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Arlequin Wine Merchant
Category: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
384 Hayes St(between Franklin St & Gough St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
(415) 863-1104
- Hours:
Mon 11 am - 7 pm
Tue-Sat 11 am - 8 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Welcome to K&L Wine Merchants! Since 1976 we've been proud to offer the world's finest wines, great service and competitive prices. We offer thousands… read more »
120 reviews for Arlequin Wine Merchant
Review Highlights
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"...to sit in and the cafe next door makes great sandwiches and..." In 6 reviews -
"...as everyone else has said, the patio out back is amazing." In 7 reviews -
"...a smallish shop, Arlequin has a great selection of wines." In 11 reviews
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120 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer L.
Berkeley, CA
12/24/2011
I stopped by with hopes that I would find a great bottle of wine to bring to a Veggie holiday meal. I had no idea what would pair well. The individual working, helped me pick a couple of inexpensive bottles and they were a huge hit!
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Review from Tala D.
5/9/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Excellent selection of natural & imported wines. They have bottles that are very hard to find elsewhere such as A Tribute to Grace Grenache, Jerome Lenoir Chinon, Larmandier-Bernier Champagne and many others.
They also host tastings from local winemakers fairly often and I love coming to these. I went to a Cathy Corison tasting here last week as well as an Arnot-Roberts tasting a few weeks prior.
The attached cafe has very nice food for reasonable prices. I like coming here before going to the symphony hall or sometimes just after work to enjoy a glass with a friend.
Recommended. -
Review from Jeff M.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2012
Knowledgeable staff, beautiful garden to have a bottle with friends in the back.
The wine selection was interesting. Lots of wines that have similar tastes but different labels. I think they are going for more french wine, but it seems rather arbitrary. The wine prices were fair.
The cafe seemed to be pretty popular, but I just drank the wine. -
Review from Tammy C.
(See pics)
Review #1088.
A good wine merchant if you want to get half a glass (in pouring term, a quarter of the actual glass.) They carry a good selection without paying a hefty price. They also mentioned that they carry rare wines as well. Something to keep in mind for special dinners.
There are a couple tables if you want to sit down and enjoy it or browse the wines at the back. Because you get to taste the wine first, you are more likely to get a bottle you will like depending on what they serve for the day (they had about 13 on the menu and some under the counter.)
They also have wine tastings on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. -
Review from Amanda B.
10/8/2010
************ Review 279 **********
This little boutique wine shop is a real gem in this neighborhood with tons of wines from all over the world. I was walking around the neighborhood to get a sense of this upcoming area.
After having brunch at Absinthe, & tried out a glass of Pecorina Bianca wine, I really enjoy it. I went to Arlequin to ask if they carry it in stock. They told me they sold out, but since I mentioned I just drank it next door. They said they would sell it to me. How cool is that?
Their wine collections are fascinating. They have everything from Chile to France, from Napa to Central Coast, from new Zealand to Italy, what a surprise & a lot of new world wines.
They also offer a wine club for $64 you either get 3 bottles of top producers or 6 bottles of value wines. & yo get 10% OFF of all wines, plus 20% OFF of all tasting events, not bad at all.
4 bottle of Pecorina Bianca wine richer, but I'm definitely poorer since I walked in the shop, but this place I will come back for more.Listed in: Wine shops
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Review from Suzanne B.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2007
Reason # 1,294,485 to love San Francisco: Arlequin Wine Merchant.
I walked in JUST TO LOOK. I walked out with half a case.
Okay, here's where I get up on my soapbox. One of the most amazing, wonderful and incredible things about living in San Francisco is the pervasiveness of the wine culture. I must have four 'favorite' wine shops...and this doesn't even include wine bars where wine may also be purchased. Wine, and the true enjoyment thereof, is so much a part of living in this city that I never feel weird for my geeky enjoyment of odd varietals and vintages. And I keep finding more places that must fit into my 'favorites' list! If you have not taken advantage of this amazing subculture - what is your issue? Are you lacking a pulse??
Arlequin is one of those places that hit my favorites list. Beyond the lovely and inviting back patio, above the interesting bottle selection, the service is EXCELLENT! I walked in thinking I was just looking - I walked out (2 transactions later) with 5 bottles of incredibly interesting and good wine. The staff knows their wine - and what one staff member might not know, another will.
