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Bar 821
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 11 pm
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
294 reviews for Bar 821
Review Highlights
"Great neighborhood spot and yummy champagne cocktails."
(in 46 reviews)
"Great selection of cocktails and happy hour is great."
(in 81 reviews)
"The Lychee Mermaid was as good as everyone says, however."
(in 10 reviews)
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294 reviews in English
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Review from Misha T.
10/22/2011
So their crazy cocktails tend to be too citrusey (citrus is good but so much you pucker is not) but really how often can you pay $5 for someone to work that hard on your drink. It's rare.
Stick with the champagne cocktails, they're a little ligther on the citrus -
Review from Nicolau W.
Mountain View, CA
8/21/2011
This place is really awesome. The decoration, ambiance, music, the drinks. All was great. But it closes at 11pm.
I am not American, so I find all the restrictions really strange. Minimum age is 21 to drink... Well, I'm old already so whatever. But then the bar only serves wine, champagne sake and beers. Something about the license?... I guess some people might be put down by that, but for me it's not a problem too. I had two different champagne drinks, and I liked them a lot. And the tap Chimay was great. The beer selection looked great to me, and good prices too. I can't tell of any food, didn't try it. Bathroom was fine.
A game was on TV, but it didn't seem anyone was there to watch it. I saw _some_ people there, mostly friends and couples talking, it seems. Anyway, I was liking the place a lot. The music was really really good, lots of soul and funk... But then, they had to close at 11pm. That's just crazy. Is it something about the license too??
So everything about the place looks great. But it made me go home earlier, and I have to take a star for that. And it looked like it was much emptier than it could be _just_ because of that. So because this problem seems to be really hurting the place indeed, I must take a second star.
Best place to go if you want to have some good time on a place where it will be really easy to sit and to get your orders. And then come home early. If you want that real memorable "fun times" parties, and totally "spend the night" somewhere, look for another place.
Maybe it just pretends to be a good place to get the night started, whatever. -
Review from Jeanne L.
7/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
NAY:
- The sangria wasn't that great. It had an overpowering cinnamon taste and smell.
- The bathroom was gross and there is only one (unisex). 10pm on a Friday night and the floor was all wet already.
YAY:
- Lychee champagne cocktails -
Review from Soo Jin K.
Alameda, CA
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'll start by saying, I love the word, "NOPA." I don't know why, but I do. The acronym doesn't make any sense, given that it represents North of Panhandle, but it's such a adorable yet charming word. Like, "do you like to get your hair pulled?" "NOPA! But an occasional tug doesn't hurt." :)
Bar 821 is a dark venue. Very minimal lighting...sorta sexy and mysterious. Like a cloaked gentleman in the corner that you can barely make out his silhouette, but fantasize about what's underneath.
I don't remember if they served wine, but the beer was satisfying. It's the perfect place to grab a drink and canoodle. You might have to yell a bit since the noise level is pretty loud.
The best part: I overheard a guy talking to his buddy about how he wanted to have a threesome but only if it were with two girls. Oh really, you don't want to share your lady with a dude? Get out! Gotta love the adult drink convos that occur late at night. Did you have fun? YUPA! -
Review from Kailyn G.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2011
Came for drinks on a Saturday night. Be aware they don't serve hard liquor and the beer list is not extensive.
Started with a ginger soju drink (disappointingly not gingery enough). Tried their lychee champagne drink (delicious). And beer-wise they have some belgians which I like. Ended up getting a pitcher of sangria (really good, very strong cinnamon). Perfect to split between 2-3 people. All drinks were around $6-8.
My biggest complaint is that they had last call way early (like 11:30pm on a Saturday). And they cleared the alcohol off our table just after midnight (some sort of rule). This was very disappointing.
Environment: Small, dark, not terribly inviting. Seating at the bar or small tables with chairs and a booth bench.
Service: Order at the bar, sit anywhere. I think there was only one girl working when we went. -
Review from Gill C.
2/9/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Have I mentioned how much I love my neighborHOod? Bar 821 is one of the *gillian* reasons why I do...Apologies, my yelpies for not reviewing this gem sooner.
