Gambit Lounge in Hayes Valley is such a fun spot! The vibe is cool and laid-back, making it a great place to unwind. The customer service was excellent--friendly, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. The espresso martini and dirty martini were both delicious and definitely must-orders. Overall, a great atmosphere and a really enjoyable experience. read more

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Ventured in here on a Saturday afternoon for some drinks and snacks. Got a cozy booth by the window and ordered a couple of cocktails and bites. Cocktails and atmosphere were excellent. The roasted potatoes left more to be desired as the potatoes weren't really roasted. I wish the potatoes would have been crispy instead they were soft and more on the boiled side. The sauce that came with this dish was good tho and saved it for us. The crab dip was good but could have used more seasoning. The toasted bread on this dish was really good. The best bites were actually when we combined a bit from both dishes. Overall we enjoyed it but maybe next time we would try different food items. read more

Gambit Lounge - Loaded Roasted Potatoes - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Very good atmosphere. Food was okay but I wouldn't order the pasta. Drinks were tiny.

Listen. We've been here before. We had a great time. Then. But honestly dude, the guy at the bar and waiting tonight was such a knob. We live in the city. We don't venture to Hayes Valley much anymore and this is why. We had some friends with us that ordered what *they wanted*. No reason for the attitude about what you'd like to call it. Also, when we had all called for our cars and were on our way out, the muttering of 'what a fucking moron' under his breath was totally unnecessary. Really? C'mon. You made us 3 drinks and we paid and tipped. Sorry to put you out, jackass. Nice spot. Won't be spending my paycheck there again. read more

Echoing others, not a spot to go to for food. We got the salmon toast (pretty underwhelming slices of lox on buttered toast), famous cheeseburger (famous is definitely an overstatement, I didn't love the bun and the burger itself just lacked the flavor and juiciness that better burgers offer), cheese pierogi dumplings (fine but not memorable), and steak & wild mushroom pie (again fine but not memorable, and didn't like the flavor of the mushroom). read more

Nice place if you want just grab a cocktail. I asked for something bitter and the waiter made the cocktail I asked for. We also tried their focaccia and it was fine (not the Italian one, but good while you're drinking). Good place to come back and try more plates. Ambiance is also very friendly (especially kid friendly). read more

While Gambit Lounge has all kinds of charm, it's not a great choice for a dining destination. My partner and I went to commemorate our first date there when it was Noir Lounge, and while the ambiance remains excellent, it faltered in being a full scale restaurant. The server/bartender was very pleasant (even bringing us flutes of champagne on the house), but he was a one man operation and we had to go out of our way to ask for water, get the bill and have our dishes cleared. As for the food, the beet salad was different than the one listed online. While that one sounded more like a full meal with chickpeas, this one was purely appetizer territory and left much to be desired while still at an entree price point. The beets themselves were actually delicious and the whipped feta underneath them was superb, but the other half of the plate was a very sad salad with weak greens and cucumbers past their prime. I'm sure Gambit is just right for certain occasions and tastes, but it wasn't ideal for us. read more

Gambit Lounge - Beet Salad - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Tried Gambit Lounge for SF Restaurant Week & thoroughly enjoyed it :) Food was quick and delicious, I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially with the wine pairing ($18) which was worth it! Service was also very attentive and the vibe was perfect. I'd definitely come back. read more

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We had a great time. Wonderful food, cocktails, wine and atmosphere. Way more than we expected late on a Wednesday. read more

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Happened into Gambit with some work colleagues during a trek to the office in San Francisco. Was warmly greeted by one of the owners, Cezar Kusik, who had a good heart and sense of humor. Drinks were great, and food was well prepared. I look forward to visiting again in the future. read more

What's new? I had some drinks like a coconut cinnamon liquor and also the negroni semi-mocktail. I am sick of drinking juice. Let the bartender do their job or go to a juice bar. HAHAHAHAH You can teach me sometime. I pay for myself. HAHAHAH read more

Gambit Lounge - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Six of us came here for cocktails. I got the Flor De Mi Secreto and my friend got the Pap Polaco Took awhile to get the drinks even though no one else was there inside and the two tables outside already had their drinks. The drinks were very good! We also got a board or meat and cheese which was outstanding. Loved the soft Brie and high quality meats. Atmosphere austere. Would come back. read more

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Fun and pretty place for a cocktail and they even have a discounted happy hour! We also got the charcuterie board which was very pretty (though not enough of the delicious fried bread, so we had to ask for more. 20 years ago Hayes Valley was kinda depressing - such a cute hood now. read more

