The Modernist has a reputation as San Francisco's swanky, exclusive, tech-centric club. In reality, it's rather easy to get into, but the people you'll find inside will vary. Most find themselves visiting for a privately hosted rental event, but only during regular hours will you find the high-paying Modernist members, supposedly tech's most elite entrepreneurs. The company is far from shy in featuring which companies their members founded on their website. The club is located in a rather odd location of the financial district by the Embarcadero, which is either a tourist-stricken nightmare by day or a ghost town by night. While that emptiness is great news for street parking (although beware of the signs, I almost got towed!), it exudes a bizarre atmosphere. There is no exterior signage on this restaurant's dilapidated facade, and the only indication that you're there is a bouncer standing out front in an all-black trench coat. The dark interior design gets the job done, but it's nothing special. There is adequate seating, and the music can get pretty loud. The biggest let down at Modernist, though, was their drinks. I came with high expectations having seen the presentation, but I was let down. The cocktails were disgusting and inconsistent. They tasted like chemicals, and came out differently every time--some with cocktail caviar and others without. All in all, the only true benefit I see in joining the Modernist is for the people you might meet. Otherwise, it's truly no less gilded than the U.S. in the late 19th century. And if you're seeking to throw an event, you'll likely find more bang for you buck elsewhere. read more

Came here for a school mixer that invited alums from Stanford, Brown (where I'm a current Master's student), Dartmouth, Cornell, and Duke. The Modernist was hard to find, and I was on the wrong side of the block, and then eventually found myself walking back and forth trying to find the entrance on a rainy evening. The venue was small, crowded, and loud. While I enjoyed several interesting conversations, it was difficult to hear and everyone had to speak loudly. Someone did bring in their two giant fluffy white dogs, which were so cute! The Holiday Cosmopolitan was a great drink! read more

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It's a very nondescript location. I passed by it a few times trying to find it. The inside is a bar for social events. I was here for a friend's birthday party so I'm sure he paid for his event. When I was there I did see a grill and hood, so I'm assuming they have the capacity to prep finger foods and snack. There's a lot of alcohol here with an open bar. Service was pretty friendly. I personally didn't get anything since I don't drink, but the staff were friendly. It's difficult to say much more about the venue. Pretty normal. read more

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We had an alumni gathering at Modernist, with cocktails and snacks. The restaurant was shut down. But the bar and cocktail area were lovely.

I wasn't here for an event or drinks but was invited by a member for dinner. The chef makes an amazing Taiwanese beef noodle soup! read more

Modernist - Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup - Social Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

It was quite crowded here when I went. It felt super high end and exclusive on the outside but the inside didn't really reflect that vibe. The cocktail menu was ok, I got the one that had soju and calpico but was honestly rather disappointed with the presentation and taste. read more

Modernist - soju, calpico, yuzu, tonic - Social Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

They charge you $30 for a single one-bite wonton in a few spoonfuls of broth. I wish there was some notation on the menu so you could at least expect it. The service was excellent, however. read more

I've been here a several times now for different events--from birthdays, to halloween and even panel events! This spot has some great events, and I like how intimate they are! This swanky spot not only serves unique cocktails with fine ingredients, but serve delicious food too! I've had random bites here and there in the past, which I can't write about because I don't remember much. I will write about the recent drinks I've had: TRUFFLED FURIKAKE CHEX MIX This is complimentary for those who order drinks. It's the best. It has a nice combo or sweet and savory and they make it all there! FOURTEEN - $17 Mezcal, Asian Pear, Walnut, Meyer lemon Oil, Smoked. I loved the smoked part. You definitely sense the walnut and taste the subtle asian pear. There's a good balance of sweetness and strong taste. This drink was perfect. I always have a great time here. The venue isn't too big but it has separate-ish area so it doesn't get too noisy. I look forward to coming back! read more

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This is my first time in a private club (so I have nothing to compare against). From my view and normal go-to location, this place is fancy. You need a membership to get in and they save leftover alc that you do not finish under your name. The place has limited ceiling lights ; however, there were plenty of floor lights so you don't trip over anything. I only went through association :) Despite their only alcoholic option menu, they are very flexible to switch out or make any off the menu for your preference. The service is good. The snack bites are also delicious: truffle fries, karage (okay), and fillet mignon cubes (slight salty for my tolerance but soft to chew). The place doesn't play loud music, so it was an ideal location for social event. I'm so glad to get this experience thanks to my big boss. Hope to get a chance to come again! read more

