The Gambit

Popped in for a quick dinner. We enjoyed an outdoor parklette table before an evening show. The burger was delicious. We ordered the chicken sandwich modified- no bacon, but add avocado and sauerkraut. It was delicious as well. Both came with roasted potatoes- also very good. The portion size was perfect. Service was good and overall a really nice experience. We were in and out quickly and off to see a show. We’ll be back again soon.

A nice and cozy bar tucked in Hayes valley. Our group had dinner and drinks here. While the drinks were great (kudos to the bartender) I thought the food was pricey for what we got. Overall service was great and I’d give it another try for sure.

This place has a classy and welcoming atmosphere! I came tonight after hearing from friends about the incredibly delicious food, but, I loved the ambience, the small plates, the people and the vibe. And the food was excellent!…the cheesy roasted potatoes, the Beet salad, gnocchi and kielbasa… delicious! I will come back soon!

very nice guy (all alone) at the counter. pretty good happy hour deals for hoppy beers. a unique seafood fondue that caught the eye of Columbus of food and some pulled pork dumplings that didn't quite rub right. nice terrace for a sunny day, don't know what more to say.

Great food ! Came before ballot. Had the spicy pork pieroge, meat balls and sausage. Great flavor. Tasted home made . Highly recommend

This was my wife's and my first time visiting San Francisco and came to Gambit on a recommendation from a friend. It did not disappoint!! The craft cocktails served up by the team are amazing (I could drink the Man About Town all night) and we loved the small plate food selections as well. On top of everything, the neighborhood vibe is great. We will absolutely be back!

One of the best sandwich lists in The City. Great cocktails, Chill atmosphere. Definitely on my rotation of favored spots. Get here for lunch W-Sat super chill break in the Day.

I went there on a whim, and it was great! I like the layout and the location of the lounge. The bartenders were professionals - knowledgeable, engaging, and good sense of humor. Quality cocktails and thoughtful wine selection. I will go again.

This has to be the ultimate date spot in SF. Great cosy room with lots of seating options and a set of really lovely bar tenders who can whip up any drink you want or create something truly unique for you. Also, and this is a biggie - by far THE BEST ESPRESSO MARTINI in the whole of SF!

Nice place if you want just grab a cocktail. I asked for something bitter and the waiter made the cocktail I asked for. We also tried their focaccia and it was fine (not the Italian one, but good while you're drinking). Good place to come back and try more plates. Ambiance is also very friendly (especially kid friendly).

Came here for a holiday party. Food was just okay. They really excel when it comes to cocktails, which makes sense. The vibes of the place is nice. Loved the overall aesthetics. I'd definitely come back for another cocktail.

What's new? I had some drinks like a coconut cinnamon liquor and also the negroni semi-mocktail. I am sick of drinking juice. Let the bartender do their job or go to a juice bar. HAHAHAHAH You can teach me sometime. I pay for myself. HAHAHAH

It's just ok for the price and there are better options nearby. Menu has lots of heavy food like sandwiches, sausages, and fries. But it's $20+, very greasy, and something I could've made better myself in 5 minutes in my kitchen. The vibe is very heavy, dark, and masculine. Kind of like a den. The staff doesn't pay attention and isn't too welcoming. It's just ok.

Six of us came here for cocktails. I got the Flor De Mi Secreto and my friend got the Pap Polaco Took awhile to get the drinks even though no one else was there inside and the two tables outside already had their drinks. The drinks were very good! We also got a board or meat and cheese which was outstanding. Loved the soft Brie and high quality meats. Atmosphere austere. Would come back.

Fun and pretty place for a cocktail and they even have a discounted happy hour! We also got the charcuterie board which was very pretty (though not enough of the delicious fried bread, so we had to ask for more. 20 years ago Hayes Valley was kinda depressing - such a cute hood now.

This is great spot for lunch, dinner, casual dates, and solo chill spot on bar. Their dessert is perfect with coffee in the morning. Caesar will take care of you! I went with a coworker and shared several appetizers, with dessert. It was yummy. Great ambiance. Worth checking out.

