Howells

First time at Howells on a Monday night and the most stunning friendly gorgeous bartender served us. Best service I’ve had since moving to SF (from Australia). She was so friendly and welcoming. 10/10

We stopped by here after dinner and decided to grab a glass of wine. It’s a beautiful bar with a relaxed, casual vibe. The staff was super friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Such a cool spot — we’ll definitely be back!

cool little bar we saw walking around. the bars got the same last name as me so we had to go in for a few drinks. glad we did. great bar tender and just so you know we now another inside joke about juicy wine!

Our server/bartender was SO helpful tonight, I wish we caught his name. He suggested two wonderful wines, and was very attentive. The Armenian blend was very smooth. We highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a nice glass of wine! We also had the impossible sliders, and they were yummy.

Sweet little hole in the wall place. Good prices, cool vibe. Nothing wrong with it at all. The upstairs area is cool, you can overlook the bar. They also have a temperature and humidity controlled room up top that's fun to browse.

Amazing little bar. Wine was great. We also had snacks (arancini balls) that were a nice accompaniment. What made the bar for us was the service. We sat at the bar and felt welcomed from the moment we walked in. Plus, got some great location recommendations for future food / drinks.

My favorite bar on a recent trip. Smart selection of wine and beer. Friendly bartenders who serve quickly and keep the bar clean and uncrowded. Calm atmosphere where I could hold a conversation easily. A grown up bar, which I appreciate. I forget his name, but the bartender with good hand-eye coordination put on an impressive show. I'll definitely be back.

Love the vibe here, great place for date night. Staff was more than helpful and very friendly. The wood bar is very unique, it must of taken some seroius craftmanship to design/build.

Date: Saturday, June 17th, 2023 Time: around 1:30pm Party of: 3 I can't recall how we ended up at Howells. My group had just finished up a boozy bottomless brunch and wanted to keep the day going. We walked in and easily grabbed three seats at the end of the bar. We were here for a good 4+ hours. Not sure exactly what we drank the entire time, but I know we all started with different glasses of bubbly. Or maybe one of the glasses was a white wine instead of a sparkling. Some time closer to dinner, one of my friends got hungry, so he ordered the Pigs in a Blanket. He seemed to enjoy them. I recall the bartender being super sweet and friendly. Never made us feel rushed, like he wanted to turn the seats over or anything. Great spot to grab some drinks and snacks. We had a fun time here! REVIEW #3522

Such a cool ambiance. Great music, too! This is a perfect place to grab a glass of wine on a first date. There's ample seating at the bar downstairs, and some seating upstairs. About $11 per glass. We had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc & Malbec. The service was prompt. Would go here again!

Fun wine bar with a screen so you can catch the game if you'd like. There's an upstairs seating area too. Dog friendly if you have a well behaved pooch. Super friendly & helpful staff. Pretty good wine selection & Keahi will make a good recommendation if you need. Alfredo, the chef in the kitchen prepares some tasty small bites & their warmed chocolate chip cookie is divine. We shared the arancini & charcuterie with our little group which was the perfect complement to our wine. Love this cozy neighborhood spot!

Came on a Friday night after dinner and the place was already pretty crowded or poppin. I ordered the rose which was really refreshing and tasted like strawberries! The overall vibe was also really nice and chill and the owner (I think?) or bartender was super nice and has really good service. Would definitely come back again! Nice neighborhood wine bar with chill vibes

I met a friend here on a Friday around 6:30pm and it was very crowded but we ended up being able to snag two seats at the bar. I think it was more crowded than normal since the second floor was booked for a private party. It was a little loud and hard to have a conversation but the wine was good and the service was friendly.

A long overdue review.. .. Howells is a neighborhood gem and the owner Nate is amazing!! I love Howells!! I've known Nate for several years & always try to bring friends visiting from out of town. The wine list changes often and I usually like to take recommendations from Nate. The bartenders are so much fun and great to chat with! The food is consistently delicious & the ambience is perfect for any occasion!!

Nate and team are simply the best. Howells is a great neighborhood spot with a low-key excellent wine list that rotates.

Visited this great local spot with coworkers recently. Howells has a warm and inviting ambiance. They have a robust menu of drinks and snacks. The staff here is very friendly and attentive. Really like the impossible burger sliders here, very juicy and flavorful. Would definitely come back again when I'm in the neighborhood!

My favorite bar in the city, Raph is unmatched. If you like wine, hell if you don't like wine and just like having a great time, find yourself at Howell's on a Saturday night

A small bar nestled in the busy Chestnut St corridor. The space and ambiance are really it's selling point. Staff was really nice and always checked on our table. Sat near the window and there was a lovely breeze. And even though there were people around me chatting, there wasn't a lot of misc noise (we've all been there--at a random bar and almost yelling trying to hear the other person). Ended up getting the Lagunitas Hop and even though it wasn't alcoholic, it was poured into a wine glass which I thought was really nice. A great casual place to hang out.

