Loading...
The Bar At The Four Seasons
Categories: Lounges, Steakhouses
Neighborhoods: Union Square, SOMAThe Four Seasons
757 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 633-3000
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
The Bubble Lounge
- 797 reviews
- Neighborhood:
- Financial District
"When I'm in the mood for someplace classy and/or having some champagne, this is the SPOT! I used to go here frequently years ago for…" read more »
84 reviews for The Bar At The Four Seasons
Review Highlights
Loading...
Hotel Bars have become my new thing.
Dive bars, night clubs, and lounges aren't a bad way to spend a Saturday - but sometimes I just want a clean chair, piano music in the air, and (hopefully) a free snack to share.
The Fairmont, The Oriental, The Hyatt.... I've been getting around. After all this "research" I've found the Bar at the Four Seasons to be the best hotel bar in town.
Towering tall over Market street, this large bar holds three separate seating environments. Lounge bar the fireplace, relax by wall sized windows, or belly up to the bar. No matter where you choose to sit I can almost guarantee you'll enjoy it.
Cocktail list offers a small selection of high quality and delicious drinks. From the refreshing Lychee Martini to the Spicy Margarita, there is something to delight every drinker. Each cocktail costs about 14 dollars on average - well worth it for a classy beverage.
Menu items include light, interesting appetizers amongst a few hearty and filling options. Try the tuna tartar ($14) or the Mediterranean sampler spread ($12) to keep the cocktails from getting to your head.
With an elegant interior, creative cocktails, mouthwatering menu, well mannered waitstaff, never ending supply of free nut mix.... the Bar at the Four Seasons is a San Francisco hit!
This is the perfect business lunch spot.
Everything is as expected - well put together, very tasty, well proportioned, and very expensive.
I ordered a crab salad - it was like an entire crab's worth of meat. It was really quite amazing and I would recommend it to anyone who wanted to try some "san francisco crab" without wanting to hunt down a deal.
The only place in Bay Area where you can find obnoxious WASP and gangster rappers in the same setting. I kid you not, I went here on a Friday night and saw this old snobby guy, make a big scene cause he wasn't happy with the waiter. While in the other corner, there was a group of patrons, that look like they just walked off a set of a music video production.
Nonetheless, the Four Seasons' bar is amazing! My friend order a Lemongrass cocktail and it came with sliced ginger coated in sugar. I couldn't get over how "awesome" that was. it's these little difference that sets this place apart from the rest of the herd.
Great place for delicious cocktails and a quiet atmosphere. Simple as that.
The bartender I think was really good and fast. He was quick on his feet and made me a special drink that tasted like I was in a tropical island. He even looked like a Hot Tropical Guy.
Other than that this place has great vibe and the people "working" (they don't really work there rather they claim that they are just volunteering or helping out.....whatever, you don't get people like that just helping you) are really cool and friendly.
Fancy bar/lounge without coming off as ostentatious or snobby. Their signature drinks are a bit pricey for the quality at $14/a pop, but the place is pretty relaxing, service is extremely attentive, and they toss in a few nice salty snacks at each table.
Only drink here that really impressed me at the table was The Navana which was a Cognac/Baileys/Kahlua/Espresso combination. Lemongrass cocktail, strawberry lemonade, Mojito and the Sexy something that my wife had all came out too mellow in flavor or too sweet. Might try ordering off the menu more next time or ask for modifications to taste.
Would recommend coming by again after a long afternoon of shopping around Union Square or the mall for a nice relaxing drink :)
Where did the piano player go??? I originally took my husband here for his birthday last February, having seen the bar highly recommended on Yelp as having good drinks, great atmosphere, and an amazing piano player. Our first experience lived up to the hype. Very relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. The piano wasn't overwhelmingly loud - it was background music that had us constantly asking each other, "I know that song...what SONG is that??"
Flash forward four months to June 2009. My husband and I decided to go back to celebrate another special occasion. We couldn't wait for the piano player. We get to the bar...NO PIANO PLAYER!! He's gone. A true casualty of the recession. We were so disappointed.
It's still a nice atmosphere, but for $14 a drink, I'd appreciate some more ambiance. Especially when there used to be an amazing piano player! For future special occasions, I don't see myself coming back here...
