Bar 821

Bar · Western Addition ·

Bar 821

Bar · Western Addition ·

Signature cocktails, amaro & fernet in a hip bar

Information

821 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117 Get directions

$30–50

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Best Restaurants and Bars on Divisadero Street | Eater SF

"Amari fans in San Francisco should head to Bar 821 to sample from the bar’s stock of over 200 different amari (yes, you read that right). The bar returned in April 2024 following a four-year closure following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ring the doorbell at 821 Divis to gain entry, but be forewarned that it’s a seated bar-only with no reservations, and is open Wednesday through Saturday. Still, the “pick your journey” cocktail option where patrons choose a style of cocktail, flavor profile, and base spirit — and bartenders then create a bespoke drink based on your answers — makes it worth a stop if you can." - Paolo Bicchieri

https://sf.eater.com/maps/divisadero-street-best-restaurants-bars-san-francisco

Bar 821

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

14 Best New Bars to Try in San Francisco Right Now

"Amaro-forward Bar 821 has been around since 2002, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the bar into closure in 2020. It took four long years for it to return, mounting a comeback in April 2024, ready to share its rare and unusual amari with San Francisco once again. There are over 200 amari to sip on here, but if you’re looking for a place to start, go with the amaro or fernet flights." - Dianne de Guzman, Eater Staff

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-new-cocktail-bars-san-francisco

Bar 821

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Nusa: Indonesian Thousand-Layer Cake and Beef Rendang Lands in the East Bay | Eater SF

"After going dark for four years, Bar 821 is back in NOPA pouring amari once again and adding a cocktail program of drinks made to order to match customers' preferred spirit and flavor profiles." - Paolo Bicchieri

https://sf.eater.com/2024/4/2/24118996/new-restaurants-openings-san-francisco-oakland-bay-area

Bar 821

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Amaro-Focused Bar 821 Has Reopened on Divisidero in San Francisco | Eater SF

"After a years-long closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this Divisadero Street watering hole has reopened under owner Khaled Dajani and is currently open Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to midnight with plans to add Thursday evenings by April 28; you'll have to ring a doorbell to enter, there are no reservations, and it is located at 821 Divisadero Street. The bar stocks more than 200 varieties of amari, offers amaro flights (including a flight of various Fernet), and runs a bespoke cocktail program where customers can tell bartenders the style of drink they favor and pick a base spirit and flavor profile for staff to create a drink accordingly." - Lauren Saria

https://sf.eater.com/2024/4/17/24133042/bar-821-open-amaro-san-francisco

Bar 821

@sfrapp

3 Postcards · 2 Cities

The most amazing amaro bar. Fernet flights!

Bar 821

Google

Pretty date night ambiance but will never come back to this place. Nice little niche experience where you have to ring the doorbell to have someone open the door to let you in. You get a small sample liquor with your drink order. One bannana negroni was overpriced at $29. The tip is already included but bill didn't have a breakdown on how much it was. Only 6 other couples were in there. Reason I won't return is because of the server.. not the overpriced pretentious drink. There was a rude brunette server. I had a sleeping puppy (mini schnauzer) with me in a purse. I mistakenly thought since they do not serve food you can bring an emotional support animal. I also checked their door and policy online before I came and did not see a no pets sign. A few moments after ordering a drink, the brunette server saw my black dog move and freaked out about no dogs being allowed and said we will have to leave immediately. She never even stopped to ask if it was a service dog and she cut me off when I was trying to say sorry. Then she walked away huffing and puffing to literally stop the blonde bartender from making our drinks so she could kick us out. I guess the bartender said we could stay because then server comes back to tell us we can have ONE drink but must leave ASAP once we finish. The communication style and abrasive approach left much to be desired. When the check came she refused to make eye contact with me and only spoke to my friend. I honestly couldn't get out of there faster. My brother passed away a couple months ago and I got a puppy to help with the depression. This is my first time leaving my house to do something fun/catch up with a friend. Sad that it had to be like this. As a conscientious person I'm still learning the ins and outs of having a dog in the city (first time ever having a pet). I tried to do due diligence. The poor treatment and dramatics was completely unnecessary. Will definitely not be back.

Lorenzo G.

