ABV — Restaurant in San Francisco

I am giving this 4 stars out of pity and I will explain why. I have lived in Hong Kong for a while, and have traveled all around Asia trying the worlds best bars, using The Worlds Best Bars as a guide. I’ve paid attention to that website and company for a little while now. I’ve been to manhattan and about 5 other highly regarded Singapore bars, the old man, quinary, the clumsiest, too many to name. But this bar has always been regarded in San Francisco, the area I was born. So I had expectations... In asia, they live up to there reputations. Culturally, reputation is important — it’s taken personally. There’s a discipline that is intrinsic in the culture of all Asian countries that drives living up to reputation — the value of face. In culinary arts and mixology, it drives perfection and accountability — is you mess up you mess up and that’s not okay, so don’t mess up. Amazing bars like Atlas, Manhattan, lobster bar, the old man, even the clumsies in Athens (I would say Europe falls half way between the lethargy in the USA and the pinpoint disciplined percision of Asia) create expertly crafted cocktails, and take responsibility for them. Now, if you have read this far, then please take the following seriously as an honest opinion:

San Francisco (with the exception of trick dog and Tommy’s because Tommy’s is legendary) doesn’t have this because the west coast of the USA is too relaxed, and so ABV as an institution (not as the people who work there, they’re all great and are likely locals) epitomizes this.

I’ve been twice. The drink I had the second time was an attempt at innovation. But because execution isn’t a part of the culture with which ABV falls within, the execution, the reality of the drink simply wasn’t good enough. Furthermore, it was a drink on their menu, using an unusual scotch of salty characteristics. It simply did not work... the taste of salt in a cocktail is bold — it failed. The looseness of the western coast of the USA was epitomized in this ‘Idea only” kind of cocktail.

They’re smart overthere. I wish them luck. But that, mixed with the lack of interesting decoration or ‘things to look at’ inside, was a big disappointment.

Granted, I got back from Asia a week...

Nestled in the vibrant heart of San Francisco's hipster haven, a hidden gem awaits cocktail aficionados seeking a symphony of flavors and an ambience that evokes a modern twist on classic elegance. This upscale cocktail bar, an oasis of style in the midst of artistic fervor, effortlessly captures the essence of its surroundings.

From the moment you step inside, a tapestry of opulence unfolds. The decor, a harmonious fusion of sleek contemporary design and nostalgic accents, creates an atmosphere that is both chic and inviting. An expertly curated playlist adds a rhythmic layer to the sensory experience, seamlessly blending with the conversations that dance through the air like musical notes.

As the evening sun dips below the horizon, casting its amber glow upon the city streets, the Mumbai Mule emerges as the crown jewel of the libation repertoire. A symphony of flavors in a copper vessel, this concoction tantalizes the palate with a dance of spiced rum, zesty ginger, and a hint of tangy tamarind. Each sip is an expedition through the bustling streets of Mumbai, where tradition intertwines with the modern.

The mixologists here are virtuosos of their craft, orchestrating each drink with precision and passion. With the Mumbai Mule as the centerpiece, their artistry is showcased in every element, from the delicate balance of ingredients to the presentation that is akin to a masterpiece on canvas.

Beyond the beverages, the staff exudes warmth and expertise. They're more than servers; they're storytellers, each cocktail accompanied by a tale that adds a personal touch to the experience. Their guidance, a roadmap to the intricacies of the menu, ensures that every guest finds their perfect libation match.

In a city known for innovation and creativity, this upscale cocktail bar carves a niche of its own. It's a haven where artisanal cocktails and cultured conversations meld into an enchanting mosaic. A pilgrimage to this establishment, particularly for the Mumbai Mule, is not just a culinary expedition, but a journey through flavors, cultures, and...

1 star for service | 4 stars for drinks | 5 stars for food | A friend and I walked on Tuesday around 1145. We were informed that the kitchen was about to close upon seating ourselves at the bar. We asked for a couple of recommendations we could share from the bartender and ordered the mushrooms (bartender's suggestion) and a burger. The food came out quick. The burger perfectly to temperature. The mushroom were awesome! It was exactly what I wanted after my very long, not so fun day. Thank you kitchen staff!

We ordered drinks right after the food. The drinks were as requested. This is where it gets weird. After getting one round of drinks and our food, we became invisible. Not one person, came by to check to see how the food or drinks were or if we wanted another round. Yet everyone around us was being attended to. When I did get someone to make me another one, my friend wasn't even offered one. Which was ok with her because she wasn't thrilled about the lack of service and wanted to leave. Shared my cocktail with her so we could pay and leave ASAP.

It's strange, we've both been there a few times...always with other people, and never had such an off putting experience. Of course I thought, I had to be me or us. We weren't obnoxious. We're sober and amenable, we shifted around so a couple that walked in could sit at the bar together. My friend and were conversing but not in a manner that would convey that we weren't to be bothered.

Maybe we did do something to offend. When we walked in the bar staff was dealing with getting in last kitchen order so we didn't get to exchange normal pleasantries. Maybe they didn't like us that night and they wanted to be rid of us. It worked. There are other options in our neighborhood that are service focused and I can't think of a compelling reason to return.

If you do go, definitely get...