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    The Smoky Note

    3.7 (24 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

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    Services - The Smoky Note

    Bartending services

    Venue rental

    The Smoky Note Photos

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    Destiny L.

    I want to start off with the positive on this one. The space is really great and it looks so much better than it did before. I love the little fire pit area and just the atmosphere some soft jazz. I will also add that the service was very friendly. Now some of you might know, The Smoky Note is a refresh of what used to be Monte Vista. I never really went back then but when I did, it was interesting for sure. I would like to specify that I went twice because sometimes when a business first opens, there can be some kinks to work out. My most recent visit showed a lot of that had not really improved. Their menu prices are quite high for cocktails, some being $18 and even the prices are on the high side. This last time I tried the hello Dolly, which I assume is supposed to be like a lemon drop. The pour was very light, barely filling half of the small glass and the taste just wasn't something I would order again. The last time I tried two other drinks and neither of those tasted right either. I really like the space but for those prices the drinks should be much better.

    The bar.
    Rachel C.

    Right in the heart of Nob Hill. Located in an old firehouse. Although there are high ceilings, it still feels cozy and intimate. Great outdoor patio. On Wednesday nights there is a jazz band. Maybe other nights too? Cocktails . . . excellent . . . some drinks on the menu add to the ambiance that you just stepped into a 1930s or '40s jazz club. A little expensive. I had two cocktails and, with tip, my bill was $33. Note: the one photo (amaretto sour) had an ice cube 1" square - so the actual drink in the glass was minimal. It was very good . . . there just wasn't enough of it for the price. I would have felt better paying a cover charge and less for my drinks. Yet, even with over the top expensive drinks, I still highly recommend The Smoky Note. Feels like an adult kind of place. Great music addition to Nob Hill.

    Smoke & Mirrors cocktail
    Tom M.

    Dylan is a phenomenal bartender he made me and my party delicious drinks!! I would definitely recommend this spot to all my friends

    Sıla Yaren A.

    Bad service, bad drinks, cute spot. We sat down and had to ask the server for water and snacks (which every table had but ours) after being there for at least 25 minutes. I ordered the smoky note signature cocktail which is supposed to be the best old fashioned and it was probably the worst. I've been a bartender and it's not easy to mess up an old fashioned because there's only three ingredients lol The presentation was beautiful but the drink itself was not well balanced at all and didn't taste like anything. It was also $20 like do we think this is NYC or something? Not worth it won't be back.

    Laurel L.

    So far so good. It's our first time checking this place out since it's become the Smoky Note, and I'm really loving the new decor. And the 3 drinks we've tried ( Untitled, Aztec Manhattan & the Smoky Note Margarita) are easy to drink and lovely. They have complimentary little snack treys that are a fun addition, no other food though. It's a great date spot, and I'm seeing folks just hanging out at the bar too. I'll come back to try the other drinks on the extensive menu.

    Corpse raiser

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    11 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    11 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Classy bar, relaxed atmosphere, and fantastic cocktails. Plenty of comfortable seating in this restored fire station.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Wonderful place for live music and great drinks. Multi levels and quaint outside areas.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Such a cool joint. Fantastic staff and and atmosphere. A rare gem in knob hill. Casual but upscale, new york kind of vibe.

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    2 years ago

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    Ask the Community - The Smoky Note

    Review Highlights - The Smoky Note

    And the 3 drinks we've tried ( Untitled, Aztec Manhattan & the Smoky Note Margarita) are easy to drink and lovely.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    The Smoky Note - venues - Updated May 2026

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