Cafe Meuse

4.0 star rating
128 reviews Rating Details

Categories: American (New), Lounges  [Edit]

1400 Pacific Ave
(between Hyde St & Mccormick St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
(415) 928-6674
Hours:

Mon-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 11 pm

Fri-Sat 5 pm - 12 am

Delivery:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Take-out:
No
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Late Night, Dinner
Music:
Juke Box
Best Nights:
Wed, Thu, Sat
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Smoking:
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Has TV:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "2-for-1 Ladies Night every Thursday." In 42 reviews
  • user photo
    "The wine list is well-chosen (try the tempranillo." In 20 reviews
  • user photo
    "Amazing BLT salad, cheese plate and the pot de creme was..." In 11 reviews
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128 reviews in English

  • Review from Ashley T.

    • 1 friend
    • 12 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/7/2012

    I *love* this place. It is only one block from our house so that probably has something to do with it, but I lovelovelove this place. The first time I was here I actually sent my glass of wine back bc I didn't like it - I know, I know, I judge myself for doing that...but the server saw the look on my face and asked if I wanted something different! She was so cool about it, just wanted to make sure that we enjoyed our experience. And of course we did.

  • Review from Ying F.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/11/2012 1 Check-in Here

    love going to Nob Hill.  There are so many cute wine bars around that area.  I came her for Happy hour and again for after dinner drinks.  They don't stay open very late but if there is a good crowd and everyone is having a good time, then the owner and staff would keep the bar open a little longer. How sweet!

    The staff really understand wine and was really helpful! I really appreciate the knowledge they have to share and the great wine selection they have.  Great place to hangout and catch up!

  • Review from Jen G.

    • 19 friends
    • 38 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/4/2012

    I've passed by this cute wine bar so many times when driving on Hyde and when contemplating where to go for an after dinner drink on Friday, I suggested this place to my beau. It's a small, but typical wine bar, dimly lit - and crowded but not so that you can't find a seat or get served quickly. The night we were there was great for people watching (read: some great drunks) and service was excellent (and funny as the server commiserated with us on some of the trainwrecks in the bar).

    I had the pick any three white wines flight for $15 and chose the three chardonnays. All were excellent and I've got to say - it was $15 well spent as the pours were MORE than generous. Highly recommend - and will definitely be back!

  • Review from Ames B.

    • 1 friend
    • 29 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/14/2012 2 photos

    I suggest you take a pick from their smartly curated wine list and pair it with some of their tasty cured charcuterie. (Is that redundant? Is all charcuterie cured or is none of it? I don't care. I've got a sickness and the only cure is more puns!)

  • Review from Natalie M.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/6/2012

    Great wine selection and I love the $2.00 off wine for happy hour! Also, the girl who is usually working is great at helping you choose a glass you'll enjoy, but since she's usually working alone you may have to wait a bit for a 2nd glass, she's very fast though given she's the only one there. I love sitting at the table by the window while watching the cable car and good looking well dressed people walk by.

  • Review from Michi K.

    • 3 friends
    • 12 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/10/2011

    You know how you put things off and put things off, and then try them and wonder why the hell you waited so long?

    Café Meuse was one of those places for me. My beau and I finally stopped in last night, and I am sorry I put it off.

    The wine portions were generous (he had a killer zin, and I indulged in some bubbles), and the cheese plate had just the right amount of everything, including the all-important bread-to-cheese ratio.  The prices were reasonable, and the ambience was pretty much perfect for a date night or drink with close friends. To top it all off, our waitress was witty, amusing, and attentive at all the right times.

    I can't wait to go back.

  • Review from Janelle C.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/3/2011

    Cafe Meuse has a really great wine selection.  I haven't tried a glass I haven't liked...though I must admit, I haven't gotten all THAT adventurous, but I have paid them over a handful of visits and consistently try new wines.

    The servers are all nice and knowledgeable; however, ordering the dishes seems to result in quite a wait time.  And when you ask for water, make sure to specify you want it for the table, otherwise, they will only bring you one glass...something I had never really seen before.

    Great atmosphere, very cute, dim lit place featuring fun and changing art.  The cable car goes right by outside, great spot to come by for a glass of wine...or three!

