First Crush Restaurant Wine Bar & Lounge

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Address:
101 Cyril Magnin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

Neighborhood:
Downtown / Union Square

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Cuisine:
Californian

Price: $30 and under

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First Crush Restaurant Wine Bar & Lounge Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.firstcrush.com
Phone: (415) 982-7874
Hours of Operation: Dinner:
Sunday - Wednesday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Thursday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm

Weekend Brunch
Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Californian, American
Executive Chef: Jose Cardona
Dress Code: Business Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Smoking Area, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
Special Events & Promotions: Theater menu for SHN patrons, three courses, $30 per person with valid theater tickets.

Getting there

Cross Street: Ellis St.
Public Transit: Muni, BART Powell St. station is 1/2 block away.
Parking: Street Parking
Parking Details: Closest Parking garages at the corner of Mason and O'Farrell or the Ellis and O'Farrell garage with valet service. Both a block away.

A word from First Crush Restaurant Wine Bar & Lounge

First Crush promotes a “casual upscale” atmosphere for individuals, private events and large parties in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square district, offering hand-crafted quality food using the freshest ingredients complemented with a massive all-California wine list - served affordably with… professional service in an energetic, lively environment.

The restaurant has been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2001-2014.Continued

Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerMost Booked 1000-Point Tables

First Crush Restaurant Wine Bar & Lounge - Best Restaurants in Union Square (San Francisco)

