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Varnish Fine Art
Rating Details »
Categories: Art Galleries, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
Neighborhood: SOMA77 Natoma St
(between 2nd St & James Lick Fwy)
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 222-6131
- Hours:
Tue-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
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99 reviews for Varnish Fine Art
Excellent alcohol selections to choose from at the bar. Interesting and eclectic art installations on the walls.
I love the old exposed brick buildings in San Francisco. Varnish embodies alot of classic S.F. character. The gallery is in danger of being demolished due to the Transbay Terminal redevelopment.
I hope Varnish is saved, so I can continue to return here.
Like 111 Minna and a few other art galleries in the 'hood that do the art/booze thing, Varnish is a dope spot to imbibe in some adult beverages (at a real bar... not some guy slingin' Anchor Steams from a dorm room refrigerator), while checking out some really cool art pieces in the process.
Just a stone's throw from Zebulon and Tom Collins, Varnish is a slightly hidden gem about one block further down the alley on Natoma. The reason I say 'hidden' isn't because it's a secret by any means, just that there are traditionally so many drifters socializing around this particular alleyway, that it can be somewhat intimidating, causing passersby not to walk much further down the path than the above-mentioned bars and restaurants east of 2nd street.
Depending on your style preference, Varnish just might have some of the coolest art in the city. I'm a sucker for band posters, and they have all sorts of dope originals from a wide spectrum of different artists/bands, and they also have avant-garde creations like a lamps made from hundreds of miniature Jägermeister bottles all glued together, and a couch made out of the front end of an old school muscle car. I'm not good at identifying whips from the '60s and '70s, but if I had to pick, I'd guess it was a Buick. The front end of the car looked as is, but the inside, where the engine would typically sit, was cleaned out and reupholstered into a fully functional sofa! How bad ass is that? I wanted that thing sooooooooo bad! Perhaps a DIY project for a future date....
Getting back to the bar, they have a beer and wine bar that opens up at 5:00pm on weekdays. You can head in there, enjoy a glass of red, nibble on some artisan cheese and crackers, and enjoy their gallery in style. Not a bad way to blow off some steam after work in SOMA, if you ask me.
Check their website before you head in, though, as they randomly close the gallery for private events. They're pretty good about updating their site to alert the public of unexpected closings, though.
When I heard we were meeting up for happy hour I was expecting to be in a place that was more like a bar, but Varnish is more like an art gallery that serves beer, wine and cheese plates. I'm a fan.
Normally, I'm not the most interested in art. I find myself thinking it's over-priced or under-imagined, but the stuff in Varnish was awesomely weird and I found myself spending quite a bit of time being alternately fascinated and wigged out by the things they were showing.
The space is beautiful - tons of exposed brick and lots of natural light. And they have small stool-like things scattered around for seating if you're looking for a place to converge. I wish we had something similar in Denver because I would love to spend some time there with my friends for an end-of-the-day cocktail if we did.
Varnish had a little experimental film series a couples years ago that my friend Daniella curated. Nice space. I thought the city was moving them out of there? I would deff drop by to see an exhibit or catch a libation...
Not impressed- didn't like the doorman, rude: spoke down to me as if I was some high school chic trying to con my way through the doors. This turned me off from the start and the rest continued to go downhill. Art work was blahhhh and crowd was pretty dull. Not my cup of tea.
I've only been to this venue for different events. I really like the setup. It's very small thou. I always have a great time here. They have a small bar which goes perfectly. Also john collins is jus across the street if u want to continue with an afterparty
After a looonnng day of meetings nothing beats a glass of cava and a cheese plate. Varnish to the rescue!!
I immediately felt relaxed after just a few sips of cava-.gotta love happy hour. I was so excited about the delicious cheese plate (the gouda was especially uhmazing) that I didn't even get to check out the art that has found a home in this gallery like bar. My loss cause it looked like they had some cool stuff here.
Hard alcohol lovers will be disappointed to hear that Varnish serves only beer and wine, but they'll perk right back up after a glass of that cava.
I want to live in here. I want to spend the rest of my life living in Varnish...
?
That just sounds weird, but I think you know what I mean.
Do you think they'd have a problem if I moved my queen size bed, a dresser... and maybe a chair upstairs (in the corner- I don't need much room) and just posted up here whenever I'm in town to visit?
I'd been in here a few years ago for a glass of wine, but it was really busy on that particular night. I'm glad it wasn't last night so I could actually look around and not feel rushed.
Michael Page has his "ThankYouGoodbye" exhibit up right now. There is something about this artist's use of color and attention to detail that made me want to pull out all my art supplies and start painting again. He's got a reoccurring theme throughout most of his paintings... a deep sea theme that's somewhat subtle and obvious all at once.