Modernist - Social Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Came here for a work hosted holiday party for the Bay Area folks. A bit tucked away and easy to miss but makes sense since it's a private venue. The drinks were delicious and meticulously handcrafted - which felt a bit slow at the beginning since there was only 1 very hard working gentleman at the bar. Would definitely recommend this as a venue for a private intimate get together. They offered some light appetizers which were delicious and the space is comfortable for a group of our size (~25-30 over the course of the entire evening). read more

Great cocktails at the Modernist. Very courteous staff and always a seat, given it's a private venue. People are social, nights can get busy, and people are open for discussions. Always a great time! read more

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Closed without notice while it lists it is open No parking available around the resturant Nobody answers the phone Prices are on the higher side and serving sizes & smaller. read more

I've been here numerous times for birthday parties, white parties, social and more... but I find the place a bit disappointing. I don't like the drinks as they taste artificial to me. I prefer fresh items over things that drip out of perfume bottles. The reason for this review is because I feel that Carlos was quite sexist to me on a recent visit. I attended with two members, both male. He was telling us about his new location opening and suggested we have parties there. As it turns out, I'm the only one who needs venues for a monthly social get together. Carols ignored the fact that I was indeed the buyer of large events. He then only gave his business card to the members. Both found him ignoring me was sexist and brought it up proactively after we left. read more

Came here spontaneously and I had an amazing experience! The entrance is almost hidden and can be easy to miss if you don't know what you are looking for. The inside looks luxurious and its a great place to get together with friends. This was my first private club I've been to and I went with a friend who knows one of the bartenders. I asked the bartender to surprise me with a sweet refreshing drink! I absolutely loved my drink and everyone I went with had an amazing time. Looking forward to coming back. read more

Modernist - Social Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

These are some of the sexiest drinks around. The price is right and the atmosphere is lively. If you want unique drinks with special flavorings, you'll find them here and you'll be dying to return. The service is phenomenal. They make you feel so important and the partying demographic is chill. Everything is just amazing here. read more

Modernist - Social Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

The best cocktails and vibe for a TH fashionista at a press conference! There is a variety of drinks tastes ad food! The sushi is bomb and the NioZoMien is AMAZING (only served between 10-11 pm)!!! Love this exclusive vibe! read more

Modernist - Social Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

Modernist is one of those private, $$$, invite-only clubs in SF. When my friend decided to have her birthday dinner here, I was like oh daaayum girl! Then I realized they offer public reservations for the dinner tasting menu at 7 PM, every Tuesday through Saturday. Some of the sheen was lost, but I admit I was still excited to check out this semi-exclusive spot. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the bites were for a drinking establishment. It was clear that everything was streamlined and heavily pre-made, but the end product was delightfully enjoyable nonetheless. FOOD Tuna Poke - One of my favorites of the meal. Tuna poke is so common now, I usually don't care to order it. Modernist's interpretation was awesome though. I loved the cube presentation, and the marshmallow-like wasabi base contrasted nicely with the cracker sides. Crab Chawanmushi - Cute presentation, though the tiny spoon was more form than function. Savory flavors were good, albeit a tad heavy on the sodium. Lobster Tempura - The tempura batter could be lighter, and lobster was a tad chewy, but this was a hit. Seabass Shumai - Unique idea, but failed in execution. The shumai dough was undercooked, so it was a bit chewy. The seabass needed more seasoning. Sous Vide Duck Breast - The size of the bite was a little unwieldy, but the duck was quite tender. Seared NY Strip - My piece was a tad stringy, though it was juicy and nicely seasoned. This bite was probably the favorite among my table. Short Rib Gua Bao - Ugh, so good. Soft bao, tender meat, and bursting with flavor. This Taiwanese girl was very happy with this bite. Truffle Macaron - This was a savory sweet macaron, sort of similar to PB&J. I didn't taste the truffle flavor, and the inside had some sort of fruit jelly. My table agreed that this was least favorite bite of the meal. COCKTAILS Modernist knows how to make a damn good cocktail! My absolute favorite cocktail was the Waygu Whiskey, Cab Reduction, and Truffle Oil. I've previously had a pork belly infused bourbon cocktail that I didn't particularly care for - too weirdy meaty. The waygu whiskey reminded me of that drink, but it had none of the animal taste and all of the fatty silky texture. Combined with cab and truffle flavors, I couldn't stop drinking this. Luckily they kept the refills coming! I also enjoyed the Tomato Celery Blood Orange Compote, Calabrian Chile Oil drink, as well as the Japanese Whiskey, Cinnamon, and Jasmine combo. SERVICE The timing was atrocious, taking nearly three hours from the first bite to the last savory bite in a 10 bite meal. I was looking forward to the Reese's Coupe dessert, but after four hours in and no dessert in sight, I called it a night! The tasting menu was also served out of order because they decided it would be better in a new order. Other than confusing our group and having multiple people ask about skipped courses, it also seemed like careless service. Besides the timing, service was good, with water glasses and cocktails constantly refilled. They weren't skimping on the prix fixe drinks. I would recommend Modernist for a special occasion or celebration, as long as you have four leisurely hours to spare and aren't starving. read more

