The Summer Place — Restaurant in San Francisco

What a disappointing experience.

We went to the bar because their signage said they served “spooky drinks” for the Halloween season. The venue had no AC and was filled with cheap inflatable yard blow-up decorations for a sweltering Party City vibe.

When we entered no one greeted us, and we sat at a table for a while before going up to the bar to order since we eventually figured out no one would serve us without being at the counter. The bartender said they didn’t have spooky drinks despite their advertisements, so we asked what the house cocktails were. She said she didn’t have those either. I asked for a Blue Hawaiian, but they don’t have curaçao either. At that point I asked her to make me something sweet and tropical so she’d have more leeway in being able to make something, since there seemed to only be roadblocks with trying to get a drink made.

Despite asking for something sweet, the drink was both bitter and tart, since she had oddly added bitters to it. Each member of our three-person party had a drink that was made either wrong (for two of them - a dark and story, then a Moscow mule), or tasted bad (all three).

When it came time to close the tabs the bartender gave one of my companions the wrong card. She didn’t seem to care about the patron’s experiences or be concerned they were advertising things they didn’t have. All three of us agreed we...

The Summer Place is a hidden gem in San Francisco, offering a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere that perfectly blends a neighborhood feel with refined elegance. The warm glow of the bar and rich wood tones create an inviting space to unwind, whether you’re a local or just passing through. But what truly sets this spot apart is Dan, the owner and bartender, whose deep knowledge of Japanese whisky transforms every visit into an experience. His passion for whisky history and craftsmanship shines through as he guides guests through an impressive selection, from well-known names like Yamazaki to rare, hard-to-find bottles.

Whether you’re savoring a neat pour of something exceptional or enjoying a perfectly crafted highball, every drink at The Summer Place feels intentional and curated with care. Dan doesn’t just serve whisky—he shares stories, making the experience as rich as the spirits themselves. For whisky lovers and those who simply appreciate a welcoming bar with character, The Summer Place is an absolute must-visit in...

Wanted to set expectations for any newcomers, as my experience was upsetting and I wouldn’t want anyone else to experience this. I asked the bartender if there was a menu and was told no dismissively, and weirdly not given any alternatives or guidance, just an expectation of knowing what the bar serves. I understand there is no menu in this bar, but would’ve appreciated some guidance/interaction, instead I was stonewalled. I ordered my regular drink, and the bartender was dismissive, gave my drink and asked me to pay. I felt very out of place and left abruptly, I hope this wasn’t to do with my ethnicity, but it felt hostile compared to how other customers were...