* restaurant week * Everything was delicious! The sauce on the chicken is one to dream about & the dumplings were so juicy. The wine pairing for the dumplings and the salad were mouth watering. It'd be a cool spot to host a party. Love the two bars and the separate rooms

Newly opened bar in the middle of Hayes Valley. I visited this bar for a drink with my friend on Wednesday around 8 pm and it was absolutely popping by then. I really liked the ambience of this place, very classy and modern. Our server greeted us with a beautiful smile and she checked on us very regularly and made sure we were comfortable. Me and my friend ordered a gin cocktail which was more like a gin martini and it was well made for sure. She ordered a pizza which she enjoyed eating. Their menu offers great cocktails along with Polish/ European food. The lady behind us had ordered a cheese board which looked absolutely delicious. Over all me and my friend had a great time here. This place is perfect for a good conservation or even a date night. The service and the vibe were the highlight for me and I would love to come back to try their food menu.

If you want to have a great time, STAY AWAY!!! I used to come to this place when it was Noir Lounge and loved it! I was recently back in the area and noticed that it had changed owners, so I was excited to come in and see the updates. I wish I had never stepped foot inside. Out of nowhere, a man who worked there started yelling at my husband because he brought his ice cream from next door in, even though the bartender definitely saw us bring it in before I ordered. This other man started yelling at me and told us to leave. I asked what I should do with my $20 glass of wine, and he said to just leave it and leave. When I asked for my money back, he flatly refused. The place had SO MANY SEATS open, making the whole situation even more absurd. Avoid this place at all costs. There are so many great places in the area. Don't waste your time or money with people who treat their customers like this.

We had a nice time at this place for a pre dinner cocktail and a chance to catch up on our respective lives. My only gripe was the cocktail I ordered was just OK- it was a Vieux Carré and I think the bartender was kinda faking it. It was way too lemony. None of the house cocktails sounded like what I wanted on a cold , drizzly night.My pals seemed to like their drinks -maybe I'm just a picky old geezer...

Cesar and Edward are the best!!! Love their humor. A great place for drinks and food as they now have a burger that's the best in the neighborhood.

Gambit was such a lovely surprise! Everything was so delicious, and the owner/bartender/server was so friendly and kind. We will be back!

I was looking for a German fusion place since most of them close early. I got the hot alcoholic tea and the potato salad. "You know we aren't Subbenbuche down the street" **with the bartender picking his nose and out of shape. The more pretentious with good interior design in SF the more the ambiance, food & service sucks.

Great service - bartender was fun and engaging - drinks were yummy - would return for a beverage

Pub-like atmosphere but with awesome food and awesome cocktails. Oh James Beard, our culinary father who art in heaven, the bread service is done at Gambit Lounge as it is in heaven. The beet tartare is astonishing. The crab fondue is a decadent treat. The impossible cabbage rolls are delicious. Really, you have to bring the whole gang and try everything on the menu family style. There is a bar area with high top tables in the front and larger normal tables in the back. Kids are allowed.

We had a great time at Gambit yesterday after work. Very elegant and wonderful service. They've done a great job decorating and creating a cozy atmosphere. We met Cezar, one of the owners, who was super nice and interesting. Will definitely come back.

Classic victorian space but updated just enough to make it contemporary at the same time. Friendly owners, Edward is a cool guy who will take care of you. We are in our 60's and prefer lower volume and more down tempo music, since we are usually relaxing rather than partying. This place fits that bill, but is lively enough for the younger crowd, all of whom seem to appreciate the casual vibe as much as we do. Our experience with the food has not been as good as the other reviews but maybe its what we ordered. Bottom line- this place is different from you standard frantic bar in all the right ways, a great place to carry on a conversation with just enough activity around you, in a warm and interesting setting.

Ambience was wonderful to visit with an old friend before a show, and the food was delicious! The bartender/waiter was awesome. Definitely will be back.

Really enjoyed a quick appetizer date at Gambit. I was falling asleep in the Uber so my girlfriend prescribed me an espresso martini, and the one Gambit makes is great! Staff were friendly as well. Only dropping a 4-banger here because $16 for 4 pierogi is a Polish crime. Will be back!

