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- Hours:
Mon-Tue 2 pm - 12 am
Wed-Thu 2 pm - 2 am
Fri 11:30 am - 2 am
Sat 8 pm - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
$99 for $199 Certificate
Kim J. said: "Shawn's course "Essential Mixology" was a birthday gift. What a great way to spend a day! Delicious cocktails, world history with an emphasis on…" read more »
470 reviews for 83 Proof
Review Highlights
"Blueberry basil gimlet -- my favorite."
(in 38 reviews)
"One of my favorite happy hour spots."
(in 125 reviews)
"The bartenders are amazing, fun, and friendly."
(in 175 reviews)
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470 reviews in English
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Review from Kathy S.
12/29/2011
I'm spoiled to have this place within a few minutes walking distance from my work. Their red wine selection is always spot on and it's only $7 a glass!
The decor, lighting, price, people, drink quality, and location make this place the perfect spot for a quick drink after work. I also appreciate how it's out of the way just enough to filter out tourists.
My only qualm is that it's a little loud but I don't mind yelling at the end of the day I guess. Exercises the vocal chords or somethin'.
The ratio of men to women here is around 10:1 -
Review from Lena S.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2012
This bar is super close to my office so I will be a regular simply out of laziness, buts its really just ok. A lot depends on when you come here. On weekdays right after work, this place is standing room only with a crazy long line to get drinks, but it usually starts to clear up at around 8.
Is nice to get a drink here after work, but there are better bars out there... -
Review from Nick K.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
***Good***
Bartenders are cool. Location is discrete and the bar is fun. Would suggestion going here any other time but happy hour.
***Bad***
Happy hour is packed. Bar isn't huge.
***Recommendation***
Bartender's choice -
Review from Analisa S.
Berkeley, CA
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Almost a speakeasy type of place. In the sense that in the day, you wouldn't know it was there. How can I say this with confidence? Because I work around the corner and didn't know it was there.
Upon entering it looks pretty small, but it goes pretty far back and there is an upstairs seating area. Thursday nights are really crowded, but if you can snag a table, its a good chance for good drinks and people watching. -
Review from Daisy S.
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was here with some coworkers after work. The space is long and narrow so it gets crowded and feels crowded rather easily. The service was good considering the large after-work crowd. I was really impressed that when I ordered a sweet tea drink the bartender took on the challenge and made one (delicious!!) even though they don't usually make them. Other places just say they don't make something that that's the end of it.
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Review from Dina H.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2011 3 Check-ins Here
It's the closest bar to my office ... and probably the "classiest". As much as I enjoy the taverns/pubs around me, it's sometimes nice to grab a drink at a bar that offers creative and tasty cocktails. I really like the decor ... dim, warm colored walls, long wooden bar, some high wooden tables and a small upstairs section with additional seating (couch and some armchairs).
After work, this place is extremely crowded and loud. I'm usually snaking my way to the bar and then standing the rest of the time. -
Review from Steve M.
Vista, CA
12/1/2011
What a wonderful find - thanks again to Yelp! 83 Proof is an excellent bar...and that's all it is. I mean that as a compliment - we wanted a good drink at a real bar, and that's exactly what we got. They are exceptionally well stocked and the mixologists are friendly, knowledgeable, and make outstanding drinks. The Manhattan they served was literally the best we've ever had, and thanks again to proprietor Chris Barry for suggesting the perfect single-cask Bourbon for me. He also had the class to serve it in a tulip glass with ice water back...including an eyedropper that allowed me to mix exactly the right amount of water.
The prices were perfectly reasonable, the atmosphere was welcoming and friendly, and the drinks were outstanding. We are looking forward to going again.
Highly recommended. -
Review from dan t.
Oakland, CA
1/15/2012
Like this place a lot. Bartenders are super respectful, both to their customers and to the cocktails they serve.
