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"I loved this place. Came here for Happy Hour and had a nice glass of wine for $3 and split the pita pizza with Gorgonzola, grapes, and…" read more »
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Wednesday night rolled around, and a girlfriend and I wanted to grab a drink to relax. We both had recently walked by Bacchus, and surprised by it's tiny size and therefore inherent cute factor, we decided to check it out.
We arrived to find the bartender (perhaps owner?) chatting with two gentlemen at the bar. We took two seats at the bar as well, and were handed a wine menu. With my wine knowledge being as limited as it is, I decided not to even venture in to the wine list, which looked massive. I told the bartender that I wanted to try a glass of sake instead.
After throwing out a sentence about what I liked in sake, he suggested a sake with a cantaloupe finish to it. "Would you like to try a sample?" Yes please! It was fruity and refreshing-- so we ordered two glasses and spent the next hour chatting before we paid and walked home.
This seems like a very mellow place for locals to stop by and have a drink together, as long as its not crowded. The art on the walls was beautiful (but sadly, too pricey for my budget). I would hesitate to recommend this place to non-locals, however, because it could fill up in a heart beat., and thus might not be worth the trek. (I think there were perhaps 7 seats at the bar, and two couches in the front of the room?)
I will be back!
Is this the only two-star review for Bacchus? I'm not sure it's really that bad, but the place needs a bit of balance, a bit of a kick in the pants to think a bit harder about its manner and its ambience, not to mention its wine list. The place is very small and when I first went in, and saw that they were going for Sake as well, I had high hopes of a Tokyo Golden Gai type of experience. Unrealistic in retrospect, but the wine list is very short and almost totally old world as far as I could see. Enjoyed the fizz, riesling, malbec (argentinean, the one exception to the old world rule), but the sancerre tasted empty and the trebbiano had that pub wine kick that starts out good but by the end of the glass is giving you a dry mouth. Gewurztraminer also good, but is it ever bad? Been there twice recently, and the last time was pretty average. A loud bunch of people who knew each other well dominating the space (not hard, given how tiny it is). Kinda hard for anyone else to feel comfortable. The barman also distinctly standoffish (Standoffish? in SF? shurely shome mishtake). Went to pay him, and as we exchanged check and cash, he started a conversation with someone who was just getting up to leave. When you're paying top dollar for a glass of wine (or a few, as you may discern from the list above) you expect a certain kind of interchange, right? A kind of thanks for the biz acknowledgement of your part in the ritual. Had I been rude earlier? A cultural crossed-wire? I saw someone else with a similar experience further down - perhaps it's related to the particular bartender on duty - owner take note. And you can't blame the wine-list on one barman - unless he's the owner, of course.
This place ought to be lovely, but somehow, it just misses it.
People thought this was:
A shoebox sized place with a decent wine list and VERY intimate atmosphere. If you don't mind sidling up next to strangers, listening to other peoples conversations, or standing at the end of the bar which is practically spitting distance to the bathroom then hey...not bad.
Its akin to lounging in someone's living room and sipping on good wine, while not actually knowing whose home you are in. Eh. Just like any other Tuesday.
People thought this was:
I LOVE this place. Been going for years. Its super cozy and they have yummy wine. And as an extra bonus... excellent food is spitting distance away. What more do you need?
Named after the Roman god of wine, this cozy little spot is a perfect date spot.
Not that I'd know. I just hope every time I walk by. ;)
Seriously though, if you can score the couch in the front window then it's a WIN. I'm always impressed by the array of great wines and the knowledge of the bartenders.
This is the essential neighborhood spot.
People thought this was:
A small group of four of us just had some sushi around the corner but wanted a bit more wine and sake to tuck us in for the night. We walked across the streetcar tracks to this lovely gem and were welcomed in by the owner and his friends that were celebrating his (the owner's) birthday.
Some highlights:
1) Wine/Sake Menu is pretty awesome. Best Temparanillo I've had in the city so far. Awesome burnt/chocolatey aftertaste, smooth and a nice pour.
2) Awesome music. Yep, it was Pandora but the mix was great. (Anything that starts with Radiohead is gonna rock).
3) Friendly service/ambiance. The lighting/decor is simple and cozy. The service was great. I felt as if I had stumbled into my local that I'd been visiting every Saturday night for the last decade. That's pretty cool and definitely one of the reasons that I'll be back.
This place is versatile - it's a "just want a chill glass of wine after work to decompress" kind of place. Or it can also satisfy your "i want to go out but without all of the fuss of the scene/reservations".
We'll be back...next Saturday? If not before...
