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oChef » ZOË – San Francisco
ZOË - San Francisco
Photo from ZOË
ZOË at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 50 of the guests
#296 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#16 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
451
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Crafted drinks
- Lively ambiance
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Pricing concerns
- Menu availability
The bar ZOË in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood offers a dynamic experience. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere where live music sets the perfect backdrop for your evening.
This bar & pub is a prime spot for enjoying delicious bites and expertly crafted cocktails, making it an ideal destination for a memorable night out.
Overview: Introducting ZOË
ZOË offers a vibrant spot where many appreciate the expertly crafted cocktails and the generally attentive service. Guests often highlight the lively atmosphere as a key draw, making it a pleasant place to unwind.
The bar experience, in particular, receives frequent praise for its engaging staff. However, some experiences at ZOË suggest inconsistencies, particularly concerning value and certain aspects of service.
While many enjoy the offerings, a few encounters point to issues with pricing clarity and occasional lapses in staff conduct, which can detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
451
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
48
negative
15
neutral
388
positive
ZOË earns a solid overall score of 8.4, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 86%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 451 customer remarks, comprising 388 positive observations against 48 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Ambience (8.7) and Food (8.6) stand out as strong suits, with Service (8.4) also performing well.
These areas consistently receive high marks for their quality and execution. However, the perception of Value (4.4) presents a notable contrast, indicating that while guests appreciate the quality, some find the pricing less appealing.
What people like
- Expertly crafted cocktails
- Lively, welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Unclear pricing, overcharging
- Menu item availability
ZOË presents itself as a dynamic spot, particularly appealing for those seeking well-made drinks and a vibrant social setting. If you prioritize a lively atmosphere and enjoy creative cocktails, it’s certainly worth considering.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in value and service that some patrons have encountered. With a recommendation score of 8.4, ZOË generally delivers a good experience, especially if you catch it on a good day.
It’s a place that can shine with its engaging staff and enjoyable offerings, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding pricing clarity and service consistency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on ZOË
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to the grub and sips, this spot is hitting all the right notes! With a solid score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction soaring at 89.9%, it’s clear most diners are thrilled. Out of 149 remarks, a whopping 134 rave about the wide selection of choices, great cocktails, and the ever-popular Taco Tuesdays, making it a go-to for delicious drinks and food.
However, a few diners, 7 to be exact, did encounter some bumps. Some wished for crispy tacos or found the chicken less impressive. There were also instances of menu items being unavailable and issues with drink presentation, like the margarita fish bowl not quite living up to expectations.
Food
149
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
7
negative
8
neutral
134
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent cocktails
- Popular Taco Tuesdays
- Diverse food options
What people don't like
- Menu items unavailable
- Inconsistent drink service
Often praised
- foodWe found this place by mistake, but it turned out to be a very good experience. The bartender was very nice, and the cook did a great job on the food. Overall, a pleasant surprise!
- drinksWe snagged seats at the bar, which is always our favorite spot, and it was such a treat! Our bartender, Kianna, was an absolute gem—super attentive, full of fun, and she crafted the most delicious drinks! I sipped on a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned while my guy enjoyed a Vesper Martini that was very good.
- cocktailsIt's rare to find a place where hospitality feels this genuine. For anyone seeking a spot in San Francisco that offers top-notch service, amazing cocktails, and an unforgettable experience, Zoe's Cocktail & Bar is the place to be. I'll definitely be back!
- tacosWe snagged two seats at the bar, but there are also tables outside and in. We ordered two sets of three tacos – I almost went for 10 for $55 lol. Instead, we added sliders.
- Taco Tuesdaydestination for a Taco Tuesday
- drinkknows how to mix a drink properly, well balanced
- cocktail menuThe cocktail menu is well-curated
- great drinksthey have great drinks as well
- lunch specialsheard they had good lunch specials and they didn't disappoint
- margaritaspaired perfectly with their refreshing margaritas
Frequently criticized
- chickenthe chicken not so much
- crispy tacosI wanted crispy tacos
- margarita "fish bowl"ordered a $60 margarita “fish bowl” with tajin, but the bartender told us they had run out of the large glass bowls
- menu itemsDespite this, the service was very slow, and several things were missed or incorrect. They also did not have several items on the menu. The tacos were really good, but other items were just okay.