Disclaimer this review is based just on the wine. Howells is a cozy little spot right on Chestnut Street. The space may seem small when you first look at it, but there is a second level to it! They have a decent amount of wines to choose from and the staff definitely were very knowledgeable. It is also a super quiet and chill place to get a drink compared to most of the other spots around. The food menu was small but most of the items seemed pretty good. Would definitely want to come back for more wine and maybe some nibbles.

I will not return to Howells and would not recommend to any group of women because it is not a safe place to go unless you are one of the white regulars. When my friends were here we tried this wine bar and left a great tip for the bartender. Things were going fine until we went to the restroom. While they used the bathroom a woman banged the door and yelled. As soon as my friends opened the door to exit that woman forced her way into the bathroom and while doing so she assaulted two of my female friends by pulling their hair as they were trying to leave. Other patrons looked on and did not intervene. The bartender approached us and right then the woman who pulled two of my friends's hair locked herself in the bathroom to avoid the bartender. The bartender told us not to make a scene and that she was a regular so we needed to leave and could not pursue charges. He excused her behavior and refused to listen. The fact that the staff at this bar could turn a blind eye to this encounter because she was a regular is proof that they do not value the business of anyone beside their white regular crowd. I'm disappointed and would not recommend anyone support this business. They really deserve no stars but for the sake of leaving feedback Yelp requires one star

I was on a trip in sf and planning to go meet up here with some friends, it was going to be my first time. But my friends who were already there started texting me that they were being harassed by another customer there (pictured). They were really upset, and understandably so, the woman pulled my friends hair and shoved them as they were exiting the restroom! I asked if they asked the staff for help. Having worked in a bar in sf before, where we (the staff) would not allow such behavior and take action towards aggressors like this aka she would be asked to leave bc putting your hands on a customer is an immediate 86. Just not okay under any circumstances. I've worked in restaurants and nightlife in sf and thought all of us shared this same mindset. Apparently NOT. When my friends approached the bartender to explain the situation he said he could not do anything bc she was a "regular" and asked THEM to leave instead bc "THEY were the ones causing a situation." I was completely baffled. I don't know what it is about being a "regular" that excuses throwing a fit to the point of getting physical. As staff I would think it is your duty to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone in the vicinity. SO, all that to say, I did not end up going, nor will I try to go again. In saving their one "regular" they lost a group of potential patrons. I hope that the staff eventually learn how handle situations like this.

Really great space - fairly narrow with two floors, but it doesn't feel super cramped. The design is modern and sleek which I liked and the service was awesome. We met the owner last night and he was great. Drinks and food came out super quick which is always a plus.

Great spot, Friendly staff, great wines that are pretty reasonably priced. Solid snack menu.

Pretty decent wine bar with two levels. I believe they also have a private room of some sort. They have a good amount of wine options. I think the atmosphere was a little on the louder side for a wine bar. So a little less intimate but you could definitely still have a conversation.

Way more quiet than other bars on the street, but they have this amazing rose. We got a bottle of it for $60. The space is nice, and the fact that it wasn't crowded was actually kind of nice. Really good service. Only 1 restroom though. I would stop by again.

We wanted to come here to check it out since it's a relatively newer place on Chestnut. Pros: The bartender was super friendly and accomodating and the interior is a pretty nice bar with a cool upstairs area. Cons: While I was excited about the backyard, it looks like they kinda threw a bunch of chairs back there to make it a hangout. If they had more a better setup back there, it would have been really nice. Also, the prices on the wine list show a default price for a 3 oz pour so be sure you're looking at the right price.

Howell's is small, trendy, and smack in the middle of The Marina. Dim lighting. Mainly bar seating. It's a good place to meet a Bumble date for a glass of wine to pretend that you're classy and don't secretly want to down the entire glass in two seconds to get out of the awkward date. The Pinot I ordered was good. Easy to drink. Smooth. Fruity. Hints of strawberry and all that jazz. My only complaint is that I ordered a glass of wine and assumed (my bad) that I was ordering the smallest portion priced at $10 (3oz). They didn't ask me to specify size and poured a 6oz glass priced at $16. I'd gladly pay that at wine tasting. I'd gladly pay that at the Ritz Carlton. I probably would never order a $16 glass of wine at some random bar in the Marina. Small complaint, but I just wish they would have clarified before the pour. Long story short, it's a good date spot. Just make sure to specify the size and price you are choosing so you don't get shocked at the bill.

