Kezar Bar & Restaurant

3.5 star rating
230 reviews Rating Details

Categories: American (New), Gastropubs, Latin American  [Edit]

900 Cole St
(between Carl St & Parnassus Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Cole Valley
(415) 681-7678
Hours:

Mon 5 pm - 10 pm

Tue-Fri 5 pm - 11 pm

Sat-Sun 4 pm - 11 pm

Good for Kids:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Loud
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

user photo
"lamb burger + gorgonzola + guinness = good good good." (in 20 reviews)
user photo
"I LOVE LOVE LOVE their mac and cheese." (in 15 reviews)
user photo
"Great place for a drink or pub food." (in 15 reviews)
  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

230 reviews in English

  • Review from Rachel H.

    •  
    • 21 friends
    • 112 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    1/29/2012

    Family-friendly gastropub with tasty food and great beer on tap.

    Kezar Bar and Restaurant is a great place to go if you want a consistent, easy going and tasty experience hanging with the locals in San Francisco.  Highlights include their burgers (lamb and tasty, tasty medium rare beef), fries, pear cider on tap, homemade nachos, and sausage and potato pancakes.

    We miss you Kezar!

  • Review from Phillip B.

    •  
    • 19 friends
    • 29 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/4/2012

    Came here on a whim with a few folks.

    Place was pretty packed, bar was full, but we were quickly greeted by someone from the wait staff and got our names down, and even had a few others ask us if we were attended to.  Stuff like that counts in my book.

    The good stuff:

    - The pub/restaurant was a cool and intimate corner spot I could see myself coming back to with a group of friends.

    - Nice, hot & fresh calamari with jalepeno.  A pretty standard dish but always worth noting when served properly.

    - Kezar burger w/cheddar, bacon and cajun spice, served on fresh onion seasame seed bun.  Just a good burger; not the greatest you'll likely ever have, but not one you'll regret having.

    - Skirt steak with brocolli and garlic mash potatoes.  Nice tender cut of meat!

    - Attractive waitresses are always an added benefit....just sayin'

    The bad:

    - Nothing really.  The food is good and serves its purpose, but not likely memorable.

    Bottomline, I would definitely go back if I'm around the neighborhood again.

  • Review from Yvonne R.

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Good service, nice location, decent food (for the most part...) and okay prices. I am not sure the lamb burger agreed with my stomach but everyone else seems to have had no problems.

    +/- lamb burger (only $7.50 but $3 for fries?!)
    + chicken torta, spicy!
    +/- nachos, made to order
    +/- various pastas and mac n cheese
    - oysters, not shucked properly, shells not needed thanks

  • Review from Courtney M.

    Santa Clara, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Came here for drinks a few times it was a perfect place to just chill with an ice cold cruiser (if you will..). Pretty much your typical bar..Good drink options and friendly staff. This place sits in Cole Valley which is nice because its away from all the hustle and bustle of the city people and more full of the locals. I will definitely be coming back here (since a friend of mine lives near by) but also because the ambiance is really cozy. No one likes a bar without that warm friendly feeling! Except bikers I guess...

  • Review from Mateo L.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 22 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/27/2011

    Best pub food in town - in fact, very difficult to call their gourmet California-style seasonal salads, specialty tacos, luscious lamb/mint burgers and sandwich specials (bring back the pulled pork!) "pub food." This is more like pub cuisine, somewhere between the Spotted Pig and Mad Dog (but closer to the Pig than the Dog) in quality, but with half the crowds, usually, and none of the pretense (referring to Spotted Pig).

    I tend to favor the chicken enchiladas, with amazing roasted tomatillo salsa and organic free-range chicken, and the salads. Example: fresh California fig with baby spinach, walnuts and goat cheese and raspberry vinagrete ... mmmmm, goat cheese ...

    They also do have quite a few good beers on tap, though not as many as a true pub. So there's that.

    I may be biased about the service as I once fell off a barstool here and landed in my living room (live up the block), but the waitresses are extremely friendly and attentive, as good as any service I've had in SF.

    On busy nights this place can fill up but even when it looks packed, the wait for a table is rarely more than 15 minutes. And the nice thing is it's in Cole Valley, so if you really need to eat, walk 20 meters in almost any direction, you won't be disappointed.

  • Review from Regina G.

    •  
    • 92 friends
    • 34 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    I have to believe the reviews on bad service can't be at this Kezar and maybe the pub down the street instead because every time I  have been here, I have had the sweetest, most salt of the earth gals serving my table.

