I have lived in the haight ashbury area since 1994 and was a regular at this restaurant. Sadly we went last week and the place has a new owner and is completely remodeled. It used to be an open space, an actual bar with great lighting. A great neighborhood local vibe, familiar faces, great atmosphere. Although it was always a bit pricey now it is now beyond expensive. The place is now gentrified and the local vibe is replaced with wealthy strangers. So sad to see such a great local place change so much. UGH
Jeff R.
Neighborhood "go to" for 20 years just became "never go to again". COVID, I get it. We all make accommodations. Had to wait for a seat at the bar. No problem. They were responsibly regulating the number of people. But when the new owner's friends show up? No waiting. He shoves them into our personal space, literally elbow-in-the-back close. The frazzled and irritated bartender then rudely asks me, as if I were a small child, to move my mask to make room for the owner's friends. We ordered food and now had to deal with pre COVID proximity and old middle aged, entitled hipsters bragging about expensive trips and how they met, etc, etc, all over our food?!?! Bartender, whom we knew from our frequent patronage, made us feel unwelcome, bothersome and basically like s**** Maybe not her fault as she was left behind the bar alone to serve everyone in the place and the new tables outside. The new owner actually sat down with his friends while his longtime, experienced bartender drowned behind bar. Dude, get off your a** and pour some beers! JFC. As we were leaving, my companion spoke to him about our experience. His smarmy non-apology was that he was sorry that we had "a negative experience". What we were looking for was "I'm sorry. I promise to do better in the future. Give us another chance, and I'll buy you a drink next time."
Mean Jody W.
Although we've been to this neighborhood restaurant numerous times (more than 40+ times over the years), we've always left feeling like it was "almost" a good meal. More often than not, the food is a solid 3 to 3.5 out of 5 but the service is always hit or miss. Sometimes it's good. Service during COVID has been "lack luster" if I'm being nice. We know it's been tough for everyone, but calling-in our order is impossible. We're asked to hold - (no problem) but then we get dropped (no problem) but when we call back, it's a busy signal.... FOREVER. So we can never call-in our order. No biggie, we'll order online. However, ordering online does not allow you to special request anything. So no ability to request sauce on side, or please no "XYZ" because of allergies... When you pick up the order at the prescribed time - it's either been sitting there and the fries are dead cold or it's not there at all and they look at you like you're stupid when you say that you ordered online. Of course, they find the order in the end. It's either still cooking or it's been sitting out. So - we've been hoping things would change, but this last time was just awful. When we mentioned that our call was dropped again and we couldn't call back because of the eternal busy signal - they just stared. They couldn't find our order yet again and said that they didn't have it. My spouse was so done with this routine. Order was found. Fries were dead cold. Maybe things will get better - I know it's not like they'll miss my business but I really want them to be better because they're an integral part of the hood. Rant over.
Ian C.
Super let down again, and second time in 2 weeks. Walk up to order to go food and sit at a an empty table to wait. After 25 mins people who arrived after me get their food. The waitress checks and immediately brings back my food. After walking 2 blocks home it's all stone cold. Once is ok, but twice in a row, I'd rather doordash from somewhere else, at least it's never cold.
Kyra H.
Kezar Bar is one of our favorite neighborhood spots. Love the ambiance and the food has improved over the years. So happy they have stayed alive through Covid shut-downs. We were last there in the later evening on May 7th, and sat outside for a light dinner and drinks. Our server, Jennifer, (name that was listed on the receipt) was really friendly and attentive. When we first got there she offered to roll out a heat lamp for us, even though we hadn't asked, which was so much appreciated and made our evening on the sidewalk really comfortable. She took our orders as soon as we were ready, and we got our drinks and food promptly. The Bear Hug Hot Toddy was super good - perfect for the chilly spring night. My husband got a generous glass of the red blend. Chicken enchiladas and the vegie angel hair pasta dish were also super good. Jennifer checked up on us regularly, and was nice each time. We have gotten so used to rude and rushed service at restaurants and bars in SF over the years, that when we are treated with simple kindness by hosts and servers it really makes a difference in our lives. We are lifelong San Franciscans, we tip well, and we are patient and polite customers, but as we get older we often feel that we are treated in an off-handed, rushed, and often rude manner by restaurant and bar staff as the city has become more crowded and elitist. I hope Kezar Bar stays with us and thrives, but doesn't change too much. Thanks for another special evening.