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Review from Michael D.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2011
"Casual but trendy" is tough to find in the Financial District, but 83 Proof fits the bill perfectly. It's a cozy space, and while the Happy Hour crowd is simply unruly, the extensive selection of beer and bourbon should satisfy even the most fickle drinker. Do yourself a favor and unwind here; leave the tie at the office.
Listed in: Da Bars
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Review from Max R.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2011
Nice decor.
Not too bad between Sundays and Wednesdays.
That's the good part.
Now for the bad part.
The drink prices are... unreasonable in my view.
30$ for a pour of 18yo Macallan.
- I know the retail price. Like Remy, Macallan suffers from being a
bit over popular with the expected effect on price and quality.
I also know at least one bar in downtown SF that charges $18/pour.
25$ for a 10yo Japanese single malt.
- I also realise that Japanese whisky is hard to get in the US, but if
I can manage having some 15 and 18 year old bottles (no, not Yama)
at home, I figure a full-time bar can swing it, somehow.
Midnight closing time on the days that I go out. I've been informed by the
owner(?) that this is a limitation of their liquor license, and I can sympathise,
but in the end - it still means I can't go there late on quiet evening.
I've toned the review way down after messages to/from the owner. He had
some excellent points, but after all is said and done, I still can't come here
late on a Monday/Tuesday night, and have a glass of good whisky at what
I consider to be a reasonable price.Comment from Sky W. of 83 Proof 11/19/2011
Thanks for your review. Here are some clarifications: Our… More » -
Review from Rachel E.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2011
Hump day happy hour yesterday brought us to this bar. I wish I had read the reviews beforehand because I missed the basil gilmet! Sad face. Oh well, next time.
Hard to beat $4 well drinks, friendly bartenders, and casual non-sketchy crowd. The one downside was that it got so noisy it was really hard to hear each other.
$10 card minimum so bring cash or know your debit card usage rights and be prepared to argue about it. -
Review from Joeltons W.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011
Okay if cocktails and assertively drunk investment bankers are your thing (not mine). For godssake, Gimme something to look at on the walls when some dude tries to get all 'bro' on me!
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Review from Johnny V.
Sausalito, CA
9/27/2011
Met an old friend for a HH drink here last Thursday - based on Yelp reviews ;-)
Will have to give this visit a 3-star. Selection was top shelf, service was solid, drinks well-made... but spare seating, shoulder to shoulder crowd, wait for drinks doesn't offer anything special, besides the walk from 1 Market.
That said, maybe a 4-star visit if it was 3p instead of 5:30p or a Mon-Wednesday. But would definitely give it another shot, since it's also a halfway point to other friends who work in the area. -
Review from Mel G.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2011
I've been meaning to try out this bar for awhile -- super close to campus, doesn't have a sign in the front (bonus points for attempting to be obscure). It's a fun place for happy hour, definitely will put in my list of places to hit up in the near future. Great spot.
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Review from Anna P.
Oakland, CA
12/11/2011
Could sitting staring adoringly at all the liquor in their bar. Great bartenders! Amazing drinks! Delicious bourbon concoctions! My dream!
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Review from Rachel N.
9/15/2011
I've been here a few times and it's always an evening well spent -- confirmed last time I was here by the fact that the piano player did a rendition Karma Police. Bold. Very Bold. I've never hit it on the weekend, but on weeknights it's a solid place to grab a casual drink -- they have an obscene collection of fancy spirits, and although the bartenders are not remarkably helpful, they are friendly and perhaps I've never asked the proper questions?
You're able to hear the person across the table from you fairly well -- and it's dark enough that if they're a little busted, you'll never know the difference -- in other words, not a bad place for a first-ish date.Listed in: Where to get drizz-unk.
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Review from Patty O.
11/19/2011
Small bar, nondescript from the outside. The front door has an "83" on it, but that's about all you can see. It's across the street from a Jack in the Box, just for reference. Drinks here are pretty strong, I think. Was pretty buzzed off of a Long Island (or maybe I'm just lightweight), and quite affordable to boot. Bartenders are nice. Bar is small. Clean bathrooms. There is also a small area upstairs to lounge around, but it is quite smalllllllll. Decent place to pregame with friends before going out to other places.
