How is 1601 Bar & Kitchen restaurant rated?

Name: 1601 Bar & Kitchen
Address: 1601 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94103
Telephone: (415) 552-1601
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

1601 Bar & Kitchen

4.6

343 Reviews

$31 to $50

Sri Lankan

Top Tags:

1601 Bar & Kitchen is a small, independent, husband and wife owned and ran casual fine dining restaurant, operating since 2013. The atmosphere is intimate and comfortable for conversation, while the noise level is low.

Chef Brian Fernando refers to his interpretations of Sri Lankan cuisine as ‘Californian Sri Lankan.' We strive to get imaginative with Sri Lankan recipes and spices in Californian context. We work with environmentally-conscious purveyors.

Our cuisine is aromatic and vibrant, offering both mild and spicy items. We offer a very popular multi-course Chef’s tasting menu accompanied by optional beverage pairings that usually takes 1,5-2 hours for 2 guests. We also offer an à la carte menu of small and large dishes. The most ordered are the egg hopper, smoked salmon, okra, and the curries. Our menu always contains gluten free and vegetarian items. Children are welcome to order from our regular menu; we do not offer a kids's menu. Parking is easy.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Sri Lankan, Fusion / Eclectic, Dining Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(415) 552-1601
Website
http://www.1601sf.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Brian Fernando
Catering
Please contact us with catering inquiries, 415-552-1601 or write to info@1601sf.com
Private party facilities
1601 Bar & Kitchen offers a private room (up to 14 guests), a semi-private communal table (up to 12 guests), or the entire restaurant buyout (up to 49 guests).
Private party contact
Yuliya Thompson: (855) 610-7242

Location
1601 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood
SOMA
Cross street
12th Street
Parking details
Easy street parking, no meters after 6pm. A garage available within a block, (closes at midnight)
Public transit
Muni: Metro-Van Ness & Market, Bus 47 & 49: Van Ness & Mission<br />BART-Civic Center
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 343 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Quiet

