I have to wonder if anyone is paying attention in the kitchen. Food was bland and flavorless. Guacamole was served ice cold with burnt chips. The steak I ordered was 60% grizzle and fat. Again, some salt would have improved this meal. I don't believe there is a chef in the kitchen, just guys pushing food out. read more

Still some kinks to work out. Our group ordered 7 dishes off their limited menu and everything was ok, nothing spectacular. The service was very attentive, albeit not very knowledgeable about the limited menu (they recommended semolina as a gluten free option- semolina is coarse purified wheat, so the opposite of GF). read more

I want to be super clear, I LOVE SF Jazz, I'm a member and encourage you to look at their programming, visit their space, and go see some shows! This "review" is focused on B-side, the bar/restaurant that's attached to SF Jazz, and specifically addressing the cocktails/bartenders. As folks on Yelp have pointed out, one of the great things about SF Jazz is you can take a cocktail into the show with you, so when I started going I was super excited that the bartenders were friendly, knowledgeable, efficient, and generally a highlight of the whole experience of going to SFJ. I genuinely liked them, they recognized regulars, and seemed to like the gig. The photos on the Yelp page include those guys. All that seems to have changed without really being announced (can't find anything on Google). One day all of the regular bartenders (maybe the entire staff?) were gone and the menu had changed, and when I pressed one of the new bartenders about it, she said that they changed management. Unfortunately for the worse. I can't go into details of the entire new menu, as I haven't had the inclination to try all of their drinks, they are very pricey (over $14) and in some cases, odd. They have a chocolate old fashioned (!?) on the menu, and if you don't say you want a regular old fashioned, you will get this abomination. It's terrible. Or, it's a terrible old fashioned, if they called it something, else, like Monk's Beard, or anything without "old fashioned" in the name, then it would just be a terrible drink and not a terrible old fashioned. The first time I made the mistake of ordering an "old fashioned" after the change in management I was with friends and we were super confused, because we could not figure out who ordered the sweet drink with flecks of something in it. Turns out it was Mexican chocolate shaved into the drink, but it felt like plastic bits, and did not taste like chocolate. I chatted with the bartenders after the show and they said to order a "regular" old fashioned next time. Okay... Armed with this knowledge, last Sunday I tried to order a "regular" old fashioned, not the chocolate version. I felt good that I could get a great drink again and watch an inspiring jazz performance (Leyla McCalla is awesome, BTW). The bartender seemed to know exactly what I was asking for, and promptly put an orange wedge and two cherries in a glass, so I asked, "could I please get a pre-prohibition version, no muddled fruit, no seltzer..." to which he replied, "whatever you want, it's your drink!" and proceeded to not muddle the orange wedge and cherries, dump a hefty amount of dark "simple syrup" in the glass, perfect shot the whiskey, add a few really off-size chunks of ice (not sure if that's artisanal, or just sloppy?) and hand it to me. Basically, a non-muddled, super sweet, odd tasting, kind of confused "new school" old fashioned. I went into the Joe Henderson space, tasted the drink and apologized to my date that at $16 (plus tip) I was going to ask for the drink the way I wanted it. I mean who can't make an old fashioned?! So back I go, and that's when things got weird. Between three bartenders, none of them seemed to know how to make a traditional old fashioned, or feigned ignorance. When I explained it, the first bartender again put an orange slice and cherries in the glass and was about to muddle it, when I explained that wasn't the drink I wanted, to which the second bartender stopped him and proceeded to condescendingly ask me micro-step by micro-step how to make an old fashioned. The kind with bitters, sugar, splash of water, whiskey, ice, orange (or lemon) peel garnish. I'm not talking about some crazy "what the kids are into" 17 ingredient drink, with three kinds of shrub, and an amaro rinse. I'm talking about an old fashioned. And I get that there are two competing versions of this drink, but ANY bartender worth their salt, and ANY bartender making $16 drinks should know how to make both versions, or at least the original version of the drink! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Fashioned Caveat emptor my music living friends! I've now thoroughly exhausted my expectations with the new B-Side management and their bartenders, so I will be ordering a beer, or just skipping the bar, from now on. Also, the online menu is not up to date: http://www.b-sidesf.com/menu/ read more

