Cozy small bar with a speakeasy vibe. They focus on fernet /amaro but have a lot of other interesting options on the menu including a custom choose your journey option and also savory drinks! I made my own drink that was fizzy, fruity, and had rum and it was very watery unfortunately but very drinkable. The savory drinks my friends ordered were unfortunately misses for us but very interesting to try. Vibe inside is dim and chill-- great place to sit and catch up with friends! read more

Bar 821 - custom drink - fizz fruity rum - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a really cool, sort of secluded dark lounge that serves mostly amaro drinks. To get in you have to ring a bell, and there's some limited seating so the ask you make a reservation for large parties. The drinks were really amazing and creative. (A little on the pricey side but also worth it) I had the two faced Negroni which was both sweet and bitter and comes with a small pour of sparkling wine to sip with it. The other drink I'm forgetting the name of but it had a nutty cheese foam top and I believe had a little midori in it. Definitely had a savory and sweet vibe and I also loved it. Finally, we tried Malort out of morbid curiosity. (It wasn't that bad) read more

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One of my good buddies recommended this little speakeasy on Diviz. They're known for their Amaro and specialty cocktails. I ended up getting a watermelon/beet juice drink with white cheddar foam. One of the best cocktails I've had in SF. Each drink is about $20 but it's well worth the experience. It's a small bar, so try to avoid weekends or busier hours. read more

Bar 821 - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Stumbled upon this bar while walking along Divisadero and I'm so glad I decided to go in! This spot is easy to miss because it looks closed. However, there's a small sign on the entrance that says to ring the doorbell and a host will open the door. My friend and I sat at the bar where the lovely bartender went over the menu with us. We both ended up choosing to have a custom cocktail made by selecting a style, flavor profile, and spirit. We loved our drinks! The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere was so cozy. We absolutely enjoyed our experience and I would definitely come back! read more

Bar 821 - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Came here with a group of friends on a Thursday night. We were able to be seated immediately! Cute intimate spot with lots of dates haha What I loved about bar 821 is that it is truly a unique and personalized experience for everyone. 2 of us chose their journey by selecting their style, flavor and spirit. They definitely nailed the cocktails! A couple of us had the amari flights which they provided different combinations of amaro for each of us. Definitely a fun switch up! read more

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I was just looking for a regular bar with decent liquor at the last minute before a birthday dinner. I was totally unprepared for how special this is. First, the entrance is subtle and you have to ring the bell. A bartender answers the door to escort you in. The inside is very dark and cozy with light music. Pretty romantic, really. They have an amaro flight and a fernet flight so we had to get them. They have such a great selection that it's a great way to sample some interesting and herbal bitter stuff. It's dealer's choice unless you have a request, so the bartender set up four fernets and four amari, allowing us to check out each bottle as we went from sweet to bitter. I went out and bought a bottle of Meletti the following week because of this. The bartenders are pretty cool and knowledgeable, but unpretentious. It was filling up by the time we headed out in the mid evening. This place is awesome for a fancy-mode dark and bitter drink in an intimate atmosphere. read more

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Fun, intimate speakeasy type bar! This is a small space so if you go on the weekend, expect to wait. They have an extensive amaro and fernet selection. If you like these aperitifs, highly recommend getting the flight. These are individually made (ordered two at our table and got different options in our flights) and a fun way to try something new. The servers are extremely knowledgeable and kind. Cant wait to go back a try something new! read more

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Waited over 30 minutes to enter. 2 groups showed up after us with 3 people and were allowed to skip us in line. Finally we gave up and decided to go drink somewhere across the street. Not good customer service at all. The guy at the front looked at us weird as he did it too lol he felt guilty. Even the people behind us in line thought it was rude. I won't be back. read more

Cool speakeasy, you ring a bell and they will open a door for you. Last time they didn't but this time they did! Good vibes and cool drinks, but the drinks were very expensive :/ read more

Very interesting bar for a unique experience! Came here Friday night ~10pm expecting this to be a normal bar-- we were wrong. Upon ringing the doorbell, we were greeted and seated at the last remaining table for 5. We got two amaro flights, an espresso martini, and one of the listed seasonal cocktails listed on the wall. Not knowing what amaro is, the server was accommodating and enthusiastic in educating/explaining to us before tasting. The espresso martini was very good and on the sweeter side. The cocktail was very fruity and tart~if only I remembered what flavor it was... Highly recommend trying this place. The flight tasting was very unique and a great activity to be shared among a group! Definitely was an adventure getting through the 8. Excited to return to try the "Choose Your Journey" listed on the menu! read more

