Blue Barn Cole Valley

Remember that Seinfeld episode when Elaine wants the "big salad"? Many people eating here are too young to know what I'm talking about (especially the Marina loctions). This is that place, where the salad is the main course. Maybe back in 1997 that was $9, here it's $20 something for that you want. But the salad is main-course-sized and excellent. Don't get the dressing on the side. Let the professionals mix it in, they're better than us. Post covid, I can't help but feel like the portions are smaller or stingier with the protein (this location was opened after covid but the experience seems the same for other locations). The sandwiches are very tasty but too small. Long story short, this place has really tasty food. But it's priced for SF yups that are wearing yoga pants and high heels at the same time. Great food, but almost too trendy. Clearly their marketing works. I'll keep eating here until salad starting price eclipses $20. Edit 2025: my normal salad is now around $28 but I'm still going to keep eating it because it's that good. Still only 3 of 5 stars for atmosphere because it is still so trendy now that I think I might be the oldest, least wealthy person to eat there. I am not wearing yoga pants and high heels, but some do. That's the vibe.

Most delicious salads ever, and I love that they have tofu as a vegetarian protein option! They also have large portions. Unfortunately, the salads are very expensive. I still love Blue Barn though, hope they find a way to become at least a little bit more affordable (without losing their quality or healthiness) and then expand around the country!

I love this blue barn!! I had my first blue barn experience at chestnut a few years back and since moving into Cole valley I am so grateful to have a tasty healthy simple grab and go food option. I did not catch her name but the blonde girl who works at the cashier is so incredibly warm sweet and attentive. Each time I've been there she has put so much extra care and attention to my order and I am so appreciative of it because sometimes I am in a huge rush or in a mood because I haven't eaten. There is so much seating and the space is gorgeous. I'm so excited to see how blue barn does in this neighborhood.

A friend and I popped in here for the first time. The menu and service were very good. My self created vegan salad was perfectly prepared and fairly tasty. We had the choice to sit outside in the sun or shade, or indoors. Self service water and very clean restroom. ~$22.50 with tip, salad only on 4/10/24.

Sudeep Shah

Absolutely love this place! The ingredients are super fresh, and the flavors are spot on. Their salads are next-level—generous portions and creative combinations. The staff was friendly, service was quick, and Great spot for a healthy meal that doesn’t feel boring. Definitely coming back!

Mario Marocco

Surprised this place isn’t more highly rated. Super fresh and flavorful! Just keep in mind the salads are really big- can split with another person. It would be nice if they offered half sizes. Looking fwd to dining in soon—their wine and beer prices look reasonable, and I like the casual clean/bright atmosphere. You can tell they use high quality ingredients and that it’s a well run establishment.

Delta Function 0

Remember that Seinfeld episode when Elaine wants the "big salad"? Many people eating here are too young to know what I'm talking about (especially the Marina loctions). This is that place, where the salad is the main course. Maybe back in 1997 that was $9, here it's $20 something for that you want. But the salad is main-course-sized and excellent. Don't get the dressing on the side. Let the professionals mix it in, they're better than us. Post covid, I can't help but feel like the portions are smaller or stingier with the protein (this location was opened after covid but the experience seems the same for other locations). The sandwiches are very tasty but too small. Long story short, this place has really tasty food. But it's priced for SF yups that are wearing yoga pants and high heels at the same time. Great food, but almost too trendy. Clearly their marketing works. I'll keep eating here until salad starting price eclipses $20. Edit 2025: my normal salad is now around $28 but I'm still going to keep eating it because it's that good. Still only 3 of 5 stars for atmosphere because it is still so trendy now that I think I might be the oldest, least wealthy person to eat there. I am not wearing yoga pants and high heels, but some do. That's the vibe.

V Sorrengail

Most delicious salads ever, and I love that they have tofu as a vegetarian protein option! They also have large portions. Unfortunately, the salads are very expensive. I still love Blue Barn though, hope they find a way to become at least a little bit more affordable (without losing their quality or healthiness) and then expand around the country!

Bay Walker

A friend and I popped in here for the first time. The menu and service were very good. My self created vegan salad was perfectly prepared and fairly tasty. We had the choice to sit outside in the sun or shade, or indoors. Self service water and very clean restroom. ~$22.50 with tip, salad only on 4/10/24.

Lyn Bafour

I love this blue barn!! I had my first blue barn experience at chestnut a few years back and since moving into Cole valley I am so grateful to have a tasty healthy simple grab and go food option. I did not catch her name but the blonde girl who works at the cashier is so incredibly warm sweet and attentive. Each time I've been there she has put so much extra care and attention to my order and I am so appreciative of it because sometimes I am in a huge rush or in a mood because I haven't eaten. There is so much seating and the space is gorgeous. I'm so excited to see how blue barn does in this neighborhood.

Solid sandwich, great vibe. Why u charge a surcharge though?

Great to see more variety in Cole Valley. Healthy choices and delicious soups.

Aashit Manchanda

Solid sandwich, great vibe. Why u charge a surcharge though?

James Colgan

Great to see more variety in Cole Valley. Healthy choices and delicious soups.

Sarah Nelson

Delicious Thai chicken salad! Their salads are quite expensive, but I can always get two meals out of them since they are so large. Overall would recommend.

