Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Violets – San Francisco
Violets - San Francisco
Photo from Violets
Violets at a glance
San Francisco Seacliff
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#1538 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#85 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
568
Reviews
69.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Cozy atmosphere
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Overpriced
- Noisy interior
- Service delays
The restaurant Violets is an American Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Seacliff neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a truly inviting atmosphere here, perfect for a casual yet trendy dining experience.
One of its standout features is undoubtedly the great wine list, offering a superb selection to complement your meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a lively happy hour, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Violets
Violets offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the quality of the food and the inviting atmosphere. Patrons often highlight the well-prepared dishes and the comfortable setting, making it a popular spot for a casual outing.
The service also receives positive remarks for its attentiveness. However, some experiences at Violets point to areas for improvement.
Concerns have been raised about the value, with several finding items overpriced for what’s offered. The interior can also get quite loud, which might detract from the overall dining comfort for some.
Good
7.1
out of 10
568
Reviews
69.4%
Satisfaction
135
negative
39
neutral
394
positive
Violets achieves a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. However, customer satisfaction sits at 69.4%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 568 customer remarks, with 394 positive observations balancing against 135 negative ones, providing a comprehensive view of the dining experience. Diving deeper, the Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.5) are clearly strong points, consistently earning high marks from diners.
Service (6.7) is also rated well, contributing positively to the overall impression. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.7), which falls into the average-to-poor range, indicating that many feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the offering.
What people like
- Delicious food & drinks
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Loud and cramped
- Slow service
Violets presents itself as a solid choice for those prioritizing well-prepared dishes and a comfortable setting. With a recommendation score of 7.3, it generally delivers a positive experience, especially if you appreciate a lively atmosphere and attentive staff.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it on the higher side, and the noise level can be a factor. If you’re seeking a relaxed, quiet meal, it might not be the ideal fit, but for good food and a vibrant vibe, it’s worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Violets
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink, it seems like theres a lot to love here! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at a good 75.9%, many guests rave about the delicious food, great cocktails, and fresh ingredients. Out of 323 total opinions, 245 were positive, highlighting skillfully created drinks and alluring menu items.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 50 negative comments pointing to issues like inconsistent burger quality, disappointing fries, and concerns about overall food quality and portion size. Some found certain dishes bland or poorly executed, suggesting theres still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Food
323
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
50
negative
28
neutral
245
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Great cocktails
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portions
- Bland burger
Often praised
- foodMy evening at Violet's was so much fun and the service was incredible. I went with friends right before Thanksgiving and not only did we have a blast but the food was delicious. Our server, Amelia, went above and beyond to make sure our order was right, especially since all five of us ordered burgers with different options.
- cocktailsI stopped by before a show and sat at the bar for some cocktails & fries. The drinks were delicious and the restaurant has a great ambience, though it was very cozy inside. They also offer outdoor seating.
- drinksGreat burger and the atmosphere, definitely lived up to the reviews. Violet's has a very cozy menu and delicious drinks as well amazing desserts! Great place in the Richmond District area.
- fried chickenmy fried chicken was super juicy and breaded lightly
- burgerburger were all superlative
- friesThe drinks 🍸 were good. We had the fries, and they tasted good. The decor was nice, creating a warm feeling.
- wingsThe wings were a good appetizer, cooked just right
- Impossible BurgerHad an Impossible Burger (really glad they have this option)
- key lime piethe key lime pie. Just do it. trust me.
- menuGreat burger and the atmosphere, definitely lived up to the reviews. Violet's has a very cozy menu and delicious drinks as well amazing desserts! Great place in the Richmond District area.
Frequently criticized
- foodAdditionally, the chicken was perceived as very expensive for what you get. While I really wanted to like this place due to its nice location and atmosphere, the food was not what I expected.
- menunot interested in almost anything on the menu
- friesthe fries were basically reheated McDonald’s fries but minus the salt
- cocktailsUnfortunately, I left disappointed with the quality of cocktails. They were extremely sweet and we had to drink them quickly before leaving, solely because we paid $40 for just two cocktails.
