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Martuni's
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 4 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy, Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
562 reviews for Martuni's
Review Highlights
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"Fantastic piano bar, I was highly entertained." In 266 reviews -
"I had a raspberry lemon drop - this was delish." In 10 reviews -
"As others have noted, the Cherry Blossom was awesome." In 25 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: 20-, 30- and 40-somethings all posse up at this place. See more places they like.
562 reviews in English
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Review from Joi B.
3/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Let's all sing it together: faaaaaaaaaabulous!
Martuni's is a retro cocktail piano bar. Now, don't think it's at all like the Martini's in "It's a Wonderful Life." It's way darker, more posh... Actually walking in conjures up images of Detective Bucky Bleichert seeking Black Dahlia clues from the "sisters." Only the same sex lovahs roaming around are of the male variety (and they are of all ages. Not a Chelsea boy to be found though).
Fuck it, I love this place. It has it all- Cheap, huge drinks (my group was likening 'em to "big gulp martinis") and these will only set you back about 6 bucks. I had a perfectly prepared sidecar for 9 bucks. By the way, these are the only kinds of drinks you should have in a place like this. And if you like karaoke but despise dicky KJs and lame soundtracks, head to the back room and sing with the piano player. Now *that*'s classy. Besides the 'tenders being good at what they do, you'll also find that the distinguished gents who work the room, checking up on you are extremely hospitable. They are more "hosts" than waiters, if that makes any sense.
Oh and another great thing? And our group of gorgeous ladies didn't have to deal with the type of lame pick-ups we had to deal with the rest of the night. So if you're looking for a chill place to sip a big-ass cheap martini, look for the old school neon sign outside shouting "Martuni's" and come on in.Listed in: San Fran Bars
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Review from Michelle T.
South San Francisco, CA
4/24/2012
I tried coming here on a Saturday night and the place was pretty full, however Skip who is one of the guys who worked there reserved a little section for us. Super sweet guy. We had a large party of 12. We ended walking in and walking out. I would not recommend coming here with a large party, it is super cramped, dark and stuffy, so ultimately we decided to head up the street to The Mint.
Overall, great piano bar in the city for date night but this place does look and feel that it needs a major revamp. Very dark, old decor, but the cheapest Martini's you can find in the city. -
Review from Annie L.
4/18/2012
"Well aren't you just precious and oh so dashing!"
My friend looked at me uncomfortably as the extra from Gone With The Wind started to salivate over him.
"He is isn't he," I got a look of daggers and a kick for my contribution.
"Oh yes he is sweetie, oh yes he is."
He then took a gulp of his vino and fixed his shockingly shiny shirt, bouffant hair style and walked behind the piano to belt out Abba's, "The Winner Takes It All." The piano player started putting rave toys on the piano top for the emotional parts.
I loved it, I happened to be one of two people that knew all the lyrics which had my friends confused.
"What the hell Annie?"
"I was a huge Abba fan as a child, what's your problem?"
I had a mint julep which was delicious. It was a great night sitting around the piano singing away with good friends and watching a shiny dandy try to get his claws into one of them.
Across the piano was the most bizarre coupling I ever saw, thinking about it disturbs me.... Sorry it just popped into my head and I will give it no more word space.
Lighting in the front area is so dark. It get's busy so get there early.Listed in: 1st Date suggestions!, Bars in San Francisco
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Review from Kathleen M.
Atlanta, GA
4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Do you want something laid back that isn't a dive bar? Prefer cocktails to beer? Totally over the mixology scene and the pomp that comes with it? Hit up Martuni's.
My gin and tonic was a mere $6-- a steal in this city. And no, they didn't flake on the gin. And it was big. And served with a smile.
Karaoke certainly isn't my thing, but I could appreciate the piano bar in the back. The crowd was respectful and it was free of the sorostitutes that usually pervade karaoke bars. I'd go back, for sure. -
Review from Kelly S.
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
When in SF, I expect three things of bars: A. crowds/long waits B. tiny pricey drinks C. to be ignored by the general populace. Welcome to Martunis... the exact opposite of all those particular attributes.
I shall address in order.
A. Martunis, even on a Thursday night, was pleasantly buzzy but not packed. People were chatting in twos and threes but the bar was wide open with a row of pre-iced martini glasses just waiting for me. Well, probably for everyone but I prefer to think of them as being there for yours truly.
