Highlights
- Live music
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Valencia Room – San Francisco
The Valencia Room - San Francisco
Photo from The Valencia Room
The Valencia Room at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#2395 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#151 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Poor
3.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
387
Reviews
21.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lively music
- Great ceviche
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- High costs
The bar and pub, The Valencia Room, in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, offers an unforgettable experience. You can immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere, where live music and live performances are a constant highlight.
This trendy spot is perfect for an evening out, whether you’re looking to dance, enjoy a great beer selection, or simply unwind with friends. Discover a dynamic venue that truly captures the spirit of the city.
Overview: Introducting The Valencia Room
The Valencia Room often sets a vibrant scene, with many appreciating the music and DJ creating a lively atmosphere for dancing. Guests have noted the occasional friendly bartenders and staff, making for enjoyable interactions.
The venue also offers some appealing drink and food options, like their well-regarded ceviche. However, experiences can be quite varied.
Some patrons have encountered issues with unwelcoming service and aggressive staff, particularly bouncers. There are also concerns about unexpected cover charges and drinks being cleared prematurely, which can detract from the overall experience.
Poor
3.3
out of 10
387
Reviews
21.7%
Satisfaction
277
negative
26
neutral
84
positive
The overall sentiment for The Valencia Room is quite low, reflected in a Restaurant Score of 3.3 out of 10, which falls into the poor category. Customer satisfaction is also notably low at 21.7%, indicating that a significant majority of guests leave feeling disappointed.
This general dissatisfaction is largely driven by a high volume of negative feedback, with 277 negative remarks compared to just 84 positive ones across 387 total comments. Delving into specifics, Service (2.2) and Value (2.4) are particularly weak points, suggesting significant issues with staff interactions and pricing.
While Ambience (4.7) and Food (4.3) fare slightly better, they still hover in the lower range, indicating room for considerable improvement. The divergence between the slightly higher ambience/food scores and the very low service/value scores highlights where the primary frustrations lie for many visitors.
What people like
- Lively music atmosphere
- Engaging DJ sets
- Delicious ceviche
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Excessive cover charges
- Overpriced, small drinks
Considering the Recommendation Score of 3.2, The Valencia Room presents a challenging proposition. While it can offer a vibrant atmosphere with good music and a decent ceviche, be prepared for potential frustrations.
It might be worth a visit if you prioritize a lively dance scene and are willing to overlook significant service and value concerns. However, for those seeking consistent, friendly service and fair pricing, this venue may disappoint.
Approach with caution, especially regarding cover charges and drink costs. It’s a place that could be enjoyable for a specific kind of night out, but it’s far from a universally recommended experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Valencia Room
Food (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! While the overall customer satisfaction for the grub here sits at a rather low 28.9%, and the score is an average 4.3, there are some definite culinary bright spots, based on 11 positive remarks. Many raved about the ceviche, calling it the best theyve had, and the tostada with its complimentary mango and avocado also earned high praise.
Plus, some mixed drinks and martinis were noted for being yummy and strong. However, the dining experience isnt consistently stellar, with 20 negative observations out of 38 total. General food quality was often disappointing, with specific complaints about fried chicken being greasy or rotten tasting, and sauces falling flat.
Guests also noted limited food choices and overall low quality. Even some drinks faced criticism, particularly regarding high prices for beer and Jameson served in plastic cups. '
Food
38
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent ceviche
- Tostada with avocado
- Yummy mixed drinks
What people don't like
- Greasy fried chicken
- Poor food quality
- Drinks in plastic cups
Often praised
- drinksMy experience was that this is a good place for a few drinks. However, it's important to stay inside once you are in, because if you go out, you have to pay the $20 cover charge again.
- cevichebest ceviche I’ve had in the city so far
- mango and avocadocomes with mango and avocado for free
- martinispending $13 on a martini
- mixed drinksgood mixed drinks
- tostadaThe tostada comes with mango and avocado for free
Frequently criticized
- drinkMy experience at the restaurant was marred by billing inaccuracies and unexpected charges. They brought a drink we didn’t order and still put it on the receipt. Furthermore, an 18.
- drinksThere was no barriers up between us and other people there was no section just a ghetto looking table from Walmart The place had a bad smell, no air hot. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE SOMEONE PUT SOMETHING IN OUR DRINKS DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY DEFINITELY NOT WORTH IT I ATTACHED A PICTURE OF THERE SO CALLED VIP SECTION FOR $530 !
