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Marlowe
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Marlowe
8.3
A New American bistro (since 2010; refreshed 2014) famous for the Marlowe Burger, brussels sprout chips, and polished service. It balances neighborhood ease with a buzzy bar crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Marlowe Burger, Brussels sprout chips, Steak tartare
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Beloved bistro with one of SF’s standout burgers.
Who should go: Burger lovers and cocktail fans
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to avoid waits
What to order: Marlowe Burger; brussels chips; bone marrow
Insider tip: Ask for the burger cooked mid-rare for peak juiciness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Townsend and Brannan can be tight during game nights or peak hours; nearby paid garages on 4th Street are the best bet.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a blazer fit the vibe; business-casual regulars from nearby offices are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during dinner; calm enough for conversation during lunch but buzzy at happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially around Giants home games.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:15pm; fills quickly after noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple composed salads, roasted veggie sides, and the option to modify mains.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 adaptable items, though not a dedicated vegan spot.
Gluten-free options: Yes – burger can be served on a lettuce wrap; staff knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it’s stylish without being stuffy, with a comfortable bistro layout and strong cocktails that help break the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for early lunch or pre-5:30pm dinners; bar seating is a dependable walk-in option.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids at lunch; less so during dinner when the crowd skews adult and the bar energy picks up.
Best For
Better for: One of SoMa’s best casual-business spots—excellent service and a refined yet relaxed space that beats nearby pubs and chains for polish.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal—try nearby Twenty Five Lusk or Boulevard instead.
Marlowe
8.6
SOMA bistro known for the Marlowe Burger—caramelized onions, cheddar, bacon, and horseradish aioli—served with crisp herb fries. Polished service and a lively room make it a go-to for a late dinner near the ballpark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Marlowe Burger, Crispy Potato Croquettes, Grilled Broccolini
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A benchmark SF burger with layered flavors and precise execution.
Who should go: Burger lovers wanting a polished sit-down
When to visit: Fri–Sat evenings for latest kitchen hours
What to order: Marlowe Burger; fries; seasonal veg
Insider tip: Ask for medium-rare—the kitchen nails the temp and sear.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tough near the ballpark; metered spots clear after 6pm but fill quickly. Paid garages nearby (4th & King, Townsend) are the most reliable.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for dinner service.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations are doable but expect a buzzier room on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes opens up faster.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal vegetable sides and salads are thoughtful options.
Vegan options: Limited—possible to build a meal from sides but no dedicated entrées.
Gluten-free options: Yes—fries and many mains are gluten-free friendly; no separate prep space, so cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dimly lit, stylish setting with polished service makes it a strong first-date choice, especially if you want a lively but not overwhelming vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed—weekend evenings fill up fast, though the bar sometimes has openings for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—more geared toward adults. Older kids are fine, but it’s not set up for toddlers or families with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Benchmark burger execution in a stylish, sit-down environment—ideal when you want both food and ambiance.
Skip if: You want a casual, quick bite or a family-focused setting—other burger joints nearby may be better suited.
Marlowe
8.6
The Marlowe Fries come hot, herbed, and reliably crisp—often paired with the house burger or steak frites. Chef Jennifer Puccio’s kitchen keeps execution tight, so fries land well-seasoned and consistent even during rushes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Marlowe Fries (sea salt & herbs), Steak Frites (herb butter, jus), Marlowe Burger + fries
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Herbed, restaurant-grade fries anchored by a serious kitchen.
Who should go: Burger-and-fries purists seeking polish
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 or late lunch
What to order: Marlowe Fries; steak frites; Marlowe Burger
Insider tip: Ask for extra aioli or red wine jus for dipping.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoMa, but garages are available within a 2–3 block walk. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual, leaning dressy. Blazers or nice tops are common for dinner; jeans are fine if polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—still workable for conversation, though energy spikes during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10–15 minutes, faster after 1:30 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several appetizers, sides, and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—fries and select vegetable dishes can be adapted, but not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes, including fries and proteins, can be prepared gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the stylish interior and consistently good food create an intimate but lively setting that works well for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights or at off-peak hours, but expect waits on weekends. Reservations are recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The atmosphere skews adult with a business and date-night crowd. Suitable for older teens, but not designed for small children.
Best For
Better for: Marlowe delivers refined execution and consistency, making it better for business lunches and polished date nights than casual fry spots.
Skip if: If you’re looking for budget-friendly fries or a casual sports-bar vibe, other options in SoMa may fit better.
Marlowe
8.6
SoMa bistro known for its signature Marlowe Burger: a well-seasoned beef patty layered with cheddar, bacon, caramelized onions, and horseradish aioli. A reliable pre- or post-game stop with polished service and a lively bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Marlowe Burger, Deviled Eggs, Fries with herb aioli
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A city-famous burger with balanced richness and crunch.
Who should go: Burger purists and cocktail lovers
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 for shorter waits
What to order: Marlowe Burger; herb fries; seasonal veg
Insider tip: Ask for medium-rare and extra horseradish aioli on the side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoMa can be tough during peak hours; paid garages are available within 2–3 blocks, no valet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many guests lean slightly dressy for the lively bar scene.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is possible at tables but the bar area gets louder during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10–15 minutes; popular with business crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – salads, sides, and a few entrees work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited – modifications possible but not a core focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes – bunless burger option and several sides can be made gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the signature burger, polished service, and upbeat energy create a fun yet relaxed vibe for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible, but expect waits on weekends. The bar area often has open spots if you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults and older teens; no dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs, but families with well-behaved kids are welcome earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: One of the best-crafted burgers in the city paired with cocktails in a stylish SoMa setting.
Skip if: If you’re seeking a quiet, kid-focused, or vegan-heavy dining option, alternatives may suit better.