Just went to my first show at the Jazz center, arranged to meet friends for a drink at B-side 30 minutes before the show. The bar/lounge was populated but not crowded by any means. The bar had "reserved" signs in front of each seat. We waited standing at the bar, while the seated guy next to me ordered food and a drink. Two bartenders working and one woman waiting ahead of my two friends and I. Bartenders never made eye contact, never acknowledged us verbally, and the bartender directly in front of us averted his eyes so as not to 'see' us. He served the other woman who had ordered then he suddenly remembered something he needed to make and hustle over to a table, still without acknowledging us. My friend asked the other bartender if he could make a drink, he said he'd help her after he helped "all the other people" gesturing to the room where pretty much everyone but us had a drink. Eventually he made a drink for her and the other bartender made one for my other friend. Neither asked asked if I'd like a drink, despite standing there, right next to my friends for the last 15 minutes. I had to ask the bartender. As he made my drink, I noticed the guy who ordered next to me at the bar was well into eating his food. It took longer to get 3 drinks than to order and be served and begin eating a hamburger. I was ready to go join my friends and wanted to just pay and asked how much the drink was. Charming bartender says, "I'll tell you how much it is after I ring it up," (like it's a mystery based on random pricing he cannot anticipate.) We were lucky to be served before the show started and had to hurry up and finish cause our drinks were in real glasses we were not allowed to take with us into the venue. Never again. read more

Ok. It is close to SF Jazz so I may even go again. BUT...I am a vegan and ordered the vege burger. I was horrible. It arrives barely lukewarm and soggy. Just coolish soggy rice, beans and beets mashed together. Really bad. I could only eat about two bites. The waiter looked at it and did not even ask if there was something wrong with the food. He knew. So bad food and bad service. Super slow and inattentive. But, as I said, contiguous with SF Jazz - so location location location. The wine was good. So one point for wine and one for location. Zero for food and service. read more

Though I was initially excited to spend some time in the comfy lounge adjacent to SF Jazz's main auditorium, the lasting memory will be that of an overly protective and socially inept staffer. As I was leaving with my wife, she pointed out a Horace Silver LP on a shelf. I hesitate to call it a "display", as there was NO SIGNAGE whatsoever to guide behavior. Nevertheless, on picking up the LP to check the song listing, but not wanting to check the LP itself ( though I'm of a 'certain age' where handing LPS is second nature...), I was immediately and curtly instructed to "Please put that back." That was something I'd expect in a museum - or to be directed to a child. And no, the album was not a collectors piece. But, but if it WAS so precious, it (and actually all vinyl in the room) should have been behind glass and locked. All told a decidedly negative experience and directly counter to fostering a sense of community among jazz fans. Very, very disappointing. read more

We stopped in for brunch at b side on a Sunday afternoon. I really love the atmosphere, something like a library, bookstore, and elevated cafe. I was pleased with the brightness of the space and I feel the menu matched this as well. Very light and perfect for a casual weekend brunch. read more