My friends and I had an impromptu birthday party here last night. Really great vibes with great food and drinks, Service was fast, place was polished, and everyone seemed to be having a great time. We ordered pierogis, a couple of the focaccia, and fondue potatoes. All the food was super tasty. Interesting wines, including wines from Greece. If you're strolling around Hayes Valley, Check this place out.

Newly opened, in the former Noir Lounge. Drinks are great (I personally enjoyed an interesting one with fernet, merlot, and other things called Life Coach). Food is Eastern/Central European-themed: we tried the pork pierogies (with vinegar and chile oil) and zapiekanka with mushrooms and iberico, which was a crisp/well toasted, tasty tartine. The staff is all welcoming and kind. Great spot to drop into for solid drinks and bites!

Had been here when they first opened and had a nice time. Visited for a second time. I'm not sure if they still do happy hour until 7, but my friend ordered a drink on the supposed happy hour and was charged full price. I ordered a non alcoholic cocktail and was unfortunately was charged the full price of an alcoholic cocktail at $17 which is insane. The drink had maybe 4 sips in it and it was not worth $17. If I had known, I would have just gotten water. Most places will charge less for non alcoholic drinks, I think they should let people know that it is the same price. It was essentially a big rip off.

Come for the sandwiches! The High Society is such a great turkey sandwich. That bacon jam with arugula makes it so comforting. Stay for a cocktail :)

My family of five (adult children and parents) had a wonderful time at this restaurant and bar. The service, personal care and attention given to us by Cezar was amazing. He made us feel welcome and valued customers. The pre dinner cocktails we had were great: Sazerac, "Man About Town " We asked Cezar to keep the food coming and he was perfect for the job. We enjoyed delicious meatballs- soft and tender, fondue was a cheese sauce- creamy and cheesy with a hint of shrimp and crab. Chicken paprika was crispy with some tender potatoes. The kielbasa was savory and tasty- we loved the sauerkraut, creamed spinach and sweet potato purée served with it. Cezar suggested a Calistoga Cabernet- it was a lighter cab with light notes of oak, blackberries and a faint hint of smoke - it went perfectly with the dinner. We're definitely going back to the Gambit for dinner again soon.

Fantastic sandwiches, friendly service, cool dark place to have conversation, people who work there who care whether you're having an excellent time in their establishment. What more could you want?

Super chill spot to grab a drank at and chat that isn't too busy or loud. The service is quick and the happy hour is good for a cocktail under $10, they do only offer a few. I ordered an espresso martini that was sweet but delicious. Lots of bar seats or tables to sit!

The owner, Cesar, is a very angry man... he needs to be more considerate to his patrons and develop a sense of humor. We were the only customers in the place and ordered multiple drinks. We were having fun and joking around but weren't obnoxious or extremely drunk - however clearly he was angry and became rude despite continuously stating he wasn't upset. Then we came in the next day to grab drinks and we brought food in because we didn't think they served food. The owner came over and was extremely hostile and gave a huge embarrassing speech on how inconsiderate we were and went on and on. We would have easily apologized and left with a simple "hey you can't bring outside food in here" as we weren't trying to be rude. It was a simple mistake on our part but we have never been treated by an owner in such a way ever and it was hugely inappropriate. I highly recommend to go here only when Mack is working. P.S. the Cava sucks

We went over the holiday and were blown away! The place has a cool, welcoming vibe, and managed to be both upscale and comfortable. The staff were on it - friendly, funny, and attentive. The cocktails were impressive (I had the Sazerac - which not too many places outside of New Orleans get right!) We ordered several small plates to share - all were thoroughly enjoyed. I mean, what else could you ask for? We'll definitely be back.

Thrilled to visit the Gambit Lounge for the first time yesterday. There were four of us and we each loved our various cocktails. I tried "Life Coach", since I'm a coach and ordered a second. Also had the Beet Tartar which was delicious. Happy to see enticing vegetarian options on the menu. They have excellent Iberico from the local small Encina Farms if you eat meat. The owner was friendly and funny. It's a great space in Hayes Valley with two bars and various seating areas ... a must go to spot.

