The View

4.0 star rating
322 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Lounges, American (New)

San Francisco Marriott Marquis Hotel
55 4th St

San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhoods: Union Square, SOMA
(415) 896-1600
Make a Reservation
choose a date
Hours:

Mon-Thu, Sun 4 pm - 1 am

Fri-Sat 4 pm - 1:30 am

Good for Kids:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Garage, Street, Valet
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$$
Takes Reservations:
No
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Music:
Background
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu, Sat
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Romantic, Classy
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"And you should definitely take out of town guests." (in 3 reviews)
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"This is definitly a great place to bring a date." (in 5 reviews)
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"...but definitely want to go back to watch the fog roll in." (in 3 reviews)
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321 reviews in English

  • Review from Emme E.

    Charlotte, NC

    5.0 star rating
    2/6/2012 1 photo 2 Check-ins Here

    Ok, maybe there is someplace better & I haven't found it.  We spent two evenings here because the weather was phenomenally clear with crazy beautiful colors for sunset.  We completely lucked out and got tables by the windows on the West side both nights.  

    It's nice that the tables behind us were higher so not being at the window still gives you a great view.  Both sides have great views!  I'd love to eat breakfast on the East side, but I don't think they do that.  They do serve appetizer fare & the Blood Orange Cocktail is delicious!  The servers were always friendly and welcoming.  

    If you are at one of the window tables just resolve that you will always have people coming up behind you or squeezing in between tables to take photos if it's a nice day.  It totally had a chill vibe and everyone was quiet and calmed.  It was very romantic & relaxing (if you didn't look at the carpet) and I would highly recommend it during any weather or any time.

  • Review from Hilary C.

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    • 1 friend
    • 15 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/30/2012

    The View is a nice idea. It is NOT a nice idea on a Saturday night at happy hour. My mom, aunt, and I walked in circles around this place for 30-40 minutes before we found 2 people leaving. We huddled around a tiny 2-person table while scanning the room, waiting for someone else to leave. In my opinion, they should seat people since they serve food. Yes, it is a bar-type setting, but with this many people looking for a place to sit, something must be done. The whole time, I felt like I was being watched by people who were lurking... waiting... for my seat.

    The martini's are half price during happy hour. So, I can see why it's so packed. They were $7 and they were nice and strong. I even branched out and tried two of their fancy martinis and they were still strong. The bartender was very nice but we were not asked once if we would have liked to order food by a waitress.

    The view is spectacular. When you look out any of the windows, you truly feel as though you are IN San Francisco. Our table had a view of union square and we were able to see people ice skating in the square, as well as some mood-killing occupiers. The view at night is breathtaking. If you can't get a table, at least take a look!

  • Review from Keane L.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/30/2012

    If Emperor Palpatine had decided to cut Alderaan some slack and reposition the Death Star over San Francisco for some fancy cocktails and olives, he would get the view you see here. The initial reaction is surprise: the views from both ends of this rooftop cocktail bar are phenomenal, made even more dramatic by the stellar design of the windows.

    It really looks like sitting at a tyrannical purple villain's regal window seat. The only downside is you'll have to pay a price for it.

    Power doesn't come cheap.

  • Review from D B.

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    • 39 friends
    • 106 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/1/2012

    I call this lounge the death star bar.  Seriously the scene at the end of Return of the Jedi when the epic light saber battle goes down with Jedi Skywalker and Emperor Palpatine sits in his lazy boy cackling.  
    Tis comfortable, great views, and a good wine and appetizer list.  I love this place.

  • Review from Jazmine S.

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    • 2 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/8/2012

    Great views. Strong (very strong) drinks. This is a great place to bring out-of-towners! The drinks are around $8 during happy hour, but the place fills up quickly.  Even with the place being packed, the ambiance is  nice - very sophisticated.  I hear that the specialty martinis are delicious, but I didn't try one because I don't believe in $15 cocktails outside of NYC.

  • Review from Regan M.

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    • 4 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Alpharetta, GA

    3.0 star rating
    2/8/2012

    Great view, but disappointed to see that they serve the exact same menu as the bar in the lobby. Still worth a trip for a drink and great view of the city lights.

  • Review from Michael F.

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/24/2012

    Brought here by an adventure prone friend. The view really is great, give or take some glare. Food and drink is pretty standard for hotel lounge. Had a good but not great or big salami plate.