Google

Very unique delicious cocktails! I recommend coming early to guarantee a spot. Need to ring the doorbell to get inside.

Abby B.

Google

A reopening to add to the top of your list. The menu was a unique format, with a large portion entirely customizable and non alcoholic friendly. I had two different NA cocktails and loved the complexity and flavors of both. The bartenders were very friendly and knowledgeable. The space is welcoming and warm. Absolutely will be back.

Jimmy T.

Google

Hard to express how special this bar is. Let the bartenders guide you and you're gonna have an amazing time! I had their Italian flight and tried so many new drinks I've never had before.

Daniel H

Google

Excellent bar with wide selection of amari, good ambiance. Whether you want an introduction to amari, to try a new amaro, or get a custom cocktail, the bartenders will hook you up with no judgement and passionate dedication to figuring out your palette. Also they’ll chase you down the street to give your your forgotten bag after you’ve had one too many. Would make a great date night. Great spot.

Manu E.

Google

Bar 821, where Amaro Meets Artistry in Craft Cocktails Nestled in the heart of Divisadero San Francisco District, Bar 821 beckons cocktail enthusiasts with its intimate ambiance and a bespoke menu that celebrates the intricate flavors of amaro. From the moment you step through the door, the warm lighting and the inviting hum of conversation set the stage for an evening of culinary cocktail exploration. Bar 821's allure lies its custom menu, a meticulously curated selection of libations that showcases the versatility of amaro in all its glory. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, each cocktail promises a journey of discovery through the complex and nuanced world of Italian herbal liqueurs. You're welcome!

Carlos H.

Google

Waited 30 minutes to enter while the gentleman at the door let two parties go in front of us who showed up after we put our name on the waitlist. After he opened the door and let the second group pass us in the line we gave up and decided to leave. Won’t be back!

Noah P.

Google

Love love love. Cozy, inviting, interesting cocktails, amazing selection of Amaro (the flight is good for at least 4 people to try some different Amaros IMO), and the build your own cocktail turned out some of the best bespoke cocktails and we just loved it.

Dominique O.

Yelp

Stumbled upon this bar while walking along Divisadero and I'm so glad I decided to go in! This spot is easy to miss because it looks closed. However, there's a small sign on the entrance that says to ring the doorbell and a host will open the door. My friend and I sat at the bar where the lovely bartender went over the menu with us. We both ended up choosing to have a custom cocktail made by selecting a style, flavor profile, and spirit. We loved our drinks! The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere was so cozy. We absolutely enjoyed our experience and I would definitely come back!

Carlos H.

Yelp

Waited over 30 minutes to enter. 2 groups showed up after us with 3 people and were allowed to skip us in line. Finally we gave up and decided to go drink somewhere across the street. Not good customer service at all. The guy at the front looked at us weird as he did it too lol he felt guilty. Even the people behind us in line thought it was rude. I won't be back.

Mary Bryan O.

Yelp

Came here with a group of friends on a Thursday night. We were able to be seated immediately! Cute intimate spot with lots of dates haha What I loved about bar 821 is that it is truly a unique and personalized experience for everyone. 2 of us chose their journey by selecting their style, flavor and spirit. They definitely nailed the cocktails! A couple of us had the amari flights which they provided different combinations of amaro for each of us. Definitely a fun switch up!

Kelly R.

Yelp

Fun, intimate speakeasy type bar! This is a small space so if you go on the weekend, expect to wait. They have an extensive amaro and fernet selection. If you like these aperitifs, highly recommend getting the flight. These are individually made (ordered two at our table and got different options in our flights) and a fun way to try something new. The servers are extremely knowledgeable and kind. Cant wait to go back a try something new!

Aaron Z.

Yelp

I was just looking for a regular bar with decent liquor at the last minute before a birthday dinner. I was totally unprepared for how special this is. First, the entrance is subtle and you have to ring the bell. A bartender answers the door to escort you in. The inside is very dark and cozy with light music. Pretty romantic, really. They have an amaro flight and a fernet flight so we had to get them. They have such a great selection that it's a great way to sample some interesting and herbal bitter stuff. It's dealer's choice unless you have a request, so the bartender set up four fernets and four amari, allowing us to check out each bottle as we went from sweet to bitter. I went out and bought a bottle of Meletti the following week because of this. The bartenders are pretty cool and knowledgeable, but unpretentious. It was filling up by the time we headed out in the mid evening. This place is awesome for a fancy-mode dark and bitter drink in an intimate atmosphere.