  • Review from Jennifer L.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Had a great glass of wine and some snacks with some girlfriends at Cafe Meuse the other night.  The place was steadily packed and rowdy, the food was beautifully presented and delicious, and the windows on two sides were lovely for pretending to be drinking wine in a European cafe, instead of one down the street.
    The lone waitress however, was pretty slammed which made service frustratingly slow, and a wee bit forgetful (we never got the water we asked for).  It's a good thing we were only having that one glass of wine and not wanting anything else, because once we received it and were finished, we practically had to stand on the table to get her attention for the check.
    A nice spot, but be prepared to wait if it's busy.

  • Review from Sonya D.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/5/2011

    I only ordered one glass of wine here, and although it was tasty, that's not why I enjoy this place.  I love the location, the selection, the ambiance, the upbeat crowd, and the great service. Cafe Meuse is the type of place I'd like to come back to for Happy Hour or for a glass of wine during the day. I also happened to go with my boyfriend, but saw a lot of groups of girls there...so maybe a girls night would be better? All in all, it's a memorable little spot, so I want to introduce this place to more people!

  • Review from Jodie B.

    • 47 friends
    • 274 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/21/2010

    I'm conflicted. I want to tell you about it, but I dont want it to become this big crowded/trendy deal, because the vibe of it right now is so awesome...

    Excellent wine selection + extremely friendly staff who goes above & beyond + perfect easy/conversational atmosphere = new favorite.  

    Love this place!

    I'd give it a 6/5 if I could.

  • Review from Eric B.

    • 4 friends
    • 14 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/29/2011

    Love it! The ambiance was great for a place to sit an relax with a great glass of wine. Perfect date spot.

    I had the '07 Cabernet Sauvignon. Shannon was a great bartendar in the midst of a busy night.

  • Review from Jimi G.

    • 15 friends
    • 14 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/22/2010

    Take the cable car up the hill to Hyde with your Clipper card like a true SF local and tuck yourself into this little, neighborhood wine bar. Although, I have to say that the beer selection is also really good.

    If your eating, the menu is really well thought out and is the perfect amount to go with libations. The cheese plates have lots of little extras like dried fruit and quince that do not always make the cut at other places.

    Staff is always friendly and the setting is just small enough to seem intimate but also have enough room for a small crowd. The wine list always has a few new bottles of something I haven't seen before which is a welcome surprise.

    I also feel conflicted because I don't want the place to get over run but it is one of those places where you can sit and have a conversation and there isn't DJ music blaring, so if that's what your after, go for it. Polk street is also a hop skip and a jump away if the night takes a different turn...

  • Review from Michael H.

    • 1 friend
    • 4 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/9/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Nice wine bar!  Great wine list and it's on a nice corner with plenty of good people watching.   Hip electronic plays in the background while cute women enjoy their wine...

  • Review from Akash K.

    Santa Clara, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This is exactly what a wine bar should be. Intimate, relaxed, and good service.

    Even on a Saturday night, it wasn't very crowded and we immediately got seating (though I'm hoping that doesn't mean that the place isn't doing well). That's a definite plus considering we passed up 20+ bars on Polk that were packed to the gills.

    The wine selection was good considering the size of the place; it's not a huge selection like some other wine bars in SF have, but it's a good number for a neighborhood wine bar.

    Ambiance is an important factor in wine bars, so allow me a small section to talk about that. The room was nicely lit; dark enough that it felt intimate and not so dark that you can't see the expressions of the person in front of you. There was music to fill silences, but thankfully it wasn't very loud. The bathroom was spotless.

    Long story short, it was perfect. I've wanted to open a wine bar for a long time, and it couldn't be any better than this place.

  • Review from Caitlin B.

    • 17 friends
    • 25 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/24/2011

    Such a cute wine bar in Russian Hill! I've tried a number of wines here and I've liked every one. I love Sauvignon Blancs and I've had a number of great ones here. I also had the sangria last time I was here..delicious and a great price for the amount they give you!! The bar is nice both inside and outside. It's very warm and cozy outside, but on a warm SF night (which, granted, doesn't happen very often) there's a great view of the neighborhood and the cable cars. I've always had great service here as well. Very attentive and nice waiters! Highly recommended!!

  • Review from Renee P.