Swanky place with great service. It caters generally to an older crowd (35+) and it feels very grown up as if you were sitting in some rich old guy's living room. Drinks are not cheap... cocktails are about $14. If you must indulge I would have to say get the "frostbite." My friend thoroughly enjoyed her's. I can't say the same because I gag just hearing the word "vodka." Cognac, all day, please. For a more hip and mellow vibe, go downstairs to Press Club in the Four Seasons' basement.
Super delicious and fresh tuna tartare. Great lemonade with frozen lemonade ice cubes. Great burger, and incredible creme brulee. What a great place to have lunch/brunch on a Sunday.
It wasn't very busy when we went, and we had wonderful service from two different servers.
A bit on the pricey side, but you don't go to the Four Seasons for a budget meal. :)
Highly recommended.
Went to The Bar on a Saturday night with four other girls and a guy. We're all in our twenties so The Bar was a bit intimidating. I walked in and I felt like instantly, I had grown up. Unfortunately, the piano player wasn't on duty when we were there. Also, we sat at a large round table in the middle of the room so we didn't get a view of anything.
Some of the girls I went with stocked up on paper towels from the bathroom. We all took turns going to the bathroom because one girl said that the paper towels are amazing, haha. Then we thought we saw someone from the Real Housewives of Orange County but by the time my "discreet" friend ran towards the mystery woman, she had already gone into the elevator. It made for an entertaining evening. I ordered some sort of sparkling sake that was just ok. A couple of the girls I went with ordered the strawberry lemonade (with alcohol of course) and they really like it.
Excellent service - on par with Four Seasons' reputation - though this one does feel more business than hip, compared to the one in Manhattan.
It also doesn't hurt that it's literally next door to Sports Club L.A. - so if you want to chill or reward yourself after a workout, it doesn't get any easier.
A friend of mine just got engaged and was looking for a wine-bar where we could get a bunch of people together and celebrate in Palo Alto. The bar at the Four Seasons wasn't the first place that came to mind, but it worked out really well since we basically had the place to ourselves on a weekend night.
It's The Four Seasons so as expected everything is really nice. If anything, the whole place was more comfortable and and chill than I anticipated. The modern decor and lighting create a classy ambiance and the service is great, not pretentious at all.
They start you off with complimentary olives, almonds, and wasabi peas. We had few bottles of wine that were tasty and reasonably priced (of course, they also have super expensive selections as well). The cheese plate was also very good, not too high end for my taste (can't deal with the stinky cheese).
Overall, definitely a place to keep in mind when you're looking a comfortable bar where you can go out with a group of people.
I only give it three stars because I doubt I would go back, just given the location and the fact that there are lots of other places I'd rather go. It's a hotel bar and it's a little bland. But it's a solid place with good drinks and good service and being the four seasons, it's a bit schwank.
I had a fantastic manhattan there with Basil Hadens and my friends had really good drinks too.
Honestly my favorite part is the bathrooms.
It's a good place to go if you need to be in that area for some reason....quiet, relaxing, easy.
Modern cool.
The place to relax and unwind after a busy day out in the hustle and bustle of the city. This seems to be one of the most common spots volunteered when it comes to dating. Just ensure that the bartender does not know your date by first name, otherwise you are in for trouble. On a good note, this was a rather sophisticated take on the "let's meet for drinks/dinner" routine. I was intrigued.
The dark mahogany walls and dark wood throughout grounds the space. The chairs allow for comfortable seating and arranging oneself delicately with heels on. The majority of the people in here today were businessmen with their Glenlivet on the rocks. However, if you are a guest here in the hotel, I'm sure it can get pretty packed prior to dinner with tourists.
The staff are impeccable with service. 5 stars for that. I felt as if I were back at the Intercontinental in Boston where everything was catered to my every whim. Down to the men holding doors open. Wait, most of the men in Boston did that anyways. I'm not big on arrogance and that is something I utilize as a filter when it comes to meeting the opposite sex. Arrogant men who don't even bother with a simple "thank you" are promptly branded with the line through their name. Common courtesy extracts reciprocity.
In addition to the smooth drinks somewhat typical for a lounge, I was impressed with their Lounge menu: smaller plates of cheese charcuterie, pizza and soups. There is also a mature take on standard fare. We had the Duck Confit Spring Rolls, which were absolutely amazing and came elegantly arranged. Granted it was a fancy take on the typical Asian appetizer, but Duck lends a sophisticated take on any dish. I would be interested in trying the Oysters and Prawns the next time I'm here.
