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Tommy's Joynt
Categories: Restaurants American (Traditional) Nightlife Bars American (Traditional), Bars [Edit]
1101 Geary Blvd(between Franklin St & United States Highway 101)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhoods: Pacific Heights, Civic Center/Tenderloin
(415) 775-4216
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
1472 reviews for Tommy's Joynt
Review Highlights
"Do try the chili at least once or the Buffalo Stew."
(in 110 reviews)
"The Corned Beef was very lean and very tasty."
(in 212 reviews)
"I highly recommend the Turkey Sloppy Joe."
(in 47 reviews)
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1472 reviews in English
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Review from Shirlynn C.
Inner Sunset, San Francisco, CA
Based on food 5 stars.
The decor in this place is awesome! So many knick knacks. Me and my bf played I spy while we were eating. Lol.
They have really nice baristas but horrible...plate takers? We were so hungry and left our food on the trays. One cleaner upper asked for our trays (while we were eating) and we told him were eating. He left and another guy came out a minute later and asked again. My bf asked why they want our trays and they said it was policy to take trays...I thought it was rude. They had MANY trays and I saw a couple that was seated and had their food set by the same guy that told us it was policy to take trays!!! Really annoying. Minus one star.
I originally wanted the BBQ beef but saw the brisket and took that instead. After they set my plate I saw the BBQ beef and regret my order. So my bf took it.
The brisket was good. But the BBQ was flavorful. Both were tender but of course the BBQ was more tender.
The mash was good the gravy could be worked on.
I took the potato salad and my bf got beans. So fresh! The beans had a pickle taste to it so I didn't like it much.
The only thing I didn't like was the clam chowder. Way too thick and way too salty.
For all that food it was 23$ I believe. Can't wait to return. -
Review from Bradley P.
Malibu, CA
2/7/2012
Oh SF you disappoint me. This is the place where Yelp was invented and what is supposed to be a foodie town with almost no equal. 4 stars over 1400 reviews so you cannot possibly steer me wrong. So let me start with an early demolition of your beloved landmark.
I set my GPS destination for a sure bet with a good burger but I got caught up in the mix of all these 1000+ review restaurants with high ratings. One stuck in my mind because of the name I didn't want to go to it. But somehow my GPS misguided me and along the way to my surefire good burger I pass by Tommy's Joynt and spied numerous patrons through the windows. I thought to myself, it's crowded, it can't be bad, let's try it. So I make a U-turn at my first chance and head back and park right next to the restaurant.
On my way out, I was greeted by a bum who wouldn't let me go in. When I got in, it said form a line to the left which on a rainy Monday night was non-existent. So I walk to the counter and ask them for what's good. He said try the roast beef or corned beef and I said why not both? He said OK and so he started sawing away at the thick bark on a somewhat tasty looking chunk of roast beef. My eyes turn to the sides and I saw what looked like whipped potatoes, so unappealing because they've lost their entire heritage and looked like cheap oatmeal. Craving something green, I opted for the green beans which were a pale shade of old Christmas tree. Next up was the salad and I couldn't decided between the wilted pickled greens that were crisp probably a few hours ago or the potato salad which I think were the safest bet so I picked the potato salad.
I found myself a lonely seat back at the bar with an old man behind the bar. I asked him kindly for a Chimay Red which he happily exchanged with me for $6.50. This place is cash only like so many other places in SF and it's probably the only way they survive with all the taxes here. Humorous was the sign near the register that said tip was included in the price of the drinks, but not humorous to Uncle Sam.
I dug into my food and found myself hacking away at the tough bark of the roast beef and cut off a piece as if I was going to eat it but realized I would be seeing the dentist the next day should I try. I discarded it and proceeded to add some horseradish from some questionably sanitary containers to my plate. Thank goodness for horseradish because it made what would be a barely palpable bite turn into a nostril burn that made life interesting for a few seconds. Then after it wore off, reality hit and I was eating warm Oscar Meyer cold cuts on a plate on top of a rickety old bar in San Francisco with a disturbing old man behind the counter. I turn to the green beans for some relief but they would not relent and gave me a taste of cafeteria food at Leisure World. Squeaky on your teeth and strangely soft, it's a wonderous world we live in to have foods transform into the most unlikely tastes and textures.
