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The Orbit Room
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants Pizza Food Coffee & Tea Bars, Pizza, Coffee & Tea
1900 Market St(between Laguna St & Guerrero St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
(415) 252-9525
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 11 am
Mon-Fri 4 pm - 2 am
Sat-Sun 1 pm - 2 am
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
367 reviews for The Orbit Room
Review Highlights
"Alberta, the bartender, is a true artist."
(in 39 reviews)
"Fabulous cocktails with lots of ingredients."
(in 100 reviews)
"I love the bartenders who are always happy to see me."
(in 76 reviews)
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367 reviews in English
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Review from Bryan H.
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is a gem hidden in plain view.
On your way out of the Castro and towards Martuni's, you may find yourself sideways glancing over at this corner-bar. It's been there for quite a while, but I never went in until this past weekend. What we found was a pleasant surprise.
Besides this place being filled to the brim with a very eclectic group, we also found that the majority of the drinks on the menu were signature drinks -- that is, they were more mixology than well drinks, they were more sophisticated than divey.
We ended up getting three or four drinks, one each for every member of our party. I ordered a blackberry fizz (or blueberry? I can't recall), and was very happy with the drink. Everyone else was similarly happy. I'll be going again for sure!
Tip: This bar is more or less a mixology bar. Though it may not claim that this is one of its distinguishing traits, I beg to differ -- mainly because the drinks are so unique and take a little bit longer (more TLC, if I may) to make. Accordingly, be prepared to wait a good deal longer if you're ordering something other than a Vodka Soda.
Tip: The ambiance is pretty nice, but groups larger than a half-dozen might be difficult to squeeze. If you're looking to do standing room, you're good to go.
Tip: They also serve food! I didn't try it, but it looks as though it's more than just a side business; rather, it seems to be as popular as the bar, itself.
All in all, a really good find. I'll be visiting again. 4 out of 5.Listed in: Best not-a-dive-bar Bars
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Review from Corinne M.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2012
Went here on a whim to try something new in Hayes Valley. My friend and I liked the place right away. It's got a cool retro vibe and the bar tender took his craft very seriously. Had a couple of great drinks - the best I've had in SF.
It wasn't crowded and was a good spot for a Thursday night. -
Review from C. H.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2012
The bartenders are very knowledgeable here. They make their drinks depending on what's in season and I must say, it's hard for me to go out and order a vodka soda after having one of their Verbena Shrubs. They also have an extensive wine list...everything on there tastes delicious...I've had them all! ;)
I am a big fan of their pizza too. Went in one night with a girlfriend and it was enough for us to share. I don't eat dairy and they were happy to make half of the pizza without cheese for me. We ordered a Fungi and the pizzaiolo told me the mushrooms come from Far West Fungi at the farmers market! I was stoked as I buy from them on Saturdays at the Alemany farmers market. I have also heard that the Pig in the Garden is fantastic if you eat prosciutto.
Overall I like this place because of it's ambiance and the knowledgeable staff who works there. If you have a question or need something, all you have to do is ask. They're not the type to be in your face if they think you know what's up. They always play good music and cool movies on the projector, which just adds to the vibe of the place. I've even been here for a friend's 30th birthday and they made us a special menu with salad and pork sliders and suggested we order pitchers so we didn't have to wait in line at the bar for drinks. That's why this place deserves 5 stars! -
Review from Carol C.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2011
Hands down, one of my favorite bars in San Francisco.
Drinks:
Carefully crafted seasonal menus, based on the freshest ingredients from local markets. House made syrups, fresh squeezed juice, and beautiful garnish. You'll find a mixture of classic cocktails (think Savoy) and modern interpretations designed by one of Orbit Room's very own. Not sure about the menu? Ask for a recommendation or an off the menu item. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
Cocktails aren't your thing? If your accompanying a friend and not in the mood for adventure, the bar also serves beer. There's a rotating selection on tap as well as some imports and a few wines up for grabs by the glass.
Food:
Much like the cocktails, freshness is king. Made to accompany your drinks or carry out for a night in, Orbit serves delicate pizza prepared with love. Prosciutto, arugula, and fungi, are some of the staple ingredients for a few of the pies here. Catch the chef feeling fancy and you might find some lamb or squash additions.
