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I've been visiting this bar over the years and there is a reason why I return, simply because the bartenders know how to make a great cocktail. They are skilled, kind, and always have a witty comment. Nothing fancy, it's the tenderloin so just be aware of your surroundings as you enter and exit. Be sure to tip. Cheers
*Dark, warm light ambiance *Happy hour is 10% off, before 8pm *Very firm, clean cushion booths to relax on *No especially fruity cocktails on the menu I was passing by after dinner in the city and noticed the ambiance of Rye. I peeked in and pointed it out to my friend. They had a projector playing snowfall. The whole look of the bar is very tasteful and inviting. The drinks were carefully crafted and we got to try different whiskeys, which I absolutely loved! What a great whiskey bar! The flavors in each drinks were had was perfectly balanced. I'll definitely be recommending Rye to all the other whiskey lovers out there :)
Endless love for Rye, Eric the bartender, & Weiner Wednesdays for being there for me when my friends & I first moved into the city. I discovered Rye on FunCheapSF when they were promoting their Weiner Wednesdays, where you get a free hotdog with every Tequila drink purchase. We loved how empty it was on Wednesday nights and would come every Wednesday for MONTHS. They are known for their wide whiskey selection and I'm not much of a whiskey person but their cocktails are amazing & there is definitely something for everyone. I personally am a big fan of the Khaosan Tea (a Thai tea + vanilla Bourbon drink) and Bees & Toes (an herby, honey lavendar gin drink). I also became a big, big fan of Japanese whiskey because of Rye! Super elegant and dark space with a good amount of indoor seating + a gated outdoor area. Sometimes they project a movie on the wall or a DJ plays in the back. During Halloween & Christmas, they will decorate the place and bartenders wear cute gimmicky costumes. Their menu also changed often for the holidays. A very dog-friendly space! Location is a little rough at night, luckily very accessible to me via the 38/38R bus line. When coming via car, we haven't had trouble finding parking but definitely not the safest area to leave your car. Haven't run into any issues or dangerous situations at all though. Definitely recommend!
Hands-down, our fave bar in San Fran. Specialty drinks are made with so much attention to detail and the process of making them is an art form. You can watch while sitting at the bar, or opt to sit in the back lounge area. Chill, relaxed ambiance. We've been here multiple times and the quality is consistent and excellent. The drinks here are truly unique. Cobra Effect and Ethereal Pause are go to drinks.
I was having a good sesh digging in the dumpster on Leavensworth when I got interrupted and chased down by a feral cat. I felt the determined claws on my tail then a strike to my face but I fought back. I wasn't gonna let death get me. Not today. After getting pieced up with a slightly bloody tail, I wanted to get a drink to have a celebration of me not dying. I hit up a human friend to see if she'd like to join me at Rye. When we walked in, the bar was completely Shining themed from their drinks to the famous axed door. After my near-death experience, I was all down for this environment. And damn, their drinks were good. The All Work No Play had all the fruity parts without it being too annoyingly sweet nor overbearing. After I went for something tart and chose Grady's Ghost - plus the skull mug sold me. They reminded me of tiki drinks but not as crazy. I was def buzzin tho. My friend was as well. Come here for the rest of October if you want to be around fake axes, bloody decor, and well made drinks. Or come anytime of the year to enjoy the low-lit atmosphere and friendly bartenders. Then cheers to being alive. You never know when it'll be the day.
Cute craft cocktail & whiskey bar nears the outskirts of the TL. Very creative and innovative cocktail drinks . Happy hour 10% drinks before 8pm. Great bartender service, would come back again.