B. The martinis were huge. Legitimately larger than any martini I've gotten at a bar in SF or elsewhere. They're not doing craft cocktails here though so don't make the same mistake a coworker did and think they're using fresh juices in their watermelon martini. That's gonna be flavored voddie kids. My dirty martini was juuuus' right.
C. There's a lounge pianist in the backroom playing jazzy standards along with patron singers on request. Where people are normally not super friendly in SF in my experience, folks here were laughing and singing along, clapping, egging friends on to sing their favorite Sinatra or NKCole song. I sang L-O-V-E to a room of strangers who were so encouraging.
It's a dark, candlelit gay bar with a lounge singer and huge drinks -- a little piece of awesome in that big ol' city. -
Review from Weide Z.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 5/21/2012
With some San Jo friends visited last Saturday night to do the piano bar thing. Been a while since I was last there. Thoroughly, unreservedly, enjoyed *this* evening. *One* chocolate martini got me and my tongue all loosened up to make the most of the night ahead. Our host at the piano for that evening, Dee Spencer, knows the art of revving up the crowd. The customers, be they receptive audience or fellow mic whores, were all very friendly and supportive. Some out of towners assumed my buddy Hans and I were a couple (I guess at the moment.. none of our other buddies has shown up yet.. we sorta were). Dee came in, played a few to get us going, then started calling volunteers up.. I did my thing.. Weide renditions of "Perfidia," "Joint is Jumping," "I Can't Get Started (with extra, bonus Weide-composed verses thrown into the offering) and killed'em!!! Applause and high-fives and blown kisses from the San Fran crowd. I was *part* of the awesomeness that evening. We had to leave early to hit the karaoke bar up the street.. But I left still a little intoxicated, overly-talkative and a bit full of myself.. as we marched up Market Street, off to our *next* SF conquest.. So Martuni's, chocolate martinis, Dee Spencer's piano bar show, and uhm.. me.. Weide.. in combination.. all good!
Listed in: Singer-Friendly Open Mic Piano…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/28/2006
By happy coincidence or maybe by design (I dunno) three well-known San Francisco lounges that let… Read more »
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Review from Ty T.
4/3/2012
The Ginger Lemon Drop is absolutely tantalizing
-the lush Limoncello cast-over like smooth velvet on my tongue.Listed in: Places That Make Me WHET
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Review from Farrah A.
3/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Shake two parts martini bar, another two parts piano bar, garnish with a little kitschy fun and you've got yourself Martuni's.
My first time here was back in July 2008, then fast forward to March 2012 and not a damn thing has changed ... for the better, I must say. Old skool bartenders dressed in white button-ups and black bow ties are the friendly faces behind the bar; it's dark and sprinkled with a smidgen of candlelight. Perfect for conversations and mingling. In the back, however, is where all the action takes place. Sign up to sing a song or watch the brave souls take over the mic and sing along.
Our group enjoyed both areas of the bar. The servers were super friendly, but I must say, I wasn't too happy with my watermelon martini. Tasted artificial - like watermelon pucker. And for $10 I expected a bit more (it is SF afterall!). My lady friends, however, seriously enjoyed their $6 cocktails. You can't beat that in this city!
Big shot out to Austin CM Kelly S for taking the floor and seducing the crowd with her sex-ay voice! -
Review from Krys T.
3/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Martuni's was host to an impromptu gathering of some of my favorite ladies recently. The retro vibe is great and the piano provides never ending amounts of awesome as you sit and sip your tasty drinks.
The bar is divided into two spaces. The front room makes socializing a bit easier because you can be loud and chat up your people without interrupting the pianist. But the back room has a live pianist playing gorgeous throw back old jazz and pop standards that are sure to begin a sing-a-long at any moment.
The bartenders here are the best part. I wanted to be their friends forever. Super friendly, adorable and lots of fun. Oh, and they make scrumptious martinis served in a huge glass for 6 bucks. Swoon.Listed in: What's in a name?, San Francisco is the sassiest!
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Review from Christina G.
