most guests tend to spend right around this average, with a clear cluster in the 11 – 30 $ range. While there are a few higher-end options, the majority stick to that mid-range sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
See how this Bar & Pub stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money.
For a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, making it a good option for a casual outing.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Lark
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Spot for Games and Drinks
My experience at this restaurant was great! It's a low-key spot perfect for catching a game. They have a solid draught list and cocktails, and the staff were super friendly.
While they don't have their own kitchen, they conveniently order Joyride Pizza from next door and add it to your tab.
- draught list8
- cocktails8
- staff10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Horrible Service, Felt Unsafe
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative due to the rudest staff I've ever encountered in the hospitality industry. The bouncer at the door was hostile and aggressive, and the bartenders were equally rude, shouting and making me feel like an inconvenience. The bouncer's refusal to speak and aggressive pointing at an unreadable sign, followed by his hostile reaction when I asked for clarification, made me deeply uncomfortable.
He even pursued me down the sidewalk shouting, which left me feeling genuinely scared. I loathe this place and consider it the worst place I've ever been for a drink, which I ultimately didn't have.
- people working here1
- bouncer at the door1
- bartenders1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Billing Errors and Bartender Issues
Y’all, I have a few problems with this spot. Please read them and make sure that you check your credit card statement and the credit card that is returned to you. I visited with 4 friends and we each got a drink.
Very easy, very basic. My wife had a white wine, and I noticed that a $14 white wine showed up as $26 on my credit card statement. My other friends were less fortunate because the bartender gave their card to the wrong group.
So, not only did they charge the wrong amount to the wrong card, but they also lost their card. Lastly, we all witnessed the bartender take shots from behind the bar while working. While I can imagine they have a healthy tolerance, I have to assume this was one of the many reasons our group had these major issues with a simple order.
The service was rated a 1, and the atmosphere was also rated a 1.
- credit card statement1
- white wine2
- bartender1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food, Bring Your Own!
My experience at this restaurant was unique. While the food is located next door, they allow you to bring it in. I highly recommend grabbing a Paloma slushy to go with it.
The service was excellent, with no wait time. The atmosphere was also a perfect 5/5. Overall, a great experience for food lovers who don't mind a little BYOB.
- food10
- Paloma slushy10
- service10
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Service, Felt Disrespected
My experience at this restaurant was quite negative due to the service. I felt that Connor treated me terribly, and it seemed like I needed to look older to be served with respect. The overall experience was marred by this poor treatment.
- service1
- respect1
What The Lark offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit The Lark?
When you plan your visit to The Lark in San Francisco, you’ll find convenient parking solutions. You can utilize the paid parking garage nearby or opt for paid street parking. This makes it easy for you to arrive and enjoy your time at this popular Union Square Bar & Pub.
Does The Lark offer accessibility features and welcome pets?
Yes, The Lark ensures accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom for your comfort. Additionally, if you wish to bring your furry friend, dogs are allowed. This makes it a convenient and inclusive spot for you and your canine companion in Union Square.
What do customers appreciate about the atmosphere at The Lark?
Customers often praise The Lark’s welcoming vibe and lively atmosphere, noting it’s a great spot for watching sports with a pleasant crowd and cool memorabilia.
Are there any common issues with service at The Lark?
Some patrons have experienced inconsistent service, with reports of unacknowledged waits or rude bartenders, and occasional concerns about billing accuracy.