- foodwhoever they get their food from it is awful
- Jamesonasked for a Jameson and the bartender is offering me some random whiskey stating it’s Jameson
- beerBeer is $11 a pop
- food choicesyou only get two choices
- fried Chickenthe fried Chicken was greasy as hell
- fried chickenLater, when I asked a simple question, a table was found. I ordered a double shot mule which arrived as a single, accompanied by cold and rotten tasting fried chicken. The server was completely cold and jaded, and I was never presented with a menu.
- mocktailsfew more mocktails on the menu
- plastic cupA shot of Jameson is $16 out of a plastic cup.
If youre considering a visit, you might find some standout dishes like the ceviche or tostada, but be prepared for a mixed bag when it comes to other food items and even some drinks. With an average score and low customer satisfaction, its a place where you might need to choose carefully to avoid disappointment.
Service (2.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be struggling quite a bit. With a score of 2.2, it falls squarely into the poor category, and customer satisfaction isnt far behind at a dismal 10.1%. Out of 138 customer remarks, only 14 were positive, often praising friendly women, bartenders, staff, and servers who were nice and provided good hospitality.
However, the overwhelming majority of 121 negative comments paint a picture of significant issues. Many found the overall service, security, bartenders, and management to be problematic. Common complaints include rude service, long wait times, and a general lack of customer friendliness, suggesting theres a lot of room for improvement here.
Service
138
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
121
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Good hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Aggressive security
- Poor management
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceThe service and show were both excellent
- bartendersbartenders... were extremely nice
- staffstaff is awesome and well trained
- ServiceService:5
- bartenderfriendly bartender
- enough bartendersenough bartenders to get your drink on time
- hospitalityJuan, Fernando, and Jaime really know how to give good hospitality
- other security and bouncersall other security and bouncers were extremely nice
- serverour server was so nice
- womenpretty friendly woman here who like to flirt and enjo y lively conversation
Frequently criticized
- staffA significant issue was the bartenders clearing out drinks when they were only half-empty and becoming aggressive with patrons trying to save their drinks. Overall, it felt like an extremely anti-customer establishment with aggressive staff.
- serviceI tried to explain that I only needed to use the restroom and that I had spent more than the cover charge, but they still denied me entry. It was very unfair and terrible service. Honestly, I wouldn't return to this place because of their poor service.
- bartendergood chance the bartender was the one who roofied them
- waiting timewe waited an hour in line after being told it would a 15-30min wait
- securitysecurity came up and kicked me out…. And the security said that the bartender told him that I threw my cup at him
- bouncersunpleasant experience with the bouncers
- drink ordertried to give me two and kept insisting that i had ordered two drinks.
- managementmanagement should something about the rude bartenders
- waitwaited 30 minutes to get some beers
- BARTENDER JAMESacting supervisor “BARTENDER JAMES” with short and FUNNY mustache was so mean and RUDE
Given the very low scores and numerous negative experiences, it's clear that service is a major concern at this establishment. You might want to temper your expectations or consider other options if good service is a priority for your visit.
Ambience (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, with a score of 4.7 indicating its pretty average overall. Many guests rave about the vibrant atmosphere, highlighting the "good music, " "Latin vibes, " and "dancing" that create a lively scene. Whether its a comedy showcase or a live band, the energy often gets a thumbs up, making for a fun time, as noted in 55 positive opinions.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a rather low 39.9%, suggesting there's significant room for improvement. Some experiences mention it being too hot and crowded, with concerns about a bad smell and bad music choices. With 74 negative opinions, issues like a small dance floor and an unwelcoming vibe sometimes dampen the mood.
Ambience
138
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
74
negative
9
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively music and dancing
- Vibrant Latin nights
- Diverse entertainment options
What people don't like
- Overly hot and crowded
- Unpleasant odors
- Safety concerns for women
Often praised
- musicDJ was bumping some good music out into the street
- DJI checked out the social distance sidewalk space which is open Thursday through Sunday. The DJ was bumping some good music out into the street, creating a lively atmosphere. There were plenty of tables available.