I've been living in this area for about two years now. I would walk up and down these streets just gazing through as I walk pass by. I don't really go to bars around this area but one day I decided to just pop in after a long day of work and I'm so happy I did! The way the outside looks, it looks like this bar is closed but it is very much open. It's a cute little bar that didn't have much going on when I was in. I usually get the same stuff everywhere I go to compare who has what that tastes better and where. The service is pretty up to speed as there's only two bartenders, they have you take a seat and go to your table to take your order unlike your usual bar where you have to order your drink then sit down. I thought that was pretty neat, you don't see that much in SF. My first choice of drink was THE espresso martini. I say THE because that's literally it. I read on the menu that the coffee was sourced from Scullery (coffee shop across the street). This espresso martini is the #1 best one I've had in SF and I've been here for about 3 years now. Not sure how I've never been here to try this drink but it's mind blowing. It's the perfect mix of espresso, booze, and they even add TOASTED COCONUT CHIPS to the drink! It tastes just like candy. I can't talk about it too much because words are just words but I would encourage anyone reading this, to head on over and try it for yourself. I enjoyed this drink so much I got 3 of them and didn't think to try any other specialty cocktails. But that's for next time. With tax it was about $15 each which is not bad considering I've paid about $20 elsewhere. The bartenders were so sweet, the music is a vibe, and drinks are freaking amazing. I know I will be back because I live around the corner. Wish I can have an espresso martini before my work day lol, that would really give me a kick to start my day! I recommend trying this drink first!
Was looking for a spot after class and happened upon this one. I've walked past it many times but somehow this was the first time I noticed it. Maybe it was because the door was open and it looked so warm and cozy? I don't know why I never noticed it before. I have a thing for seasonal specialty menus. It's fun to go to the same old place and try something new that someone put thought and effort into creating. There were so many options that I'll have to come back to try more. The old fashioned was great with the holiday spices and the gingerbread cookie was yummy. I think they have a lot of extra touches that just takes this to the next level. The thematic decorations, the projectors playing cartoons in two different sections. The seasonal decorations. The caged smoking area (for safety, it is Geary after all). I love the extra thought out into all of these things! The bartender might have been the owner? Not sure, but he said they've been around for a while. He was professional and accommodating and that's all we expected. My friend had a specific request and wanted a large ice cube and he delivered. :)
Great cocktails, service, and vibes Amazing selection of top shelf drinks Love coming here when ever I am in San Fransisco
This is a cute cocktail bar! Indoor dining is now open! I went here to grab a drink with a friend after dinner. We both ordered the spring time cocktail which came with a jar of jelly beans. The cocktails are on the more expensive side at $20 for 8oz (which is about 2 cocktails). However, you can get beer here on the cheaper side! The interior of the bar is dark and gives a very classic bar vibe. I would recommend checking this place out, if you are ever in the neighborhood:)
Nice place with plenty of bartenders and a good collection of whiskeys. However, when we were there, it was so loud that we couldn't hear one another across the table. So, if you're looking for a place to chill and have a conversation, this may not be the best place unless you're sitting next to each other at the bar or on one of the benches. There is a "smoking cage," which is a patio with a glass wall. Unfortunately, the seal between that and the rest of the bar is kind of weak and smoke blew into the place whenever the door was opened. I don't know if it bothered anyone else, but I was sitting right near the door. I started with the "cure all," which had a nice spiced flavor, but did lose any personality of the whiskey. A good sipper, though. Next, for something different, I tried the Coco Bitter, which had whiskey, creme de cacao and coconut milk, with a sprig of mint. This is probably a good one for those who don't like whiskey at all: it tasted really sweet and minty, like a peppermint patty. I'm not a fan of drinks like that, but it was executed well and I'm sure it has its audience. For the final choice, I went to the completely opposite end of the spectrum with the "gin ne sais quoi," which was a gin-forward cocktail on their feature board. It is worth checking that board when you arrive to see what they're working on that day. I like gin. Maybe not as much as I once did, but my complaint about the other two drinks did not apply here: I could definitely taste the gin. Probably not the best one to end the night on, but I'm glad I tried it. Cocktails on their menu are $12-13 at this time, with a few offered for $2 less during happy hour. If you're looking for whiskey shots, they have an extensive collection in all kinds of price ranges. For example, I saw an impressive collection of Japanese whisky from Suntory: wide coverage of both the single malt and blended offerings across several age ranges.
