The Social Study

Amazing concept. Work and study during the day, but after 5pm no computer allowed. It's a cute place for work-life balance. Highly recommend whether you're just looking for a place to chill or hangout with friends. Or even read a book at a table by yourself on the nifty wall seats!

I always love coming to this place. The vibe inside is always amazing, the staffs are so kind, and has really pretty good drinks. The interior gives a really nice chill vibe to do some work in the afternoon with the brick walls, different seats styles, colorful pictures on the wall, blue leather wall, and more! I recommend the honey latte and bread pudding with whipped cream! I'm not sure if they change their bread pudding flavor but I got caramelized apples when I ordered. I love that it transforms into a completely different place at night with more drinks available on the menu! There are fun games available on the tables near the entrance where you can place as you wait for your order or play throughout your time there. I highly recommend this place!!

Loved the ambiance of this place! Super cute spot to chill and hang out with friends. I got the Sangria which was not good (wouldn’t recommend) but excited to try the other drinks.

It was pretty nice. They have some weird timings for when orders end and laptops can't be on tables though. The neighbordhood is right by Japantown too. No table service though. It feels like a bar.

GOOD + FREE wifi, good place to study BUT u can only work until 5pm. after tht, laptop/work devices arent allowed. super aesthetic and cozy. good prices, pretty good food. good coffee. service is a lil bit slow BUT i understand cus ppl kept coming in. crowded & limited seating. anyways would come back again

My friend and I were going to go on a walk but it was too windy so we decided to come here instead. It was such a hidden gem tucked away on a quiet section of Geary street. This place is so perfect for a date or a small group get together. They have a great selection of wine and drinks. We didn’t try any food (maybe next time).

This place is described as a study area, but there are no outlets for computers. And the bar format is not exactly comfortable for studying. But that is neither here nor there, I had an unpleasant experience and I will not be coming back. When I attempted to charge my laptop in an area on the bar (away from any customers, mind you), the waitress in a passive aggressive manner told me it was not allowed. I went to charge my lap top in the front and that worked for the moment. My brother was going to order, and when he asked me, I said I did not want anything. The waitress heard me, and threateningly told us that if I did not order we would have to pay a hourly fee to study there. Keep in mind, this was 40 minutes before the curfew for laptops, the establishment was half empty, my brother had already agreed to order something, and I never implied I was not going to order at all, only that I did not want something in that moment. The unnecessary aggression was uncalled for. I told my brother to cancel his order and we left. I have no problem paying fees or ordering something, but the waitress' rude behavior made the experience of this place unnecessarily hostile and unwelcome. Edit: I appreciate the reply; I understand the logic behind needing customers to purchase things to keep the business open, I understand the hourly fee. I only ask that this policy is displayed more clearly so it's very unambiguous (perhaps I missed the signs? I was not in there long admittedly...). The google maps display is also deceptive, though, because the hours are displayed as the establishment closing at 11pm, which I believe unwittingly draws customers in who come in thinking the business is somewhere they can study until late. Generally, cafes in San Francisco seem to close early, so when they come into this place, they are bound to be upset when they find out the actual "study hours" end at 5 pm. Hopefully, you can find a way to communicate this through the limited interface on google maps. Or maybe you could also offer a list of cafes / establishments at the entrance or bar that accommodate people working/studying late upon entering the place. For anyone reading this, the Yemeni cafe maybe 20 or 30 minutes by foot away was where I ended up studying, and did not impose fees.

Get the purple rain! Super impressed by the bartenders working there. They hustle at the bar and handle the floor. Place has really cool vibes, excellent cocktails, and fair pricing. The music isn't too loud either which is great.

Funky music, seating extending straight out of walled leather upholstery, a projector projecting onto a brick wall and grilled windows, an in-house sangria that'll have you drunk before you realize it, a slot machine giving out random stickers? What do we have here? It's prime SF. If you're wondering about the political leanings of the place (I don't see why you won't), the wifi password leaves that to no chance. It's social and you can get work done, the name does it justice, as do the bartenders. Would be nice to have some nicer beer beyond the common brands on draught, but can't complain much!