- burgerburger which unfortunately came out fully raw on the inside
- quality of fooddisappointed by the quality of food
- Mac n cheeseThe Mac n cheese was more like Mac n Cream: tasted like "creme fraiche", tasteless
- Mac n cheese portion sizethe Mac n cheese portion size was very small, so disappointing
- Shakshuka temperaturehow piping hot it was going to be
- Tavern Burgerthe Tavern Burger failed to impress. It was very middling flavor wise
If you're looking for a spot with generally delicious food and fantastic cocktails, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that while many dishes shine, a few might not quite hit the mark, so choose wisely!
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, there's a lot to love! With 72 positive remarks among 116 total opinions, many customers rave about the friendly and welcoming staff, often singling out individuals like Amelia for being incredibly attentive and personable. The overall score for service stands at a solid 6.7, indicating a generally good experience, with many praising the knowledgeable staff and great service.
However, the customer satisfaction rate is a more mixed 62.1%, reflecting some areas needing improvement. About 39 negative comments highlight issues like the restaurant being understaffed, leading to slow service and inattentive staff. Some found certain runners or bartenders to be grumpy or inattentive, impacting the overall dining experience.
Service
116
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
39
negative
5
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Personalized server attention
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Understaffed challenges
- Grumpy staff interactions
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was excellent, primarily due to the wonderful service. Amelia, our server, has attended to us multiple times and is consistently attentive and very personable.
- staffWe both enjoyed the vibe. It’s nice and laid-back // casual with kind and friendly staff.
- bartenderThe bartender was knowledgeable and willing to discuss some of the interesting infusions
- ServiceService was good
- door staffThe BBQ oysters were amazing. Upon arrival, the front of house door staff greeted us immediately, and we found seating easily. I was attended to by a very professional bartender named Freedom, who seemed to handle everyone with ease.
- great serviceMy experience at the restaurant was superb! I enjoyed superb cocktails and great service. The food offered tasty spins on traditional/comfort foods.
- server Ameliaour server Amelia went above and beyond to make sure our order was right
- serversservers were very friendly
- AmeliaMy experience at this restaurant was excellent, primarily due to the wonderful service. Amelia, our server, has attended to us multiple times and is consistently attentive and very personable. While the food is great, it's the exceptional service that makes us return to this neighborhood gem.
- attentiveMy experience at this restaurant was excellent, primarily due to the wonderful service. Amelia, our server, has attended to us multiple times and is consistently attentive and very personable. While the food is great, it's the exceptional service that makes us return to this neighborhood gem.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThey also provided great recommendations and were kind enough to turn on the outdoor heaters when requested. However, the service was a little slow, seemingly due to a small staff of three working very hard. Despite this, the overall experience was enjoyable, and I will definitely eat here again!
- tablekicked us out of our table because they told us they had another reservation
- understaffedthe place is certainly understaffed
- wait staffThe wait staff was more interested in talking with each other
- waitertook another 15-20 minutes for us to even be greeted by a waiter
- waitressthe waitress was not friendly
- bar serviceBar service slow.
- bartendersBartenders seemed to not care
- checkmy plate was cleared my check was handed
- check presentedhoping to have the check presented to us in a timely manner. After 10 minutes of making eye contact with the 4 or 5 people behind the bar I spoke up to have it brought to us.
Overall, service here is a bit of a mixed bag. While youll likely encounter friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential slowdowns, especially if theyre busy. It's worth a visit if you value personable interactions but can tolerate occasional waits.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.5 and boasting a 78% customer satisfaction rate. Many of the 71 positive remarks praise the cozy little corner feel, welcoming vibe, and laid-back ambience, making it a feel good place for a date night or just to chill. However, its not all perfect, with 14 negative observations noting issues like a pretentious ambiance or feeling cramped due to loud noise levels.
Some found the space to be small, leading to a less than ideal vibe' for a few patrons.
