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Zeitgeist
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Zeitgeist
7.8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
Iconic Mission beer garden with a sprawling patio, strong drafts, and a short, satisfying burger-and-fries menu. A daytime hang and late-night standby for big groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger, Turkey melt, Bratwurst with fries
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Classic SF beer garden energy with better-than-expected pub plates.
Who should go: Beer lovers and big friend groups
When to visit: Sunny afternoons or late nights on weekends
What to order: Cheeseburger; brat; fries with Zeitspice
Insider tip: Patio is first-come—split up to snag tables faster on busy days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—spots are tough on Valencia and surrounding blocks, especially evenings and weekends. No valet or private lot.
Dress code: Ultra-casual. Think T-shirts, jeans, and sneakers—beer garden patio vibes.
Noise level: Loud. Music, chatter, and patio energy make conversation tough for quiet catch-ups.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes to snag a table on the patio if the weather’s good. Bar lines also form.
Weekday lunch: No wait—open tables and quicker service during the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—fries, grilled cheese, and occasional meatless specials.
Vegan options: Very limited—fries are safe, but most items are meat- or cheese-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Not reliably—menu leans on buns and fried items without dedicated gluten-free prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date is into loud, casual beer gardens. Better for group hangs than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Zeitgeist is entirely first-come, first-served. Groups should split up to grab tables faster on busy days.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. It’s 21+ after a certain hour and leans heavily toward bar culture. Best to leave kids at home.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor day drinking with a big crew, strong draft selection, and classic Mission beer garden atmosphere.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, reliable gluten-free or vegan options, or a date-night setting—opt for a gastropub instead.
Zeitgeist
8.3
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Legendary beer garden and late-night hangout turning out juicy double smash burgers to go with 60+ taps. Picnic tables, a lively crowd, and extended hours make it a dependable post-show burger stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Smash Burger, Jalapeño Cheddar Burger, Tater Tots with Ranch
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Historic SF beer garden with a legit smash burger program.
Who should go: Night owls chasing burgers with beers
When to visit: Thu–Sat late evening for peak patio energy
What to order: Double Smash, jalapeño cheddar, tots
Insider tip: Order food from the QR code—lines at the bar are drink-only.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited spots nearby and tough after 7pm—best to use rideshare or bike.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, hoodies, and sneakers fit right in with the beer garden vibe.
Noise level: Loud outdoors with music and chatter; conversations possible at quieter corners but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for food on peak Fri–Sat nights; seating usually available at picnic tables.
Weekday lunch: No wait; kitchen not the main draw midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burger and sides like tots or fries.
Vegan options: Limited; fries/tots okay, but no dedicated vegan burger option.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—burgers come standard on buns; no GF bun substitute listed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet or romantic first date—it’s loud and communal. Better suited for a casual, low-pressure hangout.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; it’s first-come, first-served. Picnic tables are communal, so expect to share when busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—bar-forward atmosphere with a 21+ crowd in evenings. Daytime may be fine for older kids but not geared toward families.
Best For
Better for: Best for late-night burgers paired with craft beer in a lively outdoor setting—something most burger joints can’t match.
Skip if: Skip if you need gluten-free, vegan meals, or a quiet sit-down dinner spot—choose a dedicated restaurant instead.