Review is based on laptop, tablet use in cafe/bar. I had read a few reviews about The Social Study because I needed to take a quiz for class, I needed only 20 mins and had planned to buy drinks and food for my friends that were with me. I set up my tablet at the small table, which I read from a review that laptops were only allowed on the smaller tables after 5pm. I didn't mind, I just really needed to use a space for 20 mins, pay for stuff, and enjoy the rest of my night. I went to the rest room and came back with my stuff put away. I asked my bf what happened and he said the bartender told him no screens allowed after 5pm. I was devestated. Please please please update the website to reflect what is allowed at what times because it wasted my time. This review is not based on employees or food/drinks

I stumbled upon The Social Study for their Taco Tuesday special and boy, was it a delightful find! For just $14, you get three delicious street tacos and a beer - a steal in this city. The space is perfect for getting some work done, complete with reliable wifi (a rare gem, I must say). However, if you're seeking a quiet study spot, be warned: the music can be a tad loud. But hey, pop in your headphones or embrace the cozy, bustling atmosphere. The place has a lot of character and isn't just a comercial spot Now, onto the tacos. While they offer three options - chicken, veggie potato, and carnitas - here's the catch: you can only choose one per order. A minor gripe, indeed. But fear not, because the tacos themselves are pretty good. Shoutout to Mateo, the friendly bartender who made the experience even better. Five stars for Mateo! Two suggestions for improvement: allow mix-and-match for taco orders, and hey, how about some chips and salsa for Taco Tuesday? Let's take it up a notch, folks! Overall, The Social Study gets a solid thumbs up from me. Can't wait to come back for more!

Cute place to hang out. Happy hour M-F from 5-7pm. We got the bbq pork sliders (2 for $9 during HH), their rotating IPA and ginger limeade ($5). The sliders were pretty small (smaller than the size of my fist) but flavorful. The ginger limeade was refreshing. Will probably come back during the day and try their coffee next time.

The Social Study is one of those special spots I kinda want to gate-keep, but I won't because they deserve the applause. We came in on a weekday to crack out some work on our computers, before their 5pm lap-top ban that's enforced in most areas including the bar, making way for their after work bar crowd, for which they lower the lighting and turn on a movie from a projector that plays on a brick wall. Posted up at the bar, we ordered their cheese plate / small charcuterie, honey latte and Americano. The honey latte goes well with that delicious platter of goodies. I'm sure wine would pair well too. It was Taco Tuesday, so we took advantage and enjoyed their three veg tacos with a beer of choice from their tap. The guy at the bar (who is awesome) told us that the lady who makes their tacos used to own a nice taco place, and the quality and craftsmanship of these tacos speak to that. The ambiance inside is unique, as is their menu. Enjoy.

Wanted to find a cafe and space to do some work in and ended up checking out The Social Study. To my pleasant surprise, there was so much room to sit, a menu full of food and drink items, and the warmest staff. You'll notice when you sit that laptops and work computers are not allowed on tables after 5 and you have to order another item after 90 minutes of sitting. I actually don't mind these rules since I very rarely get work done at a cafe, plus it gives me a reason to try different things on the menu. I ordered an oat milk latte and love how they use four barrel coffee. Great spot!

I was looking for a place to work after 5 since coffee shops close at that time. When I searched for bars to work from, this place came up and I honestly thought that yes, this is a bar that I can chill and work and it's called "The Social Study" so perfect! However, I was disappointed when I saw that you can't work at big tables or bar area after 5pm. They don't allow laptops on there. The only tables you could work from are the most uncomfortable and smallest tables ever. It completely defeats the purpose. I thought this was a work/study bar??!! I added some photos of those seats. When I asked questions about drinks and what they recommend, the bartender didn't care at all. Then the second bartender came and helped me answered my questions so I appreciate her. The only good thing about this place was the veggie sandwich I had.