Quaint, dark, and comfortable is the best way to describe Bar 821. Great diverse crowd of HOod and non-HOod dwellers. Love the vibe and ambiance, and be sure to check out the interesting flicks on their flat screen. I've been here on numerous occasions (meeting Popchip angel and Tsaritsa for the first time, pre-post dining with L, D, or M, and even a few dates, etc.,).
Best place to sit are the tables by the window. Take heed, as it can get really noisy if super crowded (typically Friday & Saturday nights).
Great selection of wines, champagne cocktails, and a few beers on tap.
My fav specialty drinks are the are the Lychee and Pomegranate champagne cocktails. My most fav aspect of this bar is.... wait for it....tada.... The HO is on tap here. Oh Mylanta! My beloved HOegaarden is in my HOod bar! Gotta love it!
Bartenders are always nice, and usually just one tending. So if it's crowded, you might be waiting a bit for your bevy. Recommend going for Happy Hour during the week, and be sure to check out their daily specials and the signage by the front door. FYI, they close earlier than most bars, and closed on certain days.
Cheers and see you at Happy HOur!Listed in: NOPA, Where are my HOs at?
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Review from pam r.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2011
This place it took a while to even get serve the lady bartender was just talking with the regulars, When we finally got serve we found out they don't serve hard liquor. so we order a some wine and beer and the beer was warm and the wine was flat. That it we left...........
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Review from Mish L.
11/24/2010
Unassuming little bar. Cute lounge seating and tables litter the small space. Background beats softly mesh with the hushed tones of our conversation. Add a hot, steaming carafe of sake and a big bowl of complimentary pretzels and yum... it's snack time!
A bit empty on the night we went-- but to be fair, it was a random night early on in the evening. On the plus side, we pretty much had the bar to ourselves. Nice place to catch up, get cozy and have a good convo.
I can see this place getting packed during peak hours! Will definitely keep it in mind if I'm in the area.Listed in: Kick back and Relax!
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Review from Scott W.
San Francisco, CA
6/2/2011
A nice, small bar and it's usually quiet enough to hear the people you're with. The staff is great too. They do have a minimum bar selection.
The sound system sucks though! My friends and I noticed how terrible it was and the next time I went up to order a drink I intentionally looked around to see what they were using. Are those overpriced and underperforming Bose speakers I see hanging in the ceiling? Please get rid of those things and get something decent. (if you're thinking, "but I thought Bose was really good", then you're mistaken) Those little square things were definitely not designed for a bar. The sound is super tinny and it sounds like an amplified transistor radio. -
Review from Jamie C.
Daly City, CA
9/26/2011
Stopped by friday night. Love the champagne cocktails! However, service was like pulling teeth. Unbelievably slow and inefficient. Lady bartender litterally took 25 minutes to craft a few cocktails.
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Review from Alyssa G.
7/11/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I didn't know 821 is associated with Corkage and Tsunami right around the corner. So, they specialize in sake, beer and specialty cocktails...no other liquors.
For a Saturday night at 10pm, the bar was relatively empty, but a good crowd was starting to arrive. I thought it'd be more crowded than it ended up being, which is awesome. There was no problem finding a seat either at a table or at the bar. Music selection was great, and not too loud so I didn't have to yell for my friend to hear me...that's very important to me.
$5 for a beer, $4 sangria (which I was told isn't the greatest) -
Review from Chris M.
1/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Quiet watering hole to chat with friends. It is a nice enough location without standing out as special.
No cards and a broken cash machine put a halt to the afternoon at 821
I would visit again if in the area but wouldn't go out of my way to return. -
Review from eli b.
7/24/2011
It's a bold move for a bar to neither serve hard alcohol, nor have a massive beer or wine list. It seems their "shtick" is soju drinks, which have also struck me as a thing one gets if one wants something else that is not available. There was only one server, both behind the bar and for the tables, and she was way over-taxed. They don't take credit cards. And they have a lot of original art that clearly reveals deft technique, but a thin and surreal air-brush palette that is just slightly on the classy side of black-light posters. I liked it for its comfort and lack of pretense, but its hard to think of a reason to return.
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Review from Angie G.
12/31/2010
By the time I hit this bar, I had a couple beers and shots of whiskey in me to help fuel a small party. We got inside and there was no seating (it is a smallish bar, very long but no real width) so we stood behind the bar stools near the bar. We were able to get our drinks really quick and soon enough a couple seats opened at the bar.