One of the other many positives, is if you are here on a date and the standard trolling silences take place, there is a pianist on hand. I don't really appreciate cheesy piano lounge music, but c'est la vie for modernity, not to mention verbal lockdown. I would have found it sexier if he were playing excerpts of classical music.
I'm doomed.
Celebrated an engagement party at the lounge area.
Excellent service
Excellent food and taste
Expensive wine bottles -but I guess this is to be expected at the Four Seasons
The only thing is that it was completely empty during Memorial Day weekend. I've been here before for a happy hour where it was way more hopping.
I showed up for a mid-afternoon drink with some friends after yoga class, and I must give the staff props for not batting an eyelash when I walked in in flip-flops and shorts. The service was very friendly, although not very efficient. Apparently, they don't have a bartender until later in the evening so drinks take quite a while if you're there earlier in the day since they have to get all the drinks from the service bar.
The drinks and food were decent, but uninspired. The decor was similarly bland. I guess I was expecting a bit more imagination or glamour, but it was pretty cookie-cutter. I think its a convenient place to meet up for drinks if you're staying at the four seasons, but with so may interesting drinking and dining options in the city, I would not seek this place out.
There is a reason The Four Seasons has the reputation it does. I have not had the opportunity to stay at one, but the bar at The Four Seasons in San Francisco is first class all the way.
The hotel bar manages to be elegant and classy without being stuffy. The staff is friendly, attentive, and welcoming.
On a recent visit, I ordered a Lemongrass Ginger Martini that was delicious. It also came with a small bowl of candied ginger that myself and my companions gobbled up before I was even a few sips into my beverage.
I also ordered a Ketel One and soda. The vodka was served generously in a highball glass over ice. I was given a small European-style glass bottle of soda to pour in myself. The drink was stiff and delicious.
The complimentary bowls of mixed nuts and spicy almonds are a nice touch. They were refilled regularly by the wait staff.
Our large group ordered one of each appetizer. Some were better than others. I especially enjoyed the duck spring rolls, warm parmesan garlic potato chips, and the goat cheese and caramelized onion flat bread. The cheese platter was interesting but could have done with some more diverse accoutrement other than the fig jelly. I found the oysters especially briny, but the accompanying jumbo shrimp were very good.
Oh, and the music! The piano player is excellent. On our visit, he played songs from U2 to Metallica. I was tempted to request a Lady GaGa song but he packed up for the night before I worked up the nerve to make the request. Oh well, next time...
Love to get coffee in this place. Very elegant setting, wonderful glassware. Everything customary of a Four Seasons. Four Seasons is probably my favorite hotel chain. I like this particular location because it is beautiful and traditional, yet modern. Perfect for a breakfast meeting.
Getting coffee here makes me feel like a business traveler. There is no reason for me to stay here unless I am feeling purely indulgent. But it is a great place to lunch and coffee and get a bit of work done, as if I were a business traveler. There is a bar area, tables, and a lounge to relax and focus. Perfect for solo dining, solo coffee, or a mini afternoon coffee date.
Classy place. The doorman opened the door before we even got close to welcome us. As we entered, we walked by a wedding party taking photos as we made our way to the elevator. The welcoming lobby is there as the elevator opens up. There are seatings throughout in the lobby area near the fireplace or step inside to sun drenched lounge. Luckily, we found a table next to the window and piano but too bad no music.
The place was pretty packed as it seem a lot of the guests and wedding parties were resting and chilling before the big party. Maybe it's the Four Seasons, people are conversing but with their "indoor" voice. It is definitely a relaxing lounge to rest and enjoy a drink. The decor is old money with modern twist.
Service was friendly and prompt. It's nice that they bring the bottle of the wine you ordered for you to look and offer a taste before the pour. Hubby had a glass of fiano ($10) and I had the Frost Bite Martini ($14). My drink was delicious - perfectly chilled of vodka, riesling, white cranberry juice and a drop of cassis. Beautiful and clear with the rich purple red at the bottom served with a small bowl of frozen red seedless grapes that were SWEET! As the waitress said, use it as ice or a snack - I did both! What a clever idea, hubby and I both agreed we need to do that at home.
The snacks are great too - one side is bbq slivered almonds and the other side is mixed nuts with macadamia, pistachio, cashew, pecan, almond and peanuts. Both were delicious and a bit addicting.
Given others' reviews on the piano man, I'm tempted to return and check it out and perhaps try other cocktails and some of the food.
