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15 Romolo
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants Tapas/Small Plates Bars, Tapas/Small Plates
15 Romolo Pl(between Broadway St & Fresno St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
(415) 398-1359
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 5 pm - 2 am
Sat-Sun 11:30 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
512 reviews for 15 Romolo
Review Highlights
"Pimm's Cup: Refreshing and full of great ingredients."
(in 51 reviews)
"The pork sliders are amazing, as are the Boricua wings."
(in 34 reviews)
"...such a cool bar was located between such gnarly strip clubs."
(in 29 reviews)
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512 reviews in English
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Review from Andy T.
Seattle, WA
1/31/2012
It's hard to find, but worth it. Cozy, exposed brick, amazing cocktails, great service, pretty faces, properly adjusted lighting and sound.
Pimm, Pimm, Hooray! -
Review from Scott G.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2012
Not a frequent visitor of North Beach, but I found hidden gem is simply splendid.
A dark, classy little joint; a great place to meet a friend for drinks and food.
The small plates were quite good, and reasonably priced.
Extensive cocktail list. Mediocre beer selection.
Easy to find seating at around 7pm, but this small establishment transforms into a bustling hot spot as the night progresses.
Jukebox and old-style photo booth.
Bye. -
Review from John L.
Sonoma, CA
1/23/2012
Let's get to it:
Me and a friend went there for food and drinks. The drinks? STELLAR and highly recommended. On the food part, take a pass and save yourself. Now they had a fire and I do not know how that affected the kitchen at all, but the food, was not good. The fried chicken biscuit burnt, tasteless chicken. The stuffed peppers were weak, more rice and where was the sausage? Then omg, Catfish and Hush Puppies. Who taught the cook how to cook? Um, it's gross to have 3/4 done deep fried catfish in a tempura kinda cormeal-ish batter. And you didn't season the fish? What is up with San Francisco? Has it become a salt-free zone? Here is a hint, when you cook catfish, use a skillet, not a deep fryer, it's NOT fish and chips, and season the fish. It's a bottom feeding lake fish, you need to season it. Ugh. I really do not like it when people "try" to cook southern food or they devise a silly "take " on it. Hire somebody from New Orleans or something and get to cooking. The Sliders on those store bought rolls? Weak, and it didn't smell the freshest. Really it's my fault, if a place wont back up good apps or bar food with requisite prices, you should be very suspicious. No dish over $8 mostly, should've scared me away and it's too dark to eat there. They shouldn't serve food. And dammit stop it with all the tapas style nonsense. Tapas are Spanish, just call them appetizers and let's get on with it. The fries, weak. More bits and pieces than anything. Sf is losing some food mojo.
Onto the drinks, Amazing. I would simply grab a huge meal elsewhere and drink it off here. The cocktails are AMAZING. I cannot go on more about the flavors, the surprises, the sheer taste of their drinks. I'd go back there anytime for that and that is what kept me from really slamming them with 2 stars. Go there with friends, it's a cool little joint, great drinks and just stay away from the food. They should offer more drinks and just shut down the whole kitchen unless they are dedicated to making good food in it. -
Review from Kathy V.
1/8/2012
Looking for a cool happy hour spot to go too? Well 15 Romolo is the hidden Gem. My crew and I had a hard time looking for the place as it is hidden in an alley way north of Hungry-I
My reasons for giving the establishment 3 stars was based on how packed the place gets, and not enough seats were available. You can say it was cracking!! I arrived at 600p, and the bar line was soo long. I did enjoy my HH drink special which was the "Primm's cup" -I really wanted to try their food, but no place to eat, =( I'm willing to give this place a second chance and go early next time! -
Review from Joy A.
1/10/2012 1 photo
Are we there yet?
Talk about hidden gem... so hidden that it took us forever to find the spot. Despite the directions our GPS instructed us to follow, Romolo Place basically taunted us to keep looking harder. After recalibrating our GPS a few more times, we arrive.