Raven Hannibal
Wow!!! Everything is Good!!! Even the brussel sprouts ?. Just go! You will thank me later ?
Ian T.
Now under (relatively) new ownership and operating in COVID confinement, the Kezar is doing a great job with take out food. Fresh, hot and generous - with fries that stay crispy despite the inevitable time between pot and plate. Burgers, fish and chips, and the chicken sandwich are all great and worth coming back for. Can't wait until the doors open again.
Steve T.
Kezar continues to work off and on during COVID as regulations permit. We live in the area and this is one of our favorite restaurants. The drinks and food were delicious - we had burgers and nachos. Spicy margarita is my favorite drink. I had an Impossible Burger with cheese and fries, it was excellent. During COVID, you pull up the menu by QR code for safety. I think the menu currently has slightly fewer options than pre-COVID when we could eat indoors but that makes sense when our restaurants don't know if they can be open next week. You can also see the current menu on their website. As always, Kezar has super-friendly staff. My wife, son, and gf had dinner there Thurs Feb 25, and ate outdoors around 7pm. It was 50 degrees after sunset and a bit windy. We got a table for four on the sidewalk outside -- of course no indoor eating at this time. Every table was full and we had to wait about 5 minutes for a table to open up. There are propane heat lamps between tables on the sidewalk close to the building, but given the tables' 6' spacing, my wife and I who were sitting farthest away from the heater were a good 8' away, which means we didn't feel any of the heater's heat. Tables in the parklet's shelter, the temporary structure in the street parking spots, do not have heaters (at least not the night we were there). I imagine the structure's roofline would be too close to the top of the propane heaters, representing a fire hazard. But since the structure blocks the wind, I think sitting there would feel about as warm as with the heaters. Luckily, we wore down jackets and brought blankets for our laps, ski hats, gloves and of course masks for when the staff approaches. While it may not feel very cold when you go outside for a 10-minute walk to the store, when you're sitting for an hour at a table after sunset with the breeze, it can get cold, so suit up and be prepared! It would have been too cold without our gear. I highly recommend Kezar! The restaurant is a neighborhood mainstay that deserves all of our support during the pandemic!
Cynthia S.
Kezar has been operating throughout covid, first on Friday nights for pickup and now expanding to a decent amount of outdoor seating. So glad it is powering through the pandemic - the fried chicken sandwiches here are BOMB as are those brussels sprouts. A neighborhood staple!
Latte Queen W.
These guys are doing a great job during this crazy time. My husband and I had our first date here so we are definitely biased, but we really have enjoyed their outdoor seating setup and the nachos in particular have been delicious.
Its was closed but made the place look like it was open.
Ruben P.
Seemed like a good spot for burgers. They closed early due to COVID. No problem! But at least lock your doors so people don't think you're open. 3 employees eating at the bar then ask me to wear a mask only to ask me to leave. Laughable.
Matt G.
Kezar is our local friendly neighborhood restaurant! Perfect place for a low key Friday night date night with strong cocktails and delicious dinner to close out the week. The wall decorations give it an eclectic yet homey feel. Favorite entrees are the lamb burger and the potato pancakes. We were thrilled when they started brunch as it provides a great place without the wait at Zazie or Padrecito.
Kate S.
Great neighborhood spot. Solid menu and food is really good. Nice local crowd. 3 stars instead of 5 because, as other reviews have said, the lady bartender on Thursday (and other) nights is just plain rude and unfortunately she's the only one we've interacted with.
Clayton N.
Came here again for brunch and loved it. We sat outside since it was a beautiful day outside. Food and drinks were on point and service was great. We started with bloody Mary's which were super good. I asked for spicy and it was perfect! Breakfast we got French toast, salmon toast, the breakfast sandwich and the fried chicken sandwich. Everything tasted super food, my favorite probably being the French toast. It melted in your mouth and they had fresh whipped cream and fruits on top. Also the breakfast sandwich tasted super good and the chili aioli sauce really paired well with the seeded bun. Service was great as it always is when I come here. The same bartender that was there last time I came was here and the waitress was super friendly and talkative. Made for a very pleasant brunch!