    Ever since moving to Cole Valley in June, I had been eyeing Kezar and wanting to go in.  It actually ended up being one of the last places I ate at in my neighborhood, but immediately became my favorite.  The atmosphere, food, drinks and service are all amazing!  It's become the regular weekly outing for me and my girlfriends to catch up!

    Everything I have had on the menu so far has been delicious!  Fig salad or beet salad (yes!), Mussels Provencal (double yes!), and tonight the lamb burger with feta cheese and spicy fries... seriously?!? YES PLEASE!

    Again, one of the reasons I am happy to go back is because of the service... It always feels so welcoming like I'm seeing old friends... so try it for yourself and I promise you'll become a regular too!

  • Review from ms nobizit ..

    •  
    • 26 friends
    • 51 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/7/2011

    Since my last review, we have been a couple times back to Kezar and the service was excellent! Last night, the waitress had remembered our dessert order from a prior visit and asked if we wanted it (Jack Daniels Bourbon pecan ice cream hot fudge sundae- YUM). She's a doll.
    Also to note- their chips n salsa with guacamole is the best around.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      8/9/2011

      Decent food. Last night was bad service & attitude to boot. Had we been less hungry we would have… Read more »

  • Review from Jen Y.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 4 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/16/2011

    This is a fantastic spot for a delicious, filling meal and a frosty pint. There's a special cocktail menu, each beverage $10 and looked worth ordering from. The ambience is dark and cozy; our server was kind and attentive and accidentally brought us an extra beer, free of charge, fantastic, thank you! Excited to try this place again as I had trouble ordering from a well assorted menu. We took the cheesecake home in a box and it was AMAZING. Love me some cheesecake!

    While Kezar is just blocks from my house it is also easily accessible with N Judah stopping directly in front at Carl & Cole.

  • Review from nathan r.

    •  
    • 33 friends
    • 38 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/20/2011

    I live in Cole Valley and absolutely love the food here. The lamb burger is my favorite dish, it is always cooked to perfection and leaves you feeling completely satisfied. The food is at least 4 stars and the drinks are good as well, but there was something that left a nasty taste in my mouth, the service.

    Is Cole Valley a black hole of rude and snottastic employees? I think so. I've been here 3 or 4 times and each time the waitresses were really rude and slow.

    When I got to my table I was taking off my jacket to put on my chair when I stepped back and almost bumped (accidentally) into the waitress who was standing unusually close behind me. She shot me a stink eye that would have made even the toughest guy quiver deep inside. The place wasn't busy by any means and it took almost 10 minutes to get a beer.  I will keep coming to this place even if the service sucks because the food is really good and the atmosphere is cool and it is only a block from my place. I'd love to give this place a healthy 4 stars but because I've been treated so rudely here I have no choice...3 stars it is.

  • Review from Laura C.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/13/2011

    Came here to watch the Cal vs. Washington State game.  There are certainly other sports bars closer to where I live, but my friend was craving wings and since Kezar's have been rated oh so very highly, there was no other option for us.  We get there and are able to snag a table, but after we order a better table opens up so we move (it was 2 tables over, so it shouldn't have been a problem for us to notify our waitress).  She figured it out, but was blatantly annoyed with us.  We got our food after others who had gotten there after us, and our inquiries were met with a little sass.  I'm not a huge wing-eater but these were pretty tasty and exceptionally messy.  The beer was a little flat but still good all the same.  Wasn't impressed by their nacho platter either.  I'd come back though, if only to try this lamb burger I keep hearing about.

  • Review from Adam C.

    •  
    • 45 friends
    • 57 reviews

    El Cerrito, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/27/2011

    My friends and I were hungry, and split a burger, a bowl of mac and cheese, and an order of potato pancakes.  It was all delicious, cooked perfectly.  The interiors of the place were arty and pleasant also.

    Can't give it five stars, though, cuz everything on the menu seemed to cost about 20% more than I felt it should have.

  • Review from Amanda D.

    •  
    • 14 friends
    • 30 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/22/2011

    Good food (love their turkey and lamb burgers!), good drinks, nice cozy atmosphere.

    Unfortunately I have to bump them a couple stars for crappy service. Been there on three occasions and all three times I had a different yet equally rude server. What is their deal?!

  • Review from Wally W.