Our Social Study visit is a tad different because we dined outside with my pup rather than do work or study inside the place. I still got to be inside for a bit when we order food and drinks. The ambiance is cozy bar vibes. I can see someone wanting to curl up comfortably and read. Outside vibe is a bit different as it's Geary x Fillmore streets near the bus stop. Very busy. The food and drinks are tasty.

A cool concept spot! Cafe during the day before 5pm, but laptops away after then and a minimum $5 purchase per person every 90 minutes. The barista/bartender was super nice! My only critique is that the seating areas are a little bit uncomfortable, and there aren't outlets so not the best for long stretches of working. The honey latte I got was delicious though, and prices were comparable to any other coffeeshop.

Cute cafe/bar with a cool vibe and unique drinks! While they don't have cocktails, they do have wine, beer, and karate (sake) tails. Along with the mixed drinks they have coffee, a pretty good list of beer by the bottle/can, some on tap, and wine by the glass or bottle. They also have a kitchen that serves up snacks (it seems a little later in the afternoon). I ordered the chocolate factory beertail, the yellow diamond winetail, and tasted the red corvette winetail. Winetails were a bit sweet, but I still enjoyed my yellow diamond. The chocolate factory was similar to an espresso martini but made with Guinness. The chocolate shavings were a nice touch to add a bit of sweetness to the beer! Service was great and the music was fun. Worth a visit if you're in the neighborhood!

This is my second time this week visiting The Social Study. Both times they've played some awesome music! It sets the tone in this really unique bar. The service is pretty quick, and they serve beautifully crafted drinks, and fresh real food. I'm pretty sure all orders are fresh made upon order, no microwaves. I ordered cookies and milk and the cookies baked for about 10 minutes and served super warm. I was in remote work mode heaven with that little treat! By 5pm computers are not allowed at the bar. Quiet enough to sit in a zoom meeting by the front window and enough livelyness to keep my energy up.

Was in the area and wanted to grab a coffee. A lot of the places nearby were closing so decided to stop by here. If I was a local, I would definitely love to frequent here whether to study/work, read a book, or catch up with friends. It's a great spot for any of those things. They have coffee, alcohol, and some bites to eat which is great. Enjoyed the coffee and the milk and warm cookies really hit the spot. Loved the movie playing on the wall and the overall vibe of the place. The seating is first come first serve, and you order at the bar. All seats were taken when we first arrived but some seats cleared up quickly. And there is some seating outside available.

First time back after a long covid-haitus. This place is timeline, and looks basically like the last time I saw it so many years ago. Great vibe, solid service, music is great, bevs and drinks are good, and its a great place to study/work, and then slowly transition to an early happy hour. Highly recommend it if you are looking for a place to camp out or meet up with coworkers. 4 Stars because there was a strong weed smell coming in through the open front door -- can't fault them completely for it, but hey! close the door. Also, the acoustic ceiling tiles have glue thats slowly drying out, and i could help but constantly stare up wondering if one was about to fall at any moment.

I'm very obsessed with the concept of this place- a venue that's completely centered around being a comfortable workspace/spot to chill where you can enjoy an array of bites and drinks, alcoholic or otherwise. I decided to come here on a whim, alone with a book, and felt super comfortable doing so. Unfortunately I can't give this a full 5 stars because the house sangria I ordered wasn't great. It had kind of a musty flavor and a strange texture (seedy?). Also, while there's different types of seating available, I unfortunately had to sit at a table that wasn't really suitable for chilling with a book- a backless bench. Also- I believe the hours on here aren't correct. I tried coming in on a Monday but they're apparently closed on Mondays. Next time I come by, I will surely try a different drink and will hopefully score a better spot. Again, I really love the concept of this place, and appreciate it since there aren't too many workspaces open until the evening in this city.

Great place to pull up a table to work, or chat, or read a book, or have an interesting sake cocktail, or... you get where I'm going ;)

Super excited about the discovery of a great happy hour place in the neighborhood! Although this is listed as a cafe + wine bar, came here around 5pm and the ambiance was definitely more on the bar side (can't imagine reading/working at this time). Very cute library-esque decor/vibes, and on a Thursday evening had enough crowd to be lively but also no issues with seating and service. Ideal intimate atmosphere for a date/pair/small group, tables were definitely on the smaller side. My friend and I both ordered the three vegetarian tacos + white wine - overall a solid snack/drink combination, priced well for happy hour. Will be back!

