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oChef » Third Rail – San Francisco
Third Rail - San Francisco
Photo from Third Rail
Third Rail at a glance
San Francisco Dogpatch
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 11 of the guests
#359 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#19 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
169
Reviews
89.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent Service
- Creative Cocktails
- Affordable Drinks
Frequently criticized
- Limited Beer
- Loud Atmosphere
- Jerky Texture
The bar Third Rail in San Francisco’s vibrant Dogpatch neighborhood offers a casual and cozy spot where you can catch the game. You’ll find a trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding with friends or enjoying a solo drink.
This popular Dogpatch pub is known for its welcoming vibe and being a great place to watch sports.
Overview: Introducting Third Rail
Third Rail offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking expertly crafted cocktails and unique pairings like jerky. The bartenders consistently receive high marks for their knowledge and welcoming approach, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit from start to finish.
While the drink menu shines, some visitors have noted a small beer selection if that’s your primary interest. The atmosphere is generally inviting, though it can sometimes get a bit loud, which might impact a quiet conversation.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
169
Reviews
89.3%
Satisfaction
10
negative
8
neutral
151
positive
Third Rail earns a solid 8.3 overall, with customer satisfaction reaching an impressive 89.3%. This strong performance is backed by 151 positive remarks against just 10 negative ones out of 169 total customer comments, indicating a largely positive reception and a high level of contentment among guests.
Diving into the specifics, Service truly stands out with an excellent (9.2) score, reflecting the attentive and friendly staff. Value (8.4) is also good, with many appreciating the affordable options like happy hour specials.
The Food (8.3), particularly the innovative drinks and jerky, is well-regarded, while the Ambience (7.7) provides a good, inviting setting, despite occasional comments about noise.
What people like
- Outstanding service
- Innovative cocktails
- Good value drinks
What people don't like
- Limited beer selection
- Occasional loud atmosphere
- Jerky texture issues
If you’re seeking a spot with exceptional cocktails and attentive bartenders, Third Rail is certainly worth considering. It’s a place where the drinks are thoughtfully crafted and the service makes you feel genuinely welcome, making for a consistently pleasant visit.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, Third Rail is a solid choice for a night out, especially if you appreciate creative beverages and a lively setting. However, if a wide beer selection or a very quiet environment is crucial, you might want to adjust your expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Third Rail
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.3 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 91.2%, its clear most folks are loving what's on offer. Based on 83 positive remarks out of 91 total, the cocktails , beef jerky , bourbon , and craft cocktails are consistently praised for being delicious, innovative, and high-quality.
However, out of those 91 total comments, a few folks (5 to be exact) did point out some areas for improvement. While the overall experience is fantastic, some found the beer selection to be small, the small bites mostly limited to jerky and almonds, and a particular smoked mezcal to be a bit too harsh for their liking.
Food
91
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent, balanced cocktails
- Unique, tasty beef jerky
- Great alcohol selection
What people don't like
- Limited beer selection
- Some jerky too rough
- Harsh smoked mezcal
Often praised
- cocktailsI was curious about how many cocktails I could enjoy and what snacks would complement them. The cocktails are what I dream of – innovative, in complete balance, and questioning the norm. These are the superb qualities we ponder in a perfect beverage.
- drinksThe staff were cool and generally played obscure movies, which added to the atmosphere. I enjoyed the great drinks and the tasty jerky. The Rail Shot was a solid bargain.
- jerkyThe staff were cool and generally played obscure movies, which added to the atmosphere. I enjoyed the great drinks and the tasty jerky. The Rail Shot was a solid bargain.
- beef jerkyMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the spectacular cocktails and the unique offering of beef jerky (or mushroom jerky). It was also a great convenience that we could order food from Bandit next door.
- cocktailWe've gone here for our first date, and it has never failed us with a balanced and tasty cocktail. The atmosphere is always pleasant for enjoying a nice cocktail or two with loved ones.
- FoodFood:4
- Cajun jerkyThis combo was amazing!
