It's good that the spray paint is gone, the door is refinished, and the business is open. No sign, no problem! At Friday afternoon happy hour the place was packed. In the back it was hot and there was no space between the patrons, but in the front, by the open window, it was cooler and there was enough space to move around. The room was light, with two Venetian chandeliers hung high overhead. The bar appeared to have a large selection of Scotch, but I was ordering rum and Coke for $4 a glass. Three bartenders were there to handle the high volume, and another person made sure the used glasses got back to the bar in time to keep the juice flowing. Speaking of volume, did you know there is a level at which sound becomes physically painful? Yes, I found my level here. read more

This is review is dedicated to my good friend Sasha. He has been a fantastic partner in crime through many crazy adventures...... from drunk talks about quantum physics till 3am, drama with psycho Ex'es (his), karaoke soirees, gin-filled nights at his "penthouse" and a many other random things I will just keep to myself... TODAY is his birthday so HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY SASHA! keeping with the whole birthday theme.... 83 Proof is where I spent MY birthday just a few weeks ago. I didn't choose to come here.... but this year I just wanted to do something totally different than last years drunk mess with too many people, too many venues and not enough Miette cupcakes. Like clockwork it always rains on my birthday and this year was no exception. So I decided I just wanted to do low-key cocktails with the date of my choice. Then as I sat there I thought to myself... why do I have to choose just 1 date? Can't I have 2 dates? Fuck yeah, its my birthday and I will have 2 dates if I want to..... and these were not just any dates, i had HOT dates. Every girls fantasy. We rolled in looking glamorous and fabulous. I'm quite certain there was this glow permeating off us like a halo, because we looked just that good. The crowed parted as we walked in mouths opened in awe.... ok maybe not exactly like that but that's how I'm going to remember it because it was my f'ing birthday. Anyway, we gazed around and I liked the look of things. the place is still so new they weren't even done with one section up by the front window. I saw the mezzanine area above but opted for the bar stool in the center of the room. of course. We ordered drinks and the partying began.... Such a fun happy place. Turns out the guy next to us was also celebrating his birthday although he was way past drunk by this point and his girlfriend didn't seem overly happy that he wanted to join my birthday instead of his group 4 stools down. One of the best parts of the night was our bartender.... Ah, the dear Sky. Who doesnt' love him? The pretty boy-next-door type and one of the nicest people you'll ever met. turns out Sky is in fact straight because yes, some drunk girl asked. He made me a very special drink which i can only describe as "wildly complicated and potent". he also seemed to have a knack for conversation because later that night I realized he had a whole crowd was around him (us included) just to hear what he would say next. The night went by so fast I was almost sad to leave. Drunk, but a bit down it was over..... until next year that is. Great new SOMA bar, I can't wait to come back and see what Sky has to say next : ) read more

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because of the possibility of maybe catching someone playing the piano. Which I haven't ever witnessed the last 2 times I have gone to 83 Proof. Location, Location, Location. 3 things to keep in mind when trying to please Kelly H. This place is no more than 30 paces from my place of work. It is hard to find - there is really only an 83 next to the door. Just perfect in my opinion. Maybe the best idea I've ever had was last Friday - I talked two co-workers into going here for a 3pm shot and a beer. After all, it was Friday and LEAP DAY or whatever and needed to be celebrated. Turns out it is a great idea, but you've got to have everything at work finished and your boss has to have taken off early as well. Fine selection of Whiskeys, and knowledgeable staff. Mostly wooded interior which makes for a cozy feel. The second floor is good if you want to actually talk to someone during a happy hour. It was empty up there on a Tuesday night - while the main floor was pretty crowded as it is a pretty narrow space. I think this bar is worth a 3 city-block walk. read more

THE. BEST. BASIL. GIMLET. On the night I went - there was a male and female bartender. The female bartender made me a Basil Gimlet on my request. It was quite good. Not being a Gimlet fan, this says a lot. For my second drink. I ordered another of the same - from the male bartender. Blown away, I marveled at the proverbial bar being raised right before my very eyes. That man is not only cute but makes the two words, "Basil Gimlet" just damn HOT. Try it. read more