Nestled in the middle of a hill, 15 Romolo stood.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Upon entrance, you immediately see reserved tables along the walls, open space in the middle, and a bar to the end. Ambiance reminded me of a speak easy type of resto. It was pretty dark in there and even at 5:30pm, all tables were either reserved or occupied with the (small) bar completely surrounded.
Bummer. With no available seating, I couldn't order the jambalini, the burger ($6) with peanut butter and bacon ($2) that I was looking forward to trying, or the Troubled Waters cocktail that came highly recommended. (Thanks Badri!)
The bar was suffocated with thirsty patrons. They had two bartenders and two barbacks that night. All were put hard to work. One of the barbacks, or bartender-in-training, was only serving beer, wine, and Pimms Cup ($7 during happy hour). Our large group opted for a round of their specialty Pimms Cup.
I was impressed with this specialty cocktail of theirs. Fortunately, I was able to witness it in the making- a concoction of pimms, homemade ginger syrup, bitters, cucumber, mint, soda water, and a dash of lemon juice. A few shakes & stirs later, we were poured our Pimms Cup. I must admit it was refreshingly delicious!
Bottom line:
I'm definitely coming back to try the rest of their goodies.
Tips:
Gps it at your own risk.
It's located between Broadway and Vallejo.
Reserve a table. Trust me.
Happy Hour: 5pm - 7:30pm
($7 Pimms, $24 Sangria pitcher, & $1 off well, wine, & beer)Listed in: Favorite Happy Hour Spots
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Review from Sara P.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2012
Ok, this is definitely one of my favorite new spots in the city!!!
+close to my house. actually conveniently located on my route home from work.
+ bartenders can whip up some interesting concoctions along with old favorites.
-lacking space to sit.
-can get really busy/loud later in the eveningListed in: SF Lovin'
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Review from Dominic H.
Seattle, WA
1/22/2012 1 photo
My wife wanted to go here - and we were wondering around the area before they opened. It was a little strange - the closer it got to opening, the more transients were hanging out in the stoop. Then right at opening a crack head was yelling 'welcome to America!' I was a little surprised because my wife usually doesn't pick locations like that, but we got inside and my doubts were relieved.
It is known as a 'boozy brunch.' and it lives up to its expectations. The punch at the door was good, but very tart and sweet. I had to water it down, but once I did it tasted good. Had two cups of that. Then we were handed waffle shots. I thought, 'how cute - waffles in a little shot glass with syrup and powdered sugar.' but this was no sweet treat. They were little shots of booze with a slice of waffle. Awesome.
Then the food. I had the baked egg on cornbread without the sausage, but with gumbo. Wife had the tofu scramble. Mine was unbelievable. Great cornbread, perfectly baked egg, all in a hot skillet with the gumbo on top. Great flavor combination. Medium size but incredibly filling. The tofu scramble looked good but small.
All in all, a great breakfast spot but didn't seem to be that busy or popular.
Would go back. Would recommend. Would like to go for dinner. -
Review from Patrick S.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Still love this place, but they have got to figure out the server/timing issues! Have visited twice in the past month and each time had long (20-30 minute) lags between ordering drinks and getting them. Sobering up while lingering in a bar is really tragic!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/19/2011
Saturday coming down Columbus, tourist hoards converging, surging, ick. I almost ended my visit… Read more »
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Review from Badri N.
12/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great name! You don't have to look up the address because... wait for it... the name IS the address :D
OK, seriously, I like this place a lot. It's kind of hidden so most of the people here are locals and not the hordes of tourists that frequent the other North Beach establishments. Which adds nothing to the review - it's just an observation ;)
Great drinks! My personal favorite is the "Troubled Waters" made up of oxley gin, gran classico, lemon, vanilla and green cardamom syrup and angostura bitters! I like to lay a straw on top of the glass and say it's a Bridge over Troubled Waters. Yes, I lead a sad life :(
Interesting food choices too - and the food is really quite good for being bar food. I've always been curious about the peanut butter and bacon topped hamburger but it's called "Yo Mama" and I can't bring myself to say "I want to eat Yo Mama" to the waitress - it just sounds wrong :/ ;P
All kidding aside, this place is really fun! Old fashioned jukebox with some old classic tunes, a little photobooth (It only fits 3. Trust me. I have tried it. Many times. Only 3.)