Nice city cafe. They have a decent menu and bar. People were drinking more alcohol than anything else here. Friendly service. I had a coffee Americano very good.

aesthetic: 5/5 food: 4/5 service: 3.5/5 if you're looking for a spot to do work or grab drinks after hanging out on fillmore st, the social study is where you should be!! my friend and i came here to study, and we liked the spacious and hip ambiance/seating and our well-crafted drinks. from mocktails to oat mylk lattes to small bites, there's something for everyone to enjoy!! i ordered a refreshing citrus mocktail, taste-wise and also price-wise for a 0% abv beverage ;) a few things to keep in mind: decaf isn't available, and you'll need to pay for another $5+ drink after 1.5 hours of working. i did step out for almost two hours to take a meeting with an unfinished drink left with my friend, but after coming back, i immediately got asked to pay for the next drink, even though my first one was basically untouched. understandable with the cafe camping culture but not the biggest fan of that :/ despite that, while the social study's upbeat music softly playing may not be ideal if you're coming here to take meetings, the cool concept of this spot does make for a fun, productive study sesh or happy hour get-together!!

Nestled in the Fillmore district, this dark lounge exudes an inviting ambiance and created the perfect afternoon work spot. I enjoyed a Honey Latte and the grooves being played. The wall seating offers both comfort and style with theres other unique sitting spaces. No working after 5pm, can't complain. This place combines work and relaxation, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a refined and productive environment.

I visited the social study on a Wednesday afternoon while catching up with a friend. While some of the larger booths were full. At the time, we easily found a little corner table, where we were able to sit and chat. Most of the people were working on laptops or in small groups. Even with intermittent rushes in orders service was kind and efficient. Would highly recommend the potato skins - they were able to make them vegetarian (no bacon) and they were crisp and so cheesy and yummy! Definitely a cute little spot with nice drinks and good food as well as some nice happy hour options.

Uniqueness: The venue! What other bar cafe would be playing lord of the rings on the wall? Taste: 4/5 Sight: 5/5 Smell: 4/5 Sound: 5/5 Touch: ?/?

Terrible customer service. They refuse to serve you unless you meet a minimum even while they're place was completely empty on a Tuesday afternoon. Employee was a woman with some disjointed bob.

I like the ambiance in this place, it's quiet and kind of funky, but it's really more of a coffee shop than a bar. The wine selection wasn't great, and they don't have liquor. It was fine but probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here.

Stopped by here last Friday before dinner to grab a few drinks. This bar is super cute - the music was great and the ambiance/ decorations of the bar were nice. Reasonably crowded around 6PM but definitely enough room for a few more parties to find tables. The cocktails were great - the flavor combinations in everything we ordered were unique and worked well. Will definitely be stopping by here again for any future date nights with my girlfriend in Japan town. TLDR: Kayla approved /

When I arrived, there was no seating available, so I sat on a bench and I began to work on my laptop. I then purchased a glass of white wine and was willing to be a paying customer of this establishment. Shortly after I was told by the bartender that no laptops were allowed after 5 PM and only at a standing area with table tops. A bit contradictory for someone who is adjacent using a kindle next to me, which is also a form of an electronic device. Very unfortunate. I will not be revisiting the space.

10/10 ambiance. Plants, books, natural lighting... if you're looking for a cozy place to curl up with a cappuccino (or cocktail), you've found it. Seating can get a little tight but the vibes are tight too.

