The vibe is amazing. We walked in without a reservation and were seated right away even though they were busy. The host was great and services were amazing. I ordered the chicken and rice and was okay. The rice tasted undercooked and the chicken could have used more seasoning to really bring out its flavor. read more

Novela - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

OOO Novela How could I forget about your presence!? I was here long ago for a little birthday gathering, and remember that it was swanky and fun. Here I come back more mature and older, and too tired to party hard. LOL It was a Thursday, and the perfect kind of night out. Not crowed. Good music. Apparently there's a 5 cocktail sampler for $20!? They have food too I think, but kitchen closes early. Overall not pretentious, servers were friendly and walked around often. Again perhaps because it was a Thursday, but great area to chill and meet up friends. I shall be back! read more

Came here on a Thursday night and it wasn't too crowded. The music wasn't memorable (they had a dj), but I did catch myself dancing in my seat a few times. As a lemon drop connoisseur, I must say theirs is delicious! I love the seating arrangement here. There's large couches (that were most reserved), bar seating, barrel seats, and large tables. The staff was very nice. Security was cool. I would definitely come back for a girls night or date. read more

See all

The vibes of this bar are amazing! The library concept really appealed to a bookworm like me, and it was busy but got seated immediatey when I came with a few friends on a Friday evening. The decor is truly beautiful with all the book spines. We ordered a few drinks (which also had creative literary-inspired names) -- they were all on the sugary side (which I don't prefer as much) but good presentation and flavors. If you're in FiDi, stop by and check out this space! read more

See all

We had a great experience at Novela this past Friday evening. We arrived around 8:30PM without a reservation and were helped immediately. Everyone from the front door man checking our ID's to the host to the servers were great. All very friendly, accommodating and offered fast service. We opted to have a seating service and ordered cocktails that all came out quickly. Everyone in the party enjoyed their drinks. A couple of cheeseboards were also ordered and rounded out the evening as we were looking to snack before heading out. The environment is loud- there are a lot of people talking and a band playing music. I would consider this a mix of a chill environment with background noise and music. Overall very happy and looking forward to being back! read more

Novela - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Beautiful location with happy hour until 7! We loved the punch flight--you get to try four different cocktails for $19. The fries were also fantastic. The truffle pasta was a bit watery, so I wouldn't recommend it as a full meal, but it's a great spot for drinks and snacks. Excellent service too! read more

See all

I loved this library-themed bar in SF! I visited this bar on a late afternoon on a Friday and it wasn't too crowded inside since it was early. Walking-in, I was enamored with the library-themed decor from the books in the shelves to the book quotes on the wall. Everything was nicely lit with mood lighting making it a great place for an intimate time. The seats were all comfortable and padded as well. My friend and I happened to be there for happy hour so we took advantage of the specials. For drinks, I got the classic punch on tap flight for $15 and it was such a great deal! I got to sample 4 flavors of their punch: strawberry pisco, peach tequila, blueberry bourbon, and passionfruit rum. All of them were fruity and strong! I liked the fruit toppings in each and I could eat some of them like the blueberries and strawberries. Out of the bunch, my favorite was the passionfruit rum followed by the peach tequila. I liked all of them though! The sizes for each flavor were generous, so I would definitely recommend sharing this with someone because it is a lot haha. My friend and I also got the $2 oysters as well and they were delicious! The oysters were fresh and not too fishy or metallic in flavor. The lemon and sauces also complemented the oysters too. The service was good and the servers were nice and attentive. Overall, I enjoyed my experience here and would regularly come back if I lived in the area. read more

See all

This place had a great Halloween atmosphere! Nice vibes and decent music. Serena clocked in and immediately assisted me with getting drinks, she was the star of the show and had a great costume. Great service! I had the chicken slider and it was a good 8/10! The Cesar salad was a 3/10 pretty basic Drinks were decent read more

Novela - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great, cool bar in SF (south of Market) definitely worth a visit. Service was great; shout out to Alec (same name as my son) who took great care of my client/friemd and me on a recent visit. Drinks were delish and the $15 pricetag was surprisingly reasonable. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. read more

Novela - Alec (not my son Alec) working behind the bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love the cocktails and food. I was there for a girls night and this is the first bar we went. Which we loved! The service was good but I recommend to get a reservation! read more