It's dark, noisy and filled with fun, good cheer and great drinks. A real little gem and so close to everything but yet, so off the beaten track. This is a place that I could be a regular at if I lived closer. Give it a try - you will not regret it :)
~ 4 stars - I am definitely a fan! Yay!!
# 267 -
Review from gene x.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
Huh I never wrote a review for the first bar I overindulged significantly in in San Francisco? Well, I've been a fan of Romolo since I first went here. Back then it had the best jukebox and I still think it's badass since it's an old school non-internet one so it actually has to be curated by someone.
The drinks are good - the Pimm's Cup is a favorite and although I haven't eaten their burger I have heard good things and plan to get it another time.
If you are looking to get away from the craziness that is the rest of North Beach, Romolo is a great spot (as is Specs and Vesuvio nearby). -
Review from Amy C.
12/19/2011
Quite possibly my least favorite bar in the world. The bouncer, bartenders and waitstaff are judgmental and seem to have something against having fun.
I will never go here again. If I'm in North Beach again, I'd much rather go to King of Thai Noodle on Grant. The atmosphere is much more relaxed and fun, and you can't go wrong with $2-$3 beers, $6 cocktails, $5 plates of tasty food and free popcorn. -
Review from Kyle B.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
Solid drinks. Solid food that is cheap and delicious. The only drawback is all of the annoying hipsters. I've never wanted to get in so many fights in one night.
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Review from Teresa P.
As I led my party of four past the sea of inebriated Santa-clad folk through North beach (it was Santa-Con this weekend, apparently) the XXX lights on Broadway, and down this steep hill and non-descript in-the-cuts-alley, I could hear grumbles of "Where is she taking us? I think she got us lost! There's nothing around here!"
We found the entrance, almost passed it - atop a couple steps to an unembellished doorway. 15 Romolo is exactly the kind of place a 'burbs girl like me looks for to break up the routine of suburban life. There's really nothing fancy about this place, but it has a very understated, unexpected cool vibe that is very present as soon as you walk in.
In its spacious, dark interior, with the a faint glow of the neon lights outside, I browse the libations menu to find some very intriguing choices. I go for a Yellow Rose - made with tequila, apricot liqueur, yellow chartreuse, lemon & egg white. The foam from the egg white put a yummy mustache on me - instant hipster! At first sip, I knew I was going to want another one. With a name so appropriate, my drink was concocted with delicate purpose - pretty to look at, but it has enough prickle to keep your swigging attention. My cohorts for the night were happy with their more conventional drinks - A Gingerson and an Old Fashioned, both very satisfactory and worth the subsequent round(s)(s)(s). And the bartender was nice enough to create a tasty muddled drink for our DD - she said it was really refreshing. :)
To my fellow Yelpers, thank you for keeping me looking and feeling so COOL by keeping me in the know about great places like 15 Romolo. It was a great stop as a precursor to dinner and we can't wait to go back! -
Review from Athena S.
12/27/2011
Been here enough times to finally declare their cocktails dangerous.
Most recent violation was something called a Sleepy Jean - chamomile infused rose bourbon ( & I'm not exactly a bourbon chick)
nectarine compote, fresh lemon, peychaud's (spelling?) bitters
DAYYAM. Mixolgoists here know what they're doing.
Trust that. -
Review from Holly E.
Dallas, TX
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place rocks. Get Troubled Waters if you like sweet, sour, strong! Up an alley, casual, great music!
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Review from Leena C.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2011
We got here a little after 5 on a Tuesday night. The place was half empty and we were a large group, about 15 of us. I called ahead for a table to seat us but we got an area that barely seated 12. When our group walked in we had to grab the waitresses attention because they were ignoring us. So there is one blonde and one brunette waitress. I think the blonde was training the brunette. The brunette was really sweet and friendly whereas the blonde was kinda bitchy. So anyways we get seated and we get served water right away with menus. It takes about 15 min for them too come take our orders. Now it takes roughly 30 min for us to get just our drink orders. We close the tab and head over to kells.
