0 Followers
ATwater Tavern
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
ATwater Tavern
8.1
Daytime-friendly tavern with burgers, fish & chips, and salads steps from the water. Efficient service, booth seating, and a straightforward kids-compatible menu make it a dependable Mission Bay choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
ATwater Burger, Fish & Chips, Crab Louie
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Waterfront tavern pacing tailored to daytime families.
Who should go: Parents wanting classic American plates
When to visit: Tue–Fri 11:30–1:30 for minimal waits
What to order: ATwater Burger; Fish & Chips; Crab Louie
Insider tip: Parking’s easier before noon; ask for patio if weather cooperates.
ATwater Tavern
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Waterfront American tavern built for daytime deals and client lunches, with reliable seafood, burgers, and a full bar. Weekday hours and efficient service make it a solid Mission Bay standby for quick-yet-comfortable meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
ATwater Burger, Fish & Chips, Dungeness Crab Louie
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Bayfront setting with a business-friendly menu and pace.
Who should go: Teams needing dependable midday meetings spot
When to visit: Tue–Fri 11:30–1:30 for best energy, minimal waits
What to order: ATwater Burger; Fish & Chips; Crab Louie
Insider tip: Ask for a waterside table; parking is easier before 12.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Terry A Francois Blvd and nearby UCSF lots; fills by noon, but early arrivals find easy spots.
Dress code: Business casual; button-downs or polos common, jeans acceptable with neat shoes.
Noise level: Moderate – lively lunch chatter indoors, quieter on the patio with bay breeze.
Weekend wait: Closed or limited weekend hours; focus is weekday service.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait before 12:15pm; short queue during peak 12:30–1:00pm window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several salads and roasted veggie plates available.
Vegan options: Limited – one or two modifiable items; ask for custom prep.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many proteins and salads adaptable; no dedicated fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual daytime meetup than a romantic night; great if you want a relaxed conversation with a view.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins welcome for lunch; reservations rarely needed unless hosting a group of 6+ or seeking specific patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – high chairs available, flexible staff, and open patio make it fine for families, though the menu leans adult-friendly.
Best For
Better for: Waterfront atmosphere and swift service make it superior for client lunches or casual team meetings.
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance or refined plating; nearby Miller & Lux or Via Aurelia fit those occasions better.
ATwater Tavern
8.1
Classic SF waterfront tavern with a seafood-leaning menu—think oysters, chowder, and cioppino—plus a strong happy hour. Large patio and bay views make it an easy meet-up before games or concerts.
Must-Try Dishes:
$1–style Oyster Happy Hour (check hours), SF Cioppino, Fish & Chips
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.7