Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Westwood – San Francisco
Westwood - San Francisco
Photo from Westwood
Westwood at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#2257 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#147 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Average
5.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
303
Reviews
49.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lively atmosphere
- Unique entertainment
- Select offerings
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- High costs
- Safety concerns
The bar & pub Westwood in San Francisco’s vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood offers a dynamic experience where good times are always on tap. You’ll find yourself immersed in a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day or kicking off a lively night.
With its reputation for live music, this spot promises an energetic backdrop to your evening. Whether you’re catching a game, enjoying bar games, or simply soaking in the live performances, Westwood delivers a memorable outing.
Overview: Introducting Westwood
Westwood offers a distinctive experience, blending a lively atmosphere with unique entertainment like line dancing and a mechanical bull. While many appreciate the diverse music and overall vibe, some aspects of the visit, particularly around getting served, can be less than ideal.
However, guests have reported significant issues with the overall experience, from challenges with getting drinks to concerns about staff conduct. The cost for what you receive also appears to be a point of contention, suggesting a mixed bag for those looking for a night out.
Average
5.4
out of 10
303
Reviews
49.2%
Satisfaction
137
negative
17
neutral
149
positive
This establishment lands with an overall Restaurant Score of 5.4, placing it squarely in the average category. This is reflected in a Customer Satisfaction of 49.2%, indicating a mixed reception from patrons.
With 303 total opinions, including 149 positive remarks and 137 negative ones, it’s clear there are strong feelings on both sides, suggesting a visit could go either way depending on your priorities. Looking closer, the Ambience (7.4) stands out as a strong point, often praised for its unique character.
However, the experience is pulled down by significant challenges in Service (3.8) and Value (2.6), which many guests found lacking. The Food (5.8) quality is generally considered average, though some specific items receive positive mentions.
What people like
- Lively, diverse atmosphere
- Unique entertainment options
- Select food & drinks
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- High, unclear costs
- Food safety concerns
With a Recommendation Score of 5.4, this establishment presents a mixed proposition. If you’re seeking a lively, unique atmosphere with activities like line dancing and a mechanical bull, and don’t mind potential service hiccups or higher costs, it could be an interesting spot for a night out.
However, be prepared for potential frustrations with service and value, and be mindful of the reported food safety issues. It’s a place that offers a distinct experience, but one that comes with notable caveats, so manage your expectations accordingly before visiting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Westwood
Food (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, theres definitely some good stuff happening here! Many folks raved about the excellent food, especially the Chicken Wings and the fabulous Mac and cheese with ribs. With 27 positive remarks out of 51 total, it seems there are plenty of tasty bites to be found, including a variety of craft beers and signature cocktails that also got a lot of love.
However, its not all sunshine and deliciousness. The overall score for food sits at an average 5.8, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 52.9%. There were 19 negative comments, with serious concerns about food poisoning and reports of expired beers being served.
Some also wished for more vegetarian options and were disappointed by disappearing drink specials.
Food
51
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
19
negative
5
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent chicken wings
- Fabulous mac & cheese
- Great drink selection
What people don't like
- Serious food poisoning
- Expired drinks served
- Limited vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodIt's definitely mostly straight people, which isn't necessarily a turn-off, but there are people unironically wearing cowboy hats, so you just have to lock in for a moment. The food was pretty decent, and the portions were generous. The prices were a liiiittle high, but it's SF, what can you expect?
- 50 cent wingsThe food was excellent, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was great. I highly recommend checking out their 50 cent wings on Wednesday's for a fun night out.
- Chicken WingsRecommended dishes:Chicken Wings
- Espresso martinimy favorite drink was the Espresso martini
- FoodFood:4
- Mac and cheese with ribsthe Mac and cheese with ribs was fabulous
- beergood beer
- cereal barit’s a cocktail bar with recipes made of cereal.
- cocktail barit’s a cocktail bar with recipes made of cereal.
- cocktailsand cocktails
Frequently criticized
- foodFOOD POISONING DELUXE! Every single one of my friends joined the stomach flu symphony
- carne asada tacotook 40 minutes to come out
- chef's choicechef may choose whether to make it for you
- drinkI would give it zero stars if possible. It was impossible to get a drink, and the music choices were bad. To make matters worse, the bouncers were very rude.
- drink specialsdidn’t have the drink specials they advertised
- drinksDon’t come to this place. My experience was that if you get in before 10, go outside for a cigarette, they make you pay to come back in to get the drinks you have already paid for. It’s the biggest joke of a place.
- expired beersbartender handed us expired beers
- expired drinksthey didn't taste disgusting but they did
- mocktailsadd more mocktails
- replacement mealcouldn't eat my meal or the replacement one I got
So, should you go? If you're looking for some solid comfort food like wings and mac & cheese, and enjoy a good cocktail, it might be worth a shot. But be aware of the reported issues with food safety and expired drinks, which could definitely sour your experience.