Snacking on cheese plates and drinking wine were just the added bonus.
This place is perfection, IMO. For all you SeaTown folks --represent--, it's like Vermillion (on Cap Hill) on crack.
Yeah, it's that good...
Truth: I wasn't really feeling "happy hour." IN fact, I was set to jet straight to my hotel bed and sleep for about 45 hours....just draggin', haggin'. WIth no end in sight. Sigh.
But, of course...the lure of champagne and lively conversation with spirited co-workers was a huge draw, and thus I trekked. To Varnish.
And, within mere moments....my eyes popped open, my mind starts spinning...and my mood starts liftin'. Oh yes, chambord +champagne + lemon wheel, hallo...indeed. I like it.
Part art space, part bar, part lounge....all tucked away, entirely fitting, and absolutely necessary. Open, airy, breezy, sunny, sweet. Wood floors, sparse seating...room to mingle, flow and breathe. On point staff...decent wine selection, bottled beers, and taps (when they work).
I'd live in this space if i could...thus was the appeal. So, inviting...so, genuine. Truly. However, I'm pretty sure the "art" in my abode would not nearly compare to the local showings. But hell, that's why we go out, right?
Cheers. A fan, absolutely. Of all the bars I've been to in San Francisco, I'd place this near the top. Yes, I'm from Chicago....so, take this at face value, but...I enjoyed immensely.
Heard that Varnish is being bulldozed in imminent domain, expanding bus station BS. BOO! Another charming SOMA backstreet is getting ruined.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/10/2008
went to a private party there last night and the staff was amazing! Super friendly and lovely. Cool… Read more »
If you go here, make it a point to check out the bathrooms- someone put a serious amount of effort into the design of them. Very nice.
I found the staff here to be very friendly and not holier-than-thou, which is a nice change for a wine joint, especially given the decor of this one. I loved the artwork and was impressed with the layout of the place. Good wine selection.
I like, definitely going back.
Great spot if you want to be sure you'll have room for a handful of people.
How did I not know about this place? Great spot and one of my favorite alleys in the City too. Don't know why but I like that street. Anyway, the space is nice and open and airy. The happy hour can't be beat with $3 pints and $5 vino. The art wasn't rocking it the night I was there but it was just in between artists so I can't knock it for that.
Very nice Lemondrop (soju + lemon). Atmosphere was okay. The DIY coat check was interesting. The bar staff was very nice. Never made it upstairs; think I would have liked that area. The downstairs is very open, seems they play artsy-fartsy movies on occasion.
All my friends gave this place 5-stars, but I'm not sure I "get it."
Hi Varnish,
I love your happy hours. I also love thee cuz of the vibe, great music,decor. The paintings that adorn you are aesthetic and thought provoking(though the glass in my hand doesnt allow me think too much). Would you like to know what I love most about you? The cheese platter!! Such tasty little mouthful(s) of heaven.Yes, that has made me succumb to you.I dream of you!
Thank you for letting me into your world!
Smitten
Walk in and tell myself must remember that it's a good date place, so store that in me big brain for later..
Saw a piece of art that I wanted for $600.. immediately started calculating how many vodka sodas that was.
Disappointed that there were no cocktails.
Even more so when pretty girl (so it MUST be true) told me it was going to be torn down in place of metro station. Ah, anything to go green.
In the wallet.
Of city council folks & city contractors.
GO HERE SOON. Because it's getting torn down.
Yuuuup. They're destroying this lovely spot to make room for an expanded Trans Bay Terminal. Yes, I know, this sounds like some wacko conspiracy theorist's paranoid ramblings, but it's not. And to answer your question, no, I have no idea how it happened. Did we vote for this? Not to my recollection, but the doorman will confirm that it's a done deal. Apparently, that entire block is going down, so say goodbye to Zebulon and John Collins, too. Makes me so sad.
Somehow I am not comforted by the thought that the steaming petrie dish and pedestrian nightmare we call the Trans Bay Terminal is going to get bigger. I'm guessing there will be yet another Starbucks involved. Maybe even a gross Briazz.
Cool place to go for a drink and unwind with the co-workers on a Friday. It's a very open space so it doesn't seem too crowded, even when the room is full.
It's a limited bar - they only serve beer, wine and soju.
What a great great GREAT space. The staff is always on point, and I developed a fast lady crush on the bartender with the faux hawk.. she is stunning!
An open space that I've seen used for fundraisers, events, and general lounging. Upstairs seating is narrow and requires you to get to know your neighbors... downstairs is spacious enough for a band, the art walk-through, and even a projection wall!