    • 24 friends
    • 11 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/18/2011

    Went here for the first time with friends last week. AMAZING totally catered to multiple food allergies, specifically gluten intolerance, and did so with ease.

    Amazing BLT salad, cheese plate and the pot de creme was just killer! Definitely check this place out - great wine selection as well!

  • Review from Natalie C.

    • 2 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Novato, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/30/2010

    The first time I went to Cafe Meuse, it was on the recommendation of my friend's coworkers.  Admittedly, I was skeptical of what a "Ladies' Night" would be like, because at most bars, it means a lot of desperate types trying really hard to get noticed.  I was really pleasantly surprised that the crowd was super low-key and mainly just people enjoying conversation with each other or out on dates.  Not skeezy at all, or like what I imagined at first.  

    I have been to the cafe twice now, and love the food, wine, and atmosphere.  The wine list is fantastic, with wines from Northern California and around the world.  This makes the 2 for 1 Ladies' Night special a smokin deal.  The charcuterie platter is really good, and the tomato soup topped with crabmeat is really rich and delicious.  Despite the high-end food and wine list, it is really laid back and unpretentious.  Definitely will be back!

  • Review from Janney B.

    • 1634 friends
    • 497 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/14/2008

    On Bastille Day, sick of listening to my co-worker learn French on Rosetta Stone, part of me wanted to walk into Cafe Meuse wearing an American Flag and order sparkling wine and freedom fries.

    But I didn't.  

    Instead, I restrained myself and decided that since my friend Beau G. is part French - not all of them can be evil - and I should embrace his people.  

    I opted for Anchor Steam, a cheese plate, and freshly baked bread.  Dinner of champions - and the reason I have this booty.

    Dimly lit, reasonable prices, and stumbling distance to chode central..err... Russian Hill.

    4 Stars.  Find me someone to freedom kiss and I'll bump it up to 5.

  • Review from Devon F.

    Davis, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/6/2009

    When I told the boy over gchat that I was going out for a ladies night, his exact response was: "Don't talk to any boys, they've all got syphillis."

    Men needn't fear for the potential of a girlfriend's eyes to wander at Cafe Meuse, especially on a Thursday "Ladies Night." Of the twenty five to thirty people that were in the bar last night, only two were men. And they were both clearly on dates.

    With a 2 for 1 deal, however, it's a wonder that more guys don't skeeve around looking for drunken women. My group of nine was literally fall down drunk by the end of our evening: thank goodness for the soft cushions or one of the girls would have a nasty bump on her forehead.

    Over the course of a couple of hours, we all made great use of the 2 for 1 deal, and I enjoyed a riesling, cabernet, sauvignon blanc, and a rose for about $20. I can't remember the winery labels but I do recall them all tasting delicious in filled-to-the-brim pours. We were impressed with our waitress; doubly so when we asked for information about a particular wine and she responded "I'm not exactly sure, this is my first day." If this is how the service is with someone who just started, I gleefully look forward to what someone with a little more experience can do.

    All in all, a great spot that resulted in me writing a very drunken email to my now-abroad boy about how he had nothing to worry about with ladies night at Cafe Meuse. And that if nothing else, I'm scared to death of syphillis anyway.

  • Review from Drue C.

    • 367 friends
    • 901 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    10/6/2007

    It was Thursday night and the group thought to themselves "hmmmm, I wonder where we should take the visiting parents for dinner. Lets check Yelp, they will surely have a suggestion"

    And thus began the journey for dinner in Nob Hill. After calling a few 4-5 star places, at 9 PM (those Europeans eat late you know), the group settled on Cafe Meuse because it was close, looked nice and they could take the party of 6, according to the girl on the phone, in 40 minutes.

    So they waited and had some wine and eventually began their stroll to dinner. Upon arrival the group was pleasantly surprised at the nice warm dark decor but shocked to find that the "table" for six was actually the bar that comfortably seats 5. They were hungry so they decided cozy was okay.

    One person in the group was a wine rep, and seemed to find their list acceptable for a wine bar. This same wine rep was afflicted with a very severe shellfish allergy and when she asked the waitress to verify that shellfish would not be touching the other 15 small plates the group had ordered the waitress replied, quite rudely "I have no idea, I don't work in the kitchen".

