My friend's grad program rented out this bar for an event and it was a really nice chill place for all of us to hang out. Props to the bartenders who, despite probably getting close to zero tips all night, really took their time still making every single wonderful drink and really talking to you to figure out what kind of cocktail you wanted if you weren't sure. My ginger/ whiskey cocktail was excellent, and they make a GREAT basil gimlet! read more

Basil gimlet 10/10! They also have a good selection of beers ranging from $6-8 (reg prices). Good casual happy hour spot for small groups in SOMA, but it's SUPER loud inside. Like I almost couldn't handle the loudness, but most places are like that, right? read more

Great spot to grab a quick drink for happy hour. They have awesome music and a casual rustic vibe. Although it's a small bar which is why I recommend grabbing a quick drink vs hanging out there all evening. read more

Nish N. swears by 83 Proof, so we went for a few after-work refreshments the Friday before Christmas. We showed up at around 5 p.m. and were surprised to find that the place was already packed - not sure if that's typical for a Friday evening, but I'm sure a lot of people were only working half days or leaving the office early. The bar is relatively small, but a good layout - the front area was cleared out when we were there with no tables or obstacles (which made it easy to hang out with a big party). The bar area is a bit narrow, making it tough to get to the restroom. The money spot at this bar is the upstairs if you can get there early enough to secure it. The service is pretty fast given how busy the place is, and the drinks are good. It's a great hang out for the Financial District/SoMa area. read more

Another Kristina A. win indeed! Solid bar. Very easy to miss. Especially if you're already not sober - which is what happened to me the first time i tried to find this place. The selection here is great. The service is top notch. And when the space is not impacted by a huge party - this is the place to be. read more

Came here for a drink after work, it was packed and quite loud. I would not suggest this place if you are trying to have a conversation unless you are lucky enough to grab a seat. After waiting a while and stalking people at the bar, was able to finally snag a bar stool. I don't think I've ever been happier to not have to stand against the wall. I actually had a spritzer w/ white wine and seltzer. They put a twist of lemon peel which was a bit odd. They do have a huge flat screen TV in the front of the bar so if you ever want to watch the game here, it would be a good after work spot. read more

Nice little "hole in the wall bar" right in the middle of downtown. Great for a drink late or just after work. I think if I remember correctly they don't serve food at the bar but there's plenty of places very close by. read more

Really liked the space here, though the crowd was a little douch-baggy. High ceilings and sexy dim lighting. This would be a great place to celebrate something, especially if you can grab the tables upstairs. It was rammed on a Saturday night, but our group retreated up there where we had a cocktail waitress serving our needs. Would like to try it again during the week and get the Miriam and Nish experience (awesome bartenders, and mixology), I didn't get to sample any of their house specialties. read more

Very cool laid back bar. The entrance is very unassuming- Just the number 83 its as if you are entering a secret society. Once inside oooohh la la a whole wall of alcohol greets you (see photos). I had the sweet tea vodka w/freshly squeezed lemon and it was as if I was in Georgia on a hot summer night. Lordy lordy. Yup, it was really good but what made it better was the ambience at this bar. The decor and mood was spot on. Hip/modern/slight moroccan vibe. There is also a small upstairs lounge and that is where my friends and I spent the night. No one else was up there so it was like a private party. IDK if it was just because it was Friday of Labor Day weekend but, it wasn't very packed when we were there. In closing, if you like FANCY drinks this place has no problem whipping up whatever concoction you come up with. Have fun and make sure you have a DD. ;) read more

A long overdue update - I reserved the upstairs for a birthday party last year, and it worked out super well. The only slight downside which is not controllable is that it was in the midst of a SF heatwave (yes, it exists!) so the upstairs was actually quite hot and there's no AC. They had a big fan for us, but it was still pretty warm. Also, there was a wedding party on the main floor, so we didn't feel too comfortable hanging out downstairs until later in the evening when both groups had pretty much combined in a haze of boozy good times. I worked with Veronica and she was super nice. There was a deposit/minimum for the upstairs but we easily met it with a group of ~30 people. Veronica was also there, and made sure all was taken care of. This is a great spot to reserve for an event - either the smaller space upstairs or a larger event for downstairs or the entire space. read more