- shrimpInstead, we were given a pitcher and four glasses, with no tajin on the glass rims or fun straws. I originally ordered a shrimp taco, but the bartender later returned to say they had run out of shrimp, so I switched to a fish taco, which was nice and I enjoyed it. My friend ordered steak tacos, which were eventually delivered by a random bar patron who proudly announced he didn’t even work there.
- shrimp tacocharged 14 for one shrimp taco
- steak tacossteak tacos, which were eventually delivered by a random bar goer
If youre looking for a lively spot with a diverse menu and fantastic cocktails, especially on Taco Tuesdays, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some specific menu items might occasionally be unavailable or not quite hit the mark, but overall, its a solid choice for good food and great drinks.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
Overall, the service here truly shines! With a good score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a solid 83.5%, its clear guests often leave happy. Based on 132 positive remarks out of 158 total, many praise the friendly and attentive staff, especially bartenders like Kevin, who ensure a wonderful experience with great menu knowledge.
However, not every interaction is perfect. The 24 negative comments highlight issues like slow service, unorganized staff, and long waiting times. Some experiences with managerial behavior, particularly Kiannas attitude, have unfortunately left a sour taste for a few patrons.
Service
158
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
24
negative
2
neutral
132
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable bartenders
- Excellent private events
What people don't like
- Slow, unorganized service
- Rude managerial behavior
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceIt's a stylish spot perfect for unwinding, featuring expertly crafted cocktails. The bar experience was a definite highlight, with great drinks, a wonderful atmosphere, and top-notch service. The cocktails were among the best I've had recently, a testament to the skill and attention to detail behind the bar.
- staffThe cocktail menu is well-curated, and the music is definitely my vibe if you’re a 90s baby. The service is top-notch, with a super nice owner who let my friend and I know where we could sit, and super friendly and attentive staff. I didn’t have a chance to try out the food yet, but I am looking forward to a second visit.
- bartenderWe snagged seats at the bar, which is always our favorite spot, and it was such a treat! Our bartender, Kianna, was an absolute gem—super attentive, full of fun, and she crafted the most delicious drinks! I sipped on a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned while my guy enjoyed a Vesper Martini that was very good.
- KelleyI love it for a lunch drink and bite. Kelley is the best! Always has a great attitude, and the drinks are quick and delicious.
- bartendersZOE was a great location for a 40-person holiday / going away party. We had helpful hosts, happy bartenders, and a nice space. Thanks to the crew!
- GiyhaThe energy was amazing, and the service was top-tier. Giyha made sure everything was perfect—super attentive, friendly, and kept the vibes going all night. I’m already looking forward to coming back again.
- KellyKelly is a wonderful bartender
- KevinKevin was responsive, friendly, and accommodating
- KiannaHe was right! Kianna is so much fun! She makes a really good old fashioned that rocks.
- ServiceService was very friendly and thoughtful
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by very slow service. Additionally, I was surprised by the price of one shrimp taco, which was $14, despite the menu stating $8.
- reservationWe had a reservation, but the staff seemed unorganized and unprepared. We were not informed that we needed to order at the bar after being seated, which made the experience confusing.
- 5-star reviewsmajority of 5-star reviews come from accounts with 1 review? I'm not buying it
- Kianna's attitudeKianna approached us with an unnecessarily hostile attitude
- bartenderThat dude is committing fraud
- bartender's attentionwaited several minutes without being acknowledged
- bartendersMy experience at the restaurant was not great. We came and kept waving at the bartenders multiple times, but they seemed way too busy with other 3 guests. This made it not a great spot for me.
- condescending toneWhen we were seated, we tried to confirm if food was available since the kitchen appeared empty. Instead of addressing our question professionally, Kianna responded in a condescending tone, saying she was busy. A few minutes later, she informed us that Paul would take care of us.
