Highlights
- Live music
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Tupelo – San Francisco
Tupelo - San Francisco
Photo from Tupelo
Tupelo at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#2080 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#140 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
6.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
227
Reviews
61.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lively atmosphere
- Great entertainment
- Friendly crowd
Frequently criticized
- ID issues
- Poor service
- Security concerns
The bar & pub Tupelo in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood offers you an unforgettable experience. You can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, where live music and performances are a regular highlight.
With a great beer selection and a casual vibe, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy some food at the bar, or even hit the dance floor.
Overview: Introducting Tupelo
Tupelo offers a lively atmosphere, often drawing crowds with its engaging DJ and popular karaoke nights. Many find the food surprisingly good, with a selection of tasty bar bites and well-crafted cocktails that contribute to a fun evening out.
However, experiences can be inconsistent, particularly concerning service. Some guests report issues with IDs not being accepted or encountering rude bartenders, which can detract from an otherwise vibrant setting.
Good
6.2
out of 10
227
Reviews
61.7%
Satisfaction
73
negative
14
neutral
140
positive
Tupelo earns an overall score of 6.2, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 61.7%. This assessment comes from a substantial 227 customer remarks, comprising 140 positive observations and 73 negative ones, indicating a notable split in experiences.
Digging deeper, the Ambience (7.6) and Food (7.5) are clearly strong points, frequently praised for their quality. However, Service (4.2) and Value (4) lag considerably, suggesting these areas often fall short of expectations and contribute to the mixed overall sentiment.
What people like
- Lively music and DJ
- Phenomenal karaoke nights
- Vibrant, friendly crowd
What people don't like
- Inconsistent ID policies
- Rude bar staff
- Pickpocketing concerns
If you’re seeking a vibrant spot for entertainment, Tupelo could be a good fit, especially for its energetic music and karaoke. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and value, which can impact the overall experience.
With a recommendation score of 6.2, Tupelo is a place to consider for its lively atmosphere, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding staff interactions and pricing. It shines as an entertainment venue, but has areas needing attention.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tupelo
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink scene, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.5 and a solid customer satisfaction of 73.1%. Out of 26 comments, 19 were positive, with many raving about the tasty camaron empanadas, delicious bar bites like the wings, and the amazing chicken and waffles. The drinks and cocktails also received high praise for being expertly prepared and varied.
However, its not all perfect, with 4 negative comments noting some areas for improvement. A few found the wine to be less than ideal, and some felt the overall quality of the drinks wasnt always up to par. There were also instances of missing sauce for dishes, suggesting minor inconsistencies in the culinary experience.
Food
26
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing chicken waffles
- Delicious bar bites
- Great drinks/cocktails
What people don't like
- Poor wine quality
- Inconsistent drink quality
- Missing sauce issues
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a fun spot with surprisingly good food. It was very crowded on a Friday, but a great DJ made the crowd dance and sing, creating a joyful time.
- cocktailsfavorite bars in North Beach for cocktails
- drinkshaving one drink and it turned into 6
- KamikazeMy Kamikaze was expertly prepared and delicious
- bar bitesvaried bar bites provided by the kitchen, especially the wings, were delicious
- bar grubfavorite bars in North Beach for good bar grub
- camaron empanadascamaron empanadas were tasty
- chickenChicken is juicy and breaded light and crispy
- chicken and wafflesChicken and waffles were amazing.
- drinks and beerDrinks and beer for every taste
Frequently criticized
- drinkThis male white bartender, wearing a hat and glasses, was super rude. He didn't listen to my full order and then, in a hurry, grabbed the wrong drink. He placed the can down so aggressively that it fell off the bar.
- drinksthe drinks weren't the best
- missing sauceWhen we asked for the missing sauce
- winenasty wine
If you're looking for a lively spot with generally good food and a great selection of drinks, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be minor hiccups with some beverages or missing condiments, the overall experience, especially with dishes like chicken and waffles, seems to be a hit.
Service (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.2. Many patrons rave about the friendly bartenders, engaging DJs, and overall great staff, highlighting terms like bartenders, staff, and friendly bartender. With 28 positive mentions, it sounds like some guests have truly memorable interactions, especially with the entertaining karaoke DJs and attentive bar staff.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 35.9%, and there are 47 negative mentions that paint a different picture. Issues frequently revolve around unfriendly bartender experiences, rude service, and problems with customer service regarding ID acceptance and even alleged complicity in thefts. It seems some staff members, including bouncers, have left a sour taste for many.
