Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Union Larder – San Francisco
Union Larder - San Francisco
Photo from Union Larder
Union Larder at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#850 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#57 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
346
Reviews
82.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Wine selection
- Charcuterie
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Pricey portions
- Poor service
- Noisy environment
The bar & pub Union Larder in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood offers you a truly memorable experience. You’ll discover a cozy and upscale atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
With its great wine list and excellent beer selection, you’re sure to find a perfect pairing for your evening. This trendy spot welcomes you for both dine-in and takeout, ensuring a delightful visit.
Overview: Introducting Union Larder
Union Larder offers a charming spot where guests frequently praise the extensive wine selection and generous charcuterie offerings. The atmosphere often strikes a pleasant balance, making it a comfortable place to unwind.
Many appreciate the courteous, knowledgeable staff who contribute to a positive experience. However, some visitors find the experience to be overpriced for the portion sizes, particularly regarding small plates and cheese.
There are also occasional mentions of service being inattentive or the space feeling a bit loud and crowded, especially during peak times.
Good
7.8
out of 10
346
Reviews
82.1%
Satisfaction
49
negative
13
neutral
284
positive
Union Larder holds a respectable overall score of 7.8 out of 10, indicating a generally good experience for most patrons. This is further supported by a strong 82.1% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting that the majority leave content with their visit.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 346 customer observations, with 284 positive remarks outweighing 49 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food scores highest at (8.4), with Ambience (7.5) and Service (7.3) also performing well.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.1), which falls into the average range. This suggests that while the quality of offerings and the overall setting are appreciated, the pricing structure is a point of contention for some.
What people like
- Excellent wine selection
- Generous charcuterie
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Overpriced portions
- Inattentive service
- Loud, crowded space
If you prioritize a well-curated wine selection and quality small plates in a lively setting, Union Larder is certainly worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 8.1 suggests many find it a delightful spot for an evening out, especially if you appreciate good charcuterie and a pleasant atmosphere.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find the portions to be on the smaller side for the cost. If Value is your top priority or you prefer a quieter, more spacious environment, you might find aspects of Union Larder less appealing.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
317
93.7%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
105
99%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
217
94.5%
- $$
- Dogpatch
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
101
98%
- $$
- West Portal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
277
95.7%
- $$
- North Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
187
93%
- $$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Union Larder
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, earning a 8.4 score! With a fantastic 92.8% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners are thrilled. Based on 181 positive pieces of feedback, guests rave about the superb wine selection, amazing cheese and charcuterie boards, and delicious small plates like oysters and meatballs.
Its a perfect place for delightful sips and bites. However, out of 195 total reviews, a small number (10) pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found certain items, like cheese and bread, to be overpriced for their small portions.
A few felt that some meat and wine pairings were underwhelming, and dishes like the duck terrine or summer salad lacked character.
Food
195
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
181
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great wine selection
- Superb charcuterie & cheese
- Tasty small plates
What people don't like
- Small, pricey portions
- Some dishes lack character
Often praised
- wineMy experience at the restaurant was very very good. I had a precious moment enjoying good wine, good meat, and very good cheese.
- wine selectionIt's one of my favorite neighborhood spots. They have an awesome wine selection and a generous charcuterie serving. Additionally, Union Larder boasts a great atmosphere, making it suitable for several different occasions.
- foodLoved the wine, ambience, food and service here
- charcuteriegreat Spanish, Italian and local charcuterie
- wine listthe wine list by the glass and the boquerones swayed me
- cheesesThis is an amazing place to grab a glass of wine or stay for food and more wine. We enjoyed a bottle of Albariño, a few oysters, 3 cheeses, and 2 meats from their selection, all of which were fantastic. The atmosphere here is such a vibe that you can’t go wrong with coming here.
- oystersThis is an amazing place to grab a glass of wine or stay for food and more wine. We enjoyed a bottle of Albariño, a few oysters, 3 cheeses, and 2 meats from their selection, all of which were fantastic. The atmosphere here is such a vibe that you can’t go wrong with coming here.
- selection of winesa good selection of wines
- small platesI loved the big windows that offered a nice view looking out onto Hyde. The list of wines was good, and they offered small plates with nice service.
- beerMy experience at the restaurant was quite positive. The atmosphere had a great buzz, and I appreciated the decent beer and great choice of wines. The service was good, and the grub looked tasty.
Frequently criticized
- cheese and breadWe were promptly seated at the bar. However, the wine felt overpriced, and the food even more so, with a specific example being $21 for three tiny pieces of cheese and four slices of french stick bread. The bar service was okay, but the bar tender was a pretty surly chap – very functional and certainly not friendly.
- cheese platterMy experience at the restaurant was that it was overpriced for the city. The cheese platter was too small for the price. I would recommend Bacchus across the street as it is lower cost and has fewer yuppies.