Clara L.

Yelp

Cool speakeasy, you ring a bell and they will open a door for you. Last time they didn't but this time they did! Good vibes and cool drinks, but the drinks were very expensive :/

Joyce K.

Yelp

Very interesting bar for a unique experience! Came here Friday night ~10pm expecting this to be a normal bar-- we were wrong. Upon ringing the doorbell, we were greeted and seated at the last remaining table for 5. We got two amaro flights, an espresso martini, and one of the listed seasonal cocktails listed on the wall. Not knowing what amaro is, the server was accommodating and enthusiastic in educating/explaining to us before tasting. The espresso martini was very good and on the sweeter side. The cocktail was very fruity and tart~if only I remembered what flavor it was... Highly recommend trying this place. The flight tasting was very unique and a great activity to be shared among a group! Definitely was an adventure getting through the 8. Excited to return to try the "Choose Your Journey" listed on the menu!

Christopher S.

Yelp

Cozy bar and with a focus on Amaro's - Fernet it is something a little different. It is a small place and they I can understand some comments that it may be a wait to get in at busy times. However a group of 4 of us on a Thursday night (maybe just lucky) got in quickly and had excellent service and some fun unique cocktails. They took the time to discuss the cocktails and the unique ingredients so definitely worth a visit.

Logan S.

Yelp

Stumbled across this place on a Friday night. Only had to wait about 5 min before we were able to find 2 spots at the bar. Service was spectacular! Drinks were spot on to our preferences. Ambiance was calm, cool, and homey. Would for sure go back!

Jonathan M.

Yelp

Came here just as they opened before a dinner reservation for my anniversary. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable and had great recommendations on what to drink. Khaled helped us at the bar and sampled many different Amaro's both by themselves and mixed in cocktails. Great conversation and education on the Italian herbal liqueurs. The entrance is nondescript with a black door and a doorbell. Service is seated, so come early to avoid a wait. Inside is dimly lit, and has a great ambiance. They have over 200 different Amaro.

Tracy A.

Yelp

Getting a flight. You have to ring the bell to get in. It's like shots of fancy Underberg. Speakeasy feel.

Katie H.

Yelp

Love this bar! Such a cool concept and vibe and the staff are so kind and friendly and patient. This is a great spot for a date or a catch up with old friends. Every drink is unique and made with lots of TLC! I've recommended this place many a times and I can't wait until the next time I can go back! My only complaint is I tried to go the other day and they were closed. I wish they were open more nights in the week

Tanner W.

Yelp

Super cool, cozy bar with a focus on amaro. The ambiance was great and it smelled amazing. The bartenders were knowledgeable. I enjoyed the creative cocktails. Expensive? Yeah. But overall worth it.

Kurt N.

Yelp

I finally was able to make it in now that they are back open and was impressed. From the attentiveness of the servers, to the patrons who were there to actually try out the range of products and not just Instagram them, to the quality of the drinks. It very much reminded me of the experience upstairs at Dead Rabbit in NYC which is often considered one of the best bars in the world. My favorite part: It was Saturday night on Divisadero and I could still hear myself, and nobody was bumping into me! One note for first timers especially to this corridor: It is not cheap at all. But that's how things are in our neighborhood these days.

Nicole C.

Yelp

Very expensive drinks. Out of 3 different drinks we tried none of them tasted particularly great. I was excited about the interesting ingredients but it felt kind of thrown together to try and be different and cool instead of actually hitting the mark. They also added 20% gratuity for a party of 3. As a bartender myself I think that's pretty lame.

Charlie W.

Yelp

This place is awesome. Small very creative bar focused on amaro. Really amazing service and awesome drinks.

Kimberly V.