Love the wine selection and "lambsicles"...Dee lish!
Four Seasons pricing but of course ;) but a nice place to grab drinks with a few friends or larger group (especially if you aren't paying)...
Service and food in the bar and restaurant is outstanding. The duck confit egg rolls are fantastic.
If you eat in the restaurant, ask for Dino; he's the best waiter in SF, period.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
very very expensive.. but SOOO WORTH IT. there wasnt a cocktail i did NOT LIKE... and i've had most of them! my favorite is the ice flower.. if i'm not mistaken this is the one that is served with FROZEN GRAPES!! MMM!!
i like this place SO MUCH that i came here by myself after shopping and i had time to burn because i did not want to ride the BART at 6pm when it's JAM PACKED.
the bartenders and waitresses are all really nice and the service is great.
and lets not forget the free snaks they give!! spicy almonds and wasabi nuts!!
their restroom are really nice, too! i love their soap... smells like mint and eucalyptus!
all in all, lovely lovely lovely! great drinks, great service, great location.
this is the four season so don't forget there's a price to pay for the service and good drinks. i came here just when the piano player was finishing up for the night. so just keep in mind that this is a pretty fancy place. this might not be the place for my age group(mid twenties) because it's an older crowd. this is good for small groups b/c you dont want to be to loud here. but it's still a good place to just sit and chat. i've been there a few times and i like most of their drinks but i like their pumpkin pie martiani the most. ifyou love pumpkin pie you will love this. but i'm not sure is this seasonal, it probably is. the waitresses were all very nice that evening and service was of course perfect. just the prices were a bit much over 14.00 for a martiani. OUCH! but it was good. the irish coffee was good too. i would come back more often if i had extra dough to roll in. haha.
Everybody is talented because everybody who is human has something to express, Try NOT expressing anything for twenty-four hours and see what happens. You will nearly burst.
Everybody is also original, if he or she tells the truth - if he or she speaks from the root of their self. But it must be from the TRUE self and not from the self he or she THINKS they should be.
So the creative power and imagination that is inherently in everyone and also the need to express and to share - where exactly does it go? What happens to it and why do we all not seem to follow our true passions?! It is very tender and sensitive and is usually drummed out of people early in life by criticism (often called 'helpful") and so we often truly see it in the form of children - until the traditional and orthodox forms of criticism take root and snuff out or murder the talent way before it reaches the spark that turns into a lifelong flame.
And this is exactly why you need to come here to visit Sierra - the Queen bartender of this classy space. When questioned - she is obviously one of these people that found this spark unconventionally early on and later on revisited the creativity and imagination involving mixology. From an early age and due to the higher calling of 'To thine own self be true' has she practiced with intelligence and love for the search and journey to create the perfect cocktail.
And what i think I like the most is that she has pretty much always understood her differing sense and instinct with regards to this. If you talk to chefs, they usually have stories about the kitchen cooking with family somewhere in italy or with grandpa etc etc.... but how rare is it for a kid to understand tastes with regards to liquid or liquor?!?!
And take it a step further - she has worked in other fields/professions and has come back home to what is her true calling. And thank the lord she did so because it is not just the varying tastes of perfection that you'll enjoy when served by her (as she has created and designed the entire specialty drink list on the Four Seasons Bar menu) but it is also the realization that had she not had been true to herself to fully express her passion and imagination to begin with - she would not be giving us the permission to do the same for ourselves....
All the while enjoying one of her signature cocktails. Beautiful...
And THIS is why I love San Francisco. Because every corner, block, street, venue, location, and certain individuals (some more than others) give us that never-ending support and inspiration. Thank the lord we do not live in another place where only the brutal egoists survive, but in true form amongst so many Poetic Geniuses who understand the importance of living an authentic life.
And with this - I will toast and say CHEERS SIERRA!!
My second favorite hotel cocktail bar!
The old man inside of me loves that I can go drink here with friends, meet a date, or even stop in for a proper cocktail and just read the paper when the mood strikes.
Excellent service, proper cocktails, quiet and relaxing atmosphere. All great things.
The Bar at the Four Seasons is the perfect place to:
-Take a date and actually hear your conversation!
-Discover your new favorite cocktail created by the lovely and multi-talented Sierra Z.* who has created a fantastic cocktail menu.
-Listen to the piano player go from Radiohead to Justin Timberlake to Coldplay.
-Taste some amazingly fresh sushi.