Durham, NC
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
In a land of page-long drink descriptions, Martuni's was refreshing in that the cocktails were simple and cheap. I chose to forgo a fruity martini in favor of a gin & tonic -- it was strong, and only six bucks; now that's the way to woo me ;)
In the front room, you can relax in low lighting and shmooze at intimate tables. In the back room, you can swoon over live piano paired with schmaltzy voices from the audience. Classy and cool place to sit for a drink or two.Listed in: When in SF...
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Review from Dan P.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Parking can be a pain unless you got a bike...
Love the atmosphere...gets stuffy in the music lounge...wonderful singer, I thought Adele was in the room...strong drinks ;) -
Review from Carol C.
San Bruno, CA
5/10/2012
This isn't just any piano bar, this is the gay cabaret in the gayest city of America. You will find flaming gay men singing diva Broadway show tunes. Martuni's is also a singing drag queens' gathering spot. Open piano bar starting from 9pm every night. People are encouraged to sing to their hearts' content. Different piano player of various talent and themes are each night, and I recommend Monday night for the traditional cabaret jazz/blues and musical theatre singers. Sunday night is musical theatre, too. If you enjoy hearing some soulful, fabulous gay interpretations, try Tuesday nights. Wednesday nights are jazz crooner time. On Saturday and Sunday there are usually pretty good shows starting at 7pm.
The martinis are famous for its insane strength and generous size. I can't recommend this place more. -
Review from Gabrielle H.
Fremont, CA
5/8/2012
Awesome..even for a Sunday! The Dragonfruit lemon drop was out of this world! Watermelon Martini was just like a Jolly Rancher in taste, but very sweet! I LOVED the piano player...amazing! He plays from his iPad and knows every song you could possibly want!
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Review from Nicole W.
3/23/2012
A great tasting $6 martini served by uber friendly bartenders. What else do you really need to know?
Ok ok, so the drinks are affordable. The place is super chic-dark tones, beautiful piano bar space and plenty of room to grab a seat and chat with some friends. I ordered the dirty martini and is was like Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way.
Pair that beverage with some great tunes and a good looking space and you can go ahead and call me a fan. Martuni's is my kind of jam. -
Review from Talia G.
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
This two-room bar always overflowing with people, so if you come here on a weekend night, don't expect to find seating. It attracts a mixed crowd, although always older than you see just a few blocks south into the Mission. You'll see people ranging from their mid-twenties to late 60s, which is a bit unusual but also kind of cool in my book. The back room has a grand piano that a designated piano man/woman plays. There's a large book of lyrics on the piano, so people can pick songs from the book and sing along karaoke-style. Don't be fooled though, this is no ordinary karaoke bar. The people that sing are GOOD.
The specialty is definitely martinis, which you can get for $8.50. I personally hate sugary drinks, so I just go for the $4.50 beers (last night they had Sierra, Blue Moon, Stella, and one other). They also have wine, though I don't know the price per glass.
Since the bar gets so crowded, there's a man who walks around and takes orders so you don't always have to go to the bar to get a drink. He's a little gruff, but he gets his job done efficiently, so I can't fault him on that.
It's definitely a unique place worth checking out a time or two. -
Review from Flora H.
2/23/2012
Love. This. Place.
I wasn't sure what to think when my friend recommended a piano bar, but it was absolutely perfect for what we were looking for - a place to grab drinks and hang out with friends in a somewhat unique atmosphere.
The martinis are no joke. I probably should have stopped after one, but it was so delicious that I made the poor decision to have another one.. which is what led to things becoming a bit fuzzy..
But I do remember this:
The crowd is definitely a more "mature" crowd, but that is to be expected. My friend had a great time singing with the piano man (I'm not sure if this is really supposed ot be a "karoake" bar but we sure turned it into one!), and even found herself with some fans by the end of the evening. The crowd was extremely friendly, and the piano man a quite good player and singer himself.
It's a great low key kinda thing to do when you are looking for something other than the typical night out. -
Review from Jay F.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2012
I really like the ambiance, attractive mixed crowd, tasty drinks, and great service.
When my friends and I came in, it was really crowded. We headed over to the back piano area and there were a lot of people there too. Lucky for us, a couple left their table as soon as we walked in so we immediately grabbed it. However, there were three of us and only two chairs. The nice man taking drink orders got to our table, took our orders, and offered to bring us over an extra chair. Sweet!