Service
78
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
47
negative
3
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, fast bartenders
- Entertaining DJs
- Great staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- ID rejection issues
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- bartendersMy experience at this restaurant was great. It's a wonderful local stop with good bartenders. I was excited to find out they now play the Saints game on Sunday!
- serviceThe service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5
- DJThe DJ plays the saxophone live, uses smoke effects, backing vocals..
- staffI love the staff too.
- DJ PurpleDJ Purple is absolutely the most talented DJ
- DJ.PurpleDJ.Purple can make anyone sound good lol
- ServiceService:5
- bar manLee the bar man who was there was a consummate professional
- bartenderbartender was super friendly and had a great sense of humor
- customer serviceher customer service was great
Frequently criticized
- bartenderthe bartender decided my legitimate Illinois driver's license wasn't accepted
- bouncerthe bouncer checks my ID and lets me in
- bar staffMy friend was overcharged by $12, and I was overcharged by $20. Additionally, the bar staff were rude, and there were no prices listed for spirits anywhere. While the karaoke was good, the queue for it was excessively long, about 2+ hours, which was a serious drawback.
- serviceAs a foreigner traveling from another country, I was surprised that my passport card was not accepted as a form of identification. I am of age and presented a valid passport card, but they refused service. This was bizarre as almost 99% of other bars in San Francisco accept it.
- IDsWe showed up before 9 on a Friday, and the bar was dead. They looked at our IDs and said they have to have a mark that shines through on both sides, but ours only shone through on the front. I saw the bouncer check someone else's ID, and he didn't check the back.
- Illinois IDswe don't accept Illinois IDs despite the fact that the bouncer let me in
- REAL IDMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I went with friends, and while they all got their IDs accepted, my REAL ID was rejected. I had turned 21 the previous year, and my ID clearly stated I was 21 in 2023.
- attendanttaken out without any reason by the attendant
- belongingswatch your belongings here
- bouncers and bartendersbouncers and bartenders didn’t care at all
If youre heading here, be prepared for a potentially hit-or-miss service experience. While you might encounter some fantastic, entertaining staff, theres a significant chance of running into issues with rudeness or strict ID policies. It might be worth a try for the DJ, but keep your expectations in check regarding overall customer care.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a strong customer satisfaction of 80.2%. With 89 positive remarks out of 111 total, guests consistently praise the fantastic live music, energetic karaoke nights, and overall vibrant vibe. Its a lively place in a premium location, often described as an oasis with a great atmosphere.
However, its worth noting some areas for improvement. A few patrons found the environment loud and crowded, and there were mentions of a lack of seating. More concerning are the reports of pickpockets, suggesting you'll need to be extra vigilant with your phone and wallet.
Ambience
111
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
15
negative
7
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively live music
- Energetic karaoke nights
- Premium location
What people don't like
- Risk of pickpockets
- Loud and crowded
- Limited seating
Often praised
- live musicI visited Tupelo with my brother to enjoy the live music. Unfortunately, my experience was dominated by a very privileged individual named Bronco, who claims to own or run the establishment.
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5
- musicThe music from the streets drew us in. Otto makes a great margarita (I'm very picky).
- vibeMy experience on Tuesday night karaoke was a blast. The DJ played along on a saxophone, which really turned the vibe up to 11. The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5.
- DJI 100% recommend you stop by. Everyone dances and the DJ is top-notch. It feels like a mini concert, and the crowd is sooo friendly 😎✨️.
- crowdEveryone dances and the DJ is top-notch. It feels like a mini concert, and the crowd is sooo friendly 😎✨️. The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, with a price per person of $10–20.
- karaokeAdditionally, the bar staff were rude, and there were no prices listed for spirits anywhere. While the karaoke was good, the queue for it was excessively long, about 2+ hours, which was a serious drawback.
- KaraokeTuesday Karaoke is phenomenal!
- locationAmazing location spot in the heart of San Francisco's famous North Beach.
- vibesI've never been a big fan of karaoke, but I had never been to Tupelo's! The vibes at this place are the best (I attended 4 karaoke nights in a row, try it to believe it).
Frequently criticized
- Boston barIf you're going to call yourself a Boston bar
- Patriot gameshave the sound on for Patriot games
- bandprioritized a band over the game
- bathroomsThe bathrooms were crammed
- crowdedit got loud and crowded quickly
- gameprioritized a band over the game
- loudit got loud and crowded quickly
- phone and walletThis place is a hot spot for pickpockets. I would not recommend it if you want to leave with your phone and wallet. Multiple people in our group had their wallets, phones, or both stolen out of their closed bags.