83 Proof proves to be a winner! Aside from being just 1/4 block from my office, this place kicks FiDi ass. So I have been here 4 times already and every time their customer service is pretty top notch. * Quick bartenders w/ good knowledge of their spirits keep mine pretty high after a grueling day in the office. * The balcony overlooks the busy bar below and would be awesome for some people watching. The place has comfy leather couches up there, BUT you have to be there REAL early on a Friday to snag those. * As I haven't drank alcohol in over 60 days, I can't comment on the drinks but they look good. I think my friend ordered a cab for $9. I have got two suggestions: * More female bartenders.....as much as I like the guys there...a little eye candy wouldn't hurt. Hetero eye candy I mean. * I don't know if its possible but maybe provider more seating downstairs. The place gets elbow to elbow on a Friday. Overall, this is one FiDi bar that I frequent a whole lot....me and my friend will possibly hold a private event in the loft soon. read more

Leave it to Nish N to turn me onto yet another awesome bar in this city. I swear, he is the man, the myth and the legend! So on my first day in the SF Yelp offices Nishy and Michael E decided to take "the new girl" (can you still be new after almost 2 years with the company?) out for a drink...or 4...and 83 Proof was the spot they chose. When we walked in it was kinda dead seeing as it was just as work was letting out, but within an hour this place got packed with a good variety of afterworkers in need of a little liquid relief. Mine came in the form of my new fave vodka; Effin Cherry and soda with two limes. Yum!! Refreshing and tasty. I foresee many an afterwork cocktai....I mean, meeting here, yeah yeah, that's the ticket ;) read more

Yesterday after work I met my friend Dev for a drink at 83 proof, like I had so many times in the past. I sat at the high table she had slung her stuff over to "reserve" for our friends and I looked at her and said, "Why do we like this place?" For a moment, I couldn't figure out why the hell we always ended up here. There are tons of places in the Financial District and for some reason, this was our go-to spot. She couldn't really answer me, but as the evening went on I got my answers in the way of amazing and REASONABLE drinks! I am consistently impressed with the quality of their drinks, despite large crowds and lines at the bar. For the first time I tried their raspberry mojito and it was a home run! I ordered two drinks, both with top shelf liquor and it came to $14. I was stunned and then I thought to myself, "Oh yah, this is why I like 83 Proof." And you'll more than likely see me there next week because of it. read more

Typical Financial District / SOMA upscale bar. 83 Proof is a small, two story space with a warm inviting atmosphere and a mellow vibe. It attracts a chill, casual crowd and the place never gets too loud. A relaxing destination to enjoy cocktails over conversation. Staff is friendly and fast - pouring your drinks as soon as you ask. So why is this spot especially hot? MIND BLOWING BAR BATHROOMS. Never have I seen such an immaculately clean bar bathroom. Not a messy trash can, broken beer bottle, or spill stain in sight. So nice you'll have to be careful not to stay in the bathroom all night. Tired of hovering hopelessly over terrifying toilets?! Give 83 Proof a chance and you won't think twice before unzipping your pants. Hooray! read more

Years ago, this spot was really sketchy -- we're talking yellow police tape sketchy -- and the space was abandoned for a long time. Today, it's turned into quite the opposite. This spot is shiny and new, with a cool vibe that's great for an after work happy hour or after dinner drinks. At around 6pm, the spot was already filling up with FiDites and SOMAns looking to unwind after a long day at the office. Our group took over the mezzanine area, which had plenty of seating and was a great spot to have some more privacy and people watch the crowd below. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they serve Yamazaki Whiskey -- I haven't seen any other place in SOMA other than NIHON that has it. Their bar menu is quite eclectic, and their bartenders are great at keeping everyone happily quneched. A great addition to the neighborhood! read more

