This is to hype the new place, to which I have not yet gone, but which is nearby and under the same management and will not, by any stretch of the imagination, disappoint. I'm certain. Progress took the old wonderful Varnish out. Squooshed it like a beautiful bug under its nailed boot. I bought my first real art here on an intoxicating evening many moons ago. I get excited easily, you see. Irrespective the amazingness of the new place, I'll miss the alley. That this lane has to be leveled to make way for the new Transbay has me of two minds. This is a little piece of older SF that was worth saving. Surely it could have been incorporated into the design. I'd hope for better from this city. But maybe remnant character has no place in the fabric of San Francisco tomorrow. That's too bad. That doesn't really make me want to stick around to see what it's going to look like. Varnish hosts a cross-section of artists and their work in genres that maybe you won't see so consistently elsewhere. They're run by a collection of caring and welcoming people, now over a couple of blocks on Market. I'm going to make a day of it there very soon. Until then, this 5-star steer for you. Go. You'll like it a lot. read more

After a looonnng day of meetings nothing beats a glass of cava and a cheese plate. Varnish to the rescue!! I immediately felt relaxed after just a few sips of cava-.gotta love happy hour. I was so excited about the delicious cheese plate (the gouda was especially uhmazing) that I didn't even get to check out the art that has found a home in this gallery like bar. My loss cause it looked like they had some cool stuff here. Hard alcohol lovers will be disappointed to hear that Varnish serves only beer and wine, but they'll perk right back up after a glass of that cava. read more

The plan had been to happy hour at John Colins but en route I received a text informing me that folks had migrated here instead. I was more than happy to bypass the crowd at the original venue in favor of $5 mango sake cocktails and plenty of savory snack mix. The sake cocktails come in other flavors as well - pear is one among them - and are made using fun shaped (think stars and arrows) fruit cubes over which the sake is poured (the cubes are designed to melt amidst the sake). Varnish is a clean space with plenty of room to move around. The bartender, while distracted, was efficient and at the end of a long week I can't ask for much more than a steady pour of alcohol. And hey, if you're in the market for some art and have a spare 35k (yes, $35,000) lying around they've got something for you! read more

- great DJ (4 stars) - just right amount of people - not too crowded, enough benches for me to rest my weary feet (4 stars) - friendly bartender (4 stars) - sake cocktail, sadly, was the disappointment of the nite which forces me to give this place a 3-star (ok 3.5 overall) ranking. the fruit flavor (pear, mango, guava) was too generically sweet, given that the flavoring was added via cutely-cut juice ice cubes. so the mango sake cocktail just tasted like cold, really sweet sake. (I guess I was expecting something more similar to an infused vodka drink where the real fruit is involved.) So if you modify your expectations about the sake cocktail, then you'l l have a great time! read more

So sad that Varnish is closing but went for their final night and it was a good time. While there was barely any art left on the walls, it was more a time to chat with fellow creative folks and I got to meet a friend of a friend and we bonded a bit over the fantastic curation efforts that the folks at Varnish have built their reputation on. Looking forward to see where they land and if you like to see what's happening in the art scene, definitely keep track of what they are doing (Facebook page is the best way for now... http://www.facebook.com/varnishfineart) read more

Varnish Fine Art - Closing night :( - Art Galleries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Varnish is my new favorite place in the FiDi to chill after work. Beer is $3 during happy hour and they have a great selection of wine and cheese, but if you're looking for hard liquor, look elsewhere. It's a super chill place with nice lighting and interesting (read: expensive) art. It's not a place to see and be seen, but rather a place to sip and chill. The bathrooms are really nice too! read more

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I want to live in here. I want to spend the rest of my life living in Varnish... ? That just sounds weird, but I think you know what I mean. Do you think they'd have a problem if I moved my queen size bed, a dresser... and maybe a chair upstairs (in the corner- I don't need much room) and just posted up here whenever I'm in town to visit? I'd been in here a few years ago for a glass of wine, but it was really busy on that particular night. I'm glad it wasn't last night so I could actually look around and not feel rushed. Michael Page has his "ThankYouGoodbye" exhibit up right now. There is something about this artist's use of color and attention to detail that made me want to pull out all my art supplies and start painting again. He's got a reoccurring theme throughout most of his paintings... a deep sea theme that's somewhat subtle and obvious all at once. Snacking on cheese plates and drinking wine were just the added bonus. This place is perfection, IMO. For all you SeaTown folks --represent--, it's like Vermillion (on Cap Hill) on crack. Yeah, it's that good... read more