I got the raspberry lemon drop, which was sweet, tart, and pretty strong. My friends got the cherry blossom, which was really good and not too sweet!
It was a lot of fun hanging out, watching the various performances, and enjoying our tasty drinks. There were times when it would get too loud to hear ourselves talk, and it would get hot because of the large number of people in such a small place, but overall it was a fun experience and we had a great time.
The icing on the cake was when we were getting ready to go and asked for our tab, the server informed us that someone had already taken care of it. Awesome! We never found out who it was, but thanks kind stranger! -
Review from Liz H.
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Martuni's is one of my favorite bars in SF! Conveniently located close to both the 16th St. BART station and Hayes Valley, its super easy to get to. They have a great selection of drinks. Whether you want a sweet, fruity cocktail or a dry martini, you will not be disappointed.
In addition to great drinks for cheap, Martuni's is also a piano bar! I really enjoy sitting in the back and listening to the resident piano man play and sing popular tunes. Patrons are also allowed to pick songs from a large book and sing along! Most of the times I've been here, there have been a few talented regulars reappearing throughout the night.Listed in: Mission Must Sees
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Review from Steven R.
1/26/2012 2 Check-ins Here
In general I find the whole piano bar thing kind of cheesy and out-dated.
However, Martuni's does it right.
I'm usually a beer drinker but lately I've been enjoying going for martinis here. This place has great atmosphere and ambience, whether you're sitting around the huge bar or if you've managed to snag a spot in the back. My favorite area, in the back, is a great dark place to chill out and chat with some friends. The piano is also located back here however the talent never seems bothersome. Usually at piano bar set-ups there's someone singing far too loud or a performer who thinks this is their tryout for American Idol. Here it's chill. You can enjoy the music while still focusing on your conversation.
I'm not a huge lounge guy but you can probably get me in here for drinks just about anytime. -
Review from Eyw d.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
Two of the servers were rather rude/abrupt the way they asked me and my buddy to leave the bar at the end of the night (around 1:45). We're not two random people sitting in your bar. We're your customers, who bought drinks from you and tipped you.
The drinks were pretty good though. -
Review from Bryan H.
Martuni's is my favorite bar in the whole of San Francisco. There are a plethora of reasons for why this is so, but to be succinct -- the drinks are awesome, the ambiance is rich, the drinks are unique and good, and the crowd is mixed. OH. AND IT'S A PIANO BAR.
Ambiance: Take your typical San Francisco bar with low lighting and close quarters, but add the following: a back room with a piano, a bar with very impressive architecture and a wide array of liquor, a weekly karaoke/open-mic night, regular guest spots for groups and/or famous singers, and a die-hard fan following.
Service: It can be touch and go... There is a waiter service, but they don't mess around. TIP: When they come to you, don't dilly-dally. Know what you want and be ready to tell them. They can oftentimes be visibly annoyed if you don't acknowledge that they're waiting and/or that they have other tables to attend to. Take the hint and order quickly.
Drinks: I think Martuni's menu of signature drinks are pretty good on their own, but this place is a full bar, so if you're not feeling it, just order a martini (they make a mean martini). If you're looking for a recommendation off of the menu, I highly suggest the Cherry Blossom. I get it every time.
TIP: If you come during happy hour, they pass out popcorn with your drink!
TIP: If you plan to come on a Friday or Saturday, try to get there a little early to scope out a table. This place fills up.
TIP: If you're with a large group, be prepared to stand, as it can be somewhat difficult to get tables for more than 4 people (while it is true that you can push some tables together, good luck getting more than one table to begin with).Listed in: Best not-a-dive-bar Bars
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Review from Tom T.
2/2/2012
My friend and his company decided to find this place after going to Blush, for some odd reason. I don't recall why, and no, I was not drunk/buzzed from Blush. (I'm not a light weight, even though I never really challenged my limit on alcohol before).
So, with minimum lighting and having my first martini, I went for something exotic besides the OG martini, the cherry blossom. Yes, I'm a sucker when it comes to names, especially anything Japanese related, but the drink itself had nothing to do with the sakura flower, moreso a cherry martini.