Novela - Oyster, Corn dip, Shrimp Ceviche - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "You better not start anything." I haven't had great experiences at Novela, and this visit didn't change my mind. I went on a Friday evening to meet a group of people. I was wearing Birkenstocks and was initially denied entry by security. After some stalling, I was eventually let in, which made the whole situation even more disappointing. There are no visible signs about a dress code, so it felt like security was making up rules on the spot. With so many bars in the area, I'd much rather support places that treat customers better. The customer service at the entrance was especially lacking. Inside, the place was very crowded, but the group I was with already had seats. The bartender was busy, but I was still able to get drinks and shots without too much trouble. The ambiance is very loud, which may be fine for some people. They do have a free water station, and drinks come out fairly quickly unlike the experience at the door. As for value, it's just not there. I ordered a vodka Red Bull and five shots, and the total came to $95, which felt like a complete rip-off. No value and poor customer service, is that really what you want when you go out? Would I come back? Probably not. And if I did, there are plenty of better and much cheaper bars nearby. read more

Novela - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Fun fact: your girl worked at a Library for 9 years. I love books. I don't read much anymore but give me a book themed spot any day! This place is aesthetically gorgeous. The drinks, cleverly named with the theme of literature in mind. We were at the bar for drinks before a team dinner and this was a great spot for that. The energy was lively. The drinks were not only pretty but delicious. I would totally come back next time we are in town. I would maybe even suggest to stay longer to enjoy the ambiance even more. read more

Novela - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

My review is based on just a couple of items, as this was a pre-dinner stop- but I'd certainly be interested in coming back to check out more of the menu. We ordered the seasoned fries and cheeseboard- The fries were problematic... we both kept digging in long after we knew we had more than enough! I think some may have considered them a bit over seasoned, but I am a definite fan. We also ordered the Don Quixote and the Kaladin Stormblessed cocktails. We each ordered a second round of the same. I love that the walls are lined with books when you walk in and it looks like a perfect spot to pop in and spend some time before going out for the evening. read more

See all

Great ambiance. The flights were absolutely amazing and worth the cost the truffle Mac and cheese is a must. Service was good and attentive. read more

We were on our way to another bar and the colors inside caught my eye! The books and lights are color coordinated and really pop against the floor. The artful dodger ended up being the drink I got each time I visited. I'd never tried aloe liqueur but I think it was the perfect spirit for this drink. Definitely very refreshing and delicious! On one visit almost the entire table had the same drink. Service was friendly! There are a lot of seating options, personally I preferred sitting in the back on a stool rather than a high top. read more

See all

Great bar, very cool interior design. It kind of looks like a library bar, but without the books. It just has a very bookish theme if you think about it, and they play pretty decent music. The only caveat is that the crowd tends to be more late 30s to 40s every time I've been. Other than that, it's a cool vibe. But if you want to go out dancing, I'd probably go somewhere else. ' haven't had food here but people seem to order it more at the reserved tables. read more

I came here for my engagement party and it was a good enough experience. They made booking very easy. The best part about booking a table is there is no limit on the tab. We had a server but she was slow at times so we ended having to go to the bar a few times. She was very kind tho, everyone was kind. I didn't love the music but it was good enough, felt a little outdated. I would've liked to hear more music that got everyone dancing. I would come back for a quick drink but I don't know if I would come back to stay all night. read more

Used to come here pre-pandemic for work drinks and dates. Came here recently for a work event where my former manager rented out the space with an open bar and we hosted over 150 people. The owners were so accommodating, the service was so good (shoutout to my favorite bartender Mei.) Great food, and I love the book theme and strong, good book-inspired drinks. It's a very cool space decorated with books on the shelves. read more

See all

Stopped in for an after work drink and half a dozen oysters. It was busy on a weeknight. Restaurant life is baaaack in the city of SF and Novela had nice vibes, nice drinks and the oysters were fresh. read more

See all

I came with some friends to check out Novela after work and I loved the ambiance and cocktails here. The concept of a book bar is super fun and I loved the tall bookshelves they have as decor. I ended up getting the Dr. Ian Malcolm with mezcal, persimmon and ginger. It was nice and refreshing as promised and well balanced. As we were there on a Thursday night, there were plenty of people coming from work and a couple of office happy hours around. It can definitely get a loud with the music (they were playing 00s throwbacks) and people chatting but it's a fun environment. read more

Novela - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

We had a reservation and we were seated pretty quickly, which was nice. The inside is super cute and has a fun, cozy vibe. It's super cool if you're into books! We got drinks and wings and both were really good . The flavor of the wings were definitely the highlight. Service was a little slow though, especially waiting for the wings and then the check at the end. Prices were also pretty reasonable for being in an expensive area. Overall, it's a great place to hang out and catch up with friends. read more

See all

a classy cocktail bar with small bites and an elevated atmosphere. Came here for cocktail hour with co-workers after work. We made a reservation for 10 people, and thankfully, because tables were full especially for walk-in big parties. I've been here with coworkers before without the reservation and we're also seated immediately, so it depends on the day. creative and crafty cocktails, classics, and great way to try something new. Spanish inspired small plates including patatas bravas, gambas al alijo, ceviche + taro chips, emapanadas, etc. Regular pricing for SF in FiDi for cocktails and food. Would def come here on a first date or more company-sponsored events. read more