    •  
    • 43 friends
    • 311 reviews

    Santa Rosa, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I came here after Journey To The End of the Night (June 2011).  I was tired of running that night.  I hadn't eaten since lunch and it was getting close to 11PM.  I ordered a lamb burger (different!) with some fries.  The burger came very quickly with all the fixings and this awesome mint spread.  The fries were a bit pricey, but they were very crisp.  The best I could describe are, they taste like In-N-Out's but crispy!

    Anyway, it had a great atmosphere and lots of different suds.

  • Review from Jackie G.

    •  
    • 50 friends
    • 148 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    6/16/2011

    I love their burger. It's $7, but the best part is the bun...it basically melts into the burger.

    The burger is so good that it's all I've ever had here...besides beer and martinis. Go get one. It's worth it!

  • Review from Kyle B.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Watsonville, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/1/2011

    My friend's apartment is basically next door to this place, so we decided to try it out a couple times. Great drinks & a fantastic Lamb Burger for a ridiculously reasonable $7.50. Love the yuppie / hip vibe, cool bar atmosphere (dim lighting, classy deco). However, this place gets quite crowded & the staff has serious trouble keeping up with everyone. At the risk of sounding cliche, try to go on a random weeknight. Friday or Saturday? Forget it.

  • Review from Scott G.

    •  
    • 35 friends
    • 213 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    9/10/2011

    Let's just say this place is basically the opposite of San Diego's Men's Fashion Depot.  Price is ridiculous, value is nonexistent, selection is crap. Nobody even comes close.

  • Review from David B.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/3/2011 2 photos 1 Check-in Here

    With Red Hook Ale on draft and Cajun fries for the eats you can't go wrong.

    Laid back bar, really laid back. Dodging raindrops last week we hit up this spot and lounged at the bar. I even saw some pretty fat plates of food!

    Black and white photos dot the walls and the scene is chill. Most people are tuned into the screen above the bar watching football but I really had someone I was focusing on beside me:)

    I'd stop in again if I'm in the area. Cajun fries and a draft really hit the spot. Balanced diets are so 2010.

    Love the Cole Valley!

  • Review from Axs S.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/2/2011

    I stopped in today while on my way to Tully's Coffee to use their restroom    I noticed their window open (probably due to today's hot weather), yet they were obviously closed.  I peeked in and asked the nice gentleman if I could use their bathroom.  He said, sure, go right ahead, and pointed me to the back.  

    The nice gentleman's name is Luis, and he was their getting things ready for their busy evening.  He had his young son with him as he is on spring break.  His son was folding dish towels and Luis joked about how great it was to have his little worker there to help him out.  

    Though I did not purchase anything (as they were not open for business) I will surely make plans to return to this fine establishment.  Any business that helps out a person in need is deserving of my patronage.

  • Review from Abby J.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/5/2011

    I am a local of Cole Valley who has supported this establishment time and time again.  I recently went in there and Lisa was behind the bar.  This woman has more attitude than I know what to do with.  I have worked in the service industry for many years and not even on my worst day would I treat the clientele with such disrespect and rudeness that she delivers.  I am surprised she took our order considering her texting seemed to take priority.

    Me and my gal pal were having a sober day so I ordered french fries and two soda waters.  The bill came and get this... it was $17.50!  Yes that is right she charged us for soda water @ $3.50 each and for the refills too.  Unbelievable!  I will never support this establishment again.  

    Good luck Kezar with the worst service ever!

  • Review from J D.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 123 reviews

    Manhattan Beach, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/2/2011

    Margarita with grapefruit foam!!! And their lamburgers.  Aww man. So tasty!

  • Review from Josh B.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 56 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/5/2010

    We're locals.  Kezar pub used to be one of our regular spots.  All handmade-from-scratch foods, best burgers & fries in the area, good draft beer.

    So, what happened?

    We're not sure.  The owner seems to be neglecting the place.  Food quality has become very uneven; portions are getting smaller; service is grumpy and indifferent.

    Our last 2 experiences:  (1) we wanted to sit in the back, which had plenty of tables open, because the bar was way noisy (it usually is).  The waitstaff refused and sent us away instead.  We went to Crepes on Cole, who gave me a free beer when I complained about Kezar.  (2) I ordered the fish tacos, which were a special.  What did I get for $15?  around 3oz of broiled fish, six greasy fried corn tortillas, and a few slices of avocado.

    We no longer go to Kezar, and I don't recommend that anyone go there for the food.  If you're reading reviews, just read the ones from this year ... the restaurant has declined significantly.

