Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » The Old Ship Saloon – San Francisco
The Old Ship Saloon - San Francisco
Photo from The Old Ship Saloon
The Old Ship Saloon at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#167 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#13 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
308
Reviews
90.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Order at bar
- No Apple Pay
The bar & pub in San Francisco’s vibrant Financial District offers a unique experience. Step into The Old Ship Saloon, where you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
This trendy spot is renowned for its great beer selection, making it a go-to destination for enthusiasts. Whether you’re catching a game or just looking for a relaxed evening, you’ll appreciate the welcoming vibe and diverse drink options available here.
Overview: Introducting The Old Ship Saloon
The Old Ship Saloon offers a genuinely welcoming atmosphere with a rich sense of history, making it a comfortable spot for many. Guests often appreciate the friendly staff who contribute to a pleasant experience, whether you’re there for a meal or just a drink.
While the food generally receives praise for being tasty, some patrons note that the menu leans towards standard pub fare, and some food items might not hit the mark. Additionally, the challenging acoustics can sometimes impact the overall comfort.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
308
Reviews
90.3%
Satisfaction
10
negative
20
neutral
278
positive
The Old Ship Saloon earns a solid 8.6 overall, indicating a generally positive experience for its patrons. This is further supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 90.3%.
These figures are drawn from 308 customer observations, with a strong lean towards positive feedback, showing 278 positive remarks against just 10 negative ones. Looking closer at the specifics, Service stands out with an impressive (8.9), reflecting the attentive and friendly staff.
Food also performs well at (8.7), with many enjoying the offerings. The Ambience contributes significantly to the appeal, scoring (8.5), while Value is considered good at (7.9), offering reasonable prices for the experience.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Welcoming, historic atmosphere
- Good food, reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Challenging acoustics
- Order from bar
- No Apple Pay
If you’re seeking a spot with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff for a casual meal or drinks, The Old Ship Saloon is certainly worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 8.8 suggests that many leave feeling satisfied with their visit, particularly appreciating the overall experience and reasonable pricing.
However, be prepared for a potentially lively environment due to the acoustics, and note that ordering is done at the bar. If these minor points don’t deter you, you’ll likely find a pleasant and good-value experience here, especially if you appreciate a place with character.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Old Ship Saloon
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
It looks like the food here is a real crowd-pleaser, boasting an excellent customer satisfaction of 91.5% and a good score of 8.7! Diners consistently rave about the delicious food and generous portions, with specific highlights including the skirt steak and chicken mole nachos. With 129 positive remarks out of 141 total, most visitors leave feeling very satisfied.
However, a small number of diners (3 out of 141 total remarks) mentioned that some food is rather unhealthy standard US pub stuff. There were also specific comments about the chocolate chip cookies not being recommended and a tuna melt being too dry. These appear to be isolated incidents rather than widespread concerns.
Food
141
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
3
negative
9
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, tasty food
- Generous portions
- Wide menu variety
What people don't like
- Unhealthy pub fare
- Dry tuna melt
- Skip chocolate cookies
Often praised
- foodCOVID definitely gutted San Francisco, as this restaurant only had one guy manning the beer taps and serving people their food. He did a great job & the food was pretty tasty. Recommended dishes: The Burger and Fries.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was as a fun spot to grab drinks before dinner. The cocktails were well crafted, and the atmosphere was very relaxed, which was good for catching up with friends.
- burgerHaving the burger to get a solid foundation was awesome
- fish and chipsThe atmosphere and decor were impressive. I visited during Happy Hour and was pleased with the great specials on fish and chips. The service was also really great.
- clam chowdersome clam chowder. Both excellent!
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was positive, even though I didn't eat. The food looked great, and the cocktails were perfect. I also found the bartender to be super nice.
- sweet potato friessweet potato fries are shoestring fries - and they are AMAZING
- French friesThe service was wonderful, with a special thanks to Pauli. The French fries were delicious, and the skirt steak was exceptional. I highly recommend this place!
