It's tough times for cocktail bars right now, and for reasons that are very understandable (read: economics) it's not easy for a cocktail bar to focus on pushing the envelope and still remain open. Newly opened Bar Orso keeps things tight enough to experiment, and the result feels like a breath of fresh air. With a focus on local aromas and tastes (from the natural -- pine tips, to the cultural -- fernet) Bar Orso has a menu direction that suggests an intent to innovate, not just to please. Of course, innovation is risky, and I don't think the menu is yet as dialed in as it could be. I tasted the Orso (essentially in-house Fernet and Coke) and the Clear Burrata. I'd give both a 4/5. The Orso has a lot going for it. The redwood distillate and garnish provides a brightness and freshness to the base aromas that otherwise might feel closed and dark. The cola (Fentiman's Curiosity Cola?) and Fernet have a lovely interplay. However, the end result is a little too soft and sweet for me. I would say it is the perfect drink for someone who loves rum and coke but wants it to taste more like Fernet. For my taste, I'd love to see it punched up in some way - either by reducing sugar content, adding acid, or perhaps by carbonating the entire cocktail. Full disclosure, the Clear Burrata is not the type of drink I would typically order. I would attempt to describe it as "sake plus" - don't worry about it being overly cheesy, and if you love the mild but complex sweetness of sake it's a good choice. I loved the aromas of the basil / salt rim but they did not seem to integrate super well into the drink. I am not sure why. The drink comes with a small bite made from leftover olive oil (or something like that, I was distracted while this was explained) described as an "inverse" to the cocktail. This bite had a much more concentrated botanical / grassy flavor and I really enjoyed it. I would like to see a cocktail with more of this flavor profile. I found the cocktails interesting, but the real driver for this review was meeting bartender Jacquelyn Felix, the one-woman show behind the counter. Her passion for both the creative and practical aspects of the bar program at Orso was infectious. My wife and I will be back for one reason above all others: to see how she is able to grow Bar Orso from something interesting and promising to a new standard in the San Francisco cocktail scene. read more

Date of Visit: 4/10/2026 We booked the experience at Bar Orso with friends a few weeks ahead of our visit. Overall, we had a nice time, though the pace felt a bit rushed toward the end. In our experience, bars and lounges in the U.S. typically don't create a sense of urgency the way some highly reserved lounges in Asia might. However, during our second round, when the restaurant at the front was nearing closing, we did feel somewhat hurried, as the bartenders had begun cleaning and wrapping up. Orso Old Fasioned $18 Husband ordered the old fashioned with Heaven Hill Kentucky Bourbon, orange peel, and Angostura Bitters. A nice old fashioned but nothing memorable. The Orso $18 I got the house special "The Orso" which is basically a signature Fernet con Coca cocktail. This is a fusion of Italian amaro and American cola in a bear shaped cup. Dutch Queen $18 One of our friend got the Dutch Queen with house carrot kombucha, rye whiskey, caraway aquavit, dill, and ginger. Light and refreshing. Fairy Ring $18 Another friend got the one made with candy cap mushroom, toasted rice gin, jasmine tea infused vermouth, and Cappelletti London fog foam. The Golden State $18 We also ordered a snack to pair with our drinks. The corn fries, with the corn ginger miso, popcorn, and hot agave sauce on the side. Very great light snack to pair with cocktails. Camp Breakfast $18 The second round my husband ordered this visually amazing cocktail. Made with smoked bacon fat-washed bourbon, Amaro Sfumato pancake, and toasted oat maple syrup. This is made to symbolize the breakfast people usually have during camping trip. Smokey Gets Sandy $18 One of my favorite cocktails of the night was made with Blackstrap dark rum, lime, mushroom velvet falernum, and a lion's mane marshmallow. It was presented with a dramatic touch, set on fire right in front of me, and came with an extra marshmallow on a stick to roast. However, the moment felt a bit rushed. I asked the bartender for a second so I could take a quick video before the fire was lit, but my request was overlooked and the drink was ignited anyway. It took away from what could have been a more memorable and interactive experience, and added to the overall sense that things were moving too quickly. Clear Burrata $18 Light and refreshing cocktail with local Petaluma buffalo mozzarella milk, Akashi Tai Ginjo genshu sake, lemon, olive oil-washed pisco basil, olive oil, and salt rim. Rosemary Pomegranate Fog $18 This one is also great with dry ice presentation. Made with Cocchi Ameriano, vodka, muddles pomegranate, citrus, fennel, and rosemary slush on top. read more

