12/18/08

Bad attitude ruins the fantastic food/drink

by Monkeyfinch

Bad attitude ruins the fantastic food/drink

Imagine the surliest, velvet rope guarding, vapid meathead bouncer from some Miami or LA nightclub. Shrink him down to a 5'3'' chick with a bullring nosejob and you got yourself an Alembic hostess.

Hey - I understand they need to keep an aisle open to serve those badly situated front tables. I get it that they want to preserve a certain feel to the place. Come on though - learn some class in how you go about it.

The hostess at Alembic wrecked a friend's homecoming party with her ridiculous DoorNazi routine. Stranding a returning guest outside without her coat because the bar "is full" (on a Tuesday night - ya right) is never cool.

Fantastic food and a great selection of Bourbon and Scotch, but the crazy attitude makes it a 1 star in my book.

• Pros: Great food and drink
• Cons: The most obnoxious staff you will ever meet

03/04/07

Great drinks and bites; Friendly and sophisticated

by mmmgood7

Although this is basically an adult venue, my husband and I recently took our daughter and 5 nicely dressed girlfriends there for a 17th birthday treat. We were seated in the L-shaped booth. Our waitress was very informative about the various plates. We all partook of the lamb sliders (excellent), the little quesedillas, salmon toasts, and the wonderful skinny fries. It seems they pride themselves on using as much locally grown and organic ingredients as possible. Even my Cosmopolitan was composed of an organic vodka with a wonderful swirl of orange rind! We enjoyed Chocolate Potde Creme and Date Cake for dessert. Everything was nicely presented. The head chef came out of the kitchen to make sure we were happy! The atmosphere is sophisticated, friendly, but not intrusive. The decor is set in earthy brown tones with simple glass votive candles adding sophistication. Seating is limited. Great place for a date.

• Pros: original drinks, great small plates, atmosphere
• Cons: parking

01/30/07

Overpriced!

by betsy180

The drinks are outrageously high for what you get. The music is drab and sleepy. Step it up Alembic!

• Pros: good neighborhood, location
• Cons: way overpriced, stuffy staff/owners

01/26/07

This gastropub, a sister restaurant to Magnolia, serves small plates, classic cocktails and artisan brews--and takes all three seriously.

by Contributor

The Scene
This one-room escape feels cozy yet spacious thanks to high ceilings, soft lighting and barren mustard walls. Views of the Upper-Haight hubbub are visible from two tall tables in front, while a dizzying list of liquors, beers, and specialty cocktails is squeezed onto a chalkboard above the stained-wood bar.

The Food
Small plates prepared with local ingredients distinguish Alembic from other Haight Street haunts. House-cured salmon sparkles atop toasted sourdough that's spiked with crispy bacon bits and dressed with sweet orange oil. Mussels bathing in a broth of local Blue Belt Bitter beer are bolstered by diced andouille sausage. Juicy lamb burgers with roasted red peppers are not to be missed, their moist sourdough buns spread with tapenade and harissa aioli. A cup of single-press Blue Bottle java and warm fruit compote brimming with chunky apples and smooth apricots are the perfect way to cap the experience.

12/20/06

Great new spot in San Francisco

by sf415

Loved the atmosphere, perfect balance between swank and neighborhood. Also, a place you can actually talk in, never too loud. The small plates are very good, definitely rich though. Many dishes have bacon or other meat. The version of Cheesesteak is very good. Great drinks, particularly if you like classic cocktails or bourbon. Will definitely go again and again.

• Pros: Well-priced, good atmosphere, great wine/beer/cocktail list
• Cons: As always, no parking

11/08/06

GREAT ADDITION TO THE SF DINING SCENE

by brownbutter

Tucked away on Upper Haight, next to the Red Vic movie house this new spot has all the essentials for

a good night out. Tasty, well-executed plates served late, I had the mussels, grilled squid, duck risotto cake, just to name a few. From bites, to small plates...There are sooo many drink options, quite heavenly for the savvy cocktail/beer connoisseur. The decor is the coolest part, everything has a story..so dont be afraid to ask.

• Pros: drinks, food, nice vibe
• Cons: didnt like the muzak playin