I will be back - for the excellent suggestions, for the wine club, and for the fantastic and unpretentious service. If you have not been here, you are missing out. But that's okay, 'cause I'll grab what you haven't discovered yet :)
UPDATE Sept 2007 - Joined one of the wine clubs and have had excellent selections so far. The new space is gorgeous and the staff as friendly and helpful as ever.Listed in: A Loaf of Bread, A Jug of…
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Review from Kiki R.
4/17/2008
This place is great! Wine shop on one side, cafe on the other. I had the lamb burger on focaccia, which was de-lish and my friend had the roasted chicken with Brussels sprouts. I snuck a couple of the sprouts off my friends plate (she actually offered, good friend that she is) - and surprise, they were the best I've had in forever! I'll go back just for those.
We sat in the back, which is a very cute garden area.
Great staff too, very friendly and helpful. And I love that if you buy wine in the shop the don't charge you corkage in the cafe, perfect! -
Review from Liz S.
11/9/2007 5 photos
Arlequin represents all that is great about independent wine stores and living in the fantastic wine mecca that we do.
It's not just about stopping in to find that hostess gift, or the perfect present for your hard-to-buy-for Dad, although these needs are always expertly met.
No, it's about indulging yourself. On a visit to Arelquin, you are going to talk to some people, learn something, hear a story, get to know a grape, and take home something special. Going there reminds me of going to my favorite bookstore and excitedly rushing home with a new tome.
What they do right service-wise here is concentrate on what you like, and if you don't know, they help you figure that out, completely without pretension. I don't like visiting wine stores where I feel that they are just trying to prove how smart THEY are - I just want to drink something delicious that is within my budget.
We attended a tasting last night of small-production Pinots. I just loved their wonderfully roomy new space. Don't get me wrong, I would have continued to go to the old narrow one - but I always felt like George Costanza in the Gore-Tex jacket in there, about to knock over a case of Chardonnay. Now I can breathe easier as I browse.
The back patio area is a wonderful, rare find in the city, and a place to enjoy some wine (why wait until you get home?), or some delicious food from their to-go emporium next door. It almost feels like a portal into wine country, seeing the sunlight-dappled tables and chairs back there.
Give yourself a treat and visit these lovely folks - allow ample time to let it all sink in and enjoy it. Go alone or with a good friend (who knows, you might even make a new one there!) If you want to get serious, check out their Wine Club program - a great gift for a newly married couple (they'll use it more than a Kitchen-Aid mixer, trust me), or my favorite recipient, yourself.Listed in: Hay to the Yes!
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Review from Jessica G.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2010
If it is gorgeous outside Arlequin is my new found jewel tucked away on the edge of Hayes. This wine store/wine bar/cafe is unassuming from the outside, however in the back you will find an outdoor courtyard that is my new TO GO place on a sunny SF day!
The outdoor courtyard is lush with greenery and iron rod tables dispersed between chairs and wooden benches with backs. The feel of the place reminds me of a Secret Garden in the heart of San Francisco and transports me to a leisurely time in my life when Italian cafes and aromas around Europe were the places of my big thoughts. Wear your smart glasses and plan to discuss philosophy or any other esoteric thoughts over a bottle of wine with your like-minded friends.
The salads look amazingly fresh, but most impressive is the Arlequin connected neighbor Arlequin Wine Merchant and you can find some great wine choices with the staff being so knowledgeable- knowing bottles by region etc. and good with price range suggestions.
Precious gem! -
Review from David P.
8/9/2008
Not only was the staff amazingly knowledgeable about wines from just about any region around the world including soil conditions and historical weather conditions but seem to know exactly where they are all located in the store (probably blindfolded if needed).
The most amazing thing about the staff is that they barely seem to be of drinking age! Or am I just getting too old... -
Review from Matt R.
Oakland, CA
1/15/2009
This is one of the best implementations of the wine shop/tasting room concept I've seen since Vino Volo. Interesting selection, reasonable prices, friendly and knowledgable staff, and affordable and good-value tastings. The nine-wine tasting was $10, but substantial (no 1oz pour restrictors!), and highlighted wines sold at single-digit prices as well as up into the $30 range. The selection was interesting, to say the least, and the featured bottles could later be purchased at the wine club discount rate. A Spanish Garnacha was a totally new taste for me, and only $11/bottle. On this visit, the last of the featured wines was produced by a local Berkeley winemaker (Broc Cellars), and the winemaker himself was behind the bar helping with the pours and talking about his fine product.
