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Hotel Utah Saloon
Categories: Restaurants Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Nightlife Bars Restaurants, Music Venues, Bars
500 4th St(between Bryant St & Welsh St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighbourhood: SOMA
(415) 546-6300
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2 am
Sat-Sun 2 pm - 2 am
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
398 reviews for Hotel Utah Saloon
Review Highlights
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"It hosts an epic open mic night every Monday." In 18 reviews -
"They do a great job of booking some excellent local bands." In 10 reviews -
"Best veggie burger out there." In 11 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
398 reviews in English
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Review from Rocco B.
San Francisco, CA
5/11/2012
Insider tip: they have surprisingly good food here for a place that is primarily a bar and music venue. The home made veggie burger was great; almost like a falafel. I also hear the KFC sandwich rocks as well. Hot dogs were OK, but the fries were a great standout too.
As for the place, it seems to be a lot of regulars, and a couple of people there were dicks. A woman knocked over a drink that was on the table next to me, and she went into a pissy fit about how I spilled it on her. Then my coworker fed some random dog a french fry, and the owner caught him and chewed him out.
Hey douchebag, you're the one leaving your dog unattended around a bunch of drunk people and food, what do you think is going to happen?
Anyway that dog was ultra cute, so it made up for it. -
Review from Jay T.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 5/2/2012
Great location for music - - Strong drinks and relaxed atmosphere...
Just saw the best show of my life last night...Colin Stetson is amazing!
I'm guessing my last visit was an off night...everything went smoothly this time..2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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3/20/2012
Called and left a message for the manager - - NO RESPONSE.
Glad to know these people want more… Read more »
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Review from Brittany M.
Berkeley, CA
3/14/2012
Had the worst concert experience of my life last night. Came to see Islands with my girlfriend, who had waited for weeks to see this band, bought a meal and two beers at the bar, and was in the BEST mood for an awesome night out. Perfect kind of customer, right? The kind who happily spends $40+ dollars on your crappy venue for the love of an indie band. The kind you'd want to take care of, right?
Wrong. After a 30-minute delay, the douchebag doorman who's obviously more accustomed to serving inmates in prison starts checking IDs for the show. We bought our tickets WELL in advance, but for whatever fucked up reason her name isn't on the list. It's not our fault. This shouldn't have been a big deal. She had one document after the next proving she paid entrance. Simple as that.
But this bitchy neanderthal wouldn't heed logic or reasoning. Wouldn't even let us speak with a manager. Just told her she can't come in, flat out. The night for both of us was ruined just like that. We took BART and MUNI and walked a shit ton in the rain from east bay to see that show, and got turned away because of a sheer lack of decency. I don't care about the money, it's the way he treated her that makes me sick.
We'll be warning people about the Utah in as many social channels as possible. Customer service is evolving, some fucker shouldn't be able to destroy a fun experience for you or someone you love and get away with it. Operation #takedown begins. :) -
Review from PMF K.
Concord, CA
5/24/2012
One day, during the last week of my employment in the area, I called to ask about the food. The bartender enthusiastically professed a glowing recommendation about the gyro. She could have equally been talking about that amazing rock show where the singer came out and serenaded her before 30,000 fans... she was THAT stoked!
So I gave it a go, walked over to pick it up and was beyond happy with the results! I was so happy, the sandwich didn't even make it back to work with me... two blocks away!!!! The fries were good too... I instantly thought two things 1) who would have known a bar would have such bomb gyros (something SF is unfortunately lacking) and 2) why do I have to find out on my last week of work :(
I will be back another time... maybe if I combine it with the great live music I've been privy to several times in the back. Just my kind of scene, maybe that's why I felt so welcome there.
Great bartenders, delicious beer and spirits, awesome grub and live music... what else can you ask for?!?!? -
Review from Dana S.
Oakland, CA
3/14/2012
If I could give this place less than 1 star, I would. Now let me explain.