We stayed for a few more drinks and overall we had a good time! I didn't mind standing at all. Everyone seemed to be coming and going anyways, so it wasn't long to get a seat.
I like the low lit atmosphere and the back lounge area. It is swanky and a bit sassy, but I felt right at home. There were people dressy and others who looked as if they got back from snowmobiling.
I like this bar. -
Review from Austin S.
San Francisco, CA
2/16/2011
This is the place otherwise known as "Birthday Bar."
My birthday is 8/21. This is Bar 821. What happens when a girl whose birthday is 8/21 goes to Bar 821 on 8/21??? LOTS OF FUN!!! My last two 8/21 birthdays have included extended stops here and I love it! I'm shameless in whipping out my ID to show the door guy as well as the bartenders (even though no one asks for it!). I'm always treated extra-special since we share a common number! Once the bar tender produced a piece of cake with a candle. How great?!
I live three blocks away and come here regularly, not just because it's "Birthday Bar." The bartenders are always great and really friendly. The vibe is laid back, especially if you're grabbing a post-work beer with friends. I just love Bar 821 and all my friends wish they had a "Birthday Bar!" -
Review from Terese T.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2010
What a cute place!
My man and I went on a Friday night at around 9:30, there was a good handful of people but it was not overly crowded, it was perfect. The drink menu was good, I think it could be better they also have a nice wine list that I hope to check out next time.
A nice place to check out! -
Review from d s.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2007
Heaven, to me, is a bar where I can booze it up with a large, luscious, and frothy Hoegaarden and not worry about whether I'm "cool" or "attractive" enough to be on the premises.
Seemingly plucked from the streets of Amsterdam, dropped on Divisadero, and populated with a smattering of neighborhood denizens, heterosexuals and the people who love them, Bar 821, my friends, IS that bar.
You'll find a great line-up of beers and bubbly champagne cocktails here.
There's also a chill, discreet, almost DL vibe, and if you know me, you KNOW I'm all about the DL thing. Until, that is, I get a call from his wife accusing me of being an ankle-grabbing homewrecker because she hacked into his email and found all our sordid correspondence, thus forcing me to call him and say "LOOK BITCH, you betta choose between wifey and your 2.5 kids or my exotically starved body," OF COURSE he chooses ME, all is wonderful for a few months until he asks me to undergo a sex change operation, so I use some ruse like "Let's visit the Sears Tower in Chicago, sweetie" in order to drag the motherfucker on Jerry Springer where I call him out and he throws chairs and punches Steve the security guard in the face and tells the audience "Y'all don't know me, suck my *BLEEP!*"
Something like that.
ANYWAYZZZZZZ, I had a wonderful time here celebrating the birthday of the sexy Sassy S. The fabulous dotRachel was there of course, along with Quinn S, Jenniflynn, Bucky K, Lauren S, and AKA G. I also invited myself to lesbian night at Mecca since I STAND STRONG with my Sisters in the never-ending struggle to do what we want with our VERY LARGE SEX ORGANS. Unfortunately, I didn't stay long enough for cake or porn consumption, but I heard both activities were very filling.
But WHO IS THIS CHEWIE G people keep mentioning? Was he there? Do I know him? Most importantly, DOES HE HAVE A YELP PROFILE?!? 'Cause you bitches KNOW I don't associate with anyone who isn't on yelp -- fucking PLEBES!!!!
Okay, okay, I'm joking. Chewie is a really great guy: cool, sweet, and charming. He told me he used to have moobs, though now they're morphing into meaty, muscular pecs that I wanted to massage with Crisco. Yeah, he's THAT sexy. For a terrorist.Listed in: Gay Guy Goes To Straight Bars
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Review from Nancy R.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2007 ROTD 1/18/2008
You know you're in trouble when your cat tells you to leave the house.
Our dialog went a little something like this:
Mr. Biscuits (the cat): "Get off the couch mom, I'm sick of your moping. If I have to watch one more hour of "Sex and the City," I'm gonna lose it."
Me: "Okay Mr. Biscuits, but where should I go?"