People thought this was:
awesome, adorable bar where the owner makes you feel right at home. definitely worth the walk up the hill for a great glass of wine and a nice chat with the owner. looking forward to going back. bodhi had great recommendations for restaurants and grocery stores and we were lucky to find this gem of a bar. it's a must visit. he knows his wines and sushi!
People thought this was:
I love Bacchus. It's my favorite hangout whether I'm doing laundry next door at Missing Sock or I have a friend over who wants to grab a glass of wine before dinner. It's pretty small inside so it's not good for big groups at all, but it's charming which I like. The staff has always been super friendly and very knowledgeable about the wines they're serving...and if you ask, they love to talk about any and everything wine!!!
I always do a flight of some sort, which ends up being about $18/20 with tip...which isn't bad if I'm getting my buzz on while doing my laundry...eh?!
Perfect spot to hit up before going out to dinner, or if you just want to grab a glass of wine and chat w/ a friend/date.
People thought this was:
Small tiny spot with a decent wine menu and a chill atmosphere. A when I say chill I don't mean cold as it can get toasty here. Doesn't really have the feel of a regular hangout, but for of a fly by. Grab a glass maybe two and head to dinner or out to another spot where you can mingle with more than 4 people.
Something to know about your first stop here is that there is zero food offering. With that said you can swing in with your food and it is all good.
Not good for groups
Limited wine list
They do have a sake menu
People thought this was:
I love wine. I love everything about wine. I went to college in a wine town where we went wine tasting 2 Sundays a month. Some might say I am some what of a wine snob (I wouldn't say that, but some might). I enjoy wine bars. I frequent plenty of wine bars, in fact I believe that the atmosphere really makes the wine in a wine bar.
Now that my wine knowledge and experience is out there, I can write a proper review. Bacchus Wine Bar is your quintessential wine bar. Beautiful wooden bar, a few intimate tall tables, knowledgeable staff, late 20's to early 30's crowd. It is great. My friend had a port here that she loved and they let her take home the bottle so she would know what to buy. They sell wine, they talk wine, they serve wine. The space is some what small, but I like it, its intimate and cozy. The prices are average (6-10 per glass) they have something for everyone!
The hooks under the bar are a definite plus!
People thought this was:
Came here while waiting for our table at Zarzuela to be ready.
I'm not a wine-o, so my review is more geared towards other Irish pub, pint of Guinness lovers.
I would not recommend coming here with more than 2 other people. The place was probably designed as a garage for a fleet of Smart Cars in its previous life. The bar takes up over half of the place, which really only allows for maybe 10-15 patrons.
The wine was good. And the bartender/owner seemed like a friendly, knowledgeable guy. If you're around the neighborhood and enjoy your wine, I think you will have a pleasant time here with 1 or 2 of your friends.
But for me, it's a little too "classy" for me.
People thought this was:
Great weeknight spot (gets crowded on weekends) when you just want to unwind with a glass of wine, listen to some relaxing music and talk with a friend.
Thank you Bacchus for one of my best birthday's ever!
I had mentioned to one of my buddies that I wanted to have a private wine tasting at a wine bar with friends to celebrate my 21+5 birthday. Ben M., as he tends to do struck up a conversation with the bartender at Bacchus one evening with this in mind, which led to getting in touch with the owner Bhode.
Bhode kindly opened the bar for us one Saturday an hour an a half before it usually opens, so I could have my shindig there. I provided the cheese and crackers, he provided the wine, champagne, port, muscat, etc. He even let me pick the music! The intimate and elegant atmosphere was perfect for nine of my friends to mingle and talk, all with impeccable service and no need to holler to be heard.
Did I mention they also have those purse/coat hooks under that beautiful wood bar? Talk about a tipping point!
However, don't EVER drive here, getting parking takes FOREVER, and is NEVER close. Besides, drinking and driving is bad. Drinking and taking a cab, not so bad =)
I wish I lived close enough to be a regular at Bacchus, there seem to be several, but I guess it's just as well for my liver and my wallet that I don't.
People thought this was:
It's ok if someone hits my foot, but only at Bacchus. Even though the place is small and you often feel as though you are part of the conversation next to you, it is a charming place to begin your evening, or walk out of at 1am. The wine is what is important here and it may be one of the only wine bars in the city to feature local wineries off the beaten tourist path. Lovely place to challenge even the most educated wine snobs.
People thought this was:
I like this tiny place. it's cozy , hip and unpretentious. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The people you are likely to meet at here all seem to have one thing in common -- a love of wine. The ambiance is dark, quaint and simple but makes room for plenty of style wine.