- county patecounty pate... Not any character
- duck terrineduck terrine... Not any character
- jamon ibericoA little disappointed with the jamon iberico
- meat and winemeat and wine is underwhelming
- meatballsmeatballs... Not any character
- portionportion was very small
- selling up their food choicesselling up their food choices. Instead, our night sucked
- summer saladsummer salad and it was flavorless
If you're looking for a place with an excellent wine list and top-notch cheese and charcuterie, this is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some individual items might feel a bit pricey for their portion size, and a few dishes could be more exciting.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a 7.3 score and a solid 74.5% customer satisfaction, both indicating a good experience. Many guests rave about the friendly staff and attentive service, often highlighting knowledgeable bartenders who are eager to help. With 35 positive comments, it seems the team goes out of their way to make you feel welcome.
However, it's not always perfect. Out of 47 total comments, 10 pointed to areas for improvement. Some found the staff rude or inattentive to needs, while others mentioned a huge wait for seating that could dampen the mood.
There was even a concerning mention of racist service, which is definitely a dealbreaker for some.
Service
47
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Knowledgeable bartenders
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Inattentive service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was positive, particularly with their great wine selection and excellent service. I appreciated that they allowed us to stand and order wine while we waited for a table.
- staffThe atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between modern sophistication and warm hospitality. Rounding out the visit was the courteous, knowledgeable staff, who were attentive without being intrusive.
- waitMy experience at the restaurant was centered around their excellent wine and cheese offerings. While the place gets pretty packed, it was worth the wait.
- ServiceService:5
- bartenderThe bartender was very friendly
- bartendersthe bar tenders are pretty nice
- cheese mongerThey have an in-house cheese monger
- courteous, knowledgeable staffThe atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between modern sophistication and warm hospitality. Rounding out the visit was the courteous, knowledgeable staff, who were attentive without being intrusive.
- nice serviceI loved the big windows that offered a nice view looking out onto Hyde. The list of wines was good, and they offered small plates with nice service.
- peopleThe people were great
Frequently criticized
- serviceI suspect this treatment was due to my Black friend being with me. This was a very unusual and unwelcome service experience, and I will not be returning.
- staffno staff attempted to make it interesting
- attentionasked us literally every 3 minutes
- bar tenderHowever, the wine felt overpriced, and the food even more so, with a specific example being $21 for three tiny pieces of cheese and four slices of french stick bread. The bar service was okay, but the bar tender was a pretty surly chap – very functional and certainly not friendly.
- cheese/wine pairingswish I they could recommend cheese/wine pairing
- inattentive to our needsstaff was totally inattentive to our needs
- racist serviceside of racism? My friend and I
- wait for seatingI was here to keep my friend company. There was a huge wait for seating and it was super loud here. Seems to be a place that is frequented by locals.
If youre looking for generally friendly and knowledgeable service, youll likely be pleased here. Just be prepared for potential waits and keep an eye out for consistency, as a few experiences suggest service can sometimes miss the mark. Overall, it's worth a visit if you value attentive staff.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a solid 7.5 score and a strong 76.2% customer satisfaction. Many of the 64 positive opinions rave about the delightful ambience, atmosphere, and vibe, often highlighting the beautiful decor and open windows. Its frequently described as a lively setting, perfect for catching up with friends or a date night.
However, not everyone finds the experience perfect. With 15 negative opinions, some guests have noted that the place can get quite crowded and loud. Concerns about uncomfortable bar stools and a cramped' feeling in the space allotted also pop up, suggesting it might not be ideal for everyone, especially on busy nights.
Ambience
84
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
15
negative
5
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delightful ambience
- Lively atmosphere
- Great date spot
What people don't like
- Can get crowded
- Can be loud
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was amazing, complemented by a great selection of wine. The service was super friendly, and the communal share tables created a buzzy atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the delicious cheese selection.
- ambiancefabulous ambiance. felt like being in a spa practically i was so relaxed and rejuvenated
- ambienceLoved the wine, ambience, food and service here
- placeThe atmosphere was also a highlight, as you can watch the cable cars go by while enjoying your lunch or dinner. It was a great place to find off the beaten path.
- big windowsLove the big windows
- interiorBeautiful interior
- vibeThe wine list by the glass and the boquerones were particularly swaying factors. It's a really delightful place with a casual yet refined European vibe. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the wine selection was truly great and sometimes surprising, featuring both old and new world options.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- background soundGreat background sound too
- barThis is a cute little bar that's definitely great for first dates. The wines are pretty good, and the staff are helpful if you don't know much about wines (like me!).
Frequently criticized
- ACno AC, so not great on a hot day
- atmosphereit was super loud here
- bar stools" Throughout our visit, the staff was inattentive to our needs and provided no information about their food. They seemed preoccupied with guarding empty bar stools, appearing anxious about gratuity. This made us feel embarrassed and uncomfortable.
- barstoolstheir barstools don’t have a back rest
- crampeda bit cramped
- crowdedMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a beautiful interior and a great selection of cheeses and wines. While it tends to be very crowded and loud, this atmosphere did not detract from my enjoyment of a glass of wine.
- crowded and noisyGets crowded and noisy
- disappointmentoffers disappointment and no value
- loudloud, but it does not gets in the way
- loud sideA little on the loud side
If youre looking for a place with a great atmosphere and a lively vibe for a date or friends, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it can get a bit crowded and loud', and some of the seating might not be the most comfortable.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found a silver lining, contributing to an average score of 4.1. They appreciated a decent price per glass and found it great for happy hour, with some items being moderately priced. These positive remarks, though fewer, highlight specific instances where the wine price hit the mark for 4 customers.