For those of in search of a great new wine bar in the marina, look no further than Howells. Established by a wine industry vet, Nate is pouring some fun glasses of vino at this recently opened establishment. For those of you who love people watching, there's a great table set in the front windowsill where you can consume wines from all over the globe and feel like you're doing it outside. There's also a great mezzanine area if you want to host a larger group of people. They are still working on a more developed menu (having opened a couple weeks ago) but, I'd expect the bites to be legit given the already solid charcuterie boards. Pro tip: Howell's is permitted till 2am. This makes it one of the latest closing wine bars in the area. Fantastic staff, great wine list and great music flowing from the speakers. Howell's, welcome to the neighborhood.

Favorite wine bar ...not just saying because we are close friends with the owners but this place has such a nice warm vibe, carefully selected wine/bubbly and delicious impossible burgers. Hubs has been coming to the bar to watch the game on TV screen w the guys. There is a newly built back patio is set up with outdoor mani pedi stations which would be perfect to host an event

The new gem of Westnut & the Marina! Do not come here unless you're into at least one of the following: A) fantastic wine selection B) awesome service from the friendliest and most experienced staff in the neighborhood C) eating (bad-ass Chef Sarah Galloway--Stone's Throw, Spruce) D) great prices E) really good beer selection (Whaaa?!? Yes way!) F) sweet aesthetics G) an all-around fun, neighborhood vibe I've been several times during their soft launch. No surprise that right now it is the hottest wine bar+ in the 94123!

Cutest little wine bar in the marina! The bartender was so nice and chatted with my friends and I while we sat at the bar. I'd love to come again for happy hour and have a little snack and sit upstairs. I'll be back!

Laid back and well laid-out ambiance with decent wine selection and wonderful service. Food is ok but nothing special. Will come back for solid location, attentive service, and comfortable layout. Provides a nice chill ambiance in an otherwise pretty hype neighborhood.

This place is a lovely bar and a great atmosphere. I had the pleasure of going here via recommendation and I am so glad I did. The interior is cozy and beautiful with brushed metal fixtures, low warm light, and stylized wood. You have multiple options for where you'd like to sit for the night. They have a great bar near the front and a more intimate sitting area up the stairs into an open loft type space. Their selection is expansive with a bit of something for everyone. Plus, they have a great food menu and snacks for when the kitchen closes. You can tell that the owners care about their customers and enjoy their time when they're at work. Friendly, aesthetic, and delicious. I would definitely recommend making this your go to place. It for sure will be mine every time I come to the city.

Hand down, best wine bar in the SF. Owner Nate has done an amazing job at creating a bar that locals want to come back to week after week. The servers all know their wines and can quickly and knowledgeably recommend you a wine that you will love. The bar bites they offer are on point weather you want a cheese plate or to get cozy with some fondue you won't be disappointed. The space is super inviting with lots of natural light but its cozy at the same time with its railroad style layout. Lastly, one of my favorite quirks of the bar is the little "champagne bombs" they pass out periodically throughout the night. Nothing bonds me to a place like a shot of champagne. Howell's thanks for becoming a Marina staple!

I stopped by Howells on a recent Friday night and had a great experience. The bar was popular but there was still seating available upstairs. The ambiance was really nice - fun but not too much. Howells definitely has an older vibe than other bars on Chestnut. I enjoyed the wine that I ordered and I loved their playlist the night I went. Perfect for a date or a casual drink with a couple friends.

Quaint, great selection, exceptional service. Howells is such a great wine bar! I love the ambiance and somewhat exclusive and intimate vibe. Howells is on the smaller side, which I personally love. This sweet little wine bar feels refined and sophisticated, full-bodied and well-rounded, yet not too large or overpowering... just how great wine should be! The owner (Nate) is a total gem and took great care of us. There were ~15 of us there for a birthday and it was the perfect space and everyone had a great time. A few ordered the mezze platter and sliders--loved everything. Great wine, food and service! Highly recommend!

I absolutely love this bar. I take a lot of clients out for drinks/happy hour and this is the perfect spot for not only that but also for just casual drinks with the boyfriend and/or friends. The service is always impeccable, the food is super tasty and they have such a great selection of wines. I am partial to a dry white and their Sancerre is amazing. Nate really knows his stuff and is so welcome to all the patrons of the bar. Definitely my new favorite spot!

My friends and I were visiting from Texas and stopped in to have a drink. The ambiance is amazing! There is a nice variety of small plates to choose and share with your table and we loved the fondue. The owner and his staff were so welcoming and made sure we were having a good time. The neighborhood seems safe with lots of surrounding things to do. This is a great spot to stop for a drink and socialize.

Great wine bar for a small group! Friendly staff and fun atmosphere. The charcuterie board was great and there is a nice selection of wine.

What a wonderful place! Wine selection is great with a small beer selection for those with a different palette. The staff is really fun to talk to and are quite knowledgable, always offering the best selections. They're also a blast to chat with. The environment is very laid back, everyone from the patrons to the bartenders are friendly. If you're in the Marina, swing in for a drink. You won't be disappointed.