- Cocktails of the Caribbean nightI enjoyed every sip of my cocktail
- Escape to JerezEscape to Jerez🍹. Delicious!
- IPAThis combo was amazing!
Frequently criticized
- beer selectionThey craft high-quality cocktails and offer a great selection of nice alcohol. However, I wouldn't recommend it for beers as their beer selection is small. If you're solely looking for beer, this might not be the place for you, but if you're in the mood for a cocktail, definitely give it a try.
- beers and cocktailsNot a huge selection of beers and cocktails.
- jerkiessome of the jerkies were too rough
- small bitessmall bites are mostly jerky and almonds.
- smoked mezcalsmaller one (smoked mezcal) was very smoky to the point where it was harsh
If you're looking for expertly crafted cocktails and unique, high-quality beef jerky, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While the beer selection might not be its strong suit, the overall drink and snack experience is overwhelmingly positive and highly recommended.
Service (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.2 and a phenomenal 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Based on all 29 remarks, the bar service and fast service stand out, with bartenders frequently praised for being friendly and skilled.
Youll get your drinks quickly and with a smile! Whats truly remarkable is that across all 29 pieces of feedback, there isnt a single negative comment or concern raised about the service. It genuinely seems they've perfected this aspect, leaving customers completely satisfied and with no room for constructive criticism.
Service
29
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast drink service
- Skilled bartenders
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
Often praised
- bartendersThey have a great selection of drinks, and their ability to pair jerky with bourbon and beer is mind-boggling. The atmosphere is inviting, and the bartenders are knowledgeable. I tried the Cajun jerky, bourbon (Four Roses), and IPA (Sculpin), and this combo was amazing!
- staffthe staff was attentive
- bartenderThe bartender delivered all our drinks exactly as we wanted
- serviceThe service here is outstanding
- ServiceService:4
- bar serviceFantastic bar service - got drinks really quickly.
- bar staffEveryone behind the bar was super nice and welcoming
- dog treatsoffered the dogs treats
- down to earth bartendersfriendly, down to earth bartenders
- drinkour drink came out really fast
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If top-notch service is high on your list, you absolutely can't go wrong here. The staff are quick, skilled, and incredibly friendly, making for a truly enjoyable experience. This spot is definitely worth checking out for its outstanding hospitality.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.7, which is quite good! Customers are largely pleased, with satisfaction at a strong 78.6%. Many of the 33 positive remarks highlight a great atmosphere and a hip place with a vibe that makes it an ideal date night spot or a welcoming neighborhood bar.
Patrons love the dim lighting and appreciate that it's dog friendly, making for a fantastic experience. However, out of 42 total opinions, there are 5 negative comments to consider. Some found the bar noise to be a bit much, wishing for a more chill and relaxed setting.
A few also mentioned there was no where to sit comfortably, and occasionally, it could get pretty damn hot in the bar, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
Ambience
42
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Dog-friendly spot
- Ideal date night
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Limited seating
- Gets hot
Often praised
- atmosphereThey have a great selection of drinks, and their ability to pair jerky with bourbon and beer is mind-boggling. The atmosphere is inviting, and the bartenders are knowledgeable. I tried the Cajun jerky, bourbon (Four Roses), and IPA (Sculpin), and this combo was amazing!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- allow dogsthey allow dogs
- ambiancedark slightly subdued ambience
- barfantastic experience at the bar
- bar detailsEvery detail of the bar is subtle but thoughtful
- best barsOne of the best bars
- cocktail barsuper cudi cocktail bar in the heart of Dogpatch
- cute little barThis was such a cute little bar.
- date night spotideal date night spot
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereexpecting somewhere more chill and relaxed
- barpretty damn hot in the bar
- bar noisethe bar was really loud
- game nightschallenging to enjoy the third rail speakeasy atmosphere
- no where to sitno where to sit and enjoy them
If you're looking for a lively, dog-friendly spot with a cool vibe and dim lighting for a date or drinks with friends, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it can get a bit loud and seating might be limited, especially on busier nights.
