Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Alembic – San Francisco
The Alembic - San Francisco
Photo from The Alembic
The Alembic at a glance
San Francisco Haight-Ashbury
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 31 of the guests
#973 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#74 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
250
Reviews
81.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Crafted drinks
- Great atmosphere
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
- Noise level
The bar & pub The Alembic in San Francisco’s vibrant Haight-Ashbury neighborhood invites you to discover its unique charm. You’ll find a truly exceptional experience here, highlighted by a great wine list that caters to all palates.
This spot blends an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, making it perfect for a casual evening or a trendy night out. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated sip or a relaxed drink, you’ll feel right at home.
Overview: Introducting The Alembic
The Alembic offers a distinctive experience, particularly noted for its well-crafted cocktails and generally good food options. Many appreciate the inviting ambience, often described as cozy with a unique vibe.
It’s a spot where the atmosphere contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment. However, some guests have found the value to be a point of contention, with drinks occasionally perceived as overpriced.
While the staff are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, there have been isolated instances of less-than-stellar service.
Good
7.7
out of 10
250
Reviews
81.2%
Satisfaction
31
negative
16
neutral
203
positive
The Alembic generally performs well, earning a solid 7.7 overall score. Customer satisfaction stands strong at 81.2%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased with their visit.
This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 250 opinions, with 203 positive remarks outweighing 31 negative ones, painting a largely favorable picture. Delving deeper, Food (8.2) is a clear highlight, consistently impressing with its quality and variety.
The Ambience (8.1) also receives high marks, creating a pleasant setting. While Service (6.7) is generally good, it occasionally falls short for some.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.4), which guests often find to be on the pricier side.
What people like
- Exceptional cocktails and food
- Inviting, cozy atmosphere
- Knowledgeable, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Drinks can be pricey
- Occasional slow service
- Can get loud
With a strong recommendation score of 8.1, The Alembic is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize expertly crafted drinks and a distinctive atmosphere. It’s a place that generally delivers on its promise of a quality experience.
If you’re seeking a lively spot with good food and cocktails and don’t mind potentially higher prices for your drinks, you’ll likely enjoy your visit. However, if budget is a primary concern or you prefer a quieter setting, you might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Alembic
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a good score of 8.2 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.2% across 120 positive remarks, guests consistently praise the delicious and creative offerings. Many rave about the stellar menu, highlighting everything from classic burgers and vegan options to must-try snacks like polenta fries and the amazing pork chop, showcasing a delightful range of flavors.
However, its not entirely perfect. A few of the 7 negative comments mentioned that while the quality is high, there are relatively few food options overall. Additionally, some found the chicken wings disappointing, suggesting there might be a couple of dishes that don't quite hit the mark.
Food
133
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
7
negative
6
neutral
120
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stellar menu
- Delicious burgers
- Creative snacks
What people don't like
- Limited food options
- Poor chicken wings
Often praised
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was great. They always have a good selection of cocktails and food options. It's advisable to get in early if you want a table in the back.
- foodIt's truly the most underrated bar in SF. They consistently serve good and unpretentious food, cocktails, and beer. The rotating food and drink specials are a great touch, and the excellent vibe makes it a place I'd return to.
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was marked by good drinks. The atmosphere was decent, although it wasn't totally my vibe.
- beer selectionMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great selection of beer and very good cocktails. While the food can be a little slow to arrive, it was worth the wait.
- Golden Childtwo of my favorite cocktails in the city: the Golden Child
- beerbeer was very filling
- menusomething new on the menu that will surprise your senses
- polenta friesThe snacks like polenta fries and hush puppies are also not to be missed
- seasonal drinkenjoyed having their “who loves the sun?” seasonal drink. It’s so pretty
- Amarosfocusing on Amaros
Frequently criticized
- Rye Manhattaninsisted a Rye Manhattan must come with a lemon twist… incorrect
- boozepretty weak (booze and flavor wise)
- chicken wingsChicken wings I'll give = 1 star
- cocktailThe cocktail was pretty weak
- elaboration of drinksno respetan la elaboración de bebidas
- flavorpretty weak (booze and flavor wise)
- food optionsMy experience at this restaurant featured a long bar with lots of options for drinks. However, there were relatively few food options. The food highlights included veggie and traditional burgers, and Scotch Eggs.
