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oChef » The Madrigal – San Francisco
The Madrigal - San Francisco
Photo from The Madrigal
The Madrigal at a glance
San Francisco Civic Center
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 28 of the guests
#994 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#82 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
327
Reviews
78.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative drinks
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Menu limitations
- High cost
The restaurant The Madrigal, a vibrant Bar & Pub in San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood, invites you to experience a lively evening. You can enjoy delicious food at the bar, alongside an impressive selection of wine, beer, and expertly crafted cocktails.
With dancing on offer, it’s a perfect spot for a dynamic night out in the city.
Overview: Introducting The Madrigal
The Madrigal offers a compelling experience, particularly noted for its inventive cocktails and well-crafted small plates. Guests often praise the inviting ambiance, which sets a pleasant backdrop for an evening out.
However, some find the food menu somewhat limited, and the overall pricing can be a point of contention for certain dishes. Despite these points, the establishment generally provides a welcoming atmosphere with attentive staff.
While the setting is often described as modern and hip, occasional feedback points to a noisy environment. The friendly service, however, consistently stands out, ensuring a largely positive visit for many patrons.
Good
7.6
out of 10
327
Reviews
78.6%
Satisfaction
54
negative
16
neutral
257
positive
The Madrigal achieves a respectable overall score of 7.6, indicating a good dining experience, with customer satisfaction also rated as good at 78.6%. These figures, drawn from 327 customer remarks, suggest a generally positive reception, with 257 positive comments outweighing 54 negative ones.
Looking closer, Food (7.9), Service (7.8), and Ambience (7.5) all score well, reflecting consistent strengths. However, Value (5.1) stands out as an average aspect, suggesting that while the quality is there, the pricing structure or portion sizes might not always align with expectations for some guests.
What people like
- Creative cocktails
- Inviting ambiance
- Attentive service
- Happy hour deals
What people don't like
- Limited food menu
- Loud environment
- Hidden surcharges
- Overpriced dishes
If you’re seeking a spot with creative drinks and a lively, attractive setting, The Madrigal is certainly worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 7.8 suggests many leave satisfied, especially those who appreciate a good cocktail and a vibrant atmosphere for socializing.
However, be mindful of the menu’s focus on smaller plates and potential noise levels. For those prioritizing a quiet, extensive meal at a modest price point, it might not be the ideal fit.
Consider visiting during their happy hour for better value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Madrigal
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink experience, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 7.9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 84.7%, it's clear many guests are delighted. Based on 160 positive remarks out of 189 total, patrons rave about the inventive cocktails, delicious small plates like the garlic bread and beef tartare, and especially the amazing Duck Smash Burger and madeleine cookies.
However, not every bite is perfect. Some of the 22 negative comments point to concerns about small portion sizes, particularly for main courses, and a desire for more vegetarian choices. A few found certain cocktails unbalanced or too sweet, and there were isolated reports of inconsistent food quality, like raw chicken or burned items.
Food
189
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
160
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inventive, delicious cocktails
- Tasty small plates
- Amazing Duck Smash Burger
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Limited vegetarian options
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- cocktailsI stopped by before heading to a show at the nearby Goldstein theatre. The restaurant offered a solid collection of interesting cocktails and food choices, though it was a bit poor on vegetarian choices. The place has a somewhat hoity-toity atmosphere, but the service was excellent, and we got a table immediately on a Saturday night.
- foodFrom the cocktails, vibe, food, and service, I would highly recommend!
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the excellent customer service and the amazing drinks. I highly recommend asking for the secret menu, as it was truly amazing.
- garlic breadWould recommend the garlic bread and onion rings.
- small platesEven the non-alcoholic drinks were amazing. Their small plates were pretty great too. We got the white corn which was really awesome, and the garlic bread was so soft and yummy.
- Christmas cocktailsinteresting, well balanced and high quality cocktails
- Duck Smash BurgerDuck Smash Burger … this says it all, go now!! SOO GOOOOOD
- FoodFood:5
- Screen Testand Screen Test as well
- beef tartareso were the bar bites - beef tartare
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food is way overpriced for the portion sizes
- Clone CanyonClone Canyon: too tart, skip
- beet hummusthe beet hummus is overloaded with salt IMHO
- burger dinnerburger dinner item was literally just a burger
- burned foodserve burned food
- chicken slidersthe chicken was raw on the inside
- cocktailsall the cocktails I’ve had here have just been way too sweet
- food menufood menu is very limited
- grilled cheese sandwichgrilled cheese sandwich was not your typical grilled cheese
- main course dishesI wish they add more main course dishes to their menu
If you're looking for a place with creative, delicious cocktails and fantastic small plates perfect for sharing, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that portions can be on the smaller side, and vegetarian options might be limited, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 78.2%, its clear most folks have a good experience. Out of 55 comments, 43 rave about the friendly and attentive staff, often highlighting their great service and knowledgeable suggestions, especially from the bartenders.
However, its not all smooth sailing. A few of the 9 negative comments mention service could be a bit slow at times. There are also some frustrations around unanswered phone calls and the inability to place to-go orders over the phone, which can be a minor inconvenience.
