Highlights
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Sycamore – San Francisco
The Sycamore - San Francisco
Photo from The Sycamore
The Sycamore at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 49 of the guests
#1618 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#117 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
316
Reviews
72.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Atmosphere
- Tasty Food
- Welcoming Staff
Frequently criticized
- Poor Value
- Inconsistent Service
- Unclean Restrooms
The bar and pub, The Sycamore, in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, offers you a truly engaging experience. You’ll discover a casual and cozy spot where you can unwind with friends.
Known for its great beer selection, this trendy establishment invites you to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a quick drink or a longer evening out, you’ll find a welcoming environment here.
Overview: Introducting The Sycamore
The Sycamore offers a lively atmosphere, often praised for its inviting back patio and unique art selection, making it a pleasant spot for a casual outing. While many appreciate the overall vibe and the quality of its offerings, some experiences point to inconsistencies that might affect your visit.
Guests frequently enjoy the food and find the staff generally friendly, contributing to a relaxed experience. However, a few patrons have noted concerns regarding the overall value and occasional service issues, suggesting that while the highs are good, there can be some unexpected lows.
Good
7
out of 10
316
Reviews
72.2%
Satisfaction
65
negative
23
neutral
228
positive
The Sycamore holds a respectable overall score of 7, indicating a good dining experience, supported by a solid customer satisfaction rate of 72.2%. This suggests that most visitors leave content, though there’s room for improvement in certain areas.
The restaurant has garnered 316 opinions, with 228 positive remarks against 65 negative ones, painting a generally favorable picture. Delving into specifics, Ambience (7.6) and Food (7.4) are clear strengths, consistently receiving high marks from patrons.
However, Service (5.8) falls into the average range, and Value (3.9) is notably lower, indicating that some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the experience. This divergence highlights where The Sycamore truly shines and where it might fall short for some.
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Enjoyable food selection
- Friendly, welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Poor value perception
- Inconsistent service experiences
- Unclean bathroom conditions
The Sycamore appears to be a solid choice if you’re prioritizing a good atmosphere and enjoyable food over strict budget concerns. With a recommendation score of 7.4, it suggests a positive experience for many, especially those looking for a relaxed setting with decent culinary options.
Consider visiting for its vibrant ambiance and food, but be mindful that the value proposition might not impress everyone, and service can be a bit of a mixed bag. It’s a place worth trying if you’re in the mood for a casual, lively spot and are prepared for potential inconsistencies in pricing and service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Sycamore
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 76.3%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. People frequently praise the sliders, pub grub, and even the unique pork belly donuts, noting the wide selection and delicious offerings across 106 positive remarks.
However, out of 139 total comments, 21 did point out some areas for improvement. Some found the food overpriced or felt the portions were too small. Specific items like the Florentine Benedict and waffles for dessert received criticism, with a few mentions of dishes being overdone or not quite hitting the mark.
Food
139
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
21
negative
12
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sliders
- Great pub grub
- Wide drink selection
What people don't like
- Food overpriced
- Small portions
- Some dishes overdone
Often praised
- foodgood food coming out of the kitchen
- bottomless mimosaschampagne-heavy bottomless mimosas is a great deal
- brunchBeen here a few times for brunch. Generally liked it.
- beer selectionI visited this place and it looked like a cool place with a great beer selection. There were lots of games, and the bartender was nice.
- FoodThe atmosphere was great, and we had a blast playing trivia, even though we didn't win 😀. The food was also excellent, with a perfect score of 5.
- slidersI personally love all their sliders
- beersThe food was absolutely delicious, and I particularly enjoyed all their sliders. They also have a good selection of beers. A heads-up: the waffles for dessert might not be the best choice, as this isn't primarily a dessert spot.
