Highlights
- Great wine list
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Press Club – San Francisco
Press Club - San Francisco
Photo from Press Club
Press Club at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 19 of the guests
#1109 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#96 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
221
Reviews
78.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Stylish Ambiance
- Good Food
Frequently criticized
- Poor Service
- Hidden Fees
The bar & pub Press Club in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood offers you a sophisticated escape. You’ll discover a welcoming atmosphere perfect for unwinding, where the focus is on exceptional beverages.
This trendy spot is renowned for its great wine list, inviting you to explore a diverse selection of vintages. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply looking for a quality pour, you’ll find something to delight your palate here.
Overview: Introducting Press Club
Press Club offers a stylish setting that many find quite inviting, making it a pleasant spot for unwinding or gathering. While the ambiance often receives praise, some guests have noted concerns regarding the overall service experience, which can be a bit inconsistent.
Despite some mixed feedback on interactions with staff, the establishment generally delivers on its culinary offerings. Guests frequently commend the quality of the food and the thoughtful wine selection, though a few find the value proposition, particularly around additional fees, less appealing.
Good
7.5
out of 10
221
Reviews
78.7%
Satisfaction
37
negative
10
neutral
174
positive
Press Club achieves a solid overall score of 7.5, indicating a generally good experience, supported by a 78.7% customer satisfaction rate. This suggests that most visitors leave content with their visit.
The positive sentiment is built on 174 favorable comments against 37 critical ones, drawn from a total of 221 customer observations. Looking closer, the Ambience (8.1) stands out as a strong point, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The Food (7.7) also performs well, with many appreciating the offerings. However, Service (6.6) appears to be a more average aspect, and Value (5.8) scores lower, suggesting that pricing and additional charges are areas where some guests feel less satisfied.
What people like
- Inviting, stylish ambiance
- Quality food and wine
- Knowledgeable bartenders
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, discriminatory service
- Hidden fees and charges
- Limited hard liquor options
If you prioritize a sophisticated atmosphere and a well-curated selection of food and wine, Press Club is certainly worth considering. The 7.7 recommendation score reflects a generally positive sentiment, especially for those seeking a refined setting for drinks and light bites.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the overall cost, including any additional fees. It’s a place that can offer a delightful experience, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding service attentiveness and the final bill.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Press Club
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink offerings, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80.7%, its clear many folks are enjoying whats on offer. Based on 71 positive remarks out of 88 total, guests frequently rave about the diverse wine selection, impressive cocktail program, and delightful small bites like the charcuterie board.
However, not every sip and bite is perfect, as indicated by 11 negative remarks. Some found specific items like a margarita or the pork belly bao to be disappointing, while others noted the drink selection could be improved, particularly with the absence of hard liquor options. The menu was also described as sometimes feeling a bit stagnant.
Food
88
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
11
negative
6
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent wine selection
- Creative cocktail program
- Delicious small bites
What people don't like
- Limited drink options
- Specific dish issues
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for hosting an event. The space was awesome, featuring a fantastic bar and great food. The service was notably quick and non-intrusive, designed to be efficient without being bothersome.
- wine selectionMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a gem in the busy city. It’s a quieter wine bar that offers a good selection of local and imported wines compared to its regular bar peers. The great ambience made it definitely a place to actually hear your friends and not just the music.
- wineThe wine was excellent
- appetizersThe appetizers never stopped coming
- cocktailsTried 3 different cocktails, all truly fabulous
- BBC MARTINII LOVE their BBC MARTINI! One of the best I’ve had.
- Charcuterie BoardRecommended dishes:Charcuterie Board
- Harvest Festivaltheir 14th annual Harvest Festival and it was so fun
- Selections of wine3. Selections of wine: A good variety is available. 4.
- Sparkling WineSparkling Wine.
Frequently criticized
- drinkthe drink I ordered didn't taste that great
- drink selectiononly serve wine and beer (no cocktails)
- fatpork belly was 99% fat. I mean you expect some fat with pork belly but not ALL fat
- hard liquor optionsadding hard liquor options would make it even better
- margaritaAnd to top it all off, we were prompted to tip without being told of these fees. The pricing for drinks was also excessive; $41 for one margarita and one virgin margarita is a bit much.
- menumenu has not changed for months and is average
- pan con tomateweird and nasty tasting spread that does not even resemble tomatoes
- pork belly baopork belly bao was my issue. The flavor was good but the pork belly was 99% fat
- virgin margaritaAnd to top it all off, we were prompted to tip without being told of these fees. The pricing for drinks was also excessive; $41 for one margarita and one virgin margarita is a bit much.
- wine barfor a place that calls itself a wine bar I would expect something exciting
If youre seeking a place with an excellent wine list, creative cocktails, and tasty small plates, youll likely be very pleased. However, if you're hoping for a full bar with hard liquor or a constantly changing food menu, you might find the options a bit limited.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side! Many guests raved about the friendly service from the staff, with special shout-outs to attentive servers like Moe and knowledgeable bartenders and sommeliers who offered great suggestions. With 23 positive remarks, it seems many enjoyed a welcoming and efficient experience, contributing to a 60.5% customer satisfaction rate.