- difficult to get a drinkMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. It's a bar that's very crowded and loud, making it difficult to get a drink. We had a reservation for a large group, which they initially accepted but then seemed to ignore.
- escalate the situationKianna immediately yelled at us, claiming she needed to confirm the ticket and ensure the food wasn’t for someone else. After verifying that the empanadas were indeed ours, she continued to escalate the situation. She questioned whether we had an open tab and abruptly informed us she would close it out.
If youre looking for a spot with generally attentive and friendly staff, especially at the bar, youll likely have a great time. Just be aware that occasional service hiccups or unorganized moments might occur, particularly if it's busy.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
The atmosphere at this spot is a definite highlight, with an impressive 117 positive comments out of 125 total. Guests consistently rave about the lively vibe, fantastic music, and awesome DJ, often noting how nicely decorated the place is. Its clear why the ambience scores a strong 8.7, reflecting a good to excellent experience, and boasts an excellent 93.6% customer satisfaction.
However, a few of the 7 negative remarks mention that it can get quite crowded and loud, especially when the DJ is playing. Some also found the TV screens distracting. While these are minor points compared to the overwhelming praise, theyre worth considering if you prefer a more subdued environment.
Ambience
125
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
117
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibes and energy
- Live music and DJ
- Nicely decorated space
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Gets crowded
- Distracting TV screens
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's a great place to stop by on your way home from work. The staff were live and the atmosphere was also lively, contributing to a very enjoyable visit.
- vibeThe staff went above and beyond to ensure my friends and I were well taken care of throughout the entire night. The drinks were expertly crafted, and the atmosphere was perfect, featuring great music, a lively yet intimate vibe, and a truly welcoming energy. The ownership is incredible; they genuinely care about their guests and ensure everyone has a fantastic time.
- vibesThe menu has a great variety of bar food, including burgers, sandwiches, tacos, wings, and fries. There's no cover on Tuesdays, so you can go just for the vibes if you want. Feel free to DM or reach out to the team to RSVP if you’re celebrating a birthday.
- musicThe staff went above and beyond to ensure my friends and I were well taken care of throughout the entire night. The drinks were expertly crafted, and the atmosphere was perfect, featuring great music, a lively yet intimate vibe, and a truly welcoming energy. The ownership is incredible; they genuinely care about their guests and ensure everyone has a fantastic time.
- placecouldn’t have walked into a more welcoming place
- spacethe space proved to be absolutely perfect — stylish, comfortable, and effortlessly versatile
- ambiancethe ambiance, and just venue itself was amazing
- barThe vibe of the place was incredible, and the atmosphere elevated our experience. We snagged seats at the bar, which is always our favorite spot, and it was such a treat! Our bartender, Kianna, was an absolute gem—super attentive, full of fun, and she crafted the most delicious drinks!
- energyThe staff went above and beyond to ensure my friends and I were well taken care of throughout the entire night. The drinks were expertly crafted, and the atmosphere was perfect, featuring great music, a lively yet intimate vibe, and a truly welcoming energy. The ownership is incredible; they genuinely care about their guests and ensure everyone has a fantastic time.
- karaokeThe bar's crowd is interesting and a mix of everything. They were doing some karaoke at the front the night I went in, and it was pretty fun. Pricing is attended SF, but the kitchen is open pretty late, which is nice.
Frequently criticized
- DJeen DJ staat die het geluid op standje gehoorbeschadiging heeft staan
- Lil WayneLil Wayne blasting at 100dB
- TV screensTV screens showing bball
- atmosphereWhile advertised as a cocktail bar with bites, the establishment tried to be a sports bar, a dive, and a club all at once. I recommend they pick an atmosphere and stick with it.
- crowdedbar that's very crowded
- loudbar that's loud
- targetedHer behavior grew increasingly hostile, insisting we leave even though we hadn’t finished our meals or drinks. It was also unsettling that, as the only Black patrons there, we felt targeted and uncomfortable. Kianna repeatedly eavesdropped on our private conversation, making unnecessary comments that added to the tension.