Because my boyfriend is codependent and all of my friends are enablers, I ended up here way past my bedtime last night. Am I hurting this morning? Surely. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I am in love with Mark the bartender who generously did shots of tequila with me and helped a friend arrange to set up credit drinks for a friend of hers who works in an office above the bar. Talk about service! The space is minimalist with a very high ceiling and a long, narrow bar area that seems to stay pretty packed. There's only one restroom for the ladies, but that's not a problem since this is a fairly man-heavy bar (girls, take note!). The crowd is completely un-chodelike and actually very friendly. There's a mezzanine level that I cant' wait to rent out for my engagement party (surprise, honey!). Ok, I'm not actually getting married but I will actually be back here very soon. read more

Who shows up at a bar but doesn't drink booze? *raises hand* Although I had volunteered myself last night to be the DD, I still appreciate super cool bartenders and good drinks. Thanks for taking my card last night instead of my friend's, he had already paid for dinner. Thanks for being super attentive to our drink needs (We wanted a bitter cocktail but ended up with old fashioneds but the bartender making our drinks was a super sweetheart, THANK YOU!) AND helping me out when I felt like a divorced child (my friends were arguing, but it was all out of love) You guys are dope. Coming back to try this basil gimlet people keep raving about but I think I might just sit down and sip Jameson for a night or two. read more

I guess we're keeping with the "I'm oblivious" theme because this is another place I didn't know existed, even though I work very close to it. I have walked by it multiple times - and I'm a drunk - so you'd think I'd notice a thing like a bar. Especially since I'm always looking for a place to go after work - not that I go out all the time after work (or even often) - I just want to have a bunch of places to choose from. One place to go with my girlfriends if they happen to be around. One place to go with my coworkers if we're all going out. One place to go with a coworker if he has dirt to tell me about the others. One place to go with a boy I would prefer not to be seen with for some reason or another. I need all of these places. And if 83 Proof ever fits one of those needs, I'll go back. But I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. Bartenders were friendly, drinks were ok, crowd was not annoying. If you see me in here with a guy - pretend you don't see us, ok? read more

I met up with a friend here for happy hour and it was crazy crowded on a Thursday at 5:30pm. We were barely able to manage even moving around because it was so jam packed with people. There's great atmosphere and it's definitely a popular spot. It took a good 10 minutes to get a bartender to order our drinks. Then we stood around for another 15 minutes until we found two bar stools. I love the open window to the outside here. Great spot, but way too crowded for my comfort. read more

Sky is a ridiculously beautiful man. 83 proof is usually packed with the typical after work crowd. Friday nights are usually out of the question. If you're lucky, secure a table. If you're extra lucky or magically delicious, you may secure the upstairs area. Personally, after a few glasses of wine, I like standing at the bar -- standing at the bar, not staring at the ridiculously good looking bartender/owner with the full sleeve.. Hello. read more

*Added to the Grown & Sexy List* This spot is "schmoove" Great for a date or a classy after work cocktail(or two, or three) Nicole G organized a wonderful happy hour here Monday evening. This is a great location with close proximity to Bart and bus routes. I fell in l.o.v.e. with Jessica T's Gin Fizz and the bartender was kind enough to make the rummy version for me with Oronoco Rum. Yummy! It's been soooo long since I've been out to a HH, this was a great way to catch up with old friends. . . . read more

I got really drunk here. The mezzanine is good for making out "discreetly" and that's about all I remember. So, yes Yelp, 4 stars! Yay! I AM a fan! read more

Came here for HH on a Friday around 5pm and it was packed. Not much seating so we had to stand, but I liked the energy in here. Everyone was enjoying themselves and the bartenders, definitely overwhelmed with the amount of people in the room, were welcoming and friendly the whole time. I admit I can be *that* annoying person who asked for 2+ samples of beer before choosing one, but the bartender was really patient and let me sample the beers I wanted before choosing. read more

