Bacar

Considering that a number of my favorite bartenders have "done their time" at Bacar, we finally decided to hit Bacar after living just a block away for the past year. I've always avoided Bacar after hearing the story of my co-workers heading there for a quick client dinner and not being able to get out of there for less than $100 a head for two bottles of wine, some cocktails and a light meal. Looking at the menu online, with most entrees ranging from $27 to $33, I could see how it could easily get out of hand. However, after hearing about a supposedly amazing blackberry margarita, it was time to give them a try. But first.... Credit cards? Check! Statement of my net worth? Check! Banking references? Check! Sportcoat? Check! Ok - now I'm ready to head in. We got there at 6:10 and the extremely gracious, professionally dressed bartender checked to make sure we were in time for happy hour, which meant half price ($5 - $6) cocktails and $1 oysters. Two blackberry margaritas were promptly ordered and four oysters. I've always had an issue with blackberries - done well, they're rich and almost chocolate-like. Out of season or previously frozen, they're bitter and flavorless. The blackberry puree used at Bacar was absolutely fantastic, paired with Herradura Anejo tequila. It was a drink easily worth $8 and a steal at a happy hour $5, but at the normal $10 - I would have felt that it could have had more 'oomph'. The oysters were properly shucked and served with an adequate cocktail sauce and mignonette. I went bicoastal with a pair of Washington Sunset Beach and two St. Simon from New Brunswick, both excellent choices. With happy hour quickly coming to a close (only until 6:30 on Thursdays and Fridays), the bartender set us up with two more drinks before the computer doubled the prices to the normal level, which were fantastic as well. Though the jazz would be worth coming to hear, it's hard to justify the prices - but I'll certainly put Bacar on my happy hour list! more

Overrated restaurant as far as good goes. The wine cellar however, is amazing. Great thing is you can eat there as well. I'm not a big wine person but the ambiance at the wine cellar is lovely. the food was asian fusion inspired unfortunately i was not inspired...especially given the rpice. parking is not too bad in that area but challenging during peak dinner time. more

Amazing wine list, the curry lamb was superb and very tasty and our waiter is great too. One grip though, the hostess was the worst! She re-invented snotty and was beyond rude to not only me but a noice old couple that stood waiting in the doorway. That's your first and last impression, there's no room for poor service people in the front of the house. Otherwise, superb dining and ambience. more

This is a fun splurge night out; it's a bit pricey but the atmosphere is great. It gets too crowded on the weekend. The bar area is expecially crowded: but if you can get a table it's a great place for a glass of wine -- they offer an amazing selection of wines by the glass -- or for desert and a scotch. more

Bacar lived up to the hype. You walk into a beautiful restuaurant in and you hear great live Jazz right away. From there the night just got better. The winelist is extensive to say the least, but the wines by the glass is where it is at. The 60 some odd choices and the different size pours from small tastes to getting 1/3 or 2/3 a bottle with the small decanters. The food is very good but not the most memoriable part of the evening. The atmosphere is almost as exciting as the wine list. It is very young and energized feel in the place. At 9:00 PM the whole bar area was packed as we got a drink before we were seated. Very lively and fun. The food is a bit overprice but not outragous. Try the ribeye, it might be the best in the city. more

One of the few restaurants in SF that lives up to its reputation. Extensive wine list, of course. Excellent food and great service. I've dined here numerous times and have always had a wonderful experience. If you're in for a more casual night, or didn't make a reservation, sit in the bar (they serve the full menu) and listen to the live music. The dining room is worth getting a reservation though. more