Service (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are definitely some bright spots! Many guests have highlighted the friendly staff, attentive wait staff, and great bartenders, with 33 positive remarks praising top-notch service and helpful team members. It seems some individuals, like Lexie, truly make a difference, ensuring a welcoming experience.
However, the overall picture for service is quite challenging, reflected in a score of just 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a low 30%. With 75 negative comments out of 110 total, recurring issues include aggressive bouncers, rude staff, horrible service, and frustratingly long wait times, indicating significant room for improvement in consistency and professionalism.
Service
110
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
75
negative
2
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great bartenders
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Aggressive bouncers
- Rude, unhelpful staff
- Racist behavior
Often praised
- staffstaff at clubs/bars are checking on you to make sure you’re feeling comfortable
- serviceThe service and atmosphere were both top-notch
- bartenderone of the bartenders was super nice and considerate
- ServiceService:5
- LexieLexie is the best bartender. She is so friendly and engaging.
- bar servicegreat bar service
- bartendersnette Barkeeper
- bartenders and staffBartenders and staff were all lovely
- bartenders downstairsbartenders downstairs are very nice
- friendly staffoverall friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- staffUnlike other bars that offered alternative discounted drinks when items ran out, Westwood completely removed this benefit. To compound matters, the staff was incredibly rude without any apparent reason. While I understand it was a busy night, even polite inquiries were met with rudeness.
- serviceWe were removed from a table we had reserved, only to see the next group occupy it without issue. To top it off, the manager was observed eating wings by the front entrance, which did not seem professional at all. The service was clearly lacking.
- bouncersMy experience was extremely negative. I was assaulted by bouncers because they prioritized letting their friends in over guests who had paid for tickets in advance. I would not recommend this place unless you want to experience bouncers inappropriately touching you.
- staff memberpushed me and was so aggressive for no actual reason
- bar serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by horrible bar service. Despite it not being busy, I could barely get a drink.
- bartenderstook the bartenders more than 20 minutes to find a band-aid
- bouncerthe bouncer denied us and wanted to charge us with assault
- event rulesweren’t professional at all when it came to following the event rules
- experienceTo make matters worse, I had already been generous and tipped an additional $50 in cash, yet they still proceeded to rip me off. This was the worst experience ever.
- waiting timeTakes forever to get in and to get any drinks.
If you're hoping for consistently smooth and friendly service, you might want to manage your expectations. While some staff members genuinely shine, the frequent complaints about rudeness and aggression, especially from security, mean your experience could be a gamble.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
Overall, the ambience here gets a solid 7.4, with a good 77% customer satisfaction, suggesting most folks have a great time. Out of 113 observations, a whopping 87 rave about the lively atmosphere, especially the bull riding, country music, and energetic vibe. It sounds like a real country music haven with plenty of live music and fun activities!
However, 19 comments point to some drawbacks. Some found it too loud with poor music choices, and a few felt it got too crowded. The acoustics and noise level were mentioned as areas for improvement, making conversation difficult at times, and the mechanical bull sometimes closed early.
Ambience
113
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
19
negative
7
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Bull riding fun
- Lively country music
- Energetic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Too loud
- Overcrowded
- Poor music choices
Often praised
- atmosphereIt truly is the 'ol watering hole. The atmosphere is diverse, with country music in the front and hip hop in the back bar, ensuring there's something for everyone.
- line dancingeveryone is so nice- staff & line dancing community. I always feel so welcomed & inspired when I go to dance.
- placethe place filled quickly when the line dancing was about to start
- vibeGreat vibe with country music playing
- country musicI tried bull riding for the first time and had a good time. The great vibe with country music playing made it a unique and memorable spot for a fun night out!
- mechanical bullthe crown jewel of Westwood is its mechanical bull, a wild ride that promises thrills and memories in equal measure
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- barthe bar behind the bull out back and down is gorganza
- bull rideThe main level has a bull you can ride
- experiencewas just a fantastic experience for us 80's babies
Frequently criticized
- musicShame about the lack of music.
- noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- acousticsacoustics in the building
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- bathroomsThe bathrooms had pee all over the floors
- bull ridingbull riding was $5 a ride but honestly very disappointing and dangerous
- clienteleclientele is getting rowdier and ruder
- conversationyou couldn’t chat any anything.
- floorsThe bathrooms had pee all over the floors and were out of all paper products. All tables and floors were very sticky.
- loudVery loud
If you're looking for a lively, fun spot with unique activities like bull riding and line dancing, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially loud and energetic crowd, and maybe not the best spot for a quiet chat.
