Highlights
- Great wine list
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Novela – San Francisco
Novela - San Francisco
Photo from Novela
Novela at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 72 of the guests
#1298 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#99 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
405
Reviews
72.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative drinks
- Unique ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- High prices
The bar Novela, a popular Bar & Pub in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood, invites you to experience an evening unlike any other. You’ll find yourself immersed in a trendy yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
With its standout live performances, Novela offers more than just drinks; it’s a destination where you can enjoy great entertainment alongside an impressive selection of beverages. Whether you’re looking for a casual night out or an upscale experience, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Novela
Novela offers a distinct experience, often praised for its creative cocktails and inviting vibe. Many guests appreciate the attentive staff, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
However, some experiences suggest that service can be inconsistent, particularly during busier times. The unique decor, reminiscent of a library, creates a sophisticated backdrop, often complemented by well-chosen music.
Yet, the space can become quite crowded and loud, which might detract from the overall enjoyment for some visitors.
Good
7.4
out of 10
405
Reviews
72.3%
Satisfaction
85
negative
27
neutral
293
positive
Novela generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its overall 7.4 score. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 72.3%, indicating that most patrons leave content with their visit.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 405 customer opinions, providing a comprehensive view of the establishment. The Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.5) are clear strengths, with many appreciating the creative drinks and unique library-like setting.
Service (7.1) is generally good, though some guests encountered difficulties, particularly when the venue was busy. The main area for improvement appears to be Value (5.4), where some found the pricing, especially for cocktails, to be on the higher side.
What people like
- Creative drinks selection
- Unique ambiance and decor
- Attentive and helpful staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service experience
- High drink prices
- Loud and crowded atmosphere
Novela offers a distinctive setting with a focus on expertly crafted drinks and a captivating atmosphere. While the creative cocktails and unique decor are often praised, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and the lively, sometimes loud, environment, especially during peak hours.
With a strong recommendation score of 7.6, Novela is certainly worth considering if you prioritize a vibrant ambiance and inventive beverages. It’s a good choice for an evening out, but perhaps aim for off-peak times if you prefer a quieter experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Novela
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests generally leave happy, with a solid 75.2% customer satisfaction rate. Many rave about the delicious offerings, from the Chicken Wings and mini burgers to tapas-style plates and charcuterie boards. With 112 positive remarks out of 149 total comments, its clear the kitchen is doing something right, delivering "great food" and "amazing chicken sliders" that keep people coming back.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some found the "Cesar salad" pretty basic and others werent fans of the nachos or churros that were sometimes undercooked. There are also notes about the food being a bit salty and a heads-up for those who are gluten-intolerant, as options might be limited, accounting for 22 negative observations.
Food
149
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
22
negative
15
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing chicken sliders
- Tasty small bites
- Great bar food
What people don't like
- Basic Cesar salad
- Undercooked churros
- Limited gluten-free options
Often praised
- drinksI ordered the Hemingway Haut Tottie, and it was absolutely delicious. My party also enjoyed their drinks. The place boasts a clean environment with good condition seating and a very unified decor.
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a stunning bar with reasonably priced cocktails and great service. It's a great place for an after work drink or a night out.
- foodIt's a clean lounge, perfect for chilling with friends, whether you have a small or large group. I would love to come back and try more cocktails along with some food.
- punch flightI recommend a punch flight
- Mary LennoxMary Lennox... were very satisfying
- wineeasily recommended the right wine
- Bourbon Old FashionedIt's nicely balanced. As a Bourbon drinker myself, I really enjoyed it even though it contained no Bourbon; it reminded me of a Bourbon Old Fashioned.
- Chicken WingsChicken Wings were recommended and I enjoyed them
- Espresso-Patronumthe Espresso-Patronum ... was fantastic
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- cocktailscocktails are super creative and interesting, but none of them were a hit
- drinksAs someone sensitive to volume, it's a challenge to find a spot that feels alive yet allows for easy conversation. Unfortunately, the drinks were utter dogs. I started with the vodka peach punch, which they are known for and which I was excited about due to the cardamom in the description.
- Cesar saladCesar salad was a 3/10 pretty basic
- Stormlight drinka middling Stormlight drink
- bitterstasted primarily of bitters
- churrosthe first batch of churros were under cooked and still doughy
- cocktail selectionLimited cocktail selection
- foodThe food me pareció un poquito salada
- french friesplease add french fries to your menu
- gluten-intolerantbe careful if you’re actually gluten-intolerant
If youre looking for a place with generally good food and a variety of tasty small bites, this spot is worth a visit. While some dishes might miss the mark, the overall positive feedback suggests youll likely find something delicious to enjoy, especially the sliders and wings.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a solid score of 7.1 indicating it's good, and many guests praising the attentive and friendly staff. With 63 positive remarks out of 95 total, terms like waitress, staff, and great service frequently pop up, highlighting a team dedicated to making your visit enjoyable. However, the customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 66.3%, suggesting some areas need attention.