Not tasting much alcohol in the drink, it wasn't too bad for my first martini drink. Entertainment was confusing, since there was a separate back room where there was a weird happy-hour-karaoke-mixed-with-drunk-people-singing -off-key time.
Two major problems with this place: it's WAY too small to fit THAT many people, and the restroom needed to get cleaned up. Had no soap and no towels when I used it, and I think the trash can was overflowing. -
Review from Heidi G.
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Swanky. swanky. swanky.
Their name fits them to a T. Martinis here are done fabulously whether it be a classic or a raspberry lemon drop. Dimly lit, but make your way to the back and you'll find a quaint little room with a piano. Yes it's a piano bar!
The stares I got might have been indicative that I was a little young for the crowd, but by the end of the night they were all singing to the songs I requested. Our waiter was on the ball and even took care of a broken glass and spill at our table. A rule of thumb, always order what the servers recommend when you're at a specialty spot and I was not disappointed by Martuni's.
Cheers, I will see you again on another trip back to SF. -
Review from Shaun-Mathieu S.
North Hollywood, CA
12/15/2011
Once upon a time, during World War I, a Soldier in Paris came down with a nasty cold. During that era, it was customary to consume brandy to fight colds, but was considered more of an after-dinner drink (and this was well before dinner), so the Soldier's Captain suggested the barkeep add cointreau and lemon juice to the beverage to "lighten it up a bit." Hence, a cocktail was born. And they called it The Sidecar - because the soldier would drive his captain around in one all over France. This beverage became one of the favorite drinks of Ernest Hemmingway and his cohorts in Post-War France.
One of the best Sidecar's I've ever had is at Martuni's in San Francisco. I first came here in 2003, and fell in love with the dark interior, bronze paneled walls, and intimate atmosphere that easily transports one to a more romantic world. After an eight-year hiatus, I returned to Martunis - and it hadn't changed from my memory. I ordered the Sidecar, and it was exactly as I remembered it - perfection in liquid form, with the ideal balance of sweet, sour, and oomph.
The establishment attracts a diverse, stylish, and friendly crowd. The service is excellent. They also have cabaret performances here as well (which I missed, unfortunately). On my next visit to San Francisco, I will be making this one of my first stops - never again will I let eight years go by without experiencing their Sidecar. -
Review from Jeremiah C.
Twin Peaks, San Francisco, CA
5/4/2012
I found the Thursday night staff rather disappointing.
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Review from Thomas D.
San Francisco, CA
11/23/2011
A fifteen minute window into Martuni's:
My partner and I were waiting to use the one and only (unisex) restroom in the place. There was a sweet young Russian girl in front of us--she had been waiting for a while. We chatted with her and tried hard to decipher what little English she knew considering her incredibly thick accent.
After 5 minutes of a Rosetta Stone experience, I finally asked a waiter if there was another bathroom.
"No," was the curt answer as he walked away carrying a tray full of cocktails.
Another 5 minutes went by and our international friend managed to share that she has a big bladder and she thinks she can "hold it a while longer". She then disappeared into the crowd mumbling a few, "dah, dah's"
Our acerbic waiter appears out of nowhere and starts pounding the hell out of the bathroom door.
"That's how you do it", he proudly asserts.
I'm thinking to myself, "Great, when the door opens, they're going to think it was us pounding on the door." As I prepare to get into it with the slow pee-er, the waiter shoves a key in the bathroom door and throws the door open.
I was expecting to see someone dead on the bowl.
We discover that the bathroom was empty.
Class act here.Listed in: Tales of the City, Drinks!
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Review from Kate J.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012
Came here with four girlfriends, all ordered a ginger lemon martini. I opted for the sour
apple martini. Big mistake to stray from the pack! Sour apple martini is gross, luckily the very nice server allowed me to exchange mine for the ginger lemon. I've never swapped drinks before but there was no way chasing each sip of the apple martini with the salty popcorn was going to allow me to finish it.
I thought the ginger lemon martini was going to be a tad sour like the sour apple martini but it was sweet and refreshing. I could definitely taste the fresh lemon and ginger with the added taste of the sugar on the rim of the glass.
The server was friendly and the atmosphere was relaxing! -
Review from Matt c.