Like 111 Minna and a few other art galleries in the 'hood that do the art/booze thing, Varnish is a dope spot to imbibe in some adult beverages (at a real bar... not some guy slingin' Anchor Steams from a dorm room refrigerator), while checking out some really cool art pieces in the process. Just a stone's throw from Zebulon and Tom Collins, Varnish is a slightly hidden gem about one block further down the alley on Natoma. The reason I say 'hidden' isn't because it's a secret by any means, just that there are traditionally so many drifters socializing around this particular alleyway, that it can be somewhat intimidating, causing passersby not to walk much further down the path than the above-mentioned bars and restaurants east of 2nd street. Depending on your style preference, Varnish just might have some of the coolest art in the city. I'm a sucker for band posters, and they have all sorts of dope originals from a wide spectrum of different artists/bands, and they also have avant-garde creations like a lamps made from hundreds of miniature Jägermeister bottles all glued together, and a couch made out of the front end of an old school muscle car. I'm not good at identifying whips from the '60s and '70s, but if I had to pick, I'd guess it was a Buick. The front end of the car looked as is, but the inside, where the engine would typically sit, was cleaned out and reupholstered into a fully functional sofa! How bad ass is that? I wanted that thing sooooooooo bad! Perhaps a DIY project for a future date.... Getting back to the bar, they have a beer and wine bar that opens up at 5:00pm on weekdays. You can head in there, enjoy a glass of red, nibble on some artisan cheese and crackers, and enjoy their gallery in style. Not a bad way to blow off some steam after work in SOMA, if you ask me. Check their website before you head in, though, as they randomly close the gallery for private events. They're pretty good about updating their site to alert the public of unexpected closings, though. read more

Truth: I wasn't really feeling "happy hour." IN fact, I was set to jet straight to my hotel bed and sleep for about 45 hours....just draggin', haggin'. WIth no end in sight. Sigh. But, of course...the lure of champagne and lively conversation with spirited co-workers was a huge draw, and thus I trekked. To Varnish. And, within mere moments....my eyes popped open, my mind starts spinning...and my mood starts liftin'. Oh yes, chambord +champagne + lemon wheel, hallo...indeed. I like it. Part art space, part bar, part lounge....all tucked away, entirely fitting, and absolutely necessary. Open, airy, breezy, sunny, sweet. Wood floors, sparse seating...room to mingle, flow and breathe. On point staff...decent wine selection, bottled beers, and taps (when they work). I'd live in this space if i could...thus was the appeal. So, inviting...so, genuine. Truly. However, I'm pretty sure the "art" in my abode would not nearly compare to the local showings. But hell, that's why we go out, right? Cheers. A fan, absolutely. Of all the bars I've been to in San Francisco, I'd place this near the top. Yes, I'm from Chicago....so, take this at face value, but...I enjoyed immensely. read more

When I heard we were meeting up for happy hour I was expecting to be in a place that was more like a bar, but Varnish is more like an art gallery that serves beer, wine and cheese plates. I'm a fan. Normally, I'm not the most interested in art. I find myself thinking it's over-priced or under-imagined, but the stuff in Varnish was awesomely weird and I found myself spending quite a bit of time being alternately fascinated and wigged out by the things they were showing. The space is beautiful - tons of exposed brick and lots of natural light. And they have small stool-like things scattered around for seating if you're looking for a place to converge. I wish we had something similar in Denver because I would love to spend some time there with my friends for an end-of-the-day cocktail if we did. read more

Excellent alcohol selections to choose from at the bar. Interesting and eclectic art installations on the walls. I love the old exposed brick buildings in San Francisco. Varnish embodies alot of classic S.F. character. The gallery is in danger of being demolished due to the Transbay Terminal redevelopment. I hope Varnish is saved, so I can continue to return here. read more

The art gallery/bar concept is a bit done, so I wasn't sure what to expect on my first visit. I was actually hoping it was going to be an artisan cabinetmaker. But actually, it was quite pleasant. I was surprised to find the art of a decent caliber (moreso upstairs than down), which makes it more of a gallery than a bar. Kind of like if 111 Minna grew up, lost some weight, got some more money, maybe bought a condo South of Market and started furnishing it with vintage car seats and $40,000 paintings. read more

So I checked out the reviews on this place and it didn't seem like anyone went there for the art. Which is the only reason I've gone there. I can't rate the drinks, service or food. But the art is top notch. No dreary landscapes or modern, abstract washes. Cool, cutting edge, emotive, surrealist art of the newbrow variety. Art that actually challenges you to think, feel, stare...not boring. The only other gallery (in the Bay Area) that has solid exhibits like this is the most excellent Eclectix, over in the East Bay. Not the place to find something to match your couch, but rather the place to find art and then, match your couch to the art. Varnish has now re-opened on Eddy St. in downtown SF! read more