I had the burrata sandwich. It was fresh and tasted good but not worth it for the price and service was ok.

It’s fine but I think it’s dumb to charge 20-25 dollars for a salad. The other food is ok but overall just meh

Good food and nice staff but poor allergy protocol. It’s hard to know what’s gluten free and what’s not and I’m often served bread on top of salad despite flagging my allergy. There are also a lot of salads I cannot have because they add soy sauce to their dressings. Seems like substituting with gluten free soy sauce, better menu labeling, and few other small tweaks would make this place a lot more accessible to the gluten free crowd.

ACACIA SHYR

I had the burrata sandwich. It was fresh and tasted good but not worth it for the price and service was ok.

chill guy

It’s fine but I think it’s dumb to charge 20-25 dollars for a salad. The other food is ok but overall just meh

Really want to love Blue Barn. Outrageous prices for what you get. Paid over $30 for tostada salad with chicken. The $8 added chicken was probably 1/4 of a chicken breast. Ridiculous.

Stacie Johnson

Really want to love Blue Barn. Outrageous prices for what you get. Paid over $30 for tostada salad with chicken. The $8 added chicken was probably 1/4 of a chicken breast. Ridiculous.

Like other have said, sadly it’s extremely over priced. $25 tostada salad w/ chicken. No tortilla bowl or chips / tortilla. Nearly no cheese or beans. Beans has no flavor. Cold chicken. Iceberg lettuce. Overall the quality was low. I almost never leave reviews and wanted to like it b/c there’s few other options for fast casual in Cole Valley.

R. Lance Martin

Like other have said, sadly it’s extremely over priced. $25 tostada salad w/ chicken. No tortilla bowl or chips / tortilla. Nearly no cheese or beans. Beans has no flavor. Cold chicken. Iceberg lettuce. Overall the quality was low. I almost never leave reviews and wanted to like it b/c there’s few other options for fast casual in Cole Valley.

I ordered a fattoush salad from Blue Barn and was shocked to find an insect inside — after I had already eaten some. I have a sensitive stomach, and soon after, I began experiencing strong stomach pain. This was a deeply upsetting experience, and it raises serious concerns about the restaurant’s hygiene and food handling. I expected better quality and safety, especially from a place like this. I won’t be ordering again unless I see real improvement.

Friendly service but at the insane prices for wilted, limp old lettuce, old bacon, not much chicken to speak of and a lovely “sf mandate” 5% charge when clearly the company makes enough to properly pay their staff without it. And no, not all sf restaurants charge this fee. They make salads. You would think fresh lettuce would be a priority. Getting mugged in an alley would be a better use of my money. Won’t be returning.

Today was my first and absolutely last visit to this location and Blue Barn. The cashier — who laughably called herself the “manager” — had the nerve to demand a 10% tip simply because I ordered more than eight items. I’ve been to the other Blue Barn locations over the years and have never heard of this made‑up rule. I’ve given this company more than enough business and already pay the inflated SF health mandates that supposedly support these employees, yet I spent nearly $350 today and didn’t even get a basic thank you. Instead, I got attitude, entitlement, and zero professionalism. To make matters worse, there isn’t a single corporate number anywhere online. Convenient for a place where the staff clearly feel free to treat customers however they want, with no accountability and no standards. If this is what Blue Barn has become, then they can keep it. Until they overhaul their employee training and fix their customer service disaster, they won’t see another dollar from me. I’ll gladly take my business to Mendocino Farms and Mixt — at least they understand what respect looks like. Update: severe stomachache and food poisoning from this food order for the past 3 days.

dhwoai nikc

Today was my first and absolutely last visit to this location and Blue Barn. The cashier — who laughably called herself the “manager” — had the nerve to demand a 10% tip simply because I ordered more than eight items. I’ve been to the other Blue Barn locations over the years and have never heard of this made‑up rule. I’ve given this company more than enough business and already pay the inflated SF health mandates that supposedly support these employees, yet I spent nearly $350 today and didn’t even get a basic thank you. Instead, I got attitude, entitlement, and zero professionalism. To make matters worse, there isn’t a single corporate number anywhere online. Convenient for a place where the staff clearly feel free to treat customers however they want, with no accountability and no standards. If this is what Blue Barn has become, then they can keep it. Until they overhaul their employee training and fix their customer service disaster, they won’t see another dollar from me. I’ll gladly take my business to Mendocino Farms and Mixt — at least they understand what respect looks like. Update: severe stomachache and food poisoning from this food order for the past 3 days.

Ranena Ayob

I ordered a fattoush salad from Blue Barn and was shocked to find an insect inside — after I had already eaten some. I have a sensitive stomach, and soon after, I began experiencing strong stomach pain. This was a deeply upsetting experience, and it raises serious concerns about the restaurant’s hygiene and food handling. I expected better quality and safety, especially from a place like this. I won’t be ordering again unless I see real improvement.

Matt Hoffman-Beals

Friendly service but at the insane prices for wilted, limp old lettuce, old bacon, not much chicken to speak of and a lovely “sf mandate” 5% charge when clearly the company makes enough to properly pay their staff without it. And no, not all sf restaurants charge this fee. They make salads. You would think fresh lettuce would be a priority. Getting mugged in an alley would be a better use of my money. Won’t be returning.