Yelp

went for a walk in the neighborhood and stumbled across Bar 821 with my fiancé and our little walk turned into such a lovely date night! Bar 821 is a great spot for craft cocktails! They greeted us with complimentary limoncello tastings and their menu has a nice assortment of classic cocktails, flights, as well as a "Choose Your Journey" option! We both decided to go with that option because it seemed fun, and you decide the style/flavor/spirit for your cocktail and the bartenders will create a custom drink for you! Also they make their syrups in house which was neat to learn about. Our bartender Eduardo was more than accommodating and we had a nice conversation with him. Also the drinks he made were delicious! Will definitely be going back and recommending to my friends when they are in the neighborhood:D

Elena N.

Yelp

We were at another bar, but left cuz it was too crowded. Decided to check out Bar 821 instead. We walked in on Friday, August 10th around 10:30 pm. Our party of four easily found a table along the wall. *Manhattan 821: kentucky bourbon, meletti amaro & bitters ($11) *Amaro Blood & Sand: islay sgl malt, ramazzotti amaro, tuve fernet amaro & orange juice ($11) *Mexican Alps: aromatic walnut tonic, ramazzotti amaro, chile tequila & lemon ($11) I got the manhattan. I actually don't remember the cocktail much, but it I believe it was nicely balanced. Easy to sip on. I'm more into spirit forward, so if it was on the stiffer side, I probably would have remembered. I liked the vibe of the bar. Chill and laid back. It also has a beautiful ceiling. At night, it's gorgeous with the colorfully lite wall of liquor. Now why am I giving this spot two stars? The restroom. There was only one toilet (for both men and women) and it was sooo nasty! It was as if the toilet had exploded. There was something unidentifiable around the toilet. The floor was flooded. And the smell?! A urinal from the depths of hell comes to mind. Thinking about it makes me sick. That stench was indescribable. Plus, the door lock was faulty, so the two times we went to the restroom, we walked in on someone. Fun bar. Reasonably priced cocktails. But that bathroom. Only go if you don't plan on peeing. It's not worth it otherwise!

Janice C.

Yelp

Cozy neighborhood bar with incredible cocktails! You want a negroni? an Old fashioned? Or how about champagne cocktails? All cocktails are $7. Cash only. Go.

Yvonne I.

Yelp

Amaro is a spirit category that Ive had very little experience with, but that has changed a little bit after my experience at Bar 821. This place is more on the smaller side, but it is still easy to grab a seat at the bar or a table if you come reasonably early. We sat at the bar and had positive experiences with both of the bartenders. I told one of the bartenders that I was interested in doing an Amaro flight. He customized a four pour flight of Amaro's and they were all great selections. Next time, I would probably only do three pours. The four pours hit me a little hard, lol. I took a sip of the Boulevardier cocktail that my fiancé ordered and really loved this cocktail. The cocktails and personalized service are all worth stopping in for.

Adrian S.

Yelp

"Very small and quaint. Strong drinks. And deep housey music vibes. Pleasant bartender. Would come again!" - Adrian "Loungey atmosphere. A bit hidden by the tattoo place next door. Would recommend for a date." - Vizuette

Terence P.

Yelp

If I could give negative starts this would be the one. Tonight the dude that was working was literally the worst person I have ever dealt with in customer service. Will update later. I'm so upset. Do yourself a favor and go down the street to mini bar. Way better service and no attitude. ------- 2 tries. First try they didn't serve me or my friends. Said they were closed. Even though posted hours suggested otherwise and other customers inside showed differently but I didn't argue. Second try I literally had the worst service ever. The bartender some dude seemed to have an attitude as soon as I walked in. Same guy the first time that said they were closed. So I Bartend myself. And I'm annoyed with people as much as the next guy. But I still have to deal with people so I'm polite. This guy tonight was a complete ass. Rude from the start. Yes we did order 4 drinks because the other 4 weren't drinking. Yes I did ask for a specific tequila but only after the entire order was placed did you say you didn't carry that. And then u said you were out of Jameson. Not an issue. Paid for the shots but you had to shake your head at me and talk shit about me to the other bartender and act like I'm not important. Then when I called u out for being a dick u said I had an issue. Seriously. Wtf is your problem. I work In The industry. I didn't make a scene even though one was deserved. I said have a good night. And left. This guy behind the bar was a total dick. I have multiple witnesses who were there that can attest. Whatever was going on there with dude was not ok. I suggest going up the street to mini bar. They are way nicer and way more welcoming.