Always a nice variety of wine, great prices. It would be the perf spot for a company party or a cocktail party. Love that vaulted seating, and the spotless bathroom.
What! This place is getting torn down?!
Too bad, I just stumbled upon this place while working a catered event there. They had a nice selection of beers on tap, and an even larger selection of wine, I didn't recognize most of the varietals. Space is cozy, some pretty cool art to look at, including a few shelves of art books. Bonus points for having Scrabble (yeah I'm a dork), though I cant think of any occasion when I would want to play scrabble at a bar unless I'm drinking with visiting relatives and need something to do so we can avoid any meaningful conversation.
Alas, I'll probably make it back to Varnish sans black bistro attire the day after it closes.
What do I think of Varnish? It's simple: meh.
I know that sounds harsh, but it's actually not that harsh. It's just that nothing really stands out for me about this place. I don't have passionate dislike for it like I do for it's neighbor, 111 Minna. However, it has yet to wow me.
As a space, I'm not a huge fan of the wide open space that a good number of Yelpers seem to love about Varnish. I find that it often makes a venue look abysmally empty unless there are a lot of people there. And once there's a lot of people there, then you've got other issues to deal with. I'm a fan of good use of space, and I'm not convinced Varnish uses their space well. The bar is small, the floor is large, and the upstairs is exceptionally narrow. Can I get a little balance?
Speaking of the bar: I guess it accurately fits the feel they're going for, but the choices of drinks has an almost woeful lack of variety. I don't mind if all you have is beer, wine, and soju (nice twist there, by the way... LOVE that); it just seems that you're shit outta luck if you don't like any of the wines they happen to be pouring that day.
And the artwork? Uninspired. I'd venture to say that even 111 Minna has more inspiring artwork... and I've already made mention of my passionate dislike for 111 Minna. Not once has any of the artwork at Varnish gotten me to give a second look. And I buy art! I'm (theoretically) part of their target market!
If I could, I would give Varnish 2.5 stars. As it stands, I'm going to round up because Minna really is worse than Varnish.
This was the alternative to being smushed in a room of Yuppies at John Colins. Considering I would have rather had my eyes poked out with a hot stick than stay in that hot hell, I thought Varnish was GREAT in comparison.
It was nicely set up, with different (and local, I think) artist displaying their various pieces of unusual and post-modern art in appealing and alluring ways. The little fertility statuettes looked almost cute, in a gnome-y kind of way. I loved the "Marilyn Monroe with Micky Mouse Boobs" painting, and the little square etchings were very cool, even though they looked like sinewy exposed muscles and innards.
Upstairs may have been the best bet for lounging. It was away from the fray, and very secluded. You could sit for hours on one of the cushy, yet artsy, seats and gaze at the different interpretations of urban angst and depths of human darkness with a tasty 'tini drink in your hand.
Hell, you could spark up a conversation with a post-modern hippie, bohemian, beatnik about materialism and the downfall of society, set up camp and make a night of it...
Great spot for a party!
Open space downstairs that alllows people to move (and get at the bar!) without too much congestion. From upstairs you can watch the crowd on the main floor or find one of the nooks that are good for sitting and having an actual conversation.
The art is always interesting and it is a welcome change from party spaces that feel blank &/or generic.
PS pay special attention to the decor in the women's washroom ; )
The art gallery/bar concept is a bit done, so I wasn't sure what to expect on my first visit. I was actually hoping it was going to be an artisan cabinetmaker.
But actually, it was quite pleasant. I was surprised to find the art of a decent caliber (moreso upstairs than down), which makes it more of a gallery than a bar. Kind of like if 111 Minna grew up, lost some weight, got some more money, maybe bought a condo South of Market and started furnishing it with vintage car seats and $40,000 paintings.
This is a marvelous space for viewing art! They have delightfully friendly door folks (the bar is always too crowded so not sure about the rest of the staff).
Kudos to them for highlighting great local artists, last night's 30 under 30 was especially fantastic.
3 solid stars for the cool art, and open, modern, loft atmosphere. A friend was spinning last night, so a group of us met here for happy hour, which is supposed to end at 7 pm....that is if their clocks weren't set a solid 20 minutes ahead. So, you can imagine our surprise when we all went to the bar to order our last happy hour wine special after checking our watches and cell phones for the time. The bartender pointed to their clock and when someone tried to correct her, she knowingly shrugged her shoulders, as if to say, "yeah...I know...that's just the way it is. Out of my hands".
Well, the way it is left such a bad taste in my mouth that I don't know if I will return. That's so shitty to do to your patrons. Poor, poor, poor taste.