Came here last night with three friends for happy hour after reading reviews on Yelp. The place is not particularly well marked but not hard to find if you're looking for it. It's a big small, there were maybe 4 tables, each with 4 chairs, and then chairs along the bar, but that's it. It was a good crowd however... not open tables or seats but not so packed that we couldn't move. All 4 of us got a whiskey with raspberry, which was some elaborate mix of whiskey, fresh raspberries, and maybe lemon juice. They were pretty delicious, though a bit sweet for my taste. $32 for 4 drinks. A table cleared out so we sat down and ordered more drinks, each getting a dirty vodka martini ($28 for 4). These were super strong. I ordered a Lagunitas on top of that, and I don't think any of us were sober by the time we left. Overall, the place was cute. Seemed like a pretty young crowd, drinks weren't cheap but they weren't horribly expensive either, and they put a good amount of alcohol in them. Show up early if you want a table, but it's still fun closer to 8:00. read more

Sure. What the heck do I know about a bar when I'm not an imbiber? Well, here's my one cents' worth. You have a nice little lofty area in the back for you and your pals. We jammed a dozen+ people up there and it was coze. Nice place if you can get it. Downstairs they're slinging drinks along the long bar and making friends with you as you sit and sip. It's got one of those dimly lit vibes, and it wasn't so screaming loud so you couldn't have a conversation. But it ain't a quiet little place, either. I shouted for an hour or so and then got out. read more

I came here with a couple of friends after work on a Friday. I was reading some of these reviews and noticed that one of the main concern was finding this place. Honestly, we just guessed when we saw a bar with a lot of people inside and assumed it was 83 Proof. The place was rather small with an upstairs space to hang around. Unfortunately, there was an event going on so we couldn't go upstairs. I got a mint mojito and I would say that it was decent. Our bartenders were fine during the first 30 minutes but when we were closing the tab, it took them a while to get my friend's card back and almost thought they lost it. Would I come back here again? Maybe... read more

83 Proof - Whiskey Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a great little unpretentious bar. I get that their gimmick is to design you a drink based on the taste you describe wanting, and that's all lovely. What I think is really special about 83 Proof, is that the bartenders' helpfulness doesn't just extend to creative cocktails. They have a great selection of whiskeys, and last time I asked the bartender for "an inexpensive whiskey that is interesting". He delivered exactly that, and without wrinkling his nose or trying to upsell me. It's a good little spot, when it's not so crowded that it's 90 degrees in there. I don't understand the ebb and flow of the crowd there. Sometimes it's packed and 30 minutes later it's empty. If you walk by and it looks like doin' too much, stop by again in a while. read more

900th review goes to one of my favorite bars in the city. I've been here twice on the last couple weeks (hilariously on the same night), and I would have visited a third time had it not been closed for a private event. There are only two bartenders, and the one I got both times was friendly and mixed up two really good drinks after giving him some preferences. I can't recall the names, but the second was a whiskey with some lemon juice, bitters, and an orange peel. The place wasn't packed either time, so I was able to find seating at the bar both times. read more

I met a former co-worker here for a couple of drinks to catch up - on a tuesday night. It was PACKED! I was really concerned that it would takle forever to get drinks, as I was on a tight schedule to meet people for dinner. Wrong, The bartender was RIGHT ON, in spite of the crowd, he got me, got me drinks, kept tabs open, and closed me out at the end. He was in the zone, and my wait was very acceptable for all activities. Drinks were superb, except standard downtown SF pricing, crowd in 20s and 30s. Enjoy read more

My friend and I hosted a small party here a couple months ago and it was great. You can rent out the mezzanine for a bar minimum which we easily met. They will even keep track of your guests so that you don't have to pay the bill all on one tab! We were allowed to bring our own snacks and decorations as well. The bartenders were super nice and accommodating to our group. As for the drinks, this is a whiskey bar, but they actually have a lot of non-whiskey cocktails if that's your preference! I love the gimlet here. read more

Gin Dominatrix. Get it. Anyone who knows me knows I probably wouldn't order a drink with this name. Its weird and not fruity enough. But get this, it's gin, blackberry, and basil with an egg white foam. At that point I was like sign me up! Bartenders were great at this spot as he was happy to recommend a drink and my friend and I ended up with this fun cocktail. The crowd is a bit older and a bit more serious in a tinier spot (as few skinny tables and chairs with a small upstairs part) but come here for the drinks alone. Cheers! read more

