Semi-Fidi location, service is as quick as sandwich shop. Three types of meatball option, more of the sauce options, you can also order them salad format or more filling sandwich format. Italian version is blend of beef, pork, venison and it was moist and tasty.
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edit: I left my previous review in their early days, and they have improved dramatically in portions and flavor. Highly recommend this place and have changed my 4 stars to 5.
The Meatball Bar was a great change of pace from local eateries. Instead of sandwiches and salads, you get what the name says, meatballs. And meatballs is what they do best. I ordered the Italian meatballs and mashed potatoes and got a decent meal that was filling and tasty. Co-workers tried different sets of sides and they were decent, but not the best. (Risotto and greens)
The overall atmosphere of the place is a little disjointed from the cuisine, as meatballs don't scream modern and chic. I'd prefer a cozier setup, but it's not enough to dock any stars for. The reason this didn't get 5 stars is the fact that the price is a little much for the food. I paid $19 for a set of meatballs, a side, a Coke, and 15% tip. Not terrible considering the area, but not the best.
This will definitely be added to my rotation and I'll definitely want to try more meatballs since they got those right.
Definitely worth a try at least once.
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I pass by The Meatball Bar almost every day but have been hesitant to try it due to the low ratings on Yelp. A couple of days ago I finally gave it a try during happy hour (M-F, 3-7 pm). I got the deal aptly named beer and balls ($10). You get 3 meatballs of your choice (turkey, chicken, lamb, pork, Italian etc.) along with the sauce (Classic tomato, pineapple BBQ, meat sauce, mushroom sauce, truffle fondue etc.) that you want. I decided to get lamb meatballs with truffle fondue sauce and a draft beer which I think was some IPA. The person taking my order tried to push some sides but I politely declined.
Everything is premade, so by the time you take a seat with your drink you have the meatballs delivered to your table. Based on the reviews, I was expecting the meatballs to be bad, but they turned out to be average. The good news is that they were not hard but at the same time they were not soft and juicy either. The truffle fondue sauce was pretty good and made eating these balls a little pleasurable. Portion size was pretty small, just about right for a side that you can have with your drink, but for a full meal I would definitely add a side (salad, mashed potatoes, greens, spaghetti or risotto).
Price was it was a pretty good deal for happy hour and I would have no problem repeating. At full price it would be $13 with a side, which is what you would pay for a soup and salad combination at lunch in FiDi, so it's in line with other options in the area. 3.5 stars generously rounded up to 4, is how I'd rate this place.
When you're bored of delis and sandwiches, it's definitely time for a change. Yes, it's the FiDi and its city by the bay. Expect prices to be a tad higher than usual, but all that work being put in. You're getting hand-shaped grass-fed beef without nitrates. What else can you ask for? The place sits twenty-eight with twelve world clocks set precisely and space evenly on exposed painted bricks. The menu offers an international taste of popular flavors made daily being changed up bi-weekly. I can definitely vouch for that no doubt. Most offerings are $13-15 range with side dishes additional four bucks more. Efficient service and order brought out on a timely manner. The first bite of meatball and you be saying WOW! The price may prevent some to hold off on trying, but the taste will always be there. Don't forget there's bottle/draft beer along with fresh natural juice to wash it down with.
Happy hour was great, with meatball trio and a beer for 10$. I got the Italian meatballs with fondue truffle sauce and it was so good! Limited beer selection, though.
Meatball hero, Eggplant meatballs with truffle sauce and a side salad. So yummy
Food is good. Noodles a little dry but sauce compensated for it. Price is a higher than I'd prefer but expected for Financial district location. About $20 for 4 meatballs, spaghetti, and a Coke. Tilapia meatballs were good. There is seating but we got lucky to find seats on one of the 2 large tables they have. Overall cool place to try.
My first time here -- really liked it! The Classic Italian meatballs were very good, and the Spicy Meat Sauce was indeed, spicy as advertised. My one gripe is that the ciabatta bread wasn't very fresh. Next time, I'll order the spaghetti side rather than the hero sandwich.
Funky atmosphere and good service. We had the lamb meatballs with pesto and skinny fries. Everything tasted fresh and well seasoned. Will definitely go back when in SF.
Calling this a gastropub is ridiculous - it's a restaurant that serves beer. Given that, the meatballs are solid, so are the sides, so are the sauces. Maybe 7 beers on tap (can't recall), decent iced tea. They have baseball on in the afternoons, when I visit, which I greatly appreciate. Can't speak to the crowd at lunch. Make sure you get 4 meatballs (I got takeout one time and only got 3). Good place, overall.
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