However, the service isnt without its challenges, leading to an overall score of 6.6. There were 14 negative comments highlighting serious issues like alleged discrimination, microaggressions, and even abusive treatment from some staff, including a bartender asking inappropriate questions. These experiences created an unwelcoming atmosphere for some, indicating significant room for improvement.
Service
38
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable bartenders
- Great suggestions
What people don't like
- Discrimination concerns
- Microaggressions reported
- Abusive treatment
Often praised
- servicethey’ve always been great to work with
- staffThe staff was very friendly and knowledgeable
- Mohsen (MO)Mohsen (MO) the bartender, is straight up legit, good people.
- Service4. Service: The service was also a positive aspect.
- bartenderthe bartender was great in allowing me to taste multiple wines
- bartendersthe bartenders are fast and knowledgeable
- cocktail artistssommeliers and cocktail artists have wonderful suggestions
- communicationThey even put up a nicely-designed sign in our section with the name of our party. The communication leading up to the event was impeccable.
- friendly servicefriendly service and great drinks.
- great experienceIt was a great experience to help unwind
Frequently criticized
- servicemy experience left me with mixed feelings, particularly regarding the service
- staffWhile the ambiance was stylish, my experience left me with mixed feelings, particularly regarding the service. Upon arrival, the staff seemed more preoccupied than welcoming, which created a rather uninviting atmosphere. As a person of color, I couldn’t help but notice a subtle discomfort that permeated the interactions.
- abusive treatmentWe encountered numerous microaggressions from Nate, the beverage director, and the table-serving staff. The service was noticeably better for one white/blond member of our group, while the other four, who are Indigenous, Asian, and Latinx, received abusive treatment. There are many superior wine options available; I'd advise saving yourself the agony unless you are white and comfortable supporting a racist business.
- closing timeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by its nice decor. However, there were a couple of significant drawbacks: they close very early, around 9 or 10 pm, and their drink selection is limited to wine and beer, with no cocktails available.
- discriminationMy friend and I were being discriminated as soon as we walked in.
- doormanthe doorman soured the experience
- drink spillingknocked my whole drink all over me
- inappropriate questionsa bartender who asked several inappropriate questions
- location directionsI attended a private event at this restaurant and found the place to be nice and cozy, working well for networking parties. However, I wish the location directions matched the actual path people should take, as I had to pass through a hotel to access the actual entrance 😅.
- microaggressionsWe experienced so many microaggressions coming here
If you're looking for service, you might encounter some truly friendly and knowledgeable staff. However, be aware that some guests have reported very serious issues like discrimination and microaggressions, making it a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre in for a treat! The ambience here is definitely a highlight, earning a good score of 8.1. Customers are clearly impressed, with satisfaction at a high 89%.
Based on 73 positive remarks out of 82 total, guests frequently rave about the gorgeous space, romantic vibe, and spacious layout. Many also appreciate the live DJ and excellent music that sets the mood perfectly. However, a few voices, just 7 out of 82, did mention some minor drawbacks.
Some found the atmosphere to be extremely loud at times, while others felt it wasnt always a friendly atmosphere or questioned its classiness. These seem to be isolated experiences rather than a widespread issue.
Ambience
82
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Gorgeous, spacious setting
- Romantic, modern vibe
- Great music, live DJ
What people don't like
- Loud atmosphere
- Unfriendly atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereI recently visited Press Club, drawn in by its sleek atmosphere and promising cocktail menu. While the ambiance was stylish, my experience left me with mixed feelings, particularly regarding the service.
- spaceI love this space. From the entrance, it is deceiving how big the venue truly is.
- wine barMy experience at this fabulous wine bar was exceptional. The eats were delicious, and the sommeliers and cocktail artists provided wonderful suggestions.
- ambiancethe ambiance is inviting
- ambienceGreat ambience
- placeSet up so comfortably and quaintly
- atmosphere downstairsFun atmosphere downstairs
- locationthe subterranean location forces you to talk to others
- DJthe DJ
- Lovely CrowdLovely Crowd
Frequently criticized
- actual entranceI attended a private event at this restaurant and found the place to be nice and cozy, working well for networking parties. However, I wish the location directions matched the actual path people should take, as I had to pass through a hotel to access the actual entrance 😅.
- atmosphereatmosphere was extremely loud
- classyHow is this considered classy?
- dancingespecially if you’re looking to dance
- friendly atmosphereNot a friendly atmosphere
- parkingParking is horrible.
- staringCaucasian woman staring at us weird in the bathroom line
If you're seeking a gorgeous space with a romantic vibe and great music for a date or event, this place is absolutely worth checking out. Just be aware that on busy nights, the noise level might be a bit high for some, and the atmosphere might not always feel universally friendly.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a definite bright side, especially if you time your visit right! Many guests rave about the fantastic happy hour deals, including half price bottles of wine and reasonable prices on individual glasses. The Flight option also gets a nod for being a great deal, with 7 positive opinions highlighting these perks out of 13 total.