I really wanted to try the food here but it would have taken forever.
I hope the blonde shared some if her tip to the brunette because she deserved all of it. -
Review from Ali H.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2011
Tucked up on a little side street in North Beach, we arrived on a slow night. I had guests in from out of town and chose this spot because it sounded cool, and had a great cocktail list. Also, we could walk around afterward, if we wanted to.
The spot has low-key decor. Cool lighting fixtures and sort of a hipster meets saloon atmosphere, but not in a way that would make people feel like they weren't cool enough to hang out there. Furniture is sparse, and it was a little chilly in there.
The staff was super nice and attentive, offering us table service, even though it was slow and could have asked us to go up to the bar. They have small eats, but we were there for the cocktails.
I was hoping the drinks would be akin to those at Elixer or Alembic: fun concoctions, made with fresh ingredients, and a throwback to the days of the Sidecar. The menu for drinks is fun and long, and takes some time to decipher. All cocktails are $9-$10.
When the drinks arrived, unfortunately they failed to live up to their clever names. There is no subtlety of flavor, many were overshadowed by sweet liquors, and some tasted medicine-y. They were stiff enough to order more, as we did, though I was a little bummed this wasn't a spot my out-of-town friends would be impressed with.
I would imagine it's a fine place to get a regular vodka tonic, I would return for that, and for the kind staff. -
Review from patrick g.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2011
I could talk about their cocktail prowess for hours but I'm not. Trust that you will find the drink you need.
What I'm here to say is go for brunch. Larry Piaskowy has the best brunch going in SF right now - cheap, delicious, enough veggie friendly things to please everyone and see the above mentioned cocktails.
Go now while you don't have to wait for a table. -
Review from Taylor C.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have to admit I was a little skeptical heading down Columbus aiming for an alley between two strip clubs. one of my friends insisted we were heading for one of the best bars in San Francisco but still I had doubts. This place could not have been more different than the surrounding establishments. It gives off a classy vibe but everyone inside is there to party. The place was packed at eleven on a Saturday (as it should be) and getting drinks was a bit of slow going, but its one of the better bar atmospheres in the city; not straying to far into the classy realm of a whiskey bar while not being completely focused on belligerence like a dive. Definitely near the top of my late night list now
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Review from Allison M.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Located in the old Basque Hotel (holler!), 15 Romolo would not please my Basque Uncles, who strictly prefer Miller branded beers.
You won't find those here! You will find, however, an assortment of taste-rich beers in different shaped bottles. I've been here a few times- once to escape the madness that was North Beach Festival (with no luck), and a few other times while out for a night on the town. I think the last time I was there, I escaped through the back in search of the bathroom, and ended up on the second floor the old hotel itself!
There is a happy hour, great food, and the crowd is always lively. I hear that they are doing brunch now too! Of course, brunch is Basque for breakfast sausage, cheese and bread, red wine and/or Miller High Life, but that's a story for another day. Check you later, 15 Romolo! -
Review from Rena K.
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was so prepared to love this place before I'd ever even been there....too bad it was a huge disappointment...
It was a week night so it was pretty empty.
The room is dark and the candles are small which made reading the menus hard. Our waitress wasn't very friendly or patient. When our out of town guest asked her what she recommended she rudely told him she hates that question because she doesn't know him or know what he likes. If I wasn't so hungry and tired I probably would have just left right then.
I got the southern chicken slider burger....small, but thick, just lacked flavor. I felt rushed to order so just opted for the sangria since that was an easy choice. It wasn't great.
The only thing I enjoyed was the company I was with & the $5 photo booth.....otherwise this could have turned into one of my worst nights ever with the experience I had here. -
Review from Alison L.
