Seemor
Dragon HorseBWorth Trying
917 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94107
· Japanese restaurant, Cocktail bar
· 4.6/5 Google (207 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Creative Japanese izakaya and cocktail bar with standout drinks and mixed food/service consistency; good for drinks-first nights, less ideal for purist sushi seekers or those needing fast service.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Dragon Horse excels as a cocktail-driven izakaya where the bar team's inventive drink program and knowledgeable recommendations shine brightest. However, inconsistent kitchen execution and slow pacing during peak hours limit overall appeal—the restaurant performs best on quieter evenings or when drinks are the priority rather than food. The well-designed space and group-friendly vibe support its reputation as a lively neighborhood destination, but modest portions and variable sushi quality prevent it from competing with the area's premier dining establishments.
Restaurant Summary
Dragon Horse is a SoMa izakaya where the bar leads the way: think inventive Asian-leaning cocktails, a lively room, and plates built to share. Expect creative drinks, upbeat service energy, and the occasional wait. One diner summed it up: "The vibe was great, the drinks shined, food came slowly." On rowdy nights, it can feel party-forward with karaoke humming in back. In the kitchen, the approach is contemporary Japanese with izakaya comfort—karaage, skewers, donburi—plus rolls like the Dragon Horse Roll and fresh nigiri. The cooking leans flavorful rather than fussy; highlights include hot, crunchy chicken and balanced crudos, while a few guests found ramen and certain fried items uneven. It is best for drink-centric evenings where plates accompany the glass rather than vice versa. Families can make it work thanks to simple options like edamame and rice, veggie sides, and mild rolls, and one parent noted their kids loved the food and music. There is no dedicated kids menu, and portions run modest, so pair a bowl (gyu don, ramen) with sides. If your crew needs plain comfort fare or quick pacing, consider earlier hours before the bar gets busy.
At a Glance
- Standout, inventive cocktails with knowledgeable bar team
- Group-friendly with karaoke and a private room
- Kitchen and bar pacing can be slow on busy nights
- Portions skew small relative to price
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- award_winning_cocktail_program
- karaoke_private_room
- late_night_japanese_izakaya
What People Love
- Creative cocktails that spotlight Asian flavors
- Welcoming, lively vibe
- Signature rolls like Dragon Horse
- Crispy karaage and snackable skewers
- Late-night availability in SoMa
Points of Concern
- Slow service and staggered pacing reported, especially during conferences or peak hours
- Food consistency varies: some fried items overdone, occasional sushi quality dips
- Pricing is premium for modest portions and select crudos
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-65 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Edamame ($5.95) and Agedashi Tofu ($11.95) while cocktails are mixed
- Pair one Chef Roll ($18-20) with a hot dish like Karaage ($14.95) for balance
- Value path: Happy hour sashimi or nigiri plus a house cocktail
- Vegetarian path: Veggie Dragon Roll ($16) + Veggie Tempura ($14.95) + Seaweed Salad ($7.95)
Perfect For
- After-work cocktails with shared plates
- Pre- or post-Moscone/ballgame meetups
- Birthday karaoke nights
- Casual date with inventive drinks
Location Insights
Area: Busy SoMa corridor with tech offices, galleries, and nightlife; draws after-work crowds and weekend bar hoppers.
Safety: Generally fine on main streets with foot traffic; typical SoMa edge off-arterials late night, stay aware.
Nearby: Near Moscone Center, offices, bars, and AT&T/Oracle Park routes; convenient for events and group outings.
South of Market (SoMa)SoMa offers a vibrant dining scene with a mix of trendy restaurants, casual eateries, and innovative food concepts. The area is lively, attracting a diverse crowd that enjoys both upscale dining and casual spots, often frequented by those working in nearby tech companies and creative industries.
South BeachSouth Beach is a sub-area within SoMa characterized by luxury condos, waterfront views, and upscale dining options. It has a more polished and residential feel compared to the broader SoMa area, with a focus on high-end restaurants and bars catering to professionals and visitors.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–23:00
Tuesday17:00–23:00
Wednesday17:00–23:00
Thursday17:00–23:00
Friday17:00–00:00
Saturday17:00–00:00
Sunday17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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