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I have no idea how I've managed to live in SF for so many years and only just recently discovered that this sake bar existed! I recently came here with friends to try some various sakes. The space is fairly small and didn't have any large tables, so it was a bit hard for our group of 7. But we made do. Besides that, the ambiance was very cute and cozy. This spot is probably better for a date night rather than a huge group gathering. Bottles are discounted on certain days of the week, including on Sunday when we visited. I'll definitely come back soon on one of those days!
Really liked the ambiance of this place! Came here on a Friday night after sinner and there wasn't any seating available. We eventually were able to take some bar stools from a couple that left, and over the course of the evening, tables became more available. I loved the pink neon sign that casts a pink glow across the place, and the disco ball in the back was so fun. They have card and board games for your party to play and enjoy yourselves. The bartenders were great at recommending different sakes for us to try and happy to let us sample. They also have a limited selection of bar snacks to munch on if you like. A very relaxed yet chic place to hang out, I hope to be back soon!
What a charming and quaint neighborhood wine bar Millay is. It's a cosy little nook that I believe is in the space of the former M&L Market with their yummy sandos. Wine and sake is the name of the game here with a curated selection of bottles. The best spot is one of the benches by the window for some prime people watching. Highly recommend on sunny days. Friendly and helpful staff will help you find something you'll like. Millay is a pure delight.
Love this spot! We asked the bartender for recs because the menu was so long (but super well organized by wine, sake, and flavor profiles for both) and got a great orange wine and plum sake. They were both sweet and fruity, exactly like we had asked. I've never been a fan of sake but this place makes me wanna try a more! It's super dark but we liked the vibes, and they have a 40% section in the back packed full of wines and sakes.
I loved the ambiance inside, super cozy and intimate. I got the sake flight since I couldn't choose, and our server did a great job describing each sake in our flight and checking in on us. Highly recommend for a cute date night or just a place to sit and sip!
I didn't even know we had a sake bar in the city but this was SO cute! This was my first time specifically going to a sake bar, and I'm used to sake traditionally being more on the dry and savory side but this totally opened a bunch of doors for me. The vibe is super cute and cozy, and they had some event going on the night we were there so there was a DJ tucked in the corner of the entrance playing some good beats. It was a bit loud inside, but I feel like that's expected for more bars on a Friday night. We got to create our own custom sake flight by picking the smallest size of sake available, and the bartender (and owner I'm guessing) was so friendly and helped us pick out 2 different sakes each from 3 different categories (a total of 6 different sakes). They had a nice range, from savory and umami to fruity/sweet. We tried fruity, fruity and aromatic, and dry and bright for our 3 categories. The fruity ones were actually so sweet -- it tasted like honey sticks from the farmer's market which was amazingg and not what I was expecting at ALL! Perfect dessert alcohol. The fruity and aromatic ones were a great balanced option, with just the right amount of sweet and floral notes. I would definitely sip on that. The dry and bright was truly dry and bright LOL -- more like your conventional sake and strong but still really good! I would definitely recommend to check out and expand your sake palette!
Cute sake bar with a wide variety of sake selection. Highly recommend the sake flight! Too bad they dont have really good small bites options or else id have stayed for a really long time.
Love the concept of this place but a little pricey for what it was. They do put in a lot of effort with their sake selection and glassware, and I really liked how there was also tea for non-alcoholic options late at night too.
Such a cute but intimate evening spot! Living nearby, I thought it was just a wine bar from the outside, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out they have an extensive selection of sake. The bartender gave us a few recommendations, and we sat by the window for a glass of wine, and later, some sake. I'd love to come back again!
Millay is our go-to spot, and for good reason! My gf and I frequent this sake-wine bar at least 2-3 times a week, drawn in by the warm and inviting ambiance. The decor is understated, yet elegant - like a subtle, well-dressed friend. But the real cherry on top is the atmosphere: chatting with the proprietors - Angel and Erik - and fellow patrons always adds a little something extra to the experience. They are just that passionate about nat wine and sake, and they love giving newcomers the lowdown of all the varieties and the art of tasting them. Or in this case, lovely namazakes inside an unassuming, tastefully decorated space, with a dash of conviviality. Hot tips: * They have a cellar in the back, lovely selection, 40% off the menu of you get it to go. * Sunday is no-corkage day: buy a few bottles from the cellars and sip on premise * Tinned fish collection is fantastic
Fun place to go with friends or on a date and try some speciality drinks and sake. I'm a huge fan of tart flavors so I got the yuzu (more dynamic) and lemon (very acidic) however I liked it! Service was busy so didn't get water when asked, but it did eventually come. I'd go back and there's a 40% if you get wine//sake to go!