Sarah B.

Yelp

Bar 821 is quickly becoming my go-to bar in SF. Get there early enough to grab one of the comfy seats by the window or take a seat at the bar and mingle with any of the knowledgeable bartenders - especially if fernet or amaro are your thing. Also, happy hours ends at 7:30, which I love! Also, shoutout to Ade - he makes a mean gin gimlet and is an amazing bartender!

Simon B.

Yelp

I loved this place. The drinks and the service are excellent. The bartenders Davide and Luis are knowledgeable and very helpful. They even gave us free olives and free shots. Try the flight of Amaros. So nice to discover all these different varieties.

Jiann M.

Yelp

Bar 821 is my neighborhood bar now. Initially, I didn't like it because it seemed uppity because of its large selection of fernet and amaro. But, it's turned out to be one of the least pretentious non-dive bars out there. HIGH LIGHTS It's never overcrowded. There's plenty of seating and standing room, and several bartenders. It's never too loud and you can actually have a conversation with others here. They will make you any drink, even if they haven't made it before. I asked for a cloverclub, but the bartender had never heard of it. However, he was able to make a pretty good one after just glancing at the recipe. The bartenders are friendly. They actually make eye contact with you. Insane that that's not a given, right? low LIGHTS None. I always pick 821 to meet up. OVERALL This is my ideal bar. Never change, Bar 821.

Alex L.

Yelp

A quaint little bar and cocktail lounge in the NoPa (North of Panhandle) district. I popped in for the first (and hopefully not last time) before attending a concert around the corner at The Independent. It's a cozy little spot for those who appreciate good spirits and craft cocktails. What impressed me the most was their extensive selection and focus on Amaro and Fernet. They have every liquor imaginable, but judging from the two large boards on the wall detailing their selection of these two items, I'd say this is their bread and butter. I am sort of a fernet novice but have been slowly tasting my way through all the brands. Fernet Branca seems to be an across-the-board favorite and I've really grown to love the drier Fernet Francisco. The long, dark wooden bar here is perfect for sipping and savoring both. The number of fantastic watering holes in San Francisco never ceases to amaze me. You can add this one to my list of ideal places to enjoy a cocktail in an intimate atmosphere.

Leslie C.

Yelp

Nice quiet place. A little dim (or a LOT dim), but I enjoyed the ambiance. Drinks are strong. I didn't like their negroni, as it was a little too bitter for my taste. I did, however, like the Irish Boulevardier. Fiance had the Manhattan which was good, too. We also ordered a charcuterie board, which was amazing. Would definitely return! HH is from 5:30-7:30!

Sara A.

Yelp

My husband and I decided to stop by Bar 821 while we waited for our dinner reservation at Hina Yakitori. It was a Wednesday night but it was a bit busy. We grabbed some seats at the bar, and were almost immediately given two glasses of water. There were two bar tenders working but service still felt a little slow. We ordered two drinks, and both were delicious! I had the orange blossom and my husband had the whiskey bitter highball. We definitely want to come back to try some more of their cocktails. See you soon Bar 821!

Stephanie A.

Yelp

Bar 821 is a pretty decent place to meet up for drinks with one or two other people. It is definitely not ideal for a large group of people. The place itself is dimly lit and creates a nice little ambiance. They do have a great selection of fernet and amaro, if that is your thing. The cocktails were a much better option for me personally. Fernet and amaro aren't really my thing but the cocktails at Bar 821 are legit. They do not have an extensive food list, just minimal options so I would not go here expecting a full meal just some snacks. Overall, great experience and I would go back again.

John Z.

Yelp

Love their sangria and champagne cocktails. You can also bring in your own food!! 4 stars because hours are a bit short and not much beer to choose from

Eddie W.

Yelp

Fantastic well made old fashions + made to order hand-carved ice cubes to go with your old fashion While not my go-to drink of choice, really cool to see they have fernet flights Decor/ambiance strikes the right balance of date night/causal evening with friends Overall Thoughts Will definitely be back!

Jenny L.