See all

Food and small plates are excellent. Drinks are great as well. The space is very large, it is not as advertised. If you are looking for a speakeasy this isn't it. This is basically a restaurant with small plates. read more

Novela - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place was super cool. I didn't get many pics because I was too busy admiring the inside but the inside has a dim red lighting and one side of the walls have bookshelves. It was like a hidden speakeasy bar vibe that I got and the drinks were honestly not badly priced. Just typical pricing you'd see at any other bar. We didn't get any food but they only played house/electronic music when I thought they would play jazz or some chill music to match the vibe of the place. Super cool place though and a gathering of friends or a birthday would be awesome to have here read more

Novela - Drinks - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Novela is usually very lively with a crowd of tech workers or ppl visiting from out of town. The decor is super cute, old books all over the walls and good moody lighting. We came on a Saturday night around 8:30 and we were easily sat at the communal table. Drinks and food came out fast - we just ordered some fries to snack on and a few cocktails. Overall solid experience read more

I had to check this place out for happy hour. I got the strawberry mezcal drink. The barters was attentive and insured to have out water glass full since she knew that I was bar hopping. read more

Novela - Strawberry mezcal happy hour drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

The experience I was expecting here was completely different. I was expecting a classy lounge given all the photos and the theme of books & literature but in reality it felt more like a night club, which felt like it was off concept. The music they played was super loud and it didn't feel like a lounge I can enjoy and relax in. The drinks here were also incredibly sweet and not very strong. We ordered the Kaladin Stormblessed and Aster Grey and we couldn't finish it at all. I had to keep pouring water in mine to dilute it. The only redeeming factor is that the service here is really good! They frequently checked in on us and refilled our waters. We also came as a walk in on Valentine's Day (busiest day ever) and although reservations were preferred they still were able to find us a seat! I really appreciated the workers here. Overall most likely would not come again as this place is not really for me. read more

See all

Came back with my roommates with reservations at 8:00 PM, and good thing we did because there were not a lot of tables available. The ambiance is always great here due to the elegant and dark decor as well as the different high top tables (which we were seated at) and lounges/couches. The menus are on QR codes on wooden signs on the tables. We really struggled to scan them because of the dim lighting and low contrast of the wood color and the code. We split the punches they had on tap -- Strawberry Mezcal, Mango Rum, Blueberry Bourbon, and vodka White Peach. My favorite was the Blueberry Bourbon, as I prefer the stronger, smokier blend of flavors and I think the fruit flavors were not overly sweet. We also ordered two orders of fries, not pictured because they were quickly consumed. Overall, had a great time and love this place a lot for a more relaxed nightlife option. Can't wait to be back! read more

See all

I've been here a couple times and it's a very nice spot Interior has classic and romantic vibes, and the drinks are beautiful and delicious. Staff was also very friendly, they will accommodate and recommend drinks. Would definitely take a date here :) read more

One of my favorite bars in the city. The drinks are delicious, reasonably priced, and unique. The main thing is the ambiance though, that is hard to get right in a themed establishment. As should be obvious it is all literary themed, and the constantly rotating selection of drinks pairs well with the overall theme. The service was great, and allowed time to truly savor and enjoy the drinks. read more

Beautiful space, great service. Terrific happy hour specials and drink choices. We had some appetizers that were really good too.

Love the library themed bar! Such a fun ambiance, customer service is great, drinks were delicious just small portions. Not a fan of the nachos, tasted like something you get from a baseball stadium. After all it's bar food, but the quality of the food wasn't reflective of the price. Other than that will definitely be back for drinks, cheers! read more

See all

I went due to wanting some drinks and this place was on my list due to the aesthetics and vibes as they were there. The only thing that overshadowed it a bit was that I went during 5 de mayo which was fine but I'm sure it feels different on a normal day. They had nice happy hour specials. Not a fan of tequila and spicy drinks but I'm sure they have something else. Food was nice but portions were on the small side. Service was nice and straightforward, they recommended drinks to my liking which is always nice. I tend to go for mainly sweet but risking it at times is nice. I do want to come back for a drink or two, specially for the usual atmosphere. read more

This pace is such a vibe! The ambiance alone is what brought us in. No joke. A group of us were on a walk on our way to a different bar and on our way we passed by Novela. This bar had their door open so we saw a peak at what the inside looked like from our sidewalk view. We saw cool red lights, bookcases perfectly filled and color coordinated, a bar, and lounge chairs, we were sold. We all got a drink off their innovative craft cocktail menu and it did not disappoint! read more