However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, reflected in a poor customer satisfaction of just 20%. Many felt items were overpriced and pricey, particularly complaining about a snack for two costing too much or a pinch of cheese being too expensive. These concerns were echoed by 14 customers, suggesting significant room for improvement in perceived value and pricing.
Value
20
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good happy hour
- Decent wine price
- Moderately priced options
What people don't like
- Overpriced small portions
- Generally high prices
- Poor overall value
Often praised
- happy hourgreat for happy hour
- moderately pricedEverything was moderately priced
- price per glassa decent price per glass
- wine priceMy experience at this wine and cheese spot was mixed. The wine was excellent and well-priced. However, the lack of AC made it not great on a hot day, impacting the overall atmosphere.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was that it was overpriced for the city. The cheese platter was too small for the price. I would recommend Bacchus across the street as it is lower cost and has fewer yuppies.
- wineWine and appetizers are pricey
- appetizersWine and appetizers are pricey
- foodthe food even more so.
- overpricedoverpriced for a city with many wine happy hours
- pinch of charcuterie10 bucks for each pinch of charcuterie
- pinch of cheese10 bucks for each pinch of cheese
- priceyit's pricey
- pricinguntil the pricing is sorted out
- snack for two140$ for what can only be called a snack for two
If you're looking for specific deals like happy hour, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for potentially high prices on other items, as many guests felt the overall experience was overpriced for what you get. It might be worth exploring other options if budget is a primary concern.
How are the prices at Union Larder?
On average, you’ll spend around 50 per person – reported by 18 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, thats definitely on the higher-end.
Interestingly, the actual spending varies quite a bit, from more budget-friendly visits to quite premium experiences. This suggests theres a mix of options available, rather than prices clustering tightly around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Given it’s a Bar & Pub, a 50 per person average is on the pricier side. However, if the quality of food, drinks, and atmosphere matches, we think it could still offer good value for a higher-end experience in San Francisco.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Union Larder
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
A Favorite Spot for Wine and Ambiance
I've visited Union Larder close to 20 times, as it's conveniently located a short walk from my home. My experience has consistently been excellent. I particularly love the wine selection and the overall ambiance.
Every person I've introduced to this restaurant has also fallen in love with it, which speaks to its consistent quality and appeal.
- wine selection10
- ambiance10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Bar with Great Service
My experience at this bar was absolutely excellent. The ambiance was wonderful, creating a truly pleasant atmosphere. The wine selection was very good, offering a nice variety.
Most importantly, the service was exceptionally friendly and accommodating, making the visit very enjoyable.
- ambiance10
- wine selection9
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Exceptional Wine Bar in San Francisco
My experience at this San Francisco wine bar was truly exceptional. Tucked away in the vibrant heart of the city, it's a gem for wine lovers. The global wine selection is outstanding, with a particular focus on Australian and New Zealand labels.
We sampled two from each and were thoroughly impressed. The culinary offerings beautifully complemented the wine, with dishes that were both elegant and flavorful. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between modern sophistication and warm hospitality.
Rounding out the visit was the courteous, knowledgeable staff, who were attentive without being intrusive.
- global wine selection9
- Australian and New Zealand labels9
- culinary offerings8
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Fantastic Vibe and Delicious Bites
This is an amazing place to grab a glass of wine or stay for food and more wine. We enjoyed a bottle of Albariño, a few oysters, 3 cheeses, and 2 meats from their selection, all of which were fantastic. The atmosphere here is such a vibe that you can’t go wrong with coming here.
It is a bit small, so you may have to share tables or wait, but it’s definitely worth it.
- wine9
- Albariño9
- oysters9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Service, Fantastic Food & Wine!
I walked in on a Friday afternoon around 5pm and easily grabbed seats. The service was excellent, and the wine and food were fantastic. I also loved the big windows, which made it fun to people watch.
- service10
- wine9
- food9
What Union Larder offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food
- Wine
- Food at bar
- Beer
Dining options
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Union Larder?
At Union Larder, you’ll find an atmosphere that is both upscale and cozy, yet casual and trendy. It’s a versatile spot where you can relax in comfort or enjoy a lively evening, making it suitable for various occasions.
Is Union Larder accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Union Larder is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Plus, it’s considered good for kids, so you can comfortably bring your family along.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Union Larder?
Union Larder generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of 7.8 out of 10 and a customer satisfaction rate of 82.1%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (8.4), Ambience (7.5), and Service (7.3), though Value (4.1) is noted as an area for improvement.
What are the standout food and drink offerings at Union Larder?
Customers frequently praise Union Larder for its excellent wine selection, generous charcuterie, and quality cheeses. Many also enjoy the small plates and fresh oysters available.
What are common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some visitors find Union Larder to be overpriced for the portion sizes, especially for cheese and charcuterie. Other concerns include occasional inattentive service, a loud or crowded atmosphere, and a lack of air conditioning on hot days.