Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Waystone – San Francisco
Waystone - San Francisco
Photo from Waystone
Waystone at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- š» Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31ā$40
mentioned by 23 of the guests
#102 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
277
Reviews
95.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Great ambiance
- Diverse drinks
Frequently criticized
- Loud music
- Menu limitations
- Inaccurate hours
The bar & pub Waystone invites you to discover a welcoming spot in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
This establishment is particularly known for its great wine list, offering a curated selection that promises to delight your palate. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening or a lively gathering, Waystone provides an authentic experience.
Overview: Introducting Waystone
Waystone offers a delightful experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and diverse wine selection. Guests frequently commend the staff for their attentive and friendly service, making for a comfortable visit.
However, the live music, while a draw for some, can occasionally be quite loud, potentially hindering conversation. Some visitors also noted the absence of certain menu items and found specific wine offerings a bit pricey.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
277
Reviews
95.7%
Satisfaction
5
negative
7
neutral
265
positive
Waystone achieves a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.8, reflecting a generally positive guest experience. This is further supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 95.7%, indicating that nearly all patrons leave content.
These figures are based on a substantial 277 customer observations, with a remarkable 265 positive remarks against only 5 negative ones. The establishment truly shines in Service (9.3), which guests consistently rate as excellent.
Both the Food (8.7) and Ambience (8.7) also receive good marks, contributing significantly to the high overall score. While Value (7) is still considered good, it’s the area with the most room for improvement compared to the other strong aspects.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Inviting atmosphere, vibe
- Diverse wine selection
What people don't like
- Overly loud live music
- Menu item availability
- Inaccurate operating hours
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.9, Waystone is certainly worth considering for an enjoyable evening. It stands out for its attentive service and appealing atmosphere, making it a solid choice for those seeking a relaxed yet lively spot.
If you prioritize a vibrant setting with a good drink selection and don’t mind potentially loud live music, this place could be a great fit. Just be sure to verify their operating hours before you visit to avoid any disappointment.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Waystone
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a fantastic 8.7 score and an excellent 94.7% customer satisfaction, its clear the culinary offerings are a hit. Based on 126 positive remarks out of 133 total, guests rave about the diverse drink selection, delicious Braised Beef Sandwich, and delightful Seasonal Toast, alongside a great wine selection.
While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a couple of minor points were mentioned in 2 negative comments. One guest noted the charcuterie board was unavailable due to seasonality. This is a small blip in an otherwise stellar food experience, showing very few concerns among the 133 total opinions.
Food
133
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
2
negative
5
neutral
126
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Braised Beef Sandwich
- Shareable food options
What people don't like
- Charcuterie board unavailable
Often praised
- foodThis cute, aesthetic jazz joint was a great spot for a date night. While the music was very loud, making it hard to hear my date, the food was great. I'd highly recommend the Mac and cheese and popcorn chicken.
- wine selectionI always have a good time here. The menu changes regularly, and there's always a fantastic and varied wine selection. You can tell the staff is passionate and loves what they do, making it one of the true gems of North Beach.
- winesMy experience at this bar was a mixed bag. I found it to be a fun bar with good food and some interesting wines. However, the live music, which was playing on Sunday, was way too loud.
- menuThe service was top-notch, and the people were a joy. Although I didn't try the food, the menu looked delicious, and I'm eager to return. I highly recommend this place if you're in the area; you won't regret it.
- winethe wine was delicious
- FoodFood:4
- beerguide you to the perfect beer
- drink selectionThe bar has a stylish and inviting atmosphere that immediately put us in a celebratory mood. The drink selection was fantastic, catering to all tastes and preferences. We highly recommend Waystone!
- selection of wineThe selection of wine was great too!
- selection of winesMy experience at this lovely, lively wine bar was fantastic. The atmosphere was fun, and I was impressed by the great selection of wines, which included many non-alcoholic options. The service was excellent, and the food was also very good.
Frequently criticized
- charcuterie boardno charcuterie board because apparently āitās seasonalā
- glass of winereally expensive average glass of wine
If you're looking for a place with consistently delicious food and a wide array of drink options, this spot is definitely worth trying. The culinary experience is highly praised, making it a safe bet for a satisfying meal.