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Came here pre covid and post covid. This place is solid. I have had the best drinks in my life here . My base is Tequila and refreshing . The first drink he made me gave me the feeling of a vacation I had 6 years ago , that was an incredible feeling . I'll be back ! read more

Looked up bars nearby and thought that I would give this one a try. I accidentally waltzed my way into this one because the door was unlocked as well. To my surprise, I didn't know that it was only for members. One has to pay 2-10k for annual membership just to get in to this private social club. It's very high end and I felt a bit as if it is pretentious. Let's just say that it wasn't all that it is cut out to be. Fair prices for fine cocktail drinks, delectable bar bites and one gets quite the privacy here, unless there is some sort sort of event going on. Carlos was nice enough to not kick me out and recommended great cocktail drinks. I loved my entertaining Poke Ball that had liquor inside an iced shaped ball! You toss the cup up a bit and then the iced ball cracks open. It was fun to do and a pleasure to drink up. Their lobster tempura was chunky and tempura added a crisp. Hamachi sashimi was topped with fluffy foam and on point. New York strip petite bite was tender and savory. Chawan Mushi in a mini cracked egg shape, was wonderfully warm and delightful - had lovely mushroom bits and smooth custard egg texture that satisfied warmly as a finishing touch. I was caught off guard on this social, private, bar club! The staff was friendly and this reminded me a bit like Aviary in Chicago that is Michelin starred. However, this place lacks eloquence to their menu items when it is served and offers a different form of fine dining over drinks as a socializer. It was a pleasant experience, but I don't think the annual membership is worth it unless it is some sort of company sponsored affair. read more

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A nice cozy bar if you're looking for an intimate seating area. I came here for a company function and we were served an assorted array of hand-crafted cocktails as well as some munchies to gnosh on such as fried chili peppers (not spicy), furikake-dusted french fries, popcorn chicken, and bite-sized short ribs. Overall the food is delicious; you'll have to grab them early or else they'll get cold quick. The service was wonderful however, we had to share our party along with other parties who were also grabbing drinks. The bartender was very kind and was definitely working hard to fulfill all our drink orders. It's nice that the host at the front will check your vaccination cards in case you're not comfortable with other people in the area grabbing drinks as well. This bar is right by the Embarcadero so parking can be a bit of a pain. I'd recommend taking public transportation or a ride share to get here. read more

My partner and I came here for an event. Our party space was the room in the front of the establishment. It was quaint for the gathering. The bartender was nice and made a great old fashion. I didn't venture around the space area, so I don't know what it looked like. As for the food, I thought it was OK. A mixture of sushi, tempura vegetable, fried cheese balls, poke. Though none of the food stood out in taste, I did find the fish on the sushi to be not cold. As a guest, I shouldn't complain, but that is just basic sushi 101. For a private club, it is a great place to socialize. read more

I just came here for a masquerade on a Saturday night and it was packed! I got invited by a friend for a birthday and I ordered a drink with my wristband that was set up prior to entering. I ordered one of the birthday drinks and it didn't list the price. I could've asked but I assumed it would be a regular drink price like around $20. I got charged $84!! Is this correct?? read more

Went for a private party of a member. Food and drinks were ok. But when we got the bill the next day, they had charged us $50 extra for two drinks we never ordered. It IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. Happened to a bunch of my friends. They way they work is that You do not give a credit card when you order. They get your info when you walk in, so there is no way to check the charges and sign the check so you can verify it. Absolutely unacceptable. There is no number to call. Very disappointing! Maybe people who go there never check their bills! This will be a dispute on my credit card charges. Very sorry for such unprofessionalism! read more

