Patrons belt out show tunes and down large specialty martinis at this popular piano bar.
"There are a lot of places that make a great martini in San Francisco. But there’s only one Martuni’s. It’s been around for decades and remains a classic San Francisco bar — not quite a dive but definitely not fancy. There’s a piano in the back room, where extremely talented singers take turns on the mic, and the only reasonable thing to order is the house martini, which comes ice cold with your choice of gin or vodka. They’re well-made and, importantly, massive." - Lauren Saria
"As its slightly goofy portmanteau name indicates, Martuni’s is all about compositions, both on sheet music and in cocktail glasses. Every city needs a piano bar, and because it lies within walking distance from the symphony-opera-ballet complex, it’s where you’re likeliest to find performers and patrons coming together after a show. (And regarding those martinis, they’re served by genuine cocktail servers and they err on the side of spine-stiffening.) Whether it’s Cole Porter standards, a jazz night, or a true sing-along, this curtained, Art Deco-accented bar is where tried-and-true Friends of Dorothy can be found." - ricky rodriguez, peter astrid kane
"This martini and piano karaoke haven is for the true diehards, as it’s just under a mile from the Orpheum — though that’s nothing by Uber. Martuni’s is a longtime favorite on the corner of Valencia and Market streets for poetry shows, show tunes, and cheap, phenomenal cocktails. Head over for a post-show nightcap or a pre-show nip." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Martuni’s is a karaoke bar the way that a lion is a cat: Yes, technically, but it’s a much more majestic creature. On the edge of the Castro, Martuni’s is a deliciously dark piano bar where regulars gather around hefty martinis to sing their favorite show tunes. There’s absolutely no screaming along to pop songs like “Zombie” by the Cranberries here — and “My Funny Valentine” is officially banned. Serious talent comes out to sing: Consider it a free show with the price of your stiff drink." - Paolo Bicchieri, Eater Staff
"Martuni’s is a classic for many reasons but perhaps it’s most notable for its live piano entertainment. There are few establishments brave enough to do an open mic piano bar, but by god, Martuni’s pulls it off in spades. The audience is invited to sing to a live piano accompaniment, so whether you’re feeling spunky enough to showcase your singing or would rather just witness the talent, Martuni’s is the space to go see it all happen, preferably with a martini of your choice in hand." - Dianne de Guzman