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Pier 23 Cafe, San Francisco, CA

Pier 23 Cafe

4.5 (1288)
$30 and under
Seafood
Pier 23, On The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for brunch
Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar, a historic wharf restaurant and bar, continues to serves fresh seafood and good drinks to locals and visitors alike.

Family owned for nearly 35 years, Pier 23 Cafe takes an innovative approach to San Francisco’s traditional seafood dishes. It’s a tried and true establishment that captures the essence of the City and its waterfront history in food, service, and picturesque waterside setting.

Soak up the California sun and the beautiful San Francisco Bay views from our Beer Garden & Waterside patio or city views of Telegraph Hill and the Embarcadero from our sidewalk tables.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon 11:30 am–4:00 pm Wed–Sun 11:30 am–6:00 pm Bar Wed–Sun 11:30 am–7:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    For events off site, pickup a party platter! Choose from a selection of some of our favorite dishes: • Mini Dungeness Crab Cakes with Avocado Crema • Caesar Salad • Jumbo Prawns with Traditional Cocktail Sauce • Baby Back Ribs with Ginger Hoisin BBQ • Deviled Eggs with Salmon Caviar • Beef + Pulled Pork Sliders
  • Private party facilities
    Pier 23 Cafe located right on the waterfront is a perfect place for hosting a work Happy Hour, birthday party, family or business dinner. Our excellent service, fresh delicious food, and dedication to sustaining San Francisco's rich waterfront history, provide a memorable experience for every guest.
  • Neighborhood
    Financial District / Embarcadero
  • Cross street
    Greenwhich
  • Parking details
    There are several public lots within walking distance of the restaurant. Some public parking lots close early so check the signs.
  • Public transit
    The Muni F-Line light rail service that stops directly in front of Pier 23 Cafe is currently suspended. We are a ten minute walk from the Ferry Building and ten minutes from Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Entertainment
    Live Music Nightly
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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What 1,288 people are saying

Pier 23 Cafe reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.0Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

1,288 Reviews
  1. Linda VIP

    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley289 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went for lunch and we’re disappointed that the crab sandwich was no longer on the menu. We had been here last about six years ago. The fish and chips was a decent dish and the calamari also good, but fairly small portions. Servers were great! Ambience is always fabulous.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Philip VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area105 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A San Francisco classic. The patio outback is great. Service is friendly and the place has a rustic feel. Excellent food., esp fish n chips, crab sandwiches FX and their fries. A must visit for any one, local or out if towner.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jackie

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Had not been to Pier 23 in years. Wanted to like it, but the service and food was poor quality. Oysters on the half shell… you got three oysters on a platter the size for 10 for $18! So much mayo and cheese in the shrimp sandwich you couldn’t even taste the shrimp. Our server may have been new, but was very bad we had to ask busers and other waitresses for help. What used to be a fun spot to hang out, is no longer the case. I will not go back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Beat VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area30 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good food in relaxing atmosphere, very friendly staff. Always a pleasure to go to Pier 23.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Michael and Jennifer

    San Francisco Bay Area36 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on January 20, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was either just ok or cold. Two of us had to wait until the others were almost half done. Service was pathetic, didn’t get my drink until after I brought it up when food arrived. Had to go to the counter to pay.

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  6. libby

    San Francisco Bay Area11 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on December 27, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Close to the exploratorium. Good beer selection. Fish tacos are goood! Something for everyone. Kids menu

    Is this helpful?

  7. BeatH VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area30 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always nice to pass by Pier 23. Good food and nice people.

    Is this helpful?

  8. AlexRahn VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect place for lunch on the SF bay! Amazing margaritas, fresh crab and best caesar salad! Friendly service and family run establishment for over 30 years! A must visit in San Francisco!

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  9. Hub51 VIP

    Los Angeles10 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on March 24, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    I remember the food being a lot better in the past. Pre pandemic we used to frequent this spot often. The garlic fries no longer come with garlic. The server informed me that they switched to a garlic oil when i asked if they were in fact garlic fries. They looked and tasted like everyone else’s regular fries on the table. Must be that new tasteless odorless garlic oil. Party of six and everyone was underwhelmed by the food.

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  10. DebbE VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area66 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The place to be on a sunny day! Great cocktails, yummy food. Gotta try the fish tacos or bay shrimp any way they serve it!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Pier 23 Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 362-5125.

Pier 23 Cafe is rated 4.5 stars by 1288 OpenTable diners.

Pier 23 Cafe does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. Financial District / Embarcadero

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today
Google Map for Pier 23 Cafe

Pier 23, On The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Greenwhich
  • Neighborhood
    Financial District / Embarcadero
  • Hours of operation
    Mon 11:30 am–4:00 pm Wed–Sun 11:30 am–6:00 pm Bar Wed–Sun 11:30 am–7:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    There are several public lots within walking distance of the restaurant. Some public parking lots close early so check the signs.
  • Public transit
    The Muni F-Line light rail service that stops directly in front of Pier 23 Cafe is currently suspended. We are a ten minute walk from the Ferry Building and ten minutes from Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Live Music Nightly
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    For events off site, pickup a party platter! Choose from a selection of some of our favorite dishes: • Mini Dungeness Crab Cakes with Avocado Crema • Caesar Salad • Jumbo Prawns with Traditional Cocktail Sauce • Baby Back Ribs with Ginger Hoisin BBQ • Deviled Eggs with Salmon Caviar • Beef + Pulled Pork Sliders
  • Private party facilities
    Pier 23 Cafe located right on the waterfront is a perfect place for hosting a work Happy Hour, birthday party, family or business dinner. Our excellent service, fresh delicious food, and dedication to sustaining San Francisco's rich waterfront history, provide a memorable experience for every guest.
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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