This review is only for their delivery Beef Noodle Soup, which is available during the COVID-19 shelter in place. I will admit, I've eaten a LOT of beef noodle soup all over Taiwan growing up, at some of the most lauded and traditional establishments as well as at holes in the wall, and it is one of my favorite Taiwanese dishes. While many have spoken highly of this version, sadly it was merely okay, and just didn't compare. The ingredients were decent quality, but not extraordinary, and the flavor profile was off. A bit too much anise, and while the soup stock was thick in texture, it lacked depth of flavor, coming across a bit flat. There are better bowls of Taiwanese beef noodle soup to be had in the Bay Area, but I'm glad a got a chance to try this while it was available via delivery to the general public read more

Welcoming atmosphere, incredible people and very skilled bartenders. The hosts and staff are really accommodating and the crowd that comes to the events makes up some of the best people in the city. read more

This is a member only bar/lounge where the drinks are customized concoction made to your liking and taste. They have reservation open on OpenTable to the public on Saturday and that's how we stumbled upon it. So the food selection seem to be a lot less than what I have seen in Yelp before and on Friday and Saturday night they serve the beef noodles soup after 10PM. The membership is $2000 a year but $1000 of it will go towards your drinks and food if you decide to join. After our first visit I got invited to be guests member for 30 days which I took advantage off and came back with friends a few time. I love that it's a place for you to just truly hangout with friends and everyone work there remember you and your preferences of drinks Carlos is one talented mixologist, his concoction is unique and well balanced. Great service for sure however counting on $20 cocktails plus 20% tips and tax which averages to be almost $26/drink which you won't ever see your bill only trust that the next day the charge will be close automatically and they will email you the tab after it charge. As much as I love the drinks and enjoy the service and people that work there I am not convinced that my $2000 would worth the membership so I guess we will go on Sat once in a while when I need a special drink fix. read more

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I had no idea this was a private social club until after leaving the club. Now, it makes sense why there was a keypad on the door to get in. Anyhow, we came here for an after party and we were quickly escorted to the 2nd floor to own private area. Quite frankly, for membership that cost $2-10k/ year, I don't know if it is worth it. The venue is not very spacious and not very elegant. To me, it just resembles a small lounge. Regardless, it is a cool concept if you have $$$$$ to spare :) read more

As soon as I walked in, I was engaged in a casual conversation which one could summarize as "WTF!?!?!?" Someone took half an L.A. bar with a super shitty layout and not even a bathroom (!) and had the chutzpah to call it a club. None of us could fathom how or why anyone would come to this cramped, awkward, unremarkable space, let alone actually pay to be a member. Lots of makeup and bro bumping. Obsolete! read more

Nice atmosphere. $95 for three cocktails with measured shots. Only accept cash tips on top of that for some reason. Enough said.

Not to sound pretentious ... but I love the feeling of upscale exclusivity. I don't have a membership to this social club/supper club but my apartment complex did a one-night event at Modernist. It's a very subtle place, and while I liked the lychee Calyx gin drink and the bar looked beautifully stocked, I can't justify the $2K/yr membership. Sorry - just seems like my money could go to better places. Even though $1K goes towards your food/beverages, it seems excessive. It's tucked away near the embarcadero. Space is nice for mingling but it's not a "hopping" spot. Mostly a place for people who want to network while paying for very expensive drinks ($$$$) Enjoyed their foie gras mousse macaron - it was delectable! However, for an event hosted at Modernist, I wished they were a little more generous with their servings especially when they are wishing to garner more patrons. It seemed they were a bit stingy with their offerings. :-/ read more

Private club? I find it hard to believe. Way too loud and filled with drunk 20 something year old Asian kids singing karaoke. I felt like I was in a club more than a bar/lounge. The music and karaoke was so loud, that a conversation was near impossible. It was shoulder to shoulder and hard to move around. 25% automatic gratuity for pouring one glass of overpriced white wine. Are we in LA or NYC?! One star by default, two because of the extremely delicious beef noodle soup. read more

Modernist - Beef noodle soup. Way too dark inside - Social Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

I was here for an event and was treated to some nice tasty treats like tempura, sushi and some other meaty and veggie hors d'vours. They have a specialty drink menu which was good. The décor is a little dark and minimalist, but I liked the atmosphere. read more