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Review from Johnny W.
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
After some light (for us, anyway) Friday drinking at the office, I wandered off with Akvile H and her husband in search of a bar close to BART, and on the way to my next set of drinking buddies. Our search led us to 83 Proof, a dive bar of the classier and nicer variety (while not an upscale lounge by any means, the only thing that really drove the dive bar element home was the smell of urinal cake that pervaded the bar).
A little less busy than I would have expected on a Friday night (though perhaps normal around 10pm), we were able to easily make our way up to the bartender, order our drinks, and even chat with him a bit. While the other two stuck with beer, I was undecided on what to order, and was given the suggestion of a (muddled) blackberry whiskey sour, which turned out to be a unique and tasty drink. As another plus, while they'd run out that day, they do carry Templeton rye, easily one of my favorite ryes to date (and rather hard to find). -
Review from Louis D.
Philadelphia, PA
11/24/2011
Pretty standard after-work place, with the usual downtown working crowd (not very young). Happy hour drinks are pretty cheap ($3 drafts, $4 well drinks), and it's a pretty nice looking place, so I'm a fan. Getting a seat can be tough, so be prepared to stand. The bartender was very friendly, so that was a plus.
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Review from Nikki K.
Berkeley, CA
9/2/2011
Expectation matters a lot. This guy at work has been talking up this place and how cool he thinks it is. He says he feels like Don Draper on Mad Men when he goes here. So me and a friend thought we should check it out. It is pretty close to my work so I could definitely add it to my unwinding spots.
It was a disappointment right from the beginning. First, this is a sort of ugly section of 1st Street in a spot of the city that I find a little iffy to begin with. The door is also hard to find (that can be cool if you're going for the hidden club feel, but here it was just annoying). Inside you find a pretty average sort of tiny bar. The chandelier and the balcony are a nice touch but overall I wasn't sure what this bar was going for. Dive bar? Cocktail lounge? I don't know. It got average looking bar down though.
The other thing was that something about the acoustics of this place just felt off too me. There weren't that many people but it still felt too loud somehow.
Maybe I expected too much or came on the wrong night or just wasn't into it.
Oh, the drinks were okay though. I just had a beer because I had to
work the next day.
It didn't do it for me. But maybe I will give it another shot on a Friday night and have something with a little more kick, like a Greyhound or a Zombie. That always makes places more entertaining for me. -
Review from Ziyan C.
6/12/2011
My friend's grad program rented out this bar for an event and it was a really nice chill place for all of us to hang out.
Props to the bartenders who, despite probably getting close to zero tips all night, really took their time still making every single wonderful drink and really talking to you to figure out what kind of cocktail you wanted if you weren't sure. My ginger/ whiskey cocktail was excellent, and they make a GREAT basil gimlet! -
Review from Cemile A.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2011
'was there for happy hour- it was crowded. Dirty Martini was well made and so was the manhattan- we had a private chef event upstairs- unfortunately i did not go up to see the space (other HH commitments,hehe) but overall besides being too crowded, i liked this place. Good professional crowd. Worth trying different drinks. Not everyone makes dirty martinis good!..mmm just saying..and i love it when they put 3 (yes 3- not 2, not 1) olives, that makes it a small meal! :) haha.
Good times. iRecommend. -
Review from Akvile H.
7/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a great bar! Somewhat of a challenge finding it since their sign isn't very big, so unfortunately my group and I passed it while looking for it, but noticed quickly and came back. As we walked in (all of our first time there) we really liked the ambiance, the bar was busy but there was plenty of room to stand, sit, and the bar was easily accessible. Just what we were looking for!