I am not the type of person who sends something back when an order is not perfect. I don't complain about every little thing. I am very flexible and laid back. However, my experience at the Hotel Utah Saloon tonight was not only unacceptable it was absolutely inexcusable... to the point where I would never go back... ever again.
I had arrived for the 7:00pm Islands show nearly 2 hours early to grab a bite to eat and some drinks beforehand while simultaneously trying to snag a spot close to the stage. This was a show I was looking forward to for the entire month before-- since I had purchased my ticket.
When 6:30 rolled around and the guy working the will call list began checking IDs, I handed him my license, he checked the list, and he couldn't find my name. He immediately took an attitude with me as I were in the wrong or trying to pull a fast one on him. I had my e-mail confirmation readily available to prove my purchase, but he claimed that wasn't good enough and that it did not prove that my card was charged even though it clearly stated that I had paid $17.50 for the ticket. He continued treating me worse and worse and told me that he had all these other people to deal with and that he would get back to me to sort it out when he was ready.
I patiently waited close by, hoping he had overlooked my name on the list and that I would be let in. When he finally decided he had the time to deal with me again, he checked my ID against the list once more, couldn't find my name-- I offered him my e-mail confirmation once more as well as my bank statement that clearly proved that I had paid for the show, but he said since my name wasn't on the list so he couldn't admit me. I asked him if there was a manager that I could speak with, and he rudely told me no and that I had to take up my issue with Ticketfly. Since they don't have 24/7 customer service, I couldn't resolve the issue at the moment and thus could not see the show.
While the veggie burger that I had for dinner was excellent and the bartenders were incredibly friendly and the service was impeccable, my experience with the will call man/doorman was so terrible and I was treated so poorly that I can not recommend this establishment to anyone. Any place that employs such rude and disrespectful staff does not deserve my patronage. -
Review from Mel G.
3/11/2012
This place is a true SF institution. One of the bartenders told my friend that it's the 2nd oldest bar in San Francisco, and I believe it. It definitely has that saloon vibe, and there are a couple of pictures hung around that make me think that they've been up there as long as the place has existed.
My friend invited Joe and I out to check out his friend's bluegrass band, and it was a lot of fun. It was probably one of the more interesting/intimate venues I've seen a show -- the bottom half where the stage fits maybe 20 ppl tops, and you can go upstairs and actually see the performance too (also, the upstairs is sort of shrined in this boat hull, which deserves extra points).
I'm glad we got there early, because by the time 10 pm rolled around, this place was freaking packed. Good place to see a show, and if you're there early enough, to grab a drink. After 10ish though, the crowd is a bit different, and it certainly loses that chill vibe. -
Review from Alex V.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Did I mention that the staff here is also awesome!?
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Review from James L.
1/16/2012
The rating is for the music space only: A super-small venue where the intimate atmosphere is somewhat marred by the awkward seating arrangement and the noticeable contingent of people who are there to be scene, pun intended. I've noticed that the intimacy of the venue has encouraged the acts I've seen to drop their guard more, to play songs I know they wouldn't play in a larger/rowdier venue, and to connect more with the audience than they usually would. I appreciate that and think that in itself is worth braving a crowd that sets off my misanthropic tendencies.
The beer ($5/pint if I recall right) is okay, but last time I stopped in and had a beer I had just sampled beers with a friend of mine at Thirsty Bear and so the drinks at Utah suffered a good deal in comparison; I wouldn't even bother ordering food here when there are better options not too far away. The bar area itself is super-narrow, meaning that on busy nights if you want to talk to the bartender you have to brush up against people seated at the counter who then glare at you as if you meant to touch them. Believe me Ms. Barfly, I don't want to press flesh with you either: I'm just trying to order.