Staff:
Something (or shall I say, someone) for everyone. Whether you're looking to drop by for the game on a Sunday afternoon, drop in after work for some conversation by candlelight, or perhaps just learn a little about spirits and service, there's enough personality at Orbit to find the bartender that fits your style. If it's busy, be patient (trust me, they see you) and be prepared to wait a bit for a drink. I promise, it's worth it!
Patrons/Atmosphere:
Orbit Room has been an SF favorite since my introductory visit about 5 years ago. There's always a good mix, and the crowd is friendly and respectful. In the evening, warm lighting awaits you. The atmosphere is cozy, but open. There is a generous amount of space, but can get a bit tight on a Friday night (though, the crowd is always willing to make some room). It's a great spot to catch up with a small group of friends, or grab a drink with a date. It's also welcoming enough to roll solo. It's home a way from home for the regulars... It's rumored the bar has a few :)
Not convinced yet? Stop by for a drink.
The (current) Fall menu boasts warm flavors... cardamom, celery, blackberries, basil... and the chilly SF nights lend well to sipping on Hot Toddies with fresh ginger, nutmeg and all spice -
Review from Monica S.
12/23/2011
The Orbit Room makes delicious, classic/classically-style cocktails made with fresh produce and good hootch. The drinks lean strong, but I've got no complaints. :)
I am less enamored of their food menu: the pizza I've tried here emulated the "farmer's market produce framed by cheesy crust" thing we San Franciscans love, but as good at it looked, the flavors didn't hang together well, and I found myself wishing that I'd walked a few blocks to get my meal at a place where food is the center.
Come for a drink (or two), but leave before dinner. -
Review from Jaime L.
11/29/2011
I've had better funghi pizza, but this is a good-looking joint. With it's sexy stone surfaces and peculiar, tall tables, The Orbit Room gets a high-five. However, my twenty-five years of existence have taught me looks aren't everything; it's what's on the inside that counts! *Insert cheesy tunes*
The Orbit Room has a small, but stocked bar and a knowledgeable bartender. I'm glad to finally be able to check it off my list, but I don't see myself making plans to go to this place; it's more of a drop by, if I'm in the neighborhood, kind of place. -
Review from Steven R.
11/20/2011
If you play your cards right (or wrong) after being here you'll find yourself in Orbit.
Conjuring up this rating was tough. This place is kind of awesome and the ambiance built in this corner bar is truly great, especially when having drinks with a friend on an early rainy Friday evening. One look at the menu and you'll know the cocktails speak for themselves, with blueberry gimlets and what have you. The beer selection is even a smidgen above average with Lost Abbey and a few other randoms on draft. The easy availability of water via a number of carafes to the left of the bar is also a well conceived time saver.
I generally don't judge places for being too crowded as if they are, that is a good sign but there is a point here where the service begins to suffer a tad. The bartender, while awesome and growing 6 arms to try and make drinks, does seem to get a little overwhelmed especially with 3 -4 people ordering at a given time and all of us ordering crazy multi-ingredient beverages. Also the ambiance can kind of melt away as the people pack in and the crowd becomes difficult to navigate. Also, for being cash only (the bar area) having an ATM would be kind of nice because, you know, your friend/date may get just slightly alarmed watching you exit and walk away only to return minutes later (from Hollywood Launderette next door) with cash. As a result, if you're strapped for time, this is probably somewhere you don't want to come for a drink unless you're fairly early.
Overall, not a bad experience. This is the kind of place that makes me want it to rain constantly in SF so I can come here and warm myself amid waves of whiskey and glowing candles. -
Review from lisa t.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2012
Great drinks, super delicious cocktails. Love the ambience.
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Review from Amber S.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2012
Happy hour was real nice. $1off cocktails and delicious fungi pizza.
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Review from Amy K.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012
Want a pizza...only order if you get excited by the thought of a 45 minute wait. But don't worry folks, while you're waiting the staff will walk by and completely ignore you...did I mention the dirty tables...not just ours every single table in the place was dirty. But the most amazing part is when you finally do get your pizza they have messed up your order and the pizza is inedible....hands down the worst dining out experience I've ever had in San Francisco.