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Intimate, cozy, dimly-lit and chill lil spot. Good and sometimes experimental-ish with the flavors coming through the drinks with choose your journey drinks... but HOW TF DOES 3 drinks come to $90?! Would be a 5 if they stated that tip is included so double/triple tip isn't written in out of pressure to just take care of the bill. Was looking for a number to call to see if I could review the bill and edit the extra tip but there's no contact info so I guess we have to go through a review. read more

Stumbled across this place on a Friday night. Only had to wait about 5 min before we were able to find 2 spots at the bar. Service was spectacular! Drinks were spot on to our preferences. Ambiance was calm, cool, and homey. Would for sure go back! read more

I wish I had more of an experience to do a rating because my date was raving about this place. We get there and there's a wait, no problem. The worker was nice about it. He let us know we wouldn't need to go on a waitlist because there was a spot that opened up and he'd seat us, a part of two. Three rude guys came up and just waited in the entryway about to go onto the wait list, and then just stood there. The worker comes out and seats them ahead of us and then tells us to give us a number and we'll get a text back in 15 minutes, time was about 9:56. We get a text at 10 and we didn't check our phones until 10:16 thinking we had time. And yeah the onus is on us but the energy of the worker in combination with the rude guys ahead of us and seating them ahead of us just left a bad taste in my mouth. Especially because my date and I were people of color and queer, in this day and age one can't help but think it was just a micro aggression. Hopefully I can return and it'll be better since my date liked it but it just was a really bad first impression read more

Very cute bar, knowledgeable bar staff, yummy tailored to you drinks! Worth a stop - make a reservation for weekends, slightly speakeasy vibe read more

Came here just as they opened before a dinner reservation for my anniversary. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable and had great recommendations on what to drink. Khaled helped us at the bar and sampled many different Amaro's both by themselves and mixed in cocktails. Great conversation and education on the Italian herbal liqueurs. The entrance is nondescript with a black door and a doorbell. Service is seated, so come early to avoid a wait. Inside is dimly lit, and has a great ambiance. They have over 200 different Amaro. read more

Cozy bar and with a focus on Amaro's - Fernet it is something a little different. It is a small place and they I can understand some comments that it may be a wait to get in at busy times. However a group of 4 of us on a Thursday night (maybe just lucky) got in quickly and had excellent service and some fun unique cocktails. They took the time to discuss the cocktails and the unique ingredients so definitely worth a visit. read more

Love this bar! Such a cool concept and vibe and the staff are so kind and friendly and patient. This is a great spot for a date or a catch up with old friends. Every drink is unique and made with lots of TLC! I've recommended this place many a times and I can't wait until the next time I can go back! My only complaint is I tried to go the other day and they were closed. I wish they were open more nights in the week read more

Getting a flight. You have to ring the bell to get in. It's like shots of fancy Underberg. Speakeasy feel. read more

Bar 821 - Fernet - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Super cool, cozy bar with a focus on amaro. The ambiance was great and it smelled amazing. The bartenders were knowledgeable. I enjoyed the creative cocktails. Expensive? Yeah. But overall worth it. read more

I finally was able to make it in now that they are back open and was impressed. From the attentiveness of the servers, to the patrons who were there to actually try out the range of products and not just Instagram them, to the quality of the drinks. It very much reminded me of the experience upstairs at Dead Rabbit in NYC which is often considered one of the best bars in the world. My favorite part: It was Saturday night on Divisadero and I could still hear myself, and nobody was bumping into me! One note for first timers especially to this corridor: It is not cheap at all. But that's how things are in our neighborhood these days. read more

Very expensive drinks. Out of 3 different drinks we tried none of them tasted particularly great. I was excited about the interesting ingredients but it felt kind of thrown together to try and be different and cool instead of actually hitting the mark. They also added 20% gratuity for a party of 3. As a bartender myself I think that's pretty lame. read more

We were at another bar, but left cuz it was too crowded. Decided to check out Bar 821 instead. We walked in on Friday, August 10th around 10:30 pm. Our party of four easily found a table along the wall. *Manhattan 821: kentucky bourbon, meletti amaro & bitters ($11) *Amaro Blood & Sand: islay sgl malt, ramazzotti amaro, tuve fernet amaro & orange juice ($11) *Mexican Alps: aromatic walnut tonic, ramazzotti amaro, chile tequila & lemon ($11) I got the manhattan. I actually don't remember the cocktail much, but it I believe it was nicely balanced. Easy to sip on. I'm more into spirit forward, so if it was on the stiffer side, I probably would have remembered. I liked the vibe of the bar. Chill and laid back. It also has a beautiful ceiling. At night, it's gorgeous with the colorfully lite wall of liquor. Now why am I giving this spot two stars? The restroom. There was only one toilet (for both men and women) and it was sooo nasty! It was as if the toilet had exploded. There was something unidentifiable around the toilet. The floor was flooded. And the smell?! A urinal from the depths of hell comes to mind. Thinking about it makes me sick. That stench was indescribable. Plus, the door lock was faulty, so the two times we went to the restroom, we walked in on someone. Fun bar. Reasonably priced cocktails. But that bathroom. Only go if you don't plan on peeing. It's not worth it otherwise! read more