I can accept why people would eat here and possibly enjoy the food, but I cannot imagine why after 1400+ reviews that it can maintain a 4 star rating. I can see that the bum on the sidewalk that wouldn't let me in might rate it 4 stars on a good day but I expected more from you San Franciscans because you're supposed to be foodies and know better than this. You have mislead me, wasted my time here, disappointed me, and hurt my tummy with this garbage. Hometown buffet would never be rated 4 stars in SoCal, how could you do this to me? -
Review from Scott B.
Berkeley, CA
2/5/2012
This place is awesome. I had been meaning to check it out as I always drive by and see the brightly painted exterior of the place. I was driving around the city with my GF looking for late night drinks and food when we passed by Tommy's Joynt. I said "F it, let's check it out"...
The inside of this place reminds me of a bar you would see on Burbon St in New Orleans. Super old style bar with old style adds all over the place "Hard boiled eggs- $0.25!" which I love. Super nostalgic.
Now, don't expect culinary excellence when going to a place like this. You're going to get large portions of 'pretty good' tasting food for cheap, with the option of a full cocktail bar with a myriad beers from all over the world. I was starving and ordered the Corned Beef and Cabbage plate with a Racer 5 IPA while my girl sipped a Strawberry Daiquiri. The food was great (admittedly I am easy to please, none the less)- Hauf Brau style, on a large plate with a roll. Delicious.
There were so many options, I didn't even know if I had chosen the right one. They had spaghetti and meatballs which looked great, mashed potatos, beans, soup, sandwiches, ribs.. the list is endless. I was however happy with my decision, knowing that I would be back to try more.
Best part: Full bar with food available until 1:40am every day.
Worst part: Cash only! However they did have an ATM
I highly recommend Tommy's Joynt. -
Review from Scott A.
Windsor, CA
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
Buffalo chili was barely passable, but the buffalo stew sandwich was killer. The sourdough roll soaked up the gravy nicely and it still had bite to it. I'll have that next time probably- but there's endless things to choose from. Not to mention a huge spectrum of beer.
So many cool bar things on the walls, layers- you can never see all of them. We were wowed by this fun, funky place and we WILL be back. -
Review from Ariana R.
Salinas, CA
2/4/2012
I went to Tommy's Joynt with my class and the first thing you notice is the atmosphere. It's very home-y and the kinda of place where its okay to let your belly just hang out and have a delicious meaty meal. Its perfect for families and the food is GREAT! I got the Buffalo Stew and it was DELICIOUS, The meat was tender and juicy and almost melted in my mouth. You could get it with rice or mashed potatoes. I personally like the mashed potatoes NO GRAVY NEEDED. The stew goes perfectly with it. But if that isn't enough for you, they add a big piece of bread add for you to soak up the rest of the stew. Its delicious and the perfect amount.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BUFFALO STEW AND FOR DESSERT, THE CARROT CAKE -
Review from Michael H.
Portland, OR
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm admittedly not a fan of the hoffbrau's. For those of you that don't know, hoffbrau translates into: gray meats with gravy.
A typical scenario looks like this: entire a dimly lit restaurant where you may be greeted by meats rotating on spickets and being cooked under lamps. You'll want to join the queue immediately upon arrival so that you can pick up your gray meat and gravy and grab available seating (preferably close to the bar).
I enjoyed the BBQ Beef sandwich (I'm not a fan of gravy) and had some potato salad on the side. I washed both of these down with Hoegaarden brought by our lovely waitress. Everything was delish!
Tip: cash only and find seating in the back up the stairs. We got there at 8pm and found seating right away but it had filled up by the time we left at 9:30. -
Review from Bea L.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I guess this is a place where man serve man. It is meat and a side splashed on your plate in front of you, the waitress will come to you once you sit down for the drinks. They have a wide selection of beer and the food is decent. I guess it is not exactly my cup of tea but we were on the way to a concert near by, late and hungry so we just tried it.