    Personally, I blame the forced removal of Lemmie the cat.  I think he was supervising the place.

  • Review from Kylie L.

    Venice, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/4/2010

    Great neighborhood bar with friendly staff.  The Hot wings are yummy... really yummy.  I like the beers they carry and it seems that they have some great wines as well.  Mixed drinks are made not too strong but certainly not weak like some places.  

    An interesting mix of people who stop in here.  Everyone from passers by, local singles, couples, and don't forget the families.  No seriously... kids and all.  It is also a restaurant so don't let the fact that it has a huge bar fool you into thinking this is not a child friendly venue.  It totally is.

  • Review from Mikey S.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 23 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/4/2010

    I've lived in Cole Valley nearly 14 years.  My husband and I used to frequent Kezar Restaurant fairly regularly; however, at some point we just couldn't take the attitude there anymore.  Recently, I decided to take my 5 year old daughter for an early dinner there.  Now before I launch into my comments, I want to preface them by saying (1) I am basically not a complainer and am very polite/considerate of food industry workers; and (2) I have since heard the same complaints from many neighborhood people after my recent experience at Kezar.  OWNERS:  READ THIS!!

    We arrived shortly after 4:00 PM (i.e., hardly anyone in there - not busy!).  The hours posted outside stated the restaurant was open at 5:00 PM and the bar was open 4:00 PM.  I wasn't sure if that meant we could order food this early in the bar or not, so I politely asked the bartender.  He looked at me like I was an idiot.  He was not gracious in anyway, such as, "yes, please sit wherever you like."

    The waitress came and I asked if they had a french rose since I'd heard they did.  She asked the bartender and came back and said no, but they have a french chardonnay.  I said I noticed another rose on the chalk board.  She just sort of stood around and finally I asked, are those the only wines by the glass, pointing to the chalkboard?  No, of course they weren't but did she even think to say, "let me grab a menu for you."  I then see another rose on the menu!  You'd think she'd say (or the bartender could have informed her)  "no, we don't have the french rose anymore but we do have these other two."  Then I asked for an inch or two of club soda in a very small glass for my 5 year old.  She brought it back so full to the brim that of course it got spilled a bit.  No big deal.

    We order the shrimp popcorn and shared it (overpriced in my opinion but it was tasty) and I also ordered a caesar salad which was $9 and a nice attempt, but mediocre, more like a $6 pub salad, which is exactly what Kezar is (a pub like place).  Oh and did I mention that I was extremely grateful and polite when she brought the drink menu?  Meanwhile we finally get the bill and they charged $2.95 for a teeny tiny club soda for my 5 year old.  Every restaurant we go into gives us a small glass for no charge. Lame.

    OWNERS:  READ this.  Your bartender has major attitude and some people will not even go in your establishment because of him.  The wait staff I ran into was also very unwelcoming.  They need to be whipped into shape or pretty soon many of us long-term Cole Valley residents will just not bother going in at all anymore.  This is the general consensus I have gathered based on asking MANY neighbors here.  I know almost all the business people in our neighborhood and many, many residents here.  Everyone in our neighborhood is friendly, so see if you can get your staff on the same program.  Thanks.

  • Review from Megan K.

    •  
    • 16 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/12/2011

    My experience was in the bar only, and the bartender was nothing short of rude.  About half the beers on tap are ones I've never heard of, and the place was pretty much dead.  After a couple samples, my fiancé and I were harshly told that was all we could taste first.  Against our better judgment, we still ordered two regular-price beers, then walked out leaving a "tip" in coins under a glass.  Either this person has never heard of a profit margin, or thinks being a bitch is way too much fun...

  • Review from Alexander B.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 52 reviews

    Atlanta, GA

    5.0 star rating
    11/11/2010

    Yelpers are getting too yuppity and can't be trusted.

    Simply put, this is a great neighborhood restaurant/bar.  Went past 8 on a Wednesday.  Place was busy.  Service was attentive, food was good, atmosphere loud and relaxed.

    They've got my favorite beer on tap: Hacker Pshcorr Weisse
    Also have a tasty gin and cucumber martini thingy.

    Had the calamari (perfectly spicy), mussels in white sauce, and lamb burger (the mint aioli reminded me of the classic lamb with mint jelly pairing)  with cajun fries.  All were delicious.  

    Only note: a little too much cajun seasoning on the fries.

