83 Proof — Restaurant in San Francisco

This is definitely my type of place. My wife and I came to San Francisco for our anniversary trip and had already been in town for a few days when we stumbled across this unsuspecting gem on an early Friday afternoon. While I fancy myself a food and drink connoisseur, alas it was my wife's brilliant idea to stop and have a seat in this place. My lesson for the day, never judge a book by its cover. When we finally stopped debating and walked inside we were more than impressed by "our" discovery. 83 Proof is something to behold from the onset. Though the place was empty when we walked in it was immediately apparent that we had done something right. One look at the bar's selection immediately put even my discriminating taste in spirits at ease. Standard bar selections were available but it was evident that this place put an emphasis on the art of building a better cocktail. The mixers were fresh and not the mass produced high fructose corn syrup tasting stuff that you would expect from a college frat party. And for me the kicker was their selection of small batch spirits from local and regional distillers. Our bartender Veronica had a vast knowledge of their expansive selection and made us instantly feel like we’d found our home away from home. As time passed the place eventually began to fill up with locals getting off of work, the crowd ranged from blue collar to trendy twenty-something's meeting up for a few after work cocktails, very eclectic but oddly still unpretentious. Everyone seemed to greet the bartender as if they were just there the day before and that really is the difference maker in 83 Proof. The next time I'm in the city, this place will definitely be on my list of must-stop...

This is a really cool place to just hang out and chill. The atmosphere is really laid back, and it's usually not that crowded as long as you avoid the after work people. They should be out by around 9pm. Upon entering, I've had little trouble finding a spot a the bar or grabbing a table.

The bartenders here are absolutely fantastic. I remember the first time I came here and asked for a drink menu, one of the bartenders pointed to his head and replied, "It's right here." I described to him the kind of drinks I like, and then he worked his magic and served me something really tasty. I appreciate that they put in the extra effort to make drinks based your preferences, as everyone has a different palate.

I also enjoy their vast selection of whiskey. I always make it a point to try a different whiskey whenever I come, and I love how they always have a recommendation based on other whiskeys I like. The bartenders are very knowledgeable so don't hesitate to ask about anything they have on the shelves. If you're not feeling adventurous, they'll likely have your favorite whiskey in stock so take a seat and...

As a former bay area cocktail competitor who would often take 1st place. I am honor bound to give props to bars that have exceed my own past and current talent. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd best cocktails I've had in SF have come from here. Birthed from highly creative nights, unique ingredients, humble delivery, and a genuine care to exceed expectations.

The 1st best cocktail had fresh watermelon, licor 43, saline, and other miraculous ingredients that I was too drunk to remember. The other cocktails were simply exceptional and expansions to an already deep field of bartending. Inventive, fresh, technical and functional garnish, unique, and pushing the boundaries of what's "known" or typically done.

This bar knows it's a 5 star bar, but doesn't need to wave it over it's customers or community. Alexis, Zach, and Freedom are also exceptional conversationalists, generous, funny, and hospitality pros. If there are other bartenders that work there. Sorry for leaving ya'll out and I look forward to meeting you eventually.

Thank you all for such...