If you like big portions and you are a true meat lover give it a chance, it is not a bad place, the servers are nice, the food selection varied, i guess the ambiance was what threw me off. -
Review from Anna M.
2/1/2012
It's terrible that I have to drive 2 hours from home to eat at this fantastic establishment, but thats exactly what me and my husband did. The place looks like such a hole in the wall, but the food is so tasty that it received national recognition on the show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, hosted by Guy Fieri.
Of course, we had to try the legendary ox tail here over a bed of steaming rice pilaf. The meat was succulent and tender. It's got a really high fat content, but I'm one of those people who enjoys the fat as much as the meat. The sauce it was drenched it was slightly sweet, and really made the dish perfect. We also ordered a dinner plate of BBQ beef brisket with a side of mashed potatoes, all soaked in the best BBQ sauce I've tasted in a very long time. It's almost unbelievable how tender the brisket was. It was literally falling apart like shredded beef. To top it off, they slice it from a huge hunk of meat right in front of you. They definitely don't skimp on anything here. My mashed potatoes were heavenly. The best ones I've had that weren't made in my own home. Really fluffy, yet starchy.
All this amazing food for under $30 (cash only, but there's an ATM machine inside). It's a fantastic deal. -
Review from Sandra S.
Santa Cruz, CA
2/4/2012
Great food, great prices. A true gem. Not much remains of old San Francisco, this place is truly one of the best. Meat is the thing in this place. Leave the vegetarians behind, or feed them elsewhere. Enjoy!
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Review from Alex B.
San Diego, CA
2/4/2012
This place was the best, One of my favorite spots when i was in the bay area. So I wasn't surprised that they were on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The food is good, cheap and they have a full bar too. The atmosphere in there is like the bar in cheers. They really do remember your name and what you normally get if you frequent the establishment long enough. Just to show you how good their food is, You would find numerous students from the Culinary Arts school down the street buying meals there instead of eating at their school. And i was one of them. There was a rumor that i heard that when Metallica was yet to be famous back in the early 80's. They used to eat there all the time ! Good enough for the best Metal band ever, good enough for you and me!
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Review from Mimi V.
Walking into this place, it had a bar and old school feel to it.
My friend and I didnt know where to start ordering and when to pay. The service was below average (all they really do is slap food onto the plate for you).
I tried the ribs (10.50), mash potatoes, macoroni salad, potato salad, and cole slaw. The marinate of the ribs were average and nothing special about it, actually it needed more sauce to it, but the tenderness is extraordinary. The mash potato and cole slaw was tasty. The potato salad was average. The macoroni salad was nasty and had a weird taste to it. I wouldnt mind coming back here to try other meats, but it's not my first choice to come back. -
Review from Patrick D.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you don't like historic haunts, juicy and tender meat, lovingly crafted ox-tail stew, crisp pints of Anchor, and sports on the TV...well you're probably hopeless anyway.
But! If any or all of those appeals to you, then add Tommy's Joynt to your list of places to visit and visit again. Classic San Francisco. -
Review from Aimee L.
Hayward, CA
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Let me just start by saying I'm not a fan of stringy beef or roast or any kind of stew. I think that is why I wasn't impressed with this place. I actually love the sharing of tables and pickles out of the large jar and horseradish on the tables. All those things add to the experience.
Thankfully we got here just before the dinner rush so I had a little time to look at the meats and decide what I wanted. I went with the pastrami sandwich. The meat was nice and red with a dark crust. The bread was soft and yummy. I'm pretty picky so I wasn't impressed with their sides. I went with the bland mashed potatoes. My brother ordered the roast beef, but it was a little over cooked.
