Stoa — Restaurant in San Francisco

I couldn't be happier for the folks behind the bar/kitchen, the immediate neighborhood, and the city in general. I have anxiously been monitoring press releases and social media posts, awaiting the opening here.

I had high hopes for this spot, and of course, they delivered. As someone who loves seats at the bar, attention to detail in food/drinks as well and great ambiance, this place checks off every box.

I waited to write a review until I had a chance to visit several times and I am more than confident in recommending this place to those looking to grab a drink, make a new friend, chat up a date or feel comfortable grabbing a seat at the bar solo.

The drinks here are spectacular. I love mezcal/whiskey/amaro and so the drinks speak to me here. Spirit forward, well-balanced, and thoughtful. With a focus on the details and quality vs distracting garnishes/presentation, this place is quite easily a neighborhood spot as well as a place out-of-towners would love.

Music fills the room but is not distracting. The bites are intentional and everything you want to complement drinks/vibe.

I will edit my review to add more details but try the Guillotine and the Raven...

Was super excited to try this place. Walked in and saw the 'sit wherever you like' sign. The indoor area was full so we sat on their nice covered outdoor space. After waiting for more than 10 minutes with no greeting, menus, acknowledgment or anything from any of the staff, we decided to leave. I even checked as we were leaving to see if we missed a sign that had more instructions like 'order at the bar before sitting' or something to that effect and there was nothing. I always leave space for service workers to be having an off night, understaffing or otherwise, but none of that seemed to be the case. We were simply ignored.

I would HIGHLY recommend walking across the street to Otra. We had amazing and prompt service with great food...

Kitchen is open until 10 on a Monday night? That alone should make STOA a destination in post-pandemic SF.

The chocolate banana cake is worth a visit in and of itself (try it with the Café Ireland for a grown up espresso martini alternative).

But the real strength is the all-original cocktail menu (don’t worry—they can also make all the classics), boasting thirty-odd libations organized into low-ABV, juicy/shaken, and spirit-forward/stirred sections.

To complement your drinks, you can nibble on bar bites like brined peanuts, delicately spiced not-your-average-bar-food small plates, or enjoy a bavette steak and beef fat potatoes.

I plan on frequenting this Lower Haight gem as much as possible before the...