    The view was incredible though. Make sure to walk around the whole place, lots of different angles.

  • Review from Jenna L.

    Milpitas, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Nice view but claustraphobic. The drinks are pricey as well. $12 - $14 drinks.

    You must have to be there early to get prime seating that overlooks the view. Maybe i'm a grumpy old man. It was stuffy and I wished I wore less. You can just go there to lounge and chill around w/ a group of friends. It's defintely an intimate affair.

    I'd go again if I wanted to brag about SF :) You get that twins peak feeling w/o your hair all up in a mess.

  • Review from Bobby l.

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/22/2012

    Come here for the great view, leave for somewhere else for food or drinks considering the $$, but hey, you can't complain since the atmosphere and service is top notch.

    Recommended: for the view

  • Review from Angela L.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/18/2012 1 photo

    ATMOSPHERE:
    How have I not written a review of this place yet? Came here few times. Love love love the atmosphere and, well, quite literally the view!

  • Review from Anton P.

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    • 10 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Novato, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Went several times already to the View and definitely would go again, I came couple times during the week around 8pm and its so nice when you can just pick any table and enjoy the evening and the view. Sat on several different spots at the View and there are different views everywhere. Would recommend if you want a quite evening during the week.

  • Review from Christina G.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/4/2011 3 photos 1 Check-in Here

    Oh my, go up 39 floors---yes 39 and wait for your ears to pop with the altitude change... and you come to the top level.  There's no waiting area once you get up there so if you're waiting for company wait in the lobby!!!  Not exactly a 360 degree view, but, quite spectacular with the floor to ceiling windows and decorative patterns.  A bit annoying when a "date" takes a table meant for 4 or 6... just because it's by the window.  I mean, when you walk in looking for tables, and they have a huge table, and they're awkwardly seated on the end of the table (so close to the window) and they just look at you... well it's fine there's other seating.  They don't take reservations, but really it's not that hard to find/wait for seating.  

    Drinks: the blood orange martini was sweet actually, and sugar on the rim but not on the entire rim.... I like martini's because they're stronger and not filled with ice and really you can't go wrong with it unless it's terrible vodka or something... the salt and pepper prawns (or shrimp?  what's the difference?) was pretty good for a non-asian "restaurant", and we got this other plate of fried stuff--with green beans (yes green beans), onions, calamari, other stuff... and there was this really strong lemon dipping sauce that tasted like they deep fried a lemon.  Really.  It was so-lemony.  

    Chocolate cake was, well rich but not sooo fresh you want to die.  You'd probably expect them to serve a bit of ice cream on the side but instead there was whipped cream.  And a neatly trimmed strawberry, no greens, and sliced in half.  And, the mint.  If the cake is too dry eat the icing... with the chocolate flakes... don't we all love cake.

    I would say, this isn't the best date "date" spot, because the dates I saw here looked really awkward... come on.  If you want to be impressive... well, the girls just looked more nervous than impressed and the guys looked... well.  Everyone's just trying to relax, you know.  It's a lounge.

  • Review from Kathy V.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/26/2011 2 photos

    Looking for a great place for date night? Start off by venturing to the top of the Marriott, which includes a gorgeous view, and an attentive staff. The view of San Francisco is spetacular and the food is mediocre but my kind of deal to start the night.

  • Review from Erin S.

    Concord, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here

    What a clever name for a place with an amazing view!  How did they come up with it?  I wonder.

    I've been here a few times over the years and the view definitely does not disappoint.  Those huge 2 (3?) story windows are just stunning.  You feel almost as if you're flying.  The full moon rising over the skyscrapers just added to the beauty last night.  

    My auntie got there early (I think she was there exactly at 4 when they opened) & snagged the perfect table for 3 looking east towards the Bay Bridge & Oakland hills.  Apparently she received excellent service from 4-5pm.  When I got there just after 5, I ordered my drink & waited.  Chatted, waited, chatted, gazed at the view, chatted...wait a second, where's my drink??  I lost track of time but I must have waited 20 minutes for my dirty martini.  My auntie had to go up & inquire about its whereabouts.  Raina S had finished her caipirinha & auntie's cosmo was running low.  I did finally receive my martini which was excellent I must say.  Large, strong, & a deal for $7 (HH price).  We stuck to one drink & headed to another HH where we could stretch our $$ a bit.

    The drinks were great, the service was slow, view is incredible, HH menu is weak.  3 martinis are half price & that's it.