- beers on tapFantastic beers on tap
- chicken and waffleschicken and waffles, which were allll amazing
- chicken slidersbeef and chicken sliders are pretty perfect
Frequently criticized
- foodFirst time trying this place out, and I felt they had better options for drinks than the food. I ordered the half chicken and waffles, and upon receiving it, I felt I should have gotten the full portion.
- Florentine BenedictFlorentine Benedict yolks were hard, not runny
- anise-based drinksanise based drinks to go with our beer
- beer and wine onlyit's a beer and wine only place
- burgersthe burgers & sliders we had were overdone/ burnt
- chickenNugget size chicken
- espresso martiniMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a decidedly lower quartile espresso martini. While friends of mine love this place and suggest other drinks might be better, my personal experience, even from a previous visit in 2014 for my birthday with a large group, left me wondering about its popularity.
- friesFRIES NOT SOFT ENOUGH TOO CRISPY FOR ME
- grillGrill wasn't working at the time
- half chicken and wafflesFirst time trying this place out, and I felt they had better options for drinks than the food. I ordered the half chicken and waffles, and upon receiving it, I felt I should have gotten the full portion. If this is what's being served, it might as well be removed because what is this?
If youre looking for a place with generally good food, especially their sliders and pub grub, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some find the pricing a bit high for the portion sizes, and certain dishes might not be for everyone.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side! Many guests, accounting for 35 positive remarks out of 63 total, praised the friendly staff and attentive service. Folks loved how accommodating the team was, with special shout-outs for the kitchen staying open late, making for a great experience.
However, the service isnt without its bumps, reflected in an average score of 5.8 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 55.6%. About 27 negative comments highlighted issues like staff being standoffish, refused to refill drinks, and even rude treatment. Some also found the shift change process frustrating, leading to delays.
Service
63
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
27
negative
1
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Kitchen open late
What people don't like
- Rude treatment
- Slow refills
- Shift change issues
Often praised
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was positive. I found the bar to be nice, with a friendly staff and a chill vibe. They offer affordable options and veg options, which were appreciated.
- serviceI chose to hang out in the back patio area. The food was great, the service was quick, and the staff was very friendly. I will definitely go again!
- ServiceService:5
- friendly stafffriendly staff
- AS LATE AS MIDNIGHTAS LATE AS MIDNIGHT make this spot great
- KimKim rocks!
- accommodatingThe kitchen was OK with swapping an ingredient
- bartenderBartender was very welcoming and helpful
- bartender TomThe bartender Tom was great
- bartendersBartenders are knowledgeable, no-fuss, and kind
Frequently criticized
- BASIC hospitalityShe needs to learn BASIC hospitality!!
- ballotGuy gave me a face when I asked for a ballot
- bartenderThe bartender upsold us to buy some weird little anise based drinks
- bathroom doorbegan banging on the bathroom door multiple times saying to get out
- courtesy and empathyshe had no courtesy and empathy
- hostessThe hostess at the bar was extremely extremely rude
- humiliatingThis was beyond humiliating
- kick us outShe proceeded to kick us out
- mortifiedMy partner was so mortified
- outdoor patioto the entire outdoor patio loudly said what I told her
Overall, service here is a bit of a mixed bag. While you might encounter some truly friendly staff and accommodating gestures, be prepared for potential hiccups like slow refills or occasional rude treatment. It's worth a try, but keep your expectations balanced.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.6 and leaving a good 82.4% of customers satisfied. With 84 positive remarks out of 102, guests consistently praise the outdoor patio and lovely back patio for their good vibes and relaxed atmosphere. Many also love the real good music and hundreds of games available, making it a fun and engaging spot.
However, not everyone finds the atmosphere perfect, with 9 negative remarks noting some areas for improvement. Concerns include the bathroom not being clean and a perception of an unwelcoming environment due to janky and tight seating. Some also felt the outside of this restaurant could use a refresh, impacting the overall clean ambiance.