Bonus: there's a patio out back where you can drink your purchases while eating food from the cafe next door. Grab a retail-priced bottle of red wine and a fresh pizza margherita and enjoy the current warm spell!Listed in: Pizza
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Review from Berna T.
2/26/2007
There are a ton of wine shops in San Francisco, but this is one of the better ones!
Great store, with a friendly knowledgeable staff - always a bonus for a person lacking in wine-knowledge, like myself. Unlike the rest of expensive (expensive expensive) Hayes Valley, you can actually find some decently priced wines for people on a budget (again, like myself). I like the little cafe they have attached to the wine shop, they have a great selection of foods and yummy coffee!Listed in: Vin, l'eau de vie
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Review from c-a p.
Oakland, CA
12/18/2007
We recently popped in here for a quick lunch before heading to the SF Conservatory of Music. We were with H's 83-year old mom who only takes us to Shanghai/Chinese restaurants on weekends.
When we stepped into Arlequin (the cafe side) and I was ready to hate the place--it was too crowded and chaotic. People on the four top near the register were grumpy from all the people in line jabbing them as they were digging into their lunches. I felt their pain.
There weren't enough tables/chairs for people to sit inside--all were taken. Outside was too cold so we slouched over the front counters, halfway sitting on the stools.
We ordered the ham and cheese sandwich which was superb. H's mother LOVED it. Now that's a feat. It takes a seriously good sandwich to sway this feisty senior who rarely ventures out of Chinese food.
We also ordered a chicken breast sandwich which was also quite nice. I'm certain they have good soups, but the one we had was a turnip cream soup. I generally love soups like that, but this one suffered from inappropriate "holiday" spices.
If i'm ever in the area, I'll definitely come back here for lunch. Hopefully on a day that is less crowded. -
Review from Jordan R.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2009
Saturday is the true sabbath. My days of rest are spent in the beautiful courtyard behind Arlequin. Dappled streams of pale canary play hide-and-seek with the flagstone on the ground. The sage advice of men with what seems like centuries of experience in the wine industry, can help fill the void in my besotted soul. These stewards of oenophilia always can find me a bottle for $15-$20 which acts like it is $40-$50. I sit and watch the beautiful people enjoying the pleasures of the very continental atmosphere.
The icing on the proverbial cake is Martin: humble, impulsive, kind, knowledgeable, thirsty. He is a fountain of bacchusian knowledge and experience; he continues to keep my stemmed drinking vessel overflowing long after the cork is popped. -
Review from Tamara L.
2/22/2010
What a great place.
I recently got married at City Hall and needed a place to send my guests while I was off with the Husband doing photos. We sent our guests here and then met up with them a little later. It's a beautiful place. A HUGE variety of wine and an absolutely amazing outside patio. Seriously, the patio is unbelievable.
The employees were wonderful and let us snag a few photos around the place before settling down to a big bottle of champagne.
We will definitely be back. It's the sort of place where you can so and sit and relax with a couple good friends, or a great book. Such a breath of fresh air in an otherwise busy, hectic part of the city! -
Review from Anna d.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2009 2 photos
I found Arlequin Cafe n Wine Bar soooo... charming.
The garden setting located behind the cafe is a perfect spot to enjoy a newly purchased bottle of wine. The staff are well knowledgeable of every wine, very informative and helpful.
I bought a bottle of "Calera 2007" Pinot Noir. It was exactly the flavor and depth of pinot noir I prefer.
I will be sure to visit this place whenever I'm in the area. -
Review from David R.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2007
A+ for Arlequin
I really like this wine shop for several reasons:
1. Unique selection -- where else ya gonna get a sparkling wine from Tasmania?
2. Good price mix -- from $10 to $100 you can find it here and the staff can tell you about it.
3. Samples -- sometimes you can walk in and if the wine distributor/broker has just left and there are open bottles---well, the staff is more than happy to let you try what's on the "menu".
4. Educational -- these guys know their s#!+, seriously, be it aglianico or teroldego, if you want to learn about it just ask the staff.
5. Special events -- who else can celebrate Chilean Independence, with great food at Absinthe? Hmmmm. . . I wonder.
Okay, I could go on . . . but for me, well, it's right across the street from where I get off the bus to go home-----need I say more? :)Listed in: Wine Shops I Frequent
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Review from Natalie M.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2011
While wandering around Hayes Valley my friend and I found this little gem it's now one of my fav places in the city! I love outdoor patios and this place has the best one I've been to in the city thus far' there are heated lamps, it's lush and there's plenty of seating. Also, very importantly, I've never had a bad glass of wine here. I've been impressed with every glass of wine I've had and that's saying a lot because I can be slightly picky. Over on the cafe side they offer food, but I've only tried the beet salad which was very good and went very well with the Russian River Pinot Noir we ordered!
