Highlights
- Live music
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Zeitgeist – San Francisco
Zeitgeist - San Francisco
Photo from Zeitgeist
Zeitgeist at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍺 Beer Garden
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 68 of the guests
#1751 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Beer Garden out of 4 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
393
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Outdoor patio
- Beer variety
- Lively vibe
Frequently criticized
- Rude service
- Hygiene concerns
- High prices
The beer garden Zeitgeist in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers a truly casual and trendy experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a lively atmosphere with great beer selections and the energy of live music.
It’s the perfect spot for a quick bite or a full dinner, whether you’re looking for happy hour drinks or late-night food.
Overview: Introducting Zeitgeist
Zeitgeist offers a vibrant social hub, particularly noted for its expansive patio and lively atmosphere. Many appreciate the diverse beer selection and find the overall food offerings, especially the burgers, to be quite satisfying.
It’s a place where the good times often roll, drawing a diverse crowd. However, the experience can be a mixed bag.
Some visitors have encountered inconsistent staff interactions, with reports of rudeness, while others have raised concerns about general cleanliness, including mentions of rats. Additionally, the perceived price point for some items has been a point of contention.
Good
6.9
out of 10
393
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
91
negative
23
neutral
279
positive
Zeitgeist achieves a respectable overall score of 6.9, placing it firmly in the good category. Customer satisfaction also aligns positively at 71%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
The culinary offerings stand out with a strong Food score (7.8), complemented by a highly rated Ambience (7.4), which many find contributes significantly to their visit. However, not all aspects shine equally.
The Service (4.2) and Value (4.3) scores indicate areas where experiences are more average, with some finding the staff inconsistent and prices a bit steep. These insights are drawn from a substantial volume of feedback, with 279 positive observations against 91 negative ones, out of 393 total comments.
What people like
- Expansive outdoor patio
- Diverse beer selection
- Lively social atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent staff demeanor
- Questionable hygiene standards
- Perceived high pricing
If you’re seeking a lively outdoor setting with a good beer list and solid bar food, Zeitgeist could be a worthwhile stop. It excels in creating a vibrant social space where the atmosphere often outweighs minor imperfections, making it ideal for casual gatherings.
With a recommendation score of 7.2, it leans towards a positive endorsement, but be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and keep an eye on your budget. It’s a place to enjoy for its strengths, provided you manage expectations for its weaker points.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Zeitgeist
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.8 score and a 81.9% customer satisfaction rating, both signaling a good experience. Many rave about the killer burgers, tacos, and fries, often describing the food as great or fantastic. With 122 positive remarks out of 149 total, its clear that the menu, including the "brunch menu" and "bar snacks, " leaves a good impression on most diners.
However, not every dish is a home run. Some diners have noted "small portions" and disappointment with specific items like a "soggy giant pretzel" or a "bland burger. " Concerns also arose regarding an overpriced "bacon egg and cheese" and "brussel sprouts" that were soggy.
With 16 negative comments, including one about a "hamburger" causing issues, these suggest theres still room for improvement in consistency and value.
Food
149
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
16
negative
11
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Killer burgers
- Delicious tacos
- Great fries
What people don't like
- Food poisoning
- Bland burgers
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodThe food, drinks, ambiance, and service are all fantastic.
- beer selectionMy experience at this dive bar was fantastic! The place has a great beer selection, and the music was blaring, creating a lively atmosphere. The food was terrific, and the diverse crowd added to the wonderful vibe of the place.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was marked by good music and good drinks. I'd also like to remind patrons to tip your bartender.
- beerMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While it's a great spot with great beer, they recently changed their food menu, and it's been very disappointing. My giant pretzel was soggy, and the burger was a premade, bland patty that clearly came from a box.
- friesThe restaurant boasts a massive patio with large communal tables, perfect for enjoying the atmosphere. While the menu is small, it's tasty, featuring burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and classic bar snacks. It's a perfect spot to wile away an afternoon.
- beersMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially due to its amazing patio, which is perfect for San Francisco summer days. It's tucked away in the North Mission/Market area and offers a large selection of beers and other drinks. The food menu was pleasantly surprising, and it's a nice place to catch up with friends with ample seating.
- burgerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of my favorite spots to grab a burger. The staff were the best ever, and the live music was great!
- burgersTheir burgers and fake burgers are great
- cocktailsseveral readtogo-go cocktails too
- menusmall but tasty menu
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this bar was extremely negative due to food poisoning from a hamburger I ate. I cannot recommend the food at this bar.
- beer selectionI didn't try the food, but there is a wide selection of beer available and ample seating outdoors, in addition to a pool table inside. It primarily has German styled beers and IPAs and so it might be a bit limited for fans of porters or stouts.
- bacon egg and cheeseover $10 for a bacon egg and cheese
- beerserved me a beer with mold or something in it
- brussel sproutsbrussel sprouts: would skip next time, a little soggy and too sour
- burgerburger was some premade bland paddy
- giant pretzelWhile it's a great spot with great beer, they recently changed their food menu, and it's been very disappointing. My giant pretzel was soggy, and the burger was a premade, bland patty that clearly came from a box. I'd recommend going for the beer, but plan to eat elsewhere.
- hamburgerMy experience at this bar was extremely negative due to food poisoning from a hamburger I ate. I cannot recommend the food at this bar.
- pitcher of margaritaspitcher of margaritas and it wasn’t freshly squeezed limes
- portion sizeIt was so loud that you could barely have a conversation. Pretty small portions.
If youre looking for solid pub fare like burgers and fries, youll likely be pleased here. Just be aware that some specific dishes or portion sizes might not always hit the mark, so stick to the crowd favorites for the best experience.
Service (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to service, youll find some bright spots, with 18 positive remarks out of 57 total. Guests often praise the front door staff and appreciate the friendly staff who ensure a smooth experience, often noting no wait time. Some even rave about awesome bartenders making visits enjoyable.
However, the overall picture is a bit mixed, with a score of 4.2 and customer satisfaction at a rather poor 31.6%. A significant 36 negative comments highlight issues like long waits, rude bartenders, and disrespectful employees. Many feel theres a general inflexibility and lack of politeness from some staff members.
Service
57
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
36
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- No wait time
- Great front door
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long waits
- Staff inflexibility
Often praised
- serviceThe food, drinks, ambiance, and service are all fantastic.
- staffvery friendly staff
- CoordinationCoordinating with Nicole, in particular, for my wedding welcome party was an absolute joy!
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- automated payment screenpay with the automated payment screen immediately after ordering is great
- awesome bartendersthe bar tenders are awesome
- friendly peopleFriendly people out back to chat with
- front door stafffront door staff was great
- lovely ladysuper lovely lady checking ids at the door
Frequently criticized
- staffThe staff are disgruntled, angry, and oddly pretentious
- serviceThe service is more like abuse than service
- bartenderold man with a hat bartender really went out of his way to ruin our night
- IDsdoubted the legitimacy of our IDs
- bar tapputting my mouth on the bar tap again
- barmans changed shiftbarmans changed shift without at least to say something
- bartendershow rude some of the bartenders are
- closing timeclosing at 11:25 PM. This bar closes way earlier than what you'd expect
- employeesthe employees are unsurferable, cocky and disrespectful
- food ordersit can mess up food orders
If service is a top priority for you, be aware that experiences here can be a real mixed bag. While some encounters are genuinely friendly, theres a notable chance you might run into rude staff or frustrating waits. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here scores a solid 7.4, which is good, and customer satisfaction is also good at 80.5%. With 136 positive remarks out of 169 total, its clear many love the scene.