Ambience
102
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
9
negative
9
neutral
84
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor patios
- Lively, relaxed vibe
- Games and trivia
What people don't like
- Unclean restrooms
- Unwelcoming seating
- Needs deep cleaning
Often praised
- atmosphereI came here for my birthday brunch and had a yummy food experience with good service. We chose to sit outside under the cover, and even though it was raining, we were able to stay dry, which was a pleasant surprise for the atmosphere.
- back patioThe beer list and snacks were great, and the brunch was also enjoyable. The restaurant offers a pleasant atmosphere with a great back patio and a new parklet. However, the absolute highlight and the main reason to visit are the pork belly doughnuts – they are truly exceptional.
- patioDog-friendly (heated if needed) patio!
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was positive. I found the bar to be nice, with a friendly staff and a chill vibe. They offer affordable options and veg options, which were appreciated.
- crowdYou can sit casual and chill with the locals. Let go, relax, and meet some new folks. I've never really been, but it's always packed and looks jumpin'.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- artcheck out the rotating selection of art on their walls
- barsmall, quaint busy little local bar
- heated patioMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They offer outdoor seating options, including a heated patio in the back. It's advisable to arrive early for dinner, as seats fill up quickly, usually around 7 pm.
- outdoor patioThe staff were kind, and the crowd was chill, creating a great atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the outdoor patio and the local art. They offer fun activities like board games, bingo, and trivia, which is accessible for everyone.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThey weren't doing anything to denote that they actually work there, let alone look like it since one was eating at the bar and another looked lost. We walked around for 4 mins to see who worked there and ultimately ended up leaving from the disturbing atmosphere and lack of service. Edit/Update: The "owner’s" unprofessional and passive-aggressive response to my review underscores the restaurant’s neglectful care.
- bathroomThe bathroom is not clean
- clean ambiancedoesn't reflect a clean ambiance
- deep cleaningcould use some deep cleaning
- homeless peopleThe atmosphere wasn't uppity and it's definitely not the place for the vacation crowd. There were lots of homeless people on Mission Street, likely due to the effects of COVID.
- members only clubThis is a members only club and you’re not in it.
- outside of this restaurantthe outside of this restaurant really needs a paint job
- seatingIt's not a very welcoming environment. My girl and I felt the place was very unwelcoming from the janky and tight seating. No one greeted us, and no one told us to sit anywhere, so we were confused as to how we could order our food.
If youre seeking a lively spot with fantastic outdoor spaces, music, and games, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some areas, like the restrooms or seating, might not be pristine, and the overall vibe leans more divey' than polished.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few patrons found some bright spots. Some appreciated the 3 Bs (good, nice, cheap) experience, especially for appetizers and fries, which were noted as affordable. It seems having affordable options on the menu is a definite plus for those looking for a good deal.
However, the overall sentiment regarding value is quite poor, with a score of 3.9 and customer satisfaction at a low 25%. Out of 12 customer comments, 8 expressed concerns, frequently mentioning things were expensive and overpriced. Issues like a compulsory 20% gratuity and a bottomless mimosa policy with misleading pricing that felt like a scam' were significant drawbacks.
Value
12
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable options available
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity
- Overpriced menu items
- Misleading mimosa pricing
Often praised
- 3 B'sMy experience at the restaurant in Tijuana was fantastic! The bar had great music, and it offered the 3 B's (good, nice, cheap). The service was very good, and I felt right at home.
- affordableWe enjoyed beers around the heater to the flickering lights of a silent film. Their fries and appetizers were yummy and affordable.
- affordable optionsaffordable options are nice
Frequently criticized
- bottomless mimosa policydishonesty regarding the bottomless mimosa policy and pricing
- compulsory 20 % gratuityWish there was a way to not have to give compulsory 20 % gratuity!
- expensiveexpensive for a corner pub
- overpricedFood is overpriced
- pricingdishonesty regarding the bottomless mimosa policy and pricing
- scamThe bartender then became standoffish. It felt like a scam to be cut off after just one drink, especially when they offered a refund to their credit when we argued, suggesting this is a recurring issue. While they did provide a refund and the food wasn't bad, the overall experience was marred by dishonesty and poor service.