83 Proof is a great choice for an after-work cocktail. Happy hour offers a more than a few boozy libations to help quench that midweek thirst. They specialize in dark liquor, but you'll find pretty much whatever you want after a quick glance at their well stocked shelves. Don't order a vodka soda or gin and tonic here; venture outside your comfort zone and try one of the house specialty cocktails. If nothing on the menu appeals to you ask one of the friendly bartenders to make you something to your liking. read more

While this place has tasty drinks, the ambiance gets 3 stars. This is definitely a post-works drink place. I've come here twice late night, and it's always dead quiet... which could be a plus on a quiet evening with your SO -- but if you're looking to rage with good drinks, stay in the mission and hit up Bond for some good gimlets. Net net: - good post-work - too quiet for rage nights - perfect for late night quiet date read more

YUMMY GIMLET! also, $4 beer :) Came here for happyhour around 4 and the bar is very dark inside. It's probably better to come around 6 so that the lighting inside starts to show. It got crowded around 5 and by the time we left people were waiting for our seats. This place only serves alcohol and no food. My gimlet was delicious. Barely tasted any vodka and the lime juice was refreshing! read more

83 Proof - gimlet - Whiskey Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I came here twice and both times on a Friday night it is PACKED! Everyone in the FiDi goes here after work, everyone looks like they're in their usual business attire. Crowded as hell, but all I care about is getting served. The bartenders were good, but didn't give the best service. There's an upstairs that overlooks the downstairs bar, which is cool. This is a great place to meet up with friends, grab a drink and hit up another spot. read more

Haven't been here in years. Still remember when it was a dive bar. Good ambiance, bartenders, and drinks. read more

After some light (for us, anyway) Friday drinking at the office, I wandered off with Akvile H and her husband in search of a bar close to BART, and on the way to my next set of drinking buddies. Our search led us to 83 Proof, a dive bar of the classier and nicer variety (while not an upscale lounge by any means, the only thing that really drove the dive bar element home was the smell of urinal cake that pervaded the bar). A little less busy than I would have expected on a Friday night (though perhaps normal around 10pm), we were able to easily make our way up to the bartender, order our drinks, and even chat with him a bit. While the other two stuck with beer, I was undecided on what to order, and was given the suggestion of a (muddled) blackberry whiskey sour, which turned out to be a unique and tasty drink. As another plus, while they'd run out that day, they do carry Templeton rye, easily one of my favorite ryes to date (and rather hard to find). read more

Finally, a trendy gay bar in the Financial District. 83 Proof is upscale with a homicidal edge. Sausage-fest + 2-buck Heinee's = Happy Hour from Heaven. Tough day at the office? SFW. Head straight to 83 Proof after work and end your day right. Hooking up with lawyers, hotties and drunk jocks has never been this easy! WORD. The 83P bartenders are ridiculous. Behind the bar. Walking you to your car. They're beyond fun, genuinely friendly, and they know when to pour heavy. I read somewhere that Monday at 83P is Amateur Porn Star Night. Someone's full of shit. I went four Mondays in a row and only saw Juan Jeremy. The rest of them were professionals. 83 PROOF = DOIN' IT. read more

83 Proof - 83 1st Street - Whiskey Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Last night was my second visit to 83 Proof. I truly enjoy the layout. It has a large bay window that opens to the street, which is much needed-it tends to get super hot in there. They also have a balcony on the back looking over the rest of the bar. The bar is made out of all hardwood and it is pristine. Out of the SOMA 1st street/2nd street bars I think its one of my favorites since it gets the least crowded, as soon as people catch on it may be the new John Collins. Smooshed and over-packed. Otherwise the bartender seemed pretty down to earth, the crowd was friendly and the bathrooms super clean!!! Nothing too great to report but nothing horrendous either, solid bar. read more

I've come here on Fridays with friends after work, so naturally it gets REALLY FULL. Tons of people milling around means you have to weasel your way to get to the bar to order. Best thing to do would be to have one person to order for the group. The drinks here are small and the crowd is usually Deloitte/business folks on Friday nights. read more