Gambit Lounge - Happy hour cocktails. - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came here for a holiday party. Food was just okay. They really excel when it comes to cocktails, which makes sense. The vibes of the place is nice. Loved the overall aesthetics. I'd definitely come back for another cocktail. read more

I really wanted to like this place. The bartender was perfectly fine and did his best to keep up, but the manager's attitude was a total mood-killer. They were dismissive and handled a simple request with zero customer service skills. It's clear the frontline staff is carrying the weight while management could accommodate a simple apology to correct a misunderstanding of an order. Plenty of other lounges in the area that actually value their patrons." read more

Newly opened bar in the middle of Hayes Valley. I visited this bar for a drink with my friend on Wednesday around 8 pm and it was absolutely popping by then. I really liked the ambience of this place, very classy and modern. Our server greeted us with a beautiful smile and she checked on us very regularly and made sure we were comfortable. Me and my friend ordered a gin cocktail which was more like a gin martini and it was well made for sure. She ordered a pizza which she enjoyed eating. Their menu offers great cocktails along with Polish/ European food. The lady behind us had ordered a cheese board which looked absolutely delicious. Over all me and my friend had a great time here. This place is perfect for a good conservation or even a date night. The service and the vibe were the highlight for me and I would love to come back to try their food menu. read more

Gambit Lounge - Cocktails - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is great spot for lunch, dinner, casual dates, and solo chill spot on bar. Their dessert is perfect with coffee in the morning. Caesar will take care of you! I went with a coworker and shared several appetizers, with dessert. It was yummy. Great ambiance. Worth checking out. read more

* restaurant week * Everything was delicious! The sauce on the chicken is one to dream about & the dumplings were so juicy. The wine pairing for the dumplings and the salad were mouth watering. It'd be a cool spot to host a party. Love the two bars and the separate rooms read more

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The Gambit Lounge has a beautiful space in the back, perfect for parties and gatherings. We had a small-ish party of about 15 people there, and it was just great. The owner was incredibly friendly and accommodating. There is a nice wine list, along with good beer choices, and specialty cocktails. We had a few small plates to share. The crab dip was very good, and the cheese plate was a little limited, but tasted pretty good with the pickled vegetables and grilled bread that was included. There were other plates that sounded good, but we didn't order any more, and we did not eat dinner. If you're looking for a good holiday party location, or just a nice space to gather, check this place out. I highly recommend it. read more

It's just ok for the price and there are better options nearby. Menu has lots of heavy food like sandwiches, sausages, and fries. But it's $20+, very greasy, and something I could've made better myself in 5 minutes in my kitchen. The vibe is very heavy, dark, and masculine. Kind of like a den. The staff doesn't pay attention and isn't too welcoming. It's just ok. read more

This places succckkkkkssssssssssssssssssssss. Bartender was rude and even worse the service was very slow

If you want to have a great time, STAY AWAY!!! I used to come to this place when it was Noir Lounge and loved it! I was recently back in the area and noticed that it had changed owners, so I was excited to come in and see the updates. I wish I had never stepped foot inside. Out of nowhere, a man who worked there started yelling at my husband because he brought his ice cream from next door in, even though the bartender definitely saw us bring it in before I ordered. This other man started yelling at me and told us to leave. I asked what I should do with my $20 glass of wine, and he said to just leave it and leave. When I asked for my money back, he flatly refused. The place had SO MANY SEATS open, making the whole situation even more absurd. Avoid this place at all costs. There are so many great places in the area. Don't waste your time or money with people who treat their customers like this. read more

Fantastic food and fantastic service! Freddy is the best. I highly recommend this place for great Polish food and drinks.

Cesar and Edward are the best!!! Love their humor. A great place for drinks and food as they now have a burger that's the best in the neighborhood. read more

This has to be the ultimate date spot in SF. Great cosy room with lots of seating options and a set of really lovely bar tenders who can whip up any drink you want or create something truly unique for you. Also, and this is a biggie - by far THE BEST ESPRESSO MARTINI in the whole of SF! read more

Pub-like atmosphere but with awesome food and awesome cocktails. Oh James Beard, our culinary father who art in heaven, the bread service is done at Gambit Lounge as it is in heaven. The beet tartare is astonishing. The crab fondue is a decadent treat. The impossible cabbage rolls are delicious. Really, you have to bring the whole gang and try everything on the menu family style. There is a bar area with high top tables in the front and larger normal tables in the back. Kids are allowed. read more

Gambit was such a lovely surprise! Everything was so delicious, and the owner/bartender/server was so friendly and kind. We will be back! read more