Rohnert Park, CA
Updated - 10/17/2011
I am updating this to re-state my love for the staff but to also express my growing disdain for the clientele. I have been going to Martuni's since 2003 and have never, ever had a negative experience with the staff. Skip, Tommy, Brett all have the patience of saints. I adore them.
But unfortunately, by no fault of the staff, Martuni's has become highly un-fun. Yes, the drinks are good, and yes they are strong. But for many of us, the reason we come each week is for the music. This has become more and more difficult to do.
Why do people flock to the back room where the piano is and spend their entire evening shouting across the table and completely ignoring the music? Or worse, why do some people think that this is a
Karaoke bar where you can stumble to the mic and completely annihilate innocent defenseless songs? When will the violence end?
Put it this way...This sums up Martuni's these days: On a given Friday night, Judy Garland could RISE FROM THE DEAD, walk through the door, take the mic and give her legendary Carnegie Hall concert. And the Castro gays and their shrill female friends would continue to scream across the table, cruise for guys, spill their drinks, and not even notice. Way to be classy San Francisco.
If you are a regular, you know I am right.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/16/2009
I consider this bar to be an extension of my living room. Yes, the drinks are innovative and… Read more »
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Review from Misha T.
12/6/2011
really a lot of fun. I've always wanted to go to a piano bar and this is of course the most fabulous of them all. We went on a Tuesday where I was informed that they singer does less show tunes which is in my opinion a good thing.
irish coffee is strong so watch out.
also they do table service so when you sit down someone will come. -
Review from troy s.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2011
Strong drinks. Strong strong drinks.
Bartender even re-juiced my cocktail when I was only halfway through.
Careful if you are already tipsy when you enter. -
Review from Stumbalina b.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/6/2011
Reducing the number of stars because of the rude staff (plus aforementioned honkeydom).
Bitchface Bartender: Yeah, what do you want?
Me: I'd like a Manhattan.
Bitchface Bartender: What type of bourbon do ya want.
Me: Scanning the bar and thinking about how much money is inside my wallet.
Bitchface Bartender: IF YOU HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT THEN YOU MIGHT AS WELL JUST ORDER RAIL!
Me: I was actually thinking about opening a tab, but nevermind. I'll have Bulleit Bourbon.
For some odd reason, probably out of habit, I left this bitch a tip. I think Im going back just so i can order top shelf drinks from her again and NOT tip. Repeatedly.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/10/2009
This is a wonderful, unique, special place that you should AVOID AT ALL COSTS on weekend nights.… Read more »
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Review from Susan A.
San Francisco, CA
9/12/2011
The rudest service I've ever experienced in San Francisco and I'm a native. I've been here several times and it's usually a fun night until our recent visit. We were entertaining guests from out of town (my friend's parents) and were having drinks around 1am when the service immediately shifted from "What can I get you?" to "What can we do to get you guys out of here so we can go home?!?!" There was a total of 6 of us and we were not drunk. We were enjoying each other's company and having good conversation.
First it started with one server trying to clear our tables then making a rude comment about my friend's parents finishing their drinks and going to the airport back to head back to Texas (I'm sorry but wtf?!?). I politely asked him what the rush was and that we were not leaving anytime soon (it was 1:30am). Then he sent his buddy over to remind us they were closing soon (it was 1:45am). Bars don't legally have to close until 2am so we fully intended on enjoying our conversation and drinks until then but at 1:50am came the double teaming. We were escorted out and I was told I had to wait for my girlfriend (who was using the restroom) outside the gate! That was the last straw.
I will never, ever, go to Martuni's again and I hope you won't either. No one deserves to be treated like this. -
Review from Fraulein C.
Santa Clara, CA
9/7/2011
Tickle my fancy because I think I'm in LOVE with this place! Classic tunes sung by a songstress belting out "Don't stop believin" or Cee-Lo's "**** you and **** her too" and the crowd goes on wild singing along holding a martini in hand....I was sold!
Thanks to my wonderful friends who wanted to stop here first before heading to the bars and clubs afterwards. Over looking the diverse crowd, and scanning through their drink menu, I ordered myself a wonderful watermelon martini. Yelpers, warning! It's strong but flavorful and at reasonable prices $5-9, I'm sure you'll be a little bit buzzed. Martini glasses aren't small either, so gulping it down in one sip....I advise that you don't do it.
