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Hardwood Bar & Smokery
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Hardwood Bar & Smokery
8.1
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Sports Bar Central
Casual smokehouse with St. Louis–style ribs, brisket, and a full bar—good for team lunches that want hearty plates and TVs for daytime games. Portions are generous and service is efficient enough for a one-hour break.
Must-Try Dishes:
St. Louis Ribs, Brisket & Ribs Combo, Cornbread with Honey Butter
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Reliable smoked-meat plates with plenty of seating.
Who should go: Teams craving hearty BBQ
When to visit: Weekdays 12–1pm for fresh racks
What to order: Ribs; brisket combo; cornbread
Insider tip: Ask for sauce on the side to taste the rub.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available in the Design District, but it can be tight during weekday lunch hours; nearby paid lots are a safer bet.
Dress code: Casual to business casual; teams often come straight from the office in shirts and slacks, but jeans and polos are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours with TVs on; conversation is possible for groups, but it’s not ideal for quiet one-on-one chats.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak game nights; otherwise little to no wait.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though larger groups may want to call ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available—think sides like mac & cheese, cornbread, or salads.
Vegan options: Very limited; options are mostly side dishes without cheese or butter.
Gluten-free options: Some meats and sides are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not the best choice—it’s louder, casual, and geared toward groups or sports fans. Better for team lunches or friends catching a game.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are usually fine at lunch and early evenings, though calling ahead for large parties is smart.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy BBQ; high chairs are available, but the sports-bar vibe and noise may not suit toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Group lunches, hearty BBQ plates, and catching a midday game with colleagues.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate setting or need extensive vegetarian/vegan options.
Hardwood Bar & Smokery
8.4
Design District smokehouse turning out St. Louis–style pork ribs kissed with Northern California hardwoods, plus a full bar and TVs. Portions run hearty and the rib bark stays balanced between smoke and sweet, making it a reliable ribs-first stop in SoMa.
Must-Try Dishes:
St. Louis–style pork ribs, Brisket & ribs combo, Jalapeño-cheddar cornbread
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Bay Area–style smoking over local hardwoods with a lively bar.
Who should go: Rib lovers who want drinks and game-day energy
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for quicker seats and fresh racks
What to order: St. Louis ribs; combo with brisket; cornbread
Insider tip: Ask for sauce on the side to appreciate the rub and smoke.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Design District, with meters until 10pm. A paid lot on 8th & Brannan is the most reliable nearby option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and tees are fine, though many patrons lean toward dressy casual for night outings.
Noise level: Lively and loud, especially during happy hour or when games are on TV. Conversations require raising your voice in peak times.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options like salads, mac & cheese, and sides, but not a full menu section.
Vegan options: Very limited—fries and a couple of sides are the only reliable picks.
Gluten-free options: Ribs and most smoked meats are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide on safe sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for a casual or second date than a polished first impression—the lively bar and rib-forward menu suit a fun night out, but not a quiet, intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, though you’ll wait longer on weekends. For groups, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? During lunch and early evening, yes—high chairs are available and the menu has sides kids enjoy. After 8pm, the bar energy makes it more of an adult crowd.
Best For
Better for: Hardwood shines at serving hearty, well-balanced ribs with a full bar and sports-friendly energy, ideal for groups and game-day outings.
Skip if: If you want a quiet dinner, vegetarian or vegan variety, or upscale ambiance, you’ll find better fits elsewhere.
Hardwood Bar & Smokery
7.9
Neighborhood smokehouse and sports bar serving salt-and-pepper dry-fried wings with jalapeño and garlic. Big screens, full bar, and meaty plates make it a reliable game-day wings stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry Fried Chicken Wings, Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich, Brisket Chili Cheese Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Garlic-jalapeño dry-fried wings in a true sports-bar setting.
Who should go: Fans who want wings with the game on
When to visit: Kickoff times or weeknight happy hour
What to order: Dry-fried wings, brisket taquitos, half BBQ chicken
Insider tip: Grab the high-tops near the bar for fastest service on game days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available in the Design District but can be scarce during game nights; nearby paid lots are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual—jerseys, jeans, and sneakers are all welcome in this sports-bar setting.
Noise level: High during games with loud TVs and cheering crowds; moderate outside of peak sports times.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes if a big game is on; otherwise usually seated within 15 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—tables are easy to get.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—items like mac and cheese, fries, and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited—only sides like fries or simple salads qualify.
Gluten-free options: Some BBQ meats and wings can be ordered without sauces; no separate prep area, so cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or sports-loving couples than romantic outings; the atmosphere is lively and game-focused.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, though tables fill quickly during major sports events.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evening, with a family-friendly menu, though the vibe is rowdy during late-night games.
Best For
Better for: Game-day energy, big screens, and hearty smoked plates make it stand out from standard wing joints.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining, upscale cocktails, or extensive vegan/vegetarian options.
Hardwood Bar & Smokery
8.1
Neighborhood smokery turning out mesquite/oak-kissed brisket, ribs, and wings alongside a full bar. Locals hit it for reliable meats, game-day energy, and group-friendly seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked brisket plate, Pork ribs, Smoked wings
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Live-fire Bay Area BBQ with a proper bar program.
Who should go: Groups craving classic smoked meats
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8 pm or weekend afternoons
What to order: Brisket, pork ribs, smoked wings
Insider tip: Ask for off-menu barky end cuts if available.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Design District; metered spots available but can be tight during events. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and jerseys are all fine. It’s a laid-back BBQ and sports bar setting.
Noise level: Lively and loud during games and peak hours; conversations are possible but expect background crowd energy.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer if a major game is on.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating for counter or tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mac and cheese, fries, salads, and a few sides.
Vegan options: Minimal—some sides like fries or pickles, but not a full entrée.
Gluten-free options: Yes—meats are generally gluten-free, and staff can advise on sauces and sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangs or sports-watching dates than romantic nights. It’s relaxed and fun but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but weekends and game days fill quickly—arrive early or expect a wait. Reservations recommended for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evening—high chairs available, and kids like the BBQ plates. Later evenings skew toward bar crowd.
Best For
Better for: Hardwood excels at group-friendly BBQ with a strong bar program and game-day atmosphere, making it great for gatherings.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking quiet dining, refined service, or extensive vegetarian/vegan choices.