-Pretend to be all hoity-toity for an evening...the staff at the Four Seasons treats everyone like VIP's, even if you're a nobody like me.
The cocktail is making a strong comeback in our fair city and the Bar at the Four Seasons is a definite must visit. Just do me a favor and save me a seat near the piano, ok?
*full disclosure - Sierra is a former work colleague of mine and a huge Giants fan...these two factors have nothing to do with my glowing review.
Overall I absolutely love The Four Seasons SF from the lounge to the Sports Club/LA (even though it's somewhat independent...you get the point). I have to say that what's more impressive than the service is the presentation.
I stopped in yesterday evening for a cocktail with a college friend. We ended up craving some warm soup to brave the SF cold. Never have I had my soup poured from a tea kettle! If that's not the business, nothing is! Fabulous! Tea Kettle Soup! YES!
Our server was beyond prepared for what we might want; loved her. We also loved the piano player. He was amazingly talented. Not just coma inducing elevator music, either. We had some Stevie Wonder and Godfather score, as well!
if you're looking for a mellow lounge for drinks and a little food with friends, this is your place. It even doubles as a DL romantic spot for couples if you head allllllll the way to the back.
I was feeling phosistikated (ha), so Defne and I hit up the Four Seasons Bar for cocktails and bar bites after work. It was just how I remembered it -- chic yet comfortable, and perfect for a quiet after-work drinks rendezvous.
It turns out they have a new chef who was eager to show off his menu, so I indulged. The sashimi plate alone is reason enough to go back -- each slab of fish was like buttah, and I had to remind myself not to squeal out loud with excitement. The heirloom tomato salad with blue cheese and olive oil powder was another big stand-out, and the deep fried olives literally burst in my mouth.
Watch out for the piano man -- he has some real doozies. I suspect after we left he may have banged out "Pour Some Sugar On Me."
I don't say this lightly: Best Cocktail I've Ever Had.
Seriously. The Lychee Martini was AMAZING - vodka infused with lychee, pineapple, and vanilla been, accompanied by marinated lychees. Delicious.
Yes, it's true. Single drinks are pricey - $14/each. *But* if you factor in - the awesome pianist (who jammed everything from Elton John to the Charlie Brown theme), the yummy wasabi peanuts & spicy almonds, and the "I feel fancy" factor, totally worth it. Oh yeah, and if you're a lady, nice eye candy with all of the businessmen there (not that I noticed...I just heard that from somebody).
And as if best cocktail I've ever had isn't good enough, Lance Armstrong *so* walked by me in the lobby. Hey Lance, what are you doing later? I know a place with amazing lychee martinis....
My partner and I go to The Bar at the Four Seasons at least twice a week. I have to agree with many of my fellow reviewers that the ambiance is outstanding. Take a seat near the windows and enjoy the cityscape, or lounge on one of the plush sofas for an intimate tête-à-tête.
The pianist adds a certain elegance to an already plush atmosphere; although, I have to admit the music seems more performance than ambiance; i.e. he plays a little too loudly and the music selection isn't always "relaxing."
The service here is fitting given the caliber of the establishment, I would expect no less. Frankly, aside from the ambiance it's part of the appeal! If Kim is around see if she will help you--she is by far the best.
If you're looking for a relaxing nightcap or a postprandial cup of coffee, the Four Seasons Bar will not disappoint. Oh and definitely order their truffle, parmesan, and sea salt chips. Addicting!
I came in here the other night wearing my twisted cap, rap gear, gold chains, ICE watch, and bling and these f#ckers here treated me like sh#t! Not only that, but beers here are hella expensive and they're not even 40 oz. JUST KIDDING!!!
Just re-read some of my reviews and didn't want you to think I was a snob. Anyway...
Per my earlier review of the Maxfield's Pied Piper Bar, the Bar at Four Seasons is within easy walking distance and is also one of my faves for a downtown establishment with a similarly sophisticated, well-monied clientele.
Minus the impressive Maxfield Parrish painting, the Bar at Four Seasons is similarly upmarket with a quiet late night sophistication and even more professional service. Until just recently, this was also one of my favorite places to take an out of town associate to discuss business over cocktails in an atmosphere that is quite conducive to good business.
However, what endears this bar to me the most is not that, but rather a special evening I once had here. What a lot of people don't realize is that outside of the general bar area is an open area with a rip-roaring fireplace, right next to which is an intimate little table for two. Crowded in the daytime, but on a typical late night evening, even more so on a Sunday, this wide open area is generally very quiet, oftentimes quite dead as this bar is not considered a lively night spot.
