Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » The Oak Room – San Francisco
The Oak Room - San Francisco
Photo from The Oak Room
The Oak Room at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 9 of the guests
#2149 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#113 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
72
Reviews
55.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Historic ambiance
- Good breakfast
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Uneven food
- Service issues
The restaurant The Oak Room, an American Restaurant located in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco, invites you to experience its welcoming atmosphere. You’ll find yourself drawn in by the promise of great coffee, perfect for starting your day or enjoying a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
This spot is a true gem, offering a comfortable setting where you can relax and savor your meal.
Overview: Introducting The Oak Room
The Oak Room offers a mixed experience, with many guests appreciating the attentive staff and a generally pleasant atmosphere that evokes historic San Francisco. While some dishes, like their crunchy pastries, receive praise, there are notable concerns regarding the overall consistency of the menu.
However, diners should be aware of feedback pointing to certain items being overpriced and occasional lapses in food quality. It appears that while the setting and service can be quite appealing, the culinary execution doesn’t always hit the mark across the board.
Average
6
out of 10
72
Reviews
55.6%
Satisfaction
29
negative
3
neutral
40
positive
The Oak Room holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6, placing it squarely in the average category, complemented by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 55.6%, indicating a mixed reception from patrons. This suggests that while many find their visit acceptable, a significant portion leaves feeling less than fully satisfied.
Looking closer, the Food (6.2), Service (6), and Ambience (6.1) all hover around average, suggesting a generally competent but not outstanding experience in these areas. However, Value (3.6) stands out as a clear area for improvement, with many finding the offerings to be on the pricier side.
These insights are drawn from 72 customer opinions, with 40 positive remarks and 29 negative ones.
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Classic atmosphere
- Excellent breakfast buffet
What people don't like
- Overpriced offerings
- Inconsistent breakfast quality
- Service inconsistencies
For those seeking a dining experience with a touch of historic San Francisco charm and generally attentive staff, The Oak Room could be a reasonable choice, especially if you’re keen on their breakfast buffet. However, be prepared for a potentially overpriced bill and some variability in food quality beyond specific praised items.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.1, it’s a place that might satisfy but isn’t likely to wow. It’s worth considering if the specific positives align with your priorities, but if consistent value and culinary excellence are paramount, you might explore other options.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
731
93.8%
- $$
- Bayview District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
780
93.3%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
423
94.6%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
804
89.9%
- $$
- Union Square
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
294
89.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
356
91%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on The Oak Room
Food (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
For food, theres a definite buzz around some standout dishes! Many diners (23 positive remarks out of 39 total) loved the best club sandwich and righteous pulled pork on brioche. Freshly cooked eggs and delightful clam chowder also earned praise.
The overall score is 6.2, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at 59%, suggesting a mixed bag of experiences. However, its not all sunshine, as 14 negative comments highlight areas needing improvement. Several guests found breakfast options limited, with complaints about cold food and undercooked breakfast potatoes.
The coffee was a frequent target, described as dog water, and some felt the fresh baked croissants were stale. Mahi Mahi and Eggs Benedict also received lukewarm reviews.
Food
39
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Club sandwich excellent
- Pulled pork delicious
- Freshly cooked eggs
What people don't like
- Cold, stale food
- Limited breakfast options
- Coffee tastes bad
Often praised
- Anchor Steam clam chowderMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed a three-course meal that included Anchor Steam clam chowder, Prime Rib, and Creme Brule. The staff were highly attentive and ensured I had ample time to savor each dish.
- Creme BruleMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed a three-course meal that included Anchor Steam clam chowder, Prime Rib, and Creme Brule. The staff were highly attentive and ensured I had ample time to savor each dish.
- Prime RibMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed a three-course meal that included Anchor Steam clam chowder, Prime Rib, and Creme Brule. The staff were highly attentive and ensured I had ample time to savor each dish.
- adequate choicesadequate choices but all well prepared
- breakfast buffetMy experience at the hotel was marked by an excellent breakfast buffet. I particularly enjoyed the freshly cooked eggs, which were made to order in any style I desired.
- buffetThe rest of the buffet is great too
- clam chowdercome try their clam chowder!! you will love it!!!
