Beautiful room, but the service was extremely unwelcoming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Andrew Miller
Novela is such a great spot. The library-themed decor is super cozy and gives the bar a really intimate, laid-back vibe—perfect for a chill drink that can easily turn into a longer night. It feels stylish without trying too hard.
The drinks are amazing, especially the punch-on-tap flight. Fun flavors, generous pours, and definitely worth sharing. Easily one of my favorite bars in SF and a place I’d always come back to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
sneha sabu
Went for new years masquerade party. It was fun. Great vibe
Atmosphere: 5
Justin Linares
Always a pleasant place to hang out! makes me forget how rough SF is when you leave!
Jennifer Maniar
Great spot… but the food was awful. Stay away from the crab cakes and prosciutto wrapped pineapple. Horrible. Don’t eat there and you’ll be fine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Jeremiah Rose
Fantastic Bartenders and waitresses. Drinks are spot on. Had great conversations with all of the staff that we came into contact with.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Anke Koelzer
Nice atmosphere, nice decoration, good cocktails. The menu could have more choices though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
n “nige” mchugh
Loved this bar, had some nibbles for a work event but inside it's suer smart. Decor is great, bartenders are amazing and overall a great after work drinks
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
Bianca Curutan
It's been a hot minute since I've been to Novela, and I was happy to find that my original pre-pandemic rating still holds up - 5 stars! The place was active on a Monday night, maybe in part due to an event taking place in half of it - both sides of the bar were busy and a live band was playing in the corner, which added a great vibe to the evening. I also looove the book theme - such a fun and clever touch that makes the space feel unique in a city with many cocktail bars to choose from.
This past visit, I went for the Espresso Patronum (Harry Potter fans, you get it) and the Blueberry Bourbon Punch - a bartender's recommendation. Both were served quickly and were tasty. I noticed some other guests ordered the Queen of Hearts, which came with a mini playing card - a nice touch on presentation. The staff were friendly and attentive too.
I'd be happy to come back soon for another happy hour!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Michelle Kim
Some of the best cocktails in town & love the vibes here!
Came here on Halloween and there was a cover charge (not that I’m complaining, just fyi). The place was nicely decorated, drinks were tasty and the DJ was good too.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Dartise Jones
This place had a great Halloween atmosphere! Nice vibes and decent music.
Serena clocked in and immediately assisted me with getting drinks, she was the star of the show and had a great costume. Great service!
I had the chicken slider and it was a good 8/10! The Cesar salad was a 3/10 pretty basic
Drinks were decent
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Sepideh Maleki
Drinks have zero alcohol in them and when you asked them why they said that’s the law! We can’t make strong drinks! The place is also very loud and hard to have a conversation. Oh and there’s no parking!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
John McCory
Beautiful venue for drinks and to watch occasional live band. Stiff drinks and great selection! Do they have Chartreuse? Ask.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Papi Brit
I work in the service industry so i’m very observant. The experience here was 10/10– this place was recommended by another industry member (server at Tripisueño another great spot!!!) everyone here is attentive. The place here is super cute & Francisco (the bartender that took care of me) will guide you to the best drinks & best spots here. 10/10 recommend.
Beautiful room, but the service was extremely unwelcoming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Novela is such a great spot. The library-themed decor is super cozy and gives the bar a really intimate, laid-back vibe—perfect for a chill drink that can easily turn into a longer night. It feels stylish without trying too hard.
The drinks are amazing, especially the punch-on-tap flight. Fun flavors, generous pours, and definitely worth sharing. Easily one of my favorite bars in SF and a place I’d always come back to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went for new years masquerade party. It was fun. Great vibe
Atmosphere: 5
Always a pleasant place to hang out! makes me forget how rough SF is when you leave!
Great spot… but the food was awful. Stay away from the crab cakes and prosciutto wrapped pineapple. Horrible. Don’t eat there and you’ll be fine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Fantastic Bartenders and waitresses. Drinks are spot on. Had great conversations with all of the staff that we came into contact with.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Nice atmosphere, nice decoration, good cocktails. The menu could have more choices though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved this bar, had some nibbles for a work event but inside it's suer smart. Decor is great, bartenders are amazing and overall a great after work drinks
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
It's been a hot minute since I've been to Novela, and I was happy to find that my original pre-pandemic rating still holds up - 5 stars! The place was active on a Monday night, maybe in part due to an event taking place in half of it - both sides of the bar were busy and a live band was playing in the corner, which added a great vibe to the evening. I also looove the book theme - such a fun and clever touch that makes the space feel unique in a city with many cocktail bars to choose from.
This past visit, I went for the Espresso Patronum (Harry Potter fans, you get it) and the Blueberry Bourbon Punch - a bartender's recommendation. Both were served quickly and were tasty. I noticed some other guests ordered the Queen of Hearts, which came with a mini playing card - a nice touch on presentation. The staff were friendly and attentive too.
I'd be happy to come back soon for another happy hour!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Some of the best cocktails in town & love the vibes here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Came here on Halloween and there was a cover charge (not that I’m complaining, just fyi). The place was nicely decorated, drinks were tasty and the DJ was good too.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
This place had a great Halloween atmosphere! Nice vibes and decent music.
Serena clocked in and immediately assisted me with getting drinks, she was the star of the show and had a great costume. Great service!
I had the chicken slider and it was a good 8/10!
The Cesar salad was a 3/10 pretty basic
Drinks were decent
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Drinks have zero alcohol in them and when you asked them why they said that’s the law! We can’t make strong drinks!
The place is also very loud and hard to have a conversation. Oh and there’s no parking!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Beautiful venue for drinks and to watch occasional live band. Stiff drinks and great selection! Do they have Chartreuse? Ask.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I work in the service industry so i’m very observant. The experience here was 10/10– this place was recommended by another industry member (server at Tripisueño another great spot!!!) everyone here is attentive. The place here is super cute & Francisco (the bartender that took care of me) will guide you to the best drinks & best spots here. 10/10 recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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