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Review from Kevin J.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the swankier places to grab a drink if you feel like you're still a hipster at heart but don't want the parades of like-minded folk. Orbit room on a weekday is sure to be the hot spot of the night for a quiet rendezvous with close friends. If you're there on a weekend get ready for a packed house of SF's trendy.
Drinks are great and the pizza's are delicious! -
Review from Elizabeth G.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've driven and walked by this place a million times and always wanted to stop by for a meal. Unfortunately, I've now only been for after-dinner drinks but the smell of the pizza in the bar definitely left me wanting more. This place has a sort of interesting location that is somehow convenient but not convenient. It's right in between neighborhoods so you'd have to leave an area to get here, but its not far outside of the beaten path. I might be exaggerating a bit, but if you live in the Mission/Castro or Hayes Valley you know what I mean. The drink menu is surprisingly long and impressive.... I had no idea this place was into making creative cocktails and just sort of assumed it was a standard draft & craft beer bar. There was literally about two pages of fancy cocktails that were carefully crafted and all about $8-$10. The space inside is a bit awkward. There are about 8 tables, some high top and some low top and about 6-8 seats at one of the bars. There's another bar to the left when you walk in but it wasn't really for drinks or seats so I'm not really sure what it was there for...
The pizza smelled amazing. So I'll have to come back to try it sometime.
It looks like during happy hour (5-7pm Mon-Sat) you can get pitchers of mixed drinks (whaa?!). I had never seen this at any other bars in SF so I was pretty impressed and definitely took note for when you're out with a bunch of people who are looking to crush some well drinks.
The service was pretty slow at the bar, but the people were all pretty friendly and were helpful to those waiting far back to order their drinks for them. Overall I liked the place, but would be curious to see what it's like later at night. -
Review from Tony M.
San Francisco, CA
11/20/2011
Love the interior of this place...roomy, not too crowded, not too loud. My gripe is with the amount of time it took to get a drink...I'm not kidding, almost ten minutes to make a margarita on the rocks? And then the weirdest part, an egg white...in a margarita. When I saw the bartender (slowly and clumsily) make this drink I was was not convinced it would taste good. It was a fair margarita, but the egg white (which, i get it, is to make it thicker) added a nasty wet dog smell to the drink. Gross. I would have ordered another drink, but it would have taken all night, so I skipped it.
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Review from Kate L.
San Jose, CA
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
We met up with a group of friends to catch up before finding a karaoke bar. The Orbit Room did not disappoint. It was the perfect mellow kinda hip place where we could talk. You could hear what everyone was saying in our group of six. Some times this is impossible in lounges.
We ordered a variety of drinks and they were all delicious. My Moscow Mule was outstanding. We marveled when the bartender used the kitchen torch to burn sugar on a large piece of ginger for the cocktail. It was the best Mule I've ever tasted.
This place is cash only. Be prepared. The artisan cocktails are 10 dollars each and their presentation takes a bit of a wait.... but so totally worth it! -
Review from Hannah S.
San Francisco, CA
7/11/2011
I've always liked The Orbit Room for the chill atmosphere and the amazing cocktail selection so when my friend and I were planning our joint birthday party we contacted them about a group reservation. They were awesome! Super easy to deal with, no obnoxiously large minimums ($20 per person which equals 2 cocktails), and since we had a party of 15, we got our own waitress so we didn't have to deal with the line at the bar. Our group ranged in age from mid-twenties to late-forties yet everyone felt comfortable and enjoyed the party which is no small feat in a San Francisco bar!
If you are looking for a place to host a chill cocktail party, The Orbit Room is the answer! -
Review from Meredith J.
Baltimore, MD
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
My fav place that we visited in San Francisco. The drinks were very good and I liked the scene in the bar. My biggest complaint would be that they need a bigger bar, but I think it was probably done on purpose. Try some absinthe while you are there!
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Review from Ken G.
