Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Urban Tavern – San Francisco
Urban Tavern - San Francisco
Photo from Urban Tavern
Urban Tavern at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 1 of the guests
#1952 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#230 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
165
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality cuisine
- Great service
- Welcoming atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Expensive pricing
- Noisy environment
- Service inconsistencies
The restaurant Urban Tavern in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood invites you to experience a vibrant dining destination. This welcoming restaurant offers a diverse menu for breakfast, brunch, and dinner, ensuring you have plenty of options throughout the day.
You’ll appreciate the convenience of accepting reservations, making your planning effortless. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a lively happy hour, this spot has you covered with its extensive drink selection and small plates.
Overview: Introducting Urban Tavern
Urban Tavern offers a dining experience where the culinary offerings generally impress, with many appreciating the thoughtful preparation. Guests frequently commend the attentive staff and the family friendly atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for various occasions.
However, some find the overall experience to be on the pricier side, with concerns about items being ridiculously expensive. While the food receives praise for its flavor and variety, the environment can sometimes be very loud, which might hinder conversation.
This balance of appealing dishes and service against cost and noise levels shapes the overall impression of Urban Tavern.
Good
6.5
out of 10
165
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
52
negative
9
neutral
104
positive
Urban Tavern holds a Restaurant Score of 6.5, placing it in the average category, suggesting a generally acceptable but not outstanding experience. This is further reflected in a Customer Satisfaction of 63%, indicating a mixed sentiment among patrons.
With 165 customer remarks, including 104 positive and 52 negative observations, there’s a clear picture of what works and what needs attention. Delving into specifics, Food stands out with a good score of (7.2), frequently mentioned for its quality and variety.
Ambience (6.3) and Service (5.8) both fall into the average range, with service receiving considerable attention for its staff’s helpfulness. However, Value (4.2) is perceived as average, with some guests noting concerns about pricing.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Attentive, kind staff
- Family-friendly setting
What people don't like
- High price points
- Loud dining area
- Inconsistent service
Urban Tavern presents a mixed experience, offering genuinely good food and a welcoming atmosphere, often supported by attentive staff. However, the pricing can be a significant hurdle for some, and the noise level might detract from the dining experience.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.7, Urban Tavern is worth considering if you prioritize quality dishes and a lively setting over strict budget adherence or a quiet meal. It could be a solid choice for a casual outing, especially if you appreciate good service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Urban Tavern
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.2, indicating a good culinary experience. Many customers rave about the delicious offerings, with 64 positive sentiments out of 92 total. Youll often find praise for the "amazing food, " "modern fusion plates, " and a great selection of "craft beers" and "cocktails" to complement your meal.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at 69.6%, which is good but suggests theres still a little room for improvement. Some diners have encountered sub par food, noting issues like overdone steak or undercooked rice, and occasionally felt the portion size was a bit small. These 21 negative comments highlight some inconsistencies in the kitchen.
Food
92
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
21
negative
7
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious modern fusion
- Amazing food quality
- Great beer and cocktails
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Overcooked/dry dishes
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the great service and good food. Our server, Sebastian, was exceptionally great with my two kids, making it a truly family friendly atmosphere.
- cocktailsThe restaurant offers very delicious spins on surprisingly healthy dishes, alongside unhealthy options. They also have a solid array of cocktails, wine, and local craft beers. I highly recommend the octopus, which was very well crafted, and the shishito peppers were filled with ample flavor.
- beer selectionMy experience at the restaurant was marked by excellent food, good service, and a good beer selection. The atmosphere offered an interesting mix of a pub and an upscale sports bar.
- burgerI had the burger and it was very flavorful and filling
- octopusThe octopus is a very well crafted and highly recommended dish
- Aged Pimento Cheese with Shrimp CrackersHighly recommend the Aged Pimento Cheese with Shrimp Crackers
- Beer Flightfew local brews on the Beer Flight
- Bologneseand Bolognese
- Chinese flavorroasted chicken with Chinese flavor - it was really good
- Urban BurgerYou can't go wrong with the Urban Burger
Frequently criticized
- foodfood really was not memorable or flavorful
- SteakThe Steak was unfortunately tough despite being done medium rare
- steaksteak, which was a small portion
- Craft Beerslacks a good selection of Craft Beers
- beefmy beef be too much cooked
- beer flightordered a flight of beers at $10
- breakfast buffetNothing special better than $9 golden corral breakfast buffet
- cucumbersBibimbap's cucumbers had a softness that suggested the weren't fresh
- dishes4 of the 5 dishes we ordered left a great deal to be desired
- mussels saucea bit spicy by the sauce
If youre looking for a place with generally good food and an interesting menu, its worth a try, especially for their fusion dishes and drink selection. Just be aware that a few diners have experienced minor inconsistencies, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side! Out of 38 comments, 22 guests shared positive experiences, often praising the attentive staff, fantastic servers like Sebastian, and top-notch bartenders. Many found the team knowledgeable and helpful, with some even calling the service on point and the best Ive had anywhere.