My recommendation is to visit this place only when there's a specific act you really want to see. Save your eating and drinking for a better establishment, and arrive early to grab one of the few (and I do mean few) good seats. -
Review from Shannon H.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012
I went to Hotel Utah on Wednesday night because a good friend's band was playing. The venue itself was pretty neat. Small (which makes it very intimate), not much seating, but the sound was actually not too bad. Watched the first band on the first floor and they have an upstairs area where I watched my friend's band play. I would suggest this spot for anyone going to see a band (but the seats go fast).
I didn't eat but I was told by a friend that they have the best mac and cheese they have ever tasted... so I may have to go back and try it out for myself.
The bartender started off completely ignoring us... which was frustrating as we watched everyone around us getting drinks as soon as they went to the bar (and i know he saw us as he look right at me multiple times). But as the night went on he got better and seemed friendlier.
The guy taking taking money for the shows wasn't all together very nice.
Overall I had a good time, but probably wouldn't go out of my way to come back unless another band I wanted to see was playing. -
Review from John S.
Oakland, CA
3/14/2012
Dickheaded Doormen dont deserve jobs. Seriously.
I love this place. I want that guy fired.
I went to go on a date with my girlfriend yesterday and it was pouring rain. so she stepped under the awning where she was in line and he was checking ID's. The guy said something fairly unintelligible because of all of the noise on the street and rain and bar sound. Then he start freaking out on her and telling her to move being hostile and extremely rude.
I'm playing it cool but I want to tell him to watch his mouth. Then when she is rightfully upset that she got yelled at for not wanting to stand in the rain for 5 minutes while he takes his sweet ass time checking ids and talking to people, he tells her she better shut her mouth and that he doesn't have to let her in and being absolutely fucked up. I was fucking astonished. I've never been treated so badly by a doorman which is in essence a job in the service industry. This guy needs to find new employment.. He would probably be great at waterboarding people in cuba. -
Review from Moses L.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2012
I haven't had anything here but their secret KFC sandwich, which is served ONLY on Thursday for lunch.
It's the best damn fried chicken sandwich you'll find in this city.
It's a breaded, fried chicken breast smothered in your choice of BBQ or Buffalo sauce, put between a bun with lettuce, tomato, and cheese. The sandwich comes with a side of skinny fries or salad. I haven't gotten the salad, but the fries are cooked to a perfect crisp!
Definitely worth making a trip out for! -
Review from Jennifer T.
Oakland, CA
3/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Drinks are a little pricey but it's a great intimate venue for live music. Ticket prices are reasonable. They only have 2 unisex bathrooms. Pretty insane. The bartender was trashed and kept forgetting to take my money, they're lucky I believe in Karma; they probably lose cash because of this. Management should take note.
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Review from Richa A.
3/6/2012
I'm not into dive bars, generally, and this is one of the more divey ones. But something about it is charming; its grungy set off by its rustic qualities. Or its strong drinks and I stop caring that I've been forced to come to a dive bar. Either way, a fun crowd!
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Review from Jack B.
Menlo Park, CA
1/2/2012
Decent food. Nice bar. The service wasn't amazing but it wasn't bad either...
For music, Hotel Utah is small, intiment setting - though the space is a little awkward. The sound seemed pretty good and it is definitely a fun place to see a show but the seating/standing space is limited and the view from some of the spots towards the back are not great.
I wouldn't recommend commuting out of your way just for a beer - but if you are in the neighborhood or if there is a band playing that you are dying to see live, it is a good option. If you are going for music, I recommend getting there early enough to stake out some good real estate. -
Review from Gina S.
2/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
What a cool, intimate, dive bar! This is the place to watch some great performers and live bands! Love that you can watch on the main floor or even go upstairs to watch from the balcony. Everyone who hangs out at this bar is super nice and cool. Even the bartenders are cool too! I definitely would love to come back here to watch some other performers or even just grab a drink. Only problem is, there is a cover charge. Boo.
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Review from Ruth R.