Great spot for a party! Open space downstairs that alllows people to move (and get at the bar!) without too much congestion. From upstairs you can watch the crowd on the main floor or find one of the nooks that are good for sitting and having an actual conversation. The art is always interesting and it is a welcome change from party spaces that feel blank &/or generic. PS pay special attention to the decor in the women's washroom ; ) read more

Hi Varnish, I love your happy hours. I also love thee cuz of the vibe, great music,decor. The paintings that adorn you are aesthetic and thought provoking(though the glass in my hand doesnt allow me think too much). Would you like to know what I love most about you? The cheese platter!! Such tasty little mouthful(s) of heaven.Yes, that has made me succumb to you.I dream of you! Thank you for letting me into your world! Smitten read more

The space is phenomenal. The gallery itself is as much art as the artwork it houses. The conversion of the structure was executed flawlessly, and allows for an open, airy atmosphere in which to enjoy the artwork, the drinks, and the company. The mezzanine offers a nice area to perch yourself with your wine and your friend(s), after you've toured the artwork, and affords you a nice view through the railing at the people and art down below. It's also a unique vantage point from which to view any of the larger pieces on the opposite wall, as well as the sculptures on the gallery floor. Beautifully-rendered grotesque subjects abound in both sculpture and paint. Lots of edgy stuff, some industrial. They show pop art too, and one artist in particular, Isabel Samaras, is my absolute fave. The gallery is available for private events on certain nights of the week, and would easily accomodate a rather large-ish party. Check out happy hour; the prices for the wine are reasonable, and you get a show of original art, to boot! read more

3 solid stars for the cool art, and open, modern, loft atmosphere. A friend was spinning last night, so a group of us met here for happy hour, which is supposed to end at 7 pm....that is if their clocks weren't set a solid 20 minutes ahead. So, you can imagine our surprise when we all went to the bar to order our last happy hour wine special after checking our watches and cell phones for the time. The bartender pointed to their clock and when someone tried to correct her, she knowingly shrugged her shoulders, as if to say, "yeah...I know...that's just the way it is. Out of my hands". Well, the way it is left such a bad taste in my mouth that I don't know if I will return. That's so shitty to do to your patrons. Poor, poor, poor taste. read more

Two of my friends Dave Corriea and Alex Pardee had a gallery showing here a year or two ago. Varnish is really nice inside, they even had a bar that served alcohol. The location was quite good, I had a lot of fun. The place got a bit hot when it got crowded, gotta take a star off for that. read more

Saw the Winston Smith opening here yesterday. He's probably best known for collage art on Dead Kennedy's album covers. Varnish is a small but nice space. I hear they used to be across from 111 Minna before. read more

Who would want to visit an art gallery to drink belgian beer? Varnish is a perfect place for chilling out after work with colleagues or friends,. I hang out at this place almost every other friday with colleagues because the ambience is so perfect and the bartenders are very friendly and nice people. The live music is good too... $3 for a belgian beer during happy hour. what more can i ask for? read more

Whoa, Varnish is back and it's looking shiny as ever. This was one of my favorite galleries in the Financial District, and it closed down awhile ago. Yet one more place to clear my head as a gallery goer during lunch hour or after work disappeared. But the new Varnish has emerged in the small little alleyway by Yank Sing on Jessie St. They have an amazing, newly remodeled space with unique wooden doors and light pouring in their huge windows. They're only open by appointment right now, but they already have their typical set of funky, contemporary pieces on display. They no longer have a beer and wine bar, but the rumor is that their catered events will help with some bites and libations. They'll also be available for private events. I received a personal tour this afternoon and can't wait until they are up and running in full force again. So, to be fair, I'll hold onto one star until I get the 'open to the public' experience. I have a feeling they'll earn it pretty quick. read more

What! This place is getting torn down?! Too bad, I just stumbled upon this place while working a catered event there. They had a nice selection of beers on tap, and an even larger selection of wine, I didn't recognize most of the varietals. Space is cozy, some pretty cool art to look at, including a few shelves of art books. Bonus points for having Scrabble (yeah I'm a dork), though I cant think of any occasion when I would want to play scrabble at a bar unless I'm drinking with visiting relatives and need something to do so we can avoid any meaningful conversation. Alas, I'll probably make it back to Varnish sans black bistro attire the day after it closes. read more

I went to Varnish for a work event and I was pretty impressed with the place. Big, open space with a decent size bar on the first floor. There is also a mezzanine section above. The art switches around, I think monthly. Bartenders were very friendly and fast. I think this is a cool spot to host a party ! read more