It seems smart choices can lead to a good experience. However, the overall value experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 53.8%. While the score of 5.8 is average, 5 negative opinions point to some significant concerns.
Guests were particularly irked by a hefty admin fee and a sneaky 5% service charge' added to their bills, often before being prompted for a tip. Outside of happy hour, regular wines and drinks were found to be quite expensive.
Value
13
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Half price wine
- Great flight value
What people don't like
- Hidden admin fee
- Sneaky service charge
- High regular prices
Often praised
- happy hourWeekday happy hour $3 off beer and wine
- FlightFlight here is $25 which I think is great
- glassesordering glasses are not bad
- half price bottles of wineHalf price bottles of wine that are over $70.
- prices on wineReasonable prices on wine for a restaurant.
Frequently criticized
- admin feea whopping 22% "admin fee" that we weren't informed about
- bottleit’s quite expensive
- service chargea sneaky 5% service charge tacked on
- tipTo add insult to injury, there was also a sneaky 5% service charge tacked on. And to top it all off, we were prompted to tip without being told of these fees. The pricing for drinks was also excessive; $41 for one margarita and one virgin margarita is a bit much.
- winesOutside of happy hour the wines would be pretty expensive.
If youre looking for great deals, definitely aim for their happy hour to enjoy discounted wine and flights. However, be prepared for potential extra fees and higher prices if youre dining outside those special times. Plan your visit wisely to ensure the best value for your money.
How are the prices at Press Club?
On average, you’ll spend around 54 per person – from 19 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a pretty wide range. While the average comes out to 54, many guests spend less, often in the 21 – 40 $ range. However, there’s also a significant number of diners who opt for a more premium experience, spending $91–$100 or even over 101 $.
This suggests a mix of budget-conscious and splurge-worthy visits, rather than prices clustering tightly around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 19 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, an average of 54 per person is definitely on the higher end for casual visits. However, the wide range of spending suggests they cater to different occasions. We think its fair if you’re looking for a more upscale bar experience or a full meal, but perhaps a bit steep for just a quick drink.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Press Club
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fantastic Event Space with Great Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for hosting an event. The space was awesome, featuring a fantastic bar and great food. The service was notably quick and non-intrusive, designed to be efficient without being bothersome.
- space9
- bar9
- food9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Consistently Great Venue for Business Events
The Press Club is my go-to venue for hosting events for executives. As someone in BD, I've found them to be consistently great to work with. The space is great, the service is great, and the food is great as well.
I'm impressed that the quality has stayed so high over the years.
- service10
- space9
- food9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fabulous Cocktails at a New Favorite Bar
This is one of my new favorite bars in SF! I tried 3 different cocktails, and they were all truly fabulous. The food was excellent (rated 5/5), the service was prompt (no wait time), and the atmosphere was great (rated 5/5) with moderate noise.
I highly recommend this place!
- cocktails10
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Martini & Upscale Vibe
This is a very cute spot to hang out or grab a drink. While I haven't tried the wine at this wine bar, I absolutely LOVE their BBC MARTINI! It's one of the best I've ever had, and I'd come back just for that.
There's a limit of 2 per person. The ambiance is upscale, the service is friendly, and the drinks are great. They also offer a happy hour!
I will definitely be back. Cheers!
- BBC MARTINI10
- upscale ambiance9
- friendly service9
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Nice place for networking, confusing directions
I attended a private event at this restaurant and found the place to be nice and cozy, working well for networking parties. However, I wish the location directions matched the actual path people should take, as I had to pass through a hotel to access the actual entrance 😅.
- place9
- networking parties9
- location directions3
- actual entrance4
What Press Club offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Trendy
FAQs
What makes Press Club a unique spot in Union Square?
Press Club stands out in Union Square for its vibrant atmosphere and offerings. You’ll find a great wine list and an excellent beer selection, perfect for any palate. Plus, you can enjoy live performances, adding an extra layer of entertainment to your visit.
What amenities and services does Press Club provide for visitors?
For your convenience, Press Club offers free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected. When it comes to dining, you have the option of comfortable seating with table service. Paid parking lot and paid street parking are also available nearby for easy access.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Press Club?
Press Club has a generally good customer satisfaction rate of 78.7% and an overall score of 7.5. While many enjoy the experience, some concerns exist, particularly around service and value.
What are the main strengths of Press Club according to visitors?
Customers frequently praise the inviting ambiance, which scores 8.1, and the quality of the food and wine selection, rated at 7.7. Many also appreciate the knowledgeable and friendly bartenders.
Are there any common complaints or areas for improvement at Press Club?
Some visitors have reported inconsistent service, including instances of microaggressions and discrimination, contributing to a service score of 6.6. Additionally, the value score of 5.8 reflects concerns over hidden administrative fees and the overall cost of drinks, alongside a limited selection of hard liquor.