I've been here a few times of the day and different times of the week and it's always with a visit. Early in the day it's introspective and there are folks reading and drink tea and sake and natural wine. Later is a bit crowded and a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere. A pop up occasionally appears with interesting food. One of the best bars in the Bay Area. The folks working are delightful.
TLDR: Cute sake/wine bar with a pretty interior. Excellent brew&vino selection. Very very clean & professional service. Literally a hidden gem. I met here with an acquaintance to discuss something important over drinks & we had a special time. The nature of our discussion was certainly influenced in a relaxed manner by the mild volume music playing, soft lighting, and high ceilings. The interior was beautiful, very custom lighting covers & wooden racks. Somewhat large selection of wines/sake but it wasn't overwhelming due to the simplified menu that they provided. Service was top tier, a server stopped by about three times to collect empty containers, refill water, and check-in about how the drinks were. With a friendly expression on their face each time. The lucky dog sake juice box and beer combo was SUUUUCH a good move! I've been a fan of the lucky dog/cat/chicken brand, for their fun packaging of beers. However, I did not know that they craft sake wine boxes too. That is out of this world! And I believe that, to use a baseball metaphor, they "hit the ball out of the park!" On this one. The beer wasn't half bad either. Would I recommend going to Millay? Hell yeah dude!!! read more
9 months ago
I'm so surprised this place exists in the city! I've been looking for sake bars in SF, and saw reviews about this spot being fairly low key. It's not too far from the main street in the area, and the moment I got out of my uber, I knew this place would be a vibe! I came here at 7:30pm the day after Christmas, so it was empty. I love the vibe of Millay - artsy decor, pink neon lights, and cute seats to sit in. I tried two different types of clean + fruity sake, and it came in such a cute ceramics! The cashier helped us choose, and we were able to taste it before purchasing. I also loved their basket of Asian chips! They even made it a lil fancy by cutting the top and making it look like a bowl haha. A great spot for a small social gathering of 2-4 people. I love the chill vibes and intimate setting. I will defs be back! read more
1 month ago
I have no idea how I've managed to live in SF for so many years and only just recently discovered that this sake bar existed! I recently came here with friends to try some various sakes. The space is fairly small and didn't have any large tables, so it was a bit hard for our group of 7. But we made do. Besides that, the ambiance was very cute and cozy. This spot is probably better for a date night rather than a huge group gathering. Bottles are discounted on certain days of the week, including on Sunday when we visited. I'll definitely come back soon on one of those days! read more
1 year ago
Really liked the ambiance of this place! Came here on a Friday night after sinner and there wasn't any seating available. We eventually were able to take some bar stools from a couple that left, and over the course of the evening, tables became more available. I loved the pink neon sign that casts a pink glow across the place, and the disco ball in the back was so fun. They have card and board games for your party to play and enjoy yourselves. The bartenders were great at recommending different sakes for us to try and happy to let us sample. They also have a limited selection of bar snacks to munch on if you like. A very relaxed yet chic place to hang out, I hope to be back soon! read more
What a charming and quaint neighborhood wine bar Millay is. It's a cosy little nook that I believe is in the space of the former M&L Market with their yummy sandos. Wine and sake is the name of the game here with a curated selection of bottles. The best spot is one of the benches by the window for some prime people watching. Highly recommend on sunny days. Friendly and helpful staff will help you find something you'll like. Millay is a pure delight. read more
3 years ago
Love this spot! We asked the bartender for recs because the menu was so long (but super well organized by wine, sake, and flavor profiles for both) and got a great orange wine and plum sake. They were both sweet and fruity, exactly like we had asked. I've never been a fan of sake but this place makes me wanna try a more! It's super dark but we liked the vibes, and they have a 40% section in the back packed full of wines and sakes. read more
I loved the ambiance inside, super cozy and intimate. I got the sake flight since I couldn't choose, and our server did a great job describing each sake in our flight and checking in on us. Highly recommend for a cute date night or just a place to sit and sip! read more
4 months ago
2 years ago
I didn't even know we had a sake bar in the city but this was SO cute! This was my first time specifically going to a sake bar, and I'm used to sake traditionally being more on the dry and savory side but this totally opened a bunch of doors for me. The vibe is super cute and cozy, and they had some event going on the night we were there so there was a DJ tucked in the corner of the entrance playing some good beats. It was a bit loud inside, but I feel like that's expected for more bars on a Friday night. We got to create our own custom sake flight by picking the smallest size of sake available, and the bartender (and owner I'm guessing) was so friendly and helped us pick out 2 different sakes each from 3 different categories (a total of 6 different sakes). They had a nice range, from savory and umami to fruity/sweet. We tried fruity, fruity and aromatic, and dry and bright for our 3 categories. The fruity ones were actually so sweet -- it tasted like honey sticks from the farmer's market which was amazingg and not what I was expecting at ALL! Perfect dessert alcohol. The fruity and aromatic ones were a great balanced option, with just the right amount of sweet and floral notes. I would definitely sip on that. The dry and bright was truly dry and bright LOL -- more like your conventional sake and strong but still really good! I would definitely recommend to check out and expand your sake palette! read more