6/7/2011
I really like this spot...The décor is very unique with its retro and art deco flair. The people who gather here really range and are a good cross section of the different kinds of people in the city (yuppies, hipsters, hippies). It's very relaxed, but still fun and interesting...during the week, it's a bit more tame than on a Friday or Saturday night.
They now have homemade pizzas, which are okay, we tried the Petra (with sausage) and Bettina (with anchovies). The dough had some great flavor, but the pizza toppings were missing a bit...I think more cheese would have done the trick. At $16.00 each (about the size of a personal pizza), these were a bit pricey to me, especially since they don't specialize in pizzas.
I would definitely come back here for their wonderful drinks (BTW - no happy hour specials and CASH ONLY), but I think you can skip the pizza. -
Review from Caitlin H.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has great ambiance and tasty drinks. I am in love with the decor and the general shape of the bar. Everyone else is right though, the service is super slow, even when there are only 10 patrons and 2 bartenders. They bartenders did not even check on us to see if we needed another drink, we had to wave them down. That being said, it was worth it for the great drinks and the option for food if you need a snack with your drink.
This is certainly a cute place for a midweek date, or any other off-night that you want a cozy, slow and relaxed evening. -
Review from Jessica R.
Oakland, CA
6/11/2011
Now I like alcohol. And creativity.
So when you smoosh them together, it's awesome.
But maybe I just wasn't grooving too much on the vibe there tonight. Although it's not my normal scene....it's interesting decor, friendly staff and great concoctions.
Didn't try the food, but wanted to steal it off the waitress' tray as she walked by.
(A sign I would more than likely go again) -
Review from Andrea B.
San Francisco, CA
5/30/2011
Fav neighborhood bar by far. Good day or bad day...alone or with peeps...drinking or food and the victorian lemonade....this is the place to be.
Ohwhen looking for the restroom and the amazing staff directs you to "follow the fish" stay left and don't actually follow the direction they're swimming which would result in a lap around a table...
Oh and fun movies and delicious smells and ugh just go there. -
Review from Rebecca D.
San Francisco, CA
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not really my scene, but it's definitely not a bad place. I have come in a few times and being the basic vodka and cran person I am, I don't really fit in when it comes to ordering drinks. If I want a place where I feel comfortable and want a have a few drinks within an hour amount of time, this place doesn't work because it can take up to 20 min to get a chance to order a drink then about 10 more minutes for the bartender to make it, however, if you want a unique drink and a very relaxed environment this place could be perfect.
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Review from Kylie S.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2011
I've been going to Orbit Room forever, in fact, it's the place I had my first date with my husband years ago. I hate to give bad reviews, especially for a place that has a nice vibe (love the big windows) and delicious/creative drinks. But I had to comment on the terrible customer service I've received each and every time I'm there. It could be dead empty or a busy night, the bartenders (mixologists, whatever) are unnecessarily rude. There is no excuse for it, I'm always considerate and understand their drinks take longer to make etc. All I'm saying is your job is to be friendly to your patrons, and if you make a damn good drink, then that's just gravy in my book. I won't be going back any time soon and it's a shame.
***I've just read in another review that this place is owned by the Deluxe guy? The one bar I absolutely love but won't drink there anymore because of the incredibly rude woman behind the bar? I've overheard dozens of patrons complaining about her bitchy attitude. I am telling every living sole I know to boycott both establishments. I can pay less and get just as drunk, with a smile, anywhere else! -
Review from Rat a tat R.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2011
Orbit Room is my kind of bar - more of a place to chill than a space to party. Orbit mixes that vibe of being relaxed and neighborhoody, but not divey - just plain old friendly. This isn't a far where you'd go to meet people, but it's the perfect place to go with those you already know.
The drinks are sophisticated, unique mixes, with prices to match, made slooowly but with care. Usually, they're worth the price and the wait. The pizza is also a bit pricier than I'd like, but it helps Orbit Room stand out as a bar when you can grab dinner or a snack there as well. And the pizza I've tried has been good.
The outta-this-world decorations delighted my permanent curiosities about the universe, Even if you're not a secret amateur astronomist, you'll probably feel at home here, as Orbit Room has something for all. -
Review from JJJJJ M.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2011 1 photo
I hate this place, but my condition requires I stop in from time to time. It takes bartenders about 5 minutes to make a single drink in this asylum. I order bourbon on the rocks to expedite, but they still have to go to another room to shave off some cute chunk of ice for it.
