oChef » ZOË – San Francisco » ZOË – San Francisco – Reviews

ZOË - Reviews

579 Howard St, 94105 San Francisco
All reviews at a glance
451

Reviews

86%

Satisfaction

48

negative

15

neutral

388

positive

What people say about ZOË

Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Todd M.
Review date: 10/29/2025
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
Brenda C.
Review date: 08/25/2025
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
Rafael D.
Review date: 08/22/2025
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
Yeti O.
Review date: 08/16/2025
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
Lori R.
Review date: 08/14/2025
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
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Tourist Experience
Group Type
  • Solo Dinner
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Eric T.
Review date: 08/14/2025
9
Great Atmosphere and Service!
I used to live in SF years ago and recently returned to visit family. On my way back to my hotel, I stopped by this restaurant. The atmosphere was top-notch. Kianna, my bartender, truly made me feel welcome back to the city and provided great cocktail recommendations. I didn't have any food as I had just eaten, but I might come back to chat with my new favorite bartender and try some dinner, and of course, have MORE drinks.
  • atmosphere10
  • Kianna10
  • cocktail recommendations9
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Anjanette M.
Review date: 08/13/2025
9
Great Time Thanks to Giyha!
I've been here a few times now, and each visit has been a great time, largely thanks to Giyha! Her energy is unmatched, making for a consistently positive experience.
  • energy10
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Tokki M.
Review date: 07/23/2025
2
Slow Service, High Prices, Poor Value
My 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. It felt like a college town pub with the price of downtown SF.
  • service2
  • shrimp taco2
  • price2
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Do K.
Review date: 05/19/2025
10
ZOE: A Favorite Spot for Food, Drinks, and Fun
ZOE is hands down one of my favorite spots in the city. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is just right — warm, inviting, and full of good energy. The food (chicken quesadilla tacos, and sliders are my favorites) and drinks are consistently delicious, and the staff couldn’t be friendlier or more accommodating. I’ve hosted events here and each time the space proved to be absolutely perfect — stylish, comfortable, and effortlessly versatile. I recently spent an evening catching up with friends in a relaxed setting, then came back later that night to dance the night away with a down-to-earth DJ spinning great tracks. It's that kind of place where you can ease into the night and then turn it up when the music starts flowing. I’ve also heard amazing things about their Thursday Karaoke nights, and it’s been on my list — definitely making that happen soon! If you’re looking for a place with great food, top-notch drinks, and an unbeatable atmosphere, ZOE is it. Can’t wait to be back again soon!
  • vibe10
  • food10
  • drinks10
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Large Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Megan
Review date: 05/19/2025
6
Odd experience, good tacos
My experience at this restaurant was odd. We were a small group of 7 for lunch on a Friday and were the only customers. Despite 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. Hopefully, it was a one-off day.
  • tacos9
  • other items5
  • service2
  • service accuracy2
  • menu items3

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