- club sandwichBest club sandwich in the bay area
- coffeecrunchy pastries and coffee are beyond this world
- crunchy pastriescrunchy pastries and coffee are beyond this world
Frequently criticized
- Eggs BenedictEggs Benedict didn't have too much flavor
- Mahi MahiMahi Mahi was little bit dry
- breakfast optionsbreakfast options were very limited
- breakfast potatoesThe breakfast potatoes are undercooked and lack any flavour
- breakfast table buffetThe food was absolutely horrible
- brunch foodworst brunch food ever, cold, leftovers
- chicken sausagesThe chicken sausages have an unsettling aftertaste
- coffeethe coffee tastes like dog water
- eggsThe eggs are not fresh- they are made from a carton
- foodfood was cold
If youre heading here, aim for specific dishes like the club sandwich or clam chowder, as they seem to be the stars. However, be wary of the breakfast buffet and some other menu items, as they might leave you underwhelmed. Its a bit of a gamble, but the highs can be quite good.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely some good news! Many customers, based on 10 positive remarks, praised the "attentive staff" and "wonderful servers" for being very helpful and professional. While customer satisfaction is a mixed 55.6%, the overall score for service sits at an average 6, suggesting a decent foundation.
However, its not all smooth sailing. With 8 negative experiences noted, some guests faced issues like long waiting time for receipts, rude interactions, and a general lack of apology when things went wrong. This contributes to the mixed customer satisfaction, indicating areas needing improvement in overall service and customer satisfaction handling.
Service
18
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Helpful staff
- Attentive staff
- Wonderful servers
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude interactions
- Lack of apology
Often praised
- servicethe service is 110% woo hoo
- staffThe staff were highly attentive
- ServiceThe atmosphere is a perfect 5/5, and the food is rated a solid 4/5. Service also received a perfect 5/5.
- attentive staffI enjoyed a three-course meal that included Anchor Steam clam chowder, Prime Rib, and Creme Brule. The staff were highly attentive and ensured I had ample time to savor each dish.
- free mealShe kindly offered me a free meal the next morning
- serversThe servers are wonderful!
Frequently criticized
- apologyshe never apologized.
- customer satisfactionI truly hope that they will care about customer satisfaction in a more professional manner.
- menuyou can't even see the menu
- receiptThe server brought a receipt that counted my kid as an adult.
- serviceThe service was the worst
- supervisorshe rudely started asking our kids how old they are as if interrogating
- waiting timeI was waiting to receive a new one for 15 minutes
- websitethe website is awful
Service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter some truly attentive staff, be prepared for potential hiccups like waiting times or less-than-stellar interactions. If youre okay with a mixed bag, it could be worth a try, but dont expect consistently excellent service.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, many customers appreciate the lovely room and the chance to truly feel the historic San Francisco with its classic atmosphere. Its often described as a quieter spot, which is a big plus for some. With 6 positive remarks out of 10, the atmosphere generally leaves a good impression, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 60%, which is a mixed bag, and an overall score of 6.1, placing it in the average range.
However, not everyone is charmed. Some found the place absolutely disgusting, noting issues like flies buzzing around and a feeling that its definitely not the same as it once was. The seating is also mentioned as being very limited, which can detract from the overall experience.
These 4 negative comments highlight areas where the atmosphere could certainly use some improvement.
Ambience
10
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lovely room
- Classic historic atmosphere
- Very quiet
What people don't like
- Flies buzzing
- Limited seating
- Unpleasant atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is a perfect 5/5
- classic atmosphereThe Mahi Mahi was a little bit dry, but overall, I was satisfied. The restaurant offers a chance to truly feel the historic San Francisco and its classic atmosphere. It's also notably quieter than other places nearby.
- historic San Franciscohistoric San Francisco and its classic atmosphere
- placesuch a great place otherwise
- quietervery quiet
- roomThe room is quite lovely
Frequently criticized
- atmospheredefinitely not the same feel
- fliesthey have flies buzzing around all over
- placeThis place is absolutely disgusting
- seatingthe seating is very limited
If youre looking for a quiet spot with a classic, historic San Francisco vibe, you might find the ambience quite charming. However, be aware that some guests have encountered issues like flies and limited seating, so its a bit of a mixed bag.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Looking at value, theres a small bright spot with 1 positive opinion mentioning that the prices were good, alongside yummy food. However, the overall picture isnt as rosy, with a score of just 3.6, which is considered poor, and customer satisfaction at a low 20%, indicating significant room for improvement. On the flip side, 3 other opinions highlight significant concerns.