Overall, the pastrami was good, but I didn't see any other meats that grabbed my attention. Oh and soda refills are $1.75 so don't be like me and chug down your soda and expect a free refill :(. -
Review from Jenna L.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/13/2012
So most of my eating adventures usually start with yelp, and then figuring out from there where is closest/most convenient and what kind of food I want, but this time my choice was made by 2 people driving down the street and pointing at a place and saying "let's go eat there later". I blindly followed, and against all odds, the place we went to was AMAZING. We walked in and the first thing we see is a giant cafeteria-style counter with tons and tons of MEAT behind it. Then the prices are right behind that - and they were so... reasonable. The bar was on the other side of the restaurant. It's a very fun and casual atmosphere - tons of delicious food, and seemingly fun people.
We had the corned beef dinner plate, with mashed potatoes and beans. The beans! OMG amazing. Loved everything I got.
I was super impressed with this place - turns out it's highly rated on yelp after all. Awesome. Open late too, and busy at night as well, even at 10:30pm on a weeknight. Since then, we've been back multiple times, and everything that we've tried has been great. Always get the beans though, they are amazing. -
Review from Lisa M.
1/1/2012
This review is long overdue. Yum. This is a true landmark, and it is always busy. Freshly carved meats, and lots of entrees and big portions to choose from if you have an appetite. I always want way more than I can eat. They have very reasonable prices. Everyone is nice and it is just a cool place to go.
mmmmmmm!
Cash only! -
Review from Jessica B.
Sparks, NV
1/23/2012
Being a huge fan of Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, we went into Tommy's thinking we were in for a treat. Expecting a big, amazing unforgettable meal, but it was mediocre at best. Dry meat on dry bread, slapped on a plate, bland buffalo chili that needed Tapatio to make it edible, a rock hard roll that was grabbed by the guy handling money and didn't wash his hands... we were far from impressed. Everyone serving food and drinks (with the exception of one) seemed like they didn't give a damn about us or the food. This place lacked the personality, the flair and the flavor that I was hoping for. We ended our weekend in SF with heartburn, and a little bummed out. Sad to say, but we would've been better off at Arby's.
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Review from Diana V.
Updated - 12/13/2011 5 photos
I came back here with friends before our concert at The Regency Ballroom, conveniently located a few blocks away.
It was packed to the gills with tourists, young locals, and parents with kids out for a family-style dinner.
After much hemming and hawing, I decided upon the Roast Beef Sandwich.
I'm adding a star for this moist and delicious sandwich!
Make sure you have them dip your sourdough bread, and grab yourself some free sliced pickles on the side. They make all the difference : )Listed in: I'm a Cheap Bastard! How About…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/2/2010
Now I'd passed by this place many a time when I lived in the City, but didn't give it a second look.… Read more »
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Review from Erik R.
1/24/2012
Tommy's is sort of like an Old School lunch line... Kind of like before buffets were the slopfest they've become. It's an old school smorgasbord of good eatin' and good company. Always some sort of crowd here. You should get there before 11 to get the best choice cuts of their hand carved brisket and roast beef. When the Lunch line style dining is over, you can sit in and order from their menu. Tommy's is like Cheers in that it's an old school spot with tons of memorabilia adorning the walls. Lotsa wood, with brass in need of a good polish. Everyone does not know your name here. SF is a transient city and Tommy's is at a very visible main location on Van Ness & Geary. The food is juicy good. Bring a bib.
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Review from Bonnie C.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2011
I saw this place on "Diner's Drive Ins and Dives" and had to check it out since it's in my hometown! I had to try the chili after seeing it on the show! Let me just say it was DEE-LICIOUS!! Plenty of flavor with a generous amount of beans and meat. I had mine served with bread for less than 4 bucks!! A good place to eat for a small price!!
The staff is also extremely nice and helpful- the cooks answered all my questions and made me a chili- sandwich (not on the menu). Their normal chili comes on top of rice with a side of bread and butter. I left a happy and satisfied eater! =] -
Review from jason y.
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
The PASTRAMI!
The pastrami here, ALMOST, almost is as good as Katz's in NYC. But, it's also half the costs of Katz and about 2300 miles closer so its a darn good alternative.
