Definitely steer clear of this place. It will be discovered any day now and I'll lose my local cachet to those with the good sense to seek it out. So help a girl out and just move on to the next cruising bar in the Castro, mkay? Read my lips - the bartenders? Dull as nails. Unfriendly. Too busy to chat because they're too busy doing "their job." Certainly won't remember your standard order or let you sample reds even when they know you know nothing about reds. Horrifyingly unattractive too, especially the hipster kid with the biceps. Also, their music nights are the worst. No atmosphere, low talent, and the mandolin trio that plays Thursdays is definitely not a welcome departure from your usual techno and retro pop around these parts. In short, just pass on Blush! or you'll never leave. Seriously. I overstay my welcome every time and may be doing so as I type, don't be like me. : ) read more

Great spot to start the evening. The staff was very friendly and talkative. For a few girls exploring the area they were also quite helpful in planning our night. They told us the hot spots and the scene we were in for at each (they were spot on for the most part). They had some cheesy blacklight art on the wall and that didn't really scream "classy wine bar" but at least the place wasn't pretentious. Prices were pretty much what I expected (not what I would want to spend on a vodka/tonic but ok for a glass of something special). They offer food but having just come from a big dinner I couldn't even stand to look at a food menu. Definitely an enjoyable experience and if ever in SF again, I would check in on the place. read more

Decent enough, the wine we had was good, and the oysters were fresh and tasty. The fruit salad was a miss for me, next time I'll know to order it without the powdered sugar sprinkled on top. I had the odd sensation of being in a dive bar and a wine bar at the same time. It wasn't a bad thing, just a bit of a cognitive dissonance. They don't do flights, but they were really nice about letting me try a couple of things before I landed on what I wanted. I don't think Blush will unseat any of my current favorite Castro watering holes, but I would definitely be up for giving them another go. read more

The wine selection is amazing and the staff is superb! I love the cozy feel of the place. It feels like you just sitting at home with friend enjoying wine. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and get customer service 100%! I especially love the 30% off happy hour from 4-6pm because it is even 30% off bottles: which makes it a great time to experiment and try new wines! The snacks are super tasty and pair perfectly with the wines! read more

Here are my two cents: Rude & unfriendly service. Below average wine selection. I have visited Blush three times now and I have been consistently disappointed. There are, however, certain aspects that I enjoy about this bar. I love the location (love the Castro), enjoy the live music provided on certain nights, and can appreciate the lively vibe of the place. HOWEVER, I can't get over the feeling that the bartenders could really give a s*&t about actually getting me a glass a wine. The wine selection has expanded. They do offer a better selection of wine than they did a year or so ago, but it is still rather lacking. I haven't tried the food here. But after our last experience here, my girlfriend and I agreed to never step foot in here again, so I guess I won't be tasting the menu. I don't give up easily on a place (especially a wine bar) I feel like I was supposed to love...but alas, I have given up on Blush. read more

I don't know the Castro area too well, but managed to stumble upon this hidden gem. Every Thursday they have live music, the same band. The band on Thursdays is unreal. Listening to them with a glass of the Pinot Noir. What more can you ask for? The band really engages the crowd, I love the vibe of this place. The atmosphere is a mix between the after-work yuppies and some slightly older married couples. If you're in the area on a Thursday it's probably one of the more interesting places to try in the city. I'll be back. read more

I want to love this place. I really do. It's the only wine bar in my neighborhood (the Castro), it's pretty cute inside and the staff is friendly enough, and because of all that they do a consistently good business. But there is one major drawback: MEDIOCRE WINE. Honestly, I wonder why I keep going back despite the convenience, because every time I try a different glass and hope I will finally find that one exceptional wine, I am disappointed. Every time! In all the years they've been there I'm not sure they've changed the wine menu much but I guess it works for most people because business does not suffer. To me, however, their $12-14 glasses taste like the $12-14 bottles I get at the corner store. I have no problem paying that price for a glass of wine, I just want it to rock my world a little bit. Two positive things to note. They have an amazing happy hour special... 1/2 off all glasses and bottles, which is honestly the only time I go anymore because that's the only time their mediocre wine selection has a justifiable and appropriate price. Secondly, the food menu, while a bit on the plain side at least as far as the cheese and charcuterie platters go) has always been consistently tasty. (Probably because it's helping the mediocre wine go down better.) Overall, this place has the potential to be *outstanding* but kinda falls flat. But it's conveniently located and a nice place to hang out, so as long as your taste expectations are on the lower side, it'll be fine. read more