Interesting alternative to chill on Fri night. The loft area is wonderful after grabbing the happy hour specials ($3 beer, $5 house wine) from the bar downstairs. Like being able to enjoy a conversation without shouting or asking "what?". Also great for meet ups b/c you can see the front entrance from the entire space. read more

Not impressed- didn't like the doorman, rude: spoke down to me as if I was some high school chic trying to con my way through the doors. This turned me off from the start and the rest continued to go downhill. Art work was blahhhh and crowd was pretty dull. Not my cup of tea. read more

In a sudden turn of events, John Colins was no longer the venue of choice and we headed on over to this art-gallery-but-it's-a-bar. I felt like I was drinking in my living room - if my living room had an enormous skylight illuminating a bunch of crazy-ass modern art making angry faces at me. The other Yelpers and I cruised up to the second floor where they had this cool $10,000 couch with a Cadillac grill. The angry faces, the woman with Mickey Mouse for boobs, and a pressing need for alcohol drove us all back downstairs. We sat around a wooden table and drank sake drinks out of thin-stemmed Martini glasses with frozen fruit in them. Mine were shaped like stars. I felt a little emasculated so my Mexican associate and I ordered Chimays like real men. The company was awesome - these are cool kids, and you should meet them when you get a chance. The venue was a good idea but the art needs to be less bleak. There needs to be better seating. And we need some music damn it, we're not animals! read more

Every 1st Wednesday, various "Green Organizations" host a "Green Drinks" event, this month's event was held at Varnish. I was invited to join a friend of mine who works for Trust for Public Land. It was an early gathering, starting at 5:30pm. I was happy to accompany him as I've had my eye on this place for a while now. Varnish, a bar and art gallery offers a clean, comfortable and spacious environment for people to enjoy a nice drink while browsing the current exhibits. Brick walls, sky lights and an upstairs mezzanine make this place unique and desirable. There are a few benches and chairs however most people are standing and chatting it up while perusing the gallery. I particularly like the couch upstairs made out of a car fender and front grill. I liked Varnish. Though it's not a place I'd call my neighboring watering hole, or frequent very often, it's certainly worth stopping by, enjoying a drink and checking out some new art. I think Varnish is worth bookmarking, especially for those who might be looking for a nice place to host their next event. read more

Very nice Lemondrop (soju + lemon). Atmosphere was okay. The DIY coat check was interesting. The bar staff was very nice. Never made it upstairs; think I would have liked that area. The downstairs is very open, seems they play artsy-fartsy movies on occasion. All my friends gave this place 5-stars, but I'm not sure I "get it." read more

Varnish seems to do several things very well. First and foremost is the art. The folks here seem to have an unerring eye for separating the wheat from the chaff. Over and over the shows represent artists with both technique and vision. Every time I've gone in I've found something that caught and sustained my interest. I've bought art here as well. Prices seem fair and they are willing to negotiate a bit. As an event center it works very well. Just a half block off 2nd it's easy to find, parking is plentiful and there are numerous places to eat. The space itself works in that it has two levels, a bar in the back and plenty of open space to occupy. The art acts as a centerpiece for conversation and inspiration. I've attended parties here and they went fantastically well. The ownership makes it all very easy. If I had to choose between Varnish and 111 Minna it would be a tough call. The art as Varnish is a whole level beyond so that's easy. The space at Varnish is smaller and the bar is smaller so for the more intimate event Varnish is the hands down winner. For larger groups Minna might be better although its a cruder space, far less elegant and poor lighting. read more

Cool gallery space. Would work well for an event or private party (I think they're pretty open to that).

Came here for a friend's going away party. Cool, very cool. Spacious and art to ponder as you drink your cares away.

I came here for "green drinks" once and it was a nice mix and mingle event. I just wandered around looking at the art, ogling my next free drink more though, I must admit. The space is nice, good loft set up and the bartenders friendly. I'd come here again to enjoy a DJ set, that may make it even more enjoyable. They *are sticklers about cutting off those happy hour prices early though, let me tell ya! I presume not too many folks wander in off the streets buying thousand dollar art pieces, therefore one has to make a living somehow off that table wine I guess. read more