Bartenders are always busy so calling for attention can be challenging but if you grab one of the ladies walking around with a tray, make sure to quickly order your drink and listen to the great piano sitting behind in the corner being played by someone along with the singing diva! I'm not much of a talented singer, but SF has a lot of great singers! American Idol, I think you should check out the talent here! An abundant and eclectic crowd but please be easy on the eyes. You'll notice there's too many good lookin' people here that I couldn't stop staring!
I''ll be making my way back here again in the future.....hopefully not with the mic in one hand and a martini on the other! -
Review from Nick B.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2011
Tommy and I were having a great flippin night. We had hit a great concert and just picked up a couple of girls at a club (yes I am kissing and telling a little!). It was just after one and they wanted to do something else with us so I suggested nearby Martuni's. The ladies had never been so I needed to remedy that travesty immediately.
I love Martuni's because it is a great place to relax and unwind. The martini's are fabulous and they have options that the ladies always seem to love like raspberry lemon drops and other more fruity styled drinks. Since it was late the crowd had diminished to a reasonable size which was perfect. Sometimes earlier in the evening it gets loud and you can't listen to music as well and just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
We only stayed a half hour sipping out cocktails until the ladies decided they needed to be escorted home. But it was a great topped to a wonderful evening. If you like Martini's and lounging then this is the place for you. -
Review from Monkey T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I Heart Martuni's!!!!
Fun and chic ambiance without the fluff. The Piano bar is cute and the drinks are reasonably priced. -
Review from Frank S.
Honolulu, HI
8/18/2011
Piano bars are becoming a very scarce commodity and this is one of the best in San Francisco or anywhere. The creative Martinis are the main cocktail attraction, although technically Martinis are made with Gin. It's Vodkatini for Vodka fans.
During September 2011, enjoy entertainer Houston for the early show, Saturdays through Tuesdays. Standards, showtunes and whimsy. -
Review from Claudine V.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2012
Huge martinis, great bar, mixed crowd, fun piano bar . What more can you ask for??? Place gets pretty packed after 10ish so get there early if you have a big group and woulld like to get a table. No cover charge too which is awesome!!! Would definitely come back and get my straight up very dry gin martini!
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Review from Shira H.
Forget about eat your heart, at Martuni's you sing your heart out! I had no idea that I was going to have so much fun here. Unexpected fun=the best time ever! The crowd is welcoming, the piano singer/player is on point and friendly. I don't know if it's always Karaoke night, but Wednesday's definitely are!
I sang "Proud Mary" the Tina Turner version, and the crowd was cheering me on and singing along. Maybe I was in a Martini daze, but after I was done, all the clapping made me blush hard and smile from ear to ear. Thanks for making me feel like a star guys! Also, the martini's are really really yummy. Watermelon and Melon Melon for $8 is a delicious deal. -
Review from Lulu W.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2011
I am a big fan of martinis and Martunis has made drinking so much more enjoyable. :)
The fig martini is hands down the BEST martini I've ever had in my entire life. And for less than $9? Plus a cute ambiance, really nice bartenders and all? Yes please.
Martunis, you have a new regular. -
Review from Julia D.
8/16/2011 1 photo
Tonight I saw La Stone perform at her church Martuni's. It was a lovely affair, full of gay men, my mom, Nathan, Eliza, and Alyssa (with Robbie and Erica) performing the work of Dreamgirls. She titled the show Dream, Grrrl! Eliza was sick this evening but still made it to the event-what a friend. In addition to singing Dreamgirls music, Alyssa also sang a medley of Beyonce songs, rapped, did a Supremes sing-a-long, and read journal entries from her 6th grade diaries. She was not only hilarious and talented, but also a real entertainer. One of themes of her journal entries was a crush she had on a boy named Scott. In a later entry we learn that Scott is gay and young Alyssa decides she doesn't have as much of a crush on him anymore.
When asked about Alyssa, Jay Z said, "What I've learned from her is similar to what I learned from Mike [Jackson] - and I know that's blasphemy to compare the two because Mike was such an innovator - but I think she's like the second coming."
Beyonce said of Alyssa, "She has an authentic, God-given talent, drive, and longevity that will always separate her from everyone else. She has been fortunate enough to accomplish things that the younger generation of queens dream of accomplishing."