The staff are the worst sort of Dali-esque hipster...bad mustaches, berets, Waldo shirts. They sport sighs of disdain and a paradoxical look of disinterest as they agonize over a 3-ingredient drink. I keep thinking this particular brand of incompetence will breed itself out, but San Francisco has a way of canonizing it. -
Review from Mitra W.
Walnut Creek, CA
My husband brought me here for my birthday and I was sort of dreading it because I thought it would be crowded and loud with snobby "mixologists" because of what some yelpers had to say.
We got there after 9PM on a Saturday and it was very "chill." Not too crowded and not too loud.
Our bar tender or "mixologist" Paul was so great! He was nice and very intuitive about the drinks he made me. I would tell him a few points about what I like or what I wanted to try and he would mix up some magic.
I loved it there and it's a shame that some people don't have the same sort of experience. -
Review from Emily D.
10/2/2011
The Orbit Room reminds me of waiting in line for the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. Except they serve alcohol. And there are no children. And there is pizza, instead of a room that pretends to shoot up spikes from the floor.
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Review from Matt W.
Alameda, CA
10/25/2011
Service is slow, and prices are high. But I don't know of another bar in the city with it's drink menu.
I was there for a few hours this last weekend, and what I did like was that the bartender wasn't pushing drink on you. -
Review from natashka o.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2011
Only problem with feng-shui of bathroom is you must walk through band-playing area, so when you come out of bathroom with date and hair messed up, adjusting stockingk, feels like walk of shame.
I have always loved walk of shame.
Ginger Cocktail drink was best drink I have had this side of Moscow.Listed in: Dating and Bathrooms.
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Review from David B.
That night I watched myself get toasted.
The bartender mixed fire with alcohol and induced a state of relaxation that only getting your drink on will bring.
From a Pimms Cup to a Old Fashioned, we drank. From a 21st Amendment beer chaser to a light and crisp ale we continued to drink. Pizza by the square for 6 bucks a pop. Drizzled with olive oil. I know, it was a little pricey for this hood but I didn't care.
I think the room spun or was it that spikey ornament hanging from the ceiling that was playing tricks on us?! Good thing the fish were painted on the floor. I stumbled to and from the facilities. Nice and dirty. Naughty and nice. Just the way I like them.
Bar was perfect for leaning and drinking. And as I recall, some gentleman was even reading a book. Who does that?! Please tell me. Who goes to a somewhat busy bar and busts out a novel to read?!
To each his own, to our ownself be true...
Love Hayes Valley!Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Eating Sleeping T.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/22/2011 2 photos
Oh Orbit Room! It's been over four years now and my heart still skips a beat whenever I walk in the door. I've stuck with you through some of your recent lows, and it's great to see the changes you've made since the start of the year. The pizzas are awesome, but bring Mark back DAMNIT!
Listed in: On the F, Boozing it up!
4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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3/4/2010
I can now add the fifth star for two reasons:
1. Ding dong! The witch is dead.
2. Have you had the… Read more »
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Review from ruggy j.
12/1/2010 3 Check-ins Here
If Orbit Room weren't so hit or miss, I'd probably be here darn near every day of the week. But like the weather, at times, it's hard to predict what you're in store for on any given visit.
They make some of the tastiest drinks in the city... unless they're busy. In that case, you get a flustered shadow of the drink made in haste. I suppose it's to be expected on a Friday or Saturday with more heads in the bar than what you'd find on a Tuesday or Wednesday, but I feel like a dark and stormy should taste the same seven days a week, regardless of how slammed the miniature, circular bar may be. Call me crazy? It's a darn shame that that particular drink in question doesn't always have the same flavor notes, as it's probably the best dark and stormy I've ever had in San Francisco.
With that being said, it's always a fun hang, and for a weekend, you can rest assured it won't be as bonkers as most other bar in the Hayes Valley/Mission area of the city. It's replete with good looking young persons, a live band in the corner (albeit a bit loud at times - very hard to hear the person talking next to you), and a nice escape from the usual Weekend Warriors that storm the city like Sparta.