    Still trying to make the most of the evening, and show the visiting parents a nice time, another person asked if the waitress could ask the chef about this matter, since she had made it very clear to the group that she was not the kitchen staff. The waitress apparently wasn't speaking to the chef because she told the group "I can't ask and can't guarantee this, the kitchen is small."

    One person in the group, at this point, went to the kitchen herself to ask, all the while being yelled at by the waitress. Once the waitress realized she would actually have to go into the kitchen and  get an answer gave up her verbal pursuit. At this point she turned back to the rest of the group to let them know when she took the reservation she had no idea they would be ordering so much food at the RESTAURANT and that she was going to put the order in before the kitchen closed, even though the group had asked she please wait until it was determined if there was even going to be an order. The conclusion was that, though they discovered they could have eaten the food, the beyond rude service dissuaded them from even bothering.

    The group was perplexed, insulted, hungry and fed up so they left to a very half hearted apology from the person who originally told them it would be no problem to take them after a 40 minute wait. They ate elsewhere and would never return. They would also never recommend this place to anyone else who wanted to spend several hundred dollars on wine and small plates, unless, of course, they wanted to spend that sort of money to be treated horribly.

    The end.

  • Review from Archie R.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/28/2008

    We were about 3 1/2 glasses of wine deep when Grace said, for the fourth time that night, that I have "gay tendencies."

    Now of course, she backed it up by saying "all positive, the kind of tendencies that girls find attractive."

    I was dejected none the less.  

    I mean jeez, I dress well, I smell good (Banana Republic Black Walnut by the way, it rules), I am relatively "up" on what shoes look good on a woman, and I can spell Weitzman....sue me.  

    That all being said, I stewed in my druken state and said to myself, no way, I am normal, I look like any ordinary guy and no one can tell me differently, Grace is just busting my balls and knocking me down a peg or two which she knows both bothers me and intrigues me at the same time.  

    (That was a long sentence)

    So, at around closing time, while Grace was inside for a minute, a super hip, super cool guy named James (who was a friend of the owner), came out to tell me I needed to hustle up because they were closing.  

    In our conversation, James, a bastian of fashion know how and obviously gay man is talking my ear off about his choice of attire for the evening.  

    What stopped him dead in his tracks?  

    Me saying "no, no, I am not interested?"

    Me saying "dude, you are killing me here?"

    No, none of that.

    What stopped him was him saying "DAMN!  Look at those shoes you are wearing, those are fantastic!  Boy, you have some style."

    Right on James.  Right on.

    Cafe Meuse is a cool place to hang out with a bottle of wine.  It's really nothing special but the bartender was pretty cool and the owner apparently let us stay well past closing.

    Estrogen.

  • Review from Nicole G.

    • 1790 friends
    • 466 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/27/2008

    Cafe Meuse is a low key little spot in Russian Hill, on a corner where you can watch the trolley and sleepy neighbors go by. If you're looking for a mellow spot to grab a glass of wine, this is the place for you. If you're looking for hip, urban surroundings, better to make your way over to Bacchus or Amelie nearby.

    This turned out to be the perfect after-movie spot for two people to get to know each other better. It's not too loud, and it's quite cozy. Being one of those people who loves wine but never writes any names down, I was picking our server's brain for a nice non-tannic red, but the glass I ended up with was just average.

    Maybe it's too much to ask for a life-changing wine? Or maybe they should employ a sommelier. Either way, I'll be back for Ladies Night on Wednesdays. Cuz this lady likes her wine and is determined to find "the one."

  • Review from Jaime C.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/14/2009

    As long as there is something I could be procrastinating, I'll write this review. Last night, after Nightlife at the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, we decided the night just wasn't over yet and went in to have a drink.

    Thankfully (and not thankfully), Cafe Meuse has ladies night! Buy one glass, the second for the ladies are free! (She didn't believe my boyfriend was a girl...:|) I was already mildly buzzed from Nightlife, but I've been here when I was sober once before and the entire space is warm and comforting. Their menu looks great--I asked the boyfriend to let me get the seasonal berries with chantilly cream but he said no :(

    Instead we got the warm figs wrapped in prosciutto. Did I think it was delicious? Yes. Could I stop thinking about someone telling me that figs were considered evil in the eyes of God? Not really, that one was difficult. But why would God hate figs? He's not a communist, I think those assholes were lying.