- Pisco Punchcame here to try their Pisco Punch
- beerI didn't try the food, but the bar had a nice atmosphere. The beer was good and the staff was really friendly.
Frequently criticized
- chocolate chip cookiesWouldn't recommend their chocolate chip cookies
- foodfood is rather unhealthy standard US pub stuff
- tuna meltTuna melt - 3/5 too dry
If youre in the mood for satisfying, tasty pub fare with hearty portions, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a couple of specific dishes might not hit the mark, the vast majority of feedback suggests youll find a delicious and filling meal.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 90.9%, its clear guests are loving their experience. Based on 60 positive remarks out of 66 total, patrons consistently praise the friendly and skilled bartenders, along with the great staff who provide excellent service.
However, not every interaction is perfect. Out of 66 total comments, 5 negative ones mention a few hiccups, like having to order from the bar, the absence of Apple Pay, and a couple of instances of rude servers. While these are minor points, theyre worth noting.
Service
66
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Skilled, friendly bartenders
- Excellent, attentive service
- Welcoming, engaging staff
What people don't like
- Order at bar
- No Apple Pay
- Rude servers
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic, starting with the staff. They were friendly, courteous, and incredibly prompt with their service, making me feel genuinely welcome. The atmosphere had a cozy, pub-like charm, reminiscent of a place I visited in England, creating a relaxed and inviting setting perfect for a laid-back evening.
- bartenderThe bartender was super welcoming, nice and chatty.
- staffI didn't try the food, but the bar had a nice atmosphere. The beer was good and the staff was really friendly.
- ServiceService:5
- bar serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent bar service and a casual, friendly old SF atmosphere. The drinks, an Old Fashioned and Negroni, were solid.
- bartendersThe bartenders are very friendly and attentive
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- BartenderBartender was chill
- Wait timeNo wait
- attitudesgenuine in their attitudes towards you
Frequently criticized
- Apple PayNo Apple Pay
- bartenderThe skilled bartender and great beer selection were highlights. The only downside was that the amazing bartender could have used some help; he was fabulous but was essentially serving the entire place. Despite that, he took great care of us.
- order from the bardidn’t like you have to order from the bar
- servershow rude the servers were
- servicethe service was a significant letdown
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and attentive staff, especially at the bar, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared to order from the bar and dont count on Apple Pay, but overall, you're likely to have a great service experience.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, boasting an impressive score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.6%. With 77 positive remarks out of 85 total, guests consistently rave about the fantastic atmosphere, historic saloon feel, and cool vibe. Many appreciate it as a welcoming neighborhood bar with a unique charm.
However, with only 1 negative comment out of 85, the main point of contention seems to be the acoustics, which some found quite challenging. This minor note suggests that while the overall vibe is fantastic, it might get a bit lively.
Ambience
85
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
1
negative
7
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Historic saloon vibe
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Cool neighborhood bar
What people don't like
- Challenging acoustics
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's a great bar with a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Although it's a locals bar, it's not in a bad way at all, contributing to a good atmosphere and tunes. The draft beer selection was decent, and the food was tasty.
- placeIt's a nice and cozy place. Especially the food is really good for a bar.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- historyLot of history also in this bar
- vibejust for the vibe of the place
- ParkingParking was easy
- atmosphere and decorReally cool atmosphere and decor
- barGreat bar
- bar atmospherebar had nice atmosphere
- buildingWhat a cool old building!
Frequently criticized
- acousticsAcoustics can be quite challenging
If youre looking for a place with a rich history and a genuinely inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Expect a lively, cool vibe that makes you feel right at home. Its a fantastic choice for a relaxed, memorable experience.
Value (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 75%, its clear most folks feel theyre getting a good deal. Many rave about the reasonably priced drinks and food, often highlighting the great value for generous portions.
The Happy Hour and beer and a shot option also get a lot of love, making it a budget-friendly choice. However, out of 16 total opinions, theres one minor snag to consider. One customer wasnt thrilled about being charged gratuity even when ordering directly from the bar.
While the food was great, this specific service charge detail was a point of contention, so keep an eye out for that.