    3 stars cuz I probably won't be back unless it's for my 1 fancy drink of the night.

  • Review from Heather M.

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    • 15 friends
    • 90 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/28/2011 4 Check-ins Here

    I've been here several times this past June, July and August with the boyfriend while staying at the Marriott and then again just to finish off a fun evening in the fall when not staying there (but it sure is better being able to simply take a quick elevator to a room rather than having to sober up to go home).  I have yet to take visitors here, but certainly will because of the great views on a clear night.  

    B-52's werean exxxcellent creamy dessert with layers of Amaretto, Bailey's Irish cream and Kahlua - then lit on fire, blown out and quickly sucked down with a straw while warm. Yum!

    The first mojitos we ordered came with something other than rum (yuck and they should have said something when we order them since they are typically made with rum). They did take them back and replace them with slightly better rum versions. Still, it may be best to stick to their basic limited list of cocktails rather than ask for anything off the list. It's really about the view here anyway.

    At the 1am closing time, they put all the lights on BRIGHT to encourage your departure ... it's effective but unfortunate.  I quick word to let guests know that it is closing time would be more respectful.

  • Review from Lora M.

    Castro Valley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/6/2011 2 photos 4 Check-ins Here

    This is the first bar that I've been to when I first came to SF, I fell in love. Ever since, I've been coming here often. With or without company. It's name, speaks for itself. Astounding almost 360 breathtaking view of the city. Or is it?

    Drinks and foods are not cheap, they can be overwhelming too. I'll help you get over that. Think of that relaxing feeling the moment that drink touches your mouth until it travels down your throat while the pupils of your eyes dilate in response to what excites them. Still remember what pisses you off that day? Drink more, gaze more. lol

    To date, they still don't have Maker's 46. *____*

  • Review from Yoni D.

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    • 94 friends
    • 81 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/15/2011

    I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place sooner. I thought I did? Turns out I didn't. Damn. I'm overwhelmed with shame for not having done so.

    In short: this place has the most awesome view. The drinks are good and not too expensive. Even though the hotel is kind of classy you can walk in here sporting a touristy look hauling shopping bags.

  • Review from Marissa H.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/4/2011

    The view is awesome, prices are typical of a hotel bar/San Francisco posh bar ($12 for a basic gin & soda water drink), not much space so grab where you can! Then again....it is a hotel bar so it's usually not crowded but we decided to descend upon The View on Halloween.

    30 people in my group and we easily took over 1/2 the space. Add in all the other guests & party-goers & it got crowded fast! But it was fun. Good DJ, the bartenders (2) did an OK job of keeping up w/ the demand for drinks. I never waited too long for the bathroom which was amazing! No cover (ever) which is a plus.

  • Review from Aditya M.

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    • 80 friends
    • 110 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Whoa... this place sure has a pretty badass view of the city.. no one can dispute this lounge's name .. no, not even chuck norris, rajnikanth, jon skeet or that most-interesting-man-in-the-world guy!!!
    They also didn't seem to have any reservations system, which is awesome if you are looking for a nice classy quiet-ish place to hang out and chat with friends without having planned the thing in advance!
    Drinks are kinda expensive (or maybe we ordered wayy too many of them.. i don't remember :S)

  • Review from Annie S.

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Once you go up to the top floor of the hotel, you can either chill at the area that doesn't get service or go to the other side where you can order small plates and drinks (the menu has more drinks than food). The views from both sides are amazing, but the lounge where people eat has a better view in my opinion (faces SFMOMA and Bay Bridge).

    My friend and I came in around 9pm and sat ourselves down at a table right next to the window. We ordered the Filet Mignon and Frito Misto (calamari, green beans, lemon, fennel, red onion, and chipotle aioli). I also ordered an alcoholic eggnog drink that our waiter recommended. It took a longg time for our food to come out. My drink came out first, and it was okay... I had the same drink a week ago at a friend's place, and his eggnog drink tasted better. My friend tried a little, and she thought it tasted like cough syrup haha. The Frito Misto finally came out, and because this place is SO DARK INSIDE, I couldn't tell what I was eating most of the time. Everything was lightly deep fried but in different shapes. It was so hard to see sometimes that I even accidentally ate a slice of lemon. The Filet Mignon came out as soon as we finished the Frito Misto. It comes with mac&cheese which was pretty good. I would have enjoyed it more if it was more cheesy. The plate also came with super long and thin broccoli which were pretty good too. The steak was okay, but it didn't have that much flavor so I got sick of it pretty fast.