I have lived in the haight ashbury area since 1994 and was a regular at this restaurant. Sadly we went last week and the place has a new owner and is completely remodeled. It used to be an open space, an actual bar with great lighting. A great neighborhood local vibe, familiar faces, great atmosphere. Although it was always a bit pricey now it is now beyond expensive. The place is now gentrified and the local vibe is replaced with wealthy strangers. So sad to see such a great local place change so much. UGH
Neighborhood "go to" for 20 years just became "never go to again". COVID, I get it. We all make accommodations. Had to wait for a seat at the bar. No problem. They were responsibly regulating the number of people. But when the new owner's friends show up? No waiting. He shoves them into our personal space, literally elbow-in-the-back close. The frazzled and irritated bartender then rudely asks me, as if I were a small child, to move my mask to make room for the owner's friends. We ordered food and now had to deal with pre COVID proximity and old middle aged, entitled hipsters bragging about expensive trips and how they met, etc, etc, all over our food?!?! Bartender, whom we knew from our frequent patronage, made us feel unwelcome, bothersome and basically like s**** Maybe not her fault as she was left behind the bar alone to serve everyone in the place and the new tables outside. The new owner actually sat down with his friends while his longtime, experienced bartender drowned behind bar. Dude, get off your a** and pour some beers! JFC. As we were leaving, my companion spoke to him about our experience. His smarmy non-apology was that he was sorry that we had "a negative experience". What we were looking for was "I'm sorry. I promise to do better in the future. Give us another chance, and I'll buy you a drink next time."
Although we've been to this neighborhood restaurant numerous times (more than 40+ times over the years), we've always left feeling like it was "almost" a good meal. More often than not, the food is a solid 3 to 3.5 out of 5 but the service is always hit or miss. Sometimes it's good. Service during COVID has been "lack luster" if I'm being nice. We know it's been tough for everyone, but calling-in our order is impossible. We're asked to hold - (no problem) but then we get dropped (no problem) but when we call back, it's a busy signal.... FOREVER. So we can never call-in our order. No biggie, we'll order online. However, ordering online does not allow you to special request anything. So no ability to request sauce on side, or please no "XYZ" because of allergies... When you pick up the order at the prescribed time - it's either been sitting there and the fries are dead cold or it's not there at all and they look at you like you're stupid when you say that you ordered online. Of course, they find the order in the end. It's either still cooking or it's been sitting out. So - we've been hoping things would change, but this last time was just awful. When we mentioned that our call was dropped again and we couldn't call back because of the eternal busy signal - they just stared. They couldn't find our order yet again and said that they didn't have it. My spouse was so done with this routine. Order was found. Fries were dead cold. Maybe things will get better - I know it's not like they'll miss my business but I really want them to be better because they're an integral part of the hood. Rant over.
Super let down again, and second time in 2 weeks. Walk up to order to go food and sit at a an empty table to wait. After 25 mins people who arrived after me get their food. The waitress checks and immediately brings back my food. After walking 2 blocks home it's all stone cold. Once is ok, but twice in a row, I'd rather doordash from somewhere else, at least it's never cold.
Kezar Bar is one of our favorite neighborhood spots. Love the ambiance and the food has improved over the years. So happy they have stayed alive through Covid shut-downs. We were last there in the later evening on May 7th, and sat outside for a light dinner and drinks. Our server, Jennifer, (name that was listed on the receipt) was really friendly and attentive. When we first got there she offered to roll out a heat lamp for us, even though we hadn't asked, which was so much appreciated and made our evening on the sidewalk really comfortable. She took our orders as soon as we were ready, and we got our drinks and food promptly. The Bear Hug Hot Toddy was super good - perfect for the chilly spring night. My husband got a generous glass of the red blend. Chicken enchiladas and the vegie angel hair pasta dish were also super good. Jennifer checked up on us regularly, and was nice each time. We have gotten so used to rude and rushed service at restaurants and bars in SF over the years, that when we are treated with simple kindness by hosts and servers it really makes a difference in our lives. We are lifelong San Franciscans, we tip well, and we are patient and polite customers, but as we get older we often feel that we are treated in an off-handed, rushed, and often rude manner by restaurant and bar staff as the city has become more crowded and elitist. I hope Kezar Bar stays with us and thrives, but doesn't change too much. Thanks for another special evening.