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Review from Tricia A.
Roseville, CA
My friends and I stopped in last Friday afternoon. There was a very nice guy at the counter who helped my friend pick out some wine. Fabulous spread of wines, but what I really fell in love with is the patio seating in the back. Tall, leafy trees that shaded the tables perfectly. I'd recommend buying a glass, or even a bottle, and enjoy it in the patio.
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Review from Casey C.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2007
I love this place. My friends and I were wondering around Hayes Valley looking for a place to eat for Sunday brunch. Hayes Valley has A LOT of restaurants that serve tasty brunches, but we were looking for something new and more affordable. Affordable can be a difficult thing to find in swanky Hayes Valley.
I was a little skeptical of Arlequin when we first walked in at 10 am on a Sunday and only 2 tables were occupied. However, the beautiful outdoor patio area made us decide to stay and give it a try.
I had a grilled portabello and Gruyere sandwich and it was muy delicioso. The tranquil and comfortable patio was a lovely setting for our brunch, and slowly the tables started to fill up. The place was full by the time we left. It's doesn't have quite the buzz that Suppenkuche does, so you don't have to wait for a table for 30 minutes. However, I am guessing that this gem will not stay a secret for long.
I highly recommend Arlequin. If you like eating gourmet sandwiches on tranquil patios you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Imran H.
Diamond Bar, CA
7/13/2011
Stumbled in here confused and dazed, more confused than anything, jk. So out of my friends I'm a little more familiar with wine and the breeds there are. Cab sav and call it a day. After a good browse, resident merchant wino mcgee suggested a bottle of Domaine Eden 2007. Smooth and great @ room temperature. Acidity level was enjoyable. The outdoor patio is very chill -white people say the darndest things I tell ya.
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Review from dr S.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2010
I'm in love with this place. Not the fleeting kind of "ohhhh i was so on the rebound and this guy bought me a drink" type but the OMG I WANNA MARRY YOU WITHOUT A PRENUP IN VEGAS AND THEN HONEYMOON AT NIAGARA FALLS type o' love.
The wine guys always hook it up with the champagne recs and after buying a bottle at market value... YOU CAN DRINK IT IN THEIR BEAUTIFUL GARDEN AND SMOKE A CIGARETTE AND GET FANCY DESSERTS AT THE RESTAURANT ADJACENT. Oh and if we don't finish our bottle by the time the place closes they'll happily cork it so we can drink it at home*
The only drawback is that they close at 8!
*by home i mean out of the bottle on muni -
Review from Gabriel R.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2008
It's one of those places that you feel so obligated to Yelp but then feel regret because you think that everyone will start going once the word is out. Well, after 63 reviews I don't feel so bad and actually wonder why it's not packed there every day.
Went this weekend for the first time and was so excited to discover their backyard/patio area. If you read my reviews you will know that outdoor seating/dining is important to me. The bonus is if you buy a bottle at the wine shop there is no corkage fee. The other side of this wine shop is a deli of sorts offering pre-made sandwiches, salads, cheeses and hot foods from their kitchen.
This is a great place to take a small group of friends or that special someone in your life for a relaxing get-together.
I'll be back... -
Review from Yuchi C.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2009
Review for Wine Merchant Only!
How could you not be curious to check it out after grabbing something from the cafe adjacent to it?
It's a small looking wine store, but wow, they've got the best selection of Riesling I've ever seen! Not only do they offer bottles from a wide range of different countries/regions, they also offer a wide range of prices you could choose from according to your budget.
The people who work here really know their wines, from the way they touch the bottles, to the sparks in their eyes when they give recommendations. I'm not a wine expert who knows what I want exactly, so I love to walk in with some idea, but let the fate take me to my bottles. Life is more fun with unexpected surprises...especially a new wine!
Thursdays are tasting nights. Come check it out! -
Review from Kathy S.
1/24/2010
I love the location, the quality of the food, the ambiance, the courtyard, the winebar,and the free internet!
The wine is a little pricey by the glass but the bottle is really cheap. Kinda funny if you ask me. For example, one bottle was $18 but $12 a glass?!?!