I met up with coworkers here after work yesterday. It's off of one of those tiny, alley streets that it's easy to ignore in SOMA, but that if you're paying attention a little are always kinda intriguing. So the deal with this place is that it's an artbar. A gallery and a bar. Now art and alcohol seem like a perfect combination - it makes it so much easier to pretend you understand it and make shit up about "blah blah post-post-modernism" or "blah blah urban-industrial-complex social commentary" [WHATEVER] when you're three sheets to the wind. No, but seriously, it IS a good combination because art should be fun! And alcohol is fun! They serve soju cocktails, but I was perfectly happy with their wine and beer offerings. They do a happy hour before 7PM where any beer on tap is $3 bucks and either of the house wines is $5, and they don't cheat you - when I went yesterday the house white was a tasty Albarino (yummy nummy Spanish wines!) The coolest part about this place, however, is the space itself. Brick, high, vaulted ceilings, airy - it looks like the loft you dreamed of having when you first learned what "yuppies" were and what "reclaiming a neighborhood" meant. Unfortunately, this little haven where the intellectual and the alcoholic can meet and decompress is being torn down and sacrificed to the Great God of Urban Development. I'll save a discussion of urban politics for another forum, but BOTTOM LINE is you should go there while you have a chance! And maybe if we get sloshed enough we can chain ourselves to the facade when the bulldozers come. Or something. read more

Not just a gallery - rock on, there's a small bar in the back - I work a block and a half away, and I'd never have known this was there if a friend of mine hadn't mentioned it. Am excited to have a new place for post-work drinks. Modern art on a variety of themes - my favorite in the current display is "Idle Hands" - a Pokemon-like (but MUCH cuter) soft-lit painting of a cartoonish devil grinning oh-so-Cheshirely. Also some good sculpture here. Reasonably priced beer and very good wine selection. Will go back again to try one of the cheese plates (we were a bit strapped for time). The cushiony sofas/seats upstairs make for potentially cozy, romantic moments. Friendly bar staff and just a good vibe and attitude. Can't wait to share this with others. And the bathrooms ROCK! read more

This is a marvelous space for viewing art! They have delightfully friendly door folks (the bar is always too crowded so not sure about the rest of the staff). Kudos to them for highlighting great local artists, last night's 30 under 30 was especially fantastic. read more

Cool place to go for a drink and unwind with the co-workers on a Friday. It's a very open space so it doesn't seem too crowded, even when the room is full. It's a limited bar - they only serve beer, wine and soju. read more

What do I think of Varnish? It's simple: meh. I know that sounds harsh, but it's actually not that harsh. It's just that nothing really stands out for me about this place. I don't have passionate dislike for it like I do for it's neighbor, 111 Minna. However, it has yet to wow me. As a space, I'm not a huge fan of the wide open space that a good number of Yelpers seem to love about Varnish. I find that it often makes a venue look abysmally empty unless there are a lot of people there. And once there's a lot of people there, then you've got other issues to deal with. I'm a fan of good use of space, and I'm not convinced Varnish uses their space well. The bar is small, the floor is large, and the upstairs is exceptionally narrow. Can I get a little balance? Speaking of the bar: I guess it accurately fits the feel they're going for, but the choices of drinks has an almost woeful lack of variety. I don't mind if all you have is beer, wine, and soju (nice twist there, by the way... LOVE that); it just seems that you're shit outta luck if you don't like any of the wines they happen to be pouring that day. And the artwork? Uninspired. I'd venture to say that even 111 Minna has more inspiring artwork... and I've already made mention of my passionate dislike for 111 Minna. Not once has any of the artwork at Varnish gotten me to give a second look. And I buy art! I'm (theoretically) part of their target market! If I could, I would give Varnish 2.5 stars. As it stands, I'm going to round up because Minna really is worse than Varnish. read more

One of the most interesting gallery/bars I've been to in a while. The layout was very comfortable, organic yet architectural. I enjoyed the quirky artwork, sipped on Kir Royal, while sitting on a 1967 Chevy couch (which is for sale for $9500). I'd definitely return. I recommend going during happy hour (not so noisy). read more

Overall, the place didn't really make me want to come back anytime after happy hour. Happy hour is sweet. Drinks are cheap and the layout of the building is pretty cool. They have sofas to sit on upstair which is nice if you are with a small group of people and come early. However, it gets crowded later and it gets hard to move around. The wine is good but they don't do cocktails which kind of sucks. And all the art pieces are really expensive, just have any of the waiters tell you. One waiter looked at our group with a smirk and told us the lamp we were by was a thousand dollars when the price tag only said $550. Was not amused, not amused at all.... read more

This is an incredible gallery. The space is inviting, the bar fabulous with excellent wines. But, please, the point is their selection of artists. Cutting edge. Fresh. Provocative. Get on their mailing list. Stay on their radar. The owners, Kerri and Jen, are lovely, and have a very distinctive style. This is their present incarnation. Follow their lead. Highly recommended. read more