    I will definitely go back.

  • Review from Tiffany P.

    •  
    • 35 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/2/2010 4 Check-ins Here

    This is a great place to get an excellent burger and beer. The fries are some of the best I've tasted and in other restaurants I typically skip or sub for the fries, but I always get them here.  Apparently it's a special type of potato.  And did I mention they use grass fed beef? Mmm. Plus they have the 2 special imported beers, paulaner is 1 (my husband's fave) and I get the other one, which I can pronounce but can't recall the spelling of. It's wheat-y and light and I like it, and it comes in a very large glass. It's also a kid-friendly bar, which I love, but skip the kids pasta and get extra fries or an app. The kids items are definitely not worth the $, but the nachos certainly are (chips made to order, a nice detail) so get a large plate and share with the tots.
    They get the 5 stars because of the details.

  • Review from Michelle P.

    •  
    • 34 friends
    • 29 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/24/2011

    I wanted to like this place.  So did my bf.  It's a beautiful bar, with black and white pictures of what the neighborhood used to look like and star lamps in the windows.  

    One of our tests of a good place is the ability to make a good cocktail.  Some of our favorite places to go are 83 Proof, Flora, and Alembic.  I ordered the Widow's kiss which was supposed to have calvados, benedictine, chartreuse and bitters.  All I could taste was the chartreuse and the ice chips floating on top.  But at least my cocktail had some flavor, because my bf's didn't at all.  It was supposed to be Wild Turkey Rye and grapefruit juice, but all he could taste was the juice.  This is really funny considering that Wild Turkey is 101 proof!  Was there any in there?  

    I did notice that they have a lot of great beer there, such as Triple Karmeliet, so I'll give this bar another chance in the future, but not before trying every other bar in the neighborhood again first.

  • Review from G R.

    •  
    • 27 friends
    • 243 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/25/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    This is my local pub, when I jump off the N after a long day at work its a convenient and casual spot to walk in and belly up at the bar.

    Good selection of beers, strong drinks, fair menu to soak up the suds.  The down sides are only one TV and on game nights its not the place to be.  

    Cole Valley is very stroller and kid friendly so from 5-7PM expect this place to be very family friendly.

    Cheers!

  • Review from brian m.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Half Moon Bay, CA

    1.0 star rating
    5/4/2011

    have had two consecutive bad experiences at the Keezar.  Although I find the location charming, I wanted to share some details so that you can make an informed decision when visiting Cole Valley.  

    In my latest trip, the server was abrupt upon on entry and scolded us for sitting at our table before it was wiped down.  About five minutes later a dirty rag was gingerly applied to our table and two menus dropped upon it without a word.  We took this as a hint that it was ready.

    Some time later, a curt and abrupt inquiry for a beverage order was solicited.  As my friend had traveled all day and was quite hungry, he inquired if he could order some food.  He was uncerimoniously shut down with an abrupt, socially awkward reply that should have any server immediately removed from duty.

    Upon return, the server had regained a certain amount of composure.  While effectively taking the food order, the server ungraciously informed us that French Fries with the rib special would cost an additional $6.50 (on top of the $15 when all other entres come with fries) and that substituting a salad for fries would incur an additional $6.50 charge.  This news was delivered with the short cadence reserved for shoplifters and thieves who change price tags on merchandise.

    The food came and was lackluster to say the least.  the salad was a wilted iceberg affair, looking like something hastily retreived from the dumpster of a diner.  All other food was edible, but quickly dropped upon the table before the server vanished.  It wouldn't have been so bad, but the mouse that ran across the dining room floor, up the dusty paneling and along the window jam was unnerving during the dimmer rush.

    Unsanitary, poor service, mediocre food, overpriced, rodent infestation and other flagrant health code violations should lead you to one of the other fine eateries in the area!

    Also note that they got a 60 out of 100 on their last city inspection as seen on the SF board of health website- lot's of room for improvement!

  • Review from Tyler B.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/25/2011

    Best bartenders in town!

  • Review from Ravena F.

    Daly City, CA

    2.0 star rating
    6/10/2008

    If you think screaming at your date is romantic, this place is for you.  Make sure you sit in the front bar area and have dinner at the tables.  The hard surfaces all over, combined with a large bar crowd around dinner time, makes this place a sure bet to be sure you'll both be screeching at the top of your lungs just to exchange pleasantries.  No matter, you didn't really want to hear what your dinner partner says about the fact that it was your idea to come here.