    I would probably come back here for the view and drinks, but I'm not sure about the food. I would have given this place three stars because the food is overpriced and average, but because of the pretty view, I'll give this place 4 stars.

    Quick tip: You can only make a reservation if you're coming with a party of 10+.

  • Review from Janis S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Santa Barbara, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/26/2011

    Perfect spot to gaze at an amazing view and enjoy a drink.  A little pricy, but worth it!

  • Review from Mish L.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The View = Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!  :-)

    Yes, the drinks are pricey.  Yes, the prime seats looking out at the city lights, GGB, Bay Bridge and streets from 39th floors up fill up fast (so snag 'em fast!).  Yes, it's filled with probably more tourists than locals.  But what the hey!  The 360 panoramic views at night of the city is priceless.  

    Located in the Marriott Marquis Hotel, if you're in the area, it's the perfect spot for a post-dinner drink.  With boppin' beats, the sweetie and stiff martini in tow-- I was on top of the world.  And who can say that they've been there before?

  • Review from David B.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Always nicer with a view from the top!
    Even foggy San Francisco weather encompassing the skyline and both bridges seems but a mere comforting blanket from the View...
    Snapped up a few seats by the window after a short wait and enjoyed my Makers Mark on the rocks ... Smooth and relaxing after a long week...
    Great way to unwind, enjoy and ease into the weekend...

    Love SOMA!

  • Review from Steven C.

    Cupertino, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Go for the view.

    This place totally reminds me of the revolving lounge, Bona Vista in LA, but not quite there in coolness. However, for a nice chill lounge in SF to chat in with a view that doesn't involve freezing your butt off, this hotel lounge is the place to go.

    The lounge doesn't get packed but seating can be difficult to find since the place is rather small & intimate. Also, I didn't even know they served food but do expect slightly higher prices for the drinks they make. I recall the Ginger Pear was pretty good if you're a fan of vodka & are tired of the usual drinks. Good beers are only $1 more than domestics.

  • Review from Jenna S.

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    • 662 friends
    • 886 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    As you can probably tell, my husband and I enjoy wining and dining at the top of tall buildings.  If a place has a top-floor restaurant or bar, we'll probably go there just to check out the view.  For some reason, it's one of those things we just love to do no matter where we visit.

    Of course, we had to visit The View because the Yelp reviews promised excellent views of San Francisco (and this was the hotel where Alex Trebek was injured while chasing a burglar... hilarious).  The restaurant/bar is easy enough to access - just cross the lobby of the hotel and go to the 39th floor.  

    This place seems like it could get pretty crowded, especially on weekends, but Sunday night was just right.  One side of the bar had waiter service and the other did not so keep that in mind on slower nights.  We found a cozy table for two right by the window (other side of the bar) and we ordered our drinks from the bar.  

    The drinks are pricey (and so is the food) but you're paying for the view.  My husband absolutely LOVED the Manhattan that he ordered and my cocktail was pretty delish.  Cocktails run $12-$15 each so be prepared.  Beer is $7-$8 depending on what you order, so don't plan on drinking too much.  

    The views of the city are excellent.  Since SF isn't a very tall city, 39 stories up is plenty high to see everything.  If you sit on the bar side, you'll get a great view of the Bay Bridge; other side and you'll look out onto City Hall and Coit Tower.  Go here for a drink just for the view.  SF looks good out of these windows day or night.

  • Review from Matthew B.

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    • 5 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Eugene, OR

    5.0 star rating
    9/12/2011

    Amazing view!
    Great place to meet people for a drink or two, and enjoy the view.

    Drinks are on the high side, but are well made and worth it. If you don't like $14 martinis, then go for happy hour for 1/2 price martinis.

    I asked the bartender for recommendations, and I got a dirty 509 gin martini- loved it!

  • Review from Angie M.

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    • 6 friends
    • 42 reviews

    El Cerrito, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/2/2011

    The view is definitely gorgeous with its bright lights and architecture.

    My boyfriend and I ventured here last night. I tried to call in advance, but was told seating is first come, no reservations taken.

    The venue itself is not too small, a fairly decent intimate size. The ambiance consisted of dim lighting and constant chatter. There is various seating styles, from low seating directly next to the larger than life windows, bar style high seating slightly removed from the windows (perfect for those that go with people afraid of heights...as was my experience), and sofa like seating that was removed from the window view but allowed for a more comfortable, relaxed seating.