This review is for Sunday, May 19th. Love the bar, the cocktails and bartenders. Our experience had only been at the bar, having cocktails, chatting with the bartender(s) after gigs at the SFJazz Center; the experience had been so good that we decided to try it for dinner. Oi! We had reservations and it took the hostess about 5 minutes to acknowledge us. She saw us, walked to the back of the bar, arranged some menus, talked to co-workers, walked around the floor and then finally came to us. We were seated at one of the high tables by request so that was fine. We were served water almost immediately and that was good but then it derailed pretty quickly. Our drink orders were taken and we received them after a bit of a wait, so taking this cue, we gave our server our food order before he could leave our table (we got there at 6:30, the gig we were attending began at 8). After a long wait, we ran out of water, I asked a passing server for more but it never materialized and no one else came even close to our table to see if we needed anything, so my husband read my mind, got up, went to the bar, took a pitcher of water and poured our refills - I usually do that kind of stuff so kudos to R for beating me to the pitcher! As we sat there waiting for our food I noticed that a new customer had come in and was waiting by the door, the hostess was not around and the poor man waited for about 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged him. Wow. The food came and it was ok, I had the spinach salad, it was tasty and indeed a spinach salad, not much more else to say. R had a sandwich and it was decent, again nothing special. During the meal no one checked on us at all, in fact, we felt ignored, could it be because we served ourselves some water? Puhleaze! By this time it was about 7:35 or so. We ordered 2 more drinks to go (drinks are allowed inside the SFJazz Center) and we didn't get them until 7:55, they were cutting it close to curtain time and I was ready to go! I made the international sign for "please bring the check" and darted out of there with mere minutes to spare. Although the place looked properly staffed the service was sub par. All in all: if you go to BSide head for the bar, have a great cocktail, maybe a bar bite but get your dinner somewhere else. read more

On the way to Jazz at the SFJazz Center? On the way to the Nourse, Symphony, Opera.....or, on the way to have a meal with family or friend in a quality spot? That's B-Side. Everything has been excellent. We love soft artichokes and have learned to ask about that. Here, there's understanding as to why. Even the mixed veggies have their own distinct flavors, plus super colorful and in season. The ribs are succulent, not oily sloppy. The salmon is moist with an outside crunch, and the appetizers are a nice size to share: Burrata that's just the right consistency to spread, tater-tots with a hint of fresh herbs, and the prawn soft taco with a quality tortilla that won't fall apart. Another time, it was a better-than-basic burger that we'd order again if we couldn't get to our 5-star burger spot. read more

Went back several times because it's just so convenient when you attend a concert. Haven't seen the awful restaurant manager, hence things are smooth like the jazz concerts. read more

Very average. Portions are large. The brussels sprouts were tasty. My fried chicken sandwich was fine. The french fries were undercooked - limp and cold, not crispy at all. My friend's pork chop was ok, probably overcooked for most people, but he likes his meat well done. His mashed potatoes were cold, they did bring some new warm ones. Cocktail was pretty small portion. Glass of wine was decent pour. This place is probably OK before a performance. Service was OK. read more

Just had a great dinner at B-side. We came in without a reservation and stood at the bar. Normally this would make for a sub-par evening, but Victor turned it all around! He was extremely attentive and offered great suggestions. He modified our drinks to our liking and managed to anticipate our needs even before we could ask. When we return we are definitely coming back to the Bar! (Also the tater tots will change your life. Amazing) read more

This is for the catering upstairs, not restaurant. The chocolate chip cookies tasted three days old ,hard as a rock and I thought $15 for cabernet in a plastic cup was excessive. Someone needs to test their product before selling it. read more

Their fried chicken sandwich might be the best I've ever had, and the cocktails drink very easily. The space itself is spacious and comfortable. Service was great too. This is my new hangout spot! read more

For cocktails and bar bites this is one of the best I've been to in a long time. My margarita was perfect and the fried chicken sandwich was more than enough to satisfy me. Oh, the key lime pie was awesome. Seating is an issue with mostly sofas and low tables so get reservations for the tall tables or the bar. read more

A friend and I went to a show at the jazz center and decided to stumble into this bar after the show. Smart move on our part! This place was phenomenal in all aspects. The vibe was relaxing with quaint seating and light music playing, each dish we tried on the menu was full of flavor and decently priced, and the cocktails were superb! Best part of the restaurant were the bartenders. Manuel and his brother run the bar, and do a great job of explaining the menu and making you feel welcome. I will definitely be returning to this bar and would recommend in anyone in the neighborhood to check this place out!! read more

Love the krispy chicken burger. It is really juicy with cole slaw. The dessert was good (ice cream sundae)

Awesome cocktails, great wine selection by glass and bottle and yummy eats in a super swanky inspired setting at SF Jazz. Will be back for certain! read more