On a cold winter evening (or perhaps summer since it's so cold in SF), it is an almost magical spot to have a late night cocktail or wine in front of the fire with that someone special. Siting there with an incredibly beautiful woman, staring into each other's eyes, everything else just melts into the background...almost as though the place was made just for the two of you. At least until that roaring pack of late night conventioneers come running through (not likely at the Four Seasons).
There is no table service at that table, so you have to walk to the bar to get drinks, but that only means there's less chance of an intrusion. As always YMMV (your mileage may vary), but it certainly was special for me one night.
The actual bar area itself is rather dark and special in it's own way, although you will be surrounded by other tables. I'm not sure what happy hour here is like as I've always timed my visits appropriately to avoid the crowds. For that scene, there are far better places to hit in the city.
Another Yelper recently posted about how she and her parents were here when a customer, in a moment of indiscretion, over-indulged and vomited all over himself, the chair, and the floor. In a matter of seconds, the expert staff sprang into position and moments later, it was almost as though it had never happened. I wasn't surprised in the least to hear this as thats the kind of professionalism I see here all the time.
Naturally, prices are high (some might say outrageous), but for me, it's about what you'd expect, especially for the Four Seasons. Cocktails are extremely well-made (read strong) and the service is appropriate. For that, I don't mind paying a little more. As such, I have been coming here, on and off, for years, ever since they first opened.
The piano player is quite talented as well, but if you're looking for a wild, drunken night in a fun party atmosphere, this is not the place. However, if you are in the area and looking for a quiet, late night drink in a nicely pleasant, upscale environment, the Bar at the Four Seasons is an excellent choice.
This is by far the quietest of the downtown upscale hotel bars, but that's a good thing. There is no scene here, just guys in khakis sketching out plans on cocktail napkins and fuddy duddy grandmas sipping on iced tea.
Two things to note: (1) I don't like girly drinks, but their Ice Drop is one of my favorite cocktails in the city (Ice wine, vodka, and frozen grapes to snack on? perfection!); and (2) the full bar here doesn't open until 3. So, if you are going from lunch, straight into a thirsty Thursday afternoon, you'll have to settle for champagne, wine, and beer before 3.
Slow service for a lunch for three of two just OK cobb salads and one chicken noodle soup+green salad? Fail. Paying $100 for it? Epic fail.
This is not the usual place I would go to grab after-word drinks, but one of my coworkers had a coupon so we just had to take advantage of it!
I ordered a vodka/soda...which came to me as an almost full glass of vodka on the rocks, with a small bottle of soda. This scared me a bit...until I tasted it. I don't know what kind of vodka they used, but it was the yum. I barely needed the soda.
Don't know if I'll head back soon, but I definitely got my money's worth!
We mustered our courage and self-selected by walking through the Four Seasons front door, thus entering the world of the Rich And Famous.
The doorman politely let us through, and told us how to find the bar. In back, under the covered porte cochere, a couple was checking their Ferrari with the valet. Fifty feet above the street, we found the chambers of elegance we call "the bar," officially called "The Seasons Bar and Lounge." Inlaid floors, paneled walls, leather chairs, a very clubby feeling retreat. A real musician playing a real grand piano.
We began our experience with a glass of Chandon and a rum & Coke. "What kind of rum?" the waitress asked.
"Any house rum will work for me," I replied.
"Our house rum is Bacardi," she offered as she set my drink on the linen coaster.
It tasted so much better than the ones I had been drinking down on 1st Street.
Although there were complimentary wasabi nuts and toasted almonds, we ordered a wrap & roll -- Shrimp Summer Rolls, Sweet Chili Sauce, Crab and Salmon Maki Rolls. I also tried a "Peach on the Beach," with real peach pulp and peach gummi candies on the swizzle stick.
We asked the waitress about the wines, and she did that "waitress at attention" pose while she told us what she knew. We settled on a Grenache, from Vettes & Scholl of Barossa Valley, which had the smoothest flavor and an enchanting bouquet of oak.
Conversation turned to career moves, business plans, and Saving the World. It just seemed natural in this affluent atmosphere. We bought a drink for the next President, but in the interest of the democratic process, we can't say who it is yet.