San Francisco, CA
10/30/2011
I hate this place. It always feels cramped and ready to come down. The acoustics are terrible. I don't understand the upstairs seating. It crushes the downstairs area, and it is all very claustrophobic. There is almost never anywhere to sit unless you arrive early and camp somewhere. I did that once, but couldn't move the entire night since there were seat vultures lurking. The last time I went (White Buffalo) I was pressed up against the exit the entire time and actually ended up leaving early. It was a bummer that I missed out on half the set, since he is one of my favorite vocalists EVER, but it isn't like the acoustics of the place really did much for him. I'd rather see him perform at the Fillmore or Great American Music Hall.
I don't care who plays here. I will never ever ever ever go again. Unless it is Joey Ryan and he isn't playing anywhere else..... -
Review from Martha M.
Livermore, CA
12/10/2011
We came here to see one of our fave performers and as I was reading the reviews I was honestly scared. Almost every review mentioned how rude or disrespectful the bartenders were. I planned on drinking and I didn't want to get into it with any of them.
We got there about 2.5 hrs early because we were unsure of parking and didn't want to have to walk too far @ midnight. We got street parking right around the corner. We were happy!
We walked in and it felt homey. The decor was a mix of just about anything including a lamppost. we walked around and checked out the place and saw the tiny stage and the downstairs and upstairs seating. We eyed our table, went to the bar and prepared ourselves to battle the bartenders.
Game faces on we ordered our drinks and the bartender even smiled. I wondered if we were at the right place. We took our drinks to our table and enjoyed ourselves and we were joined by other concert goers as they arrived. I ordered several more drink and had a great time. Not one ounce of rudeness or poor service.
We had the garlic fries, buffalo wings and fried provolone sandwich. The sandwich was amazing and I'm already planning our next trip back to enjoy it. The wings were great but nothing compared to the sandwich. The fries were ok. I've had better but we still ate them.
The sound was alright for being such a small low budget venue.
Overall I was quite pleased with our trip to the Hotel Utah and I plan on going there again soon! -
Review from Karen T.
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Intimate place to watch some good loud music! Went to see Parachute on Fire and they were fun! I went and had a cranberry with club soda cuss I'm detoxing from alcohol for a month so can't really judge on the drinks. Yes there was cover, $8 at the door or you can purchase online. Doorman didn't have change for a $20 I guess so he charged me for 2 tickets one for me and one for my friend. I could barely hear him through the loud music and thought he said 1st round was on him because he didn't have enough, I wasn't drinking alcohol so I told him 1st drink was going to my other friend, he just smiled and nodded (probably didn't know wtf I was talking about). Later I figured out he said 1st drink on my friend cuss I guess I paid for her ticket also, OHH!!!! haha.
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Review from Inigo M.
San Francisco, CA
9/4/2011
Cozy live music venue.
Open Mic Mondays.
Friendly bouncer / doorman. -
Review from Scott R.
Taos, NM
2/29/2012
I rehearse at RHL studios across the street, so I find myself at Hotel Utah often. Live music every night, good drink selection, fair prices, and often a cool laid back crowd. Every now and then you get a cranky bartender, but for the most part, every worker I've come across has been super friendly. I always enjoy heading to Hotel Utah for a drink or 3.
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Review from Kathleen M.
Atlanta, GA
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
A delightfully divey little spot, Hotel Utah is a quaint live music venue and bar that's easy to settle in and spend some serious time. I loved the Irish brogued and charming bartender, the kitsch everywhere, the solid (and quite veg-friendly) food menu. Gin and tonics were strong and the atmosphere led to the perfect spot to do some catching up, which was precisely what was needed.
The other bartender was a little curt and it took far too long to get my tab cashed out, but these are small complaints. While we didn't stick around for the music, the amount of equipment that the band was hauling in signifies that they do some pretty serious wailing up in here. It's pretty dang intimate, so earplugs may be a good thing to bring along, if I had to guess. -
Review from Kenny L.
6/19/2011
The Dark 'n' Stormy is delicious!