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
15 Romolo is a charming little bar complete with a hidden door off some alleyway.
They have a great cocktail menu with a delicious Pimm's Cup but I like to be difficult so I just told the bartender what flavors I liked and he was more than happy to whip up something special.
The staff here was absolutely fantastic and very engaging. One told us some crazy story about a massacre in his hometown and another ranted to us about how she invented g-mail...never a dull moment. -
Review from Mike O.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2012
In any other city, 15 Romolo would be 5 stars. It's got great cocktails, and a good atmosphere, but nothing really makes it stand out from similar old-fashioned-cocktail-bars in the area (apart from the line to get in, and how packed it gets). Definitely give it a shot if you're in the area, but I wouldn't make a special trip to get here.
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Review from Jason B.
San Francisco, CA
1/19/2012
Ah Romolo, one of my favorite places to have headed out for a late stop in the city. I miss your food and even the times I've been bummed out by angry drunk tourists and fussy guys in ties trying to impress their dates, you've always come through in the end. With generally top notch staff and a killer menu across the board, you're hard to beat.
Though, I doubt I'll be back any time soon. You seem to have been "discovered" and I'm happy for you but that does mean you aren't the "hidden" gem I was so fond of. Maybe if you open a new place in a another secret location or the tourists and financial district refugees find a new thrill, I'll head back but the crowds are killing me. Hence the five stars in spite of all this, being popular isn't exactly your fault or a mark against you.
Here's to keeping up the good work and catching you on a slow night. -
Review from Alyssa W.
Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
A great place to start your night. Make sure you know which alley to go up before your first visit.
I like the vibe. It's hipster-casual...with a jukebox and photo booth. There are small tables scattered throughout so you need to be quick in snagging one as parties leave. There are seats at the bar but they seem uncomfortable due to all the people ordering drinks.
The place starts to get packed around 9:30p/10p-ish on a Friday night. I'd recommend arriving as early as possible if you want to sit - hence the reason to start out here. There usually ends up being a large standing crowd that ebbs and flows as the night progresses.
15 Romolo attracts a wide range of clientele. To name a few, there are casual hipsters, some of the young fi-di crowd, couples of all ages, and even some older folks (60's?). Most people arrive in groups. Everyone tends to keep to themselves for the most part.
The drinks here are very, very good. My personal favorite is the Pimm's cup. It's well-mixed and fairly strong. You can have a bartender mix you your own customized drink if nothing on the menu strikes your fancy. The bartenders put a lot of effort into creating each drink, so be prepared to wait a little bit longer than normal. If you're lucky enough to get a table, the waitresses will take your order and you can skip the hassle of ordering directly at the bar. However, the waitresses are also a bit slow themselves.
Last time I also tried the burger and fries. Both were above average for bar food. The pork sliders are also flavorful.
My only complaints are the limited seating and the somewhat slow wait service when you do grab a table. Overall, one of my favorite bars in the city. -
Review from Madalyn F.
San Francisco, CA
11/17/2011
Can you tell me how to get, how to get to 15 Romolo? If Sesame Street were adult themed and set in San Francisco, I'm pretty sure Big Birds' nest would be parked outside of here, and that yellow bastard would be drinking a Pimm's Cup.
I think that every crap-hole in the financial district goes there from 9-11 on Fridays, the 'Oscars' if you will, but after they leave to get some strange ass ( Snufalufagus), the real men, aka the Kermits, stay and have some dranks. Or so has been my experience.
The bartenders are probably the most calm individuals I've ever seen while dealing with this organized drunken debauchery hour after hour. Fantastic drinks, everytime.
I didn't used to think this place had a lot of heart, but after coming here with friends time after time, I've found that it's one of those places that is trendy and less divey, yet still can be "your bar". I've left this bar mildly sober, tipsy, and hammered and I can honestly say it delivers on all counts. My crew and I always come back. Now if the drinks came with the Teeny Little Super Guy I would come here every day. -
Review from Mike V.
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Thank god for this place considering the other "options" at this end of North Beach. Lots of space. Good crowd. Good prices for San Francisco.