My friend lives a block from this place so when I'm in the neighbor we visit the place for a glass of wine before dinner at one of the local restaurants. They have a nice selection of California wines and very nice selection of Sake, both Filtered and unfiltered.
Sometimes we are lucky to get the couchs by the window and that enhances the experience even more. I highly, highly, highly recommend this place.
People thought this was:
My favorite wine bar in the neighborhood and one of the best in the city! Bodhi selects great wine and what makes this place unique - it's the size. You are apt to speak to others if not everyone. Great for a date or go in by yourself and mingle with our neighbors.
A very intimate wine bar, with seating for about 15 or so. There are stools along the bar, and two small couches that will fit a group of 4.
A good place to start the night, but would not stay here for too long. It's not too fun if you can't grab a seat, but if you're able to sit down, it great to sip on some wine and carry a nice conversation.
Everyone is pretty friendly there, strangers will come up to you and start chatting. So if that's your cup of tea, go for it.
This place also serves sake and saketinis.
Very fun cute little wine bar -- the owner/bartender was very pleasant, and sitting in the couches by the window watching the world walk by was atmospheric and provided some very entertaining people watching.
Also, I'd never heard of any of the wines, and the two glasses my friend and I ordered were all excellent! So top marks for a fresh delicious experience.
If I could pick one place in the city to chill out with a couple of my friends with a few glasses of wine, this would be it. The space is awesome with some interesting characters.
First tip, if you hang out for 20-30 mins when its busy a spot will open at the bar. The crowds (i.e. more than 10 people) go in waves, so don't get put off when people are standing by the door.
Bhode is a great guy to hang out with. As a hint, if you have more than three people, buy a bottle. They are priced much better than the glasses. Bhode also has an excellent collection of Oregon Pinot...he's got some gems!
Oh and by the way, Random-Frat-guy-who-had-sex-with-your-date-in-the- bathroom-last-Saturday, you are a sick bastard. Go back to the Marina or wherever you came from...
People thought this was:
I am lucky enough to have Bacchus as my neighborhood wine & sake bar. It's a tiny, stylish, cozy cube where one can enjoy fine wines, superior sake cocktails, a well selected cheese plate and even delectable sushi from Sushi Groove just a few doors down.
The proprietor, Bodhi Freedom (yes, that is his real name) knows his wines and knows the regulars. It is a happy little escape pod that is like no other in the city. Swirl around on one of the bizarro blue bar stools or snag one of the two leather love seats by the window for cushy privacy. The rotating artwork is always interesting and the small scale makes for intimate times. Do it like Dionysus and groove on over to Bacchus.
People thought this was:
My first ever wine bar experience was at Bacchus last month. I've tried to avoid these places because of the idea of a bunch of people sitting around talking about how the angle of the sun can affect the flavor of a grape and therefore the wine it produces.....YAWN.....whatever.
I was snobbing the snobs!
However, Bacchus was so not like that. Its a small place so a group bigger that 4 or 5 may not fit at certain times. In fact, I think they have one table, 1 bartop, and one bonus counter. The bottles are well placed for all to see. Decor is modern but not too out-of-this-dimension futuristic. It seems dark but you can make out the names on the wine labels.
While I had a few yummy wines, including a great pinot noir, I was most impressed by the service. I told the bartender that this was our first time. Not only did she treat us like any other patron but she explained that it was no big deal. I think her name was Margot. She was very pleasant and informative and made great recommendations. I also overheard other guests asking about a male bartender referring to him as a "cool guy who buys the wines personally."
I highly recommend going here. Its not the biggest room but the atmosphere isn't stuffy at all. The cable car rumbling by adds charm. Bartender was very cool & down to earth and the wine list has selections that I want to try next time.
This awesome wine bar is like an upscale Cheers -- oops, am I dating myself? You know, it's the place you want to go "where everybody knows your name."
The owner knows his wine, and the vibe is neighborly and relaxed. One night, Za Pizza was too packed so my friend and I just ordered a slice to go and took it up the street to Bacchus. Yummy pizza and great wine -- heaven! The bartender couldn't have been nicer about it, and there were many envious stares all around.
So, yes, it's small. And, yes, it's overcrowded. And yes, allright, the crowd sometimes looks and acts like refugees from the Marina and I'll be the first to wish they would just Go Back.
But the bartender on thursday nights lets you carry the drinks down the street and the waiters (generally the hostess) from Sushi Groove will run the sushi up to the wine bar for you. Amigos, that's drinks and sushi that travel and, really, what more do you want?
