Trick Dog in San Francisco: photos, reviews

About

Trick Dog offers a vibrant and hip escape in San Francisco's lively Mission District. This spot is known for its phenomenal and distinct cocktails, crafted by exceptional bartenders, and a menu that promises something new on each visit. With moderate prices ranging from $20 to $30 per person, you can indulge in a mix of American classics like burgers, hearty sandwiches, and creative small plates like tapas and tartare. The food quality is remarkable, with noteworthy dishes such as chicken nuggets and kale salad satisfying both meat lovers and vegetarians.

Trick Dog boasts a lively bar area with just a few seats, adding to its dynamic atmosphere. You'll enjoy efficient, friendly service and immediate seating, with indoor and outdoor options to accommodate your mood. Whether you're stopping by for lunch or dinner, the on-street and free parking add to the convenience, along with options for takeout or delivery.

Perfect for a casual night out, Trick Dog is a fun and accessible destination for those seeking good food, an impressive array of drinks, and a friendly neighborhood vibe.

Price

$$$$ 20 - 30 $

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

Cuisines

American

Services

Delivery, Takeaway, Reservations available, Outdoor seating

Offering

Serving alcohol

Payment

Payment by credit card

Dishes and Beverages

Discover the standout dishes and unique drinks that define Trick Dog menu.

Beef
Beer
Burgers
Cakes
Cheese
Chicken
Chocolate
Coffee
Fish
Fried chicken
French fries
Hamburgers
Hot dogs
Juice
Lemonade
Meat
Pies
Pork
Bird
Shrimp
Rolls
Salads

4.5

based on 1,281 review

Google

4.5/5 1,281 review

Jose Rodriguez Melendez

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Awesome cocktail bar with knowledgeable bartenders and GREAT MUSIC!

Luke Qian

Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Trick Dog has long been known for its creativity, both in cocktail design and visual presentation — a legacy proudly displayed through its rotating, themed menus, many of which now serve as part of the bar’s wall decor. We visited during the Circus menu and sampled several cocktails. As expected with a concept that evolves frequently, the quality and balance of the drinks varied. Some offerings were well-executed and enjoyable, while others leaned more heavily on novelty than finesse. For instance, the Human Dartboard was a standout — refreshing and vegetal, topped with a clever cheese foam that added both texture and intrigue. In contrast, the Glass Walker opened with aggressively savory notes that made the first sip jarring; while it became slightly more approachable with subsequent sips, the overall balance felt off. Trick Dog continues to impress with its ambition and originality, but some drinks could benefit from a bit more nuance. At times, the concepts feel more literal than layered — bold in idea, but lacking the subtlety that makes a cocktail truly memorable.

Cooter Walpole

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Be prepared to read a lot.