As is Keane of Festizio who performed here http://www.festizio.net
Ladies, prepare for your chests to be signed.Listed in: Get your Alcohol Dehydrogenase…
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Review from hi boss hi wife a.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2011
I've been to Hotel Utah twice. Both times I was there I played a show. I'll probably never return to do either.
Two things that I liked and two things that I didn't like:
Like:
-Both times I was there the sound person was incredibly nice. (About the only nice person that works there it seems.)
-The bar has a cool and quirky underwater aesthetic.
Didn't like:
-TERRIBLE SERVICE. The bartenders there are always HUGE dicks. I don't give a shit cranky bartenders, drunk people are annoying, but its really bad at Hotel Utah. (Except the sound people) .
-The doorman doesn't count people very well. He let a lot of people into the show that hadn't payed. That was very frustrating.
I can complain about the food, the smell of the bathroom, the neighborhood, etc.. But it's a bar, you can't expect HIGH quality food or pristine bathrooms at a bar. Common sense.
However, when the entire staff gets sand in their vagina because you want to add another beer to your order or the bartender blatantly ignores you for some reason or whenever you want to ask him a question as someone who is preforming and bringing them business and they snap at you; meh. I'll just completely boycott the bar make it my goal to tell as many people as possible never to go there.
On the facebook invite someone said: "I'd love to go to your show but I'm boycotting that place, sorry." -
Review from Tiffany N.
Denver, CO
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Seeing live music in an intimate venue is my happy place and so how can I not like Hotel Utah? Sure, sure pretty much everyone that works here is less than friendly. But, I'm not letting that ruin my night. No sir, I'm going to fork over cash for my cheap drink and smuggle myself up to the small balcony that overlooks the stage and seats about ten, or into a darkly lit corner where strangers are kind enough to not only share their seat space with me, but also insist that we bond over applying temporary tattoos to ourselves with a shared cup of water, all the while listening to the sounds of a band who is local or touring, but doing it for the love of the music because they certainly aren't making a living off this type of road trip I would guess.
Music makes me all warm and fuzzy inside as does whiskey. And since Hotel Utah has both those things it makes me warm and fuzzy, too by default.Listed in: SOMA, Music can make meaningless…, Shot and a beer
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Review from Umilia M.
San Francisco, CA
5/29/2011
I love live music, but I won't be returning to Utah (the saloon or the state) any time soon.
When I've been there the downstairs stage area is squishy and hot, with nowhere to comfortably perch and enjoy the band you just paid to hear.
No matter where you stand, people are pushing to get by you, and the whole area was sweaty, even in the dead of winter. And god forbid you want to go get another drink, you'll have to fight your way back through the crowd. Awkward!
The upstairs is no better. I realize space in San Francisco is at a premium, but I have to think there is a better way to utilize the balcony. Other than the people at the very front leaning over the bannister, it is impossible to see anything of the stage, and the people sitting at tables are chatting away because they can't see anything anyway, and *thank you* now it's impossible to hear, either.
Divey, friendly crowd, cool nautical theme, but an unfriendly music space. -
Review from gwynnie p.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2011
5 stars for remaining a steadfast sample of ye olde San Francisco, especially in this neighborhood which seems to have gotten all gussied up.
I mean the hood used to be called South of the Slot according to Herb Caen, and be full of debauched citizenry behaving as San Franciscans should. *Waves walker in air*
At HU they still play punk rock recorded and perform it live, offer up cheap drink and eats 4-8pm and have great beer. Right on. -
Review from Jessica T.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/29/2011
Though I still adore Hotel Utah's dedication to live music, I was disappointed with it last night.
We paid 10 dollars each, to a door-guy, who hustled us into the dim same, uncomfortably quick and gruffly. Once inside - we realized that the opening band, wasn't really our style, so we hung around the bar and ordered "Hotel Utah's Famous Hummus," and two glasses of water.
