The Buoy in San Francisco: photos, reviews, menu

About

Located in San Francisco's bustling Civic Center, The Buoy offers a refreshing twist on Korean cuisine, making it a go-to spot for solo diners in search of a fashionably casual and cozy setting. Known for its bold flavors and eclectic mix of dishes, this eatery delivers exceptional value with meals priced between $10 and $20.

Start your day with delightful coffee and pastries, or stop by later for a vibrant Korean bar experience, complete with cocktails, wine, and a selection of robust dishes. The Golden Toast with Sashimi, rated 9.5/10, stands out as a must-try among their creative offerings like Soondooboo and Jjamppong Pasta.

An array of services, including delivery, takeaway, and reservations, adds to the convenience, while free Wi-Fi and quick service enhance the experience. With a chill vibe, great music, and rave reviews for both its food and exceptional service, The Buoy has rightfully earned its reputation as a hidden gem in SF. Just note the 20% service charge, and you're set for a memorable meal.

Price

$$$$ 10 - 20 $

Meals

Branch, Lunch, Dinner

Cuisines

Korean

Services

Delivery, Takeaway, Reservations available, Dine-in

Offering

Serving alcohol, Serving desserts, Serving cocktails, Serving wine, Serving coffee

Payment

Payment by credit card, Payment by debit card, NFC payment

4.5

based on 102 reviews

Google

4.5/5 102 reviews

Nicole Lee

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

9/10 - golden toast with sashimi on top 9.5/10: so good. the best avocado toast my bf has ever had. it was a perfect combination of crunchy / soft textures. the avocado mixed with the crispy and buttery toast, with a slight kick to it that i can't even place. - galbi crunch 6/10: lackluster. great concept, poor execution. the batter tasted like tempura chips which was weird. the meat was a bit overcooked; would've been better if it was more tender. the peppers were good. the red flakes on top tasted like hot cheetos. - soondooboo 9/10: they wouldn't give us white rice!!!! we asked twice!!! would've been a 10 with rice. best soondooboo we've had. it had a thicker consistency than normal. was on the spicier side so rice would've saved us. given that there was no rice, we wish there was more content in it (ie. meat, tofu). we're taking it home to eat with rice lol - bossam 8.5/10: the kimchi like thing and soybean paste were a good combo with the meat. no lettuce though, which was weird. the bossam felt less cooked than normal, but not complaining lol. solid but not the best i've had - mochi brownie 8/10: had little bits of mochi in it... kinda weird. but the black sesame cream was a great addition! the brownie as a whole was the perfect amount of sweet. and they gave it to us for free for our anniversary!

Miss Mai T

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The Buoy in SF is such a gem! Super easy to find, plenty of parking, and the space itself is spotless with a chill vibe thanks to the great music. I had the black sesame latte and the black sesame mochi brownie, honestly, I haven’t stopped thinking about them since. They also have gotten free options which is nice too. We sat up front in a cozy little library-style nook, which made the whole experience even cuter. On top of that, the service was absolutely exceptional. Definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to!

Bruce Huynh

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

My favorite cafe in SF. Great dessert items

What is the address of The Buoy?
The Buoy is located at 22 Franklin St, 94102, San Francisco, Civic Center, USA.
How to get here by public transport?
The nearest public transport options provide quick and easy access:
- Bus stop Van Ness Ave & Market St (123 m walk)
- Bus stop Mission St & South Van Ness Ave (273 m walk)
- Bus stop Otis St & 12th St (250 m walk)
- Bus stop Haight St & Gough St (244 m walk)
How is The Buoy rated by visitors?
The Buoy has an average rating of 4.5 based on 102 reviews across platforms such as Google.
What is the average price for a meal at The Buoy?
The average price for a meal is 10 - 20 $ (it is cheap - $).

The Buoy in San Francisco