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Welcome to Cole Valley Tavern

Cole Valley Tavern, located in San Francisco, is a must-visit for a unique dining experience. With a diverse menu offering shareable plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, and mains, this cocktail bar is a hidden gem. The Smash Burger with kimchi Thousand Island sauce and the perfectly fried Fish & Chips are standout dishes. The cozy atmosphere, top-notch cocktails, and delightful soft-serve dessert make it a neighborhood favorite. While some reviews mention service delays, the overall experience at Cole Valley Tavern is worth the visit for its fusion of flavors and relaxed ambiance.

Cole Valley Tavern: Reviews & Ratings

Tommy P.
Tommy P.

Cole Valley Tavern Located at the corner of Cole and Carl Street, Cole Valley Tavern offers a unique vibe with its black-and-white checkered floors and modern yet classic bar--perfect for a great meal with good company and service. Smashburger A must-try, especially with the extra patty . The kimchi Thousand Island sauce takes it to another level, making it unforgettable. Fish and Chips Perfectly fried with a hint of curry spice, paired with tangy tartar sauce for a savory twist. Garlic Fries Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with garlic flavor. A delicious side upgrade. Clam Chowder A brothy, seafood-packed chowder served with crispy-yet-soft sesame bread --perfect for dipping and utterly addictive. Drinks Top-notch cocktails and specials that never disappoint. Soft-Serve Dessert A sweet, creamy ending to a fantastic meal. Cole Valley Tavern does it all--highly recommended!

Jay B.
Jay B.

They have an excellent smash burger and great cocktails. The beer selection is on the small side, but there are some great choices. I don't understand why they're not open for lunch or brunch on the weekends anymore, it always seemed pretty crowded (and their bloody mary is one of the best in town, but that's not exactly a nighttime cocktail!)

Fiona T.
Fiona T.

I ordered the Butternut Rigatoni to go. It was good but the pasta was hard by the time I brought it home. I also ordered the yakitori chicken skewers and was not happy with them. My siblings also thought the same

Thomas H.
Thomas H.

We like the food, service can be sluggish when packed inside and out but worthwhile overall.

P A.
P A.

A great neighborhood bar with a little sass! The menu is new American with some hints of asian fusion such as kimchi 1000 island sauce (delish). Docking 1 star due to the lack of up front wait staff. There was nobody to greet us or seat us so we sat ourselves. We ordered the smash burger without onions and fries and loaded up on cocktails and beers. We ordered off the menu cocktails and they were amazing! Would I come back? Absolutely Would I recommend it to a friend? Sure!

Kristen S.
Kristen S.

We visited Cole valley tavern to meet with local friends in SF. It boasts indoor and outdoor seating, that is comfortable for a bar atmosphere and families/kids alike (we had two toddlers in our group). I didn't try the food, but cocktails were exceptional and the servers were incredibly attentive and kind with checking on us despite having a huge group with small squirmy kiddos. Happy hour was a pretty calm time, but there was a bit of a dinner rush around 6pm. Those who had food in our group were pleased. Definitely a good spot to catch up with friends and converse with fabulous people watching!

Jocelyn L.
Jocelyn L.

My husband and were originally heading to Beit Rima for dinner, but saw Cole Valley Tavern, and had been wanting to try it for a while! So we said why not change our plans!!! I'm so glad we did. We came here on a Sunday evening, and were seated right away, as it was pretty empty at this time. There are lots of cozy booths available, and hopefully you'll get the chance to sit in one too! They also have a fun bar seating area, if you have a smaller party. They have high chairs available, which was fantastic, as my little one enjoyed dining here too. My husband, daughter and I shared the Smoked Garlic Hummus for an appetizer, which was decent. We mostly got it for my daughter so she could eat something soft. I did like the hummus though, good flavor, with raw veggies that made me feel somewhat less guilty. I got their Smash Burger for my entree, which was a HUGE win. It was just something I was craving for that moment in time - greasy, satisfying, delicious. you can ask for 1 or 2 patties, I'm glad I opted for the 1 patty, as I think 2 patties might have tipped the ratio just a little too much. The other highlight of the dish was the FRENCH FRIES!!! They were big, handcut fries - my absolute favorite, which are hard to come by these days. My husband got the fish and chips, which he found equally satisfying. Drinks were great too - loved my Superbloom Martini! I also really LOVED the local art they have displayed here on their walls, which they switch out every now and then. I loved the San Francisco/Sunset District themed art that was displayed here in late April. When I asked the waitress about the artist, she didn't know who was displayed on the wall, but she was helpful in that she texted her manager, who got back to her, and told us that John Musgrove was the artist! Fantastic - loved the art so much, i ended up buying his art later on. I can't wait to return to try more items, or even just revisit their good burger and cocktails, and see the new local art!

Lizzie S.
Lizzie S.

Great service and an even better breakfast sandwich if you come for brunch. Love the eggs, cheese, and kimchi sauce. They also have nice drinks for brunch! Nice bar, good place for date night, girls' night out, or for families. Smash burger and dinner items are also good--there's something for everyone.

Cindy C.
Cindy C.

I had a delightful dinner on a Friday night at this casual diner with a bar in the middle, where they were playing the Warriors game. Fortunately, there was no wait, and we were seated promptly. The coconut mussels were outstanding, earning a solid 5/5 with a flavorful blend of coconut and lime in the sauce. We couldn't stop dipping our burger and tatter tots in the sauce. Another highlight was the miso salmon salad, featuring perfectly cooked salmon atop a Caesar salad with thick shaved Parmesan cheese, also deserving of a 5/5. The smoked chowder provided an interesting twist with a rating of 4/5, particularly enjoyable on a cold day. However, the Dancing Bear cocktail, while okay, was somewhat ordinary- reminiscent of a standard Moscow Mule, with the uniqueness mainly in the cup. I would recommend skipping the soft serve, Philly hot dog, and smash burger. The service was attentive, consistently clearing our table despite its smaller size. Be prepare to pay for sf mandated, county, state and special tax on your bill. Overall, it's a notable spot worth checking out if you're ever in the area.

Location

Welcome to Cole Valley Tavern, a gem located at 900 Cole St in San Francisco, CA. This cocktail bar offers a unique dining experience with a menu that features a combination of burgers, fish & chips, and shareable plates. The tavern takes pride in providing a welcoming environment for all, with various amenities like wheelchair accessibility, QR code menus, and gender-neutral restrooms.

When it comes to the food, Cole Valley Tavern has received rave reviews from customers. The Smash Burger, featuring ground brisket & chuck, caramelized beer onions, American cheese, and kimchi Thousand Island sauce, is a must-try. The Fish & Chips are perfectly fried with a hint of curry spice, and the Garlic Fries are crispy and packed with flavor.

Customer reviews often mention the top-notch cocktails and specials available at the tavern, ensuring a great dining experience. The Soft-Serve Dessert provides a sweet and creamy ending to a fantastic meal. Cole Valley Tavern has a reputation for excellent food and service, making it a highly recommended spot for a night out.

  • Location: 900 Cole St San Francisco, CA 94117
  • Phone Number: (415) 681-7678
  • Category: Cocktail Bars - Burgers - Fish & Chips
  • Utilities: Takes Reservations, Offers Delivery, Offers Takeout, and more