oChef » The Mortimer – San Francisco

The Mortimer - San Francisco

Bar & Pub The Mortimer in San Francisco
Photo from The Mortimer
How do the guests rate it?
The Mortimer at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 6 of the guests
#753 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#47 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
8.8
Food
7.9
Service
8.2
Ambience
3.8
Value
68

Reviews

85.3%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Food quality
  • Quiet atmosphere
  • Attentive service
Frequently criticized
  • Pricing inconsistency
  • Poor value
  • Service delays

The restaurant The Mortimer, a popular Bar & Pub located in San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Nob Hill, invites you to discover its unique charm. You’ll find a truly impressive and great beer selection here, perfect for unwinding after a long day or catching up with friends.

This spot offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed evening out.

Overview: Introducting The Mortimer

The Mortimer offers a refined experience, where the atmosphere sets a sophisticated tone. Guests often praise the culinary artistry in their dishes, reflecting a commitment to quality and fresh preparation.

While many appreciate the generally unparalleled service and comfortable setting, some concerns arise regarding value, particularly when the online menu doesn’t align with in-house pricing.

Good
7.9 out of 10
68

Reviews

85.3%

Satisfaction

9

negative

1

neutral

58

positive

Overall, The Mortimer achieves a solid 7.9, indicating a good dining experience, with customer satisfaction also strong at 85.3%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 58 positive remarks against just 9 negative ones, out of 68 total opinions.

The Food (8.8) stands out as a clear highlight, consistently impressing diners with its quality. Ambience (8.2) also contributes significantly to the pleasant experience, complemented by generally good Service (7.9).

However, Value (3.8) remains an area needing attention, as it falls considerably short.

What people like
  • Exceptional food quality
  • Sophisticated, quiet atmosphere
  • Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent online pricing
  • Perceived poor value
  • Understaffed during peak

The Mortimer, with a strong recommendation score of 8.2, is certainly worth considering if you prioritize excellent food and a refined setting. It’s a place where culinary skill and a pleasant environment shine through.

However, be mindful of potential value discrepancies and service during busy periods. If you’re seeking a quality meal in a comfortable space and are prepared for potential pricing surprises, it could be a good choice.

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Verdict: Our expert take on The Mortimer

Food (8.8 out of 10)

mentioned by 88% of the guests

When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with an excellent score of 8.8 and an impressive excellent customer satisfaction of 95.2%! Guests rave about the culinary artistry, with many highlighting the fantastic food, awesome cocktails, and consistently great meals. From extraordinary crabcakes crafted with impeccably fresh ingredients to tasty meatballs, huge salad portions, and crisp garlic fries, the positive feedback is overwhelming, coming from 20 enthusiastic reviews.

However, its not entirely without a minor hiccup. Out of 21 opinions, there was one mention of the deviled eggs being overdone and not to one customers taste. While this is a small point amidst a sea of praise, it's worth noting that not every single dish hit the mark for everyone.

8.8 Food

21

Reviews

95%

Satisfaction

1

negative

0

neutral

20

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Exceptional crabcakes
  • Creative cocktails
  • Consistent great meals
What people don't like
  • Overdone deviled eggs

Often praised

  • food
  • cocktails
  • drinks
  • Bottles of Beer
  • chorizo scramble
  • cocktail
  • crabcakes
  • garlic fries
  • great beers on tap
  • huge salad portions

Frequently criticized

  • deviled eggs

If youre looking for a place where the food is consistently praised and the cocktails are a highlight, this restaurant is definitely worth trying. With such high satisfaction and an excellent score, youre likely in for a delicious experience, though perhaps skip the deviled eggs.

Service (7.9 out of 10)

mentioned by 75% of the guests

When it comes to service, this spot truly stands out! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a strong 83.3%, its clear guests are generally happy. Many rave about the attentiveness of the staff and bartenders , often noting a personal touch that makes the experience special.

Based on 20 positive remarks out of 24 total, the team clearly makes a great impression. However, its not entirely perfect. A few guests experienced frustrating waiting times and felt the staff might be stretched thin during busy periods.