Yelp

I am in love. This bar is awesome. We didn't have trouble securing the big table in the back. The chairs are comfy. We don't have to scream in each other's ears to have a pleasant conversation. Mon-Fri, 5-7: $3 for champagne and specialty cocktails? I'm sold. $3 draft beer. Booyah. All the other times the drinks are around $6, which still beats some SOMA happy hour deals. :) all around. Yes, the bar closes at 11 every day. Yes, it's cash only, so come prepared (they have an ATM in the front). Try the wannabe bloody mary cocktail. It's effing delicious!

Gill C.

Yelp

Have I mentioned how much I love my neighborHOod? Bar 821 is one of the *gillian* reasons why I do...Apologies, my yelpies for not reviewing this gem sooner. Quaint, dark, and comfortable is the best way to describe Bar 821. Great diverse crowd of HOod and non-HOod dwellers. Love the vibe and ambiance, and be sure to check out the interesting flicks on their flat screen. I've been here on numerous occasions (meeting Popchip angel and Tsaritsa for the first time, pre-post dining with L, D, or M, and even a few dates, etc.,). Best place to sit are the tables by the window. Take heed, as it can get really noisy if super crowded (typically Friday & Saturday nights). Great selection of wines, champagne cocktails, and a few beers on tap. My fav specialty drinks are the are the Lychee and Pomegranate champagne cocktails. My most fav aspect of this bar is.... wait for it....tada.... The HO is on tap here. Oh Mylanta! My beloved HOegaarden is in my HOod bar! Gotta love it! Bartenders are always nice, and usually just one tending. So if it's crowded, you might be waiting a bit for your bevy. Recommend going for Happy Hour during the week, and be sure to check out their daily specials and the signage by the front door. FYI, they close earlier than most bars, and closed on certain days. Cheers and see you at Happy HOur!

Dan B.

Yelp

A nice, small neighborhood bar with an impressive selection of liquors and cool atmosphere. This was the first place that came up on the Yelp app when we realized we still had some time to kill before a show at the Independent. The bartender was working hard yet still made eye contact with us as we sidled up, telling us it would be a moment. A professional at work. Drinks were strong and tasty. They made a mean Old-Fashioned for my friend P. And my Bombay and tonic was perfect. My only complaint was the place was packed at 9 pm on a Friday and space was quite limited. I made an attempt to hit the single, unisex bathroom, but the long line made me do an about-face and decide to look elsewhere. It was time to go to the show anyway, just a block away.

Stanley K.

Yelp

It's a love / hate relationship. You love it b/c they serve boozes, just wish they could get the hard liquor license, I would definitely come again. Hoogarden and Chimay on TAP! Did you hear me or do you need hearing aids?!!!! You hate it when it closes early. WHY?! this is my sad face : (

Victoria L.

Yelp

A part of me almost doesn't want to write this review as it's so close to my house and a total treasure that i selfishly want to horde to myself. SADLY, i'm moving neighborhoods soon though, so y'all are in luck as i let the cat out of the bag! i popped in on a Wednesday night to meet up with a date and found the atmosphere to be cozy and intimate, but not too frou-frou that i felt uncomfortable in a t-shirt and flats. the crowd is a relaxed mixture of locals which also helps keep the environment on the chill side. the bar has a massive selection of Amaro drinks if that's what you're into, but they also do a fantastic job with classic cocktails of all kinds, and had a solid top-shelf selection of other spirits as well. i ordered the boulevardier to start ($5 during happy hour, WHAT IS THIS INSANITY?!) and moved onto a classic whisky sour as the night progressed. the bartenders are the perfect level of cordial / friendly and aren't shy but also never overtly intrusive. personally, i like having friendly banter with bartenders whether i'm flying solo or with company, since it makes the whole place feel more neighborhood-y. we didn't have a chance to sample the snacks but they looked delicious. as a single female, it's also nice to know there's a solid go-to place that i'd be comfortable hanging out at by myself without fear of creepers or obnoxious tech bros. i'm sad to change neighborhoods but would easily make a trip just to come back here.

Steph J.

Yelp

Quite literally stumbled on this gem of a place after dinner at barvale down the street. Did not know it was an Amaro bar (we were amateurs?) until we asked the bartender why Montenegro was hanging on the bar, as we sipped our beers. He teased us for our original order and poured us tasters on the house and we were sold. Highly recommend. Great vibes, knowledgeable staff and great drinks - as long as you don't order beers :)

Linda N.

