Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Willows – San Francisco
The Willows - San Francisco
Photo from The Willows
The Willows at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#1480 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#110 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
456
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Lively ambiance
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Noisy venue
- Billing issues
The restaurant The Willows in San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley is a quintessential Bar & Pub, offering a lively atmosphere where you can truly unwind. Known for its great beer selection, this spot invites you to enjoy everything from bar games to live performances.
It’s a casual and trendy destination where good times and delicious drinks are always on tap.
Overview: Introducting The Willows
The Willows offers a distinctive experience, often praised for its lively atmosphere and engaging amenities like games and a pool table. Many appreciate the solid food offerings, making it a comfortable spot for a casual outing.
It’s a place where the overall vibe can truly enhance your visit. However, guests should be aware that the environment can sometimes be quite loud, and there have been instances of inconsistent service.
Some patrons have also noted concerns regarding value, with a few finding certain aspects a bit pricey or encountering issues with billing.
Good
7.2
out of 10
456
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
92
negative
24
neutral
340
positive
The Willows generally earns a respectable overall score of 7.2, indicating a good experience for many, with customer satisfaction also landing at a solid 74.6%. This positive sentiment is largely driven by its strong performance in Food (8), which consistently receives high marks.
Guests often praise the quality of dishes, contributing significantly to the positive feedback, as seen in 340 positive remarks out of 456 total customer observations. However, the experience isn’t uniformly stellar across the board.
While Ambience (7.6) is generally well-regarded for its unique character, Value (6) and particularly Service (5.4) show room for improvement. These areas, especially service, have drawn some critical comments, accounting for 92 negative observations.
This suggests that while the culinary offerings are a highlight, consistency in service and perceived value could enhance the overall visit.
What people like
- Delicious bar food
- Lively atmosphere
- Fair drink prices
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Loud environment
- Billing discrepancies
With a recommendation score of 7.5, The Willows presents itself as a compelling option for those seeking good bar food and a vibrant, engaging atmosphere. It’s a place that shines when you’re looking for a casual spot with entertainment and generally satisfying culinary offerings, making it worth a visit for its strengths.
However, be prepared for a potentially loud setting and understand that service can be a bit hit-or-miss. If you prioritize a quiet meal or impeccable service above all else, you might find aspects challenging.
For a lively experience with decent food, it’s a solid choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Willows
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8 and a strong good customer satisfaction of 87.3%. Based on 151 positive remarks out of 173 total, diners frequently rave about the delicious burgers, incredible fries, and a wide array of drinks and cocktails. Many also appreciate the excellent brunch options and overall quality bar food.
However, not every bite is perfect. With 17 negative comments, some experiences mention issues like small patty size, cold or overcooked burgers, and occasionally finding the food nothing special. There's also a specific call-out for the Pineapple Express cocktail, which some found disappointing.
Food
173
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
17
negative
5
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent burgers
- Incredible fries
- Great drink selection
What people don't like
- Small patty size
- Cold/overcooked food
- Disappointing cocktails
Often praised
- foodMy experience at The Willows has been consistently positive since I first moved here 8 years ago. It remains a favorite due to its punk, friendly, and fun atmosphere, coupled with delicious food. While I wish I lived closer, the journey is always so worth it.
- drinksThey have good drinks!
- bar foodI've been to this bar a handful of times, and it has truly grown to be my favorite bar in the city. They offer delicious bar food and reasonably priced drinks. The space is ample, with plenty of table space, and they even have games and are dog friendly!
- beerGood beer (I got the barrel house lager)
- burgersMy experience at this neighborhood spot was fantastic! I enjoyed their excellent burgers and a great selection of beers. The micheladas and margaritas were also on point.
- cocktailsWe were impressed by the cocktails and options
- friesDelicious wagyu burger with fries
- brunchThey also do brunch on the weekends, which is pretty good!
- FoodFood:5
- adult happy mealThe adult happy meal keeps me coming back
Frequently criticized
- foodI initially thought it was a shadow, but then I realized it was a rodent. I was so disgusted that I left the rest of my food and drink untouched. I will never return to this location.