The food: I had the thai carrot soup and the lamb burger. They honored my request and replaced my bun with wheat bread. It was exceptional! Not too dry and very flavorful!
There is ample seating and if you get here on a nice day you'll be able to sip your wine in the courtyard where there's always a spot to sit. -
Review from Kevin R.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2006
Hayes Valley is a great place to live. I've lived in a few different places in the world, each with their own charm... but somehow, Hayes Valley just feels right. In part, this is due to the great selection of bars and shops in the area, of which Arlequin is a typical example.
Arelquin (as it stands) is a fairly small wine merchants. They deal directly with small producers rather than deal with the mega corporations, so you know that you're getting something a little bit different. The wines are neatly arranged so you can browse for yourself or - more importantly - speak with one of the very knowledgeable staff there who will be able to take your basic requirements and furnish you with a wine perfect for the occasion. For those looking for diversity, there are two monthly wine clubs you can participate in, depending on whether you prefer quantity or quality.
Every time I need a bottle to impress, Arlequin delivers. Just listen to the staff... -
Review from Elaine W.
8/19/2010
Perfect location to bring a date, a friend, coworkers...groups - etc. Pick and purchase your wine(s), then take the glass/bottle anywhere you like -- there's plenty of indoor seating, but we love the garden/patio out back. Very serene and relaxing. They share a space with the Arlequin Cafe next door where you can grab a bite to eat. The menu is nice enough, but I wish there were more tapas style/appetizer choices. I had a cobb salad, and although it was tasty, I found the portion size to be on the small side for a $10+ plate.
Very nice staff overall, but especially on the wine merchant side. They'll take the time to introduce you to the place and how everything works if it's your first time in, and they'll help you navigate through the wine choices. If beer is more your thing, there's plenty to choose from at the cafe next door.
I love how you basically can stay as long as you like as long as you purchase any food or drink. There's free water refills at the cafe, and a restroom on site. I'd love to come here for some chill out time...read a book and enjoy a glass of wine. It's especially lovely in the evenings, out on the outdoor patio with the heatlamps blazing. I just wish their closing time was a bit later...they shut down by 8pm. -
Review from Jen A.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2007
You (yes YOU!) and me . . . we, my friend, are wine stupid. Really. If you are a sommelier, I might exempt you (even though you are working in a fixed universe of a menu and location most of the time), but everyone else: stupid.
Do you know how I know this? I've talked to the guys at Arlequin.
DO NOT MISTAKE ME - these guys are the most unpretentious, welcoming, wine folk I've come across. You can walk in, and give the most obscure information and they go to work. Seriously, give them a rough description of an event, of the person its for, of the existential problem you are trying to solve with this bottle of wine. They'll follow up with questions for paltry things like necessary details (color, price range) but never in a way that questions your judgment (unless you ask them too).
These guys are the crazy-improvisational-jazz musicians of wine selection. -
Review from Ted R.
9/22/2007
Just moved to a new location - next door to the old one. But the space is nicer and the selection still wide-reaching, though not massive.
Great advice, as usual, led me to a really bold Tempranillo. Though they don't really have an extensive selection of Spanish wines.
Arlequin's Pinot choices always feel like discoveries and have me intrigued, so I'll rotate through occasionally. Which is saying a lot since the Arlequin and my apartment don't have the benefit of propinquity. -
Review from Wes M.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2007
Absinthe has quite the little empire going on in Hayes Valley...in addition to one of the premier pre-show dinner spots, they also have Arlequin (a cafe/deli) and Arlequin Wine Merchant, all in one building.
Arlequin Wine Merchant is a tiny little shop with a wine shelf that goes all the way to the ceiling. Like most SF wine shops, the staff here are very knowledgeable and more than willing to help you out. I was quite impressed by the eclectic selection, though I wished they had a little more under $20 (I don't spend any more than that on a wine I haven't tasted). I'd recommend coming here at lunchtime so you can combine it with a bite to eat at the Arlequin cafe (have yet to eat there myself). There's a great little garden in the back where you can sit.
The more wine shops in SF I go to, the more impressed I am with both the quantity and quality of them all. Truly this city has an unquenchable thirst for wine to support such a market. -
Review from patrick g.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2005
Mr. Mechanic really, really knows his stuff. Every bottle in the place is worth drinking and the prices are lower than you'd expect from such a small place. Their tastings may be the best deal in town. Note: the name has changed to Arlequin. They ran into a trademark problem.