Yelp

I guess Monday's are pizza and Fernet day. This cute little bar with its caged up liquor was the first stop to our night. He got the Fernet flight which I thought was supposed to be best served AFTER a meal but whatever, any excuse to drink. I wanted a lychee cocktail but the bartender recommended a special drink not offered on the menu. I'm not a fan of cocktails or mixed drinks but this drink was exceptional. Not too sweet, not too strong, perfect for this lightweight. The bartenders were very friendly and knowledgeable not to mention, they have a great sense of style.

Chris L.

Yelp

Great wee bar, I'm not quite sure what Amaro is and I'm not a fan of Fernet but they have other things too. Nice vibe comfortable couch seats next to the window. Bartenders are cool, attentive. The Peat & Peat is damn good (Peaty Scotch, Allspice, brown sugar, angostura and orange) if I ordered it back in Scotland I'd probably get hit with the whisky bottle, but when in Rome and all that. Opens at 5pm by the way, not 4pm.

Kathy D.

Yelp

The best place to have a private party. The space is fantastic. The staff is phenomenal. We got to bring in our own food and play our own music. This is my favorite neighborhood bar.

Jade D.

Yelp

Decided to check out this bar after dinner at Barvale with a group of friends. Glad we did! Bartender was very accommodating and knife skills were impressive! Enjoyed watching him sculpt the ice cube for my whisky. Definitely a plus that they had a good selection of liquor there and he also took a shot with us. Great selection of music. What's not to like? Looking forward to my next visit :)

Tom S.

Yelp

I walked in with my GF (she lives around the corner) and they wouldn't serve us... It was confusing since they seemed to be in the business of selling drinks and ambiance, yet had none. I'm gonna try some other day when they're not busy ignoring customers.

Priyanka P.

Yelp

Weehee I think I found the perfect spot for grabbing drinks on a weeknight. As you walk in a warm cozy feeling sets in. You look to your right and see 2 big boards with their selection of Amaro and Fernets. Since both of these are digestifs I suggest going here after dinner. I tried the amaro flight. Don't remember the name exactly but it had the cardamaro. That's a great way to introduce yourself to the world of amaro. They also have flights of Fernets. Bartenders are friendly, people are happy. All in all a great way to drop in for a drink on a weeknight.

Nathaniel F.

Yelp

Place is great, bartenders are friendly, nice seating. You'll have a great time Don't be scared to try the canned food. It's of this world. Also thank you to Kaled for being a great bartender. Showing us the best hospitality.

Mike V.

Yelp

Sorry Nicole, we people who are "so marina" have descended upon your adorable Divisadero Row. We just love the lounges. Stylish, fun, good conversations, great bartenders, people who look good without trying.... This place should stay open later, like 4 am. The bench-like seats along the wall are built just right for extra-curriculars, just like a good couch, soft as hell but not too slippery, nice and sturdy with plenty to hold onto for appropriate leverage...just kidding.....sort of. This place is how you want your living room to feel. Plus I've always wanted my own bartender.

K S.

Yelp

My friends and I used to go here fairly regularly, at least until it changed. We went there on Saturday night for some birthday drinks. The bartenders took our basic order (4 beers of the same type) and came back and said we just ran out out that, indicating some other beer we didn't order. I also asked for a glass of water and they gave me a glass that held about a cup of water. The most annoying thing was that the music was obnoxiously loud. This place used to be reasonably quite and lounge-like. Apparently now they try to replicate front row at a concert. We could barely hear each other and left after one drink.

Juls C.

Yelp

Interesting little bar. It's specialities- digestifs. Amaro and Fernet, all kinds of, literally. Smells and feels like an herbal garden, friendly agreeable crowd, music is loud but tasteful. Bartenders are friendly, they do take their time, it's not the place to get hammered in succession, nor a sleazy pick up joint, feels more like a low-down hangout neighborhood joint. Like.

Danny C.

Yelp

5 years later, still unimpressed. The small-time hipster in me says this place has potential. The realist in me (after many visits) says this place is overcharging its patrons and could do with better-portioned drinks and service. $29 for two drinks, one being just a straight-up shot. Dude.