The space is phenomenal. The gallery itself is as much art as the artwork it houses. The conversion of the structure was executed flawlessly, and allows for an open, airy atmosphere in which to enjoy the artwork, the drinks, and the company. The mezzanine offers a nice area to perch yourself with your wine and your friend(s), after you've toured the artwork, and affords you a nice view through the railing at the people and art down below. It's also a unique vantage point from which to view any of the larger pieces on the opposite wall, as well as the sculptures on the gallery floor.
Beautifully-rendered grotesque subjects abound in both sculpture and paint. Lots of edgy stuff, some industrial. They show pop art too, and one artist in particular, Isabel Samaras, is my absolute fave.
The gallery is available for private events on certain nights of the week, and would easily accomodate a rather large-ish party. Check out happy hour; the prices for the wine are reasonable, and you get a show of original art, to boot!
Interesting alternative to chill on Fri night. The loft area is wonderful after grabbing the happy hour specials ($3 beer, $5 house wine) from the bar downstairs.
Like being able to enjoy a conversation without shouting or asking "what?".
Also great for meet ups b/c you can see the front entrance from the entire space.
Varnish seems to do several things very well. First and foremost is the art. The folks here seem to have an unerring eye for separating the wheat from the chaff. Over and over the shows represent artists with both technique and vision. Every time I've gone in I've found something that caught and sustained my interest. I've bought art here as well. Prices seem fair and they are willing to negotiate a bit.
As an event center it works very well. Just a half block off 2nd it's easy to find, parking is plentiful and there are numerous places to eat. The space itself works in that it has two levels, a bar in the back and plenty of open space to occupy. The art acts as a centerpiece for conversation and inspiration. I've attended parties here and they went fantastically well. The ownership makes it all very easy.
If I had to choose between Varnish and 111 Minna it would be a tough call. The art as Varnish is a whole level beyond so that's easy. The space at Varnish is smaller and the bar is smaller so for the more intimate event Varnish is the hands down winner. For larger groups Minna might be better although its a cruder space, far less elegant and poor lighting.
The plan had been to happy hour at John Colins but en route I received a text informing me that folks had migrated here instead. I was more than happy to bypass the crowd at the original venue in favor of $5 mango sake cocktails and plenty of savory snack mix. The sake cocktails come in other flavors as well - pear is one among them - and are made using fun shaped (think stars and arrows) fruit cubes over which the sake is poured (the cubes are designed to melt amidst the sake).
Varnish is a clean space with plenty of room to move around. The bartender, while distracted, was efficient and at the end of a long week I can't ask for much more than a steady pour of alcohol.
And hey, if you're in the market for some art and have a spare 35k (yes, $35,000) lying around they've got something for you!
We went to Varnish on Friday for a Happy Hour with some friends and enjoyed this hidden quiet spot. Well actually we went to John Collins first, but when I was bumped so many times that the floor had more of my Martini than I did, we gave up and went across the street. We sat upstairs in couches and chairs that reclined. Yes you heard me.... reclined. The boys tended to flock towards the recliners.
We enjoyed 3 great bottles of wine and could actually hear our conversation. I highly recommend this quiet spot if you are looking to avoid the scene and actually hear each other talk.
Not just a gallery - rock on, there's a small bar in the back - I work a block and a half away, and I'd never have known this was there if a friend of mine hadn't mentioned it. Am excited to have a new place for post-work drinks.
Modern art on a variety of themes - my favorite in the current display is "Idle Hands" - a Pokemon-like (but MUCH cuter) soft-lit painting of a cartoonish devil grinning oh-so-Cheshirely. Also some good sculpture here.
Reasonably priced beer and very good wine selection. Will go back again to try one of the cheese plates (we were a bit strapped for time). The cushiony sofas/seats upstairs make for potentially cozy, romantic moments.
Friendly bar staff and just a good vibe and attitude. Can't wait to share this with others. And the bathrooms ROCK!
Who would want to visit an art gallery to drink belgian beer?
Varnish is a perfect place for chilling out after work with colleagues or friends,. I hang out at this place almost every other friday with colleagues because the ambience is so perfect and the bartenders are very friendly and nice people.
The live music is good too...
$3 for a belgian beer during happy hour. what more can i ask for?
I love this place.
I threw quickly together a birthday celebration for myself, right after work on day. I knew it was just behind my work, so the location was fine, there on Minna.
What I didn't want was a sardine-packed place. I wanted to be able to relax a bit and enjoy myself. This was exactly what the Dr. ordered.