Ambience
91
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming vibe
- Great decor, atmosphere
- Perfect for date night
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Space feels cramped
- Vibe can be pretentious
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around the delicious food and cute atmosphere. The food was so good that we ate a lot and practically waddled home!
- decorIt was fantastic! An exceptional restaurant with a truly great manager, wonderful decor, and impeccable cuisine!
- neighborhood placeMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a sweet, lively neighborhood place that manages to be not fussy but classy. I was so glad to hang there on a wet, cold evening after visiting the Legion of Honor.
- vibeCocktails and vibe are quality
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambiencethe restaurant has a great ambience
- neighborhood spotOur server, Amelia, went above and beyond to make sure our order was right, especially since all five of us ordered burgers with different options. I love this neighborhood spot and will be back.
- outdoor seatingenjoying their outdoor seating, which is quite popular
- seatingFound seating easily
- vibesvibes are way better under new ownership
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereinsanely loud inside
- communityThis business doesn’t care about its community
- crampedit's really cramped
- fruit flies or gnatsannoying fruit flies or gnats that kept circling
- loudIt's also loud
- noise levelThe food was neither bad nor inspiring or interesting. It was also expensive and very loud. The space is small and they pack you in.
- pretentious ambianceget drunk in a pretentious ambiance
- restaurantas a restaurant it doesn’t live up to the hype
- snobbyseemed a little too snobby
- spaceSpace is small and they pack you in.
If you're seeking a cozy, welcoming spot with a good vibe for a relaxed evening or date night, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that it can get a bit loud and feel cramped, so it might not be ideal if you prefer a very quiet, spacious setting.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value isn't great, a few guests did find some bright spots. Specifically, the happy hour cocktails and a three-course menu were noted for their reasonable prices and being well priced. These positive remarks, though only 6 out of 38 total comments, highlight specific instances where the pricing felt fair.
However, the overwhelming feedback, with 32 negative comments, points to significant concerns about value. Many found the food, including chicken and shrimp, to be overpriced and too expensive for what was offered. This sentiment is reflected in a poor score of 3.7 and a very low customer satisfaction of 15.8%, indicating that many felt a clear gap between price and quality.
Value
38
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
32
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour cocktails
- Reasonable 3-course menu
What people don't like
- Food often overpriced
- Expensive regular menu
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- CocktailsCocktails were $8 during happy hour
- extremely affordableWhat truly stood out was the extremely affordable pricing
- happy hourgoing during happy hour certainly helps the wallet
- pricethe price for a three-course menu is more than fair
- reasonable pricesat reasonable prices
- well pricedthought they were well priced
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced but we're in SF so all restaurants are overpriced
- expensivetoo expensive for what they are
- foodthe food was a bit overpriced for what it was
- overpricedThe menu was short, and even though we ordered the server’s top 3 dishes, we were pretty underwhelmed. To add to that, it’s overpriced. However, the beer selection is really good, so I might come back just to have a drink at the bar.
- $20The "side salad" was also disappointing, consisting of just a small handful of yellow lettuce leaves. Overall, the experience was definitely not worth the $20. I hope Violet's can do better.
- better optionsbetter options in the city for this price range
- bill$90 after tax and tip. Not insane for SF, but definitely overpriced.
- bill splitsplit our bill completely wrong
- charging for cocktailOdd way of charging for cocktail 10.00 for vodka and than 2.00 for cranberry and lime ??
- chickenChicken was very expensive for what you get
If youre looking for a deal, happy hour might be your best bet for reasonably priced cocktails. Otherwise, be prepared for a potentially high bill, as many guests felt the regular menu items were significantly overpriced and didnt offer good value.
How are the prices at Violets?
You’re looking at roughly 51 per person – reported by 38 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the broader picture, prices for similar experiences are quite spread out. While many diners find options in the 21-50$ range, there’s also a good number who opt for experiences above 50 $, showing a mix of choices available.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 38 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For an American Restaurant in San Francisco, a 51 price point feels fair, especially if the quality and experience match. We think it offers good value for those looking for a solid meal without breaking the bank for a truly high-end experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Violets
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Great GF/DF Options & Cocktails!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed with the great gluten and dairy-free options available. The modern cocktails were also a highlight, and I especially loved the mescal hibiscus margarita 🥰.