Gambit Lounge - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Classic victorian space but updated just enough to make it contemporary at the same time. Friendly owners, Edward is a cool guy who will take care of you. We are in our 60's and prefer lower volume and more down tempo music, since we are usually relaxing rather than partying. This place fits that bill, but is lively enough for the younger crowd, all of whom seem to appreciate the casual vibe as much as we do. Our experience with the food has not been as good as the other reviews but maybe its what we ordered. Bottom line- this place is different from you standard frantic bar in all the right ways, a great place to carry on a conversation with just enough activity around you, in a warm and interesting setting. read more

We had a nice time at this place for a pre dinner cocktail and a chance to catch up on our respective lives. My only gripe was the cocktail I ordered was just OK- it was a Vieux Carré and I think the bartender was kinda faking it. It was way too lemony. None of the house cocktails sounded like what I wanted on a cold , drizzly night.My pals seemed to like their drinks -maybe I'm just a picky old geezer... read more

Newly opened, in the former Noir Lounge. Drinks are great (I personally enjoyed an interesting one with fernet, merlot, and other things called Life Coach). Food is Eastern/Central European-themed: we tried the pork pierogies (with vinegar and chile oil) and zapiekanka with mushrooms and iberico, which was a crisp/well toasted, tasty tartine. The staff is all welcoming and kind. Great spot to drop into for solid drinks and bites! read more

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My family of five (adult children and parents) had a wonderful time at this restaurant and bar. The service, personal care and attention given to us by Cezar was amazing. He made us feel welcome and valued customers. The pre dinner cocktails we had were great: Sazerac, "Man About Town " We asked Cezar to keep the food coming and he was perfect for the job. We enjoyed delicious meatballs- soft and tender, fondue was a cheese sauce- creamy and cheesy with a hint of shrimp and crab. Chicken paprika was crispy with some tender potatoes. The kielbasa was savory and tasty- we loved the sauerkraut, creamed spinach and sweet potato purée served with it. Cezar suggested a Calistoga Cabernet- it was a lighter cab with light notes of oak, blackberries and a faint hint of smoke - it went perfectly with the dinner. We're definitely going back to the Gambit for dinner again soon. read more

I was looking for a German fusion place since most of them close early. I got the hot alcoholic tea and the potato salad. "You know we aren't Subbenbuche down the street" **with the bartender picking his nose and out of shape. The more pretentious with good interior design in SF the more the ambiance, food & service sucks. read more

Come for the sandwiches! The High Society is such a great turkey sandwich. That bacon jam with arugula makes it so comforting. Stay for a cocktail :) read more

I had my 25th birthday party at Gambit Lounge a few days ago & it was a huge success! The back space (Vinifera room) and champagne room are great for a large party. It was decorated for Christmas which made it feel even more special. The back rooms were very private & intimate even though the front portion was still open to the general public. I had about 60-65 guests and it felt very comfortable & spacious. Making the reservation for the back rooms were very easy - I simply walked into the storefront and expressed my interest in hosting my event there. Cezar & staff were great hosts - constantly checking on me (the host) and making sure the guests were being attended to. Food & drinks were amazing. We ordered the meatballs, different kinds of focaccia, & charcuterie boards. Overall, I had a great time and the venue, food & staff couldn't have been any better/kinder for my birthday celebration. I highly recommend hosting an event here (of any size) - will definitely be back. read more

Great service - bartender was fun and engaging - drinks were yummy - would return for a beverage

Really enjoyed a quick appetizer date at Gambit. I was falling asleep in the Uber so my girlfriend prescribed me an espresso martini, and the one Gambit makes is great! Staff were friendly as well. Only dropping a 4-banger here because $16 for 4 pierogi is a Polish crime. Will be back! read more

We had a great time at Gambit yesterday after work. Very elegant and wonderful service. They've done a great job decorating and creating a cozy atmosphere. We met Cezar, one of the owners, who was super nice and interesting. Will definitely come back. read more

Super chill spot to grab a drank at and chat that isn't too busy or loud. The service is quick and the happy hour is good for a cocktail under $10, they do only offer a few. I ordered an espresso martini that was sweet but delicious. Lots of bar seats or tables to sit! read more

Fantastic sandwiches, friendly service, cool dark place to have conversation, people who work there who care whether you're having an excellent time in their establishment. What more could you want? read more

Thrilled to visit the Gambit Lounge for the first time yesterday. There were four of us and we each loved our various cocktails. I tried "Life Coach", since I'm a coach and ordered a second. Also had the Beet Tartar which was delicious. Happy to see enticing vegetarian options on the menu. They have excellent Iberico from the local small Encina Farms if you eat meat. The owner was friendly and funny. It's a great space in Hayes Valley with two bars and various seating areas ... a must go to spot. read more