    We arrived around 9:30ish and the place was already semi packed. People are willing to push to get "their" seats, which was our case but definitely not necessary. When you arrive from the elevators, go to your right (for the main entrance) and the views are definitely better; however, seating was scarce and didn't allow "the view" experience. So we walked around to the other side and found bar table seating. It is extremely intimate and allows for conversation with privacy.

    There is really only one waiter for the entire venue, so if he approaches have what you want ready to order. The bar table allows for minimum items, so if you're planning to eat and drink with a group you may want to consider seating with bigger table space.

    My boyfriend and I ordered the ginger pear and blood orange drinks, the ginger pear was the best of the two...both good flavor and I did not feel like it was watered down. Small plates were ordered, we tried the prawn & BBQ pork fried rice (tasty, but hard to share), salt & peppered prawns (a definite must to try...my favorite), and calamari (which had great flavor).
    Each item is priced at $15, but is enough to be shared with another person and I left full by the end of the evening.

    This is definitely a place I would select to unwind and just hang out. Dress attire is not specific and the ages of guests ranged from legal to grandparent so the environment is definitely appropriate for all. The service was fairly fast once you ordered, the food hot and maintained a high quality, and our waiter was chill and accommodating.

  • Review from MaJ C.

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    • 21 friends
    • 172 reviews

    Silver Spring, MD

    4.0 star rating
    8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Awesome Views!

    Sure the drinks may be a tad priceier than you expect,.
    Suck it up Cheapsate!
    Imagine you had to pay for the elevator ride to get up here.
    Then you'd be like, Oh, okay!

    Staff was friendly and on it.

  • Review from Dan B.

    Redwood City, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/30/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The View is the top floor lounge at the SF Marriott. I had no expectations on the way up the elevator and was pleasantly surprised with the view (Oh, I get it) through the enormous windows that I can only describe as "architecturally enhanced". I took a pic, but it was nighttime, and it didn't work out (just imagine blurry lights in the distance).

    As for the bar itself, it could have been better; No beer on tap (boo), and my caipirinha tasted exactly like a margarita. But our party had a good time, especially when we found great seating on the back (western) side, which is slightly hidden and also more private, with a viewing window just as large as the main bar side. Service was slow, and I ended up going to the bar a few times to get drinks for our group. I guess they don't have to try as hard, considering the lofty location. Still, I'd come back, now that I know the ropes.

  • Review from K G.

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    • 1 friend
    • 36 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    12/8/2011

    Aptly named (39th floor view is quite nice) and good wine list.  Had the cheese plate, relaxed in comfortable chairs, and took in how lovely SF looks from that far up.  Very helpful and attentive wait staff - good jump off for the evening or wind down after dinner.

  • Review from Svetlana V.

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/1/2011

    Such a nice place to have a drink in a quiet atmosphere with a gorgeous view.
    You'd better come here with a company, otherwise, it may get pretty lonely. With so many energetic clubs and bars in the area, this place won't entertain you as much.
    Try the W hotel's lounge instead. No city view, but a lot of good looking people :)

  • Review from MH A.

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    • 13 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Ithaca, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/2/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The View isn't cheap or fast or particularly trendy, but it does boast an incomparable 360-degree view of San Francisco and the Bay. It's worth having a drink up here just to enjoy the view.

    Sticker shock isn't uncommon, but this IS a downtown urban bar, and the prices aren't out of line. A pleasant surprise is that for your money, you get generous and top-notch cocktails or glasses of wine. The budget conscious should take advantage of the half-price Sobieski martinis during happy hour, 4-6pm... $7 instead of $14 and a good-sized drink.

    The Marriott has started sourcing their chicken, beef, cheese, and even pasta from local producers, and much of the food at The View falls into this locavore category. They're proud of supporting local farms, and it's one of many ways the company shows its green efforts.

  • Review from Mei C.

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    • 201 friends
    • 276 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/9/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Sooooooo romantic!!!

    I was going to drop by the Rrazz Room bar to have a glass of wine and read a book but then Will decided to join me after all for the evening. Yay!

    Wondering what lounges / wine bars were the closest I found the View. I love that The View isn't trendy.  I love that they have 1/2 martini drinks from 4-6, I love the two views available, I love how some people are dressed up and how others weren't.