Value (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly hits the mark! With a fantastic score of 8.4, indicating a good performance, and a customer satisfaction rate of 85.7%, which is also good, its clear that guests are thrilled with what they get for their money. Based on 7 observations, with 6 positive and zero negative, patrons consistently rave about the *affordable* prices, *great happy hour specials*, and *reasonably priced* drinks.
Deals like the *rail shot* and *boilermaker* are frequently highlighted as solid bargains. Its quite remarkable, but when it comes to value, there simply aren't any negative comments to report. It seems customers are universally pleased with the pricing here, leaving no room for constructive criticism in this area.
This makes it an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a budget-friendly experience.
Value
7
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great happy hour
- Excellent drink deals
What people don't like
Often praised
- $13 boilermakerget a $13 boilermaker
- The Rail Shota solid bargain with The Rail Shot
- affordableVery affordable for a bar
- happy hour specialsGreat happy hour specials.
- rail shot dealthe rail shot deal is amazing
- reasonably priceddrinks are delicious and reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place that wont break the bank, this is definitely worth checking out. You can expect great deals and affordable options, making it a smart choice for a budget-friendly outing without compromising on quality.
How are the prices at Third Rail?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 11 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 32, its worth noting that many guests actually spend less, with a good number falling into the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges. So, theres flexibility depending on your appetite!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 11 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, a mid-range price point like this feels pretty fair. We think you’ll get good value here, especially if you stick to the lower end of the spending spectrum.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Third Rail
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Drinks and Fast Service!
I had a nice and chill experience at this restaurant with 7 friends. The drinks were really good, and the staff was attentive. Our drinks came out really fast, which was great.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- drinks9
- staff9
- drink10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Great Cocktails and a Unique Snack!
My experience at this bar was fantastic. I found it to be one of the best bars in San Francisco. The cocktails were great, and the beef jerky was a nice and unexpected touch.
The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- cocktails9
- beef jerky8
- Service10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Spirits and Mixology
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. It's much better than a typical dive bar. Alex, the mixologist, is truly skilled.
The bourbon selection is great, and so are all their other spirits. They also offer six beers on tap.
- bourbon selection9
- other spirits8
- beers on tap7
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Mixed Drinks and Hot Bar
My experience at the restaurant involved trying two cocktails. One was great and very refreshing, served in a collins glass. However, the other cocktail, a smoked mezcal, was too smoky and harsh.
I visited around midnight, and the bar was uncomfortably hot.
- cocktail8
- collins glass8
- smoked mezcal3
- bar3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Essential Dogpatch Gem for Drinks and Jerky
My experience at The Third Rail was that of discovering a Dogpatch gem. It's a place that consistently delivers an essentialist experience, making it a solid choice for a tasty libation. I was particularly intrigued by the unconventional pairing of drinks with jerky, which surprisingly works.
I'd recommend grabbing a cocktail or two and staying for a spell; you'll enjoy yourself.
- tasty libation8
- jerky8
- cocktail8
What Third Rail 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
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of drinks can you enjoy at Third Rail?
At Third Rail, you can choose from a wide selection of alcoholic beverages including hard liquor, wine, beer, and expertly crafted cocktails.
What is the atmosphere like at Third Rail and are pets allowed?
Third Rail offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it a great spot to relax. Plus, if you’re bringing your furry friend along, dogs are allowed inside.
What is the overall verdict for Third Rail?
Third Rail earns a strong 8.3 overall. Its Service (9.2) and Value (8.4) are particularly good, complemented by well-regarded Food (8.3) and a good Ambience (7.7).
What are Third Rail's main strengths?
Customers frequently praise the innovative cocktails, attentive bartenders, and outstanding service. The happy hour specials and affordable drinks also stand out as key positives.
Are there any downsides to visiting Third Rail?
Some patrons noted a small beer selection and that the atmosphere can occasionally be loud or hot. A few also found certain jerkies to be too rough.