Modernist — Restaurant in San Francisco

The Modernist is a pretentious caricature of the worst aspects of Silicon Valley. It puts on a veil of "exclusivity" to allure the wannabe techie groupies, even though in reality anyone can enter the club through its almost daily public dining opportunities--just make a reservation and you're in! I went here one night and saw all the sadness of networking-hungry tech dreamers who like to identify with any taste of buzzword like "cryptocurrency" or "blockchain" or [drop-in-your-next-over-hyped-tech-trend-here].

The artificial air of exclusivity of this place is kind of funny. Instead of using a credit card, they make you sign up with some account and you get assigned a number. The next day at 3 am the system automatically emails you the bill. For some reason, the well-defined standards of currency exchange (e.g. credit card or cash) are not "cool enough" for this hotbed of narcissism.

There is nothing that sets the Modernist apart from other public clubs. Only the pretentiousness. Drinks are pricey without reason. For a $16 drink of mediocre flavor, they topped a $6 charge for various "fees" on top of my bill without my consent.

In all honesty, I hear the sushi is pretty decent, but I really can't endorse this pretentious, narcissistic "club" for people who want others to think they're part of the techie in-crowd. If you're there, you already aren't. So...

The Modernist has some of the best cocktails in the city, if not the best. Carlo continues to astonish the locals with his new inventions for cocktails, adding in unique gold flakes, boba balls, and more.

If you are hosting a corporate event or birthday, they can make you your own private alcohol list, specific to the person or company, which adds a very nice touch.

Drinks are a bit on the pricier side as this is a very upscale venue that only uses the best liquor, which is warranted.

It is usually quiet enough to get a seat, but busy enough to create a good vibe.

Highly recommended for all to visit if you are in San Francisco if you are able to get...

Went for a private party of a member. Food and drinks were ok. But when we got the bill the next day, they had charged us $50 extra for two drinks we never ordered. It IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. Happened to a bunch of my friends. They way they work is that You do not give a credit card when you order. They get your info when you walk in, so there is no way to check the charges and sign the check so you can verify it. Absolutely unacceptable. There is no number to call. Very disappointing! Maybe people who go there never check their bills! This will be a dispute on my credit card charges. Very sorry for such...