If youre seeking a vibrant, energetic spot with great music and a lively crowd, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially loud and bustling environment, especially on busy nights. Its perfect for a fun night out, but perhaps not for a quiet, intimate chat.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks have found a few bright spots. Guests loved the happy hour specials and were thrilled about no cover charges on certain nights. Many appreciated the great prices for meals that were filling enough to be two meals, highlighting good deals with the food with a wide selection.
However, with a score of 4.4, value here is pretty average, and customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 26.3%. On the flip side, there are quite a few concerns, with 10 negative opinions weighing in. Many felt they were charged full price even during happy hour, and there were serious issues with staff tipped herself or added tip without consent.
The cocktail price was a major sticking point, with some finding drinks like a margarita pitcher to be excessively expensive, and others noted discrepancies between the menu price and what they were charged.
Value
19
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- No cover charge
- Good meal value
What people don't like
- Unauthorized tipping
- Menu price issues
- Overpriced drinks
Often praised
- Pricefilling enough to be two meals at just $15
- deals with the fooddeals with the food with a wide selection of choices
- happy hour specialsgot the happy hour specials!
- no coverNo cover on Tuesdays!
- pricesprices are great!!
Frequently criticized
- $60 margarita pitcherOverall, I wasn’t impressed. I’d recommend skipping this spot unless you’re into paying $60 for a pitcher of margaritas and the thrill of wondering which stranger will deliver your tacos next. (Also, anyone else notice the majority of 5-star reviews come from accounts with 1 review?
- added tipadded an even larger tip than the one I gave
- cocktail pricecharged me ~$2 more than it cost on the menu
- full priceShe questioned whether we had an open tab and abruptly informed us she would close it out. Despite being served during happy hour, we were charged full price for everything except one item. To make matters worse, Kianna tipped herself $25 without our consent.
- happy hourcharged us full price for everything—even though it was happy hour
- menusays 8 on menu
- priceAdditionally, I was surprised by the price of one shrimp taco, which was $14, despite the menu stating $8. It felt like a college town pub with the price of downtown SF.
- tab closureshe asked if we had a tab open and abruptly said she would close it out
- tipadded a $25 tip for herself without our consent
- tipped herselfDespite being served during happy hour, we were charged full price for everything except one item. To make matters worse, Kianna tipped herself $25 without our consent. Her behavior grew increasingly hostile, insisting we leave even though we hadn’t finished our meals or drinks.
Overall, when considering value, it's a bit of a gamble. While happy hour specials and no cover can be appealing, be very cautious about your bill, as many reported issues with pricing and unauthorized tips. It might be worth a try if you stick strictly to advertised deals and double-check everything.
How are the prices at ZOË?
You’re looking at roughly 42 per person – reported by 50 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits at 42, the price distribution is quite broad. We see a good number of guests spending less, often in the 11 – 30 $ range, but also a fair share opting for more premium experiences, which pulls the average up.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 50 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, 42 per person is certainly not on the budget end. However, looking at the full price spectrum, we see theres a good mix of options. This suggests you can tailor your visit, whether youre just grabbing a quick drink or settling in for a more substantial meal.
We think the pricing offers flexibility and can be fair, depending on what you choose and the overall experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about ZOË
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Cocktails and Service
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the great cocktails on the menu. Andre was incredibly helpful in guiding me to a drink I would definitely enjoy. His smoked old fashioned was perfectly prepared, with a balanced flavor profile.
I'm already looking forward to trying another cocktail on my next visit to SF! I also want to thank Andre and Kianna for the great service.
- cocktails9
- smoked old fashioned10
- service9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disorganized Service, Disappointing Experience
We had a reservation, but the staff seemed unorganized and unprepared. We were not informed that we needed to order at the bar after being seated, which made the experience confusing. The owner appeared attentive, but mostly to guests who seemed like personal friends.
