Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Tony’s Cable Car – San Francisco
Tony's Cable Car - San Francisco
Photo from Tony’s Cable Car
Tony's Cable Car at a glance
San Francisco Anza Vista
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#1211 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#51 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
334
Reviews
76.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget-friendly
- Classic American
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Limited parking
- Small seating
The American Restaurant, Tony’s Cable Car Restaurant, welcomes you to San Francisco’s Anza Vista neighborhood. You’ll find a historic and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a casual dining experience.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite, a coffee, or a full meal, this spot offers a friendly setting. With convenient free street parking and a dedicated lot, your visit is designed for ease and comfort.
Overview: Introducting Tony's Cable Car
Tony’s Cable Car offers a straightforward experience, serving up American classics at surprisingly affordable prices. Many appreciate the clean kitchen and the friendly demeanor of the staff.
It’s a spot where you can expect solid, unpretentious fare. However, be prepared for potential slow service during busy periods, and finding parking can sometimes be a challenge.
While the food generally satisfies, some items have occasionally missed the mark, with reports of cold or poorly prepared dishes.
Good
7.5
out of 10
334
Reviews
76.3%
Satisfaction
53
negative
26
neutral
255
positive
Overall, Tony’s Cable Car earns a respectable 7.5 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction standing at a solid 76.3%. This indicates a generally positive reception from diners.
The insights gathered from 334 customer remarks, comprising 255 positive observations against 53 negative ones, paint a picture of a place that largely meets expectations, though with some areas for refinement. Diving deeper, the Food (7.8), Ambience (7.7), and Value (7.6) all receive good marks, suggesting these are consistent strengths.
However, the Service (6.3) falls into the average category. While not poor, this indicates that the service experience can be inconsistent, occasionally impacting the overall dining impression for some patrons.
What people like
- Affordable pricing
- Classic American fare
- Welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Limited parking
- Small seating area
With a solid Recommendation Score of 7.9, Tony’s Cable Car is a reliable choice if you’re seeking straightforward, affordable American comfort food. It’s a place that delivers on its promise of good value and a friendly atmosphere, making it a worthwhile stop for a casual meal.
While you might encounter occasional delays in service or a challenge finding a spot, these are minor trade-offs for the overall positive experience. If you appreciate a no-frills diner with a classic feel and don’t mind its quirks, it’s certainly worth a visit.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
731
93.8%
- $$
- Bayview District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
780
93.3%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
423
94.6%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
804
89.9%
- $$
- Union Square
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
294
89.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
356
91%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Tony's Cable Car
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre looking at a pretty good experience overall, with a solid 7.8 score and a strong 81.2% customer satisfaction. Many folks absolutely rave about the classic burgers, delicious curly fries, and fantastic shakes, often describing them as comforting, down-home fare. It seems the quality of ingredients and generous portions really hit the spot.
However, its not always a perfect plate. Out of 207 total comments, 23 point to some hiccups, like soggy tomatoes, overcooked fish, or burnt corn dogs. There are also mentions of limp or cold fries and occasionally, a burger patty that felt too small, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
207
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
23
negative
16
neutral
168
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great burgers
- Delicious fries
- Fantastic shakes
What people don't like
- Burnt corn dog
- Overcooked fish
- Limp or cold fries
Often praised
- foodI can NEVER go wrong with Tony's. I've been going to this institution for years, and the food is ALWAYS great. The staff is friendly and cooks food to order.
- friesThe staff is friendly and cooks food to order. They offer fabulous burgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, along with great fries. It's not fancy gourmet $$$burgers; it's just plain, good ole, down-home, no-frills drive-in food at reasonable prices.
- burgersFrom onion rings to hotdogs to burgers and shakes
- curly friesI enjoyed a loaded hot dog paired with a root beer float. My husband opted for the Salisbury steak sandwich special, which came with curly fries and a chocolate shake.
- onion ringsI also highly recommend getting their onion rings with Thousand Island Dressing. I promise you it's delicious.
- burgerStopped in today on 2/13/2022 for a burger.
- burger and friesThe burger and fries were surprisingly delicious!!
- chocolate shakeI enjoyed a loaded hot dog paired with a root beer float. My husband opted for the Salisbury steak sandwich special, which came with curly fries and a chocolate shake.
- crinkle cut friesBurgers, chili dogs, crinkle cut fries and those deep-fried burritos!!!
- pineapple shakeThe food consistently came out hot. To drink, I opted for a delicious pineapple shake. However, when the restaurant is busy, the kitchen can get backed up, leading to a wait for your food.
Frequently criticized
- fishI received a good sized meal. However, the chips were not well cooked and the fish had zero flavor.
- food qualityDon't go here if you expect good food
- friesThe fries was still frozen on the inside
- Cheese Burger DeluxeThe cheese burger was Soggy
- French friesFrench fries cold
- burgergot a patty that must of been a year old
- burger pattyburgers patty to small
- cardboard strawThe only downside was the straw. Yes, the eco-friendly cardboard straw that melted before I could finish my shake. Thankfully, they had a spoon ready with my order, as if they anticipated the issue.