Bar 821 - Manhattan 821 ($11), Amaro Blood & Sand ($11), Mexican Alps ($11) - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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went for a walk in the neighborhood and stumbled across Bar 821 with my fiancé and our little walk turned into such a lovely date night! Bar 821 is a great spot for craft cocktails! They greeted us with complimentary limoncello tastings and their menu has a nice assortment of classic cocktails, flights, as well as a "Choose Your Journey" option! We both decided to go with that option because it seemed fun, and you decide the style/flavor/spirit for your cocktail and the bartenders will create a custom drink for you! Also they make their syrups in house which was neat to learn about. Our bartender Eduardo was more than accommodating and we had a nice conversation with him. Also the drinks he made were delicious! Will definitely be going back and recommending to my friends when they are in the neighborhood:D read more

This place is awesome. Small very creative bar focused on amaro. Really amazing service and awesome drinks.

Cozy neighborhood bar with incredible cocktails! You want a negroni? an Old fashioned? Or how about champagne cocktails? All cocktails are $7. Cash only. Go. read more

Bar 821 - Negroni and lychee champagne cocktail - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amaro is a spirit category that Ive had very little experience with, but that has changed a little bit after my experience at Bar 821. This place is more on the smaller side, but it is still easy to grab a seat at the bar or a table if you come reasonably early. We sat at the bar and had positive experiences with both of the bartenders. I told one of the bartenders that I was interested in doing an Amaro flight. He customized a four pour flight of Amaro's and they were all great selections. Next time, I would probably only do three pours. The four pours hit me a little hard, lol. I took a sip of the Boulevardier cocktail that my fiancé ordered and really loved this cocktail. The cocktails and personalized service are all worth stopping in for. read more

Bar 821 - Amaro Flight - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

"Very small and quaint. Strong drinks. And deep housey music vibes. Pleasant bartender. Would come again!" - Adrian "Loungey atmosphere. A bit hidden by the tattoo place next door. Would recommend for a date." - Vizuette read more

If I could give negative starts this would be the one. Tonight the dude that was working was literally the worst person I have ever dealt with in customer service. Will update later. I'm so upset. Do yourself a favor and go down the street to mini bar. Way better service and no attitude. ------- 2 tries. First try they didn't serve me or my friends. Said they were closed. Even though posted hours suggested otherwise and other customers inside showed differently but I didn't argue. Second try I literally had the worst service ever. The bartender some dude seemed to have an attitude as soon as I walked in. Same guy the first time that said they were closed. So I Bartend myself. And I'm annoyed with people as much as the next guy. But I still have to deal with people so I'm polite. This guy tonight was a complete ass. Rude from the start. Yes we did order 4 drinks because the other 4 weren't drinking. Yes I did ask for a specific tequila but only after the entire order was placed did you say you didn't carry that. And then u said you were out of Jameson. Not an issue. Paid for the shots but you had to shake your head at me and talk shit about me to the other bartender and act like I'm not important. Then when I called u out for being a dick u said I had an issue. Seriously. Wtf is your problem. I work In The industry. I didn't make a scene even though one was deserved. I said have a good night. And left. This guy behind the bar was a total dick. I have multiple witnesses who were there that can attest. Whatever was going on there with dude was not ok. I suggest going up the street to mini bar. They are way nicer and way more welcoming. read more

I loved this place. The drinks and the service are excellent. The bartenders Davide and Luis are knowledgeable and very helpful. They even gave us free olives and free shots. Try the flight of Amaros. So nice to discover all these different varieties. read more

Bar 821 - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Bar 821 is my neighborhood bar now. Initially, I didn't like it because it seemed uppity because of its large selection of fernet and amaro. But, it's turned out to be one of the least pretentious non-dive bars out there. HIGH LIGHTS It's never overcrowded. There's plenty of seating and standing room, and several bartenders. It's never too loud and you can actually have a conversation with others here. They will make you any drink, even if they haven't made it before. I asked for a cloverclub, but the bartender had never heard of it. However, he was able to make a pretty good one after just glancing at the recipe. The bartenders are friendly. They actually make eye contact with you. Insane that that's not a given, right? low LIGHTS None. I always pick 821 to meet up. OVERALL This is my ideal bar. Never change, Bar 821. read more