The food here is just delicious. We ordered a variety of items to share for our group of 6 and made a dinner out of it. The menu has an Eastern European bent with some California influence that gives each dish complex flavor profiles. I think my favorite dish was the shrimp and crab fondue dip served with toast points. We ordered 2 and there wasn't a bite left. The pierogis were also so yummy. We had one order of potato/cheese/onion and one pork/chile vinegar, both served with a delicious sauce. Our charcuterie tray was amazing too - loved the Iberian ham! I also highly recommend the craft cocktails. Everyone in our group ordered different cocktails and we were all pleased with our choices. I ordered the Velvet Hammer, which was so yummy, I ordered a second. We later spit a bottle of NextDoor cabernet, a full bodied,local Calistoga wine. So happy to have found this gem on Hayes Street.

Finally got a chance to visit the new Gambit Lounge and loved it!   What a warm, welcoming place with friendly staff and an impeccable service. Felt like a neighborhood spot where everyone knows your name. We had Bison Grass Vodka Martini and a taste of Polish-style dumplings, Pierogi filled with Chorizo.  Exceptional taste!  Can't wait to taste other items on this eclectic Eastern/Central European themed menu. Definitely will be back!

Gambit Lounge is now a regular spot for me. The ambiance is very cozy, especially for a cold or rainy day - it's just very comforting. Gambit has a big family table which makes outings extra fun. The food menu is amazing - I highly recommend the new sandwich menu. The cocktails are creative and the wine list is extensive and sophisticated. I highly recommend Gambit Lounge for anything from a quiet happy hour to a big birthday event.

Just had lunch here. Worth a shot in my opinion. Solid sandwich. I got The Full Calgaro. Nice combo of slices meats with peppers, shallot mayo, nicely dressed arugula and a nice soft French roll. My friend got the High Society and enjoyed that too. At $13.00 I think it is reasonable too.

The owners are amazing. Great sandwiches, delicious cocktails, amazing friendly and fun owners. Perfect for lunch and a great choice for dinner and drinks. We will be hosting our next big gathering here because they have a beautiful back bar and space. Thank you!

Ridiculously good service (Cesar was knowledgeable and friendly) and comfortable space. Would definitely come back again!

Finally, a bar with an amazing wine list thanks to sommelier/owner, cocktails and delicious, interesting food! These folks know what they are doing. The flow of the place is great, not one but two bars and a third room in back. Vibe is friendly/lively/unpretentious.

Thick wooden door gives mad speakeasy vibes. Friendly staff all the way from the owner down. Makes you feel like friends. Favorite drink is either the notting hill or this eggless nog. If you have the chance to go here, you will not regret it.

This is probably my new favorite bar and definitely my favorite place to stop in the neighborhood. It's beautiful with perfect lighting at every time of day, the food was super tasty and the cocktails were some of the best I've had in a long time. There is also no attitude here, the bartenders are warm, super funny and welcoming. I'm really excited this place opened up and am looking forward to spending a lot of time here!

First time here for an event today/ It's got a great vibe - cool front and very chill nice back bar as well as good tables in the lounge. Cocktails were creative and very well crafted and nice reds by the glass. Food was tasty, especially perogis, i iberico ham charcuterie, and brats w kraut. Will be back!

What a great find! We had a last-minute birthday party to plan and wanted something different from the stuffy, over-rated wine bar with an over-priced cheese plate, fancy crackers and no cocktail options. Cezar returned my call promptly and was a big help getting it organized. The space is perfect for groups, with a long community table and two bars, or cozy tables if it's just a friend or two. The Easter European dishes were a delightful treat and wonderfully prepared, from the pierogi and Polish sausage with slaw to the addictive potatoes. Quality crafted cocktails, and an intriguing but not overwhelming wine selection that ranges from amazing finds that fit my budget, to top vintages of some wines that will impress the toughest of customers. You can tell menu has been carefully curated to include diverse wines so that everyone can find a favorite or try something new. To top it all off, the service and staff were great. We'll definitely be back regularly!