Welcome to Citizen's Band!
We are now hosting special popup dinners on Mondays. Please note the regular citizens band menu is NOT available on our Monday popup dinners. Please contact the restaurant for more information.

Fusing white tablecloth caliber food with the comfort and style of a diner, Citizen's Band dials in on American classics in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood. Salvaged furniture gives the space a comfortable, lived-in feel, and vintage CB radios and postcards lend an old but new vibe to the 40-seat fine diner.

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54 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 4 / 5

(54 Reviews)

Rating Breakdown 54 reviews

5 stars

(16)

4 stars

(26)

3 stars

(8)

2 stars

(4)

1 star

(0)

Food

(Outstanding) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 3.4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

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Diners classify this restaurant as:

neighborhood gem(32)
fit for foodies(31)
hot spot(12)

notable wine list(6)
special occasion(5)
good for groups(4)

Citizens Band Reviews List

Review 1 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Good Poutine

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/08/2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Went there for the Poutine. It was good. The rest was ok but overpriced. Ambiance a little too ironic for my taste."

Dined on 5/08/2013

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Review 2 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service was excellent. Though

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/16/2013

2012

Dined on 04/16/2013

2012

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Service was excellent.

Though I had heard raves about the macaroni and cheese, I found that the macaroni was a bit dry and the blend of cheese/onion rings was very one note and didn't leave a lasting impression.

Poutine - excellent - loved the crispy pork belly on top

Fried chicken - good - the skin was very crispy but the overall flavor was pretty bland. Using the gravy as a dip does make it better.

Chocolate Mousse cake - good - it tasted as if the cake wasn't very fresh - the cake wasn't moist just really dense but the layers of mousse helped. The overall taste wasn't heavy."

Dined on 04/16/2013

2012

Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 3 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Although we had to wait awhile

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/05/2013

2002

Dined on 04/05/2013

2002

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

"Although we had to wait awhile for our table the staff was very nice and apologetic. The food is always good, between the four of us we had 2 burgers, fried chicken, & the veggie offering of the night. All of the dishes met our acceptations. We also shared the mac & cheese & had a side of large onion rings which were also great. At the end of the meal our server brought over clean forks & we all just figured one of us had ordered desert, but one one did. Then she just brought out a big slice of chocolate cake that was divine. This a gift to us for having to wait a table. All in all we were very happy with our evening at Citizen Band & look forward to our next meat there."

Dined on 04/05/2013

2002

Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot

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Review 4 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Stellar surprise

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/19/2013

2000

Dined on 03/19/2013

2000

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Some of the best upscale comfort food in the most unassuming setting. Staff is great, food is AMAZING. Try the deviled eggs! The burger is not to be believed; same for the pot roast. Hard to find from the outside, but it's incredible. Eaten there twice, and each time is better."

Dined on 03/19/2013

2000

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot

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Review 5 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

It's small and located in

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/21/2013

2013

Dined on 03/21/2013

2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"It's small and located in a non-welcoming area, yet the food is amazing, the wine list surprising and the atmosphere very relaxing. I strongly recommend it"

Dined on 03/21/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list

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Review 6 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Do yourself a favor and try CB

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/21/2013

2008

Dined on 03/21/2013

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"A great SOMA eatery, one of the best this side of Market."

Dined on 03/21/2013

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 7 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

SoMa favorite....

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/08/2013

2013

Dined on 03/08/2013

2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"This place is awesome. Terrific staff and wonderful energy. Love that they have an open kitchen so you can sit and watch the young ethusiastic chefs creating their magic. Very busy and a fun trendy SoMa crowd. Casual attire. Love the Poutine. Dont ask- just order it as a starter for the table. Fried chicken is amazing but we'd have preferred something besides the coffee gravy. Missing mashed potatoes too. But the escarole and honey glazed biscuits were yummy. Burger and fries- awesome. Not wild about the pot roast entree. Very small and fatty for $26. And they need to come up with better coffee. Not hot, ot great. Come on... trendy hot spot for dinner and diner-class coffee?? Great desserts though. Bakery on the premises!"

Dined on 03/08/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot

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Review 8 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic food, great service!

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/02/2013

2010

Dined on 03/02/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The mac and cheese was the highlight, but our main dishes (sole and burger) + side of brussel sprouts were also fantastic. Great, casual -yet-trendy ambiance. Even though it was a super crowded, noisy Saturday night crowd, service was great. I ordered my second glass of wine, and the server gave me the rest of the bottle (even though it was definitely more than a glass). I highly recommend Citizens Band, and I will come back as often as possible, even if I just sneak in for the mac and cheese :)"

Dined on 03/02/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list

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Review 9 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had a terrific dinner.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/24/2013

2008

Dined on 02/24/2013

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We had a terrific dinner. Simple menus but all dishes were wonderfully prepared and delicious"

Dined on 02/24/2013

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

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Review 10 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Amazing salads with huge portions

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/21/2013

2011

Dined on 02/21/2013

2011

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Amazing salads with huge portions and friendly attitude towards modifications.
Just be prepared for a ongoingly modified menu... may not see all the items available as in previous web menus or reviews."

Dined on 02/21/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 11 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fabulous food (esp. fried

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/16/2013

2007

Dined on 02/16/2013

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Fabulous food (esp. fried chicken) and excellent service."

Dined on 02/16/2013

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic

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Review 12 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Amazing twist to traditional

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/17/2013

2006

Dined on 02/17/2013

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Amazing twist to traditional comfort food. Everything we ordered was delicious and the flavors of even simple dishes far exceeded our expectations. The service was great -- young and energetic to match the trendy feel of the restaurant. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a casual date or for a night out with friends. You won't find it overly romantic, but Citizen's Band more than makes up for it in nearly every other measurable category."

Dined on 02/17/2013

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 13 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

We ate there before going

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/09/2013

2010

Dined on 02/09/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We ate there before going to the Orpheum to see Wicked. Was a little scary of a walk for two women, thankfully my son was with us. Food was excellent. I will go back."

Dined on 02/09/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 14 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

A+ ambiance, B cuisine.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 01/31/2013

2009

Dined on 01/31/2013

2009

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Citizens Band is a very cool spot. The vibe is that of an old school diner but with fancier diner eats. They had a decent wine menu so we started with a bottle of pinot noir, followed by the mac n cheese, which was probably my favorite dish. The girls got burgers, which I didnt care for, but maybe because they ordered them more done than is my preference. My chicken was most and juicy, but with bland/saltless batter and I did not care for the gravy. But although the food was not my favorite, I just really loved the feel of place and will definitely come back for brunch when I am in the mood for greasier fare."

Dined on 01/31/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies

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Review 15 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good food, ambiance lacking

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 01/26/2013

2010

Dined on 01/26/2013

2010

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The food was good, vintagy comfort food, tables are tight, inside is drafty/cold, and had poor fluorescent lighting, not flattering on a date. Hipster decor but really just kind of grundgy. Go for good home food, skip for romantic dinner dates."

Dined on 01/26/2013

2010

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Review 16 for Citizens Band

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5