There were also some difficulties reaching the restaurant by phone , which impacted the overall dining experience for a handful of people, as noted in 4 negative observations.

7.9 Service

24

Reviews

83%

Satisfaction

4

negative

0

neutral

20

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Friendly, attentive staff
  • Excellent bartenders
  • Personalized service
What people don't like
  • Long waiting times
  • Understaffed at peak
  • Phone unreachability

Often praised

  • service
  • staff
  • bartender
  • attentiveness
  • bartenders
  • drink ninja
  • everything
  • food
  • friendly waitress
  • help

Frequently criticized

  • dining experience
  • phone
  • staff
  • waiting time

Overall, if youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and attentive service, youll likely be pleased here. Just be mindful of potential waits during peak times and consider booking online if phone issues persist.

Ambience (8.2 out of 10)

mentioned by 56% of the guests

Stepping into this spot, youre immediately greeted by an atmosphere that truly shines! With a good score of 8.2 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 94.1%, its clear guests adore the vibe. Out of 17 total opinions, a whopping 16 rave about the inviting atmosphere, chic interior design, and comfortable seating, making it perfect for conversations.

Whats even better? Theres not a single negative word to be found about the ambience! Guests consistently describe it as quiet, warm, and never too busy or loud, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable environment for everyone.

8.2 Ambience

17

Reviews

94%

Satisfaction

0

negative

1

neutral

16

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Great atmosphere
  • Chic interior design
  • Quiet environment
What people don't like

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • bar
  • busy and loud
  • chairs
  • conversations
  • decoration
  • environment
  • interior design
  • mood
  • quiet

Frequently criticized

No complaints so far.

If a fantastic atmosphere is high on your list, this place is definitely worth checking out. You can expect a sophisticated, comfortable, and quiet environment perfect for intimate or group conversations. It’s a clear winner for ambience.

Value (3.8 out of 10)

mentioned by 19% of the guests

When it comes to value, theres a silver lining to be found, especially if youre a fan of a good deal! Based on 2 positive observations, guests really appreciate the Happy Hour specials, noting that it runs daily and offers some genuinely attractive prices. It seems like a great way to enjoy the restaurant without breaking the bank.

However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, with a score of just 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a low 33.3%, indicating significant room for improvement. Based on 4 negative comments, many feel theres a bait and switch happening due to a misleading online menu with much lower prices than whats charged. Plus, some have encountered unexpected authorization holds on their bank accounts.

3.8 Value

6

Reviews

33%

Satisfaction

4

negative

0

neutral

2

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Great Happy Hour specials
What people don't like
  • Misleading online menu
  • Higher actual prices
  • Unexpected card authorization

Often praised

  • Happy Hour
  • Happy Hour specials

Frequently criticized

  • authorization
  • bait and switch
  • online menu
  • prices

If you're looking for value, your best bet is definitely to hit up their Happy Hour. Otherwise, be wary of potential price discrepancies between the online menu and actual charges, and keep an eye out for authorization holds on your card.

How are the prices at The Mortimer?

You’re looking at roughly 40 per person – reported by 6 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 40, the actual spending varies quite a bit, from budget-friendly options to some higher-end choices. This suggests a diverse menu or different ways people enjoy their visit. Just a heads-up, this data is based on a small sample of 6 customers, but it gives us a good initial feel.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 6 reviews. Keep in mind, with a smaller number of reviews, this is a good indication but not a definitive trend.

See how this Bar & Pub’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.

Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, especially with the range of options available. It seems like you can tailor your visit to your budget.