Update: Neil Mechanic has moved on to Contra Costa but Chris Smith has things very well in hand. -
Review from Annster L.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2008
Perfect for a warm night in the City with a glass of wine sitting in the outdoor seating area, with a good tuna salad. YUM-O!
This place needs to not break so many glasses or slam so many plates when they're working. It kills the ambiance.... seriously kills it. There's no music either. Some laid back tunes would be nice, come on! Get a stereo and play a CD.
But still, the wine and the food and the outdoor seating is precious. I'd advise sitting outstide to avoid the clikety clackety indoor area. -
Review from Kevin M.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2011
Nice selection, nice staff, great layout. Enough said.
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Review from Todd X.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2007
This is my local wine shop, and boy am I lucky. I first went here with my friends, Renee and Yasu, because they belong to the wine club. I've been a customer ever since.
Every time I get something--often based on a suggestion from the staff who are nice and knowledgeable--it's good.
One of my favorite bottles of wine in the past year, a 2002 Produttori del Barbaresco, came from Arlequin. R and I shared it with Renee and Yasu. It seemed to make sense.
And now they're expanding! Things are just getting better and better in Hayes Valley. -
Review from Dave K.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2007
I've been a member of their wine club for a little over a year, and still they amaze me with their fantastic and interesting selections at great prices. I shop all over town, and keep coming back here month after month. Yes, to pick up my club shipment, smart ass, but also to pick up a few other gems or every day bottles. My wine cellar loves me, so does my credit card company.
Their staff is top notch, ready with great recommendations, words of wisdom, and only occassionally words of ignorance. Just kidding, Ian.
They also have great tasting events, including a monthly event for members to taste all nine wines from their two club offerings
Ponder this: a nebbiolo from Langhe that rivals a good Barolo, ready for you with two other great wines packed in a box with well written reviews, for only 60 bucks. If this is your kind of thing, then head over to Arlequin. If not, at least you can walk down about a block from here and pick up some Blue Bottle Coffee to redeem yourself.
THE LATEST: Their new space is awesome! SO much easier to browse the selection, which will hopefully continue to grow. Nice work, guys. -
Review from Rod C.
San Francisco, CA
3/16/2009
I've been going here for the past 4 years for breakfast or a cuban sandwich and have loved it. The quality of the ingredients seem to be quite good. The breakfast croissant sandwich or two eggs with sausage are my favorites. The fresh squeezed orange juice, although on the pricey side, always keeps me and my wallet coming back for more.
Recently, I discovered the wine shop ... always knew it was there, but never bought anything there until recently. They turned me on to a couple bottles of French wine and they were great ... Chambolle Musigny was very tasty. They seem to know their stuff, have a great selection and most importantly, reasonable prices. -
Review from Suzanne L.
San Francisco, CA
9/27/2010
This place is awesome. I love their back patio and you can share a pretty inexpensive bottle of great wine with some friends.
The food selection is fantastic and I had a great nectarine blackberry scone.
The bacon beignet left a lot to be desired, but I had to try it. Next time I will go for a more conventional flavor.
Overall, I dig this place and I am so glad its within walking distance from home. I just wish they were open later. -
Review from Adri M.
Chicago, IL
9/2/2009
You know you're in a good wine store when the expert doesn't hate you for saying a wine tastes a bit like Franzia.
You know you're in a GREAT wine store when he laughs hysterically while trying to pour you another wine that he KNOWS you'll like better. While subtly raising just one hint of an eyebrow in a "I hope it's been a while since you drank Franzia" kind of way.
Arlequin, for your amazing recommendations, totally unpretentious service, natural wines that I dream about for weeks, recognizing me after a celebratory (read: drunken) birthday bash and saying "Back for another Tuesday night!", and FINALLY for not hating me when I talk about Franzia in front of other customers...
Thank you!! -
Review from Emilia V.
4/13/2011
Ok, what's the deal? What is this "great selection" when they offer like 7 options for you to choose from when you're getting a glass? AND best of all, my beloved Riesling came OUT OF A BOX. A classy wine bar should not be tipping over a cardboard box to pour the last drops out for a $10 glass. Not cool, and no, it was not good. Boxed wine. Pffft.
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Review from Peter A.
San Francisco, CA
6/3/2009
Back when it was Amphora there was a buyer who knew special every day wines.
He left.
New guy Ian does a good job but doesn't have the same palate.
The cute girl can be charming or an ice bucket.