Service
55
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable staff
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unanswered phone calls
- No phone orders
Often praised
- serviceThe food menu was very limited, which was a significant drawback. However, the service was good, and the cocktail menu was good. The music was loud, which detracted from the dining experience, especially in a place focused on dining.
- staffThe cocktails were creative twists on classics and were really well executed. While the service wasn't perfect, the staff were very friendly and helpful. They've just opened, so patience is appreciated as they're still figuring things out.
- bartenderPaul, the bartender, made us some excellent cocktails
- ServiceService:5
- friendly staffI had a pleasant experience with the atmosphere and the friendly staff. However, there was a significant issue with the closing time.
- bartendersThe bartenders are friendly and professional
- customer serviceExcellent customer service
- fantastic staffI am so happy this restaurant has opened! My experience was wonderful, with delicious food, a great atmosphere, and fantastic staff. The staff were so friendly, and I'm thrilled to have this place in our neighborhood!
- friendly to chatMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for cocktails and the overall chill vibe. The bartender, Paul, was a highlight, crafting excellent cocktails and being friendly to chat with. We particularly enjoyed the Dew Claw, but all the cocktails we tried were great.
- great serviceI loved the ambience and decor. The staff was incredibly friendly, providing great service. The drink menu was also fun ;) The food was solid.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service does not match the price point
- closing timeapp says they close at 10:00pm and when I went there at 9pm they already closed up
- drinksit took forever to get drinks
- phoneI don't know how the food is, but they don’t take to go orders over the phone. In fact, they don’t answer the phone. I had to go in to find out.
- phone callsthree phone calls to them go unanswered
- street parkingStreet parking might be an issue here
- to go ordersthey don’t take to go orders over the phone
Overall, if youre dining in and looking for a welcoming atmosphere with attentive staff, youll likely have a great time. Just be aware that phone communication for things like reservations or take-out might be a bit tricky, so plan accordingly.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 7.5 and boasting a 74.6% customer satisfaction. With 44 positive opinions out of 59, guests frequently rave about the art deco style bar, the great atmosphere, and the chill vibe.
Many appreciate the gorgeous views and find it a perfect spot for a date night or just to talk and chill with friends. However, its not without its quirks. While generally good, 10 opinions point out that it can get loud, especially when busy, and some found the interior felt a little dated.
There are also mentions of poor acoustics and loud DJ music impacting the overall experience, suggesting it might not always be the quietest spot.
Ambience
59
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
10
negative
5
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Chill, intimate vibe
- Gorgeous views
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Dated interior
- Poor acoustics
Often praised
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere are top notch
- ambianceThe ambiance was nice - modern and hip.
- date nightfeels intimate for either a date night
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around its beautiful place and great ambience. The excellent location makes it a perfect spot for a date or catching up with friends. The cocktails were top notch, and I especially loved the snacks, particularly the spinach and cheese dip.
- night out with friendsit’s a great spot to visit for a night out with friends
- aestheticsbeautiful aesthetics
- ambienceGreat ambience
- ambience and decorLoved the ambience and decor
- art deco style barIt’s an art deco style bar
Frequently criticized
- DJI stopped by this place with our group before heading to Audio. We absolutely loved the cocktails, but the DJ was playing some mad House music. We definitely recommend coming after 10 PM.
- accessMy experience at this business, which has operated as both the Corridor and Madrigal, was unfortunately marred by a significant issue. The business feels compelled to block the stairs to 100 Van Ness by placing a planter at the front of the stairs solely to obstruct access. This is a practice they somehow feel entitled to do over their years operating here.
- acousticsI wish the acoustics were better in the restaurant
- atmosphereThe Madrigal, like so many restaurants/bars is mighty loud
- busyif it busy it gets loud
- dated interiorinterior felt a little dated
- loudit can sometimes get a bit loud with the glass and other hard surfaces
- musicLoud music in a place that is all about dining so not great
- overhead lightingI would reco the overhead lighting is dimmed once the sun goes down
- stairsblock the stairs to 100 Van Ness by placing a planter
If you're looking for a stylish spot with a good atmosphere for a date or a relaxed night out, especially with those lovely views, this place is a strong contender. Just be aware that during peak times or with a DJ, it might get a bit noisy, so plan accordingly if quiet conversation is your priority.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers rave about the fantastic deals, especially during the late night happy hour and reverse happy hour where items are often reasonably priced and under $10. Based on 10 positive opinions out of 24 total, it seems like savvy diners know how to make their budget stretch here, particularly for those evening specials. However, the overall value experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 41.7% and an average score of 5.1.
Many of the 13 negative opinions highlight that the regular menu can be overpriced with small portions, and some find the pricing to be deceptive due to additional service fees and confusing bills. So, while there are deals to be found, you might need to be strategic.
Value
24
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
13
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great late-night happy hour
- Reasonably priced specials
What people don't like
- Overpriced regular menu
- Deceptive pricing
- Hidden service fees
Often praised
- late night happy hourexclusively for their late night happy hour
- reverse happy hourreverse happy hour to get a good deal
- Happy HourThe mains were pretty good as well, rich in flavor, but couldn't fully stack up to the truly outstanding starters we had. If I were to come back, I think I'd opt for the late night Happy Hour (9 - close) as getting all my favorite items for a discount would be dope!