1 month ago
Great night bar to chill. Has an outside patio and a dimmed light ambience inside which is cool, and serves great drinks. My margarita was bomb and came out to $10. Had free hotdogs too! read more
Great place to have a drink after work and meet my hubby. Rye February Specials Bartender: Phil and Jason make amazing drinks. They design different drinks monthly. Butterscotch Hot Cider Bourbon, Averna, Miso Butterscotch, Apple Cider Basil Gimlet Gin, Basil, Lime Negroni Place is so peaceful and love the decor. A must visit. read more
9 months ago
I always love visiting this spot on Xmas - they do a fun Krampus themed bar and drinks they are tasty. The drinks are always very whiskey or rye forward (hence the name) but good none the less. The bar tender was nice and made drinks quickly. Will highly recommend this spot on Xmas time if you like Krampus! read more
1 year ago
I've been visiting this bar over the years and there is a reason why I return, simply because the bartenders know how to make a great cocktail. They are skilled, kind, and always have a witty comment. Nothing fancy, it's the tenderloin so just be aware of your surroundings as you enter and exit. Be sure to tip. Cheers read more
2 years ago
*Dark, warm light ambiance *Happy hour is 10% off, before 8pm *Very firm, clean cushion booths to relax on *No especially fruity cocktails on the menu I was passing by after dinner in the city and noticed the ambiance of Rye. I peeked in and pointed it out to my friend. They had a projector playing snowfall. The whole look of the bar is very tasteful and inviting. The drinks were carefully crafted and we got to try different whiskeys, which I absolutely loved! What a great whiskey bar! The flavors in each drinks were had was perfectly balanced. I'll definitely be recommending Rye to all the other whiskey lovers out there :) read more
9 months ago
9 months ago
Endless love for Rye, Eric the bartender, & Weiner Wednesdays for being there for me when my friends & I first moved into the city. I discovered Rye on FunCheapSF when they were promoting their Weiner Wednesdays, where you get a free hotdog with every Tequila drink purchase. We loved how empty it was on Wednesday nights and would come every Wednesday for MONTHS. They are known for their wide whiskey selection and I'm not much of a whiskey person but their cocktails are amazing & there is definitely something for everyone. I personally am a big fan of the Khaosan Tea (a Thai tea + vanilla Bourbon drink) and Bees & Toes (an herby, honey lavendar gin drink). I also became a big, big fan of Japanese whiskey because of Rye! Super elegant and dark space with a good amount of indoor seating + a gated outdoor area. Sometimes they project a movie on the wall or a DJ plays in the back. During Halloween & Christmas, they will decorate the place and bartenders wear cute gimmicky costumes. Their menu also changed often for the holidays. A very dog-friendly space! Location is a little rough at night, luckily very accessible to me via the 38/38R bus line. When coming via car, we haven't had trouble finding parking but definitely not the safest area to leave your car. Haven't run into any issues or dangerous situations at all though. Definitely recommend! read more
Hands-down, our fave bar in San Fran. Specialty drinks are made with so much attention to detail and the process of making them is an art form. You can watch while sitting at the bar, or opt to sit in the back lounge area. Chill, relaxed ambiance. We've been here multiple times and the quality is consistent and excellent. The drinks here are truly unique. Cobra Effect and Ethereal Pause are go to drinks. read more
4 years ago
I was having a good sesh digging in the dumpster on Leavensworth when I got interrupted and chased down by a feral cat. I felt the determined claws on my tail then a strike to my face but I fought back. I wasn't gonna let death get me. Not today. After getting pieced up with a slightly bloody tail, I wanted to get a drink to have a celebration of me not dying. I hit up a human friend to see if she'd like to join me at Rye. When we walked in, the bar was completely Shining themed from their drinks to the famous axed door. After my near-death experience, I was all down for this environment. And damn, their drinks were good. The All Work No Play had all the fruity parts without it being too annoyingly sweet nor overbearing. After I went for something tart and chose Grady's Ghost - plus the skull mug sold me. They reminded me of tiki drinks but not as crazy. I was def buzzin tho. My friend was as well. Come here for the rest of October if you want to be around fake axes, bloody decor, and well made drinks. Or come anytime of the year to enjoy the low-lit atmosphere and friendly bartenders. Then cheers to being alive. You never know when it'll be the day. read more