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.3 and a fantastic 97% customer satisfaction, guests consistently rave about the experience. Based on 65 positive comments, the staff, including individuals like Tom and Aldo, are frequently praised for being attentive, offering knowledgeable recommendations, and making everyone feel welcomed.
Their passion and willingness to help truly stand out. However, theres one minor hiccup to be aware of. A single comment highlighted an issue with inaccurate hours, leading to disappointment when the establishment was closed despite posted times.
While this isnt directly about the staffs performance, its worth double-checking before you visit to avoid any inconvenience.
Service
67
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inaccurate opening hours
Often praised
- staffExcellent staff. Extremely helpful and more than willing to help
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by extremely friendly and attentive service, despite the small space. The bartenders were immediately welcoming upon our arrival, and we had our drinks and food ordered within minutes.
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic for a date night. I had a lovely time chatting with the owner, who even sampled a few wines with us. I highly recommend this spot.
- ServiceService, vibe and wine recommendations were perfect.
- Tomhad a great time with Tom, who really shares his time and knowing
- owner Tomowner Tom was in and he guided us through all of the beers
- recommendationsgreat recommendations. I find a new favorite wine
- AldoAldo is an amazing bartender and will guide you
- FriendlyFriendly
- Friendly staffFriendly staff and small but carefully selected wine menu.
Frequently criticized
- hoursHours on google maps and on the door of the establishment show they are open Sunday 11-7. We showed up at noon and the place was closed.
If youre looking for a place with genuinely outstanding service, this is definitely worth a visit. The staffs attentiveness and expertise will likely make your experience memorable. Just be sure to confirm their operating hours beforehand to avoid any unexpected closures.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
The ambience here is truly a standout, earning a 8.7 score and an excellent 97.3% customer satisfaction! With 73 positive remarks out of 75, guests consistently rave about the beautiful atmosphere, cozy vibe, and how its a perfect date spot. The live jazz music and quirky cute decor also create a welcoming and lively setting.
However, a couple of guests (2 out of 75) did find the live music to be a bit too loud, making conversation difficult. While the jazz is a highlight for many, its worth noting if you prefer a quieter environment.
Ambience
75
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live jazz music
- Cozy, inviting vibe
- Perfect date spot
What people don't like
- Loud live music
Often praised
- atmosphereWe gathered at Waystone for a group Happy Hour, and it turned out to be an evening filled with cheer and delight. The bar has a stylish and inviting atmosphere that immediately put us in a celebratory mood. The drink selection was fantastic, catering to all tastes and preferences.
- ambianceI enjoyed the great food and the great choice in wine & beer. The staff was super friendly, and the beautiful ambiance made the evening even more special.
- live musicThe live music is always fun
- vibeService, vibe and wine recommendations were perfect.
- wine barThe staff were pretty dang great, making the overall experience enjoyable. It's definitely the least snooty wine bar in the city and a ton of fun. I will absolutely be back!
- jazzIt's an interesting contrast to its neighbor, a laundromat splashed in the day-glo colors of the hippie '60s. I was drawn to Waystone by its promise of jazz, fine wine, and epicurean dining. As an usher at SFJAZZ, I was particularly interested in the music and the opportunity to linger over local paintings.
- lightingI really like the lighting here as it set the atmosphere.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceLoved the ambience
- atmosphere and decorThe atmosphere and decor are nice
Frequently criticized
- live musiclive music was way too loud
- musicmusic was very loud, making it hard to hear
If you're looking for a vibrant, cozy spot with fantastic live jazz and a great atmosphere for a date or a relaxed evening, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that the live music can get a bit loud, so it might not be ideal for quiet, intimate conversations.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 3% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to hit the mark, especially with its good score of 7. Guests appreciate that they offer their own beers and wine, which is a great feature, and the prices are noted as relatively inexpensive. This positive sentiment, highlighting inexpensive options, comes from 1 positive review out of 2 total.