If you're looking for a place with genuinely delicious and creative food, especially for snacks and standout dishes, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while the quality is high, the overall food menu might be more curated than extensive.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive! With a score of 6.7, it's generally considered good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more 62.2% mixed level. Many guests rave about the friendly and polite staff, especially the knowledgeable bartenders, and appreciate the diligent vaccination checks.
These positive experiences make up 23 out of 37 total comments. However, not everyone has had a stellar experience. Some visitors encountered rude or unwelcoming staff, including grumpy bartenders, which certainly put a damper on their visit.
There were also a few remarks about slow service and a lack of manners from some waitstaff, contributing to the 11 negative experiences noted.
Service
37
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, polite staff
- Knowledgeable bartenders
- Vaccination checks
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Grumpy bartenders
Often praised
- bartendersThe bartenders are super nice and very talented.
- serviceConsidering parking in San Francisco can be a significant challenge, I was pleasantly surprised that finding parking around this establishment was relatively less difficult. The bar area was nice, with good lighting and comfortable seating, complemented by good service. I also appreciated their commitment to safety, as they required vaccination cards for indoor seating, which made me feel secure.
- staffstaff are always friendly and wildly knowledgeable
- bar tendersFriendly bar tenders
- bartenderVery friendly bartender
- bartending staffmy favorite bartending staff the world over :)
- cocktail classesTheir cocktail classes are also amazing
- excellent serviceI tried a Night Market and treated myself to some warm olives, potato leek fritters, and even some in-house potato chips. In addition to the stellar menu, excellent service, friendly staff, and a cozy atmosphere make this one of my favorite spots.
- friendly staffI tried a Night Market and treated myself to some warm olives, potato leek fritters, and even some in-house potato chips. In addition to the stellar menu, excellent service, friendly staff, and a cozy atmosphere make this one of my favorite spots.
- ownerand owner
Frequently criticized
- servicedisappointed in this kind of service
- bartenderThe bartender was also just an awful person to be around
- waitressI would have loved to have stayed here and eaten, but the waitress literally barked at my adult children (all above 21) for their ID before she saw me. While it's a legitimate ask, there is a polite way and a rude way to do it, and she chose the latter.
- MannersWhile it's a legitimate ask, there is a polite way and a rude way to do it, and she chose the latter. Manners cost nothing.
- foodFood can be a little slow
- substitutionsThey said they don't do substitutions.
- waitersSúper mamones los meseros... no te hacen sentir en casa
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and knowledgeable staff, especially at the bar, its worth a visit. Just be aware that while many have great experiences, there's a chance you might encounter some less-than-stellar service, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a winner! With a strong score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a solid 86.2%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 65 comments, a whopping 56 rave about the cozy atmosphere, old charm, and great vibe, making it a fantastic date spot or place to hang out with friends with charming decor and good music.
However, its not without its minor quirks. A few of the 4 negative remarks mention it can get busy and a bit loud, with one person finding it a touch pretentious. While these are minor points, they're worth keeping in mind if you prefer a quieter, more understated setting.
Ambience
65
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
4
negative
5
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Charming decor
- Great vibe
What people don't like
- Can get busy
- A bit loud
- Perceived as pretentious
Often praised
- atmospherevery nice atmosphere with turn of the twentieth century era vibe
- musicstill talk with your friends over the music
- decora beautiful decor
- ambienceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with nice cocktails and a cozy ambience that contributed to a very pleasant atmosphere. The food also received a perfect score.
- barGreat looking bar with many liquor options
- cocktail barperfect cocktail bar with handcrafted ingredients
- lightingNice dim warm lighting inside
- vibeThey consistently serve good and unpretentious food, cocktails, and beer. The rotating food and drink specials are a great touch, and the excellent vibe makes it a place I'd return to.
- ambiancea good ambiance
- artwork in alleyBeautiful art work in the alley
Frequently criticized
- busyit gets busy especially (obviously) on weekends
- decor to cost ratiodecor to cost ratio was a little off
- placea bit loud for my taste
- pretentiousKind of pretentious in my opinion
If you're looking for a lively spot with a cozy, charming atmosphere for a date or a night out with friends, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for it to get a bit busy and potentially loud, especially on weekends.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Lets talk value! While the overall customer satisfaction for this topic sits at a rather poor 26.7%, there are definitely some bright spots. Many guests rave about the happy hour deals, finding them fun and a great way to enjoy the experience.
Some even noted that certain cocktails were actually worth the price, and the food came at a good price point. These positive sentiments emerged from 4 remarks among the 15 total comments. However, the value proposition isnt always clear-cut, with the score landing at an average 4.4.