At $6, you can get any of their sandwiches, I think you would not be disappointed by the pastrami! After all, according to the word of George Costanza, it is the most sensual of all the smoked meats!
The pastrami is so juicy and has this awesome blackened crust that is just beautiful and oh so tasty! It even comes with a little dish of jus to dip in, but you don't need it the pastrami stands on its own.
I also got the clam chowder, which considering its San Fran, better be a good clam chowder. It didn't disappoint, it was some good chowder. I think the funniest thing on the menu is the turkey leg. Basically a dinner plate with a large turkey leg as the protein. It's just a really big turkey leg, like medieval times.
Also has a full bar available for all your alcohol and non-alcohol needs. It's a small place with an airport type line to get to the counter to order your food, but it moves fast as the guys behind the counter are good at what they do. But if it's real crowded, seating could be tough, but you can also sit at the bar to eat.
I think there was a sign that said cash only, so plan accordingly. -
Review from Amy L.
12/5/2011
I can't believe I've never reviewed Tommys Joynt!! I had my wedding rehearsal dinner here, for pete's sake!!! I have only good things to say about this restaurant, because it's unpretentious, consistently tasty, and the people who own and work here are good people.
Not only did I have my wedding rehearsal dinner here (which is a GREAT idea if you're on a budget, need a large, private back room for a party, and want to make sure that there are lots of delicious-yet-uncomplicated culinary options for everyone to eat), but several of my birthday parties, several for my husband, my friends, etc.!! This is a wonderful, affordable, home-y meeting place where the portions are huge, the food is simple and delicious, and the prices are ridiculously low.
If you are looking for foodie-appropriate rations, this is not your joynt. Nor is it the right place to look for a high-brow crowd or fancy decor. It's an old-school cafeteria-style restaurant/bar that slices your meat, piles it high on your plate with mashed potatoes, slathers it with gravy, tosses on a few veggies for a nice touch, offers you a choice of side salads, gives you a dinner roll with butter, and sends you on your merry way into a noisy, usually-packed diningroom that is full of average-joes eating, talking, watching "the game" on one of the many tv's, and tossing back a few cold ones while laughing with friends. It's unpretentious, easy, and relaxing. It's also a great place to hit before or after a movie at the AMC across the street.
A few things to note: this is not a great place for WHEELCHAIRS. While the front door IS accessible, the bathroom may not be the easiest to get to through the packed diningroom. The back diningrooms are accessible via a side door, so that IS an option. The owner and her family will bend over backwards trying to make it all work for you. That's how they are. But it still isn't the easiest. However, if you aren't planning to use the bathroom or have a smaller chair it IS do-able and worth it.
My two favorite things on the menu? The corned beef (*DROOL*) and the buffalo chili! The latter is hearty, meaty (made with buffalo, so healthier than regular chili), a little spicy, and served over rice...delish!!
If you're having a special ocassion here (birthday party?), they won't charge you a cake fee. And they'll bring you plenty of plates, forks, and a knife with which to cut your cake. That's just how they are...super-nice, helpful, and not trying to nickel and dime you!! I have a feeling that good attitude is a big part of why they've stayed in business for so long in a city that is increasingly inhabited by food snobs (myself included!).
Wow, just talking about Tommy's makes me hungry....!!!! -
Review from Tina W.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/7/2011
I can still taste the brisket.
And the pastrami. And the bristket. And the mashed potatoes. And the brisket. And the wonderful bbq sauce. Hell, I can even still taste the damned roll, THAT'S how good this place is.
I will return, without a doubt. I can't believe I've lived in the Bay practically my whole life and had never been here.
Yum! -
Review from Joanna R.
12/17/2011 1 photo
Darn. I expected so much coming to this restaurant. My sister's boyfriend wanted to get some good protein and strengthening food the night before his meet so I found Tommy's Joynt, being hopeful of a large meal and a lot of meat.
I was thoroughly surprised when we walked in and it was all on a booth. It was like a serviced buffet, but not really. You walk in, tell them what you want.. They cut you the "large" (but kind of not that much) portions, routinely dump the sides on your plate, and serve you whatever or however they want. The large glass window barrier that you have to talk behind is difficult to communicate with, but yeah..