The bartender was extremely friendly, made us some tasty beverages, and even talked to us for a little bit since we mentioned we were all relatively new to the area. They also have a wheelchair accessible bar counter at the end of the bar, which was really awesome considering our friend was in one. They have a full bar, great beer on tap, and I would highly recommend trying out their blackberry whiskey sour. Unique and delicious! We had a great time, bartenders were awesome, prices are appropriate, and we'll be back again! Thanks 83!Listed in: Quench Your Thirst In SF
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Review from Heather M.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2011
My favorite after work bar!! Great bartenders, great drinks, and super fun vibe! Can get a little crowded so get there early if you can!!
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Review from Gretchen B.
San Francisco, CA
6/26/2011
Bah! I missed the basil gimlet. Ah well, I'll be back thanks to the Yelp tips.
83 Proof was great. We went for post-work cocktails with a big crew and gradually took over the mezzanine - definitely go early to snag it - best spot in the house. Downstairs seemed a little crowded, and I'm sure it's even more packed on weekends. All of the drinks were fantastic and the bartenders took great care of us - even trekking up and down the stairs multiple times to clean up and restock drinks!
Note: drinks are strong. Seriously. -
Review from Sam H.
Tacoma, WA
9/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I can always appreciate a bar that has bartenders who know the diffrences in their alcohol... Proof 83 is one of them. It has the theme of speak easy drinks. Just tell them the base and enjoy your company... You don't have to worry if you'll like your drink b/c you will!!!
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Review from kelly c.
10/22/2011
Cozy little bar. Dimly lit. Boring music. Speak easy feel. Oddly, plenty of seating on a Friday night. Mellow place to hang out means mellow time. A OK.
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Review from David H.
6/14/2011
So I'm still living in 1995 without a smartphone: I didn't have access to Yelp's review highlights, which means I had no way of knowing this place serves a DELICIOUS GIMLET. Instead I had to settle for a standard Firestone Pale Ale. It really would have been nice to have tried their signature drink though...
Besides their drinks, I think I may have been here on an off-night; the place was somewhat empty and everyone looked too old. I was practically as old as the children of the patrons of this place. -
Review from Edi B.
Vallejo, CA
4/27/2011
Super loud, super crowed- it's just fine to get a drink or 2 to start out your night.
I've walked past the entrance countless times and never even knew it was there.
Fun place to watch the game if you want to be in an exciting group environment. -
Review from Taylor O.
6/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
83 poured me some solid classic cocktails for a great after-work meetup and enjoyed meeting some of the friendly energetic crowd.
However, I couldn't even hear the name of the cute girl I met. Minus star for your part in this by creating a far too loud atmosphere. The jet way at Chicago O'Hare has less decibels. Save the db drag race for Hot Import Nights. -
Review from Scott C.
Fremont, CA
11/2/2011
Can't beat the early happy hour prices and casual setting here. Easily becoming one of my fav low key places in the city.
Listed in: City Life
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Review from Art M.
Los Angeles, CA
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a nice place to go for after-work drinks. The prices are reasonable and the drinks are good. Next time I'm here I'll have to try the basil gimlet mentioned in the other reviews.
However, the bar can be hard to spot. There's no signage out front other than the street numbers, which aren't that big to begin with. The music can get loud, making conversations difficult. Also, it can get chilly near the front since they leave the front window open, so bring some layers. -
Review from Ben H L.
4/28/2011
Came here for a birthday party pre-dinner meetup and by 7pm, the place was pretty packed. There was no bouncer as mentioned in previous reviews which was nice because I did have to run in and out of the place to take calls. Also, a draft beer was only $5. Not bad at all. I wish they had a sign or something because I parked around the street looking for signage and I did a full circle until I realized that it was sitting right next to me.
I stayed mostly in the front area near the door as the inside tables and upstairs area were already occupied. The volume in the room can get really loud but it makes for excellent atmosphere. There were a few TVs scattered around but not to the point of sports bar overkill. Parking is street and usually pretty decent to find after 6pm and the meters become free. -
Review from Mark T.