Wow!!! Everything is Good!!! Even the brussel sprouts ?. Just go! You will thank me later ?
Now under (relatively) new ownership and operating in COVID confinement, the Kezar is doing a great job with take out food. Fresh, hot and generous - with fries that stay crispy despite the inevitable time between pot and plate. Burgers, fish and chips, and the chicken sandwich are all great and worth coming back for. Can't wait until the doors open again.
Kezar continues to work off and on during COVID as regulations permit. We live in the area and this is one of our favorite restaurants. The drinks and food were delicious - we had burgers and nachos. Spicy margarita is my favorite drink. I had an Impossible Burger with cheese and fries, it was excellent. During COVID, you pull up the menu by QR code for safety. I think the menu currently has slightly fewer options than pre-COVID when we could eat indoors but that makes sense when our restaurants don't know if they can be open next week. You can also see the current menu on their website. As always, Kezar has super-friendly staff. My wife, son, and gf had dinner there Thurs Feb 25, and ate outdoors around 7pm. It was 50 degrees after sunset and a bit windy. We got a table for four on the sidewalk outside -- of course no indoor eating at this time. Every table was full and we had to wait about 5 minutes for a table to open up. There are propane heat lamps between tables on the sidewalk close to the building, but given the tables' 6' spacing, my wife and I who were sitting farthest away from the heater were a good 8' away, which means we didn't feel any of the heater's heat. Tables in the parklet's shelter, the temporary structure in the street parking spots, do not have heaters (at least not the night we were there). I imagine the structure's roofline would be too close to the top of the propane heaters, representing a fire hazard. But since the structure blocks the wind, I think sitting there would feel about as warm as with the heaters. Luckily, we wore down jackets and brought blankets for our laps, ski hats, gloves and of course masks for when the staff approaches. While it may not feel very cold when you go outside for a 10-minute walk to the store, when you're sitting for an hour at a table after sunset with the breeze, it can get cold, so suit up and be prepared! It would have been too cold without our gear. I highly recommend Kezar! The restaurant is a neighborhood mainstay that deserves all of our support during the pandemic!
Kezar has been operating throughout covid, first on Friday nights for pickup and now expanding to a decent amount of outdoor seating. So glad it is powering through the pandemic - the fried chicken sandwiches here are BOMB as are those brussels sprouts. A neighborhood staple!
These guys are doing a great job during this crazy time. My husband and I had our first date here so we are definitely biased, but we really have enjoyed their outdoor seating setup and the nachos in particular have been delicious.
Restaurantji Recommends
Its was closed but made the place look like it was open.
Seemed like a good spot for burgers. They closed early due to COVID. No problem! But at least lock your doors so people don't think you're open. 3 employees eating at the bar then ask me to wear a mask only to ask me to leave. Laughable.
Kezar is our local friendly neighborhood restaurant! Perfect place for a low key Friday night date night with strong cocktails and delicious dinner to close out the week. The wall decorations give it an eclectic yet homey feel. Favorite entrees are the lamb burger and the potato pancakes. We were thrilled when they started brunch as it provides a great place without the wait at Zazie or Padrecito.
Great neighborhood spot. Solid menu and food is really good. Nice local crowd. 3 stars instead of 5 because, as other reviews have said, the lady bartender on Thursday (and other) nights is just plain rude and unfortunately she's the only one we've interacted with.
Came here again for brunch and loved it. We sat outside since it was a beautiful day outside. Food and drinks were on point and service was great. We started with bloody Mary's which were super good. I asked for spicy and it was perfect! Breakfast we got French toast, salmon toast, the breakfast sandwich and the fried chicken sandwich. Everything tasted super food, my favorite probably being the French toast. It melted in your mouth and they had fresh whipped cream and fruits on top. Also the breakfast sandwich tasted super good and the chili aioli sauce really paired well with the seeded bun. Service was great as it always is when I come here. The same bartender that was there last time I came was here and the waitress was super friendly and talkative. Made for a very pleasant brunch!