I would take away a star for the music selection in the juke box. the circles of dancing twenty-somethings may want to jump up and down to "like a virgin", but seriously throw some more fun dance music in there, some classic hip hop even. (however, don't you guys dare touch the "best of hall and oates"....don't judge me!)
But I added a star for Jill. Top notch bartender. amazing attention to detail. Funny. And really rivals anyone at rickhouse or comstock.
I've only come here on saturdays tho so no clue how this place is on a week night. -
Review from Janice C.
10/13/2011 3 Check-ins Here
There's something about back-alley bars that beckons you into the unknown.
I mean, if you can tear yourself away from the strip clubs that are 500 feet away, then you'd discover that 15 Romolo is that kind of place that'll leave you pleasantly surprised: it's located on a residential street, a little hidden from the main "action" of Broadway. Don't be confused because there's no signage, but keep walking until you get to an open doorway and find yourself in a soft lit bar with lots of dark wood seating.
The cocktail list is very promising: comprised of house cocktails and inspired classics, priced at $10 and $9, respectively. There were too many things going on in my head and I wanted to try it ALL: between good quality spirits (Hangar One, Four Roses Bourbon, etc) and ingredients like ginger syrup, egg whites, it was a dilemna. So I boldly told the bartender: "make me something with fresh juice and gin." She concocted a drink (the name escapes me) but it was overly sweet with too much blueberry puree. I was very apologetic on returning the drink to the bartender but all she said was, "hey no problem, I'd be happy to make you one that you like!" Great customer service, I like that!
Their Bijou cockatil was more up my alley: made with a London dry gin, carpano antica vermouth, yellow chartreuse and orange bitters. Delish!
If you've got the munchies, the kitchen is open until 1:30am. How cool is that? In a sleepy city like SF, that is a huge plus! I got the Kennebec fries with curry ketchup and ranch sauce. Super hot off the fryer, so be careful and don't burn your tongue.
I can already see myself frequenting 15 Romolo often. It's fruitless to resist the urge not to go back.Listed in: Blame it on the booze, Make Mine A Stiff One
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Review from Kristen S.
San Diego, CA
12/13/2011
15 is probably pretty close to the number of delicious cocktails I consumed at 15 Romolo. They were all finely crafted and delicious. I like this place because it is pretty dark inside, making it a great place to hang out and drink way too much. This isn't the place you come to and order a vokda cranberry or a jack and coke. Order off the specialty menu or better yet...tell the bartender what you like and see what kind of delicious concoction you end up with.
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Review from David S.
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice place & nice space...I'll have to remember to come back when I was 21...or at least during hours when its not packed with people who look like they'd get IDed buying root beer.
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Review from Tiffany W.
Fremont, CA
Updated - 1/16/2012
pimm's cup!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/14/2011
I've been to 15 Romolo twice now, and definitely a spot that I enjoy. I love that they make great… Read more »
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Review from howdy d.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
broadway alleys are not places i routinely visit, but 15 romolo in the old basque hotel spot from days of yore could change all of that. we came here with a group of friends looking for drinks and food. on both counts there were some hits and misses. most of us at the table got burgers with toppings that ranged from bacon to peanut butter and more bacon. i thought the burger was one of the best in the neighborhood, perfectly cooked and the bun was soft and tasty. with peanut butter and bacon, this burger was over the top!! the fried catfish and hush puppies...not so much. the fish was underseasoned and the hush puppies were not properly cooked all the way through, they still had runny raw batter in the middle. not good. service was friendly but it took a long time to get drinks. probably better to come here during the week to avoid douchey weekenders.
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Review from Jacquelynne S.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 9/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Clearly the manager or owner did not read my review. I was not intoxicated. As an honest and fellow yelper, I would fess up to that and laugh at myself the next morning with full apology if I was. Like I said, I had one drink (a Corona) prior to entering the bar. No one, even a 21 year old 90-pound freshman in college that tasted alcohol for the first time would not be intoxicated with that. It is sad that he stands by his ignorant bartender without apologizing for such HARSH HARSH words. Wow, I am blown away. Please, like I said...spread the word about this bar. I was partial about the bar and more angry at the bartender but CLEARLY reading the response from the owner/manager, they CONDONE this hatred here.