Antioch, CA
5/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
SHappy hour 2-7pm, $3 draft beers, $1 off well drinks. There was a piano player jamming loud enough to hear over the conversation on a tuesday night at 5:00pm. Thanks to yelp I found you guys!
Mike, one of the bartenders, was very cool and quick on the refills and happy to rap a bit between customers and refills. If you haven't been here and are looking, you may walk right on by so either listen to the noise as you walk by on 1st st towards mission or use your GPS. No sign out front simply #83 above the door. Upstairs was also hoppin.
Best Happy Hour I have found in this area for cheap drinks and cool atmosphere. Will def be back! -
Review from Ben B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/14/2011 3 Check-ins Here
A friend and I were hosting a small gathering at 83 Proof and had reserved the upstairs. When we arrived at 83 Proof they were like "You did NOT reserve the upstairs."
So we took out our iPhones and showed them the emails they sent us saying "Your reservation is confirmed." They went and made a few phone calls, looked at a few emails, and whatever else it was they were doing. Then came out and apologized profusely and gave us a free round of drinks on house.
Mark - the bartender - (I think that was his name) also recommended some awesome bourbon to me and overall made up for the small scheduling error by being awesome and helpful the whole night.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/16/2010
Not sure how I haven't written a review for 83 Proof yet...
It's a relatively small place with great… Read more »
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Review from Michelle P.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2011
A note to the owners: Please, for the love of all that is bourbon and rye goodness, don't ever let your bartender Marc go! He is the very reason that we choose your venue in the first place.
We had a birthday party at 83 Proof last Saturday and no one was disappointed. The venue is beautiful and laid-back, the bartenders were polite, helpful and fun - and the cocktails were magnificent. Our party was about 25 people, and everyone enjoyed.
Thank you again for such a great time. We will definitely be back. -
Review from Mark R.
Los Angeles, CA
10/9/2011
it was fun. went with a few friends, we had a blast laughing with the bartender! hahaha
i just remember singing 'The drinks are on me, the drinks are one me' which was a mistake LOL
Cool, calm and casual. It seemed like a great place to go and just relax. Have a couple sweet cold ones and get hammered.
I wish it were a little more trendy and a little more young, i felt a little awkward being surrounded by older corporate types. Only a bit handful of young kids like me there. -
Review from Shira H.
San Francisco, CA
9/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a fun spot! Super packed for happy hour, but that's my fave kinda happy hour--poppin'! I had them customize a whiskey sour with fresh muddled blackberry's--and it was goooood! Kinda looked like a milkshake, haha, but it tasted supreme. Very loud, so not the best place to have an intimate conversation, but a fun after work mingling spot for friends and coworkers!
Listed in: SOMA, Cheers and Beers @ 5ish
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Review from Jillian M.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2010
I got really drunk here. The mezzanine is good for making out "discreetly" and that's about all I remember.
So, yes Yelp, 4 stars! Yay! I AM a fan!Listed in: Places I make an ahole out of…
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Review from David B.
As soon as I stepped in the door I knew I wouldn't like this spot.
It had an air of white collar-ness that threw any buzz I had to the wind. I'll still keep giving it chances but perhaps skip the week nights.
The bartenders are attentive when you wave cash in their face but otherwise ignore you unless you are still wearing your freaking tie.
Had to push my way to the bar between what seemed like a frat boy just graduated from college prep school gathering. Heard some murmor from them as I asked for drinks. But, when I turned to face them he was suddenly all silent like. I thought so.
What saved them from two stars was a few things. Drinks were mixed well. From the Makers Mark sour to the rum and coke for my friend. All were good. No room downstairs so go all the way to the back and upstairs to find a loungy setting of a few couches and comfy seats for a more intimate or private conversation. Great view through the railing from above.
Instead of exposed brick I found painted cinderblock. Strike!!!
Wasn't really feeling this place...plenty better options in the area.
Still love SOMA!