    Stupid religious fanatics trying to propagate their fig-hating agenda.

    Come here, enjoy it and everything else because it's worth it, but for the love of God and his fig-loving nature, please stop at the first glass if you're not feeling very well. Chances are the second glass, despite being free, will not make it any better.

  • Review from Lisa L.

    • 195 friends
    • 446 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/13/2007

    File under - "Sounds like a great idea, might leave you with a horrible hangover on a school night"

    About a year ago to this day, I had a wonderful apartment in Russian Hill. A studio, all to myself, lots of room, very nice. I mean - nice. Not like your typical apartment nice. I had a parking spot, a near-private patio and free laundry facilities. It also cost less than you would have imagined - not cheap by any means but very doable.

    For some reason now unbeknownst to me I decided to give up this amazing apartment, probably because I am a nomad and can't live in one place for more than 6 months, and move into a shared living situation, which turned out to be pretty incredibly lame. I regret this decision greatly, and have since moved AGAIN.

    My point? Russian Hill is a lovely neighborhood with adorable little places like Cafe Meuse, with 2-for-1 ladies night wine on Wednesdays. Can you get better than that? I would love to try the food at some point as well. I'm sure I'll be back soon, mostly because I have friends living near there who also (coincidentally!) love wine. And ladies night. And 2-for-1 deals.

  • Review from A W.

    • 126 friends
    • 108 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/15/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Guys - are you always in search of a place that is not a total sausage-fest? Well - allow me to introduce you to Ladies night at Cafe Meuse on Thursdays. Trust me - it's a goldmine for single guys!

    I came here last Thursday night with a few girlfriends and this place was packed with ladies. This neighborhood gem is cozy, romantic and reasonably priced. The wine list is well-chosen (try the tempranillo... it's amazing!) and the food menu is delectable (mushroom stuffed w/ sausage, tuna tartar, salumi plate or cheese platter). You can't go wrong checking out the scene on Thursday nights!

  • Review from Danielle V.

    • 97 friends
    • 135 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/26/2007

    WOW!  This is definitely an untapped jewel for guys looking to meet super cute ladies.  Wednesday night is "ladies night"...two for one glasses of great wine.  I went last night and I was shocked as to how many cute girls were there and NO DUDES whatsoever.
    Great appetizers and a fantasic cheese platter with different types of cheeses, fruits and nuts.
    I highly recommend all cute, available dudes take note!

  • Review from Angie R.

    • 111 friends
    • 217 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/26/2007

    While I am a huge fan of the concept of Ladies' Night at a bar, it is generally the bars that are rather unappetizing for ladies that roll out the red carpet. Even the siren song of free drinks is not enough to make me want to go to a sports bar or a third rate strip club. So imagine my surprise and delight to discover a great Ladies' Night at a charming little wine bar in Nob Hill.

    Wednesday night at Cafe Meuse = two for one glasses of wine for the ladies. The wine list has some great selections, the pours are dangerously generous and the bar staff is really friendly.  We were there the night before Thanksgiving so we basically had the run of the place, but I imagine it gets a little more crowded on a regular Wednesday night.

    This would be a great place for a date as well.

  • Review from Kerry P.

    New Orleans, LA

    4.0 star rating
    7/24/2008

    Wine is my muse.  After one glass, the world is a better place and I am completely inspired.  I cook fastastic , flavorful meals when I'm two glasses deep.  I listen to music and dance around my apartment.  I paint, I read classics and write Yelp reviews.  Actually I do that anyway, but it just feels soooo right after a flight.  

    Last night after a glass of Prosecco and a crisp Alsacian pinot blanc at Cafe Meuse, I booked a flight to New Orleans (200 dolla dolla bills, y'all!) and cooked jambalaya while listening to Dr. John.  

    Cafe Meuse (the French river, not the goddess) is a small Nob Hill wine bar nestled on the corner of Hyde and Pacific.  Wednesday is 2 for 1 ladies night, so the quaint venue fills up quickly!  We enjoyed a yummy smoked salmon appetizer with dill-infused cheese and crostini.  6 morsels for two classy lasses was the perfect amount to prevent us from acting silly and still save room for the culinary motivation bestowed on us by Bacchus.  