7 months ago
2 years ago
Cute sake bar with a wide variety of sake selection. Highly recommend the sake flight! Too bad they dont have really good small bites options or else id have stayed for a really long time. read more
2 years ago
Love the concept of this place but a little pricey for what it was. They do put in a lot of effort with their sake selection and glassware, and I really liked how there was also tea for non-alcoholic options late at night too. read more
3 years ago
Such a cute but intimate evening spot! Living nearby, I thought it was just a wine bar from the outside, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out they have an extensive selection of sake. The bartender gave us a few recommendations, and we sat by the window for a glass of wine, and later, some sake. I'd love to come back again! read more
Millay is our go-to spot, and for good reason! My gf and I frequent this sake-wine bar at least 2-3 times a week, drawn in by the warm and inviting ambiance. The decor is understated, yet elegant - like a subtle, well-dressed friend. But the real cherry on top is the atmosphere: chatting with the proprietors - Angel and Erik - and fellow patrons always adds a little something extra to the experience. They are just that passionate about nat wine and sake, and they love giving newcomers the lowdown of all the varieties and the art of tasting them. Or in this case, lovely namazakes inside an unassuming, tastefully decorated space, with a dash of conviviality. Hot tips: * They have a cellar in the back, lovely selection, 40% off the menu of you get it to go. * Sunday is no-corkage day: buy a few bottles from the cellars and sip on premise * Tinned fish collection is fantastic read more
3 years ago
Fun place to go with friends or on a date and try some speciality drinks and sake. I'm a huge fan of tart flavors so I got the yuzu (more dynamic) and lemon (very acidic) however I liked it! Service was busy so didn't get water when asked, but it did eventually come. I'd go back and there's a 40% if you get wine//sake to go! read more
2 years ago
The vibes and service of this wine/sake bar are great! I do wish there were more wine by the glass options but the sake flight options are awesome read more
3 years ago
I've been here a few times of the day and different times of the week and it's always with a visit. Early in the day it's introspective and there are folks reading and drink tea and sake and natural wine. Later is a bit crowded and a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere. A pop up occasionally appears with interesting food. One of the best bars in the Bay Area. The folks working are delightful. read more
It appears this quaint wine and sake tasting room has been open for a few months now so I'm surprised I had to create a Yelp page for it. I wonder if one used to exist already... But I am so glad to be penning this 5 star review for this woman and Asian owned Castro spot! A friend and I just happened to park out front to hit up a coffee spot a couple blocks away and were immediately drawn in by their pink LED sign and cute interior. Naturally, we decided to stop by after our time at the coffee shop. Their signed informed us of the tasting events their host throughout the month and it just so happened that a local winemaker was on-site that afternoon offering flights of 3 wines for $14. It was a really pleasant experience! The owner was super friendly and also offered us water and chamomile tea for the cold day. They offer a large array of bottles in the back in their bottle shop. It's a small space, but they also have about 4 tables and bar seating. I can't recommend checking out and supporting this spot enough! read more
3 years ago
Must stop by! Best service Great ambience Nice selection of sake and alcohol Please make sure you find the bartender Eric! Super nice and he knows what he's doing read more
4 years ago
Cozy wine bar near the Castro and in a busy area. Great wine selection and the bartender can give recommendations. Fairly priced for SF, much better atmosphere than a packed bar. Give it a try! read more
3 years ago
Cutest wine bar!! Love this unsuspecting spot in the castro, off of market street -- the vibe is very cozy and classy, great for casual conversation. It's a tiny spot that gives it a nice intimacy! read more
4 years ago
My friend and I were looking for a relatively quiet space to chat and decided to stop by for drinks here on a Thursday night. The ambience = soft night cafe + wine bar; vibes are a bit confusing but still enjoyable. I ordered a glass of white and my friend a glass of red, and we both really enjoyed our picks! The owner was also very nice in helping us choose what to order. Would definitely come back to be immersed in a quaint, calmer space. Great addition to the area! read more
5 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
New favorite. This place has the charm of a small mom and pop with the range of a large global wine company. I ventured into some sakes I had never tried and was so glad I did! Incredibly friendly store owner, Angel. Love what you're doing and can't wait to make it to a pop up! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
5 years ago
The cutest community driven natural wine bar there ever was! Natural wines, sake and good peoples. read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
4 years ago
More info about Millay
691 14th St
San Francisco, CA 94114
Castro
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https://www.millaysf.com
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