Cash only, suckazzzzzzzz!Listed in: Cocktail Machine, San Francisco Cocktails, Whiskey River, Hayes Valley
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Review from Quynh-An P.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2011
I've only been here once, but I really enjoyed the cocktail that I had when I was here. I've never had a better Dark and Stormy and although I went there over a month ago, I'm still thinking about it. I mean, they put slices of ginger in my Dark and Stormy...but yet the drink wasn't overwhelmingly gingery either....pure perfection.
My friend ordered some cocktail that involved cucumbers and it was fantastic as well. Overall, delicious cocktails that makes me appreciate it. Sure, it's like $10 a cocktail, but I'd rather pay that for a quality drink than pay less for something I regret. -
Review from Christopher N.
New Orleans, LA
10/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
I hate this place. I have hated it for twenty years. How, oh how has this place been in existence for so long? The owner, Jay, is a piece of work. He used to own a coffee house called Ground Zero on Haight. I believe he also still owns the Deluxe on Upper Haight. Obviously he is a mainstay in San Francisco.
This is absolutely a travesty of what should be a great bar. The architecture of the room is lovely. Awesome tin ceiling, handsome deco light fixtures, nice 15' ceiling, and what should be a nice room. Not so fast, the use of the space is so inefficient and idiotic it is amazing. The small poorly laid out bar fills the center of the room, a cafe type counter is on your left upon entrance and between the bar said cafe area is more kitchen space. The decorous of tables and chairs are boring, uncomfortable and certainly do not illicit a welcoming and comfortable drinking den.
The prices here are absurd. $9 for a Stoli Cape Cod, really? Are you offering a view? A comfortable and sumptuous environment, topless bartendresses, Dj's or great bands? NO, just overpriced drinks. Furthermore one would expect with said overpriced drinks that this would be an actual cocktail den with experienced, knowledgeable and impressive bartenders, Wrong again. The Orbit room routinely throws random people behind the bar, so not only are the bartenders not impressive, many of them SUCK!!!!!!! It is pure comedy here. Some of them are nice, others can be extremely rude and offensive.
I dream of the day I could remodel that place, it truly could become a real amazing classic bar. As it stands the Orbit Room is a very accurate reflection of the owner. Money first, everything else inconsequential. Please go to Martuni's a block down on the opposite side of the street. Better still, head to the Pilsner Inn, or the 13 three blocks to the west. The Orbit room is an offense to cocktallians, lounge denizens and San Francisco itself. -
Review from becca w.
Richmond, CA
12/14/2010
My husband and I were 30 minutes early to an Open House. While asking each other what we should do we realized we were standing right outside of a bar! Problem solved :-D
We went in for a pint and they had Guinness on tap. (my husband is Irish... imported and all) so trying to be cheeky he asks the bartender if he knew how to pour a Guinness properly and whether or not it's been tapped yet. Well our bartender was the owner and he knew everything there was to know about drinking! Very impressed, my husband bought a pint of Guinness. (Do you know what that means when an Irishman trusts and American to pour his Guinness?? LOL)
Anyways I got some local brew don't remember the name but it was really good. What impressed me was the couple next to me ordered a Dark and Stormy (one of my favs) and the bartender took the time to make it with fresh ginger AND took a slice of the ginger, put brown sugar on in, laid it on the metal shaker and took out a torch and began to caramelize the sugar on the ginger... Like WOW!! and then he artistically laid it into the dark and stormy he had gingerly prepared.
So I made a mental note that I'll be coming back. Sure enough we did a few weeks later with some friends. Got hammered so I don't remember a thing that can contribute to this review. Except I had a good time ;-D -
Review from Dave B.
San Francisco, CA
9/25/2011 35 Check-ins Here
My favourite local bar for cocktails with a chilled ambience (weekday evenings) and also fantastic thin Italian pizza.
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Review from Natasha H.