**Update** The owner deleted his response review. After reading my response and other responses from other fellow yelpers, he probably felt like a moron. Wrong answer buddy.
**Update** The owner contacted Yelp and I found out my previous review was deleted. He also managed to get them to delete other Yelper's reviews who talked about this incident. I find it sad that money is being used to pay off reviews that should be heard. I've attached my previous review. Before it was deleted it did get 26 "Usefuls", I guess the owner got nervous people are reading the truth.
"We do not serve your kind here"
My kind? Educated? Black hair? American born? Filipino? I'm sorry but hearing that from a bartender I'm automatically going to take major MAJOR offense to that. Whether or not that idiot individual didn't mean what I assume, one should never say that no matter what especially to a group of minorities. That person should not only be fired but should be exiled from this melting pot of a city.
Saturday Night. Bachelorette Party. Theme: Broadway crawl, 15 Romolo was our second stop of the night.
Entered the place around 10:15, not super busy. Was automatically reminded of Bourbon and Branch, one of my favorite bars in the city. Enjoyed how the place was tucked away in a secret spot away from the ghettoness that Broadway provides. I walked right up to the bar.
5 Minute Wait, tall brunette bartender was chatting with some guys finally asks me for what I wanted. I asked for the drink menu.
10 Minutes later. I notice the place gets a little more busy. Tried to get her attention but she was preoccupied asking everyone and their mothers first. Ok fine, no worries.
10 Minutes later, a guy approaches me (I believe he was the manager of the night). I ordered a pitcher of sangria for my group of girls and a drink special. The guy walks away.
10 minutes past. Where is this guy? Oh yeah, he's in the complete opposite end of the bar serving a bunch of people drinks. Really?!!
Brunette girl finally asks me what I wanted to order. (Um your 30 minutes late). I tell her firmly, that man (pointing at the guy from the opposite end of the bar) took my order along time ago and he's clearly serving other people.
Brunette walks over to the guy and comes back with our drinks a few more minutes later. She takes my card and asks for the amount of glasses I wanted with attitude. I was (like a nerd) tagging myself on yelp and wrote "terrible service"...she looks down at my iphone (I know you see it) and I said 8 (as you can see I am not a happy camper).
I turn to my colleagues and apologize that I was holding up the group. I then say, "Wow this place has terrible terrible service. I never in my life waited this long for drinks. Shitty service for sure." I guess the brunette bartender heard me so she walked over GRABBED the pitcher and my drink from us (it has been sitting on the table already for a good two minutes and I WAS IN ALREADY DRINKING MY DRINK) and then while holding our order walks to the other end of the bar.
She comes back a minute later and tells me, "I don't like how you are talking. WE DO NOT SERVE YOUR KIND HERE. You can leave"
What?! Even my cousin turned to me shocked and asked, "did I just hear that?"
#1. I clearly was sober so I know I was not acting ghetto I was not sloppy and I clearly stated the facts. It was bad service and it was the slowest bar service I've gotten in SF. I NEVER PERSONALLY attacked any of the workers or got aggressive with anyone. I stated my opinion to my group of friends. There is nothing wrong with that scenario. I have multiple witnesses that saw this transaction and all of them where dumbfounded with what just happened since they clearly saw that I did nothing wrong.
#2. How UNPROFESSIONAL are you to take a drink and pitcher someone is drinking away from them and walk to the back with it?!! Who does that? Wow.
I truly hope you all spread the word about this bar. I really wish you FIRE that tall brunette. I really feel sorry for that bartender, clearly her parents didn't raise her right and she is so insecure with constructive criticism she has to make her entire bar suffer for her lack of ethics.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/22/2011
"We do not serve your kind here"
My kind? Educated? Black hair? American born? Filipino? I'm… Read more »
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Review from Emily C.