Mr. Biscuits: "I'm just a cat, how the hell should I know?"
Okay, Mr. Biscuits is OBVIOUSLY not a Yelper, so I call my girl. J-Len, I need to get out of the house, out of my sweats, and interface w/the real world. I'm looking for somewhere close, should I feel the need to run home, and with kind lighting. She says, meet me at Bar 821. It's only 4 blocks from your house, Ms Lazy Bones. And they have a limited bar menu, which should keep it nice and simple as not to confuse your addled little brain. It's been awhile.
Me: "Mr. Biscuits, help me find an outfit to wear."
It's hard to tell from a cat's expression, but I chose black and white stripes, which he seems to only wear. (His wardrobe is rather limited.) Relieved to have the house and remote control to himself, he blinks in my direction as I leave.
Mr. Biscuits: "Pick me up some cheetos while you're out."
Rrright, I set off into the strange, yet exciting world. J-Len was right -- only 4 blocks away, and the lighting kind and cozy. It's a weeknight, so not too crowded, the tempo and atmosphere just right. I had the cab, she the champagne.
A good night, definitely worth leaving the couch for. Thanks for the push, Mr. Biscuits! -
Review from Jenny L.
I am in love. This bar is awesome. We didn't have trouble securing the big table in the back. The chairs are comfy. We don't have to scream in each other's ears to have a pleasant conversation.
Mon-Fri, 5-7:
$3 for champagne and specialty cocktails? I'm sold.
$3 draft beer. Booyah.
All the other times the drinks are around $6, which still beats some SOMA happy hour deals. :) all around.
Yes, the bar closes at 11 every day. Yes, it's cash only, so come prepared (they have an ATM in the front).
Try the wannabe bloody mary cocktail. It's effing delicious!Listed in: When the Clock Strikes Five
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Review from Christopher K.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2008
What a lovely little neighborhood bar!
If your friends are a bunch of outrageous party people who regularly get banned from establishments during massive saturday night blow out parties, I recommend this bar on a weeknight. This place bans people. -
Review from Sammy S.
Alameda, CA
6/28/2007
If you like champagne and testicles, this is the place for you.
And by champagne, I mean champagne, and by testicles, I mean lychees.
I'm not a huge fan of lychees, or testicles for that matter, but the Stella here is free flowing and delicious...unlike the skunk-tasting brew I had at Casanova, that bush n' boob bar in the Mission.
Bar 821 is good people, and by good people, I mean people who juggle cocktails, buy copies of "Anal Bandits" from the liquor store down the street, and bring their giant dogs for me to maul.
The bartender talks real sexy-like, the seating is cushy, buttery and plentiful, and the space is chic and modern. My one gripe would have to be that the acoustics here sort of blow monkey balls. When you get a bunch of rowdy Internet dorks all riled up over a hooker in a tube top of sexy destruction it becomes a bit deafening in these tight quarters.
Also, big ups to any bar that allows you to bring in outside food. Thanks you beautiful babies for letting us eat pizza. And by us eating pizza, I mean me burning the crap out of my hand on Ed's fourth piece of meaty meatington surprise pizza. -
Review from Rachel G.
San Francisco, CA
11/15/2007
You know you're someone when members of the Yelp Illuminati like Peter Mmmmm., JT F., Heidi A., Bucky K., Darin I., Lauren S., Mick F., Jenniflynn R., Quinn S., and even the much mourned and beloved Chewie G. show up to your birthday party.
So Sassy S. you should feel like you've made it. You're somebody. Me, well, I'm nobody. Since it was your birthday party, and not my birthday party, and no one showed up to my birthday party, and I sat alone in a corner with a party hat on and a sash that said "Birthday Girl" and ate 3/4's of a German Chocolate Cake with my hands. But that's a whole other review. Of cake. 5 stars.
Bar 821 is small and dark and loud. They let you bring in your own pizza and porn (Sounds like a typical Friday night for you, huh? Stay classy.), which anyway you spin it sounds like one hell of a party.
Happy Hour until 7 gets the birthday girl drunk enough to start telling people what they are doing wrong in their life and talking about how she is a prude, and at the same time lets Rachel G. not feel TOO bad about sending her home with JT and Peter and a bag of porn and chocolate.