    At least the food is alright.  Good for bar-food, mediocre for restaurant food.  It seems that a lot depends on what you order too, as the quality & flavor (or lack therein) varies tremendously between dishes.  The waitstaff are working they're hot little buns off (why are they all gorgeous blonds?).  Unfortunately, they don't seem to have enough of them to go around (no I'm not talking about for a girls-gone-wild party - just adequate table-service at dinner will suffice for now).

    This would be a great little spot for all you misogynistic players out there: You don't have to listen to your date, just smile and nod, then reap the rewards - by the end of dinner she'll have irritated her vocal cords enough to give her that "sexy" husky Hollywood voice.

  • Review from Jennifer L.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/15/2008

    Defnitely NOT Kezar pub, Kezar Bar & Restaurant is the settled down married couple to Kezar pub's rowdy fraternity.  The clientele reflect this.  Sure it gets going on the bar side with lots of people mashed in, but it can also be quite sedate with a full house in for a dinner of the non liquid variety.
    I loved the mezza plate, but wasn't too crazy about the Cajun fries.  I'd definitely come back for an alternative option to the other Kezar's pubiness, you know, when I'm craving pubiness in the Kezar area.

  • Review from Amit S.

    •  
    • 215 friends
    • 200 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/23/2009

    It's OK, its decently satisfying - its pub food served California style, in a somewhat chi-chi / artsy restaurant setting, with a somewhat preppy / neighborhood crowd, in a somewhat hip / suburban neighborhood.

    MENU
    - House Chips and Salsa ain't so bad
    - Luis' Nachos makes for a decent meal
    - Buffalo Hot Wings definitely are spicy if you like that
    - Lemmy's Steamed Pacific Rim Mussels are pretty decent
    - Quesadilla Plate is decently sized if you're not looking for an all out meal
    - Smoked Chicken Salad is the only salad I've tried and its A-OK
    - The Potato Pancake is decent but seems a bit dry.. but then again, its pub food
    - Biggest disappointment though, was the Charbroiled Lamb Burger that came cold, with limp fries and the onion was kinda "meh"... blew the wind out of my sails
    - Good micro-brews and beers on tap
    - Cajun Fries were decent though a bit on the limp side
    - Ham Reuben was filling and the one thing I liked

    SERVICE
    - Is spotty in that sometimes the waitresses are nice and sometimes just plain rude and oblivious of manners and charm
    - Service was quick though

    A-OK of a place that I don't see myself going to again. There was not enough to get my attention. Think this place might have a bit of an identity crisis floating between being a pub and a restaurant, but serving in-between food and spotty service.

    Seems to attract a regular neighborhood crowd which I'm sure they appreciate and think that's who they cater to primarily. Gets crowded evenings and nights.

  • Review from Quinn S.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/2/2008

    Consistently decent pub food with a smattering of more exotic and upscale dishes (the mussels and fries are always good), skilled servers and it's always low-key.  The atmosphere is nothing to write home about, but it is at least consistent.

    For such a small place, it is a luxury to be able to choose to sit at the bar, at a table in the bar section, or in the quieter back room.  Kezar feels much more spacious than it really is.

  • Review from Jim S.

    •  
    • 209 friends
    • 73 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/26/2009

    My pals were visiting from NY and one of them is a former chef and restaurant owner. Having been to Kezar now a few times with wonderful results, I suggested to meet here. And here is where things got a bit off kilter.

    1) It was Friday night - not the best day of the week to go out to eat.
    2) We got there a bit late, 8pm-ish, and the bar was crowded, the noise level was over-the-top, and the wait was long.
    3) They tried to seat us on the bar side, but we decided to wait longer for a table on the restaurant side. We were removed from the wait-list and the overly distracted staff person forget to put us back on the list.

    Hunger took over - plus the large amount of powerful German beer we were consuming. Young, Cole Valley "hipsters" started to fill up the place. Other people were being seated ahead of us. Noise levels entered into the ear-drum piercing range...

    But, surprisingly, I remained cheerfully happy - drunk from the pleasure of being with my long-unseen friends and from the alcohol.