I was dragged to 83 Proof on a little pre-DYL reconnaissance mission with Autumn K., Matt R., Jason K. and Suge. (Yeah, I name drop. wha-wha?) Collecting intel is a serious business. It takes a whiskey drink, it takes a sour drink, it takes a cider drink... Luckily, my cohorts and I are professionals with insatiable gullets and fortified livers. Bartender Mark is awesome. He was affable and efficient on both Thursday night and Friday night. However, the other Thursday night bartender was blind and glacial. It practically took a choreographed musical number to get ice queen's attention and small talk seemed to physically pain her. Maybe her cat died...I don't know. 83 Proof felt very Manhattan to me, in a good way that is. Did I mention the Basil Gimlet? Uh yeah, I'll take another and another. And they have Newcastle on tap- always a good thing. read more

I like their $4 vodka & grapefruit when I come here during happy hour. I like the piano player who comes in around 5. I like that 83 was open, welcoming us with open doors after a bunch of us finished our final. (Can you believe that I had to take a final on Mother's Day? My mom did not believe me and I had to furnish proof of the date of my final). I like their Pinot Noir. I like that their restrooms are pristine. The ONLY thing I don't like is that if I want my water refilled, the bartender or barback won't walk over and hand me my water. Yes, I'm seated at a table right across from the bar but shouting my name out for me to get my water like I'm a dog is not warranted, is it? read more

83 Proof's slogan is "If you've got the time, we've got the everything." And It's a pretty fair statement. + They've got friendly barkeeps that know how to make a mean cocktail. + They've got a cocktail list you can choose from or you can just give them a liquor and they'll make something. + They rarely have a wait. + The prices are reasonable for the area ($9-$12 per drink.) + They have an intimate upstairs area that can hold a group of about 15 fairly well. In fact the only think they don't have is food, but who needs to eat when you're drinking this well? read more

In the mood for a creative cocktails? 83 Proof is your place! Upon walking in, I saw the bartender making a delicious fresh fruit cocktail concoction. When I asked him what it was, he said he had just created it on the fly. This is my kind of drink! I decided to put my cocktail faith in him and asked him to make me one of his creations. The drink was delicious! It was fresh squeezed fruit with a hint of carbonation and went down very nicely. The bar has little frills. It's a narrow bar on the first floor and then the second floor has an intimate sitting area that's good for a small group or about 10-15 people. Everything about this bar is calm, cool and collected and if I lived in SF, it would definitely be on my rotation. read more

Hidden among the gray giants of SOMA, 83 Proof brings color to a neighborhood desperately seeking a sense of weekend culture. I arrived here for Patty P's birthday, and was immediately impressed with the venue. Intimate, but spacious enough to mingle, and the vibe woke you up. The hardwood floors leave the remnants of a bustling work week energy, but the shining bar and upbeat bartenders bring out the party. The cocktails ranged in color and twist, each having it's own distinct flavor for life. Multiple beers on tap, so when it came to the river of fun juice, there was plenty to choose from. The upstairs houses a great room for private parties and a nice balcony to gaze over the patrons below. 83 Proof is a great find in SOMA, and a perfect place to ease the strain of the work day. So when the feet are done walking, and the day is in need of a buzz cool down, make your way here, and press erase on the brain. read more

The concept is simple: tell the bartender what you like in a drink and they'll customize a drink just for you. It's a little difficult to find if you don't know where to look since the sign isn't the most obvious. In fact, the only reason why I found it was because there just happened to be people smoking outside. The inside is dark (this is good if you want to look prettier than you really are and it will help disguise your true drunken state) and the crowd is loud and lively. A great spot to kick off the weekend, to meet up with your friends, to troll for women, or all of the above. read more

Quite possibly my favorite bar in the City! I love the HUGE wall of alcohol varieties they have to offer. Mmmmmmm was right on my gin martini. Strong and good. Second (and third and forth) on the cute bartender! Mezzanine proves that hot air does rise. And to the person who stole Megan D's car keys and money from the mezzanine (don't leave your purses unattended, ladies), may you die with a nitric acid enema. read more

83 Proof is one of a litany of solid cocktail bars/lounges nestled down in to SOMA. It offers up a dandy combination of tasty craft cocktails and various other drinks in a decently lounge-y setting. The cocktailers here are plenty nice and willing to work with you to find a drink you'll like, pull off a dealer's choice, or make a solid off of their regular menu. I didn't sense any of the pretentious attitude I caught at another notable nearby bar, which is always a welcome relief. Drink prices run right along with the standard SOMA cocktail prices - around $9-$12/each, which is totally fine for a solid cocktail made with good hooch and an experienced hand. This bar has been in the rotation on my last few visits to SF, and I totally see it staying heavy in the mix the next time I'm back. I totally enjoy this spot. read more