See all

I have been coming here since it first opened. It has become an anchor venue in this part of town for private events in the back, side bar or entire bar for tech, HR, Asian American community events, and other lifestyle events. The patrons come from all walks of life and for various reasons, but it is a place to have fun, enjoy a nice cocktail, enjoy people being dressed up or dressed down, and sometimes it is the hottest venue of the nite. The purpose of this review is to highlight the "door guy" as they say. Being a former door guy myself, Jake (real name Yokesh), knows how to look after the patrons who might have been a little slightly tipsy, but to also recognize how to not ruin a night for a group. We had 40-50 people in our group, but one of my friends had a little extra to drink as we had been venue hopping throughout the night for the Stripe conference. We mostly had finger foods and it was the first time to go to multiple events with our international guest from Poland. It all worked out in the end! Thanks Jake and the team, to make sure we had a good time, all patrons were looked after and to understand what it takes to ensure a great time for all. Thanks again Jake! read more

Love the vibe, low lit, elegant, library theme. Pretty big. They take reservations, but also have some limited seats for walk-ins. For drinks the Mary Lennox and the Christopher Robin was delicious and nicely balanced. The espresso martinis were ok, but I've had better. Unfortunately, they were out of several food items we wanted, however the food we did end up ordering was good (sorry was too hungry for pics ha). The croquettes were definitely the star, some of the best I ever had! I also really liked the Brussels sprouts. The servers and bartenders were friendly and attentive. They even moved us to a bigger table in the reserved section because we had ordered so much food. However, one odd thing that happened was after we had been there for at least an hour, a random gentleman working there asking my friend to remove his baseball cap. If hats aren't allowed that's fine, but that was something that should have been mentioned when we arrived. read more

Novela - Seats near entrance - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Novela came up a lot when I asked friends for SF bar recs. Very cute spot for an after-work drink or a casual sit down night out. Lots of single and larger couch seating, dim lighting and playful, upbeat music (on the louder side), which makes it great for lighthearted catch-ups rather than deep convos. My friend planned so not sure if a reservation is necessary. Novela was definitely packed on a Thursday night. I'd probably plan ahead just in case. I could totally see this being a cute date night spot too :) I loved the book-themed cocktail names--super on brand for the vibe. I got the Mary Lennox, and in a good way, couldn't really taste the alcohol. I'm not super picky with drinks and usually go for whatever sounds funky or new, but I'm slowly realizing I might be a tajín girlie, because this one was right up my alley. Overall, Novela has definitely earned a spot on my personal list of go-to SF bars. read more

Novela - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came here after a friend's birthday dinner and loved it. It's a really nice, relaxing lounge bar. When we walked in, candles were lit and the whole place smelled like pumpkin spice for the fall. The walls are lined with books and the ceiling has quotes from Hemingway to Sinatra. All the books are color-coordinated in a perfect rainbow gradient, and at night they're softly illuminated. The ambiance is beautiful on its own and makes for great photos. I really appreciate the thoughtful touches throughout. It has a library or bookstore vibe, and I got the sense that it caters to a slightly older crowd, since I didn't see many folks in their twenties. It's definitely more of a chatting and hanging-out spot. We stumbled upon it because we wanted a quieter environment where we could hear each other without loud music. We called while walking over, and they easily saved a lounge area for our group of eight, right under a large Catcher in the Rye poster. Overall, convenient, pretty, and very chill. Tip if you're looking to meet new people or singles: the bathroom sinks are mixed-gender and communal, while the stalls are separate. It creates a small but fun chance for mingling, so your best conversation of the night might just happen while washing your hands. :-) read more

Novela is a cute bar with great bites to eat! The ambiance is beautiful with books and many of the tables feel like yo user in a swanky book nook. Beyond amazed at the way this bar feels, the service, and the happy hour was great! Their house punches are tasty and we loved their appetizers! Plenty to choose from and to share. They have an area for parties and groups so book ahead of time if you want your own spot. The only downside for me is that it gets very loud when it is packed and it can be hard to hear. This is often what happens at most bars but just keep this in mind when planning. read more

Novela - Interior - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

While on the hunt for a cocktail bar to grab a drink after first Thursdays, I stumbled across Novela a couple blocks away. I absolutely love the decor here! Such a cute theme for a bar, it felt more like we were in a library turned lounge. We were seated immediately at one of their couch/booth areas which was nice and cozy for our party of 5. I ordered the Jay Gatsby which honestly tasted basically like an old fashioned but I don't think I have the most sophisticated palate. Everyone enjoyed their drinks though and this fit exactly what we were looking for in terms of the vibe. The music was good but not blasting too loud that we couldn't have a conversation easily. I do think some nice jazzy music could have been more on theme than top hits. I'm not in the city often but I recommend if you're looking for a decent cocktail lounge with cute decor! read more

See all