- pickpocketsThis place is a hot spot for pickpockets. I would not recommend it if you want to leave with your phone and wallet.
- place to sitNo place to sit
If you're seeking a high-energy spot with live music and karaoke in a prime location, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially loud, crowded scene and always keep a close eye on your belongings.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are a few silver linings, with 4 positive remarks out of 12 total. Patrons have highlighted decently priced drinks and noted that the price per person often lands in a comfortable $10–20 bracket. Some even found the food prices to be quite low, suggesting some good deals are to be had.
However, despite these positive mentions, the overall customer satisfaction for value is a rather poor 33.3%. The overall score for value here is an average 4, indicating a mixed experience. A significant concern, echoed in 7 negative comments, centers on potential credit card charges and issues with the tab.
Several guests reported being overcharged or having their card charged an insane amount days later. While food might be cheap, some found drink prices to be a bit steep, with no prices for spirits clearly listed, which can be a real bummer.
Value
12
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Low food prices
- Decently priced drinks
What people don't like
- Credit card overcharges
- High drink prices
- No spirit prices
Often praised
- drinksdecently priced drinks
- Food pricesFood prices are pretty low
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
Frequently criticized
- charging based on lookscharging you depending on how you look
- credit card chargecharge your credit card for an insane amount of money
- drink pricesThe food prices are pretty low, though we didn't try the food. Unfortunately, the prices for drinks are a bit too high in my opinion. I would definitely recommend the bar.
- overchargewill take your card and then OVERCHARGE it
- overcharge your cardovercharge your card days after paying
- prices for spiritsno prices for spirits anywhere available
- tabtold us we had no tab open so we ended up paying for that order
If youre looking for potentially low food prices and some moderately priced drinks, this spot might have a few upsides. However, be extremely cautious with your payment method, as there are notable concerns about credit card overcharges and inconsistent tab management. Its a place where you might find a deal, but you'll need to keep a close eye on your bill.
How are the prices at Tupelo?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 36 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 most guests spend around this average, a good number also enjoy more budget-friendly options in the $11–$20 range. There are even a few who go all out, showing a nice mix of experiences available!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 36 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub, especially considering it’s San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a casual drink and a bite, and those wanting to indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tupelo
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Extremely Rude Service, No Customer Care
I would give zero stars if I could. My experience at this restaurant was marked by extremely rude service. The staff clearly don’t care about customers, acting as if they are providing food and drinks for free.
This lack of regard for patrons is unacceptable.
- rude service1
- care about customers1
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Unexplained Ejection After Paying
After paying to get in, my experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I was taken out without any reason by the attendant immediately after receiving our drinks. This situation made me feel that it is not safe for anyone.
- attendant1
- safety1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Amazing Chicken and Waffles!
My experience at Tupelo was fantastic, especially with their chicken and waffles. They are often a hit or miss dish due to breading, chicken quality, and waffle quality, but Tupelo does it so well. The chicken is juicy with a light and crispy breading, and the waffles are not too heavy but have a great crisp-to-fluffy ratio.
Overall, a 10/10 experience for food!
- chicken and waffles10
- chicken9
- waffles9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Fun Tuesdays with Karaoke and Live Music!
My experience on Tuesdays was always a fun time. The DJ, DJ. Purple, played a slew of instruments during Karaoke, and could make anyone sound good lol.
- fun time9
- Karaoke8
- DJ.Purple9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Local Spot with Saints Game!
My experience at this restaurant was great. It's a wonderful local stop with good bartenders. I was excited to find out they now play the Saints game on Sunday!
I definitely recommend checking them out.
- local stop8
- bartenders7
- Saints game9
What Tupelo offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of entertainment and drinks can you expect at Tupelo?
At Tupelo, you can look forward to lively live music and performances that set the mood. You’ll also find a great selection of beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
What dining and service options are available at Tupelo in North Beach?
Tupelo offers you a casual dining experience with seating available. You can choose from outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or even delivery. Food is served at the bar, complementing the extensive drink menu.
How does Tupelo generally perform according to customer feedback?
Tupelo receives an average overall score of 6.2. While its Ambience (7.6) and Food (7.5) are well-regarded, Service (4.2) and Value (4) are areas where it often falls short.
What makes Tupelo a popular spot for entertainment?
Customers frequently praise Tupelo for its lively atmosphere, top-notch DJs, and phenomenal karaoke nights, creating a vibrant and engaging experience.
Are there any common issues visitors should be aware of at Tupelo?
Some guests report challenges with inconsistent ID acceptance, rude bar staff, and concerns about potential overcharging or pickpocketing, suggesting caution in these areas.