The food in itself was interesting. I got the bbq brisket which was quite tender and the meat was very easy to cut through and tear apart. They call it bbq, but you can choose whatever sauce they have. I feel like I should have chosen a different kind since I'm not TOO fond of barbecue sauce. But be warned, once you say you want it, the sauce goes all of your plate. Including over your mashed potatoes. Poop. The potatoes are smooth, kind of reminds me of kfc almost. ONLY kind of. I just think the plate of "bbq brisket, mashed potatoes, bread, salad" was not worth the amount of money we paid. That's all.
The salad was drenched in dressing so about five minutes into the meal, it gets real soggy and just soggy salty lettuce. Which I'm sure many people like....
We sat in the booths towards the back of the restaurant which are not for tiny people. Even for me, it was kind of tight... the tables very close up to your chest and all. Anyway, I honestly think the meal had been ruined by the unfortunate placement of the "no parking" signs just outside the restaurant. You shouldn't put a freaking sign that says no parking (at whatever times) right behind a tree. SF police... honestly... just looking for an excuse to make money : / as sad as that sounds.
Anyway yeah, we were rushed out of our meal just 15 minutes after we had started to eat... poop. Parking tickets suck. -
Review from Harry D.
Kapaa, HI
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Epic late night grindz. Love the selection of meat, always so delightful and hearty. Wish I were closer to eat there more. Cool
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Review from Darrell Y.
Sacramento, CA
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Need a relatively quick, extremely hearty meal to help soak up some drinks before or after a show nearby? Tommy's Joynt is just what the doctor ordered.
Easy food, at easy prices. Meatball sandwich, four bucks, side of mashed potatoes a dollar or two, decent sized imported beer, four bucks.
Championship meal status.
Don't be discouraged if there is a line that ends at the front entrance, or just outside. It moves quickly, and tables turn over fast. -
Review from Erin T.
12/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love when I find a great place like this completely by accident! We got in to San Francisco late and just wanted somewhere quick to grab dinner. Tommy's was right across the street from the hotel and the front desk manager pointed out it had a full bar. So we figured, why not?
Everything looked so great I could barely decide what to get. I finally decided on the BBQ turkey sloppy joe and shared some mac and cheese. All the food was great and really reasonably priced. We decided to have a seat at the bar for drinks afterward and I was amazed by the beer selection. I would never expect a place like this to have beer from all over the world.
I will definitely have to make it back to try some of the specials. -
Review from Lauren O.
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is a Triple D fav and proved to be an awesome find. Food is caferteria style and the place is full of eclectic items. We ordered the corned beef and pastrami sandwiches with a side of buffalo chili to go. The corned beef was home made tasting, cut thick and flaky. The pastrami was cured to perfection, thick, juicy and so delicious. Both the sandwiches were prepared on some delicious freshly baked San Francisco sour dough bread. So great. The chili was similar to beef chili but the buffalo has a more beefy taste and it was rich. This is one of the best sandwich places and is a real San Francisco gem.
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Review from Yeelo N.
11/28/2011
Total meat & potatoes kinda place. You walk in, get in line, pick up a cafeteria style tray of food, and feast. Definitely a no-fuss place and the lights are probably dim for a reason. But hey, good, inexpensive, quality food.
Oh, and cash only, so make sure you're ready. I still need to go back and try the lamb shank. -
Review from Jayne W.
Los Altos, CA
11/18/2011
Tommy's is a great place to go when you're hungry. The portions are extremely generous and the prices are low. The hand carved meats and turkey are excellent; the house specialties, like BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joe's, are stand-outs. If you are a vegetarian, you will have to settle for some of the many salads and sides .
Tommy's bar features beers from all over the world and an amazing variety of cocktails.
The walls are full of posters, ads, and other memorabilia. There are large screen TV's, but people watching is usually more entertaining. -
Review from i be e.