Blush is a total hidden gem of the Castro, and I kinda hope it stays that way. This wine bar is fantastic and offers a huge selection of wine. They also serve food and dessert. It's also a pretty good date place. The atmosphere is intimate and very comfortable. There are cozy sofas and quiet areas. I've also been here in the afternoons to do some work and bum off of their free wifi. The bartender on duty the last time I went took very good care of us. They also have an honor system and don't force you to pay after every drink you order. I dig that. Go visit but don't spread the word too much. ~A read more

My friend and I went for the first time the other day. I like the spot and all that it offers, but had NO idea they served food! We popped in after dinner, so we weren't able to try anything. The customer service and offerings were good, so we'll go back and recommend it to others. Hopefully we'll try the food soon! read more

Blush! - Back of the house - Wine Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Sometimes, you go to a wine bar and have a nice glass of wine with a friend. Sometimes, you go to a wine bar, pay $13 for a mediocre red, and realize halfway through that you'd be happier with a $2 PBR. Sophistication stings. And sometimes, you go to a wine bar and meet Christopher. You talk about what two 45-year-olds on a Tinder date looks like. You talk about artisanal Christmas tree farms in Vermont. You get another pour even though they're closed. You talk about whether trust fund babies' burden falls on them or their friends. You drink a non-Chimay Belgian out of a Chimay glass because you embrace blasphemy. You talk about the merits of tattooing a Twitter bird on your back. Yes, sometimes you go to a wine bar and remember that what you're drinking doesn't really matter. In isolation, $13 glasses of wine are almost never worth it. But combine great company with a great bartender, and you've got yourself a deal. Thanks, Christopher! Save the first tree for us. read more

Rose and Creamy Buratta make my week. They have really yummy snacks and the bartenders are welcoming. For the solo sipper you can rest assured you'll feel comfortable going here. They also have fun themed activities different nights of the week, including having your fortune told. I'm a cheese person so I could most likely eat here for the rest of my life and be perfectly happy Can you say Yum? read more

With its extensive wine list and great selection of varietals, Blush might have to be my new go-to wine bar. Even though the pours are generous, I managed to drink my way through a sparkling rose, a non sparkling rose then an Australian Mouvedre, while my friend enjoyed a Pinot Grigio and a White Rioja. Perhaps we drank so much because the food was so good... My favorite was the cheese and charcuterie platters. I wish I could remember the cheeses we were served because they were divine and the dried sausage/salumi was also delicious... accompanied by a yummy country bread and I don't usually eat bread. We sat at the bar so we could talk to the friendly staff but the peeps sitting around the different lounge areas looked really comfy. For being in the Castro, there was a good mixed crowd. Been here twice in one week... will definitely be back... as long as my liver can take it! read more

Damn, I wish there was a wine bar where I lived because Blush is super-cool, tres chic and modern establishment. The whole vibe is cozy and classy with dim lighting great looking people and staff, there was even string quartet playing some jazz music to set the mood. Obviously, there wine list is very extensive, but they also have a great food menu... including an awesome cheese plate to go with your glass of wine. Prices are reasonable for this type of place and service was attentive but not intrusive. This is a great place if you're looking for someplace to have a very chill relaxing night out with your friends and enjoy good conversation, or even a date.... It does get really busy here, so it may be hard to find seating here, but it would definitely be worth the wait. read more

About the food: YUM, their waffles are delish! I had the smoked salmon platter, super interactive and tasty. However the real gem was the chicken and waffles dish. The collard greens were tangy and crispy, and the chicken was seasoned to perfection. However, portion size wasn't as impressive for the $14 price tag, as there was only half a waffle on the plate. However, if you're looking for a nice spot to hang out with friends, they have bottomless mimosas for $9! About the service: there was only one waitress and they have a small (but creative) kitchen. That being said, my group waited 40 minutes for our food to come, and our drinks weren't being continuously refilled, even though we had bottomless mimosas. We had to call the waitress many times, which made us feel awkward. read more

I love their dessert wine. So good. I spilled my first glass but the server didn't charge me for my clumsy mistake. He received a hefty tip. The atmosphere was very laid back. I liked that a lot. Nothing like going to crowded clubs, which I dislike. I will definitely come back. read more