I haven't heard from her yet.
Should I be concerned? -
Review from luis m.
Oakland, CA
6/26/2007
Things that make luis m forget that he can't order a jack n coke:
- $3 Guinness Draught
- super cheesy, topping heavy pizza
- Anal Bandits
- ridiculously large nipples
- Trojan Vibrating Rings
They might not be able to satisfy your craving for the hard hootch here but it's nonetheless a very cool spot to chill with a few people, have some drinks (beer, wine, champagne, sake...), and waste away an evening. Very clean and stylish on the inside, plenty of seating space, and a great bartender all make this place very inviting. -
Review from megan w.
San Francisco, CA
5/10/2006
This place reminds me of the bathroom at the Mint.
But it's in the neighborhood and the happy hour is a deal and half: $3 mocktails and beer. Can't be too picky, I guess. -
Review from K H.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2011
i love this bar. however, we just threw a private event there and unless your friends are alcoholics, there is no way to meet the minimum they require--because they only serve beer and wine. it was a great space for our party, but we ended up fronting $500, which sucked. we had close to 100 people there, and we were still that far from the minimum. just something to consider if you rent the space out for a private event. other than that, i love 821. it's the perfect blend of wine bar and dive.
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Review from X Z.
Oakland, CA
2/9/2008
Seriously sexy little dark (but not TOO dark) intimate bar in NOPA with a great wine selection and a friendly appealing SF diverse crowd. Filled with mission hipsters, hot tatted mission chicks, hot non-tatted marina chicks, fixie bike boys, first date couples, 20th date couples, fresh-faced college kids and middle-aged corporate tools (me). Everyone fit in nicely and no one seemed out of place. And, the bartender is an incredibly friendly welcoming guy.
I love this bar.Listed in: BARS!
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Review from nicole c.
San Francisco, CA
8/1/2005
Note: neighborhood secret bar is no longer a secret. get over it. i'm over it. just like I'm over thinking that madrone could be my own private drawing/eye-candy/antique sofa lounge, or that Popeye's may one day get kicked out of the hood.
Anyway, what surprised my friends and me during our recent visit, were the champagne drinks! I've been to 821 dozens of times, but never ventured beyond wine or beer. I'm not a huge lychee fan, but i found myself with a tall slender bubbly glass including a lychee at the bottom! Another darling champagne drink, called "Valentine" included a strawberry & a chocolate chunk at the bottom...for roughly $4...I just about fell in love...
Bar 821: smooch. -
Review from Alexandra N.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2009
I really like neighborhood bars, the kind that don't require some huge schlep to get to. Bar 821 is one of those bars. The bar is small, dark, and cozy. The bartenders are friendly. The drinks are good. And, it's within easy walking distance.
I've been here once with one of my gal pals for a little Happy Hour action. Actually, I know we didn't go during their real happy hour, but we were probably there for an hour and it was a happy time. Anyway.
I heard good things about the Lychee Mermaid, a champagne cocktail with a lychee plopped in, so I ordered that. It was refreshing, the lychee added a subtle sweetness, and who doesn't like alco-fruit? My friend, Shalimar, got a chocolate champagne cocktail, which was a flute of champagne with a piece of chocolate floating about. The idea is kinda weird, and I think she was expecting something a little more... exotic? I dunno, maybe with chocolate liqueur, chocolate shavings, I have no idea. The bad thing about the chocolate in the champers is that it doesn't soak up the alcohol, like the fruit does with such ease.
All in all, it's a cute local bar. I'm ordering extra lychees in my Mermaid next time.Listed in: Nightlife
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Review from stephy s.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2008
I just discovered the coolest little hole in the wall bar last week and sure, 221 of you fools scooped me, but I don't care, this place is rad and it can use another review!
I was having drinks with my friend who rarely leaves the 4 block radius of his house, and since I am only drinking vino these days, he suggested this place. As I walked up the block, I was looking for some place called 821 and of course, it's the address. I don't know what it is about bars that take that direction, but they always seem to be pretty cool. Take 83 Proof for example. Maybe too many bars are over thinking fancy titles, when your addy is a good route to go. Just sayin...