- valueTOO SPENCI FOR THE VALUE
- websiteThe main issue was their dishonesty regarding the bottomless mimosa policy and pricing. The website listed two prices, $16 and $25, but upon arrival, the actual cost was $28. When questioned, the staff claimed the website was outdated, which is understandable but inconvenient.
If you're prioritizing a budget-friendly outing, this spot might not hit the mark. While some affordable options exist, many found the overall pricing high and certain policies, like the mimosa deal, misleading. Proceed with caution and clarify any pricing questions upfront.
How are the prices at The Sycamore?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 49 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.
While the average is 24, it’s interesting to see that many diners actually spend a bit less, with a good chunk of prices falling into the $11–$20 range, suggesting a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 49 reviews.
See how this Bar & Pub’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub, especially considering the variety of price points available to guests.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Sycamore
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Divey Bar with Patio
My experience at this restaurant was great! It has a nice, divey atmosphere which I enjoyed. The back patio is chill and comes with heat lamps, making it comfortable.
They offer beer and wine, but no liquor. The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch, contributing to a fantastic overall experience.
- divey atmosphere8
- back patio8
- beer and wine6
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Espresso Martini Disappointing, Not My Thing
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a decidedly lower quartile espresso martini. While friends of mine love this place and suggest other drinks might be better, my personal experience, even from a previous visit in 2014 for my birthday with a large group, left me wondering about its popularity. It's certainly popular, but it's not my thing.
The overall experience felt not refined, and I'm left scratching my head about what I might be misunderstanding about this place.
- other drinks6
- place5
- espresso martini2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
5
Mixed Experience with Service
I've been to this restaurant a few times for brunch and generally liked it. On this visit, I brought a friend, and we discovered it was trivia night. We missed the first round but decided to play the remaining four.
When I asked for a ballot, the guy gave me a look and never collected any of our rounds. It seems this is a members-only club, and we weren't part of it.
- brunch7
- trivia night7
- ballot2
- rounds2
- members only club2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Not My Vibe, Other Bars Available
My experience at this restaurant was not very welcoming. It wasn't my vibe, and I felt like there are other bars in the city that might be a better fit. The atmosphere was not to my liking.
- atmosphere1
- welcoming1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Sour Beer & Friendly Patio
My experience was great! I found this to be a great place to grab a nice sour beer after the Sunday Streets event on Valencia. The service was friendly, and the patrons were as well.
I also appreciated that the patio is dog-friendly and can be heated if needed.
- sour beer9
- service9
- patio8
What The Sycamore offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- 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
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at The Sycamore?
At The Sycamore, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for relaxing. You can enjoy a great beer selection, hard liquor, wine, and cocktails. They also serve food at the bar, with happy hour drinks available.
Does The Sycamore offer outdoor seating and is it accessible?
Yes, The Sycamore provides outdoor seating for you to enjoy. For your convenience, dine-in, takeout, and delivery options are available. The establishment is also wheelchair accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible restroom, and offers free Wi-Fi.
How does The Sycamore generally rate?
The Sycamore holds a good overall score of **7**, with customer satisfaction at **72.2%**. Its **Food** (7.4) and **Ambience** (7.6) are highly rated, while **Service** (5.8) is average, and **Value** (3.9) is considered poor by some.
What makes The Sycamore's atmosphere stand out?
The Sycamore is frequently praised for its inviting **back patio**, unique **art** selection, and a generally **chill vibe**. Many enjoy the lively crowd and outdoor seating options, including a heated patio.
Are there any common concerns about The Sycamore?
Some customers have found the pricing to be **overpriced** and have raised issues regarding the **bottomless mimosa policy**. Additionally, there have been occasional reports of inconsistent **service** and concerns about the cleanliness of the **bathroom**.