- atmosphere8:15pm second Thursday Valencia street live was nicer outside
- dancingMy experience at this restaurant had its ups and downs. On the positive side, the music was good and there was fun dancing. However, the experience was significantly marred by the behavior of one male bouncer/manager.
- good musicI don't usually leave reviews for clubs, but I noticed all the one-star reviews and was really confused. My experience was great: lots of hot girls and good music. It's a 5-star experience easily.
- placeI also appreciated how clean the place was
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- DJ playing techno beatsMy experience at this restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area was fantastic, even on a Monday night. They have a DJ playing good techno beats and offer cheap drinks.
- Halloween decorAmazing Halloween decor!
- Latin nightsLatin nights on Sunday are usually fun.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI understand this may be against the rules, but it was very rude on a Tuesday night to not let people in who are obviously of age and have pictures of their IDs that match their appearances. I'm not necessarily judging this place for the law, but it just wasn't a very welcoming atmosphere, and I don't think I'll be back. The service was unwelcoming, and the atmosphere was not welcoming.
- musicsame music as La Raza FM
- placeUpon returning, the guards at the entrance were very rude, and the situation inside hadn't changed much. I wanted to go out, have a drink, and dance, but there was no one there, and the place was far from what Google described. I stayed for another half hour, and no more people arrived, so I left.
- DJthe dj was reminding every 2 songs his name
- peopleThey obviously let in more people than they could handle. The scene and people were kind of reckless too, some guys were throwing cups of drinks at women for no reason. Just a really off experience and I’ve been to many clubs here in sf and southern california.
- vibeOverall vibe could have been more fun
- 1st floor1st floor is super lame
- 2nd floor2nd floor is not included. You have to pay extra
- COVID regulationsy’all don’t even try!
- NYE experienceDont advertise it an NYE thing
If you're looking for a lively spot with good music and dancing, especially on Latin nights, you might find a fun time here. However, be prepared for potential crowds, heat, and inconsistent music quality, which could impact your overall experience.
Value (2.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
While the overall value here struggles, a few bright spots shine through. Out of 73 total opinions, a small handful (4 positive) noted some cheap drinks and reasonable liquor prices. Some even found a good deal on items like ceviche, suggesting that specific offerings might be more wallet-friendly.
However, the overwhelming sentiment paints a different picture, with 62 negative opinions contributing to a poor score of 2.4 and a very low customer satisfaction of just 5.5%. Many felt the value was severely lacking due to forced gratuity, high cover charges, and overpriced drinks, leading to a general feeling of being overcharged.
Value
73
Reviews
5%
Satisfaction
62
negative
7
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheap drinks
- Good deals
What people don't like
- Forced gratuity
- High cover charges
- Overpriced drinks
Often praised
- ceviche price$5 for ceviche
- cheap drinksMy experience at this restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area was fantastic, even on a Monday night. They have a DJ playing good techno beats and offer cheap drinks.
- dealReally good deal too
- liquor pricesresonable liquor prices
Frequently criticized
- cover chargeI stepped outside to get my Uber and, while waiting, decided to go back in just to use the restroom. It hadn't even been 5 minutes since I left when the doormen refused to let me back in unless I paid a $30 cover charge. I tried to explain that I only needed to use the restroom and that I had spent more than the cover charge, but they still denied me entry.
- moneyThere was no barriers up between us and other people there was no section just a ghetto looking table from Walmart The place had a bad smell, no air hot. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE SOMEONE PUT SOMETHING IN OUR DRINKS DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY DEFINITELY NOT WORTH IT I ATTACHED A PICTURE OF THERE SO CALLED VIP SECTION FOR $530 !
- drinksdrinks are both overpriced and very small
- entrance feeWhen I asked the person at the door as I was leaving, he mentioned, “yeah, that door guy doesn’t let many guys upstairs. ” Overall, it was a poor experience for the entrance fee.
- gratuityWe had to wait 30 minutes after being seated before anyone even approached our table to take our drink order. Furthermore, the restaurant automatically adds a 20% gratuity to the bill, preventing us from tipping what we felt was appropriate. While the servers were nice, the overall quality was so low.
- VIP sectionBEWARE THIS PLACE IS KNOWN FOR ROOFYING WOMEN EVEN SOME OF BARTENDER & STAFF ARE IN ON IT ! I was told I had to pay 400 for VIP when I get there they charge me 530 rip me off the VIP section wasn’t even worth it. There was no barriers up between us and other people there was no section just a ghetto looking table from Walmart The place had a bad smell, no air hot.