I can not believe I lived a few blocks away from here for almost a year and had never tried it. This place is absolutely wonderful. It's quiet and has excellent decor, not to mention Delicious wines and polite and helpful bartenders. This is the kind of place that is almost too hip for it's own good, but it's still quite a gem. For those of you, like me, who don't enjoy hot, loud and cramped bar scenes, stop in here on a sunday evening for a very nice calm glass of wine. bonus pointsfro having couches, this place makes me want to buy a bottle of wine and sit around knitting for awhile. Of course, who knits in a bar? read more

First time. A comfortable space for us to wait out the traffic during Happy Hour with a glass of wine (or beer) and an appetizer and light dinner. Four glasses of wine, a salad (meal size) and a sandwich, for 2, at 5-7pm on Friday was $100 including tip. Service was prompt & courteous. read more

Great wine, lovely atmosphere, excellent service. This is a great place to take someone right before dinner for a glass/bottle of wine. I say this because that's exactly what we did - came here for a bottle of central coast CA Pinot before going out for sushi. Oh, and let's discuss the insanely hot tattooed, muscle-bear bartender. OMFG. Yes. Yes. And, double-yes. read more

The big white muscly bartender was a bully. He seemed miffed about something, and wouldn't get our check or refill our wine glasses, after some polite and friendly prompting. There were only 4 of us at the bar. We're usually easy customers. It would be nice, if they could hire someone else. read more

Nice that there is a wine bar in this area. Large selection of wines, though the wine list is very difficult to navigate for someone (ie me) who doesn't know his grapes or regions. Red wines are just listed ranging from light to full bodied. I got a glass from the medium to full range, expecting to find something with at least a little taste, but that wine really should have been on lighter end of the scale. My friend got a much nicer wine, appropriately placed on the light to full scale, though. Some kind of division of the wine menu in different wine styles, or countries or anything to make selection easier would have been nice. Atmosphere was nice, though the music selection seemed like it belonged in any other place in the Castro other than a wine bar. Plus music was way too loud. I had a Croque Monsieur, and was positively surprised by the accompanying salad. So positive about the existence of a wine bar in this location, plus for the food and the selection, but minuses for lack of help making said selection, loud (bad) music. And oh yeah, for some reason they felt the need to keep the door open, which meant the place was way cold. read more

Love this place. Relaxed atmosphere, great wine/beer/cheese plates, always good music in the background. It is our go to spot in Castro/Noe Valley. Recently tried a few their brunch waffles too which were inventive and delicious. Will definitely be back to sample the rest of the menu. We always recommend this place to friends who are in the area and they are always impressed. Keep up the good work Blush. read more

Blush is a super cute spot. Go get some wine there. Nice wines, live music, good times. read more

A nice and chill wine bar with really nice bartenders. I made a comment about Barbera (they're popping up on menus now and that makes me really happy) and the bartender gave me a taste of another bottle that he had sitting there. It's a great place to come, chill, have a glass of wine and good conversation with a friend before or after dinner. read more

Had a glass of wine here - it was a truly amazing Spanish Grenache. The service? Well. Let's just say he was hired because he's incredibly good looking. I ordered the olive tapenade and really enjoyed it. A great snack. I like that the menu is vegan-friendly. I'd come back with wine-loving friends. read more

I came here after work for a happy hour and enjoyed the low key vibe and decor. We got here around 4:45 and it wasn't too busy, which was nice. We had appetizers that were pretty enjoyable. We had the burrata with honey and sea salt, Croque Monesieur (really good), and it was an unexpected treat to have escargot! read more

Loved this spot! Great atmosphere, not too rowdy, delicious food and wine. The guys here were super attentive and sweet - will definitely come back soon. I snacked on the charcuterie platter while my bf had the B.L.A.T sandwich (can't go wrong with the basics) We weren't too hungry so didn't order anything else but will def explore the menu next time. read more

Great atmosphere, wine and nibbles...however the service is less than adequate. The dude-bros behind the bar appear more entertained with one another than being attentive to their patrons. Once you get their attention, again it becomes lack luster. We ordered a bottle, he opened it and walked away. Didn't even bother to pour the glasses. I want the place to succeed, and clearly it will as the tech kids that stop in have no idea what service looks like. Dudes, show some service and appreciation for your clients...it's not that tough! read more

I'm down with the friendly staff. Definitely down with the laid back atmosphere. Kinda gives you a breather from the rest of Castro. Lovely set up inside. Super comfy couch. Plenty of space at the bar, side tables and a big community table. Good lighting. Little warm inside (and no, not just from the wine.) Got a nice bottle of syrah from South Africa's darling cellar Onyx. Cheese plate was super tasty. read more