Customers felt the bill was shockingly high, with one exclaiming about a $52 total, and another describing the experience as absurdly overpriced. There was also a comment that it was not proper for a hotel breakfast, suggesting poor value for the offering.
Value
5
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
What people don't like
- Absurdly overpriced
- High bill shock
- Poor breakfast value
Often praised
- pricesThe steak and potatoes were so yummy. The service was way kool, and the prices are good. The service is 110% woo hoo!
Frequently criticized
- billThe bill was $52!!!!!!
- hotel breakfastIt was not proper for a hotel breakfast
- priceis absurdly overpriced
If youre looking for great value, this might not be your first choice, as many found it overpriced. While one person enjoyed the prices, be prepared for potentially high costs, especially if youre expecting a proper hotel breakfast experience.
How are the prices at The Oak Room?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 9 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what others spend, prices are quite spread out, with some diners spending less and others opting for more premium experiences. Since we only have 9 reviews, this gives us a good indication, but the data is still a bit limited.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 9 reviews. While the data is limited, it gives us a good indication of the typical spending.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for an American Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, and there seems to be a variety of price points available for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Oak Room
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delicious Brunch Buffet at Westin St Francis
My experience at this restaurant, located inside the Westin St Francis hotel in downtown San Francisco, was excellent. They offer a fantastic brunch or breakfast buffet with a lot of food choices. The staff were very helpful and polite, and everything we tried was delicious.
- food choices9
- staff9
- everything10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
1
Horrible Breakfast Buffet Experience
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing, particularly with their breakfast table buffet, which cost $40 per person. The menu lacked options and was absurdly overpriced. The food itself was absolutely horrible.
The eggs tasted like they were made from a carton and had a cardboard-like texture. The breakfast potatoes were undercooked and lacked any flavour. The chicken sausages had an unsettling aftertaste, and the coffee was described as tasting like dog water.
Even the supposedly fresh baked croissants were stale and clearly days old. For a hotel of this standing, the quality of food was outrageous. I would give it a 0/10 and would not recommend it.
To add to the unpleasantness, there were flies buzzing around all over the place.
- menu options2
- price1
- breakfast table buffet1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Amazing Pastries and Coffee!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially in the morning. The fresh bakeries compelled me to visit every day. The rest of the buffet was also great.
However, the crunchy pastries and coffee were truly out of this world – absolutely amazing!
- fresh bakeries9
- buffet8
- crunchy pastries10
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Wonderful Servers, Awkward Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was impacted by its current renovations. The actual Oak Room was closed, and the dining area was set up in a large conference room, which definitely did not offer the same feel. I hope the original space reopens soon!
Despite the unusual atmosphere, the servers were wonderful!
- servers9
- atmosphere2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Cozy Spot for Any Occasion
This is a cozy place to meet with friends before a big night on the town, after a big night on the town, or to just spend the entire time there for us introverts. The atmosphere is a perfect 5/5, and the food is rated a solid 4/5. Service also received a perfect 5/5.
- atmosphere10
- food8
- Service10
What The Oak Room offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
FAQs
What dining and service options does The Oak Room Restaurant offer?
At The Oak Room Restaurant, you can enjoy a full range of dining experiences, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, all with comfortable seating and table service. If you’re on the go, takeout is also available. Don’t forget to explore their dessert menu too!
Is The Oak Room Restaurant accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, The Oak Room Restaurant is designed to be accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. It’s also a great spot for families, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs to ensure a comfortable dining experience for your little ones.
How does The Oak Room generally perform according to customer feedback?
The Oak Room receives an overall Restaurant Score of **6** out of 10, with a Customer Satisfaction rate of **55.6%**. While **Food** (6.2), **Service** (6), and **Ambience** (6.1) are rated as average, **Value** (3.6) is a notable area for improvement.
What are some of the positive aspects diners highlight at The Oak Room?
Many guests appreciate the attentive staff and the classic atmosphere of the restaurant. Specific food items like the Anchor Steam clam chowder, Prime Rib, and the breakfast buffet have received positive mentions.
Are there any common complaints or areas for concern at The Oak Room?
Yes, several diners have noted that the restaurant can be overpriced, particularly regarding the bill. There are also complaints about inconsistent food quality, such as Mahi Mahi being dry or breakfast potatoes being undercooked, and occasional issues with service.