We arrived, and the place was spacious, and artsy. It IS an art gallery and bar, after all. There's an upstairs too, which we commandeered a large corner in. The bar staff was quite fast, accommodating, and nice, the drink prices were fine, and I had an excellent birthday evening.
This place was made for me--chill, nice ambiance, great for meeting after work with friends.
I will be back! Thank you Varnish!
- great DJ (4 stars)
- just right amount of people - not too crowded, enough benches for me to rest my weary feet (4 stars)
- friendly bartender (4 stars)
- sake cocktail, sadly, was the disappointment of the nite which forces me to give this place a 3-star (ok 3.5 overall) ranking. the fruit flavor (pear, mango, guava) was too generically sweet, given that the flavoring was added via cutely-cut juice ice cubes. so the mango sake cocktail just tasted like cold, really sweet sake. (I guess I was expecting something more similar to an infused vodka drink where the real fruit is involved.)
So if you modify your expectations about the sake cocktail, then you'l l have a great time!
I met up with coworkers here after work yesterday. It's off of one of those tiny, alley streets that it's easy to ignore in SOMA, but that if you're paying attention a little are always kinda intriguing.
So the deal with this place is that it's an artbar. A gallery and a bar. Now art and alcohol seem like a perfect combination - it makes it so much easier to pretend you understand it and make shit up about "blah blah post-post-modernism" or "blah blah urban-industrial-complex social commentary" [WHATEVER] when you're three sheets to the wind.
No, but seriously, it IS a good combination because art should be fun! And alcohol is fun! They serve soju cocktails, but I was perfectly happy with their wine and beer offerings. They do a happy hour before 7PM where any beer on tap is $3 bucks and either of the house wines is $5, and they don't cheat you - when I went yesterday the house white was a tasty Albarino (yummy nummy Spanish wines!)
The coolest part about this place, however, is the space itself. Brick, high, vaulted ceilings, airy - it looks like the loft you dreamed of having when you first learned what "yuppies" were and what "reclaiming a neighborhood" meant.
Unfortunately, this little haven where the intellectual and the alcoholic can meet and decompress is being torn down and sacrificed to the Great God of Urban Development. I'll save a discussion of urban politics for another forum, but BOTTOM LINE is you should go there while you have a chance!
And maybe if we get sloshed enough we can chain ourselves to the facade when the bulldozers come. Or something.
This is an incredible gallery. The space is inviting, the bar fabulous with excellent wines.
But, please, the point is their selection of artists. Cutting edge. Fresh. Provocative. Get on their mailing list. Stay on their radar. The owners, Kerri and Jen, are lovely, and have a very distinctive style. This is their present incarnation. Follow their lead. Highly recommended.
I went to Varnish for a work event and I was pretty impressed with the place. Big, open space with a decent size bar on the first floor. There is also a mezzanine section above. The art switches around, I think monthly. Bartenders were very friendly and fast.
I think this is a cool spot to host a party !
In a sudden turn of events, John Colins was no longer the venue of choice and we headed on over to this art-gallery-but-it's-a-bar.
I felt like I was drinking in my living room - if my living room had an enormous skylight illuminating a bunch of crazy-ass modern art making angry faces at me.
The other Yelpers and I cruised up to the second floor where they had this cool $10,000 couch with a Cadillac grill. The angry faces, the woman with Mickey Mouse for boobs, and a pressing need for alcohol drove us all back downstairs.
We sat around a wooden table and drank sake drinks out of thin-stemmed Martini glasses with frozen fruit in them. Mine were shaped like stars. I felt a little emasculated so my Mexican associate and I ordered Chimays like real men.
The company was awesome - these are cool kids, and you should meet them when you get a chance.
The venue was a good idea but the art needs to be less bleak. There needs to be better seating. And we need some music damn it, we're not animals!
Every 1st Wednesday, various "Green Organizations" host a "Green Drinks" event, this month's event was held at Varnish. I was invited to join a friend of mine who works for Trust for Public Land. It was an early gathering, starting at 5:30pm. I was happy to accompany him as I've had my eye on this place for a while now.
Varnish, a bar and art gallery offers a clean, comfortable and spacious environment for people to enjoy a nice drink while browsing the current exhibits. Brick walls, sky lights and an upstairs mezzanine make this place unique and desirable. There are a few benches and chairs however most people are standing and chatting it up while perusing the gallery. I particularly like the couch upstairs made out of a car fender and front grill.
I liked Varnish. Though it's not a place I'd call my neighboring watering hole, or frequent very often, it's certainly worth stopping by, enjoying a drink and checking out some new art.
I think Varnish is worth bookmarking, especially for those who might be looking for a nice place to host their next event.