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j
jeffk
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice experience! ❤️
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love your food!
AM
AndrewM
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
We very much enjoyed the unique dishes, the evening in general, and ambiance of the back room. The restaurant is small and so only the back room guards against to unpleasant rush of cold when the front door is open (I’m sure not a concern once winter is past). Our servers were very attentive and minded closely our need to make an 8pm symphony.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall1food3service2ambience4
Theee plus hours and $400+ for an average meal with below average service for two people. Had high hopes but was left with much wanting. They tried but missed the mark.
AA
AakashA
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall2food2service3ambience3
$310 for a pre fixe valentine's day meal, which was 3 course of microscopic small plates, 1 main course of plain rice and curry and yougrt and the worst chocolate dessert i ever had.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall2food2service5ambience5
Very pricey for the food
J
Jooo
Dublin
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall3food3service2ambience2
Maybe it was because it was valentines night but the food was just ok and as nice as the servers were it was still a little disappointing not to have information on the food or offer of coffee before dessert was brought to us.
ZM
ZenMaster
San Francisco
27 reviews
vip
3.0
27 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience4
The food was "ok" and I found that it lacked sufficient flavour and spices, especially for the price charged. We were 8 of us and my view was pretty much shared by all. I would not recommend for the prices that they charge.
CS
CarlosS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
It's a fantastic quiet sit-down restaurant to catch up with friends, or just enjoy a comfortable evening with your date. The plates are moderate in size, and they accommodate the menu to different diets and gluten-free individuals.
AM
AlexandraM
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely wonderful. Everything from the ambiance, to the staff, to the actual menu. We had a great time and will definitely be going back.
AK
AlexiaK
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing unique food! Awesome service, delicious wine and perfect location — parking was easy! We were there for a business dinner and it was great to be able to hold a conversation with a super quiet noise level.
c
ciaobeth
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first time at 1601 Bar & Kitchen, possibly our first Sri Lankin food. The ambiance was calm and modern. It was hard to choose among so many interesting menu items. Four of us shared six dishes. My favorites were fried okra with lime leaves, chicken curry, and crab pot pie.
TC
TeresaC
San Francisco
111 reviews
vip
5.0
111 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always wonderful!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant is so amazing..... the food is truly memorable, the flavors & textures are so well balanced ... the service & atmosphere are perfect.... don’t walk run to this restaurant & you will go back again and again!
M
Mollucular
Exclusive
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Very creative and innovative courses. Beautifully presented and the ingredients were elegantly paired to create a unique experience. My two dining partners are not fans of spicy food so I was pleasantly surprised that they were both very happy with the tasting menu except for one dish.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hong Kong Islan
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best Sri Lankan restaurants in the world. Refined and elegantly executed cuisine by Chef Brian Fernando, French classically trained with Sri Lankan roots.
MS
MichaelSR
Portland
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant somehow serves dishes of complexity and elegance that appear simple at first glance. The service makes you feel like someone special and respected. And the restaurant is quiet enough for a conversation. Give it a try.
RP
RPeats
San Francisco
112 reviews
vip
5.0
112 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I’ve been here several times. Don’t be deterred by the location. The ambiance is lovely, services is warm, knowledgeable, and efficient. And the food is consistently delicious, interesting, and beautifully presented. On this occasion I brought an out of town friend who’s a serious foodie...like me. We both thoroughly enjoyed our evening.
B
Bridget
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
so great and wonderful service :) amazing food and would definitely go back again
L
Lovelyluncher
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved the food— shared small dishes and all 3 curries. The group enjoyed the ambience— very good for conversation. Also great service. Unfortunately there was some problem with the heating that evening, and it was quite cold.
t
tejal
San Francisco
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had lovely time on our date night at 1601 Bar and Kitchen! The food was delicious. The staffer's wine recommendations were spot on! Would go there again!
L
Lovetoeat
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Amazingly delicious food. A fun twist on Sri Lankan cuisine. I liked that you were able to sample a few items from the tasting menu when you ordered ala carte.
DL
DeniseL
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious and beautiful dishes. Host and chef were very helpful, recommending just the right amount of food for our group and assisting us with wine pairing as well. Unique and wonderful cuisine served in an ambient setting that allows for conversation and an overall pleasant dining experience. Will gladly recommend and plan to return again soon.
SF
SFjazzgirl
San Francisco
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
1601 Bar and Kitchen just keeps getting better and better - I have brought family, friends, and business dinners and all of them were terrific! The dishes are delicious, fascinating, and go together in perfect harmony. I highly recommend this wonderful place. MJC
EG
EricG
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience4
This place is a hidden gem of spicy deliciousness in a very zen line dinning room. Highly recommend to anyone looking to have a memorable quiet dinning experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Love the creative, seasonal menu and wonderful knowledgeable service.
RH
RachelH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Every dish was delicious and had that quality of flavors that are unexpected but just right in combination. From the early girl tomatoes to the lamb curry, which was almost a lamb stew, we enjoyed every bite. The service was friendly and impeccable. I think the owners were doing the serving.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
It’s been called the best restaurant in San Francisco that nobody knows about. It is. New American/French styled food made with Sri Lankan flavors and ingredients (mixed with local produce). Chef Brian’s food is based on what ingredients him and his wife can find locally and in season. They know where everything comes from in what they serve. They have relatively few dishes but each one was well crafted and thoughtfully made. I couldn’t recommend the food more, particularly for a date night or lovers of carefully made food. The restaurant is kind of on a weird corner that gets less traffic, so it’s doesn’t look like it gets too busy most nights. Strong recommend.
JM
JillM
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
1601 Bar & Kitchen is a very special restaurant. The food is delicious, creative and exciting. There were four of us and we shared everything (egg hoppers, fried okra, chicken and lamb curries, spicy Early Girl tomatoes, and crispy potatoes, and three fabulous desserts). The wine list has been carefully chosen to match this food -- many interesting choices here. Service was excellent, with all our questions answered and recommendations cheerfully made. The location is out of the way, which may explain why this place isn't as busy as it deserves to be. We will happily return, especially with friends who are looking for an adventure.
JD
JuliaD
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2019
overall4food3service5ambience4
Service was great, food was alright (I wouldn't come back for it).
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2019
overall2food3service2ambience3
Overpriced for quality
t
tominsf
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience4
Very much a hidden gem. From really good service that is super respectful and personal to really really good food that’s unique in this city full of trendy but disappointing places. The owners are doing the cooking and service. And it’s quiet inside so you can actually hear your companion speak.
s
staciamagg
San Francisco
42 reviews
vip
5.0
42 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was some of the best food I have had in a long time! There is also the option of a tasting menu which is diverse and delicious. Wines were amazing. Service was wonderful. I would run to this place if you have not been there yet.
NS
NidhiS
Phoenix
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was phenomenal! My husband is Sri Lankan so it was nice to get some flavors of home for him. We enjoyed ourselves! Great food and great ambiance
MM
MaryM
San Francisco
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a fantastic restaurant. The food is imaginative, the service is excellent and the atmosphere is very warm. The food is delicious and inspired.
KS
KinSF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the food. We ordered pretty much everything on the menu. :) . The egg basket is a house specialty and just delicious. The curries were wonderful. And the desserts were to die for. The service was wonderful and the chef even came out to chat with us. Overall a lovely evening.
h
hied
San Francisco
146 reviews
vip
5.0
146 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an excellent meal. We shared the okra, carrots and ground lamb with chickpeas. We will return for good food which are creatively presented.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 11, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience4
Amazing food and excellent service
MF
MichelleF
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 30, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience3
Who would have thought that Sri Lankan food would turn out to be one of my favorite types of food?! Every bite was delicious, unexpected, and beautifully plated. Even foods I tend to not love- lamb, okra, eggplant- I was savoring every morsel. My mouth waters just thinking about it.
SB
ShvetaB
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous food and service

FAQs

1601 Bar & Kitchen is rated 4.6 stars by 343 OpenTable diners.