This shows some real dedication from individual team members. However, the overall picture is a bit mixed, with a score of 5.8 and customer satisfaction at 57.9%. There were 16 critical observations, with several guests reporting issues with rude staff and managers.
Concerns included lost reservations, feeling verbally assaulted by a managing waitress, and encountering a very rude female manager, suggesting some areas for improvement in customer care.
Service
38
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, kind staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Exceptional individual service
What people don't like
- Rude management
- Lost reservations
- Verbal assault by staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by excellent food, good service, and a good beer selection. The atmosphere offered an interesting mix of a pub and an upscale sports bar.
- staffThe staff makes this the best place. Everyone is so kind, and helpful.
- KJask for KJ, she is beyond knowledgeable of the food
- TaylorTaylor an excellent hostess
- bartenderThe bartender was top-notch as well!
- bus boyBus boy was good
- customer serviceKJ killed it with fast and humorous customer service
- knowledgeable and attentive staffserved by knowledgable and attentive staff
- server, SebastianHad a fantastic server, Sebastian, who was so great with my two kids
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a daylight robbery. The prices here are outrageous and disproportionate to the quality and standard of service. I would have expected much more from the Hilton brand.
- female managerfemale manager on the floor told us to leave
- managerthe manager was super rude and made me feel like I was a nobody
- Hilton brandThe prices here are outrageous and disproportionate to the quality and standard of service. I would have expected much more from the Hilton brand. There are certainly plenty of other options within walking distance.
- changeno change from the staff
- customer carethey abause the ones they have
- few customersclearly not gwtting enough custiomers
- friend kicked outkicked my friend out for filming
- managing waitressverbally assaulted by a managing waitress
- reservationMy experience at this restaurant was marred by terrible service and rude staff. Despite having a reservation, they somehow lost it. The food was just O.
If youre considering this spot, be aware that service can be a bit of a gamble. While many praise individual staff members for their attentiveness, there are notable concerns about management and overall customer care. It might be worth a try if youre feeling lucky, but go in with tempered expectations.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
The ambience here seems to strike a chord with many, earning a 6.3 score, which is pretty average, but theres a lot to like! Out of 23 total comments, 15 were positive, with guests often praising the laid-back atmosphere and family friendly vibe. They enjoyed the interesting mix of a pub and an upscale sports bar, noting the spacious interior and tasteful decorations.
However, its not all quiet contemplation. Customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.2%, and a common complaint among the 6 negative comments points to significant noise issues. Several found it very noisy and loud inside, making conversation difficult, especially due to the many hard, flat surfaces that amplify sound.
Ambience
23
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Laid-back atmosphere
- Family friendly vibe
- Tasteful decorations
What people don't like
- Very noisy
- Loud inside
- Hard surfaces
Often praised
- atmosphereThe first time was during the week and it was quiet. On Friday, it was busy and lively. Both times I had a delicious dinner; a burger and salad with bass.
- environmentThe environment is cozy
- decorationsNice decorations
- family friendlyI was impressed by the great service and good food. Our server, Sebastian, was exceptionally great with my two kids, making it a truly family friendly atmosphere. The kids portions were large and reasonably priced.
- laid-back atmosphereLaid back atmosphere
- locationMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a good atmosphere and a convenient location, especially if you are staying at the Hilton. However, I found that my steak portion was a bit too small.
- low-seating bar areaAlso has a nice low-seating bar area
- mix of pub and upscale sports barInteresting mix of pub and upscale sports bar
- spacious interiorWonderful restaurant with a spacious interior
- vibeLove the atmosphere and vibe!
Frequently criticized
- disgusting moralsdisgusting morals that place is run with
- hard, flat surfaces. The location is very loud due to the many hard, flat surfaces.
- locationLocation is very loud
- loud insideIt does tend to be really loud inside
- noiseVery noisy. ... it was virtually impossible to have a conversation
- upscale establishmentshould not be happening at upscale establishment
If youre looking for a lively, family-friendly spot with a cool pub-sports bar vibe and dont mind a bit of noise, this place could be a good fit. However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting for deep conversations, you might find the loud atmosphere a dealbreaker.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, its not all doom and gloom! Guests rave about specific bright spots, like the fantastic 4-beer flight and generous happy hour deals that truly feel well priced. Youll find some genuinely good buys, especially with reasonably priced kids portions, making family outings a bit lighter on the wallet.