A quaint little bar and cocktail lounge in the NoPa (North of Panhandle) district. I popped in for the first (and hopefully not last time) before attending a concert around the corner at The Independent. It's a cozy little spot for those who appreciate good spirits and craft cocktails. What impressed me the most was their extensive selection and focus on Amaro and Fernet. They have every liquor imaginable, but judging from the two large boards on the wall detailing their selection of these two items, I'd say this is their bread and butter. I am sort of a fernet novice but have been slowly tasting my way through all the brands. Fernet Branca seems to be an across-the-board favorite and I've really grown to love the drier Fernet Francisco. The long, dark wooden bar here is perfect for sipping and savoring both. The number of fantastic watering holes in San Francisco never ceases to amaze me. You can add this one to my list of ideal places to enjoy a cocktail in an intimate atmosphere. read more

Bar 821 - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nice quiet place. A little dim (or a LOT dim), but I enjoyed the ambiance. Drinks are strong. I didn't like their negroni, as it was a little too bitter for my taste. I did, however, like the Irish Boulevardier. Fiance had the Manhattan which was good, too. We also ordered a charcuterie board, which was amazing. Would definitely return! HH is from 5:30-7:30! read more

I am in love. This bar is awesome. We didn't have trouble securing the big table in the back. The chairs are comfy. We don't have to scream in each other's ears to have a pleasant conversation. Mon-Fri, 5-7: $3 for champagne and specialty cocktails? I'm sold. $3 draft beer. Booyah. All the other times the drinks are around $6, which still beats some SOMA happy hour deals. :) all around. Yes, the bar closes at 11 every day. Yes, it's cash only, so come prepared (they have an ATM in the front). Try the wannabe bloody mary cocktail. It's effing delicious! read more

Bar 821 - champagne cocktails (lychee and pomogranate) - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Have I mentioned how much I love my neighborHOod? Bar 821 is one of the *gillian* reasons why I do...Apologies, my yelpies for not reviewing this gem sooner. Quaint, dark, and comfortable is the best way to describe Bar 821. Great diverse crowd of HOod and non-HOod dwellers. Love the vibe and ambiance, and be sure to check out the interesting flicks on their flat screen. I've been here on numerous occasions (meeting Popchip angel and Tsaritsa for the first time, pre-post dining with L, D, or M, and even a few dates, etc.,). Best place to sit are the tables by the window. Take heed, as it can get really noisy if super crowded (typically Friday & Saturday nights). Great selection of wines, champagne cocktails, and a few beers on tap. My fav specialty drinks are the are the Lychee and Pomegranate champagne cocktails. My most fav aspect of this bar is.... wait for it....tada.... The HO is on tap here. Oh Mylanta! My beloved HOegaarden is in my HOod bar! Gotta love it! Bartenders are always nice, and usually just one tending. So if it's crowded, you might be waiting a bit for your bevy. Recommend going for Happy Hour during the week, and be sure to check out their daily specials and the signage by the front door. FYI, they close earlier than most bars, and closed on certain days. Cheers and see you at Happy HOur! read more

My husband and I decided to stop by Bar 821 while we waited for our dinner reservation at Hina Yakitori. It was a Wednesday night but it was a bit busy. We grabbed some seats at the bar, and were almost immediately given two glasses of water. There were two bar tenders working but service still felt a little slow. We ordered two drinks, and both were delicious! I had the orange blossom and my husband had the whiskey bitter highball. We definitely want to come back to try some more of their cocktails. See you soon Bar 821! read more

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It's a love / hate relationship. You love it b/c they serve boozes, just wish they could get the hard liquor license, I would definitely come again. Hoogarden and Chimay on TAP! Did you hear me or do you need hearing aids?!!!! You hate it when it closes early. WHY?! this is my sad face : ( read more

Bar 821 is a pretty decent place to meet up for drinks with one or two other people. It is definitely not ideal for a large group of people. The place itself is dimly lit and creates a nice little ambiance. They do have a great selection of fernet and amaro, if that is your thing. The cocktails were a much better option for me personally. Fernet and amaro aren't really my thing but the cocktails at Bar 821 are legit. They do not have an extensive food list, just minimal options so I would not go here expecting a full meal just some snacks. Overall, great experience and I would go back again. read more

Bar 821 - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Love their sangria and champagne cocktails. You can also bring in your own food!! 4 stars because hours are a bit short and not much beer to choose from read more

Fantastic well made old fashions + made to order hand-carved ice cubes to go with your old fashion While not my go-to drink of choice, really cool to see they have fernet flights Decor/ambiance strikes the right balance of date night/causal evening with friends Overall Thoughts Will definitely be back! read more

I walked in with my GF (she lives around the corner) and they wouldn't serve us... It was confusing since they seemed to be in the business of selling drinks and ambiance, yet had none. I'm gonna try some other day when they're not busy ignoring customers. read more