Guests frequently praise the amazing outdoor patio, the energetic live music, and the distinct punk rock music, all contributing to a lively beer garden vibe. However, it's not all sunshine and roses, with 27 negative comments pointing out some rough edges. Some found the atmosphere a bit dingy, mentioning issues like cigarette smoking and loud, noisy conditions.
A few even reported seeing rats, which is definitely a concern for some patrons.
Ambience
169
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
27
negative
6
neutral
136
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing outdoor patio
- Lively punk rock vibe
- Live music
What people don't like
- Cleanliness issues
- Loud, noisy atmosphere
- Cigarette smoke
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a solid bar with lots of room to hang out, and the atmosphere is cool. I appreciated how easy it was to order food with the QR codes.
- vibeI'm stoked to check out their drag bingo next. The vibe is laid back and punk rock moto, so expect graffiti and a rugged atmosphere with a hardcore feel. Despite the atmosphere, they have a plethora of drink options and a dope backyard patio.
- patioreally nice (deceivingly large) patio out back
- live musicNije ritkost da bude i dobra svirka
- musicI love you music!
- outdoor patioamazing outdoor patio with tons of seating
- outdoor spaceThe atmosphere was fun, active, bustling, and comfortable. Every single spot in the outdoor space was packed with people wanting to enjoy their weekend. With music blasting and drinks flowing, it's an easy-going space.
- barSolid bar lots of room to hang out
- dive barMy experience at this restaurant was fun, though it was a little pricey. If you're searching for a fun dive bar in the Dubosc Triangle/Mission area, this is a good choice. The service was fast and the clientele was friendly.
- nice placeNice place to host a birthday party
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereLoud, obnoxious bar with even more obnoxious music
- ratsRats out on the patio near the kitchen. Disgusting.
- barGross bar.
- bathroomsBathrooms worse. Basically vile.
- biggest ratbiggest rat I've ever seen
- cigarette smokingThere’s just nothing like drinking beers outside, and the outdoor area is rad and the vibes are great. People can sometimes be inconsiderate with their cigarette smoking but it’s all good. The food is great and the beer selection is top notch.
- conditionsConditions were dirty
- covid screensI don’t like their covid screens they put up
- dingyThis place is a great spot and has been for years. It can be loud, noisy, and a little dingy, but it offers tons of craft local beer on tap, and the food is good as well. The burgers come "Burt to a crisp of bloody", and they scream your name when the order is ready.
- dive barshell of its former self. The new owner changed it from a genuine dive bar
If you're seeking a vibrant, punk-rock-infused beer garden with a fantastic outdoor space and live music, this spot could be your jam. However, if you prefer a pristine, quiet environment and are sensitive to noise or potential cleanliness issues, you might want to consider other options.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at a rather low 16.7%. However, a few folks did find some silver linings! Theres talk of a great deal on a pitcher, and some even noted that the price for beers in Yosemite felt more reasonable, giving a glimmer of hope for finding good value here.
These 3 positive remarks out of 18 total comments show that some deals do exist. On the flip side, the overall sentiment for value is quite challenging, reflected in an average score of 4.3. Many guests felt the price was too high, with several mentioning being overcharged for both beer and food.
Even the happy hour price for a pint was a shock, leaving many wishing for a more affordable bar experience. The 12 negative comments clearly highlight these concerns.
Value
18
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great pitcher deals
- Affordable combo deals
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- High happy hour
- Beer is expensive
Often praised
- beers in YosemiteI'm still on the hunt for an ‘affordable’ bar in SF. In the meantime, beers in Yosemite (Mountain Room Lodge) were far more affordable. 🤯 🍺💸🌪️📈
- pitcherthe pitcher is a great deal.
- priceFernet + a Miller Highlife combo for $10
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fun, though it was a little pricey. If you're searching for a fun dive bar in the Dubosc Triangle/Mission area, this is a good choice.