Diner Reviews

"I ate here many years ago and the food is very much the same as are the above average service. We were there early, it may get louder later."
Dined on 7/5/2014
"Great place for brunch. I would go back here again"
Dined on 7/5/2014
"Delicious food. Convenient to Union Square and our hotel. Second visit better than the first."
Dined on 7/4/2014
"Service was very relaxed for our group...not that we were ready to go party, but we often waited quite a while to see our server. Three of us ordered potato soup, which was very bland and didn't have a single chunk of potato in it (there's smooth and there's tooooo smooth!). Then the pan seared scallops arrived and we forgot we'd ever had bland soup. Perfectly seasoned and delicious, they were some of the best I've had. I would have even liked them more with a bit more of a sear on them, but I was forgiving a lot for that seasoning. Also, the wine and bubble flights were spectacular. Truffle flight is a great idea but some warning about how bitter they would be would have been much appreciated."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"Portabello "stuffed" mushrooms were very tasty and satisfying. Salmon was cooked just right. Scallops were tender and delicious. Started with a mixed green salad. Everyone at the table was quite pleased. Just didn't have room for desert."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"had a wonderful meal - boullabaise was very flavorful, with lots of fish, not much broth. never had peas before but they were fresh!"
Dined on 6/25/2014
"went for brunch and had a nice time cute brunch--good, strong drinks--lovely service"
Dined on 6/14/2014
"The food and service were very good at this restaurant. The Wine list was extensive and expensive. It is a very intimate setting. The dining portion is small and tables close together. It was difficult to have a private conversation. The waiter was very attentive and offered good advise for wine selection. The food was good with a good selection. We were in and out fairly quickly."
Dined on 6/21/2014
"This restaurant made our trip to SF the best. We loved the food and the service was amazing. Great find!"
Dined on 6/20/2014
"The food was terrible, I wouldn't eat there for free. Even the Mac and cheese is gross"
Dined on 6/20/2014
"We had gnocchi and aji tartare. Gnocchi was greasy; aji arrived grey with little flavor. The beet salad was good but not great. The crab bisque was good. The best item was a chocolate brownie. That was delicious. When I pointed out that the aji looked grey and not fresh, there was no recommended fix for this. I asked about wasabi and they only use a powder so it was of no help to add some flavor or tang. Won't go back to this place. All entrees looked expensive (most over 30) so we stayed with small plates. Coffee was weak."
Dined on 6/19/2014
"I have season tickets with SHN and always dine at First Crush where they have a special menu for theater goers. I was there a few nights ago and was disappointed to see that they no longer offer the pre-theater fixed price menu. I had looked it up on the SHN website that afternoon and they still showed a special offer for people with tickets. I was disappointed (although it was not their website that had the incorrect information) and hope First Crush will arrange to have this corrected. As a result, our dinner was considerably more costly than we had planned. I have always enjoyed First Crush but would be inclined now to try other options since they no longer offer the special for theater-goers."
Dined on 6/19/2014
"We have dined at First Crush many times. This time we were seated in a corner to the left of the bar and it was very noisy; at times we could barely hear conversation at our table. When we return we will definitely insist on a table location away from the bar."
Dined on 6/17/2014
"For a wine bar our waiter had no knowledge of wine. "They're all ..." was part of the description of the difference between the Sauv Blancs on the menu. No mention when the bottle was brought out that it was the only one until we were ready for the second bottle. Food was really boring. The best thing on the menu was the cheese plate, which was served with a good size portion and nice honey, nuts and grapes. I doubt this restaurant will stay open much longer since it was mostly empty tables and now I know why. It was super expensive and not good. Sorry but I will not return."
Dined on 6/17/2014
"As a local, this restaurant is right near all the hotels and shows. It truly is a bar that serves food, so maybe if you go in with that expectation you would be ok. Everyone wearing shorts and t-shirts and very casual. So, again if that is what you expect, and you want a very casual dinner, that may be ok. Downstairs was not open so we sat near the bar and since the main floor is so small, that is also near the door. Food was fine, but overall just not what I expected after reading the positive reviews. Cannot recommend."
Dined on 6/14/2014
"This restaurant is very small. Seating is close together. Not a place to have a private conversation. Menu nice. Prices high. Wines very over-priced. Appetizers good and a nice appetizer selection. Staff is friendly."
Dined on 6/14/2014
"Food is excellent. It is a small place so best to make a reservation. Great for dinner."
Dined on 6/14/2014
"This small wine bar/restaurant has an excellent selection of wines, including flights. The food portions are just right."
Dined on 6/6/2014
"It was my first time at this restaurant and I don't think I would want to go back. First of all, it was for my friend's birthday. I told both of the receptionists that please bring her a candle or something to celebrate her bday. They both said yes sure and they will take care of it. However, there was no action taken. In addition, the waiter was a little rude. Maybe he notices that we are ordering "dine about town" menu. He was just rushing us. The food was fine, but because of the service, I don't think I would want to go back."
Dined on 6/1/2014
"This restaurant has always been my favorite. My first impression the first time I tried First Crush was memorable and never failed because the food was amazing and same with service on Thursday evening. If anyone is a foodie this is the place to go. Special occasion for first timers will remember this as a great restaurant in the heart of SF. "
Dined on 5/29/2014