If you are looking for a place to get some work done then easily transition into happy hour in one place, come visit The Social Study. A place where you can grab a latte, craft beer, wine, soju, and a variety of bar bites and sandwiches. They have a couple communal tables and a handful of single tables that fits a laptop and a drink. For HH, they do $1 off draft beers and wines and ends at 6pm. They had a scrimshaw which is super easy to drink, and they had a fort point strawberry saison that was pretty tasty. If you come on a Tuesday, they got a $12 that includes 3 tacos and a draft beer. You have a choice of chicken, carnitas, or veggie (same protein for all 3, no mixing and matching). For the price it's good for a snack, but it's just aight. Dunno if it'd be possible, but if they could throw the tortillas on the grill, get them warm and toasted, it'd elevate them, other than that it's pretty basic, but serves its purpose For those looking to get work done, the wifi is pretty strong and good for working. At the single high-tops there aren't any outlets, so you'll have to come with a full charge. They have outlets under the main bar, so you'll have to leave it there to charge. They play some old school hip hop and R&B which I vibe with, and the staff here was super friendly and attentive. Definitely a fun/cool place to visit and get some work done if you find yourself in the area

Was waiting for a friend in the area so I decided to pop in. I ordered the Little Apple and it was a nice refreshing drink to kick off my night. I loved the ambiance and overall vibe of the place. The lounge itself is pretty small and when I came on a Saturday night it was pretty packed. There was a projector playing classic cartoons and the walls were lined with books, tchotchkes, skateboards, and vinyls. Loved how laid back this place is and will definitely be coming with friends :)

After Paina decided to roll out a $75 pitcher of margaritas for Taco Tuesday (seriously!?!?!?) we now roll to Social Study before Tuesday movie nights at Kabuki in Japantown. Great music after work-hours, chill for those working during the day, lots of first dates which makes for fun people-watching. Not a large beer selection but a GOOD one (which matters SO much more). Great coffee drinks and wonderful service. Love to three-tacos special as well which helps you from downing a full tub of popcorn at the movie afterwards.

So I was strolling around Japantown and stumbled upon this cafe. Since I needed a caffeine fix, I decided to give it a try and ordered a cappuccino. The vibe of the place was awesome and the ambiance was on point. Although the cafe was pretty packed on a Saturday afternoon, I managed to grab a cute little table for myself. They also have bigger tables for groups if you need them. I loved the vintage decor on the walls - books, skateboards, and vinyls - it was a feast for the eyes! It was so chill just hanging out there and people-watching. Definitely planning to come back with a friend next time.

The atmosphere is great here. During the day, it's a nice study place. You can get drinks, food, and hang out while studying/working. They have free wifi. The area is clean. I have never tried the food, but the drinks are decent, and the happy hour prices are average. About $6 for a glass of house wine, same for their beers. The service can be a bit slow, but overall it's good. The only downside is that for people looking to work/study, there is limited table availability after 5pm. The larger tables are banned for laptop use. The music is very loud and makes working/focusing very difficult. It is, however, great for a date night!

Great causual place on fillmor/geary...great appetizer sandwichesm minimal drinks, proces great and atmosphere low keyed...liked it there

Cozy sweet spot with amazing food. Loved everything we ate but the chicken tacos were

Weird, unwelcoming vibe from the owner who "welcomes" you in with an annoyed / stressed tone. Uncomfortable seating areas. Music too loud.

I used to live in Webster Tower and always loved popping into The Social Study. It is all the vibes I want in a bar---cool music, friendly staff, great drinks, cool aesthetic. I hadn't been here since pre-panny and so glad it's still here. My husband enjoyed some awesome soju cocktails before my birthday and the bartender was so sweet and offered me a complimentary glass of bubbles, bonus she and I were both wearing snake earrings. This is a neighborhood gem.

Really quaint little bar quite close to my place of dwelling (my house) :). The beer winetail' and food offerings are all very good! The Social Study has a really friendly staff (I have met Kayla and Erin) and the music is good. Yes, this establishment has rules for when and where you can utilise larger electronic work devices and rightfully so. It's a small establishment and lots of folks want to stop in and have drinks and unwind. Therefore, laptops and tablets are not permitted after 5 PM on those tables.