While the score for value is quite good, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 50%, which is a bit of a puzzle given there are no negative opinions or terms mentioned at all. It seems that despite the positive feedback on pricing and offerings, there might be other factors subtly influencing overall satisfaction.
Value
2
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inexpensive prices
- Own beers, wine
What people don't like
Often praised
- inexpensiveThey offer their own beers and wine, which is a great feature. The staff was friendly, and the prices were relatively inexpensive.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with genuinely inexpensive options, especially for drinks, this spot is definitely worth checking out. However, with customer satisfaction being a bit mixed despite the good score, manage your expectations slightly beyond just the price point.
How are the prices at Waystone?
On average, youāll spend around 37 per person ā from 23 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31ā$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, thatās mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the price distribution, you’ll find a good number of diners spending in the more budget-friendly $11ā$20 and $21ā$30 ranges. While the average sits at 37, there are also a few options that go into the higher $81ā$90 and even $101+ brackets, indicating a nice mix of choices from mid-range to a few premium experiences.
Hereās a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 23 reviews.
See how this Bar & Pub’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, especially if youre looking for a good quality experience thats not overly budget-focused but still accessible.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Waystone
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Fun bar, but music too loud
My experience at this bar was a mixed bag. I found it to be a fun bar with good food and some interesting wines. However, the live music, which was playing on Sunday, was way too loud.
In fact, within 15 minutes of it starting, most customers left. I would only go again when thereās no live music.
- food8
- wines7
- bar7
- live music2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
A Promising Neighborhood Gem
My experience at Waystone was one of anticipation and intrigue. The restaurant itself looks stately and regal, befitting its name. It's an interesting contrast to its neighbor, a laundromat splashed in the day-glo colors of the hippie '60s.
I was drawn to Waystone by its promise of jazz, fine wine, and epicurean dining. As an usher at SFJAZZ, I was particularly interested in the music and the opportunity to linger over local paintings. I have a feeling it lives up to the spirit of a true neighborhood bar ā the kind where everyone knows your name.
- jazz8
- fine wine8
- epicurean dining8
Price per Person
- $21ā$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Charming Jazz Vibes in North Beach
My experience at this wine bar was surprisingly delightful, especially given its location in North Beach. The vibes were very cute, and I particularly enjoyed the live jazz music. The ambience was fantastic, complemented by a great drink selection.
I was glad I came and discovered these wonderful vibes.
- vibes9
- jazz9
- live music9
Price per Person
- $31ā$40
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Cute Spot, Loud Music, Great Food
This cute, aesthetic jazz joint was a great spot for a date night. While the music was very loud, making it hard to hear my date, the food was great. I'd highly recommend the Mac and cheese and popcorn chicken.
The bathroom was pretty cute too.
- food5
- Mac and cheese5
- popcorn chicken5
- music3
Price per Person
- $21ā$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
9
Amazing Food and Wine!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! The wine was delicious, and we thoroughly enjoyed the watermelon feta salad, which was incredibly fresh and yummy. The overall experience was excellent, with high ratings for food, service, and atmosphere.
- wine9
- watermelon feta salad10
- Food10
What Waystone offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Waystone in San Francisco accessible for all guests?
Yes, Waystone prioritizes accessibility for you. The establishment features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access. Once inside, you’ll find wheelchair accessible seating options, and a wheelchair accessible restroom is also available for your convenience.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect when you visit Waystone?
When you step into Waystone, you’ll immediately notice its inviting atmosphere. It’s described as cozy, making it a comfortable place to relax. The vibe is also casual and trendy, perfect for a laid-back yet stylish outing in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood.
How does Waystone generally perform?
Waystone receives a strong overall score of 8.8 with excellent Customer Satisfaction at 95.7%. Its Service (9.3) is exceptional, while Food (8.7) and Ambience (8.7) are also highly rated. Value (7) is considered good.
Does Waystone offer live music?
Yes, Waystone often features live music, which many find enjoyable and adds to the vibe. However, some guests have noted that the music can occasionally be quite loud.
What kind of drinks does Waystone offer?
Waystone is known for its fantastic and varied wine selection, including non-alcoholic options. They also offer a good selection of beers and other drinks.