83 proof is awesome! Patricia P rented out the mezzanine for her "P" themed birthday party and it was a total success. Her party overtook the entire bar, but it was nice to have the upstairs level to ourselves to dance, lounge on the sofas, and mingle with people. I love the atmosphere of this place. It's pretty relaxed / chill and seems to be a big hit for Happy Hour by the SoMa crowd. I actually want to start coming here on Friday or Saturday nights at it won't be sooo crowded and annoying like most other bars. The bartenders are super friendly and attentive as well. The night we came, they had a bartender out sick, but the service was still impeccable and great. The drinks are strong and cheap too. I;m pretty sure a Greyhound only costs $5. Props to Sky, the owner, for keeping things running smoothly for the entire evening. The birthday party was a huge success, so thank you 83 Proof. Can't wait to come back!! read more

I'm not sure I wanna come back here. Let me tell you what happened to me.... Well, I walk in this place...nice looking bar, very nice decor, just to get a drink with my cousin. Well we go inside and sit at the bar. Unsure about what to drink, the bartender [Sky is his name] suggested that he make something up. He gives us this drink that tastes like a grapefruit juice with a kick [very tasty]. Here is where the problems start. Two drinks later, I'm slurring my words. I don't like to slur; "S's" shouldn't have spit on them. Then by the 4rd drink, I started talking loud; as if everybody needed to hear my problems over the nice but subtle music being played. Then he hit us with a doozy; a shot of some tequila in a pretty blue bottle [taste like cognac; also tasty]. After that, I lost my ability to walk or think straight! So there you have it... in a matter of a little over 2 hours, and for very little money, I lost my speech, my hearing, and my ability to walk and think. If you want the same thing to happen to you, head into 83 proof, and you too can leave with the temporary feeling of being a babbling, stuttering, stumbling idiot. I'm going back next week; I LOVE THIS PLACE!! Look for the address cause there is no sign out front. Walk in, stumble out. If I get pulled over, I'm definitely telling the cops I'm handicapped. read more

I love this little place. The bartenders are all really cool...and there's even a drink named after me called "the jasmyne" made by Mark, or Mike...it was too late in the evening to be learning names (had too many Jasmynes by then)...I should have asked upon entry haha... I like how on warmer evenings they can open the front window and let the inside out and the outside in. The only caveat...it lets too much cigarette smoke in (especially if you are sitting right there) Maybe they can ask people to step a little further down the street (speaking of which..aren't you supposed to be a certain number of feet from the entrance?). Very nondescript front/area (you could easily walk or drive past this place while looking for it) but once you find it...it's like a little hidden treasure. It has a lofty upstairs area ...great for small parties with clean bathrooms and tables (along with stools at the bar) for seating. The decor is naturals and dark woods and the music is lovely. I would be a "regular" at this bar if I lived/worked near. Great meetup bar...if there is a DYL here (and I'm gonna recommend it!)...I will DEFINITELY be there! read more

This is my clear favorite bar in San Francisco. The bartenders are way pro - efficient, friendly, and with the skills to make you the perfect cocktail every time and even invent ones on the fly to suit your mood or taste. I usually go with the cucumber gimlet which has become my favorite drink that I just can't get anywhere else as good. 83 Proof is clean, has a nice, relaxed atmosphere, seating, a private mezzanine area that fits about 20, and has large windows in the front that can be opened for a nice breeze on warm days or evenings. I adore their fantastic liquor and beer selection and that it's kind of in an odd place with a super low profile. I've taken to calling this my spiritual drinking home for a reason. read more