- admissionMy experience at this restaurant was alright, but it was definitely not worth the $20–$40 admission. I suspect I visited on a slow night, which might explain why it felt very mid.
- pricewe had to pay $45 dollars
- waste of moneyWe waited for about an hour and a half hoping more people would show up, but the restaurant remained dead the entire night. It was a complete waste of money, and I highly don't recommend it.
- $2020$ for nothing
If you're looking for good value, this might not be your best bet. Be prepared for potentially high cover charges, automatic gratuities, and expensive drinks that many customers found disappointing. While a few deals exist, the overall consensus points to a costly experience.
How are the prices at The Valencia Room?
You’re looking at roughly 43 per person – reported by 36 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits in this range, we see a real mix in what people spend. Many guests enjoy a more budget-friendly experience, often in the $21–$30 range, while others opt for a more premium visit, pushing the average up with spends over 101 $. It’s a place that caters to different budgets!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 36 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, especially given the range of experiences available.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Valencia Room
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Halloween Night Experience
My experience on Halloween was disappointing. The music was lame and the lights were too bright, which made it feel awkward to dance. The overall vibe could have been more fun and friendly, especially from the staff.
We left after only 20 minutes.
- music2
- lights2
- vibe3
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Avoid This Club: Overpriced and Trashy
My experience at this club was one of the worst I've ever had. A shot of Jameson cost a staggering $16, served in a plastic cup. The music choices were beyond trash, and the crowd seemed to be between 18 and 21 years old.
They had the nerve to charge a $20 cover charge per dance room, meaning you'd pay $40 to access both. Overall, the club is trash. I strongly advise saving your money and going elsewhere.
Anyone giving this place a good rating must be around 21 and new to clubs or bars, because anyone else would agree with my assessment 🤷♂️, just saying.
- shot of Jameson1
- plastic cup1
- music choices1
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Zero Stars - Avoid This Place!
I’d give this place ZERO stars if I could! WOMEN ARE BEING ROOFIED HERE AND THIS ESTABLISHMENT DOES NOT CARE! They will block you and ignore you.
SHAME ON YOU! YOU ALL SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF! AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS!
- women being roofied1
- establishment does not care1
- block you1
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
1
Unsafe Experience, Avoid This Place
This is not a safe place for women. My friend was roofied here, and her phone was stolen. There are plenty of similar reviews of others with the same experience.
Do not go here.
- safe place for women1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Rude Bartender, Fun Music
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The acting supervisor, "BARTENDER JAMES, " with his short and FUNNY mustache, was incredibly mean and RUDE with customers. When I pointed this out, he cut me and my girlfriend off because I stated the truth 😂.
He even rejected my request for a soda and treated me badly. However, the music was fun and the DJ was cool. The atmosphere was nice outside, and it felt like a punishment (?
A favor for me and my friend though! 🤣. This was on a second Thursday around 8: 15 pm on Valencia street.
- music8
- DJ8
- atmosphere8
- BARTENDER JAMES1
- soda1
What The Valencia Room offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Onsite services
Atmosphere
- Trendy
FAQs
Is The Valencia Room accessible for all guests?
Yes, The Valencia Room is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible restroom for your convenience.
What kind of entertainment and drink options can you expect at The Valencia Room?
You can enjoy live music, live performances, and dancing at The Valencia Room. The bar also features a great selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor, including happy hour drinks.
What is the overall customer sentiment for The Valencia Room?
The Valencia Room has an overall **Restaurant Score** of **3.3** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **21.7%**. While **Ambience** (4.7) and **Food** (4.3) show some positive aspects, **Service** (2.2) and **Value** (2.4) are areas of significant concern for patrons.
What are the main positive aspects of The Valencia Room?
Many guests appreciate the lively **music** and **DJ** performances, contributing to an energetic atmosphere. Some have also highlighted the quality of specific food items, such as the **ceviche**, and occasionally friendly **bartenders**.
What are the common complaints about The Valencia Room?
Frequent complaints revolve around inconsistent and sometimes aggressive **service** from staff and bouncers. Patrons also often express dissatisfaction with high **cover charges**, overpriced and small **drinks**, and an overall unwelcoming **atmosphere** at times.