Value
16
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
1
negative
3
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Happy Hour specials
What people don't like
- Charged gratuity
Often praised
- pricereasonable priced good food and drinks
- pricesDespite being the only customers in the bar, the bartender was welcoming and took the time to explain the beer selections and menu options. The prices were reasonable, and I felt the value was excellent given the generous portions. Everything we tried exceeded our expectations in flavor and quality.
- Happy Hourcame here for Happy Hour and they had some great specials
- beer and a shot optionThe beer and a shot option at the bar is a great deal
- great valueGreat value drinks
- happy hourgreat HH
- reasonably priceddrinks were reasonably priced
- valuethe value was excellent
Frequently criticized
- charged gratuityThe food was great, with big portions and it was delicious. However, I didn't like that I had to order from the bar, and they still charged gratuity. Additionally, there was no option to pay with Apple Pay.
Overall, if you're looking for a place where your money goes far, especially during Happy Hour, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that a gratuity might be added even for bar orders, which could be a small surprise for some.
How are the prices at The Old Ship Saloon?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 73 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 between 11 – 30 $, showing a clear sweet spot for pricing, though a few do opt for more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, especially given the consistent spend around the mid-range. It seems like a good spot for a casual outing without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Old Ship Saloon
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Wings and Cocktails, Dry Melt
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. I started with the chicken wings, which were great and had excellent seasoning, earning a 4/5. For my main, I ordered the tuna melt, but unfortunately, it was too dry, receiving a 3/5.
The fries that came with the tuna melt were crunchy and good, but a bit too greasy, scoring a 4/5. To finish, I enjoyed a cocktail, which was delicious and a perfect 5/5. Overall, the food had its ups and downs, but the drinks were a highlight.
- chicken wings8
- fries8
- cocktail10
- tuna melt6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Great Service, Late Night Option
What was your experience at the restaurant? It's a typical American bar that also stays open late at night, which is a rarity as most places close by 9 PM. The service was super attentive and very agile.
The price is in line with the average.
- late night8
- service10
- price7
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Tour Group
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Phenomenal Food and Service Late Night
We had a very late dinner at Old Ship Saloon after a night tour out at Alcatraz, and we couldn't have had a better experience. When we arrived, it was busy but not crowded, and even though the hour was late (9: 30 pm), we were able to get amazing food. As the tavern filled up with people attending conferences or in the Business District, it felt loud but fun, and we weren't rushed out of our table or denied excellent service.
We can absolutely recommend the clam chowder, the fish and chips was phenomenal, our visiting guest had the salmon and enjoyed every single bite while my husband had the nachos and was shocked at how enormous the portion was! Five stars - we will definitely come again!
- amazing food10
- excellent service10
- clam chowder9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Life-changing birthday salmon!
Visiting my folks from out of town, I celebrated my birthday with the grilled salmon. It was truly LIFE CHANGING, a perfect meal to end a perfect day.
- grilled salmon10
- perfect meal10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Service and Great Experience!
We visited from Mexico and had a very good time. Pauli and Luis provided excellent service! We would return without a doubt!
- service10
- experience9
What The Old Ship Saloon offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What service options are available at The Old Ship Saloon?
At The Old Ship Saloon, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy a meal or drinks with dine-in service, opt for takeout, or even choose no-contact delivery for ultimate convenience. The establishment also offers wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at The Old Ship Saloon?
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at The Old Ship Saloon. They offer a wide range of beverages including hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, alongside food at the bar. Don’t miss their happy hour drinks for great deals.
What is the overall customer sentiment for The Old Ship Saloon?
The Old Ship Saloon has an overall score of **8.6** and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of **90.3%**. Customers particularly praise the **Service** (8.9), **Food** (8.7), and **Ambience** (8.5), with **Value** also rated well at (7.9).
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at The Old Ship Saloon?
You can expect a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a lot of history and cool decor. It’s described as a cozy place with a great bar vibe.
Are there any specific things to be aware of regarding service or payment?
Some patrons note that you typically order from the bar. Additionally, Apple Pay is not an available payment option.