&quot;Yelp is all but meaningless in San Francisco, probably its most popular city. Really average or even crappy cafes, salons, restaurants have greater than or equal 4 star ratings... it&#x27;s a little baffling. I presume from the stories you hear that it&#x27;s because the businesses pay.&quot;<p>I have noticed this as well, but if you read the reviews you get a good idea of what is happening in SF:  tourists.<p>Joe and Jane Honeymooners come to SF from Tulsa&#x2F;KC&#x2F;Duluth&#x2F;DesMoines and have the &quot;best meal&#x2F;coffee&#x2F;pastry&#x2F;brunch EVER&quot;.<p>Good for them.