- Pineapple Express cocktailPineapple express is the worst cocktail ever!! Tastes like gasoline.
- black bean burgerinstead of the black bean burger i ordered
- burgers with friessimple burgers with fries. And besides food was nothing special
- cheeseburgersThere was no burger for that price.
- cold friesfries were cold
- drinkleft the rest of my drink
- fried chickenfound my side of fried chicken to be dry
- friesMost of the fries were nubs and full of oil
- margaritaI had the margarita and it was a bit too sweet and syrupy
If you're looking for a place with solid burgers, great fries, and a good selection of drinks, this spot is definitely worth a try. While there might be a few minor hiccups, the overall food experience is overwhelmingly positive, making it a reliable choice for a casual meal.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 and customer satisfaction hovering around 48.6%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff and how accommodating they can be, especially the bartenders who are often praised for being quick and engaging. People appreciate the teams willingness to assist and their overall welcoming demeanor, making for some truly pleasant experiences.
On the flip side, an equal number of experiences, based on 52 positive and 52 negative opinions out of 107 total, point to significant issues. Some customers encountered rude bartenders and a generally bad attitude from staff, leading to frustrating wait times for orders. There are reports of incredibly slow service and even instances where staff seemed disengaged or unhelpful, creating a less-than-ideal atmosphere.
Service
107
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
52
negative
3
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Accommodating team
- Engaging bartenders
What people don't like
- Rude bartenders
- Slow service
- Bad attitude
Often praised
- bartenderMy Arnold Palmer was perfectly tart and refreshing. The primary bartender is a really nice guy, and the space itself is just a gem. I highly recommend this place!
- serviceservice. Enough space you can do your thing & be left alone if you want
- staffMy experience at The Willows was fantastic! I found it to be the best bar food in SF, with fantastic staff and a great laid-back atmosphere. It's a must-visit for a quick snack before heading to clubs like Oasis, DNA, or F8.
- ServiceService:5
- friendly stafffriendly staff!
- JoshJosh has a great attitude and tries to get along with everyone
- LukasYou're the best Lukas!
- StevenSteven was such a fun bartender!
- TimHe was extremely responsive and welcoming
- accommodatingsuper accommodating for large late-nite groups
Frequently criticized
- bartender" Indeed, changing the channel takes a lot of time. Because of this bartender, we do not recommend this place; he was a very unpleasant, grumpy guy.
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by poor service. I waited over 45 minutes for a sandwich, which was particularly frustrating given that there were only about 10 people in the establishment and just one other table occupied.
- waiting timeMy experience at the restaurant was marked by poor service. I waited over 45 minutes for a sandwich, which was particularly frustrating given that there were only about 10 people in the establishment and just one other table occupied.
- bartendersBoth were so high they couldn't do nothing except talk
- rudeReally rude and upsetting
- serverhe replied with "today is not a good day to get substitutes"
- attitudeI am questioning what the "bar tender", server, or waiter is. They displayed a SUPER BAD ATTITUDE! 👎🏼🖕🏼
- bar patronsA few bar patrons joined in claiming that we were only there to play pool
- bar tenderWhat is grong with the "bar tender"
- bartender attitudeThe bartender had a very nasty attitude.
The service here can be a real hit or miss. You might get lucky with a fantastic, friendly team, or you could face frustratingly slow and rude interactions. If you're feeling patient and willing to take a chance, give it a try, but be prepared for either extreme.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youll likely feel right at home with its good ambience, reflected in a 7.6 score and a good customer satisfaction of 81%. Many of the 124 positive remarks highlight a welcoming vibe, chill vibes, and plenty of games like pinball and pool. The music, often Metal/Rock, sets a cool, laid-back mood, making it a great hangout.
However, its not always perfectly serene. A few of the 16 negative comments mention it can get quite loud, especially with heavy music or during busy nights. There were also isolated concerns about gnats and even a rat sighting, suggesting occasional pest issues that could detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
153
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
16
negative
13
neutral
124
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming, chill vibe
- Games and activities
- Great music selection
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Occasional pest issues
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at The Willows was really good. The restaurant boasts a fun atmosphere and the staff were fantastic. It also offered a good price for a lazy afternoon, making it a great value.
- gamesMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding, particularly with their breakfast burrito, which I can confidently say is the best I have ever had. The atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon was great, complemented by good vibes and games. The food was excellent, and the overall experience was very positive.
- outdoor seatingI really enjoyed the fried pickle chips, and I appreciated the decent non-alcoholic beer option. It's a really nice local place in my neighborhood with good outdoor seating.
- pool tableI appreciated the interesting graffiti art outside and the eclectic decor inside, which contributed to a chill vibe. The staff was friendly, and there were amenities like a pool table and arcade games. However, it was fairly loud due to the heavy music.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- board gamesPeering up, we saw the selection of board games
- pinball machinesFor those who enjoy conversation, I recommend seating at the bar to interact with the cool bartenders. The restaurant also features board games, pinball machines, and a pool table, adding to the fun atmosphere.
- placeSeems like a nice place to hang
- barJust a cool little bar
- crowdthe crowd is real cool & mellow.
Frequently criticized
- loudit does get super loud on Wednesday nights
- abrasive bar experiencemost abrasive bar experience I've ever had
- ambiancethe ambiance for the evening. 15 to 20 people in the bar and they were blasting gangster rap
- ambienceSO loud because of dudes flipping out
- barmy favorite bar. It’s not the same anymore
- gangster rapthey were blasting gangster rap
- gnatsI haven't tried the food yet. One minor issue was the presence of gnats flying around inside, which seems typical for Soma businesses that keep their doors open. On the plus side, it's dog friendly!
- heavy musicThe staff was friendly, and there were amenities like a pool table and arcade games. However, it was fairly loud due to the heavy music.
- hostile environmentSome patrons at the bar joined in, falsely claiming we were only there to play pool. The Willows was intended to be our destination for the night, but we ended up leaving within five minutes due to the strangely hostile environment. I'm unsure if the bartender was having a bad night, but we will not be returning.
- inside actionso its inside action
If you're looking for a lively spot with games and a welcoming, casual atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially loud music, and keep an eye out for any unexpected critters, as some have noted occasional pest issues.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real bright spots! Many guests, accounting for 13 positive remarks out of 23 total, found the prices to be quite reasonable, especially for the area. Folks often praise the lunch specials and drink specials, noting they're definitely affordable and can make a visit feel truly worth the trip.
However, the overall picture is a bit mixed, with customer satisfaction at 56.5% and an average score of 6. Some patrons, in 7 negative comments, felt certain items were on the pricey side or even overpriced. A few also encountered issues with unexpected credit card holds, which definitely put a damper on their experience.
Value
23
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Lunch specials
- Drink specials
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Credit card holds
- Overpriced items
Often praised
- pricegood price for a lazy afternoon
- pricesMy experience at this tap room was positive. It's a nice tap room with a pretty good selection of drinks available at fair prices. I haven't tried the food yet.
- affordableDefinitely affordable
- cost-saverIt's a must-visit for a quick snack before heading to clubs like Oasis, DNA, or F8. The daily specials make it a great cost-saver for pre-gaming. My water polo team loves coming here for after-practice dinners because they are super accommodating for large late-night groups.
- drink pricesDrink prices are pretty decent
- drink specialsThey also have some outdoor seating available. I appreciated the lunch specials and drink specials. It's great that they offer free pool on Mondays for Happy Hour.
- drinksI've been to this bar a handful of times, and it has truly grown to be my favorite bar in the city. They offer delicious bar food and reasonably priced drinks. The space is ample, with plenty of table space, and they even have games and are dog friendly!
- free poolI appreciated the lunch specials and drink specials. It's great that they offer free pool on Mondays for Happy Hour.
- lunch specialsLunch specials
- specialspecial, $5 shot of a tequila or whiskey
Frequently criticized
- priceCharged us 73$. There was no burger for that price.