We ordered a $60 margarita "fish bowl" with tajin, but the bartender informed us they had run out of the large glass bowls. Instead, we were given a pitcher and four glasses, with no tajin on the glass rims or fun straws. I originally ordered a shrimp taco, but the bartender later returned to say they had run out of shrimp, so I switched to a fish taco, which was nice and I enjoyed it.
My friend ordered steak tacos, which were eventually delivered by a random bar patron who proudly announced he didn’t even work there. At this point, it felt less like dining out and more like a community potluck. Overall, I wasn’t impressed.
I’d recommend skipping this spot unless you’re into paying $60 for a pitcher of margaritas and the thrill of wondering which stranger will deliver your tacos next. (Also, anyone else notice the majority of 5-star reviews come from accounts with 1 review? I'm not buying it)
- owner5
- fish taco7
- staff2
- reservation2
- ordering process2
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Karaoke, Tacos, and Cocktails!
I came in on a Thursday and luckily it was karaoke night baby! Lol We had a gig at Saluhall and went on a walk and stumbled into their spot. They offer food, drinks, and karaoke.
We snagged two seats at the bar, but there are also tables outside and in. We ordered two sets of three tacos – I almost went for 10 for $55 lol. Instead, we added sliders.
I tried the monthly cocktail (08/25), which was scotch-based, and my friend really enjoyed her spicy mezcal margarita. I sang "Sex on Fire" and a few others joined in. I can imagine this place getting really busy, or it would be a great spot to bring your karaoke crew.
I personally enjoy open-style karaoke versus grabbing a room. If I'm not mistaken, the sign in the restroom said $3 tacos, but I'm not sure if that was for happy hour. We were charged $18 for 3 (regular menu price).
A few tables had bottles of wine. The space was very open and clean, and the high ceilings make it feel spacious and comfortable. The service was fast and friendly.
It's definitely on our list of places to return to.
- karaoke night9
- tacos8
- sliders7
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Time with a Fantastic Bartender!
I had so much fun visiting with my friend who is only in town for a little while. He mentioned that he had a bartender the other night who made his experience so enjoyable that he suggested we stop in. He was right!
Kianna is so much fun! She makes a really good old fashioned that rocks. I could easily come back again for a few more!
Thanks for indulging a couple of friends who haven't seen each other in years. ❤️
- Kianna10
- old fashioned9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Cocktails and Vibe!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! After an amazing shopping adventure, I convinced my guy to make a stop for a cocktail, and it was the best decision ever. The vibe of the place was incredible, and the atmosphere elevated our experience.
We snagged seats at the bar, which is always our favorite spot, and it was such a treat! Our bartender, Kianna, was an absolute gem—super attentive, full of fun, and she crafted the most delicious drinks! I sipped on a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned while my guy enjoyed a Vesper Martini that was very good.
Next time, we’ll try some food, and it looks good. This place is a must-visit!
- vibe9
- atmosphere9
- bar8
What ZOË offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment and atmosphere can you find at ZOË Cocktail Bar & Bites?
At ZOË Cocktail Bar & Bites in San Francisco’s Transbay neighborhood, you can expect a vibrant and engaging experience. The venue regularly features live music, sports broadcasts, and live performances, creating an energetic ambiance. You’ll enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding or socializing.
What dining and service options are available at ZOË Cocktail Bar & Bites?
ZOË Cocktail Bar & Bites offers a wide array of dining and service options. You can enjoy food at the bar, along with a selection of hard liquor, wine, beer, and expertly crafted cocktails. Happy hour specials are available for both drinks and food. Service options include dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery. Reservations are also accepted for your convenience.
How is ZOË rated overall?
ZOË holds a strong overall score of 8.4. Its Ambience (8.7), Food (8.6), and Service (8.4) are highly regarded, though Value (4.4) receives a lower assessment.
What are common concerns regarding service at ZOË?
While many praise the staff, some guests have reported slow service, disorganization, and issues with specific bartenders, including instances of perceived hostility or unauthorized tipping.
How is the value for money at ZOË?
The value at ZOË is a mixed bag (4.4). While some find good deals and happy hour specials, others have noted discrepancies between menu prices and charges, and concerns about overall pricing.