Updated - 9/27/2011
WHY ARE PEOPLE NOT EATING BRUNCH HERE?
1. No line
2. Same amazing-ness in the brunch cocktails you've come to expect in the evening
3. DELICIOUS food that is not expensive
4. cool music
5. Brunch is served until like 3 or 3:30...
Seriously, I cannot believe that 15 Romolo is not completely packed on the weekend mornings. The "mash" is one of the best brunch dishes I've ever had - and you can order it "sweet" or "savory."
I'm sure I don't need to comment further on how great the cocktails are (see the other 500 reviews for that).Listed in: Great Places to Sit at the Bar
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/15/2010
Inventive cocktail menu. Well made drinks. Enthusiastic bartenders.
Wait time for drinks is looooong.… Read more »
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Review from Alex H.
SOMA, San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
Amazing bar food (get the pulled pork sliders) and great drinks. Think bourbon and branch without all the douchery. Only downside is that it gets somewhat crowded and the layout can be a bit awkward if you're trying to eat at the bar.
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Review from Kathleen R.
Minneapolis, MN
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
so packed we had to wait outside as it was at capacity...in san fran...
we had a really great cocktail (i forget the name) but the sticker shock of $10/ea was lame. -
Review from Marlease F.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012
Sometimes you are just way too tired to venture into the Mission or deal with the busy crowd at Bullit. There is always an easy vibe going on at Romolo. They are not hipsters...this place has always been this way. The drinks are strong and the food is easy and tasty.
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Review from ruggy j.
8/24/2011 9 Check-ins Here
How on God's green earth have I not written a review of 15 Romolo yet?! Is this real life?
Most people have an activity, whether it's a nostalgic trip to a specific destination out of town or an annual dinner reservation with the 'rents, that you partake in just a couple of times a year as a special treat. Maybe you had your graduation dinner at Chez Spencer and you swing by once every 12 months to recreate the magic. Perhaps you shared a magical moment with your boo on the tasting floor at Imagery in Sonoma and hope to stop Father Time dead in his tracks. Well, whatever the cases are, while I don't have any whimsical tales to share from previous jaunts to 15 Romolo, for me, that's exactly the role they play: one of my favorite hangs in the city that I seldom frequent for the sake of keeping it as fresh as a laundry basket full of baby unicorns.
Most people probably know they have some of the best drinks around, rivaling anything you'll find at Bourbon & Branch, Rye, Cantina, and the many other high end cocktail bars in town. But what you may not realize is they also have some of the best bar food I've ever tasted in my entire life! From their delicious fried chicken wings to their pulled pork sliders, grass fed burgers and even their "Challah at ya boy!" sandwich with Nutella, bacon, bananas, and pickles (seriously, it might sound disgusting, but it's delicious!), everything will delight and excite. And best of all, being upscale pub grub type fare, I don't recall any item eclipsing the $10 mark. If you do any sort of hobnobbing around SF on the regular, you know that's a steal!
Now that 15 Romolo has started doing brunch on the weekends, my occasional trips to Broadway and Columbus might become a more frequent activity! Time will certainly tell. -
Review from Kimberly P.
Del Mar, CA
12/19/2011
15 Romolo you won me over with your paper straws! That pretty much assured me I was in the right place, after my first drink I knew I was. Quality crafted beverages, unique offerings, rustic chill space. The food rocked as well... fried chicken sandwich & pulled pork sliders were the perfect midnight snack. As for the rest, awesome!
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Review from Tamar D.
9/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
No doubt, the mark of a good bartender is one who makes great drinks despite a busy night, and knows who's been standing and waiting for a drink the longest, and commences to serve in that order. On top of that, he or she will, at some point, make eye contact acknowledgement that you exist.
You certainly won't find that here. Not from any of the FIVE same ones whom I encountered. Ready to rock before hitting a couple of strip clubs for my friend's birthday, I waited so long that it wasn't worth it to go back for another.
Drinks are well-priced, though, and that gets a star.