Anyhoo, when I walked in, I instantly loved the fact that it was nice and dark. It wasn't dark and divey like I generally tend to gravitate towards, but instead it was dark, modern and very cool and still approachable and comfy. Definitely not an easy decor cocktail to mix.
The bartender (Joey) working that night instantly made me feel at home and definitely scores my coveted 5 stars for blasting Richard Ashcroft for the entire time I was there. He must be psychic since RA is one of my all-time faves!!
I will definitely be returning! The wine was deelightful and reasonably priced, the crowd was very neighborhoodie (not the sweatshirt line) and all in all, it was a damn fine time :)
Yay, 821. Simplicity at its finest :)Listed in: San Francisco Bars!
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Review from Nish N.
2/10/2006 1 Check-in Here
I'm a fan of this bar, hey it's in my neighborhood, but I have to say I'm sad they do not serve hard liquor and also have some odd opening/closing hours.
That said, the space is cozy and intimate, and you definitely feel like you're in a local - yet hip - establishment.Listed in: Nish's New Neighborhood
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Review from Stanley K.
San Francisco, CA
6/26/2007 1 photo
It's a love / hate relationship.
You love it b/c they serve boozes, just wish they could get the hard liquor license, I would definitely come again. Hoogarden and Chimay on TAP!
Did you hear me or do you need hearing aids?!!!!
You hate it when it closes early. WHY?!
this is my sad face : ( -
Review from Genevieve M.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2008
Maybe there's a legitimate reason for this, but last night the bartender at 821 was completely rude- telling me and the two males I was with as soon as we walked in the door at 10:30pm that "they were done", and that we "had to leave", when there were at least 15 other people inside the joint sitting at the bar and at tables with full drinks. Everyone turned and gave us prejudging death stares. He could have been polite about it. If he had been nice and explained to us why, I wouldn't be so bitter. It was the way he talked down to us that left a bad taste in my mouth.
I felt like he judged us when we walked in, deemed us to be not hipster enough and told us to leave without giving us any sort of reason.
Although they probably assumed we weren't locals, I live four blocks away (in SF since day one), and I'll never be back. First and last time.Listed in: My Shit List
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Review from Bucky K.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2007
Last Friday a friend of ours convinced us to swing by Bar 821 for Happy Hour. The night before we had drank and ate and spent too much, therefore we had promised ourselves a nice quiet Friday night. We arrived at 5:15 and ended up stumbling home at 2:30 in the morning... Our ship crashed upon the rocky shores of intoxication after hearing the Syren song of good cheap drinks. Happy Hour is that good here. Technically it lasts two hours, but during those two hours everything is three dollars. Granted they don't have a full bar but they do have great beers, wine, champagne and soju cocktails.
We drink our way through happy hour and then went around the corner for some sushi. We eat and drink our way through dinner and evidently we lost track of time because the waitress asked if we would like to finish our bottle of sake at Bar 821. Bar 821 is owned by the same people that own Nihon and Tsunami, where we were eating at the time. For the inconvenience they gave us each a free drink at the bar. Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in...
We walked back in to a much more crowded bar, but they had put us at a reserved table with our drinks waiting on us. The sun had dropped during dinner and the bar wasn't near as bright and looked much better. Do you know of any bar that looks better during the day? That's not to say the bar isn't pretty because it is. It is very tastefully decorated. Throughout out the night service was top notch and I am sure we will be coming back in the near future. Hopefully, next time my internal fortitude will be a bit stronger and I will be able to call it a day after Happy Hour ends...Listed in: The Grapes of Wrath.
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Review from Karen K.
San Francisco, CA
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Review from V B.
Burlingame, CA
11/24/2009
I seriously need to get a tattoo. If I had one, I too could hang out with the cool kids at places like Bar 821.
Walking in with my Banana Republic self here on a weeknight I am reminded just how uncool I really am. The crowd here is definitely hipster and am willing to bet that everyone (but me) had at least two tattoos.
The bar offerings are good, however the wine by the glass list can probably use some work. I was impressed that they had Duval Belgian beer by the bottle. You rarely see it and I took full advantage and ordered one or two or maybe three.
My friends were all about the strawberry mojitos and some weird champagne drink that included some strange fruit thing that resembled an aliens head. Yes, I know what an aliens head looks like.