2 years ago
Cute craft cocktail & whiskey bar nears the outskirts of the TL. Very creative and innovative cocktail drinks . Happy hour 10% drinks before 8pm. Great bartender service, would come back again. read more
4 years ago
I've been living in this area for about two years now. I would walk up and down these streets just gazing through as I walk pass by. I don't really go to bars around this area but one day I decided to just pop in after a long day of work and I'm so happy I did! The way the outside looks, it looks like this bar is closed but it is very much open. It's a cute little bar that didn't have much going on when I was in. I usually get the same stuff everywhere I go to compare who has what that tastes better and where. The service is pretty up to speed as there's only two bartenders, they have you take a seat and go to your table to take your order unlike your usual bar where you have to order your drink then sit down. I thought that was pretty neat, you don't see that much in SF. My first choice of drink was THE espresso martini. I say THE because that's literally it. I read on the menu that the coffee was sourced from Scullery (coffee shop across the street). This espresso martini is the #1 best one I've had in SF and I've been here for about 3 years now. Not sure how I've never been here to try this drink but it's mind blowing. It's the perfect mix of espresso, booze, and they even add TOASTED COCONUT CHIPS to the drink! It tastes just like candy. I can't talk about it too much because words are just words but I would encourage anyone reading this, to head on over and try it for yourself. I enjoyed this drink so much I got 3 of them and didn't think to try any other specialty cocktails. But that's for next time. With tax it was about $15 each which is not bad considering I've paid about $20 elsewhere. The bartenders were so sweet, the music is a vibe, and drinks are freaking amazing. I know I will be back because I live around the corner. Wish I can have an espresso martini before my work day lol, that would really give me a kick to start my day! I recommend trying this drink first! read more
4 years ago
Was looking for a spot after class and happened upon this one. I've walked past it many times but somehow this was the first time I noticed it. Maybe it was because the door was open and it looked so warm and cozy? I don't know why I never noticed it before. I have a thing for seasonal specialty menus. It's fun to go to the same old place and try something new that someone put thought and effort into creating. There were so many options that I'll have to come back to try more. The old fashioned was great with the holiday spices and the gingerbread cookie was yummy. I think they have a lot of extra touches that just takes this to the next level. The thematic decorations, the projectors playing cartoons in two different sections. The seasonal decorations. The caged smoking area (for safety, it is Geary after all). I love the extra thought out into all of these things! The bartender might have been the owner? Not sure, but he said they've been around for a while. He was professional and accommodating and that's all we expected. My friend had a specific request and wanted a large ice cube and he delivered. :) read more
5 years ago
Great cocktails, service, and vibes Amazing selection of top shelf drinks Love coming here when ever I am in San Fransisco read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
This is a cute cocktail bar! Indoor dining is now open! I went here to grab a drink with a friend after dinner. We both ordered the spring time cocktail which came with a jar of jelly beans. The cocktails are on the more expensive side at $20 for 8oz (which is about 2 cocktails). However, you can get beer here on the cheaper side! The interior of the bar is dark and gives a very classic bar vibe. I would recommend checking this place out, if you are ever in the neighborhood:) read more