"Based on earlier high mark reviews I chose this place for a group of 6 for a pre dining short dinner before heading to the Warfield theater. Hosts did not seem to know about party of 6 although they had the Open Table reservation. downstairs seating not open til 6, which is not mentioned on their site. our reservation was for 5:45. We were seated right by the bar. Waiter not very good, argued with me about a wine I had asked him about when i said it wasn't at all what he said it was. Inattentive, didn't get in husbands drink order. Food marginal. Only upside was proximity to BART and the theater, a few sketchy blocks away. won't return or recommend it."
Dined on 5/27/2014
"We had an absolute blast at First Crush! My bestie had walked past this place everyday when she lived in the City and had never been, so during our latest trip into SF, we decided it was time to check it out. The wine flights were phenomenal because it allowed you to try three different wines before committing to one. The food was fantastic and perfect for sharing! I especially loved the gnocchi! And at the end of our meal, we were shocked when our server began singing like he was in the Opera house!"
Dined on 5/25/2014
"We had a party of 8 and First Crush had no problem with our crazy requests and noise! Service was very good, with the waiter making sure everyone's meal was as they desired. Food was very delicious, and everyone had a great time. "
Dined on 5/25/2014
"Brunch was delicious. Coconut pancakes were light and not too sweet, perfect with the mango jam. The dungeneous crab sliders were amazing."
Dined on 5/10/2014
"We had a great time at FC for a milestone birthday party. Food was delicious, fantastic wine list, room for 20+ and some to spare. Staff was helpful from planning all the way to the end of night details. We wouldn’t have changed a thing. "
Dined on 5/10/2014
"The food was very good and there was something for all taste buds. - we all enjoyed the meals we ate. The service was poor but we didn't really mind as we were having a good time visiting with our friends. "
Dined on 5/10/2014
"Four of us going to Feinsteins at the Nikko Hotel had a very nice experience at First Crush. The wine flights had good selections and the food was really very tasty. I had salmon cooked perfectly and the side dishes were good. The staff was friendly and the atomosphere was relaxed. All in All a good experience. "
Dined on 5/10/2014
"The food was really excellent, from the bread to the dessert. "
Dined on 5/8/2014
"Terrific Union Square small restaurant. Small plates are perfect , and wine flight selections make for a fun dining experience."
Dined on 4/29/2014
"Simply delicious. Our waiter was courteous, and attentive. The cheese platter and wine selection was delicious. Quaint, cozy, romantic and perfect to end our anniversary weekend in San Francisco. LOVED IT!"
Dined on 4/13/2014
"Service was wonderful, right up there with the food. "
Dined on 4/26/2014
"Found this restaurant accidently...it was located next to the hotel we were staying. Tried it for brunch on Saturday morning. The eggs with apple and sage and the coconut pancakes with mango were outstanding! Tried it for dinner a few nights later and it did not disappoint. Try the Tuna Tartar, it's well worth it. Waiter was attentive but not overbearing."
Dined on 4/23/2014
"What a great find! The menu is excellent with a great variety of offerings. Local, sustainable, free-range meats. The duck appetizer was fall apart tender. The lobster ravioli was a perfect balance of all elements. Delectable wine flight choices. All of the wines are from California vineyards! We especially enjoyed the complimentary, house made focaccia bread with olive tapenade and green verde sauce. "
Dined on 4/19/2014
"We had a party of nine dine at First Crush on Saturday, and everyone enjoyed their meal. The menu has a nice selection of salads and small plates, and the entrées were great - members of our party ordered the lamb, the Kobe beef burger, and the duck breast. I was impressed with the restaurant's wine selection, especially their wine flights -- it was a great opportunity to try some new and expensive wines. Finally, the dessert was very nice -- I'd recommend the dessert flight so you can taste the brulee, brownies, and, in particular, the bread pudding. The only downside to our experience was that there were two bachelorette parties around us in the basement section , and one of them was really loud. "
Dined on 4/19/2014
"This was my second time and I have to say that the bottom floor was more romantic than the top floor. Food was great and was a great experiance for my date and I"
Dined on 4/11/2014
"Stumbled on First Crush when staying in a nearby Hotel. Comfortable and low key but serves great food. We really enjoyed the beet salad and crab macoroni. We made a point to eat here a second time on a follow up trip. Now on our list of places to eat when in the city."
Dined on 4/11/2014
"Went there before the theater and did not have much time. Our waiter was very understanding and the service was very good. The food was a bit hit and miss though. The salmon and the beet salad were excellent. The arugula salad was a bit dry (almost no dressing) and the lobster ravioli had a slightly fishy taste. Desserts were excellent."
Dined on 4/12/2014
"Tasty food, even for vegetarians, nice presentation and good service. They cheerfully accommodated our food allergy restrictions. We're coming back here to have dinner when we have a theater date in S.F."
Dined on 4/10/2014
"We had dinner before going to the theatre. In fact, if you showed your theatre tickets you were given free of charge 2 fantastic desserts of your choice as a thank you. Both delicious! Robert our waiter was fantastic. I enjoyed his personality and suggestions on the entrees. Professional and "real"... Scallops were fantastic, wine wonderful and again Robert... Fantastic!!!! I will come again. Thank you, Marilyn & Vicky....."
Dined on 4/4/2014
"It had been a while since I had been to First Crush and although the meals and service were fine before we just forgot about it with so many other options in the area, I received a BBE BlackboardEats offer for a a bottle of wine with a minimum order of an entree per person so I scheduled a dinner with my favorite Tuesday night people and although the staff were noticeably new they were efficient, kind and knowledgable. The wine paired great with everything from the Kobe burger to the Portabello mushroom and dinner was delisious. The dessert flight was decadent and fun! The manager Amanda and all the staff very personable. It was a great night and I immediately recommended FirstCrush to all my social media friends that night."
Dined on 4/1/2014

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First Crush Restaurant Wine Bar & Lounge Details

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