- chicken tenderschicken tenders, which was priced at almost 9 bucks, it came with 3 pieces
- chili cheese friesthe chili cheese fries, but the chilies on the fries wasn't great
If youre in the mood for classic American comfort food like burgers, fries, and shakes, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there might be occasional inconsistencies with certain items, the overwhelming sentiment suggests youll leave full and happy.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to service, it's a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 6.3, placing it squarely in the average range. Customer satisfaction sits at 58.5%, indicating a mixed experience for many. Based on 53 customer observations, many appreciate the friendly staff and excellent service, often highlighting speedy service and the positive rapport built with employees.
However, not everyone has had such a smooth experience. There are 20 negative remarks, with some customers encountering slow service, messed up orders, and frustrations with tablet ordering systems. It seems that while many staff members shine, there are occasional hiccups that can impact the overall service quality.
Service
53
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
20
negative
2
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent service
- Speedy service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Messed up orders
- Tablet ordering issues
Often praised
- staffThe staff, especially the ladies at the counter, are very friendly
- serviceThe food quality was excellent, and it hit the spot. The service was efficient, and the atmosphere, though not explicitly detailed, received a high rating, suggesting a pleasant experience. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.
- ServiceMy experience at the small and charmingly-dingy Tony's Cable Car Restaurant was fantastic. It's the best type of burger joint: no frills, just American classics done well at affordable prices, served with a smile. The pickles on the small burger delivered the perfect zing for the salty patty, and my small sundae was the perfect compliment.
- customer servicewonderful customer service
- StaffNICE STAFF
- call of dutyMy experience at the restaurant was defined by the excellent service provided by Lisa. She went above and beyond the call of duty, and we are grateful for her efforts. The meal type was 'Other' and the price per person was in the $10–20 range.
- employeesA significant update is that as of 9/2021, you can now make purchases with debit or credit via the tablet in front of the ordering window, which is a welcome change from the previous cash-only policy. The employees are very nice and also clean the tables when someone has finished using them. However, it's worth noting that there is no air conditioning inside, which could be uncomfortable during warmer weather.
- excellent serviceLisa to provide excellent service
- friendly serviceReally friendly service, too 🙂
- friendly staffAll served up by a friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhile the vibes were top-notch and the atmosphere was great, the food was decent but not exceptional. The service was very slow, which detracted from the overall experience. It's a good spot for decent grub, but definitely not worth going out of your way for.
- waiting timeTook 30 minutes with no one in front of us
- apologiesNo apologies
- customerI explained that I didn’t understand what she wrote, as I don’t work there. I never questioned her about any wrongdoing, yet she was very disrespectful. I have been a loyal customer for 20 years.
- customer servicearchaic attitude towards servicing the customers
- kitchen backed upkitchen can be backed up so it can be a while
- new employeenew employee female hispanic girl was very rude and unprofessional
- no answerCalled back twice no answer
- ordermessed up my order, (12 times counting)
- order preparationstarted filling another person's order that ordered way after us
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly staff and potentially quick service, its worth a try. Just be aware that some customers have experienced slow service or order mix-ups, so manage your expectations, especially if you're in a rush.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a hit, with an impressive 7.7 score for ambience and a solid 73.6% customer satisfaction! Many folks, 39 out of 53, absolutely loved the old school vibe and found it an uplifting reprieve. They praised the CLEAN and cozy environment, often mentioning the convenience of a free parking lot.
It sounds like a truly great place to soak in the atmosphere. However, a few guests (7 out of 53) did point out some snags. Concerns arose around the limited seating and the small parking lot, which could make finding a spot tricky.
Some also noted the lack of air condition inside, which might be a consideration on warmer days.
Ambience
53
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
7
negative
7
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Old school vibe
- Clean environment
- Free parking
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Small parking lot
- No air conditioning
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the vibes were top-notch and the atmosphere was great, the food was decent but not exceptional. The service was very slow, which detracted from the overall experience.
- placeThe place is shaped like a cable car, it's a timeless design
- experiencechef kiss to the whole experience
- AtmosphereMy experience at the small and charmingly-dingy Tony's Cable Car Restaurant was fantastic. It's the best type of burger joint: no frills, just American classics done well at affordable prices, served with a smile.
- CLEANSuper CLEAN in the kitchen!
- Dining areaKID FRIENDLY DINING AREA
- Eating areaSMALL BUT QUAINT EATING AREA INDOOR & OUTDOOR
- Geary StreetIt's a must-hit if you're by Geary St.
- Plenty of parkingfree parking lot that has plenty of parking
- San Francisco landmarkthis is a San Francisco landmark
Frequently criticized
- ParkingPARKING IS VERY LIMITED
- air conditionNo air condition inside
- fans abovethere will be fans above you
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- parking lotThe parking lot is small
- sittingVery limited sitting though
- sizevery small with limited seating
If you're seeking a classic, cozy spot with a great old school vibe and easy parking, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that seating can be limited, and it might get warm inside without air conditioning.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a great 81%, its clear many folks appreciate the "good prices" and "affordable prices" here. Out of 21 comments, 17 rave about the "reasonable price" and "good value, " making it a wallet-friendly choice.