- affordable barStill looking for that ‘affordable’ bar
- beerBeer is overpriced too
- cheapest placeNot the cheapest place
- foodthe food is quite pricy
- happy hour price$11 happy hour price for a pint of beer
- overchargedmay overcharge depending on their mood
- paying partysimple mistake for a large paying party
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great vibes and fine beers. However, the happy hour price for a pint of beer at $11 (pre-tip) was quite a shock, making me feel like prices have really spiraled. 😮💨 After just three beers during happy hour, my pockets were empty.
If youre on a tight budget, this spot might test your wallet, especially for drinks and food. While a few specific deals exist, the general consensus points to higher-than-expected prices. Consider it if youre not overly concerned with cost, or if you're specifically seeking out those rare value gems.
How are the prices at Zeitgeist?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 68 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Beer Garden, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests tend to cluster around the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges, showing a pretty consistent spend around the average, with a few folks opting for a cheaper bite and a handful going for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 68 reviews.
How this Beer Garden’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Beer Garden in this range. Its a solid choice if youre looking for a good time without overspending.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Zeitgeist
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Mixed Feelings: Great Food, Poor Service
This restaurant was a recommended stop, but I won't be returning. If it wasn't for the super lovely lady checking IDs at the door, I might have left after ordering beer at the bar. The service from one of the staff members was so condescending it was almost comical, but sadly, it was real.
Despite the negative service experience, the bratwurst were good and the beer selection was amazing.
- lovely lady9
- bratwurst8
- beer selection10
- service2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Great Ambiance, Terrible Service
The bar has a great ambiance! However, the servers literally throw you out of the bar like you're dirty when it's closing time. When someone tried to enter the bar, they were yelled at that it was closed.
There was zero politeness or delicacy. I've rarely seen anything like it. There are much better places to go in San Francisco!
- ambiance9
- servers1
- politeness1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Terrible Service, Avoid This Place
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The place was overcrowded and felt like a typical bier garden with graffiti on every surface. I will never return and will advise everyone I know to avoid it.
The staff's culture seems to be one of hating customers and treating them like drunk idiots. Specifically, the bartender with a hat went out of his way to ruin our night. For no apparent reason, he treated us like trash, rolling his eyes, making patronizing remarks, throwing tantrums, and raising his voice.
He spoke to us as if we were clueless about drinks or beer. I suggest he find a new line of work.
- overcrowded2
- graffiti3
- staff culture1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Great Dive Bar with Terrific Food
My experience at this dive bar was fantastic! The place has a great beer selection, and the music was blaring, creating a lively atmosphere. The food was terrific, and the diverse crowd added to the wonderful vibe of the place.
- beer selection9
- music8
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Smoke-filled atmosphere ruins experience
My experience at this restaurant was unfortunately dominated by the pervasive smell of cigarette smoke. There were multiple people smoking on the back patio, which significantly detracted from the overall atmosphere. I came here to enjoy myself, not to inhale smoke.
The atmosphere was a major issue.
- atmosphere2
What Zeitgeist offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at Zeitgeist?
At Zeitgeist, you’ll discover a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Enjoy the lively vibe with regular live music and performances, plus fun bar games to keep you entertained throughout your visit.
Are there outdoor seating and convenient parking options at Zeitgeist?
Yes, Zeitgeist offers comfortable outdoor seating for you to enjoy the San Francisco weather. While finding a parking space can sometimes be a bit challenging, both free and paid street parking options are available nearby.
How does Zeitgeist generally score with visitors?
Zeitgeist holds a 6.9 overall score, indicating a generally good experience. Its Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.4) are well-regarded, though Service (4.2) and Value (4.3) receive more mixed feedback.
What are Zeitgeist's main attractions?
Visitors often praise Zeitgeist for its expansive patio and lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for socializing. The diverse beer selection and tasty burger options are also frequently highlighted.
Are there any common issues at Zeitgeist?
Some patrons have noted concerns regarding inconsistent staff demeanor and perceived high prices. There have also been mentions of cleanliness issues, including observations of rats on the patio.