Value (2.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
It seems a few patrons found some silver linings regarding value, with mentions of a reasonable entry fee at $5 and even some great prices noted. However, these positive remarks are quite scarce, appearing in only 2 out of 29 comments. The overall picture, however, is less rosy, with a poor score of 2.6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 6.9.
A staggering 24 comments out of 29 highlight issues like excessive cover charges, high drink prices, and concerns about being overcharged or feeling its a waste of money'. Many felt taken advantage of, particularly regarding tips and tabs.
Value
29
Reviews
6%
Satisfaction
24
negative
3
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable entry fee
What people don't like
- High cover charges
- Expensive drink prices
- Unexpected charges
Often praised
- entry feethe entry was $5
- pricesgreat prices
Frequently criticized
- cover chargewouldn’t return my $20 cover right after I paid
- $10 covercharged a $10 cover to get in
- cash tipnice enough to tip $50 in cash
- charging for aircharge you for going out for air
- coverOverpriced cover
- discounted drinksdidn’t have the discounted drinks
- drink pricesDespite a slight difficulty, they chose to ignore it and didn't show any concern. The prices of the drinks are definitely too high. The music is okay.
- drinksdrinks way better places down the block
- entry feeWe paid entry and got stamps for reentry
- higher tipmuch higher tip than you expected
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for potential sticker shock. While a few found the entry reasonable, the majority felt the overall value, especially for drinks and cover, was disappointing. It might be worth a try if youre aware of the costs upfront, but don't expect a budget-friendly experience.
How are the prices at Westwood?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 38 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
What’s interesting is that while the average is 32, a good number of guests actually spend less, with prices often clustering in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges. It looks like a few premium choices might be pulling that average up!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 38 reviews.
How does this spot stack up? Here’s a comparison of value for money against similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub, especially considering the variety in what people choose to spend. It offers options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Westwood
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Assaulted by Bouncers - Avoid!
My experience was extremely negative. I was assaulted by bouncers because they prioritized letting their friends in over guests who had paid for tickets in advance. I would not recommend this place unless you want to experience bouncers inappropriately touching you.
It's not worth your time.
- bouncers1
- bouncers inappropriately touching you1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Great Westwood Experience!
My experience at Westwood was a big pleasure! It's a great place with great staff who are competent and friendly, and the atmosphere is also great. I absolutely recommend visiting!
- staff10
- atmosphere10
- place9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Great vibes, cash only cover
My experience was marked by great vibes and a lively atmosphere with two dance floors. The cover charge is $5 to $10 cash only. Be prepared for a long line to get in, and sometimes they let in too many people, which can be a bit much.
- cover5
- dance floors8
- vibes9
- line to get in3
- too many people4
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Racist Bouncer Denied Entry
My experience was marred by a racist bouncer who falsely claimed I was kicked out. I had stepped outside briefly to help a friend find a lost passport and attempted to re-enter. The bouncer stated his "boss" had left, preventing any discussion.
He specifically targeted me and a group of Indians, while allowing others with stamps to enter. Despite having a stamp myself, he initially let me in, then stopped me, alleging his "boss" had ordered me out. I was not kicked out; I left voluntarily.
The bouncer refused to give his name, stating I would write a bad review, even though his actions warranted it. He told me and five Indians we were "done" while letting twenty others in with stamps. It's possible his "boss" was also racist, but the bouncer's refusal to provide his name prevented clarification.
- bouncer1
- racist bouncer1
- name1
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Manager's unprofessionalism ruined the experience
My experience at the restaurant was marred by unprofessional service. We were removed from a table we had reserved, only to see the next group occupy it without issue. To top it off, the manager was observed eating wings by the front entrance, which did not seem professional at all.
The service was clearly lacking.
- service1
- reserved table1
What Westwood offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment and atmosphere can you expect at Westwood?
At Westwood, you can expect a lively and engaging experience. This bar & pub is known for its live music and live performances, creating an energetic backdrop for your visit. You can also enjoy sports and participate in various bar games, all within a casual and trendy atmosphere.
Does Westwood offer accessible options and allow pets?
Yes, Westwood offers excellent accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For those bringing their furry companions, dogs are allowed, making it a welcoming and pet-friendly spot in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood.
What is the overall verdict for this establishment?
This establishment has an overall Restaurant Score of 5.4 and a Customer Satisfaction of 49.2%. While its Ambience (7.4) is a highlight, Service (3.8) and Value (2.6) are significant drawbacks, with Food (5.8) being average.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect?
It is known for its lively and diverse atmosphere, featuring country music in one area and hip-hop in another. Many guests enjoy the unique entertainment, such as line dancing and a mechanical bull.
Are there any common issues reported by guests?
Yes, guests frequently report issues with slow or rude service, particularly from bouncers, and concerns about high, unclear costs like cover charges and drink prices. There have also been serious mentions of food safety.