Lobby Bar

4230 18th St Unit A, San Francisco
(855) 605-0316

Recent Reviews

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Howard Simons

I hosted a small birthday get-together at Lobby Bar and it was perfect. Grace, the owner, went all out —she decorated our little section with Halloween and birthday touches that made the night feel personal and festive. The space is stylish and cozy, with great music and an inviting vibe.

The craft cocktails are spot-on — creative, balanced, and beautifully made — and the snacks deserve a shoutout too. The fries are crisp perfection and the mini Brazilian pão de queijo waffles are addictive. Grace and her team made the whole evening feel effortless and special. This is exactly the kind of neighborhood bar you want to celebrate in (or just unwind with great drinks and company). We’ll be back for sure.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Neko TerminationShock

Used to like this place, but the bartender tonight has a strange vibe.

I had a wine and White Claw elsewhere, got my partner a cocktail here at the outside bar. It was weak and sugary. We went inside looking for something better at the main bar. Mostly straight crowd, smartly dressed. We were refused service.

We were festively dressed for the Castro Street Fair. We went to Beaux and were treated with respect.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Nick Rucker

Elevated atmosphere, inviting and friendly staff, and well designed cocktail. Yes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jon

It was fairly quiet and buttoned up when I was there on a Wednesday evening. Bartenders were very helpful and friendly. Not my cup of tea - a bit too fancy. But, if you're into that kind of thing, it seems fine. They don't have any domestic bottled beer, which is a bummer for me since thats what i drink...I ended up paying a total of $10 ($8+tip) for a 12 oz. can of beer that I didn't really enjoy. I then went to Last Call down the street and found that they carried a couple bottled domestic beers lol. Better than nothing! Summary - the place is nice and fine and the people are friendly, just don't expect to get a bottle of your favorite domestic.

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 5

Ishita Kanodia

Lovely bar with really friendly staff. The ambience is nice and it gets a bit busy without being overwhelming. Also yummy drinks cocktails all around $17

Mario Palmieri

If you're searching for a refined cocktail experience in an elegant setting, look no further than Castro’s Lobby Bar. This upscale gem delivers everything you want in a night out—whether it's an intimate date or a relaxed evening with friends.
The drinks here are nothing short of exceptional. Each cocktail is meticulously crafted with precision and care, with a focus on the classics—think perfect Manhattans, balanced Negronis, and crisp Martinis made exactly how they should be. There are also some great twists and variations of classics. The bartenders aren't just mixing drinks—they're curating experiences. If you're not sure what to order, the staff takes the time to understand your preferences and suggest something tailored to your taste. I was beyond impressed by my mixologist Vyvyan. Her knowledge and attentiveness elevated my entire experience.
The ambiance strikes the perfect balance: stylish without being stuffy, and lively without being loud. You can actually hold a conversation without shouting, which is a rare and welcome surprise in the cocktail scene.
Whether you're planning a romantic night out or meeting friends for a catch-up over great drinks, The Lobby Bar is a standout choice. With its impeccable service, expertly made cocktails, and inviting atmosphere, it’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Krystelle Magcaling

Lobby Bar has become one of my favorite bars in the Castro. It stands out from a typical bar in the Castro for its elegant decor, upscale cocktails, and personable bartenders. Vyvyian is one of my favorites here, she’s knowledgeable and it reflects in her cocktails. I’ve learned so much, and I love that they make a lot of their stuff from scratch. Definitely worth the visit! Would come back again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Vinícius Duarte Cauneto

Wonderful place to be when ur in Castro!

Safe place for the community and allies, best cocktails I’ve ever tasted in the SF, upscaled environment with tasteful dishes.

The new management has reinvigorated the place, vibes are awesome, the service is perfect. 10/10 would recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Salvador Villa

We walked in assuming the bar was open since the door was, but were immediately met with passive-aggressive behavior from the staff. One even said, “I guess we’ll help you,” which was confusing and unwelcoming. The bartender seemed annoyed, slamming glasses and fiddling with ingredients in a way that felt pointed rather than just busy. While the drinks themselves were solid, the service was genuinely uncomfortable and soured the whole experience.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

Garrett Hayashida

The bar recently switched owners. Staff is friendly. The drinks are good, but the food menu is a little odd. It's been very empty the last few times we went in.

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 5

Martin Sanchez

Fun happy hour!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jason Dobbs

Always an amazing and delicious experience. Very cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Cocktails are delicious and fun!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Francisco Riordan

They don’t post actual hours on their website or Google Maps. They just close whenever they feel like it.

There’s nothing wrong with closing at 11. But making your closing time a mystery is one of the lamest things I’ve ever heard of.

Marcela Pérez

I recently visited this establishment and was extremely disappointed with the bartender's customer service. He was noticeably rude and dismissive throughout our interaction. This behavior made the entire experience unpleasant, and I left feeling unwelcome. Customer service should be a priority, and unfortunately, this bartender's attitude fell far short of expectations. The drinks are good.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 1

JJ Villa-Ignacio

PSA to check your bill closely. Came here yesterday for happy hour. I also experienced a billing mistake that seemed deliberate based on what some people have stated in the past. They charged me twice for one of my drinks and I hadn’t noticed it until I checked my emailed receipt. When I addressed it, there was no apology or accountability. Just left a bad taste in our mouths.

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