    I will be back on Wednesdays to come, enjoying 2 for 1 and expecting nothing short of an epiphany.

  • Review from Ms. M. M.

    • 38 friends
    • 82 reviews

    Corte Madera, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/31/2008

    Oh yes it's ladies night
    And the feeling's right
    Oh yes it's ladies night
    Oh what a night, oh what a night!

    I LOVE this place!  Its a great size, nice simple decor, great neighborhood location (corner of Pacific & Hyde so great people watching if you get a window seat), and how can you beat Wed. ladies night 2 for 1?!  The wine selection is fantastic and right up my alley... the first two whites on the list... Rieslings!  The fourth and the fifth whites... Gewrztraminers!  If you have a question the waitress/sommelier is very knowledgeable, gives good advice and is really friendly to boot!  They also give quite generous pours, no gypping you on wine here.  The food is delish as well... from the nicely presented cheese plate to the tasty artichoke dip.    

    Mark my words, I will become a regular... at least for ladies night!

  • Review from Kelly C.

    • 129 friends
    • 225 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/28/2008

    Popped in here last Friday night on a whim with a girlfriend when we just didn't want to deal with the crowds on Polk. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the bar was nearly empty. The wine list was diverse but not overwhelming, and we both really enjoyed our selections. I also had the bruschetta at the recommendation of the waitress - it did not disappoint!

    This is a great bar for a quiet night out, and a great casual date spot. I also can't wait to come to the 2 for 1 ladies night with the girls!

  • Review from Amy D.

    • 8 friends
    • 65 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/4/2010

    SO ADORABLE. The ambiance is cozy, chic, and romantic with candles and little lights beautifully decorating the walls. The crowd was 8 girls and 2 guys on a Wednesday night, but what can you expect? I think this place does tend to lean toward a female-heavy clientele though.

    A fabulous date place!

  • Review from Wendy L.

    • 483 friends
    • 758 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/16/2007

    I definitely think this place is more wine bar than restaurant; I should have been able to tell by the pictures on the Yelp listings page, but my friends and I optimistically hoped we would eat dinner there.

    One of the great things is that it's a quick and easy place to pop in for a glass of wine and a snack/light dinner.  My friends and I had a couple of glasses of wine and then a number of appetizers.  We had the cheese plate, stuffed mushrooms, ahi tuna, fresh mozzarella and tomatoes and the artichoke dip.  The stuffed mushrooms and cheese plate were my faves; the artichoke dip was good but not the best I've ever had.  The food was all generally tasty but the portions were small (especially relative to the price).

    The service is super friendly and nice...and so are the patrons!  I ran into my friend and her family, and everyone was chatting with each other like we were old friends by the end of the meal.  The place is tiny and cute and definitely a great place to grab a drink (not much of a wait at all on a Friday night).

    As one of my friends said at the end of the meal, this definitely isn't cheap.  I'd definitely recommend going for a snack (not when you're REALLY hungry as I was).  But the best part is ladies' night on Wednesdays - two for one glasses of wine, and there aren't really any rules!  They don't have to be the same glass of wine and you can do buy-one-get-one-free with your friend!

  • Review from Andreas T.

    • 24 friends
    • 57 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/15/2009

    This is an awesome wine bar. The cool thing is they serve a variety of foods like chacuterie plates, and lox toast points, which make it a really awesome after work / pre-dinner layover point. We always have a great time here and get pretty silly on vine. I think this would be a really great place to take a date, especially on Thursdays when they have a half price ladies special. The place has that off the beaten path, neighberhood feel which feels like an intimate secret spot that will make your date dripping wet that you really know what you are doing as a man. Another major bonus is the outdoor cafe style seating and the fact that the Hyde street trolley passes by - it's like getting drunk in an 80s rice-a-roni commercial, and you can people watch tourists from Ohio with really bad shirts.

    For beer drinkers they offer a variety of nice ales, which is good for those that discriminate against the vines. The wait staff is always good and attentive. My liver doesn't thank me that I come here way more often than I probably should, but it's also on my walk to work so fuck it.

