Barbarossa Lounge — Restaurant in San Francisco

My friends and I were physically assaulted by security and a woman in the lounge. It is believed the woman and the lounge were familiar with each other based on how the lounge handled the situation. This woman swung on my friends and me in a section, after my friend politely asked the woman to move down. This woman was sitting in our friend's spot who was in the bathroom at the time. In retaliation, the woman lunged at my friends and me, and an assault// fight broke out. At the time there were already 2 security guards near our section. My friend had to kick this woman off of her before security was able to "grab' her. Once security let her go, she came and swung at me while I was standing behind security letting another fight break out. At this time there are already 4 security guards in our section. The security guard held me back by bear hugging me, while this woman was already pulling my hair. Letting her knee me in the face THREE times before security was able to "separate" us. After the assault, the lounge let her leave through the back door which was closed to the public. That night the lounge believed we were the aggressors (we're all POC) until we called the cops and the cops reassured us and the lounge that the lady assaulted us first. The lounge manager, Steve made it seem like they'll do anything in their power to assist us. But all he offered was a "fun experience" for "next time" and a blurry photo. He mentioned he would share the video footage with me on 9/11 but after following up with Steve 3 times, now he can't share the footage due to it being "compromised."

Would not recommend this place even to my...

Forgive me if I don't rate this place anything more than 5 stars. I've forgotten about this place until my boyfriend took me here for one of our dates. My oh my, I don't know how we managed to get ourselves here after a couple of drinks. I'll spare the details of our date, but let me give the rundown.

My gripe is the expensive bar tab and evidently, the long line to use the bathroom. Overall, I can't hate the establishment. The patrons are always nice and I don't get hassled by security. The crowd is eclectic so you'll get a good mix of people. Music can be a mix of Top 40s, old school hip hop and what not but I wish they could play some good ol' funk or deep house music here and there. Eh...I'm not going to complain. I'll still wiggle my tush anyway because I love to dance.

Bonus points, no COVER CHARGE. I love going to the city and get a bit of some partying without having to pay for cover! Saves me a couple of bucks in my wallet. Decor isn't well-lit but there's enough breathing room to roam around upstairs. However, it can get packed upstairs when you find yourself checking out the rest of the crowd.

Will I want to come back again?...

I went here for my birthday last weekend and it was beyond my expectations.

The main floor exuded a sophisticated sultry lounge atmosphere that allowed for my entire group (20+ friends) to easily fit in the space and enjoy beautiful drinks and concoctions from the bar.

Downstairs was a dim, cave-like atmosphere with an additional bar and DJ setup. I suggest you start down down in this area if you want to start the dancing early while the upstairs lounge is being transformed into more of a club.

Overall everyone had a blast. I managed to enjoy both levels periodically throughout the night. Bartenders were friendly and quick, DJ's were willing to take requests and the lounge was full of other happy young-somethings who came out to enjoy the night as well.

I will definitely come back here! Tip: Make sure to come before 9pm or to have your name on the list so you don't get stuck paying a $20 cover charge. That's my only con...