Customer Reviews: what people think about The Mortimer

Price per Person
  • $81–$90
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
T L.
Review date: 07/10/2025
1
Online Menu and Prices Deceptive
My experience at this restaurant was highly disappointing due to a significant discrepancy between the online menu and the actual offerings. The menu I viewed online did not match the one provided in the restaurant at all. Furthermore, the prices were almost double what was advertised online, which felt like a complete bait and switch tactic.
  • online menu1
  • prices1
  • bait and switch1
Price per Person
  • $31–$40
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Solo Dinner
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
D M. (.
Review date: 05/09/2025
10
Exceptional Dining Gem in San Francisco
My experience at The Mortimer, tucked inside the elegant Hotel Adagio, was that of discovering an absolute treasure. From the moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication, an exquisite blend of modern charm and classic refinement. The service here was truly unparalleled. The staff’s attentiveness and genuine hospitality elevated the experience, making me feel valued and cared for. It’s rare to find service that is both professional and deeply personable, yet The Mortimer executes this effortlessly. And then, there’s the food. Every dish is crafted from scratch, ensuring freshness, precision, and remarkable flavors that delight the senses. The culinary artistry shines in every bite, and my experience with the crabcakes was nothing short of extraordinary. Perfectly crisp on the outside, tender and flavorful within—these were some of the best crabcakes I’ve ever had, anywhere in the world. Every ingredient tasted impeccably fresh, harmonizing beautifully to create a dish that was simply unforgettable. For anyone looking to unwind in a serene setting, accompanied by world-class cuisine and outstanding service, The Mortimer is the perfect escape. I wholeheartedly recommend treating yourself to an experience here—you won’t regret it!
  • service10
  • attentiveness10
  • food10
Price per Person
  • $91–$100
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Chris F.
Review date: 05/06/2025
9
Excellent Food and Service
We stayed at the Hotel Adagio and decided to try the hotel restaurant. The service was very nice, and the food was excellent. We would gladly return anytime.
  • service9
  • food10
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Spellbinder
Review date: 02/19/2025
7
Great Food, But Payment Issue
My experience at the Mortimer has been great overall, and I frequent this place as a local. The food, service, and atmosphere are all rated a 4 out of 5. However, there's a significant issue with their payment process. When paying with a debit card, they place an authorization for $60 on your account in addition to charging you for the meal. While they have received payment, they are still holding this $60 authorization for 10 days now. It's been impossible to reach them on the phone to resolve this. This payment issue makes me think twice about returning.
  • food8
  • service8
  • atmosphere8
  • authorization2
  • phone1
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Trena K.
Review date: 02/16/2025
9
Great Cocktails and Fries!
My experience at this little bar within the Adagio hotel was wonderful. We stopped in for cocktails and a snack. The garlic fries were crisp and garlicky. The service was prompt and pleasant. We'll stop by daily for our entire stay.
  • cocktails9
  • garlic fries10
  • service9

What The Mortimer offers

Highlights

  • Great beer selection

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Crowd

  • Tourists
  • Groups

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

Popular for

  • Solo dining

Amenities

  • Restroom

Offerings

  • Food at bar
  • Hard liquor
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Alcohol

Dining options

  • Table service

Service Options

  • Dine-in

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Trendy

FAQs

What kind of atmosphere can you expect when you visit The Mortimer?
When you step into The Mortimer, you’ll immediately notice its inviting vibe. The atmosphere is both casual and trendy, creating a comfortable yet stylish setting for your visit. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself, whether you’re grabbing a quick drink or settling in for the evening.
Yes, The Mortimer is committed to ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy to get in and out. Additionally, the establishment provides a wheelchair accessible restroom for your convenience, ensuring comfort during your visit.
The Mortimer holds a good overall score of 7.9, with customer satisfaction at 85.3%. Its Food (8.8) and Ambience (8.2) are highly regarded, while Service (7.9) is also good, though Value (3.8) is a weaker point.
Guests describe The Mortimer as having a warm, sophisticated, and often quiet atmosphere , with clean, modern interior design and comfortable seating, making it suitable for conversations.
Some patrons have noted issues with online menu prices not matching in-house rates, leading to perceived poor value . Service can also be affected by understaffing during peak times, causing longer waiting time .
Loading map…
Location
550 Geary St, 94102 San Francisco
Opening hours
Monday – Sunday
4:00 PM – 10:00 PM