Nice place with plenty of bartenders and a good collection of whiskeys. However, when we were there, it was so loud that we couldn't hear one another across the table. So, if you're looking for a place to chill and have a conversation, this may not be the best place unless you're sitting next to each other at the bar or on one of the benches. There is a "smoking cage," which is a patio with a glass wall. Unfortunately, the seal between that and the rest of the bar is kind of weak and smoke blew into the place whenever the door was opened. I don't know if it bothered anyone else, but I was sitting right near the door. I started with the "cure all," which had a nice spiced flavor, but did lose any personality of the whiskey. A good sipper, though. Next, for something different, I tried the Coco Bitter, which had whiskey, creme de cacao and coconut milk, with a sprig of mint. This is probably a good one for those who don't like whiskey at all: it tasted really sweet and minty, like a peppermint patty. I'm not a fan of drinks like that, but it was executed well and I'm sure it has its audience. For the final choice, I went to the completely opposite end of the spectrum with the "gin ne sais quoi," which was a gin-forward cocktail on their feature board. It is worth checking that board when you arrive to see what they're working on that day. I like gin. Maybe not as much as I once did, but my complaint about the other two drinks did not apply here: I could definitely taste the gin. Probably not the best one to end the night on, but I'm glad I tried it. Cocktails on their menu are $12-13 at this time, with a few offered for $2 less during happy hour. If you're looking for whiskey shots, they have an extensive collection in all kinds of price ranges. For example, I saw an impressive collection of Japanese whisky from Suntory: wide coverage of both the single malt and blended offerings across several age ranges. read more
Came here after dinner on Tenderloin around 8:30 pm on a Friday, and it's pretty quiet as it's still early in the evening. I got the War Bonnet, which was pretty tasty as usual. Always enjoy the drinks and vibe here, and would definitely make a stop whenever we are in the neighborhood. read more
4 years ago
We happened upon this spot while walking thru the city. From the outside, this bar looks cool and inviting. I was impressed with the overall space and the variety of seating areas for patrons. We found a cool spot chill and review the cocktail menu. At this spot, you go to the bar and order your drinks. I was shocked that this upscale establishment lacked service on the floor. It was a Friday night and not busy at all. We ordered a few craft cocktails and our friend ordered a beer. The cocktails were good, but as always, pricey. I ordered the Dragon Spritz and it well crafted with a nice balance of flavors. I would suggest some music on a Weekend Nights. This place has a lot of potential. read more
Not sure I've been to a bar with friendlier service. Seriously, the service here was fantastic. Both bartenders who I unfortunately didn't catch the names of were absolutely graceful and made the experience wonderful. I requested a virgin cocktail recommended to be my a bartender, and he made what had to be the best virgin cocktail I've ever had. None of that mojito nonsense with mostly soda and a bit of whatever they thought one should taste like, but an actually carefully crafted and beautiful drink, and delicious one to boot! Awesome ambience, great chalkboard art, nice dimly lit lounge areas for intimacy. This place will be a regular for me. read more
5 years ago
We went to this bar to kill time before dinner down the street. It was more spacious than we expected The bar is on the right side when you walk in. There are tables on the left and also a booth on the right. When you walk into the other room, there are more tables. There was even an outside area. Lighting is dark, but not too dark. It was just right read more
15 years ago
It's been a LOOOOOOONG time since I've met someone who made me feel this way... He made me blush. He made me giggle. He gave me that warm fuzzy feeling inside. He even made me "think" I was the most beautiful woman in the world. Meet my HOT DATE for Valentine's Day: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/GIm5jbvmymBNo_e7Y84efw?select=xe6I9oylxw2_i6_I0ChhFw Yuep, this is HOW I celebrated "Singles Awareness Day"! DON'T HATE. At least, Mr. Basil Gimlet does NOT talk back! OTHER NOTES: *Mixed crowd (hipsters and prepsters) *Artisan cocktails are $9-10. *Rustic meets urban décor with wooden bar, exposed red brick walls, pool table, and sleek furnishings. *Background music but no dance floor. *Outdoor smoking cage. *3 restrooms. *Difficult street parking. Parking lot is half a block away at the Alcazar Theater ($10 max). *CC's accepted. read more