- Reasonably pricedReasonably priced as well
- happy hourthey have a happy hour that starts at 9pm
- late happy hourlate happy hour from 9pm to close
- under $10all under $10!
Frequently criticized
- Healthy SF surchargedocking a star for deceptive and customer-hostile pricing
- Service FeeService Fee (can be 20%) - this does not go to the servers.
- billYou need to bring a CPA to figure out the bill.
- checkWhen the check arrives - not one thing was comped, and they billed us for 2 steaks!
- menudeceptive and customer-hostile pricing
- outrageousit’s outrageous.
- overpricedThe food is way overpriced for the portion sizes
- paying around 50% moreWith tip you’re easily paying around 50% more for you meal.
- priceportion was really small for the price
- priceybut pricey
If youre looking for a great deal, definitely check out their late-night happy hour for reasonably priced options. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially overpriced' regular menu items and keep an eye on the bill for extra fees.
How are the prices at The Madrigal?
You’re looking at roughly 38 per person – reported by 28 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 38, its interesting to see that a good number of guests spend less, with the most common price point falling in the $21–$30 range. Theres also a mix of higher spends, showing a decent variety in what people choose.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 28 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, especially considering the variety of spending options available.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Madrigal
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious Bites and Refreshing Drinks
My experience at this restaurant was a pleasant one, offering a nice place for a small bite and a drink. The staff was friendly and attentive whenever they came around. The food arrived fresh, delicious, and hot, with small plates perfectly sized to prevent overeating.
I particularly enjoyed the 'Angels with Dirty Wings, ' an herbal drink that was different and refreshing. Both the zucchini fries and the paella were good, but the Panna cotta is a must-try! The tables are close, which can lead to a loud atmosphere when busy.
While reservations were suggested, we were seated in under 10 minutes without one. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, though it's a small space.
- staff9
- food9
- Small plates8
- busy4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food, Amazing Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the drinks were equally impressive. The service was truly amazing, with everyone being super friendly and accommodating.
We ordered the cheeseburger and the cavatelli. While the cavatelli were truly delicious and I couldn’t get enough, I do wish the portion of cavatelli was bigger. I definitely recommend this place and will return next time I'm in San Francisco.
- food9
- drinks9
- service10
- portion of cavatelli5
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Tasty Bites, Deceptive Pricing
My friend and I visited for a light bite before a show. We ordered a salad, zucchini fries, and trout dip to share. All the dishes were pretty tasty, and the service was friendly and efficient.
I'd give it four stars for the food and service. However, I'm docking a star due to the 6% "Healthy SF" surcharge, which was barely visible on the worn and faded menu. While restaurant employees deserve fair wages and healthcare, patrons also deserve transparent pricing.
Restaurants should update their menu prices to include these surcharges. Until this practice changes, I won't be returning and encourage others to support restaurants with upfront pricing.
- salad8
- zucchini fries8
- trout dip8
- Healthy SF surcharge2
- menu3
- pricing3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Unique Drinks & Friendly Service!
Our last stop of the night was a great one, arriving just moments before last call. The drinks were exceptional, truly unique. I was particularly impressed with the forbidden city, served in a charming tea cup.
The ambiance is versatile, suitable for both dressed-up and casual visits. The service was incredibly friendly! We also learned about a secret drink menu, which definitely warrants a return visit to explore more.
- drinks9
- forbidden city9
- ambiance9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Beautiful Ambience, Great Cocktails & Snacks
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around its beautiful place and great ambience. The excellent location makes it a perfect spot for a date or catching up with friends. The cocktails were top notch, and I especially loved the snacks, particularly the spinach and cheese dip.
However, the service could be a bit slow during peak evening hours.
- place10
- ambience10
- location9
- service4
What The Madrigal offers
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
FAQs
What kind of food and drinks can you enjoy at The Madrigal?
At The Madrigal, you can savor a selection of food served directly at the bar. Their extensive beverage menu includes a variety of wines, beers, and expertly mixed cocktails, ensuring there’s an alcoholic option to suit every taste.
What service and parking options are available at The Madrigal?
The Madrigal offers convenient dine-in seating for guests. For parking, you’ll find both paid parking lots and paid street parking options nearby. They also accept reservations, making it easy to plan your visit.
What is the overall customer sentiment for The Madrigal?
The Madrigal generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 78.6%. Most guests appreciate the experience, with 257 positive comments compared to 54 negative ones.
What are the standout features and potential drawbacks at The Madrigal?
Customers frequently praise the creative cocktails, inviting ambiance, and friendly service. However, some find the food menu limited, the environment can be loud, and there are concerns about hidden surcharges and overall dish pricing.
How does The Madrigal score across different aspects?
The Madrigal scores well in Food (7.9), Service (7.8), and Ambience (7.5). The Value score (5.1) is average, indicating that while other aspects are strong, the pricing might not always meet customer expectations.