Super chill spot to come enjoy a drink -- nice vareity of beer and tons of wine options (in all price ranges). Though I haven't tried the food, it looks and smells great coming out of the kitchen -- happy customers all around at Howells -- cheers

Great wine! Friendly, diverse staff. Older crowd, which makes me feel at home. Feel left something to be desired. Veggie kebabs were over a rice soup - too much sauce, not enough veggies and rice. We also go the short rib stroganoff. Meat was good but the noodles were nothing special, according to my BF. Will be back for drinks, skip the food.

This place was so good! I stepped in while browsing on Chestnut and had a scrumptious cheese board and a glass of sparkling rosé. The cheese was delish; I was happy my server helped me make the perfect selection! Will be back!

Stop by tonight for quick glass of wine while I was waiting for a friend. Reviewed the menu very comprehensive good information about each of the wines that they offer a nice food list is well. The 2 guys behind the bar were attentive. What else can I ask for they did everything is supposed to do and I would go back again.

Such a great place. We came for a glass of wine and wanted some chocolate dessert but their kitchen was closed, so the manager went to the back and got us a small bowl of dark chocolate. That was not necessary but so nice and made the experience that much better!

I love coming to Howells. They have an excellent selection of wine. All the wine pourers welcome you in and are friendly. They are great at helping you pick out the perfect glass of wine for any day and have amazing customer service. I also love their food. I recommend the Mezes Plate or the Fondue pot!

First timer, full disclosure we went on a Friday night a few days before their official launch. Ambiance is pretty weird - there's a very large, custom wood bar and a very out of place looking Harry Potter armouire on a main wall. Nothing on the walls. For a 5 oz pour (which I think is just a normal glass) you're talking $12-$22, both glasses we got were $16 each. They were weak pours where the glass had a mark on it to show the pourer when to stop(which admittedly just bugs the crap out of me). Bartender didn't seem to know a lot about wines. Overall, for a wine bar I'd expect to see an interesting wine list or just something new, something that makes them them. This place had zero personality, was very expensive and srved wines I could find at K&L (which isn't a bad thing unless I'm getting charged a premium for nothing). I won't go back and I wouldn't recommend it. Even if it was a soft opening they should then pull out the stops to make sure each person that checks it out falls in love.

Just tried out this new spot for a glass of wine and a cheese plate after work. The space is cool and it's a wine bar in the Marina so it's obviously going to do just fine, but the service was abysmal. Sorry I don't have fake blonde hair and my tits aren't popping out like the rest of their clientele, but I've never felt so ignored in any establishment. Someone took my order for a glass of rose when I arrived, and that's the last time anyone checked on me. It took ~10 minutes to get someone's attention to order a cheese plate, despite the fact that I was obviously looking at a food menu for quite some time. Once that arrived, not ONCE did someone ask if everything was okay, if I wanted to order anything else, how the cheese plate was, if I wanted a glass of water, etc. I sat with an empty glass for another 10 minutes, and had to flag someone down to order another. Working in the service industry means you initiate those kinds of conversations without having to be asked. There were 5-6 people behind the bar so it's not like they were totally swamped. On the plus side, if you're friends with the staff, you'll get GREAT service, as was painfully obvious tonight.

This is exactly what the Marina needs. An upscale & sexy spot thats also very comfortable with a chill neighborhood vibe. Great wine at reasonable prices.

I love this bar, love the owners, love the music/vibe, the food, all of it. If you're looking to get a glass in this neighborhood, do a favor and come here. Nate is behind the bar most nights and make sure you introduce yourself as he's one of my favorites around!

Best little local secret!! You feel so much at home from the second you walk into this adorable wine stop! The wine is amazing, the people even better! It has that at home, cozy feeling. Has so much personality. As a local, this is my new favorite spot!

Relaxing new spot on Chestnut. Good wine, great olives. Curious what Cherylynn would think...

Great ambience, really cool upstairs area overlooking the bar, with good wine and fun staff.

Not gonna lie... it can get a bit crowded. That said. Great first drinks (SauavyB, fruity blancs,etc)....

One of the best places to causally drink with a date, friend, family member. The vibe is laid back and good for anyone that enjoys friendly people. Particularly the bartenders, Myles and Paige are some of the most welcoming and friendly people in the entire Marina. Howell's is a must stop for any occasion.

Stopped by at 5 and the place was busy with a nice vibe. Great selection of unique very high quality wines and the cheese plate was just the perfect complement. The staff topped the experience off, attentive but not intrusive! I'll be back for sure!

Great wine bar in the Marina! Broad selection of wines at reasonable prices. Bartenders are friendly and know their stuff.