  • Review from Elaine W.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/8/2011

    Initially we were headed for Amelie, but found it closed for repairs, so we walked a couple of blocks and ended up here. Looked charming and inviting from the outside, and indeed it is! We were just in time for happy hour (5pm-7pm) where you get $2 off every glass of wine (6oz pour). Scanning their menu, they also have "flight" specials where you can choose 3-4 red or white wines (3oz pours of each) of your choice for $15-$20. Our server was by herself this day, but did a stellar job of waiting on every table and even took time to give us recommendations since it was really hard to decide on what to choose. My friend and I each enjoyed a glass of wine and shared a small plate of beef carpaccio with baby greens. Really cozy and intimate setting - perfect for dates or small groups. My rating may go up as I make more trips here, but for now I am a definite fan and shall return soon!

  • Review from Mel G.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/6/2011

    I live in the neighborhood and have often walked past this place, and decided to give it a try with some other friends.  I really liked the fact that it was happy hour and it wasn't totally slammed with people. :)  I ordered a Lagunitas and the salmon risotto, and both were tasty.  A great place to catch up with friends, and not run into "the scene". ;)

  • Review from Jennifer H.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/13/2009

    Who knew this little treasure was so close to me all this time!  Finally stopped in and enjoyed some wine and chitter chatter with a friend of mine.  Love the ambiance, small, dark, and cozy.  Very charming little wine bar with tasty nibbles to choose from on the menu, all reasonably priced as well.

    This is definitely the place to go to if you are feeling like catching up with a friend or having a glass of wine.  Definitely low-key and mellow.

  • Review from Ken G.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/27/2009

    I stopped in this spot for dessert rather than wine, but it was still a good choice.

    I had a crème brulee which was rich with that custard flavor, but also had a decent dose of vanilla.  The place was filled with a cool crowd and had a very relaxed setting.

    Since my first experience was great, I'd definitely go back again, but next time I'll try the wine.

  • Review from Rose Q.

    • 32 friends
    • 96 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/21/2006

    Yay!  This cafe replaces the old cafe at the same spot.  New owner, new management, new name, new look - and it's a winner.

    The space has been completely redesigned and is comfy and lovely.  A $5 wine special was delicious.  The redone interior is inviting, cozy, clean and modern, the staff friendly.

    Note that it transform from a regular cafe in the daytime to a bistro in the evenning.  Limited but delicious bistro menu and nice wine selection.

    Welcome, Cafe Meuse!

  • Review from Gosia L.

    • 10 friends
    • 10 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    11/23/2009

    I had a horrible experience with the drunken manager there and am never coming back.

    I used to think this was a great little place until one night my friend and I stopped in for a Ladies Night glass of wine and had to deal with the slurry speeched, bleary eyed, rude manager. In response to a question we had about our bill, he mumbled 'you just don't get it... and you never will.'

    ...And he just won't get my business again- he never will

  • Review from Andrea S.

    • 37 friends
    • 154 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/24/2008

    Has anyone noticed that what passes for an attractive girl in the russian hill/nob hill/marina area is quite often not attractive to most people with the gift of sight? I've been subtly noticing this for awhile, but tonight at Cafe Meuse, I noticed many Russian Hill/ Nob Hill regulars...you know the ones....highlights, poofy oversized arty top, thin, but fucked up faces. I mean, like if they gave out badges for "women destined to be aunts" or "women destined to be ex-wives', these would be the ones. I guess the kids would calll it butterface.

    Anyway, I go to this place....totally charming, one of those many places in the Hyde St. / Pacific Ave area....smells nice, cool lighting. I feel like it would be perfec to go here after Christmas shopping. However, the wine list was mediocre. The wine server was attentive but doesn't know the difference between attentive and interrupt you and your friends constantly. The food was ok but nothing special.

    So, go here to drop in for a quick glass of wine or if you are in severe need of ambience. If you want great wines or great food, go to Uva, or even Brick, or some of the many wonderful food and wine bars in the city. This to me seems like a place I would go at age 25 thinking I was very suave and sophisticated. If you are age 25 or less and not versed in the ways of food and wine, take a date here and have a great night. If you are above that age or savvy, or both, then skip it unless you just want to duck in for a bit.

    Am I bitchy? Maybe. I think if you read my other reviews you'll think this one is fair. Judge for yourself. At the end of the day, it's your life, as Karl Pilkington would say.

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