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Chez Maman West
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Chez Maman West
8.0
Cozy French bistro turning out customizable burgers on ciabatta with add-ons like egg or Roquefort. Casual service and sidewalk seating fit a relaxed Hayes Valley stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
8oz Angus Beef Burger on Ciabatta, Roquefort Burger with Caramelized Onions, Egg-Topped Burger with Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Build-your-own French bistro burger with classic add-ons.
Who should go: Casual burger-and-fries seekers
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7pm for easier seating
What to order: Angus burger, add egg or Roquefort, side salad
Insider tip: Ask for ciabatta lightly pressed for extra crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley is tight, especially after 6pm; public garages on Franklin or Gough are the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual – jeans and sneakers are fine, but a light jacket helps for patio seating.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation is easy on the sidewalk tables, a bit livelier inside during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for a table during peak times; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, seating is easy before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie burger and several salad options.
Vegan options: Limited – burgers can be customized without cheese or mayo, plus a couple of sides.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free buns available on request; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re going for casual and cozy. The sidewalk tables create a relaxed atmosphere without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – they don’t take reservations, so walk-ins are the norm. Arrive early on weekends to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – burgers and fries are approachable for kids, and the sidewalk tables work well for families with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Chez Maman is better for customizable burgers with French touches and a neighborhood-bistro feel.
Skip if: Skip if you want a high-energy bar scene or lots of beer options; it’s more bistro than pub.
Chez Maman West
7.9
Cozy Hayes Valley bistro serving croques, tartares, moules frites, and hearty plates with unfussy warmth. It’s a comfortable sit-down option for French comfort classics, brunch, or an easy date near Patricia’s Green.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules frites, Beef tartare, Croque madame
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Approachable French comfort cooking with all-day neighborhood energy.
Who should go: Casual date-night and bistro classics fans
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weeknights after 8pm
What to order: Moules frites; beef tartare; croque madame
Insider tip: Request sidewalk seating when the weather’s nice near Patricia’s Green.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley can be tough, especially evenings; nearby paid garages on Gough and Franklin are the safest bet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for dinner dates.
Noise level: Moderate – lively bistro energy but still possible to hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; often quicker after 8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – salads, cheese-focused croques, and sides provide several choices.
Vegan options: Limited – may manage with a salad and fries, but no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility – tartares and mussels are naturally gluten-free, though bread-heavy dishes dominate.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the cozy, unfussy atmosphere and French comfort fare make it relaxed but still charming, ideal for a low-pressure first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, especially for weekday lunches or later dinners, but weekends and brunch fill up fast, so book ahead if timing matters.
Is it kid-friendly? It works for older kids who like fries, burgers, or simple French fare, but the space is tighter and not geared toward toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Chez Maman excels at approachable French classics in a casual, cozy space compared to pricier formal French restaurants nearby.
Skip if: If you’re seeking cutting-edge tasting menus, vegan variety, or a very quiet environment, consider other Hayes Valley spots.
Chez Maman West
8.1
Cozy neighborhood bistro (Hayes Valley since 2012) serving crepes, moules frites, tartares, and hearty classics in a snug, poster-lined space. The plates are rustic, comfort-driven, and ideal for casual date-night photos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules Marinière (with fries), Croque Madame, Beef Tartare
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Warm, casual bistro for crepes, moules, and classic comfort plates.
Who should go: Casual date-night and neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm or weekend brunch off-peak
What to order: Moules marinière, croque madame, beef tartare
Insider tip: Order moules with extra fries—great dipping and photo-worthy steam.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm. No valet; nearby paid garages within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and casual tops are fine, but many lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively buzz but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; easy to walk in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — crepes, salads, and some entrées can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and sides, but not a strong focus.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some dishes like tartares and mussels are naturally gluten-free, but crepes and bread-based plates dominate.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The cozy bistro setting and French comfort food create a relaxed, romantic vibe without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights or late seatings. On weekends, expect a wait if you arrive during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults. High chairs and kids’ amenities are not emphasized, but older children may enjoy casual meals here.
Best For
Better for: Rustic French comfort dishes and a casual, neighborhood feel that’s warmer than more polished Union Square French spots.
Skip if: You want extensive vegan/gluten-free options or a quiet, fine-dining atmosphere.
Chez Maman West
8.0
Cozy Hayes Valley bistro for everyday French—moules-frites, croques, salads, and their famously indulgent burger with a runny egg. Friendly service and sidewalk tables keep it lively from brunch through casual date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules-frites, Croque-monsieur, Burger with egg
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Neighborhood bistro staples with generous portions and fair prices.
Who should go: Casual French comfort seekers
When to visit: Late lunch to avoid peak waits
What to order: Moules-frites; croque-monsieur; egg-topped burger
Insider tip: Bar counter is fastest for solo walk-ins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley is limited; best bet is nearby paid garages on Gough or Franklin.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly polished for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate indoors, quieter on sidewalk tables; conversation-friendly most times except peak brunch.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for sidewalk tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads, omelets, and pasta dishes are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—request modifications on salads or sides, but mains are mostly dairy- or egg-based.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility—steak, salads, and mussels can be ordered without bread; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its cozy bistro vibe and sidewalk seating create a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere, ideal for casual first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, though expect waits at peak brunch and dinner; the bar counter is fastest for solos.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids—portions are generous and casual, though space is tight and not ideal for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Better for hearty French comfort staples and indulgent brunch than more formal French restaurants nearby.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for fine-dining polish, extensive vegan options, or a hushed, romantic setting.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday10:30am - 10pm
Sunday10:30am - 10pm