Pasadena, CA
1/20/2012
old school, lots of tradition, plain red and white checkered table cloths, kind of place. full bar on one side. carnivore heaven on the other.
tvs going in every room. plates piled high with meat, mashed potatoes, veggies, gravy and a friendly atmosphere.
had the juicy pastrami and buffalo stew. will go back again just for that, and willing to try the other dishes. the chicken a la king and mac cheese were only so so. make sure to use the hot mustard and free pickles! -
Review from Janet O.
11/12/2011
I've been to TJ several times. Used to live two blocks away. It's always been a comfort to walk over and grab my favorite beer from Peru( Callao).
I like eating in a communal style setting every once in a while. So this joint suits me just fine.
I go here for the beer and the corned beef. A meal after a movie a couple of blocks away is awesome. Don't expect a fancy sit down place people- this is not the place.
This is a low maintenance, non pretentious place to sit and mingle while you chow down. Or just eat and not mingle if you're not feeling that social.
But TJ is a SF landmark. So that's one reason to drop by. -
Review from Vickie Z.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Eating a Kielbasa sausage on a bun with a beer is considered a light meal at Tommy's Joynt! The plates are gigantic and the prices are very reasonable.
I love the atmosphere and the cheap beer :) -
Review from Jon L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/21/2012
can't beat it for the price. oxtail stew is flavorful and not too fatty. The baked beans were sweet, with lots of sugar, but nothing unpalatable. And to my surprise the cucumber/tomato salad was delicious, with fresh ingredients. For the price, it's outrageously good. I just wish they took plastic.
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Review from Kelly H.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2011
There serve a good portion of food on a plate and sandwiches. The restraunt doesn't look that appetizing on the outside but the food is actually pretty okay. There's also a bar on the left side of the place when you walk in. A lot of grown men are watching football and drinking beer. For a teen, I didn't feel that comfortable. There are wooden chairs, and small tables with cheap table cloth.
It's like a self serve place: you order your food as you go down the line towards the cashier. Then you pay, take your plate, and find some seats. You get your own water.
Don't recommend kids here. -
Review from Jim A.
Richmond, CA
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good beer, great food! how can you beat it?
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Review from Stephanie L.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not a huge fan of sandwiches in general, but I was pretty impressed by this place. I went with the turkey sloppy joe which I was a little disappointed with because I was expecting a standard sloppy joe. It actually turned out to be more of a pulled pork sandwich, but nonetheless, still tasty and I definitely left satisfied.
I actually wish I had ordered more side dishes. The baked beans were fantastic, and the cole slaw was surprisingly good (I'm not normally a fan of cole slaw). The next time I go, I'll definitely have to try out all of the sides :) -
Review from David L.
Portola, San Francisco, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
What can you say about Tommy's that you haven't heard before good food. Got the BBQ beef brisket with mash potatoes with brown gravy and with BBQ sauces in the beef and it was delicious. Also a ranch salad and the bread and butter
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Review from Ken N.
Riverside, CA
1/20/2012
Lucky enough to stay at a hotel rite across the street fr this joynt. Its a dive bar which serves good food also at a nice price. Menu was really busy,but i stepped to side & studied it and ordered turkey,mash potatoes w/ gravy,and salad and took care of my hunger. They also have variety of beers and i tried this draft called fat tire and my night was complete.
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Review from Diana W.
San Francisco, CA
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
To be honest, I don't really like Tommy's. It's super cramped, the food isn't that great, and I have a hard time figuring out what my food options actually are, because I'm getting pushed through the line so fast I don't have time to really look over the salads and sides. Maybe it's better if you treat it like a bar? It's super cheap, but it's really not worth it in my opinion.
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Review from patrick s.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012
I had Tommy's Joint three times. First time, was a dine in. Service was okay but was very busy. Second and third times the food gave me the runs.
I don't understand the reviews here. It's literally cafeteria food with outrageous prices here. Lamb and turkey was dried, I thought I was eating jerky. The tri tip sandwiches looked amazing but tasted bland when I ate it. That caused my stomach to brew tea. In and out of the toilet all night. Yuck