San Francisco, CA
11/5/2010
Went here on a Sunday night and while it was kinda empty I liked the decor and overall vibe of the place. They offer a unique drink menu and I had a hard time picking out what I wanted to get. In the end I stuck on the safe side and got a Mojito and told my friend to get a Moscow Mule only because I liked the name of the drink (I was too lazy to read the description of what was actually in it).
They took forever to make the drinks, especially considering that the place was so empty. The bartender added a lot of fancy, but un-necessary garnishes, and while they may add aesthetic value...I just wanted my drink already! The wait was worth it though...for the Mojito at least. It was one of the of yummiest alcoholic drinks I've had. Didn't really care for the Moscow Mule too much...but only because it wasn't sweet and girly tasting like the Mojito. All in all, it's a chill place...good for catching up w/friends. -
Review from Lauren N.
San Francisco, CA
6/12/2011
I've always been a big fan of Orbit Room--they make fantastic drinks (the bourbon basil raghbone is amazing), the space is open and unpretentious, and the bartenders tend to be friendly. My experience last night solidified my love of the place. I held a surprise birthday party for my boyfriend and 20 or so of his friends. The staff--Amy in particular--was amazing. They were very accommodating, let us bring in cakes, and helped us with our drink needs. It was a wonderful evening. I will be back soon!
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Review from Shane P.
San Francisco, CA
9/5/2010
I went to The Orbit Room for the third and last time a couple of nights ago.
Yeah, watching them use blowtorches and mortar/pestles to make spectacular cocktails is fun -- if you were lucky enough to have your order taken in less than 20-30 minutes.
I just find it hard to believe that for a place that's pretty full every night, where the owners of the business KNOW it takes a long time to make a drink, that they would only have ONE bartender. Actually, there's always another dude there who comes into the bar area every few minutes to 1) distract the bartender for no apparent reason with a short conversation about who knows what, and 2) completely ignore any customers. Can't the auxiliary dude at least find out if anyone (like ME!) just wants a gin & tonic or (GASP!) maybe even just a BEER???
But this third time, I tried ordering three times. Gave up the first time after waiting in line 10 minutes to talk to friends I was meeting who I hadn't seen in a while, let the line die down. Second time, waited for him to finish blow-torching some sugar on a slice of ginger and mortar-pestle who knows what for another customer. When that drink was almost done 5 minutes later, the other customer's friends came up and said "oooo, that looks delicious" and ordered 3 more. I asked them if they'd mind if I cut in for just a quick gin & tonic. They were not cool and gave me the "well, it's all part of the same order" BS, at which time the bartender should have intervened and diplomatically at least asked what I wanted, but he continued to ignore me. So I waited another 10 minutes while he finished their order.
THEN, in a move that continues to baffle me, he came right toward me and took the order of a couple sitting at the bar next to me who'd finished their drinks and wanted to order again. I could have butted in nicely and asked if I could "cut in" -- but I wanted a damn drink so bad, I just got up and asked my friends if we could go somewhere else. We walked a block down to Martuni's, where we got a great table in the back room where people were dressed up and listening to an elderly gentleman sing Sinatra tunes. We were served immediately by a waiter and had fantastic $5 martinis.
I shouldn't have been surprised, though -- this scenario has happened to me all three times I've been to the Orbit Room. I don't mind if things take a long time, but I expect the bartender to be better and serving the customers as best he can, and I would hope that the auxiliary dude would be more of a help. What is he being paid to do, anyway? It's just not worth my time to go there any more, unless someone INSISTS on getting a killer cocktail. I'll take a book to read if that happens... -
Review from jessica w.
San Ramon, CA
4/17/2011
I've only been here once, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere and my cocktail. It was a beautiful, sunny day in the city so I loved having the big window open in the front and a chill vibe throughout the place. It wasn't empty, but wasn't packed. My blood hound was delicious, done perfectly. The bartender was friendly enough.
Cocktails are $10, but well worth it. I'd go back if in the neighborhood. -
Review from Renuka V.
Los Angeles, CA
8/30/2011
Went there around 6pm on Sunday and it was just the right no. of ppl for the bartendar to give everyone his full attention.Had the Basil Rathbone which was really good and well balanced!Will go back again for sure!Was also impressed by the extensive bitters' selection on the table which included items from BitterTruth too!
