Seventy-seven comments later (and counting), the people have spoken. For every great restaurant in the Bay Area, there is one that draws crowds, but just doesn't live up to the hype. Despite bustling dining rooms and difficult reservations, diners may notice the food isn't that amazing, or the service is lacking. Why are these restaurants so busy?

In compiling this map, we read through reader comments and emails, compared online reviews and ratings, and made some critical calls. Restaurants that were not already very busy were left off. Make no mistake: just because a restaurant is overrated doesn't mean the food is horrible. In fact, some people live for hype alone. To show respect where it is due, we have also called out the redeeming qualities at each of the spots on this list.

Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.