People thought this was:
Can't finish your drink before dinner at Sushi Groove? Not a problem my imbibing patrons! Let me show you the new and improved, super small, super swank Bacchus Wine Bar. Taking your time, talking to your date kept you from sipping your alcohol? Well, not a problem anymore, just take the drink with you. You heard me correctly, I said TAKE THE DRINK WITH YOU. Only in San Francisco could you pull these crazy shenanigans off! Order your drinks with sushi to follow today!
Note: May not be legal to have open intoxicants, but in this city, who cares?
People thought this was:
Cute and cozy little space but too bad it's not a larger bar where you'd hang out normally besides waiting for a table at Sushi Grove or other surrounding restaurants. In terms of the bar itself I'd probably just give it three stars but what's pushing it over to 4 for me are the amazing sake cocktails!
Very light and refreshing and lethal for me since I wouldn't mind sitting at the bar for hours on end drinking those concoctions!
People thought this was:
I came here with some friends after celebrating my birthday dinner at neighboring restaurant Luella.
Cozy little wine bar with interesting swirly seats at the bar. Good selection of wine and the bartender was very helpful and friendly.
People thought this was:
My friend to Bacchus barista: "I have a broken heart."
Bacchus barista to my friend: "I have syrah grenache."
'nuff said.
[best of all, the bartender had my back when two Marina guys were trying to get me to visit their MySpace pages - what? - while I was waiting for my friends to show; major points to him for that]
People thought this was:
A great neighborhood (wine) bar. It's a really small space but that's one of the things that makes it fun. If you're open to chatting with strangers then you'll enjoy it. Bodhi, the owner and usually the bartender, is friendly and chooses interesting wines. If you hang around late enough he may even do a sake bomb with you ;) It's also a great spot to have a drink while you're waiting for a table at Zarzuela, up the street.
People thought this was:
I liked it!
Incredibly tiny/cozy wine bar just a few doors down from Sushi Groove... Bacchus is where SG sends their patrons to *wait* while their table is getting ready.
Very clever.
Intimate wine bar with wonderful selection... my friends and I ordered a bottle of yummy full bodied pinot noir that the bartender recommended and it was perfect.
We were lucky and scored the 2 comfy couches up front by the window and tucked our legs under us and planted ourselves there for 1 hour after our nice dinner at Sushi Groove... we are so spoiled!
Recommended, perhaps not as a destination because it IS so small, but if you're in the area and you see some available seats do check it out.
People thought this was:
I think the atmosphere of Bacchus is one of its winning accomplishments. I am usually thrilled with the wines they have picked for their by-the-glass options. The art changes so I am on board sometimes and other times, I could give it a pass, but that's what makes it an interesting place, the environment is dynamic. The music is usually playlists from the bartenders ipod or a DJ who is in for the night. I like being able to take my wine down to Sushi Groove. The by the glass options have narrowed a bit, but it makes choosing easy, and gives you a good reason to go back which is why I love this place. Oh and for you new visitors, chances are good that nobody is in the bathroom, just push the door a little harder.
People thought this was:
I never really noticed bright lights, i think the atmosphere of Bacchus is one of its winning… Read more »
Cozy little wine bar with a decent wine list, great service and friendly patrons.
People thought this was:
I went here last night with a friend who I hadn't seen in a while. We sat down at the bar and, by the end of the night, had enjoyed some fantastic wine ranging from a pinot noir to a malbec (or three), to a half bottle of Veuve to a wonderful champagne by the glass to cap the night off. Bodie the bartender was awesome (if you read this, best of luck with the little one on the way!).
The atmosphere was cozy and perfect for yesterday's cold, rainy night. We ended up chatting with another patron sitting next to us, as the place has the feel of someone's living room - casual, comfortable, intimate...kind of like you're at a friend's house.
Tucked away in Russian Hill, it is an adorable and unassuming place to spend the evening, or to spend an hour before your reservation at Sushi Groove South. I will definitely be back - this might become a regular meeting place for me and my best friend.
People thought this was:
I was surprised by the quaintness of the place. Then I realized how large and accomodating the place was given its intimacy and how Bodhi treats you like family. In my case, that means taking the piss out of me every so often in very funny ways. Great wine selection and the place is PERFECT in size for local restaurant overflow and on off nights (not F/SA), it's got the local flavor which is my bias since I live in RH...
Update: If you like/love Bohdi then you should swing by and congratulate him...
Pretty small (seating room equal to about 3 photo booths, packed). It can get difficult to enjoy your wine when you're being jostled by neighboring elbows. It's truly fun when you go on a dead evening, but apparently dead evenings here are not common.