Last night, I spent many an hour at 83 Proof. Now, I don't normally find myself in the FiDi for happy hour. I don't work down there, and I don't like making my way there during rush hour, but last night, my good friend Pam B. was trying to get through a tough day, so I obliged. It's kind of a random spot. 83 First St. Weird. But it turned into random fun. So, a bunch of yelpers were there. It was fun shooting the breeze and whatnot for happy hour ($2 Heinekens, although I don't drink that skunky beer). Stellas were $4. Not bad. The downstairs is filled with hot men and their butterface dates. The upstairs is filled with HEAT. Seriously, so ridiculously hot up there. Don't do it unless you're wearing a tube top. Ran into my ex and another sort of ex's best friend there last night. I never go there, how weird was that! Good times, but not worth making the effort unless someone is upset, trying to get over something, and makes a date at 83 Proof. read more

I used to work in the same block as 83 Proof for 5 years but never noticed this place. Probably because it used to look dirty and skeevy. I blame it on the obese homeless guy who's always hanging around in front of the Walgreens next door. Anyway, I only started coming here last year when I was looking for a nearby bar to take a visiting friend. To my surprise, I really like this bar and I've been coming here ever since. The bartenders are really friendly, even when we request stupid complicated drinks like the famed basil gimlet. We even made requests that would make other bartenders want to kill us such as "something fruity but not sweet", or "something fancy like the basil gimlet but with no gin, or whiskey", or "something with honey". Seriously, other bars would've kicked us out. But this bartender took our requests seriously and even asked for suggestions to name his creation. Too bad I'm not very creative with names and would probably name it something dorky like "hadouken cocktail" or something. It was pretty packed on a Thursday night, but the crowd cleared up at around 9. They probably went to get dinner. So it was comfortable. I have not been upstairs, but from what I've heard, they have sofas. Parking is a bitch. Even getting there is a bitch, especially during rush hour. Because everybody is on Mission, trying to get to the freeway. So be warned. Too bad my work is moving soon. I'm gonna miss this place. read more

Used to head to 83 Proof regularly back in my *more* lush days, aka being closer to 21 than I currently am, and popped in on Friday after work with some girlfriends. The bar was packed with the typical after work crowd, which made getting drinks tough, but we succeeded anyway. They were *sadly* out of Fireball, so we opted for Jameson shots, pineapple backs, with a Lagunitas to follow. I got the first round for my gal pal and me, $22 which is not too bad. Our other friends tried the oft raved about Basil Gimlet, which was our second round. Very good! I used to have a major crush on Mr. Gimlet, and had to start making them at home with cheap gin in an attempt to save some of my sheckles. I watched the barkeep craft this beauty, and it was awesome. From muddling the fresh basil, to adding just the right amount of lemon juice, plenty of vodka, and a bruised basil leaf as garnish, it was frothy, tart, and got the job done. We had trouble finding a spot to sit, like many of the other patrons, so we went upstairs to sweat it out for a while. The GM / owner should see about installing a vent to make it cooler up there, it was like sauna. Felt a little like I was in a can of sardines because of how packed it was, but that can be fun once in a while, right? read more

I LOVE QUARTERSAWN WOOD. You could serve me watered down Boone's Farm and I'd tip like a mafia capo if your floors and bar were constructed from narrow, even grained planks with a nice patina on them. I like hooks under the bar for my coat and bag, and tilted mirrors along the crown molding so I can look up and see myself in the third person. Reasonably clean bathrooms and nicely appointed lofts are cool too. I like friendly bartenders and expansive selections; around 20 bourbons and 30 scotches isn't bad at all. Mostly though, I like places that are a short walk from my work so that come 5:15, I've already forgotten how miserable and inconsequential my office worker existence is. This is why I love 83 Proof. read more

My friends and I gathered at 83 Proof to celebrate J's getting fired on his last day of work. He had long hated his gig at X, and was looking forward to getting started at a proper news establishment. We raised our glasses and cheered his ability to go out in a blaze of glory. 83 Proof was actually the perfect venue for the occasion. We were able to take over the entire upstairs balcony and party, party, party. Our bartender was super friendly and attentive (what, in San Francisco?), adding to the overall warm ambience. Plus, my dirty martini was $5 and had three, yes three, lovely robust green olives. 'Nuff said. read more

Best bar right by Salesforce tower, bartenders have so much experience and are so crafty!

