Amber
(415) 626-7827
718 14th St
San Francisco,
CA
94114
37.7678
-122.4295
Neighborhoods: Central, Duboce Triangle (Deco Ghetto), Duboce Triangle
What People Are Saying About Amber
The Editor
Patrick Heig
Citysearch
Besides the handsome bar, this Castro/Lower Haight/Mission place looks like it was decorated in 20 minutes 10 years ago, and it hasn't changed much since. Beat-up vintage couches, '50s vintage television, amateur art and odd coffee tables sit in what could be called the lounge area, while beer signs and schlocky velvet paintings decorate the bar. A thick fog of smoke from the chain-smoking, shot-pounding, super friendly patrons and staff hangs in the air, while music comes from a simple home stereo in a closet--the DJ is the bartender, and the music is whatever CD he feels like putting on. Amber is more like a house party than a bar, and despite the fact (or maybe because of it) that it looks like your Uncle Lou's basement and reeks of smoke, this bar gets a fun crowd almost every night of the week.
User Reviews
jwhdavison
March 27, 2009
The food here is really remarkable - whether it's something hot and spicy, or a more delicate dish. It's all quite different from the typical sauce-soaked fare that you get in many San Francisco curry houses. They do these ribs that are just incredible. Real fall-off-the bone stuff. I can't say I've ever been to many "up market" curry places over the years. Usually they're quite functional places, or quite traditional. Amber definitely leans on the hipper end of the spectrum and is very modern looking inside. Though the food is all really good, it can get quite expensive - especially if you're having a few drinks (they have a good wine list, too.) Also, the wait staff occasionally seemed to look at us like we were nuts. Not sure what was up with that. They weren't rude or anything, just a bit "Oh really, sir" for some reason.
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ripzippy
February 10, 2006
It's great to have a few places where you can kick back with a cocktail & a smoke these days. The decor is retro funky which is a huge plus as well. There is plenty of seating in various couch arrangements. It's a very mixed crowd of gay and straight and the music changes style almost by the hour. I also recommend the Phone Booth in the Mission district if you are looking for another bar to catch a smoke but, you can only smoke there later at night.
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davidsundy
January 18, 2006
I suppose I like this place because Phil makes awesome cosmos! In fact they are so good that I can never enjoy a cosmo anywhere else. At other places I order straight alcohol, because I know after having Phil's drinks, I know I just won't be pleased by anything else. Thank you, Phil. Thank you, so damn much! --David, Age 31 SF Small Business Owner
read full reviewThe Details on Amber
Know Before You Go:
Wear an outfit straight out of the hamper; the smoke is so thick here you'll wake up smelling like the Marlboro Man--or at least like you slept with him
Parking:
Nearby street parking can be impossible on weekends, so be prepared to walk a bit. Resist the temptation to park in the nearby Safeway lot--you'll get towed.
The Extras:
If you want to dance, head around the corner to the Transfer, which has the same atmosphere but even wilder, though sans the smoking.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Bar & Club Special Features:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
