Bar Johnny
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 268-0140
- Price:
- $$
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 5pm to 1:30am, Sat-Sun 11am-3pm, 5pm-1:30am
Editorial Review for Bar Johnny – by Daniel Liszt
The Scene
It's easy to walk past this signless respite. Inside, the focus is an L-shaped bar and high leather banquettes that are reflected in the bar-back mirror. Above, a graffiti-style mural of birds fluttering around telephone wires complements the urban-lounge tunes and flirty vibe. Despite expert cocktails and bar-centric appearances, waitstaff are extremely attentive and surprisingly knowledgeable about the cuisine--just ask.
The Food
Ultra-basic descriptions on the menu provide little indication of the thoughtful ingredients and successful executions. Great-to-share starters include a grilled thin-crust pizza supporting finely sliced mushrooms, juicy bacon cubes and frise tangle and the housemade charcuterie with velvety chicken-liver pate, house-cured sausage and grainy mustard. Fantastic full-blown entrees can be found in pillowy ahi tuna loin that's gorgeously marbled and a tender lamb braise. The kitchen also crafts fun desserts such as dollar-sized peanut butter cookies filled with fluffy marshmallows then dipped in chocolate.
Hits: The space successfully walks the line between restaurant and singles' bar--the cuisine is elevated beyond pub grub and the music sets a nice tone, but isn't too loud or overbearing.
Misses: Space between the bar and adjacent banquettes is limited, meaning parties of two are seated side-by-side. This makes for neck-craning and an unorthodox social dynamic.
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Insider Tips
Where to SitFor a conventional seat, reserve one of the few tables (next to the front window or tucked in the back corner).
What to DrinkIn addition to a wine list and draught brews (including Kingfisher), there's also a bevy of house-specialty cocktails, including the pomegranate-infused Russian Hill Punch.
When to GoThe full menu is served from 6pm to 11pm nightly, while the bar menu is available from 5pm to 1am. Brunch is Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 3pm.
User Reviews for Bar Johnny
05/25/2008 Posted by erindpell
Love, love, the place! I was a bartender for 7 years in this town and I've been to all the spots so I"m picky about everything, trust me. I've been to Bar Johnny 3 times now and every time it was a huge hit....great food and drinks, (we never plan on eating but always end up doing so after looking at the menu) the bartenders were very attentive and the owner Johnny is soooo good looking and gets right in there with his staff.... We've had the lamb, burger, home made chips, and all of the very scrumptious desserts. Just writing about it makes my mouth water...The C&K cocktail is also quite lovely on a warm night like we had a few weeks ago. Anyway, I'm going tonight and will be making this place a regular stop on my way out. It's exceptional. Check it out.
04/01/2008 Posted by yoyobigo
I was really pleasantly surprised. Service was good, food was yummy, atmosphere was just right. I went there for my birthday with about 14 people, having made reservations (it was a Sunday night). They actually called me a day before and asked that I move the reservation up from 8pm to 7pm so that they could accommodate us. Although that wasn't ideal, it impressed me that they would do that rather than just let things stand and then give us bad service/be unable to accommodate us. Our waitress was great, the pretzels were indeed good (not amazing, but very good), the main courses were all actually very tasty and well prepared, better than my expectations. Overall a great experience.
Pros: Atmosphere, food, service all good!
Cons: The lounge chairs weren't as comfy as they looked.
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