Great vibe Great service Thought I was in Europe Great tunes Cold beer Pre game before Fillmore show

The Social Study is a cozy, comfy little bar with books along the walls and a friendly staff. It's a small spot so there's a decent chance you won't get a seat if there are more than several people are there. However, if you're able to get a spot then this place is fun and definitely worth a visit. I'd especially recommend The Social Study for a date night! Cozy and calm vibe makes for a good first date.

Half coworking space, half cute restaurant, offbeat SF vibes, worth a visit! Fantastic specials including taco Tuesday!

The best neighbourhood bar in the city! Cutest spot - great wine and beer and easy yummy sandwiches and tacos. Great date spot but also a great place to get some work done! Love love love social study

The "study" thing is a lie, just a cute marketing ploy to get you in the door, which i learned after driving considerably to get there with a project to do. They're just a coffee and wine bar. Period. Marketed as a study space, but you actually aren't allowed to study with a laptop after 6 pm. hardly any seating large enough to use for the purpose, and outlets are nil. Better off at a Starbucks. Cute place though, friendly staff.

Stopped by here on my way to dinner at a nearby restaurant. I haven't been in years and I'm happy to see that it's still here. Had a good soju cocktail that was balanced and refreshing. Great atmosphere, feels very local and friendly.

This place is super cute - it's super chill and you have the option of alcoholic beverages or coffee. It is a pretty small space and limited for larger parties. I also do wish their food menu was a little bigger BUT the potato tacos were sooooo good! The owner was also kind enough to let us order food although the kitchen as about to close. If you're in the area and want a chill environment, this is your place.

This place is a vibe inside with the decorations and ambience until u speak to the bartender with the bob. She completely kills the vibe and speaks to everyone like we're inferior to her! You can really tell this place is her entire personality trait and has nothing else going for her lol. Also the whole no studying after 5pm is dumb and results in more than half the customers inside to leave. Like let's be so fr nobody is coming here to "turn up" it never gave come here and get drunk.

Went with my boyfriend in an attempt to have a nice Saturday date night. I had previously done my research to see whether the menu was good before going. I liked the wide selection of wine and the cheaper late night bites. When we went, we were unpleasantly surprised by the lack of seating. We went at 7:00, and found that the menu online was not the same menu they served, and that everything was double or triple the price than stated online. They only had about 1/6 of the items on their online menu. When we asked for the wine that we wanted, the woman was condescending stating they did not have that. We asked if the menu was different on the weekends (maybe we had made a mistake when checking online), and she stated that they had "always been only a beer, wine, sake bar" and that they did not have the wine we wanted. Redundant, I know. Displeased, we did end up leaving and going somewhere else. I would not waste your time going for extremely overpriced "small bites" and "an extensive wine list" that only serves about 15.

Cute. Good drinks. Nice bartender. Took 40 min to Get food!?! Lost my order even though there were only 2 food orders. Need manager

The Social Study is a great place to stop by for their happy hour! * We ordered the sliders! They were delicious and just the right level of spice. We also indulged in the divine chocolate mouse for $5! The owner is very kind and outgoing! She definitely made our experience much better!!

How fitting is this place for teachers to gather for a drink after school? It was my first time here but for most of the teachers at my school, they were regulars. This place is a coffeehouse/bar with amazing music. Playlists includes hip hop, R&B, soul, funk, and classic jams and they have a DJ Thursday- Saturday Nights. This place only serves beer and wine but they make some amazing cocktails! My choice of drink was the Purple Rain. It was delicious and I think I drank more than I should have. The food is pretty good too! I ordered Three Amigos with Roasted Pork but I got to try a few of the other dishes: Potato Skins and the Cuban Sliders. They were just as good! Then I saw they serve fresh milk and cookies and I couldn't resist! I had to have them! OMG!!! It was warm, gooey and just mouth wateringly delicious. I was buzzed, satisfied and SOOO happy! This place got voted as "The Best Date Bar in San Francisco". I want to come back on a date!

Hey everyone just wanted to update this review & let folks know the HH hours are back to the original start time of 5p. #YaGottaEat2LiveDDB

Good vibes and chill ambiance. Bit crowded on a Friday night, but still a nice place to grab a drink and chillax