A significant number of patrons, 9 to be exact, felt the establishment was quite pricey, especially when it came to drinks, which were frequently described as overpriced. There were also concerns about spending too much money due to unexpected charges, making it feel like not a cheap place for many.
Value
15
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worthwhile happy hour
- Good food price
- Cocktails worth price
What people don't like
- Drinks are overpriced
- Not a cheap place
- Unexpected menu charges
Often praised
- happy hourhappy hour makes it fun
- happy hoursThey have daily happy hours
- pricecocktails that are actually worth the price
- price pointMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great cocktails and good food, all at a good price point. The great atmosphere was a highlight, as I could still easily converse with my friends over the music.
Frequently criticized
- pricewow, extremely overpriced. $18+ each on Haight street.
- moneyThe waiter didn't inform us that we had to order from their menu, even if we brought our own food. Consequently, my partner and I ended up spending twice as much money just to have a drink. This kind of service is quite disappointing, especially considering the varying rules restaurants have due to COVID.
- chargeno acabas el trago cuando ya te lo están cobrando
- drinksDrinks are fine. Very overpriced.
- menuorder from their menu regardless if we had food
- priceyA little pricey
If youre looking for a deal, definitely aim for happy hour, as that seems to be where the value shines. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially higher prices, especially on drinks, which many found to be quite steep. It might not be the best spot if youre on a tight budget.
How are the prices at The Alembic?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 31 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests tend to stick to the 11 – 30 $ range, with a few venturing higher for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 31 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub in San Francisco stacks up against similar spots on value for money.
Considering it’s a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for those looking for a casual bite or drink without overspending, while also having options for a slightly more indulgent visit.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Alembic
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Cocktails and Good Food
I stopped in on a whim and found a cool spot with a mind boggling selection of spirits. The staff prepared a nicely crafted cocktail, and the pleasant staff made for a good experience. While we only sampled a few items, the food was good.
I would definitely go back if I'm in the area again.
- selection of spirits9
- cocktail8
- staff8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Drinks and Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! They offer a large menu with many fun, out-of-the-ordinary drinks. I highly recommend the Black Manhattan!
The interior has nice, dim, warm lighting, and they play good music ᵕ̈.
- large menu9
- drinks9
- Black Manhattan10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Bar, Local Vibe
My experience at this restaurant involved ordering all food and drinks at the bar, as there is no table service. The bar itself is great looking with a wide selection of liquor. While the atmosphere was good, the service could have been more personable, especially for a newcomer.
It felt more like a “locals bar”.
- bar9
- liquor options9
- service5
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Selective Bartender Choice Needed
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. While I plan to return, I will be selective in which bartender I order from. Specifically, one bartender insisted a Rye Manhattan must come with a lemon twist, which is incorrect and they were unwavering in their stance.
Happy Birthday JS!
- Rye Manhattan2
- bartender2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Awesome Food, Busy but Good Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was great, especially the food. I had the pork enchilada special and it was awesome. The atmosphere was enjoyable, perfect before GD60!
While the service team seemed a little stressed, it was understandable given how slammed the restaurant was. Overall, a very positive experience.
- pork enchilada special10
- atmosphere9
- service team6
What The Alembic offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at The Alembic?
At The Alembic, you’ll step into an atmosphere that is both upscale and cozy, yet casual and trendy. You can enjoy a wide range of offerings including hard liquor, wine, beer, and expertly crafted cocktails. They also serve food at the bar, perfect for pairing with your chosen drink.
What service and accessibility options are available at The Alembic?
The Alembic offers convenient dine-in and takeout service options. For your comfort, you’ll find wheelchair accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms. Plus, if you’re planning ahead, you can easily accept reservations. Dogs are also allowed, so you can bring your furry friend along.
What are the standout features of The Alembic?
The Alembic is highly regarded for its excellent cocktails and food, complemented by a cozy and inviting ambience. Many also praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
How does The Alembic score overall, and what are its strengths and weaknesses?
The Alembic holds a good overall score of 7.7. Its strengths lie in Food (8.2) and Ambience (8.1). Service (6.7) is generally good, but Value (4.4) is an area where some guests find it to be on the pricier side.
Is The Alembic a good choice for those concerned about price?
While The Alembic offers a good experience, some guests have noted that the drinks can be quite pricey. However, they do offer happy hour specials which can provide better value.