However, not everyone is entirely convinced. A few voices, 3 to be exact, felt the "price" could be a bit steep, with some finding it "pricey" or "expensive" for what you get. It seems theres a small contingent who dont always feel its worth every penny.
Value
21
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good, affordable prices
- Reasonable price point
- Offers great value
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Not worth price
Often praised
- pricesIt's conveniently located on major bus routes, making the journey worthwhile. The prices are surprisingly cheap, with tax already accounted for. I particularly enjoyed the 1/4 pounder, which was quite tasty, and the fries were delicious.
- PricesPRICES ARE VERY REASONABLE & LOŴER THAN MOST DINERS
- affordable pricesMy experience at the small and charmingly-dingy Tony's Cable Car Restaurant was fantastic. It's the best type of burger joint: no frills, just American classics done well at affordable prices, served with a smile. The pickles on the small burger delivered the perfect zing for the salty patty, and my small sundae was the perfect compliment.
- fast food corppick this place over any fast food corp for the same price
- good pricesMy experience at Tony's has been consistently positive over the years. It's a place where you can always count on solid food and good prices. You truly can't go wrong here.
- good valueGood value
- pennyWorth every penny
- priceThe price is fair
- price per personParking is easy with a free parking lot that has plenty of space. The price per person is very affordable, ranging from $1–$10, making it a great value for lunch.
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- pricedon't think it's worth $19 bucks
- pricesI think they are a bit pricey for what you get.
If youre looking for a meal that wont break the bank, this place is generally a solid bet, offering good value for your money. While a small number of people found it a bit pricey, the overwhelming sentiment suggests you'll likely leave feeling satisfied with what you paid.
How are the prices at Tony's Cable Car?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks spend right in that sweet spot, with the majority of prices clustering around the $11–$20 range, showing a consistent mid-tier experience.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 79 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an American Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tony's Cable Car
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Cozy Lunch Spot with Great Options
My experience at this restaurant was pretty good! I enjoyed the lots of options available. I got the hot dog, a soda, and some crinkle cut fries, and it was very filling.
The cozy environment made for a nice lunch spot if you're nearby.
- food options8
- hot dog7
- crinkle cut fries7
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Favorite Go-To Spot in SF!
I've been to this restaurant about three times since moving to San Francisco. They offer a nice selection of food on the menu at great prices, and it tastes good. The atmosphere is cozy, and the customer service is wonderful.
It's one of my favorite go-to places to eat in San Francisco.
- selection of food8
- prices9
- tastes good8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Corn Dog & Soft Serve Heaven!
My experience at this restaurant was a delightful surprise! I found it to be CORN DOG & SOFT SERVE ICECREAM HEAVEN! The staff was very nice, and while the eating area is small, it's both quaint and offers indoor & outdoor seating.
Parking is a bit of a challenge as it's very limited, but public transit is conveniently located just a block away. The prices are a major plus, being very reasonable and lower than most diners. It's also a great spot for families, with kid-friendly food & dining area.
- Corn Dog10
- Soft Serve Ice Cream10
- Staff9
- Parking3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Feels Like Home, Classic American Favorites
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive, making it feel like home. The staff, especially the ladies at the counter, were very friendly and always had a big smile. They remembered me, and I remembered them, which created a wonderful rapport.
The cuisine is classic American favorites, including burgers, hotdogs (which are some of the best in the city, in my opinion), chicken sandwich, steak sandwich, milkshakes, and fries, including curly fries. They have a reward system if you sign up, and I've collected free fries before. The place itself is shaped like a cable car, a timeless design.
You can order at the counter or at a digital kiosk, but I recommend ordering at the counter to develop that rapport with the staff, which is one of my favorite parts of coming here. It reminds me of what Bob's Big Boy was to David Lynch, and I'm sure he would love this place as well.
- staff10
- ladies at the counter10
- cuisine9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good food, small space
My experience at this restaurant was positive, despite its very small size and limited seating. The food was good and met my expectations. I was particularly impressed when they turned my large fries 🍟 into almost a bag full, which was a pleasant surprise.
The service and food both received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also rated highly at 5.
- food10
- large fries9
- service10
- size4
What Tony's Cable Car offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Tony's Cable Car Restaurant?
You’ll find your visit convenient with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, and seating areas.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Tony's Cable Car Restaurant?
You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert in a historic, cozy, and casual setting. It’s a great spot for a quick bite or a relaxing meal, and it’s also good for kids, making it a family-friendly choice.
How does Tony's Cable Car rate overall?
Tony’s Cable Car holds an overall score of **7.5** out of 10. Its **Food** (7.8), **Ambience** (7.7), and **Value** (7.6) are rated well, while **Service** (6.3) is considered average.
Is Tony's Cable Car an affordable dining option?
Yes, many customers find Tony’s Cable Car to offer surprisingly **affordable prices** and **good value**, often noting that it’s a budget-friendly choice compared to other diners.
What are some common concerns at Tony's Cable Car?
Some patrons have experienced **slow service** or **waiting time** during busy periods. Additionally, **parking is very limited**, and the seating area can be quite small.