Seemor
Tempest Bar & Box KitchenB-Worth Trying
2940 431 Natoma St, San Francisco, CA 94103
· Bar & grill, American restaurant, Hamburger restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2008 reviews)
Takeout
Rowdy-leaning SoMa dive with strong drinks, a creative bar-food window, and uneven service; great late-night option if you like grit with your fries.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen earns its grade through strong food quality—particularly the Box Burger and creative bar snacks—and authentic dive-bar character that resonates with regulars. However, inconsistent execution with occasional kitchen mix-ups and variable service quality ranging from attentive to brusque prevent a higher standing. It's a solid neighborhood spot for late-night eats and drinks, but reliability concerns keep it from competing with more polished establishments.
Restaurant Summary
This SoMa staple leans full-on dive: bikes on the ceiling, jerseys on the wall, and a crowd that ranges from suits to night owls. Service stories swing from brusque to heroic, with one patron noting, "They even saved a lost bag and kept it safe." Expect loud energy, TVs with games, and an authentically gritty vibe that regulars love. Food comes from the window next door and is better than you might expect: a thick Box Burger with optional egg, loaded skins, and tacos with playful touches like harissa heat and maitake mushrooms. It is creative bar food priced fairly for the neighborhood, though late nights can mean shorter menus and the occasional mix-up. For families, the menu has plenty kids will actually eat—mac and cheese, fries, popcorn chicken, and a straightforward chicken sando. The caveat is the environment: it can be crowded and loud, more bar than restaurant. Daytime or early evening is the safest window if you are bringing little ones, and order at the window to keep things simple.
At a Glance
- Big, flavorful burgers and standout potato skins
- Late-night kitchen with creative bar snacks
- Strong drinks and lively dive-bar atmosphere
- Service can be brusque with reported tip pressure
- Occasional kitchen mix-ups and limited late-night offerings
What Sets It Apart
- late_night_kitchen_window
- creative_bar_food_twists
- true_dive_bar_character
What People Love
- Thick, satisfying burgers with add-ons
- Hearty portions for the price
- Authentic dive vibe with character
- Lively mix of regulars and visitors
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistency from friendly to curt; some tip-pressure reports
- Kitchen communication issues caused wrong items for a few to-go orders
- Very loud at peak times; not ideal for conversation
- Pricing variances noted by a few diners; verify totals when ordering
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- If vegetarian, try the Not Meatloaf Sando ($14) or Puffy Tacos ($13).
- Pair loaded skins ($15) with a draft beer for a value shareable.
- Spice fans: Popcorn Chicken with honey harissa buffalo ($11).
Perfect For
- Post-game burgers and beers
- Late-night snack runs
- Casual group hangs with TV sports
- Dive-bar aficionados exploring SoMa
Location Insights
Area: Edgy SoMa block with nightlife, mixed offices and creatives; classic urban dive-bar territory.
Safety: Urban-gritty feel; busy at night; situational awareness advised per mixed crowd mentions.
Nearby: Near clubs, small venues, and offices; sports-watching crowd and late-night foot traffic.
Mid-MarketMid-Market is a rapidly evolving part of SoMa characterized by a blend of corporate offices, trendy restaurants, and bars. The dining scene is diverse, catering to both casual and upscale tastes, with a lively social atmosphere especially during evenings and weekends.
Mid-Market CorridorThis corridor is known for its concentration of tech company headquarters and startups, alongside a growing number of hip eateries and nightlife spots. It has a vibrant, urban feel with a mix of new developments and older buildings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–02:00
Tuesday11:30–02:00
Wednesday11:30–02:00
Thursday11:30–02:00
Friday11:30–02:00
Saturday11:30–02:00
Sunday11:30–02:00
Available: Takeout
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