83 Proof - Tequila sunrise - Whiskey Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wonderful bar in the financial district of SF :) It's located on First street and it could be easily missed if you weren't looking for it. There is no big signs, just a window and a door that gives you the view of the bar. It's small and cozy. It has a feel of a speak easy and I really like that. Seems like a great place to relax after work. The lighting is a bit dim, it has an orange glow to it which gives the place a sort of warm and cozy feel. There are two floors, the first floor consist of a standing area and the bar with table seating and the second floor serves as an additional seating area with couches. The second floor is very small, it allows you to overlook the entire bar which is nice (: I was here for a friend's party. He had booked the entire bar for a private event and it was a ton of fun. The bartenders are very friendly and helpful. They were pretty on point with drink recommendations if you didn't know what to order. Their various cocktails tasted pretty good. They're really well known for the basil gimlet which kind of reminds me of a mojito. They had a whisky cocktail that I thought was pretty good too. It was a great bar, and I'm glad my friend decided to have his event here because I wouldn't have gotten to try it if he didn't. read more

83 Proof - Citrusy and fruity :) - Whiskey Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Awesome whiskey bar! The bartenders were so great. It was a quiet place and we sat right at the bar. Huge selection.

I wasn't 100% sure I had walked in the right place as the sign outside their establishment only had "83" on it. I think I would have passed by them if their sign hadn't been lit up. Anyway, I came here on a Monday night (around 8:30PM) with a friend. Thankfully it wasn't crowded at all and we were able to find a table in the back. They don't have a menu and I wasn't really sure what I wanted to order. The bartender was nice and helped my friend and I decide on what drinks we should get after asking us a few questions on what we wanted in a drink. Their drinks were good and I would consider coming here again! Their music wasn't very loud, which was appreciated as I always have difficulty with speaking/hearing in loud places. read more

Conveniently close to BART so it gets pretty packed with people just leaving work. They have a decent beer selection on tap. This bar is definitely a lot smaller than you'd like it to be considering it gets a lot of visitors. Bartenders are friendly, quick and don't mind making a recommendation. Also pretty attentive for a packed bar considering they will freely ask you if you need anything rather than you waving your hands forever for some attention. read more

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

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

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

My husband and I threw a pre-wedding happy hour at 83 Proof, and it was wonderful! When we were dating we would always stop here for drinks because it was close to Bart & Muni--so we were excited to throw a party at a place that was so important to our relationship. We emailed to reserve the mezzanine area, and the 83 Proof team was really helpful and responsive. They offered us a list of caterers they'd worked with before, and set up a table for our snacks. They also arranged to have chilled champagne for our toast, and quickly had 30 glasses set up for our guests. Everyone had an amazing time! Thank you so much for making our day special! read more

Bartender Gabriel is shady. Overcharge drinks and unprofessional...be aware of him!! Their Alcohol selection is decent but please get better and honest bartenders. Make sure you ask for the price before you ask for your drink, they don't have a menu and the bartender can dictate how much to charge you. read more

TL;DR - Whaaaaa, this place is cool! 83 proof is one of those places that is so close to me that I sometimes end up going in sweats and a hoodie (hey don't judge) The bartenders are always friendly and welcoming. The prices are great. Yes, it does get SUPER crowded on thursdays and fridays. However, it offers some good people watching. The rotating tap is also amazing when I'm not in a hard liquor kinda mood. Yup, you'll definitely find me here in my sweats. read more

Only came here for beer. Decent selection of alcoholic beverages. Gets really busy right around rush hour, with people in suits coming straight from work for a drink or two before heading to the East Bay and other areas they call home. Can get pretty loud. read more

83 Proof - Whiskey Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Pretty chill vibe..I wandered in here on a welm cuz I liked the name. I enjoed the Basil Gimlet, it's a great refreshing drink if you like the taste of Basil! The bartenders are very cool. Crowd is too. I recommend the Happy Hour, you can get a good buzz on some yummy drinks at a decent price! read more

Decent beer selection. Good mix for cocktails. Prices are a bit high for the area, especially after 8p when the work crowd dwindles down. Bathrooms leave a lot to be desired. read more