Not one of the larger wine menus in the city. Good thing they also offer sake and beers, and taste portions (half a flight). Their only pairing option is a $15 plate of cheese. The guy working there is pretty chill and cool to talk to. You can also adjust the hydraulic bar stools to accomodate your particular height - or just to adjust your neighbor's and piss the crap out of them.
I used to live around the corner, frequented the place probably 2-3 nights a week. It's one of the only things I miss about Russian Hill.
The ambiance, regardless of size, is impecable. The music is always excellent. But, its always all about the wine. I challenge you to find more top-notch Pinot Noir by the glass at any wine bar, or nearly any restaurant.
Okay, it's also all about the company. It is definitely VERY local - you'll see the same faces again and again, but also very inviting.
Stop in, introduce yourself to Bodhi and the rest of the crew, kick back with a great glass of wine in a comfortable setting, and enjoy yourself
A nice little wine and sake bar with a good level of class but no hot sake--all cold, yes cold sake.
Atmosphere
It's small--less than 12 stools and a few sofa's by the window. There's a good selection of drinks. As a hot sake drinker--the cold sake is a bit of a turn off. The wine list is very nice. It seems a lot of regulars visit this place.
Drinks
Did I mention they do not have hot sake?
Service
Impeccable
what do you get when you combine an abundance of great wines, a swank presentation with something teeny tiny and miniature in size. no i'm not talking about myself here people..... welcome to bacchus wine bar.
yesterday was one of those perfectly pretty san francisco days.... bright, sunny, crisp, cold. after a loooong hike around the city (we almost made it all the way out to baker beach!) my friend Aaron suggested we stop somewhere to clink a few glasses of Cab. like I would ever resist that. he knows my weakness..... even though i can barely tolerate his dull company most of the time. i manage somehow.
i had to run home first to change into more appropriate clothes (perhaps a fancy ball gown or some flashy glittering ensemble? kidding), but Bacchus turned out to be exactly what i had in mind.... who doesn't love a late afternoon stroll down hyde street? the quaint tree-lined streets, the shops, cable cars rolling by. we got there just before the dinner hour so there were a few other people in there sipping wine before (i'm assuming) their dinner rezzies at one of the restaurants on Hyde Street.
this itty bitty little speck of a wine bar is so small you have to get pretty cozy with all the other people in there. its cute though..... simple and elegant with a very chill bartender and friendly vibes. apparently wine makes people social and chatty....
it seemed to me like there was only room for about 8-10 people in here (?) but I could be off. luckily we got the couch near the window and settled in. after a few glasses of this nice earthy full-bodied Cab (sorry forgot to write down the name of it) we realized neither of us had eaten anything in several hours and needed food because the buzz started hitting pretty quickly.... i wasn't in the mood to get drunk at that hour so we slowed down and Aaron (a guy with brilliant ideas but undeniably average looks. HA) suggested we go grab food.
we made our way outside and wandered down Hyde Street to see what looked good..... (story to be continued in review below)
People thought this was:
Like many others before us, my friends and I were going to one of the restaurants in the area (this time it was Zarzuela). We had about a 45 minute wait and decided to kill time at Bacchus with a glass of wine.
I love small cozy spaces, esp. when there are just enough enough people to make it engaging but not so many that you feel smothered. It was perfect. The wine was excellent, a pinot that I had never heard of before.
A perfect place to chill before dinner.
This is so me. Write a review of a place I went to once over two years ago. The setting is definitely cool. Four stars for that. I could see how coming when there's nowhere to sit would suck, but if this were my hood, I would know just when to go and still get a seat an enjoy the heck out of it I am sure. Wine list 3.5 stars - sufficient variety but I didn't learn anything I didn't already know. Also, being the eonophilanderer that I am, I only stick around or come back to a place more than once if it gives me warm and fuzzies. If the proprietor takes an interest in me as a client and aims to please, that's almost half the battle. Did not get that there. Won't say I would never go back, just haven't been back since.
On a friday night I want some quality time with my guy and a little luxury in the form of a local stroll, a really nice glass of wine, good conversation, quality ambience (and quality ambient music) and enough of a scene where I know I left my house and am doing something special but no obnoxious attitude. Bacchus does all that for me and more.
It's within walking distance to many great restaurants plus ice cream or, if you're in a different mood, laundry. And though many well- groomed and slightly shiny looking people who likely live in the Marina or thereabouts might be seen at Bacchus from time to time, everyone seems to check their attitude at the door and simply enjoy socializing with friends in a contemporary, cozy, neighborhoody atmosphere.
Friendliest, homegrown bartender ever.
Neighborhood: Russian Hill
Category: Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Category: Wine Bars
Neighborhood: Russian Hill
Category: Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Category: Wine Bars
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Category: Wine Bars
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