It was beautiful weather wise yesterday, so a group of us wanted to go to a bar with a patio. When we found out said bar was closed, we decided to walk down the street to Rye. It was Wednesday, April 6th around 6pm. We easily found a table for our group of five as it wasn't very busy at that time. It was still happy hour, so we got $2 off all cocktails. I believe their HH ends at 7:30pm. Enough time to take advantage with two drinks! Prices below are the prices on their regular menu. Not their HH prices. *Nikka Presbyterian: Japanese Whisky, spiced ginger syrup, and seltzer, with a lemon twist ($14) *Rye Old Fashioned Cure-All: House made Rock & Rye, Tempus Fugit Creme de Cacao, and bitters; with an orange peel ($10) I had the nikka presbyterian first. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was a nice refreshing drink. Spicy and bubbly, but it still packed an alcoholic punch. Turned out to be a nice drink to start off the night. The old fashioned wasn't really my style. It was rather sweet and the creme de cacao gave it an odd flavor. I like a more straight forward old fashioned. I liked the vibe of Rye. I seriously haven't been here in 8+ years, but I remembered it having a dark boozy atmosphere. Yesterday, it was light and fun. I liked their leather ottomans / chairs and tables. It was a comfy place to just chill and have a couple drinks. Great place to hang out and catch up with friends. Make sure to get here before 7:30pm so you can take advantage of their HH special! read more
5 years ago
I've frequented Rye off and on for years(many years) and over this time period, I can honestly say I now have a new found appreciation of this lounge spot in the Tenderloin. The layout and decor looks mostly the same. How can you miss the smokers cage facing Geary St? The Basil Gimlet is the staple drink I've come to expect to not let me down and it did not on my most recent visit this month. We visited during New Year's weekend so it felt like the crowd was abnormally thin, which worked out because ordering was a breeze. Although service has never been an issue, I can imagine it being difficult on a normal Friday/Sat evening to get your order in. If you do get frustrated there are plenty of other watering holes within walking distance. For my buck, Rye is a solid option. read more
Rye is my first stop of the night and since it is fall I tried the Pumpkin Rumpkin. Because I am there so early I can the entire place. There are plenty of seats at the bar and away from the bar, and a smoking section right outside. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is soothing. read more
I really liked this lounge because it was classy yet casual, and had a very chill vibe. It's a great place to come and hang out with friends. We sat in the lounge area indoors which was pretty small but intimate and had nice decor. The bartenders were friendly and veryyyy skilled at mixing drinks. I was really impressed! It was so fun watching them make the different concoctions! I tried The Flash which was a mix of gin, pummeled kiwi, cucumber, lemon, and cane sugar. A little on the strong side, but very refreshing! This one seems to be a local favorite. I also tried the Vertigo Cocktail which was sapphire gin infused earl grey and chai tea, lemon, sugar, and egg whites. I never had a cocktail with egg whites in it before and it was so interesting watching how they made it! The egg whites added a little foam on the top. This cocktail was yummy and tasted like spiked iced tea. They also make one mean Long Island Iced Tea. One of the strongest I've ever tried. Whoooeeeyyy! This one is definitely not for the lightweights. read more
5 years ago
We popped in here only 2 days after they reopened and we're not disappointed. I heard so many good things about this place so I had to come and check it out for myself. The Pimms cup was something to be talked about. I'd recommend it to anyone who visits. read more
Came here yesterday night after dinner for my birthday. My friend got me a basil gimlet and one for himself. My other friend got an amaretto sour. It was very easy to find a place to sit. The ambiance was very chill. My drink was pretty good but I liked my friend's pink amaretto sour more. These girls comes over and gives us free samples of this strawberry flavored alcohol and free magnets. It was good. Since it was my birthday my friend convinced me to do a shot... I have low tolerance and I have never had straight hard liquor. My friend goes to the bartender and asks for a drink that is strong but goes down easy. The bartender makes him this mix thing for free. It was tasty! I guess I got off easy by the drinking the weak "shot" 15 minutes before we left, this couple comes in with these two pretty dogs! I love this place! read more
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More info about Rye
688 Geary St
San Francisco, CA 94102
Lower Nob Hill
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(415) 474-4448
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http://www.ryesf.com
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Hi there, Looking at the pictures, it seems like there's a pool table, but the description says…
We had a table when we opened in 2006. No more table for the last 6 years.
Review Highlights - Rye
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