Decent drinks at fair prices, but really shitty service. You're a bar. A bar on Saturday night. How the F*** does it take 45 minutes to get a drink? It's not just me, EVERYONE said they waited that long. You're a bartender. This is your job. You're a professional. Why the F*** do you give your customers attitude for ordering drinks? I ordered multiple drinks for my group (because you took FOREVER to get to me) and you were super rude and gruffly told me that you can't memorize it. I don't know, I see plenty of bartenders calmly, cooly, and kindly take a much larger drink order just fine. No need to be a d*** to your customers for ordering drinks.. AT A BAR! read more

This place reminds me of Mr. Smith's but smaller, which is good because I like Mr. Smith's and I like intimate venues. Unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy either of these aspects because the place becomes so ungodly crowded on Friday nights. While encased against the wall or caught in the tide human bodies I find myself a little lost. Attempting to catch up with a dozen old friends and acquiant myself two dozen new people left my as dazed as an over excited puppy. Where's my basket for a nap? At least in flurry of drink requests, I was able to get my liqour fairly quickly and without attitude (you could learn something here 540 Club.) Since many of my friends speak highly of this place on off peak nights I'll have to come back and see if I like it better then. It's worth a second go around. read more

The only reason why I came here and heard of this place for the first time is thanks to Ligaya T.! All of us drove from the Berkeley Marina with out prom dresses on to go to the DYL after-party at 83 Proof. We luckily found parking nearby the bar pretty quickly which is rare in the city! What I remember from my short stay there: Dimmed lighting.. a long and narrow bar that goes deep down the venue...A small upstairs area that is more fit for private parties or table service.. I am not sure if they do table service but it is fit for it.. All the yelpers were in that area which made it easy to mingle! It overlooked the rest of the bar. I got to bond with Ligaya T., which made my night!, and Ruggy also! It was a nice intimate time with all the east bay and sf yelpers. A different change which I can get used to! I wish i lived up there now! Good for a chill night with few friends but don't expect much out of this place if you are looking for a bougie night out in the city! read more

So I wandered in here yesterday, thinking I was going to see people I sorta kinda know somewhat but I blew it (it helps to pay attention to dates sometimes, heh)...it's alright though, I brought a newspaper with me and kept myself occupied while sipping on a gimlet. Anyway, my original rating was probably a little inflated, but I'm glad to say it's still deserving of 5 stars. The bartenders are really friendly and make excellent drinks, and it was relatively quiet with plenty of seating. Not a bad place to spend a Monday happy hour. read more

Why I've never written a review for this spot until now, is beyond me. Rolled in tonight after dinner at Quince for some post foodie meal blissful cocktails. It's my birthday (St.Patty's) so I was trying to avoid the shit out of the Irish Bank type scene. 83 Proof was an EXCELLENT choice. No drunken morons, quite a few hot ladies decorating the spot, and the most fabulously beautiful and charming Megan (sp?) serving us drinks. Didn't get out of control - stuck to a martini, a nice Green Flash IPA and some delicious Tequila (yes, you CAN mix booze if you're a professional). 83 Proof has a rather awesome liquor selection, and when you have a 6'1", statuesque, gorgeous woman, who's seemingly extremely nice serving you drinks, whilst the Ramones, Iggy & The Stooges, Adam & The Ants, etc. are playing on the stereo - life just isn't that bad. During Happy Hour, 83 Proof can get a little wacky - and these's definitely a little bit of FiDi douchebag quotient - but with an excellent staff (the guys who work there are super cool too), and great booze, with no pretentiousness, it's a recipe for a good time. And even better for weekend shenanigans from what I can tell. p.s. Megan - sorry if this post embarrasses you - but your warm smile and friendly demeanor really let the night end on a good note and I had to sing your praises. Your coworker whose name I didn't get, deserves some kudos as well - you ladies sling a mean drink with no 'tude. Thanks again!! read more