    The wine, cheese cake and the prices was okay, $30 + tip for meh cheesecake +2 glasses of meh wine ?! D: -  but really - the views and comfortable environment really makes up for this one indulgment experience. :)

  • Review from Nicole S.

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    • 1 friend
    • 13 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/26/2011

    This is a great place for a date or to bring someone new to the city, or best of all, a date with a foreigner.

    The moment you walk in you're surrounded by the beautiful city lights of San Francisco (make sure to come on a day when the fog isn't too thick) which lessens the surprise of opening the menu to find the drinks very overpriced. They're delicious, I'd recommend the mango mojito, but definitely don't go here for value. Go for the experience, splurge on one drink and enjoy a birds eye view of the city's elegance.

  • Review from Martina M.

    Vancouver, BC

    Canada
    4.0 star rating
    6/23/2011

    The View Lounge is an absolutely wonderful place to go in San Francisco.  It's open after 4 pm every day (the elevator going up to the 39th floor does not work before then).  The best part of the place is definitely the view.  There are plenty of tables around the entire floor, each offering a different view of the city.  I recommend going soon after the lounge opens, because the tables next to the windows fill up quickly.  Bring your camera because you'll want to take pictures, especially around sunset.

    The drinks are a bit expensive ($14 for a martini).  The key is to go there during their happy hour (4-6 pm), when four different martini's are $7.  I've enjoyed every martini I've tried there so far.

    As for food, their antipasto platter is quite good if you want an appetizer to share.  It's $14 for 2 people, which is pricey, but you're basically paying for the view.  I normally just come here for the happy hour and eat dinner elsewhere.

    As for the service, it's a bit hit or miss depending on how busy the bar is.  I've experienced both excellent and terrible service here.  I find  that if you are sitting by a window you get better service than if you're sitting at a table in the center.

    Overall, I give this place 5 stars for the view, but minus 1 star for hit or miss service and the price.

  • Review from Janel Y.

    New York, NY

    3.0 star rating
    7/10/2011

    Checked this place out for Happy Hour, but I never received any type of deal on my drink so I'm wondering if there was a Happy Hour menu or something. In any case, my server never mentioned anything to me.

    Ordered the steak quesadilla ($15) and ginger pear ($13). The quesadilla was great and came with sides of sour cream, guacamole and salsa. It was cut into 4 slices and had the perfect amount of cheese and steak. The ginger pear was okay...high price for a non-Happy Hour drink.

    Service was slow but then again the place was crowded. Was busy chatting it up with friends on a sofa so didn't really get a chance to check out the view.

  • Review from Stephanie L.

    Rancho Cordova, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    4-stars for the view alone! If you can snag a table by the window, you won't regret it! I love how some of their rooms have HUGE mirrors.

    My group of about 10 came by to hang-out and the waitresses were very friendly, even though not all of us ordered a drink. Their tequila gimlet was spot on, and their Blood Orange drink was good too. Too bad their kitchen closes at around 11 or 12.

  • Review from Lei L.

    •  
    • 552 friends
    • 146 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/18/2011

    If you want to see a "view" of the bay area, come here. I got a little queesy heading up in the elevator, it shoots up kinda quick. Though the view is to die for literally scary and at deadly heights! LOL

    You can actually see the east bay, and some bridges from the view. It is something you need to experience besides looking at pictures.

    The food was pretty good quality, though I only had appetizers, and a few glasses of wine. They have great service, and the aumbience can get very intimate because there are tables that aren't in the main area.

    Take a look at the pictures, they speak for themselves. This location makes you very proud of living in the bay area.

    Love it!

  • Review from Rickye J.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 39 reviews

    Emeryville, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/5/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Enjoyed staff, service and food.  A tad expensive but really you're paying for the ambiance.  The night we went there was a slight fog but still a great view over looking the City and the interactions.  Nice wine list which seem to be balanced with the food served there.  Overall it's a great place take a date and forget one's day.

  • Review from Jason M.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/17/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Phenomenal spot to bring guests who haven't ventured around San Francisco much, it's in the name. You get an amazing 270 degree view of San Fransisco, as well as the start of South Bay.

    If you don't mind higher priced drinks then this is your place. The ideal scene would be to have a few pre-dinner drinks at The View and then hit a nearby restaurant (to be fair, I've never eaten here, they might have amazing food).

    This is a solid go-to for bringing friends visiting to start off the night.

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