These positive experiences, though fewer, highlight where the restaurant truly delivers bang for your buck. The overall value here is a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.2 and customer satisfaction quite low at just 25%. Many guests, based on 9 negative comments out of 12, find the general price for food options and portions served too high.
Dessert and cocktails are often cited as expensive, and an automatic tip' can add to the feeling of being overcharged.
Value
12
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great beer flight
- Happy hour deals
- Reasonable kids' meals
What people don't like
- High food prices
- Small portions served
- Expensive drinks
Often praised
- 4-beer flightBest deal in the house is definitely the 4-beer flight for $11
- happy hourHappy hour all day Sunday!
- pricedOur server, Sebastian, was exceptionally great with my two kids, making it a truly family friendly atmosphere. The kids portions were large and reasonably priced. I thoroughly enjoyed the burger, which was very flavorful and filling.
Frequently criticized
- priceRidiculously expensive... Actually RIP off..2breakfast buffet for $78
- automatic tip15% automatic tip , interestingly asking for more tip
- cocktailsthe cocktails are on the expensive side
- dessertDessert was a tad expensive
- food optionsfood options were overpriced
- portions servedit's pricey for the portions served
- pricesthe prices here are outrageous and disproportionate
If you're looking for specific deals like happy hour or beer flights, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared for potentially high prices on regular menu items, especially for food, desserts, and cocktails, which could impact your overall experience.
How are the prices at Urban Tavern?
On average, you’ll spend around 40 per person – based on 1 guest. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Since we only have one data point, this price is what were seeing, but its important to remember the data is limited, though it gives a good initial indication.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 1 review. With such limited data, this is just an initial peek!
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think 40 per person feels quite fair for a mid-range restaurant experience in San Francisco. It’s a good indication of what to expect.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Urban Tavern
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Good Deals, Tough Steak
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The atmosphere was lively, though it bordered on raucous, which is typical for an upscale bar on a weekday. The best deal available is the 4-beer flight for $11.
I highly recommend the Aged Pimento Cheese with Shrimp Crackers and the Bolognese. Unfortunately, the Steak was tough, even though it was cooked medium rare.
- atmosphere6
- 4-beer flight9
- Aged Pimento Cheese with Shrimp Crackers9
- Steak3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious and Healthy Gastropub Experience
My experience at this gastropub was very positive. The restaurant offers very delicious spins on surprisingly healthy dishes, alongside unhealthy options. They also have a solid array of cocktails, wine, and local craft beers.
I highly recommend the octopus, which was very well crafted, and the shishito peppers were filled with ample flavor.
- healthy dishes9
- octopus10
- shishito peppers9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Outstanding Beer and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I loved the atmosphere and vibe. The beer selection was truly OUTSTANDING, and the bartender was top-notch.
I highly recommend this place for its great drinks and service.
- atmosphere9
- vibe9
- beer selection10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Excellent Food, Terrible Noise Level
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The staff were wonderful, with smiles on all faces, and the food was excellent. The menu is very eclectic, so I do not recommend it for fussy eaters.
However, the atmosphere was very noisy. My group of 5 sat at the round table in the front corner, and it was virtually impossible to have a conversation. The 5th star is lacking only due to the noise.
- staff9
- food9
- menu6
- noise2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Delicious Octopus and Smashed Potatoes
My experience at the restaurant involved stopping in for a flight of beer. I ended up getting the grilled octopus and smashed potato appetizers. They were both delicious.
- grilled octopus9
- smashed potato9
- flight of beer6
What Urban Tavern offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Takeout
FAQs
Is Urban Tavern in San Francisco accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Urban Tavern is committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What dining options and beverages can you expect at Urban Tavern?
Urban Tavern offers a wide range of dining options, including breakfast, brunch, dinner, and dessert with table service. You can enjoy hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, alongside coffee and happy hour drinks and food. Vegetarian options and small plates are also available.
How does Urban Tavern generally rate among its customers?
Urban Tavern receives an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5, indicating an average experience. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.2), while Ambience (6.3) and Service (5.8) are also rated as average. Value (4.2) is an area where opinions are more mixed.
What are the main strengths of Urban Tavern?
Customers frequently praise Urban Tavern for its well-crafted food, with dishes like the octopus and burger often highlighted. The staff is consistently described as attentive and kind, contributing to a family-friendly atmosphere.
What are some potential drawbacks to consider before visiting Urban Tavern?
Some patrons find the pricing to be on the higher side, particularly for cocktails and breakfast. Additionally, the restaurant can be quite loud, which might make conversation difficult for some guests.