I really like this atmosphere. You can sit at tables, at the bar, or there is small lounge area. You can order by the glass or by the bottle. Nice if you just want to hang out with a bunch of friends and just get sloshed. read more

If you want an alternative to hanging out at the bars, this is the perfect space. They have a nice lounge area in the front with bar seating situated in the front and a couch area. For larger groups, they have tables in the back. The selection of wines by the glass and bottles are many. The staff is charming and friendly. They must have a good memory too as you can start a tab and not put a card down. Sit and move around the lounge area and when you close out, they know exactly what you ordered. How great is that? read more

Enjoyed the ambience was cozy and cute. Came during pride weekend and was nice to get out of the crowd it was relaxing.

I like the ambiance and especially LIVE MUSIC during week nights. I love it. Their wine collection is fine, I'm falling for Cabernet Franc. Food is ok, not very outstanding. Service is nice. Wish it could have more seating. read more

What a wonderful wine bar! Very friendly and knowledgeable bartenders that make great wine recommendations. Intimate and classy ambience. Great for a date or to catch up with a friend. Good food (I had the escargot) and great wines! They even have fun events throughout the week. I'll be coming back for Dirty Bingo on Monday nights! read more

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Service is excellent! Nice wine selection and I love how the place changes the art from local artists regularly. The menu looked amazing...so sad I went after dinner! I am going back to try some of the food!! I did have the french macaroons....AMAZING!!!! I could have probably had 3 orders. PERFECTION!! read more

Awesome wine bar with great nibbles. I had a delicious Sancerre my husband a Pinot Gris. We had an appetizer of smoked trout crostini, very good. Friendly staff with a nice atmosphere. read more

Just had a really pleasant evening here. Wine list is interesting, with a good variety -- and the bartender(ess) was willing to help me decide by listening to what I was in the mood for. Points! Smoked trout salad was absolutely DELICIOUS. I really appreciated the (relative) lack of a dressing - often these things arrive just swimming in something, and this was clean and allowed the trout and the pumpkin seeds to provide the flavor. Service was perfectly fine and very friendly but not overattentive, which didn't bother me. If I want help, I have no issue going up to the bar or flagging someone down, which I had to do here. That may bother some, though, as the other reviews can attest to. No biggie, just go prepared. And enjoy! It's a great vibe. read more

To take you from what happened, I did eat my dinner from Catch Isle and Cako, and my friend decided to call me and asked if I wanted to join him and his company in Castro. Now, this is my first time taking the Muni down to Castro, so I had no idea which train route to take, and was worried about getting lost at night. No story behind it, and managed to find my way to Castro with little trouble. (Thank goodness). Now, I'm not a big wine person, because I just started diving into the world of wine. I only know my moscato, which is pretty sad, but I'll start growing when I have a depose-able income. My friend ordered the moscato here for me, and I have to say, this moscato in comparison to the others I've tried from the bottle, it has less of an alcohol taste and more apple-flavoring, if that makes any sense. My friend also ordered the triple macaron, and to be honest, I felt like this place should stick to being a wine bar, and not have dessert on the side. It's decent, but I've only had 'lette (down in SoCal), and it seems to be a bit better with the outer shell. The ones in Blush tasted too chewy with not enough air in the batter, while the chocolate sauce kind of cancelled out the actual flavor of the macaron, which I don't even remember what the flavors were. Good wine, not so good dessert. read more

Great spot to have a few glasses of generally excellent wine. They have great nibbles including cheese, meats, olives and this incredible tapenade! My only ding is that the seating can be uncomfortable unless you grab one of the front couches. I've not had the service problems others seem to have had, in fact I've never had anything but top notch service there! read more

Great service, cute bartenders (who are smart about wine and will give you as many tastes as you'd like!). Also helps that they're lenient on the $20 credit card minimum. Thursday is a great night to go for the live music - nice place to wind down before the weekend and hang out with friends. The seating is spread out enough to where you do not feel right on top of the other patrons. read more

I had a very good Time there !! I went to the french party every last monday of the month. French actors are doing stand up and improvisation ! So funny ! About the bar : they have really good wines from all around the world! I got a Reisling ( German white win) with a delicious tasty and amazing prosciutto sandwich ! It was a rosemary bread .... I can't tell more about it ! You had to try ! I recommend this place ! See you next last Monday :) read more