The music was eclectic and heard everything from Blink 182 to Echo and the Bunnyman and a twangy country tune that I actually liked. It may have been a little on the loud side and it made it difficult to have a converrsation, but we were there to drink so it was all good.
The tables are a bit cramped and had to keep shifting my legs around so I wouldn't trip anyone. -
Review from Liz S.
12/28/2006
If Bar 821 were a drink, it would be the Black Velvet.
The pairing of Guinness with Champagne is the perfect contrast between the everyday and the extraordinary that makes this place so unique. It's one part lounge, one part neighborhood watering hole, one part hipster dive. And it works together beautifully.
I've been here twice now and both times I have felt so relaxed and at home. The noise level never gets too high, and people are respectful of each other. The crowd is mixed, from people waiting to eat at Tsunami to the guys from Everlasting Tattoo a few doors down to the regulars. The first time I was there, I watched a really cool skateboard video and just hung out while I sipped my Black Velvet and waited for my Little Star Pizza to be ready. The next time, I brought my friend Michael and we had a grand time shooting the shit and enjoying the $3 Happy Hour cocktails.
That's right, 5-7pm Happy Hour = $3 for everything. You be hard-pressed to find a better deal than that.
I prefer the Champagne cocktails to the soju drinks, although my friend liked the Apple Mojito a lot. For the champagne cocktails, I would recommend the Ginger one or the Lychee. There is also a Chocolate/strawberry one that I would love to try when strawberries are in season. As for my beloved Black Velvet, it will have to remain but a memory, as this lovely concoction is now off of the menu.
Lighting is low (good for dates) and seating is relatively comfy (bench seats and padded chairs, or bar stools) - and the bathroom has these amazing walls that you just have to see for yourself.
It's a simple bar with a good atmosphere and very friendly service - a place where you can relax with friends in a chill neighborhood environment.
Note: Cash only. (At Happy Hour, you can get 6 drinks for $18! Yeah!)Listed in: DrinkOlympics
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Review from Esme W.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2007
This tiny little bar is around the corner from its sister restaurant, Tsunami. We wandered in while waiting for our table to open, per the recommendation of Tsunami's hostess (and after walking in and immediately out of Fly because it smelled like barf...YUCK).
We got scolded like schoolkids for playing with the candles on the tables. We like hot wax...what can we say?!! SORREE! But other than that, this place is alright. 812 is quaint -dimly lit (uh, candles...that we couldn't touch), cozy seating, yummy Soju cocktails, and right around the corner from kick-ass sushi. -
Review from David B.
Ok, we got off at the right stop for muni...it was still happy hour which was 5-7 pm but we missed this place completely. I was soo grumpy after that. I mean we asked several street people where the heck this place was. If you aren't looking... closely.... you will miss it.
If you are coming from Geary it will be on your right. Between Fulton and McAllister.
A small sign marked the place where we went after dinner to enjoy some tasty Sangria. A gentleman greets you at the entrance and beckons you to come in. Served from a huge premade glass barrel at the bar, he will fill your glass with fruit and nice red wine.
Get a seat on the cushions near the window and people watch some. Music is a little loud but the place is very hipster. Now that I know where it is, I'll make a second attempt for happy hour at a predetermined time! Hmmmphh! If you have to work on a Friday nite...late....you are missing all the fun! ::waving:: :)Listed in: The Places I Go Out, Wine bars
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Review from Quinn S.
7/29/2008
Five stars for decor, atmosphere, service and patrons.
Tragically, no bar can earn five stars without hard alcohol. -
Review from Katherine R.
San Francisco, CA
11/25/2006
I don't know how this bar can have so many reviews and still retain that easy "neighborhood" feel. Used to be a good, unknown first-date bar: laid-back, dark, anonymous...well, no longer. Last night there was a table or two occupied by non-NOPAians, but generally you'll run into your friends and neighbors here.
The drinks are DIRT cheap. $5 for all Soju and Champagne drinks. Yup, $5. I had the champagne ginger thing....$5. The soju-lychee thing....$5. Another $5 and my ass is sliding off the chair....all in good humor, of course.
Happy hour is $3. Ok, that's enough reason for anyone to come.