- credit card holdput a $60 hold on my credit card without telling me
- hold durationThe hold did NOT fall off by midnight that not. It fell off today, Monday 3/3
- overpriceda bit overpriced
- price of a beerasked for the price of a beer, the bartender told me I could do "favors" if I couldn't afford it
- pricey sideThey offer a rotating selection of beer, which is a nice touch. While the food is a little on the pricey side, the overall enjoyment made it worth it.
If youre looking for a good deal, definitely check out their specials, as they offer solid value. However, be mindful that some regular menu items might feel a bit expensive, and keep an eye out for potential credit card holds. Its a mixed bag, so plan your visit wisely!
How are the prices at The Willows?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 64 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 hovers around 24, many guests actually spend a bit less, with a good chunk falling into the $11–$20 range. But don’t be surprised if some folks go a little higher, as there are also a few premium spenders.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Bar & Pub, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good middle ground without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual outing.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Willows
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Cocktails and Fun Activities!
I absolutely love this place! My experience was fantastic, thanks to the great cocktails and an impressive microbrew menu. The service was friendly, and they frequently host activities like trivia and bingo, which adds to the fun atmosphere.
The food was also a highlight, receiving a perfect score. It's a great spot for themed nights and suitable for all group sizes.
- cocktails9
- microbrew menu9
- service8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Great Food, Normal Bar Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was positive overall. The food was great and came out pretty quick. The atmosphere was that of a normal bar, semi loud but reasonable.
I would definitely go back. However, there was no wait staff.
- food10
- wait time9
- atmosphere6
- wait staff3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Rueben and Friendly Crowd
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best Rueben in town, and the chef is truly amazing. The crowd here is super friendly, and we always have a great time.
The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5.
- Rueben10
- chef10
- crowd9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Rude Bartender, Overpriced Burgers
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the rude bartender. Upon arrival, we were told we had only 10 minutes to order, which was an unwelcoming start. Despite this, we decided to stay and ordered three cheeseburgers, which were surprisingly expensive at $73, with no justification for the price.
The bartender's behavior was unprofessional; he was swearing throughout our visit and appeared to be drunk, consuming multiple large shots. His unhappiness was evident when a group of six people wanted to play pool, leading them to leave without ordering. The only positive aspect was the lady who brought out our food, who was very nice.
I hope she is treated better than the customers by the bartender.
- lady that brought food8
- bartender1
- order time2
- cheeseburgers3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
A Pleasant Surprise with a Mystery Shot
I revisited this establishment after a long hiatus, having last been there when it was Hamburger Mary's in 2005. While the place has a new look, it still offers what appears to be tasty bar foods, reminiscent of its past. My visit was primarily for a beer, and I was enticed by a special: a $5 shot of tequila or whiskey.
I opted for a shot from the less busy second bar, where the bartender offered a mystery shot instead of the advertised options. I enjoyed the intrigue and guessed it was a tequila, but it turned out to be a mezcal. I appreciated this mystery shot option and believe more places should offer it.
The atmosphere at the second bar was quiet and conducive to conversation, a pleasant contrast to the busy front bar. I enjoyed the company of the nice bartender in the quieter section. I plan to return to try the food.
- bar foods7
- beer7
- shot of a tequila or whiskey8
What The Willows offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you find at The Willows?
At The Willows, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. You can enjoy live performances, engage in bar games, or catch sports. Plus, you’ll find a great beer selection to complement your experience.
Does The Willows offer outdoor seating and what are the parking options?
Yes, The Willows provides outdoor seating for you to enjoy the San Francisco air. When it comes to parking, you’ll find options for free street parking, paid street parking, and usually plenty of parking available nearby for your convenience.
How does The Willows score overall, and what are its key strengths and weaknesses?
The Willows holds an overall score of 7.2, with customer satisfaction at 74.6%. Its Food (8) and Ambience (7.6) are highly rated, while Value (6) and Service (5.4) are areas where experiences can be more mixed.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at The Willows?
The Willows is known for its lively and engaging atmosphere, often featuring games, outdoor seating, and a pool table. However, it can sometimes be quite loud, which some patrons have noted.
Is the service at The Willows generally good?
Service at The Willows receives mixed reviews, with a score of 5.4. While some staff members are praised for being friendly and accommodating, others have reported inconsistent service and long waiting times.