The cocktails are good, but SOOOOO expensive. I got three drinks and I kid you not, my bill came out to $70. I mean...the drinks are good but not $25 per drink good. I didn't even tip that much because I was so shocked by how much the bill came out to be. They do have some good perks though - I came for a farewell party, and they made a drink which was called his name. It was printed on a special menu and everything. That's probably what you're paying for - the experience. The interior is pretty nice, and they have a wall of opened bottles that members can keep there for their next visit. Apparently in addition to private events, they are a private social club in which only members can go to (members pay an annual fee). It's a nice place to host an event, but your wallet will be sad afterwards. read more

A true concierge service from the moment you sat down. Somehow the waiters know exactly what you want. Describe your favorite liquer and flavor like St. GERMAIN and Sparkling Wine and you get lychee popping boba floating in walnut liquer, sparkling and a dash of St. german. Or the jasmine pearl saffron siphon infused into whiskey? They can go deep and intense on the alcohol part but also smooth and gentle for the ladies. Private storage for precious wine and other fancy bottles for private guests. The modernist has an interesting model where some of their guests are personally invested in the growth and improvement of the venue read more

This place by far is absolutely mind blowing, from the food to the on staff mixologist to the service. Every dish/drink was extremely thoughtful and the presentation was amazing. I honestly can't wait to return. Thank you guys again for such a phenomenal meal. read more

Shoddy management, went in for a working interview (stagiaire) and was given a start date and agreed upon hourly wage. I then call a week later to confirm I can indeed start earlier then the date suggested only to be told a 180 story then she tried gaslighting me into thinking I never was given a start date. Judging by other bad reviews and sexiest bartender rumors it looked like I dodged a bullet. All in all places that treat their staff like this shouldn't be supported. Go somewhere that treats employees like people. read more

$5 nigiri, Yes please! Akiko's per-piece tasting at a nice private lounge setting. Food looks good. Gorge plating. Great service and fun bartenders at the Modernist. Loads of small area to sit with friends or just opt for the bar seatings. After sushi, try out a bowl of their beef noodle soup...A great way to end the evening. read more

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This place is a gem. Drinks are reasonable priced. I had the "Last samurai ". It's made with japanese whiskey. Yummy. But wait, the highlight are the drinks off the menu. If you tell them what you like,they customize a drink for you. The service is awesome! The receptionist was fantastic. The bartender takes pride on his work. T would bring Putin to this place read more

Modernist - Nice menu - Social Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I'm a non-member who attended an event last year with my alumni club. The space was too small and crowded for the number of folks they allowed in there. Bar service was equally too slow, and there wasn't nearly enough staff to serve all the guests. But what I found really unprofessional and disconcerting was I ordered 3 items from the menu, and a waiter brought me a beef noodle soup and left immediately. Since he left so quickly, I had to wait for him to return with one item in my order to let him know I did not order the beef noodle soup (I didn't touch the beef noodle soup, just left it on the table). The waiter looked a bit confused and just stood there like he didn't know what to do. I reiterated the 3 items that I ordered and asked him to please take the beef noodle soup away. He then complied. After he came back with my other items, the club owner came up to me and told me rather forcefully that I should try the beef noodle soup (he didn't bring any with him). He raved about it being the best he's had in the bay area. And he said something about beef noodle soup being a comfort food for him. I told him thanks and I'll make a note of it, but as he kept talking I couldn't shake the feeling that he purposely had the waiter send me the soup so that he could pressure me to eat it.... There's just something a bit sketchy about this guy's presentation and mannerisms. If you talk to him for a bit, you might see what I mean. I hadn't heard from the club for many months since the event. But, at the beginning of COVID-19, the club thought it'd be appropriate to spam me to market upcoming virtual events. Annoying and illegal. read more

Inventive specialty cocktails. Found the cocktail menu to be heavy on the mezcal, which adds to the trendy atmosphere. Mezcal is a slippery one for me, overall I find it pleasant but it's very situation specific and dose dependent. I don't really want to be drinking it indoors in the San Francisco Financial District, I want to drink it on a Mexico City rooftop with Sean Penn and El Chapo. Since the latter is impossible, I'll settle. The crack chex mix is just as much as cracky as they claim. It's a dopamine surge, and I think it's salted with cocaine. Well, okay, I guess the atmosphere for mezcal works now. I shoveled at least four bowls down, and I cant't blame it on the a-a-a-a-aalcohol. read more