Ruby C.

Yelp

I liked this spot.. it's a charming bar with strong cocktails. We tried the Montehattan & the From Milano with Love, both good drinks. Even though we were there for Happy hour on a Sunday (5:30-7:30pm) it wasn't too packed which I enjoyed. Minimal options for food (I think I only saw a cheese plate on the menu) but certainly a good bar to checkout if you're looking for a relaxing spot to have a few drinks.

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

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Bar 821

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

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Bar 821

@eater

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Bar 821

@sfrapp

3 Postcards · 2 Cities

The most amazing amaro bar. Fernet flights!

Bar 821

Google

Lorenzo G.

Google

Very unique delicious cocktails! I recommend coming early to guarantee a spot. Need to ring the doorbell to get inside.

Abby B.

Google

Jimmy T.

Google

Hard to express how special this bar is. Let the bartenders guide you and you're gonna have an amazing time! I had their Italian flight and tried so many new drinks I've never had before.

Daniel H

Google

Manu E.

Google

Carlos H.

Google

Noah P.

Google

Dominique O.

Yelp

Carlos H.

Yelp

Mary Bryan O.

Yelp

Kelly R.

Yelp

Aaron Z.

Yelp

Clara L.

Yelp

Cool speakeasy, you ring a bell and they will open a door for you. Last time they didn't but this time they did! Good vibes and cool drinks, but the drinks were very expensive :/

Joyce K.

Yelp

Christopher S.

Yelp

Logan S.

Yelp

Jonathan M.

Yelp

Tracy A.

Yelp

Getting a flight. You have to ring the bell to get in. It's like shots of fancy Underberg. Speakeasy feel.

Katie H.

Yelp

Tanner W.

Yelp

Super cool, cozy bar with a focus on amaro. The ambiance was great and it smelled amazing. The bartenders were knowledgeable. I enjoyed the creative cocktails. Expensive? Yeah. But overall worth it.

Kurt N.

Yelp

Nicole C.

Yelp

Charlie W.

Yelp

This place is awesome. Small very creative bar focused on amaro. Really amazing service and awesome drinks.

Kimberly V.

Yelp

Elena N.

Yelp

Janice C.

Yelp

Cozy neighborhood bar with incredible cocktails! You want a negroni? an Old fashioned? Or how about champagne cocktails? All cocktails are $7. Cash only. Go.

Yvonne I.

Yelp

Adrian S.

Yelp

Terence P.

Yelp

Sarah B.

Yelp

Simon B.

Yelp

Jiann M.

Yelp

Alex L.

Yelp

Leslie C.

Yelp

Sara A.

Yelp

Stephanie A.

Yelp

John Z.

Yelp

Love their sangria and champagne cocktails. You can also bring in your own food!! 4 stars because hours are a bit short and not much beer to choose from

Eddie W.

Yelp

Jenny L.

Yelp

Gill C.

Yelp

Dan B.

Yelp

Stanley K.

Yelp

Victoria L.

Yelp

Steph J.

Yelp

Linda N.

Yelp

Chris L.

Yelp

Kathy D.

Yelp

The best place to have a private party. The space is fantastic. The staff is phenomenal. We got to bring in our own food and play our own music. This is my favorite neighborhood bar.

Jade D.

Yelp

Tom S.

Yelp

Priyanka P.

Yelp

Nathaniel F.

Yelp

Mike V.

Yelp

K S.

Yelp

Juls C.

Yelp

Danny C.

Yelp

Ruby C.

Yelp

Bar 821

Information

Postcards

Media

Best Restaurants and Bars on Divisadero Street | Eater SF

14 Best New Bars to Try in San Francisco Right Now

Nusa: Indonesian Thousand-Layer Cake and Beef Rendang Lands in the East Bay | Eater SF

Amaro-Focused Bar 821 Has Reopened on Divisidero in San Francisco | Eater SF

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Best Restaurants and Bars on Divisadero Street | Eater SF

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Nusa: Indonesian Thousand-Layer Cake and Beef Rendang Lands in the East Bay | Eater SF

Amaro-Focused Bar 821 Has Reopened on Divisidero in San Francisco | Eater SF