The bartender wasn't too personable, in fact I don't think she looked at us at all, while taking our order. She never brought us over our water. We ended up asking another bartender at Hotel Utah for two glasses of water (and later refilled our glasses at the conveniently placed water dispenser near the bar). I was going to do my normal excessive indulgence of water at bars, but after noticing the long line for the bathroom, due to one of them being out of order - I decided to just nurse mine.
The Famous Hummus was disappointing. The hummus didn't have much taste, and it was a small serving for eight dollars.
We decided to make the best of the night, and wandered back over to the stage area. Since Hotel Utah's main music room is tiny, we found ourselves huddled in the back trying to watch meh covers of songs. We snuck up to the top balcony level for a lackluster view of the stage. Though the band had good energy, we felt a little dumb for paying 10 dollars for covers.
We tried to stay to watch the last band, which is why we originally came out to Hotel Utah, but with such poor views of the stage, and listening to two bands, that we weren't really feeling -we left early into the quickly descending San Francisco fog.
I may head on over to Hotel Utah in the future - but only for a quality Folk or Americana act. After last night, I realized that Hotel Utah's acoustics don't lend themselves well to electric instruments, and I was slightly bummed out by the food and the service. We'd made a special trip out to enjoy Hotel Utah's cozy space and warmth, and sadly - we felt no such love there last night.
Trust.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/5/2010
I like places with low ceilings, dim light, and that air of coziness that just makes so much sense… Read more »
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Review from Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
1/12/2011
Wonderful in almost every way.
The food is what you expect. Like a panhandling homeless punk went to the corner store. The sandwiches are *just* about like that. -
Review from Mark N.
Oakland, CA
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great bar/venue, terrible place for lunch.
Worst pulled pork I've ever had in my life. -
Review from Luke S.
San Francisco, CA
12/16/2010
Tonight, a friend and I went into Utah to grab a drink, as we've done many times before. After a few minutes with no attention from the bartender, he held up his hand. Apparently, she took offense for some reason I still don't understand. After another 10 minutes, she finally asked for his order, then poured some beer and took our money. We sat down quietly, started talking, and a few minutes later she leaned over and told us she didn't like what we were doing and told us to leave. (We were just sitting there, talking in quiet voices to each other, sipping our only beers of the night).
The other customers came to our defense, pointed out that we hadn't said anything, but she was adamant and the bouncers took our full beers and walked us out -- even they looked apologetic, as if to say "yes, we've seen this before with her."
*sigh* I wish this place would hire friendlier bartenders with less of a power trip issue. -
Review from Patty Q.
Stockton, CA
3/6/2011
Don't get me wrong, the bands are great.
But I've never seen such rude bartenders!
"Leave! Get Out!" said the woman bartender to the two guys next to us. The two guys, were simply sitting. The cause of their removal? They had asked when they could order.
We would have liked to order. Too bad that we waited over 20 minutes.
Finally, it was our chance. "What doyawant?!" barked the bartender. My friend replied quickly, "Uh, we'll have a..." "UH GET'S YOU NOTHIN!" she snapped as she moved on to the next patron.
Whoa. Considering the numerous other bars with personable bartenders in this city, no need to order here. -
Review from Joraine G.
San Mateo, CA
5/11/2011
We had a pretty large group (for the space) of about 20+ ppl but surprisingly, it wasn't THAT hard (as you'd think) to order our first round of drinks at the bar (or second or third). The same goes for the food orders, which arrived pretty quickly. We took up aboout half the space in the lower level area in front of the stage, and since the performance area is separated from the bar by a curtain and a few steps down, it had that intimate/backstage hanging with rock stars VIP-feeling to it.
All in all, I'm not really into that type of music but the people working there seemed cool, drinks were strong enough and everything was priced pretty well. Great place for people who are into live rock, and even great for those who aren't! -
Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
Let's GO GIANTS! Not only is the Hotel Utah a great music venue, but it's also located close to the Ball Park. The bartenders are friendly and make some nice inexpensive cocktails.
Although I didn't have anything to eat, they have a nice little bar menu with Burgers and fries. Nothing like Beer and Burgers to go along with some Baseball.