    Finally we were seated an hour after we entered the door. Our meal was fabulous and, once again the wait staff was wonderful. But this confirms my original review. Go here often but get here early!!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      12/8/2008

      I've been living in this neighborhood for years and only recently have I gone here for food.  Why?… Read more »

  • Review from Alyssa G.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/25/2009

    Great place to eat if it's late and all other places are closed. My friend ordered the steak with creamed spinach and fries. He said he LOVED the spinach and couldn't stop inhaling it, even after he said he was full.
    I had a beer and some oysters on the half shell. Who would have thought that this little random bar/restaurant would have amazing oysters?
    The wait staff were all really nice and completely on top of their game. Even though their kitchen was closing, we didn't feel at all rushed to finish eating or anything. Definitely a repeat!

  • Review from Molly M.

    •  
    • 338 friends
    • 229 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/12/2009

    I ate here tonight and I was satisfied.  The food was pretty good for bar food.
    I had rainbow salad which wasn't mind blowing but tasty.  The beets on it were cooked properly, there were a lot of greens and fruit tossed in which was ok.  
    I also had the risotto cakes which were not as firm as I liked nor as hot.  I think our waitress left them sitting too long.  I tried the cajun french fries as well and they were seasoned very well and yummy.  Also, at our table was the turkey burger which I did not try because I am a vegetarian, but I was told it was damn good!  
    The ambiance is warm and decorated nicely.

  • Review from Christina S.

    •  
    • 225 friends
    • 322 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/10/2008

    Go on a Thursday or Sunday evening and you will be welcomed by the sweetest bartender with the cutest dimples.  You will want to steal her and put her in you pocket.  Hi Joanna.

    I love the mac and cheese, the burgers, the quesadilla was damn good, the buffalo wings are super spicy and the drinks are poured well.  Pretty tasty desserts are offered as well.  Nice cozy atmosphere.  

    And there is a resident cat, which is kinda odd....

  • Review from Alexander T.

    •  
    • 13 friends
    • 51 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    11/2/2007

    I have never been more appalled at the service I've received at a bar or restaurant.

    I live down the street and was waiting for the N-Judah with my friend before a night out on a Friday or Saturday...  Kezar was not very crowded so decided to go in and have a glass of champagne.  I ordered two glasses of champagne from the bartender(young guy, dark hair, avg. height, a little scruffy) and he proceeded to take all of 30 seconds to pour two glasses.  I asked 'how much?' gave him a 20 and he gave me change.  
    At this point, I was planning on leaving a tip but wanted to turn around to toast with my friend so I placed the change in my pocket and turned to talk to my friend.  The baretnder proceeded to interrupt my toast with a rude/loud 'Are you serious?!'

    It seems that he expected me to tip him immediately and didn't like the idea that I wanted to enjoy my drink with my guest before leaving him his tip.  Obviously, i was taken aback.

    After we had finished our bubbly I made a point of approaching the bartender, who was smoking a cigarette outside, and placing a tip in his hands.  As I did I commented on his complete lack of serving etiquette and proceeded to walk over to the train stop.  He actually had the nerve to yell at me from across the street informing me that I 'needed to learn how to tip' and that I 'don't deserve to drink at the bar.'  

    Now the questions I have for this asshole are:

    Where does it say that I have to tip immediately after I receive my drink and change from the bartender? I've worked in restaurants and been going out to bars my entire life and have never heard this before.  Since when do I have to prioritize this douche-bag bartenders tip over me toasting and enjoying my $8 glass of champagne with my friend.

    Even if I was planning on not tipping(which I wasn't); who the hell does this guy think he is?  He took 30 seconds to pour to glasses of champagne!  Why do I owe him anything?

    What the hell is he talking about when he says I don't deserve to drink at that bar? I paid 16 bucks for two glasses of shitty champagne! Not only to I deserve to drink there, but this asshole should get on his knees so I can drop my pants.

    As you can see, I didn't have a good experience at this shithole.  I highly recommend avoiding Kezar Bar & Restaurant at all costs.  If you want to get a drink try EOS Wine Bar or go down the street to Finnegan's Wake.

    I hope the next time I see this guy he's begging for money for booze on Haight st.

  • Review from Michelle S.

    •  
    • 53 friends
    • 189 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    2/19/2008

    If your friends really want to go here for a burger (the only reason) and you want to eat a healthy salad

    DO NOT GO TO KEZAR

    Two of us ordered a salad, it came out looking like something pissed on it. We sent it back and ordered the Cesar. The other something pissed on that one. The server was delighful but there was nothing she could do.

    We ate french fries and scurried on our way

1 to 40 of 230 (24 Filtered) |  
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Write a Review

Deals Nearby

More »

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...