About 29 negative comments point to issues like aggressive reservations policies, understaffed moments leading to a lack of service, and occasional communication roadblocks.
Service
95
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
29
negative
3
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Great, personable service
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Aggressive reservation policy
- Understaffed, slow service
- Strict ID requirement
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fabulous! We arrived just before the kitchen closed, but the staff provided great service and made us some yummy charcuterie boards. The cocktails and music were also excellent, contributing to a night filled with talking, dancing, and laughing.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its super cute place with a great vibe and amazing staff. While the food was just ok, the ambiance and service are great.
- bartenderFrancisco (the bartender that took care of me) will guide you to the best drinks
- ServiceService:5
- bartendershow great the bartenders and waiters were
- great serviceEveryone else was excellent and provided great service.
- BELLAserver BELLA for making birthday cocktail and cake moment so special
- JeremyAsk for Jeremy as your server if he’s working.
- Mixology experiencesone of the best Mixology experiences we’ve ever had
- SerenaSerena clocked in and immediately assisted me
Frequently criticized
- servicedifficulty in getting service
- bartendersMy experience at this restaurant was marked by its great decor. However, it tends to get crowded and loud in the evenings, which made it difficult to get service due to a low number of bartenders. I'd recommend going on the earlier side to enjoy a nice cocktail amongst good company.
- reservationsI used to super love this place and it still has cool decor. But they are weirdly and needlessly aggressive about reservations and any of the good seats. We were very aggressively steered away from “reserved” tables.
- Google recommendationintelligent recommendation from Google to suggest walking 1.7 miles
- ID requirementNowhere did it say to bring ID
- Instagram accountwithout any notice to... the company's Instagram account
- bar staffBar staff aren’t really attentive to patrons
- bouncerThe bouncer gave me and my friend a really hard time
- commentsaid " I know you guys aren't going to tip anyway"
- communication roadblocksthere was some communication roadblocks
If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely experience excellent, personable service from a friendly team. However, be aware that reservation policies can be strict, and understaffing might occasionally lead to slower service, so plan accordingly.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
The ambience at this spot is definitely a crowd-pleaser, earning a good score of 7.5 and a strong 77.3% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the unique library decor, chill ambiance, and overall vibes, making it a charming place for a date night or a relaxed evening. Based on 116 positive remarks out of 150 total comments, its clear the atmosphere hits the mark for many.
However, its not always perfect. About 29 comments mention that it can get crowded and loud in the evenings, with noise level sometimes making conversation difficult. Some also noted issues like cold air from open doors or the music being too loud, which can detract from the otherwise sophisticated setting.
Ambience
150
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
29
negative
5
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique library decor
- Great atmosphere/vibes
- Live music available
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Often crowded
- Cold drafts
Often praised
- atmospherewhen it hits that sweet spot of just the right amount of people and intimacy, it's fantastic
- decorvenue is designed really classy like a cool color-coded-library
- ambiancethe drinks and the ambiance were good
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its super cute place with a great vibe and amazing staff. While the food was just ok, the ambiance and service are great.
- musicMusic quiet enough you don’t have to throw your voice out
- placeI found it to be a stunning bar with reasonably priced cocktails and great service. It's a great place for an after work drink or a night out. While I didn't try much of their food, the little bites we tried were very good.
- ambiencecreated an ambience where you are surrounded by books and drinks
- vibesloved the vibes of this bar
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- environmentthe decor and environment are excellent
Frequently criticized
- crowdedCan be a bit crowded during peak hours
- loudplace is also very loud
- parkingNot easy to find parking in the area
- DJthe dj was both terrible and overwhelmingly loud
- Mariah Careyhaving to listen to Mariah Carey
- Novella themedisappointed that the Novella theme is only featured on one side
- ambiancethe ambiance was noisier and less sophisticated than our preference
- awful musicThe decor is impeccable, and the staff is friendly. It really is a charming place, minus the awful music.
- book shelfon the book shelf there's a copy of Glenn Beck's agenda 21... Just a little bit unsettling
- bright lightsThe lights are also very bright
If you're looking for a unique, themed bar with great vibes and potentially live music, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that it can get quite lively and loud, especially during peak hours, so it might not be your top choice for a quiet, intimate chat.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests found the price to be quite fair, even describing it as an expected price or reasonable for a snack. Out of 11 total remarks, 2 positive observations suggest that for certain items, the pricing hits the mark, contributing to an average 5.4 score. However, the overall sentiment leans towards caution, with a rather poor 18.2% customer satisfaction.