GO GIANTS!!!Listed in: Dives, I love the Giants
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Review from Judy P.
5/1/2011
The Verdict: "Casual good ol fashion fun times."
I went here to see a friend's band play on a Saturday night. The place was packed and the staff was friendly and not stuck up. We paid $8 to see the band play (a little high for such a small place) but it was fine since the drinks were relatively cheap. Beers were $5 a pint and they had plenty of good draft and bottle varieties. There is a lower level area for the band ( a little tight, but definitely a good underground feel), the main area for the bar and the upstairs level for an aerial view (also where some DJ mixing happens). Overall, great place for a laid back night of fun.
Would I Recommend It? Yes, great value and good cozy, underground ambiance. Don't dress up though. -
Review from Jim R.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you're walking down 4th and need to make a pit stop for beer, this place will do.
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Review from Sarah Z.
12/23/2010
I arrived at the Utah shortly after 6pm on 12/22/2010 and I was with my brother and my friend. With tip I spent $60+ on drinks and dinner for the three of us.
Three more friends arrived shortly after 7pm and also had plenty to drink and eat. Between the six of us we had spent over $100 and would have spent more given that we planned to continue our evening at the Utah.
At about 8:40 a VERY rude employee came to our table, telling us to pay a $10 cover charge or leave. The man had said there were pre-paid tickets sold for the music that was about to play, but these pre-paid ticket holders had not arrived. I think it is RIDICULOUS for someone to tell me to leave the seat in which I had been sitting for almost three hours, for NO ONE.
Who pays $10 cover to eat dinner?
It would have been a different scenario if there were pre-paid ticket holders waiting for tables, but he could not even argue that because there were no such customers waiting for a table. Besides the band, there were only 5 customers seated at nearby tables. It makes no sense to ask more than half of the room to leave.
The Utah Saloon employee failed to make sense of the situation and was rude on top of this.
Additionally, when two out of the six of us started to pay cover (in other words, a $20 dollar bill was already collected by the employee and the rest of us would have followed suit) he boasted that he would be able to give us a discount but chose not to. Clearly this would prompt us to ask WHY he was being so rude! With this, he kicked one person from our group out. We took our $20 back and left.
I'm disgusted with this experience. The Utah had potential to be a fun bar for the evening, and considering that we work in the area and frequent bars near AT&T, I would have liked to think we are the type of customers The Utah would want to retain.
Now that I look at other reviews, it appears that terrible service is a recurring theme:
Luke S. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
laura g. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
teresa d http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I've learned my lesson....STAY AWAY -
Review from Rose A.
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Saw a friend's band play here. It's a cool place to grab some drinks and see live music.
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Review from lorin y.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2010
Who are these people who claim the food here is decent?! They were either drunk when they ate here, or confused this place for some other eatery. Seriously. 2 stars for food.
Cheap beers in a comfy dive bar. Also, conveniently located down the block from my work. -
Review from Loli L.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2010
The lumberjack and I were here to catch a friend's band and nailed a sweet spot upstairs within spitting range of the stage (Note: I would never ever spit at a musician* on stage, nor would I condone it). Our spot had a little shelf table that I used to lean on, rest my beer, and hold the basket of fries that we shared.
They had decent pub food, a nice selection of beer, lots of really nice wood, and a decent amount of quaint space to enjoy the music.
*This includes people whose qualifications as a musician are highly questionable, like Axl Rose. -
Review from Colin H.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
This review is for the hotel Utah wings. They are THE BEST wings in san francisco. Yes I said it, the best wings in san fran. If you have read my other reviews you will know that I have a thing for wings. Let me say that I went to another bar for the past few years for there wings until Kat from hotel utah told me her wings were the best. She was absolutely right. The only complaint I have with the Utah is the douchebag bartender. I made a comment on one of the beers and he took it personal as if he made the beer himself. So basically he can kiss my ass. But whatever, I will come here for wings any day