The food and atmosphere both received a perfect 5/5 rating, and the price per person was between $20–30.
- gluten dairy free options10
- modern cocktails9
- mescal hibiscus margarita10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Delicious Food, Charming Atmosphere, Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around the delicious food and cute atmosphere. The food was so good that we ate a lot and practically waddled home! The servers were incredibly friendly and made us feel welcome, never rushing us.
They also provided great recommendations and were kind enough to turn on the outdoor heaters when requested. However, the service was a little slow, seemingly due to a small staff of three working very hard. Despite this, the overall experience was enjoyable, and I will definitely eat here again!
- food10
- atmosphere9
- servers9
- service4
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Neighborhood Gem for Cocktails and Bites
This is my go-to spot in the Richmond. If I'm looking for a chill neighborhood place to enjoy a great cocktail and a bite, this is it. I love sitting at the bar to watch a game and have a drink and a snack, especially the Old Bay chips and onion dip!
It's also a perfect place for a date night, offering a proper intimate evening. They have a wide selection of drinks, including wine, beer, and cocktails. For food, I highly recommend trying the fried chicken or the mussels.
The deviled eggs are also exceptional. I appreciate that the atmosphere is not too noisy, allowing for easy conversation. The staff is consistently friendly and welcoming.
It's a true neighborhood gem, and I highly recommend it.
- neighborhood place9
- great cocktail9
- Old Bay chips and onion dip9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Experience with Food and Service
I feel bad leaving a "bad" review, as I have not done this before, but I did not have an enjoyable experience here, unfortunately. To start, the waitress was not friendly and did not check in with me while I was there. I understand it was busy, and she may have been having a bad day.
But the only time she checked in, she asked, "Do you need something? " as I was waiting to order another drink and simply looking in her direction. I felt rushed to leave.
I had also ordered some food. The fries were crispy-looking and very over-oiled. I shouldn't have eaten them, as I ended up getting sick at 1 AM.
Someone I also shared them with felt ill as well. And upon checking my receipt after leaving, I realized I was charged for a more expensive drink I didn't end up getting because they were out. Sigh.
I really wanted to love it here, but I won't be back anytime soon : (
- waitress2
- fries2
- over-oiled1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Experience with Trash and Overpriced Food
I'm lowering my rating to 1 star due to the constant trash left by Violets all over the sidewalk and street. Every morning, garbage is strewn across the corner, indicating the business doesn't care about its community. Regarding the food, it's wildly overpriced.
The burger was bland and cost three times as much as comparable burgers at Bill's, located just a short distance away. While the cocktails and vibe were of quality, I wouldn't recommend wasting your time here.
- Cocktails8
- vibe8
- trash1
- community1
- food2
What Violets offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Dinner
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations for dining at Violet's?
Yes, reservations are accepted at Violet’s, and dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially if you plan to enjoy their table service and seating options. You can plan ahead to secure your spot for a delightful dining experience.
What are the parking and accessibility options at Violet's in San Francisco?
Finding parking near Violet’s can sometimes be somewhat difficult, with paid street parking available. However, the restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
How does Violets generally rate among its patrons?
Violets holds an overall score of 7.1, reflecting a good dining experience. Its Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.5) are highly regarded, while Service (6.7) is also well-received. The main area for improvement is Value (3.7).
What do customers particularly enjoy about the dining experience at Violets?
Many customers praise the delicious food, highlighting items like the juicy fried chicken and superlative burgers. The restaurant’s pleasant atmosphere, cozy decor, and vibrant neighborhood feel are also frequently mentioned as positives.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners at Violets?
Yes, some diners find the restaurant to be overpriced, questioning the overall value for money. Additionally, the interior can be quite loud and feel cramped, which might affect the comfort of the dining experience for some.