Many of the 5 negative comments point out that drinks, particularly cocktails, are often on the expensive side, making you feel like you're paying more for the ambiance than the actual beverage.
Value
11
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable snack price
What people don't like
- Drinks are pricey
- Cocktails are expensive
Often praised
- priceexpected price
- reasonable pricepicar algo razonable de precio
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this place was a bit of a journey. It was fancy and chill, but also quite expensive. Finding it was a challenge, as I spent time driving around the city.
- DrinksThe venue is designed really classy, like a cool color-coded-library that you want to hang in. Drinks are on the pricey side, but you are paying for the vibes. They also have two really nice zero-proof drinks (mocktails) to choose from, and I like the raspberry spritzer option.
- cocktailsexpensive side ($15-$19 for cocktails)
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a mixed bag on the value front. While some snacks might be reasonably priced, the cost of drinks, especially cocktails, could quickly add up and impact your overall experience.
How are the prices at Novela?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 72 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 35, it’s worth noting that many guests actually spend less, with a significant cluster of prices in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly visits to those enjoying a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 72 reviews.
A comparison of value for money at this spot versus similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. It seems to offer a good range of options, catering to different budgets while maintaining a solid mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Novela
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Great Atmosphere, Mixed Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a fantastic Halloween atmosphere and nice vibes. The music was decent, and the service was exceptional. Serena was the star of the show, immediately assisting with drinks and sporting a great costume.
She provided great service! Regarding the food, the chicken slider was a solid 8/10. However, the Cesar salad was a disappointing 3/10, described as pretty basic.
The drinks were decent.
- Halloween atmosphere9
- nice vibes8
- music7
- Cesar salad3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Disappointing Drinks and Loud Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The drinks had zero alcohol, and when I inquired, I was told it was due to the law and they couldn't make strong drinks. The place was also very loud, making it hard to have a conversation.
Additionally, there was no parking available. While the food received a 4/5 rating, the issues with the drinks, noise, and parking significantly detracted from the overall experience.
- food8
- Service6
- Atmosphere6
- drinks2
- loud3
- parking2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Beautiful Venue, Stiff Drinks!
My experience at this restaurant was centered around its beautiful venue, which is perfect for enjoying drinks and watching occasional live bands. The drinks themselves were stiff and there was a great selection. I inquired about Chartreuse, and the staff was helpful in answering my question.
- beautiful venue10
- live band8
- stiff drinks9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
10/10 Experience, Highly Recommend!
As someone who works in the service industry and is very observant, my experience here was 10/10. This place was recommended by another industry member, and I can see why! Everyone here is attentive.
The atmosphere is super cute, and Francisco, the bartender who took care of me, will guide you to the best drinks and best spots. I 10/10 recommend.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- bartender10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Cozy Vibe, Great Food & Drinks!
This is a nice place for a date or to chill with friends! I really enjoyed the cozy vibe, the great food, and the tasty drinks. I'm definitely coming back!
- cozy vibe9
- great food9
- tasty drinks9
What Novela offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Novela accessible for all guests?
Yes, Novela prioritizes accessibility for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access into the venue. Once inside, wheelchair accessible seating is available for your comfort. Additionally, the establishment provides a wheelchair accessible restroom, making your visit as convenient and enjoyable as possible in this San Francisco Bar & Pub.
What kind of entertainment and offerings can you expect at Novela?
At Novela, you’re in for a treat with a diverse range of offerings. You can enjoy dancing and live performances, creating a lively atmosphere. Beyond the entertainment, you’ll find a comprehensive selection of beverages, including hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. Food is also served at the bar, and don’t miss out on their happy hour drinks for a great deal in Transbay.
How does Novela generally rate among its patrons?
Novela holds a respectable overall score of 7.4. Guests particularly appreciate the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.5), while Service (7.1) is also well-regarded. The Value (5.4) is considered average, with some finding drinks pricey.
What are Novela's standout features?
Many guests highlight Novela’s creative cocktails, with terms like “Mixology experiences” and “delicious drinks” frequently mentioned. The unique, library-like decor and inviting “vibe” also receive strong positive feedback.
Are there any common concerns at Novela?
Some patrons have noted challenges with service, particularly during busy periods, and the venue can become “crowded” and “loud.” Additionally, the “price” of cocktails is occasionally mentioned as being on the higher side.