Rubbing elbows with the Rich And Famous isn't cheap. Here's what the tab looked like:
1 Bacardi light 9.00
1 glass Chandon 10.00
1 Wrap & Roll 15.00
1 peach martini 14.00
1 glass Grenache 13.00
1 glass Grenache 13.00
1 glass Grenache 13.00
Subtotal: 87.00
Tax: 7.40
Total: 94.40
Of course, we remembered to tip. Did I tell you we liked the Grenache?
Went here for drinks prior to that movie. You know the one. The one that girls my age are contractually bound to see opening weekend.
Good food and drink and top notch service.
The uniforms the servers wear make me sad though. I have no idea what they are going for with a teal, long sleeved blouse, brown polyester pants, and orthopedic shoes. Might want to hook a sister up and take her uniform into 2008.
And although I hear they have a kick ass piano player that we missed, I'm not sure we'll be welcomed back anytime soon.
What started out as 4 girls talking about work turned into loud conversations about bikini waxing. LOUD.
Yeah, we were THOSE girls. Obnoxious, I know. It was one of those kinds of days.
Whatever. Some gay guys told us we were fierce.
Really chill place to kick it, with an awesome vibe. Skilled bartenders and great drink recommendations. Food delicious azz as can be, no doubt in my mind why this place gets such good reviews.
My friends and I were looking for a nice, upscale place to have some light appetizers and drinks before a fundraiser at Mezzanine.
Given the options in the immediate area, we decided to go the Bar at the Four Seasons since it would be nice and we could walk in without a reservation. The bar is nice and luxe, your standard upscale hotel bar. Even with the piano playing in the background, the bar is still pretty quiet which creates a very intimate environment. The piano playing was a bit stuffy, but I suppose it is the Four Seasons.
My friends and I shared the duck rolls, margherita pizza and the pancetta pizza. The duck rolls were yummy (um, deep fried egg rolls filled with duck? Yes!), and the pizzas were perfectly light and tasty. The pizzas were on paper-thin, cracker-like crust; I don't typically like this type of pizza but it was the perfect light dinner. It is a bar after all, and there is a wide selection of liquors (not many beers). Another bar that serves Hangar One, so yay for that! Sadly, so many bars don't.
The service was great - fast, helpful and just super super nice.
I am not a huge fan of most hotel bars.
This is probably because Chet is generally sitting at the table next to me talking to Dillinger about his latest aquisition and how he can finally afford that adorable 4th vacation home he spotted on his latest trip to Monte Carlo. Oh, and Chet is generally full of shit because when the bill comes he pulls out his green Amex and if he was worth what he said he was he would have the black one or at least the silver one, sure as shit not the green one. Attention to detail, Chet, attention to detail!
Yep, Chet and Dillinger definitely hang ot at the Four Seasons, but the Chets and Dillingers who hang here actually do have the silver and above cards. The servers here know it and treat you accordingly, and the owners know it and charge you accordingly. Great service and high prices.
All of this is fine, especially since the seating is comfortable, the drinks are tasty, the feel is old money and they have a piano player who takes requests. However, the food should most definitely match the atmosphere and I hate to say it but it doesn't. The oysters are briney, the tuna tartare has too much ginger, the pizza is too soggy and the sushi is boring. Is this what appeals to an old money pallate? If so I am happy that I am not in the income bracket that would impress Chet and Dillinger.
Most of all I am happy that I have found one more hotel bar that I do not feel the need to hang out in because, as I mentioned, I am not a fan.
I want to move into this place, gorgeous!
The piano man was extremely entertaining, he surprised us with a mix of 80's, 90's favorites as we sipped drinks and grazed on appetizers! Loved the round tables, great for groups of 6-8; no screaming over loud music required.
If you're in the mood for something fruity, go with the Peach on the Beach it's a winner!
I'm a big fan of hotel bars and for the most part The Four Seasons' lobby and bar do not disappoint. The atmosphere is austere so don't expect any of the swank of The Clift or W, or even The St. Regis for that matter, and the clientele reflect this sophistication. The last time I was there, three older gentlemen were sitting at one table, enjoying their gin & tonics, dressed impeccably in crisp suits and bow ties. I think they had just acquired a bank or something. It's that sort of place.
You can enjoy your drinks in the open lobby or near the piano, but the bar is a little more intimate. Come hear for quiet conversation, to close that business deal, or just to hob nob with the ultra-posh, over-fifty crowd.