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I really enjoy dining at Merchant Roots so I definitely had to check at Bar Orso as soon as I could after they opened. The space occupies the bar area of Merchant Roots, noting that Merchant Roots has about 4 distinct dining area (at least from what I've experienced). However, you enter through a secret door on the exterior of the restaurant. Speakeasy vibes as you walk through a moody red hallway and have to find the secret door. - the orso - housemade redwood fernet, redwood needle distillate, wild forage botanical soda - signature drink of the bar that's basically a fernet cola. everything is housemade and, while it sounds simple, the flavors are incredible - clear burrata - buffalo mozzarella milk, genshu sake, lemon, olive oil washed pisco, basil, olive oil, salt rim - such an interesting and refreshing drink with elements of mozz - pacific martini - seaweed ogo, olive oil, vodka, lemon - I don't usually opt for martinis but this one tasted like the ocean but in a good way - smokey get sandy - dark rum, lime, mushroom falernum, lion's mane marshmallow, fire - presentation is insane. Drink is presented in a wooded carved bear and set on fire, with the mushroom on a stick for the guest to torch read more

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What a total experience! From walking thru an eerie hall and finding the secret entryway to entering a whimsical, dark forest-like world. Intimate setting with only a few seats and two seatings per night. Reservations is a must, at least for now as they don't seem to take walk ins. Once seated, we were immediately greeted. The whole experience was truly unique and all the chefs and bartenders were beyond friendly, helpful, and generous! They all made it fun with their expertise and personality. Got the a la carte option, but there is a meal tasting option upon reservation. On to our redwood treats - - Fairy Ring - gin based, surprisingly refreshing and can taste the jasmine! Had a fun glass sugar covering that I got to break up into my drink! - Holy Water - another light and refreshing speciality cocktail with mezcal and cilantro! Can taste the clean, natural flavors. - Pomegranate Rosemary Fog - what a unique drink and spectacle! Just try it! - The Orso - wow, a must try!! You may think, yuck, Fernet! But don't judge too soon! This will shock your taste buds with the natural, botanical, redwood magic! - Specialty drink - oyster infused gin served in a shell with a fresh citrus juice in an apothecary glass. Such a creative setup and tasting! Every drink was uniquely served in a creative way! Redwood forest themed with dark art nouveau vibes. Loved it all! Even got to try a mini pinecone! A legit forest sweet treat! - Tri Tip - so flavorful and tender! Served with toasted bread, sandwich style. If you're hungry, get this! - Fish with Fresh Citrus - refreshing and interesting. Not what you think, very delicate piece of fish paired with sweet blood orange slices. A delight! - Corn Fries - a must get!! A whole new way to enjoy fries and makes this greasy food feel healthy! You can really taste the natural corn. Fried well. Just try it! - Sweet Tamale - this was surprisingly good! A nice sweet treat to end the night. A great experience! I appreciate all the bartenders / chefs recommendations and fun talks! Highly recommend this unique cocktail experience! Would love to return to try Merchant Roots! Only advice is wanting the venue setting to be more decorated to match the theme and vibes. Just felt like it was an existing space that turned into a bar. So thinking like entering a forest fairy world with tall redwoods, twinkling lights and gilded gold accents, with a bit of whimsy, etc. Perhaps the next theme :) Last notes: Make sure to check out the restroom - an art nouveau garden setting! And the side room that has strawberry bubble madness! read more

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This creative bar experience is going to pop off! I just know it, but they should refine a few things first. The good: + one of the few SF bars that give you a little show for some of the drinks! So cool! My favorite show was the Rosemary drink and the bear fire drink that our neighbor got lol (we tried to order but got the smaller version). + omg the bar food was so good, which makes sense because they are from Merchant Roots + loved the speakeasy experience getting into the bar and all the cool little rooms they included. You can tell it's set up for influencers down the line, so very intentional. + personal favorites are the Pacific martini (the forgot to put in a seaweed garnish I saw other people have...) and Rosemary drink because they were the most interesting! The meh: - we ordered 8 drinks between the 4 of us (we are all hardcore speakeasy lovers) and all agreed that the most of the drinks were one dimensional despite an impressive list of items. For example, - the clear burrata just tasted like the sake listed on the drink and when I asked about the salt rim listed, they said their dehydrator wasn't working so no salt? Lol - they mixed up the mocktail and the cocktail version of the duchess drink for my friend... which could have been really bad if my friend wasn't chill about it. Overall, it was a great experience and they're just starting out so will likely be tweaking their program for the better!!! Excited to come back!!! read more

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Super cool spot with amazing drinks to match. Don't skip out on trying the food. The sandwich was great and we really enjoyed how interactive the drinks were. Our bartender was fun and had great recommendations. The strawberry bubble room was also a strange but fun addition to the place. read more

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This is what is great about San Francisco. So weird, and so cool. Mocktails with liquid nitrogen, bears with homade fernet. Yes please. I'll have 2. read more

Bar Orso - Get this. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

If y'all like speakeasies, Bar Orso is ... "and the new..." SF bar champion. With all due respect to Future Bars, the Bon Vivants, and Elmer Mejicanos; Bar Orzo is the most fantastical bar in The City. The decor is lit even though the lighting is dim. Their bespoke cocktails are like mini meals with aromatics aplenty. No surprise since the folks behind the bar are chefs at sister Merchant Roots. Chef Roland and Chef Felix, who rightfully call themselves apothecaries, are uber chill and conjure up delicious solids, liquids, and gases. Highly recommend this urban hang for a uniquely sublime experience. read more

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