The Anchovy Bar

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1. LH

   LHope

   Central Coast

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   The food is exceptional. The dishes are inventive and thoughtfully prepared. We sat at the bar - the only thing that would have made this a better experience would be bar stools with backs for better comfort. The noise level was ok, and the staff were great. This is not inexpensive, but definitely worth it.

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2. BP

   BrentP

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 11, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Wow. I never you could do so much with anchovies. What a culinary journey,

   Report
3. W

   Whatev

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 7, 2023

   overall3food4service3ambience3

   OK, service imposing and neglectful at same time. Loud.

   Report
4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 5, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Incredible food and great ambience

   Report
5. TD

   ThomasD

   Minneapolis

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 1, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Lovely dinner! The anchovy toast and crab were phenomenal.

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6. MC

   MarthaC

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 1, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We loved the tapas-style menu with a seafood theme. Every single thing was super tasty. Nice room, fairly small but cozy without feeling cramped. The wait staff were wonderful.

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7. G

   Geena

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 1, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This is your sign to book a table here! We LOVED our meal here on NYE. Thank you for providing such a fun, warm experience for us.

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8. KD

   KelcieD

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 31, 2022

   overall5food5service3ambience4

   Food is always fantastic! It would have been helpful if our server could have helped us navigate the menu more. I asked several times for guidance on a ballpark number of dishes to order for our group, but she never gave an answer. She was great besides that!

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9. S

   Sarah

   San Francisco

   27 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   27 reviews

   Dined on December 30, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Incredible food. We knew it would be good, but we were blown away with how interesting the flavors were. The scallop ceviche was beyond delicious. And the seafood stew was substantial and so good - it far exceeded our expectations. The service is top notch - everyone at the restaurant is working for you to enjoy your experience. The only call out is that the bill adds up quickly.

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10. NB

    NancyB

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything we ate was interesting and elevated. We started with the 1/2 dozen Anchoas Don Borate--delicous anchovies with delicious bread and the piquillo pepper sauce was perfect. We were mopping it up with the bread. The scallop ceviche was not only fresh and delicious, the aguachile sauce had the perfect amount of heat. The liberty duck Milanese is a can't miss...it was crunchy and perfectly cooked. The miso lemon clams were delightful. I loved the presentation of the hood soy in the broth. The service was attentive, the atmoshpere is lively, the wines paired perfectly with the menu. A must try.

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11. MG

    MaxG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Had 5 plates, in case you aren’t aware already, everything is tapas style and had dessert. Had the three plates everyone recommended. In order of OK to great: Anchovy toast. Too much lime in the mash and not enough anchovy. I’ve seen pics with whole pieces but ours hade a small, half per piece. Bone marrow. Not sure what the mushrooms brought and the topping of lots of whole red peppercorns was too much. Chips and dip. Great flavor profile and combo. Just enough dill in the cream to give the salty roe and chips an herby quality. Chips are very thin so don’t try as use as dippers. Scallop Ceviche. Absolutely great. Had small whole slices of a sweet citrus and what I can only guess was dehydrated toasted tiny pieces of habanero. I know the menu changes but man this was great and cannot recommend any higher. Myer Lemon Clams. As someone who isn’t a huge fan of clams I was a bit skeptical but the gf is from the east coast and really wanted it. This was the highlight. Lots of clams. Had a roasted flavor to them that made the broth’s flavor layered. The hodo soy ribbons really absorbed the flavor without getting mushy and the small greens gave a great crunchy texture. Absolutely brilliant dish. Had the anchovy tamarind caramel ice cream. The parts with the pulverized anchovy mixed with the nuts was great. The whole small dehydrated fish, about 4 of them was definitely something that I would understand people, like the gf, stating it was too much for the sweetness to balance out. Service was attentive, pleasant and available. The mostly instrumental funk music was a bit loud but those were all awesome tracks. I would recommend to one and all.

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience2

    Food was just ok. Dishes were hit or miss and inconsistent

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13. SB

    SeanB

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food, very unique menu and updated daily. Staff were amazing and will definitely return.

    Report
14. w

    wilma

    San Francisco

    46 reviews

    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great, warm outdoor seating and fantastic food. Love every dish especially seafood stew.

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15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience3

    We were rushed out like a factory assembly line, plates arrived in minutes, staff removed wine glasses half full. What on Earth? The anchovies in the tin, and the diners in the wallet. I’ve never felt the pressure to leave, hurry up and go. Bleh. Oh well, there’s plenty of people who will overpay for what is really a roadside diner experience.

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16. DS

    DrewS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was our first time here and we really enjoyed the food. Staff were very friendly and answered any questions we had The anchovy toast was a favorite

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17. S

    Shane

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic little restaurant. Some of the freshest seafood we have had in some time. Recommend this for a nice date night out

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18. LB

    LindaB

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We thoroughly enjoyed everything about our dinner. The food is complex but not fussy and absolutely delicious. The flavors, textures and presentation are carefully considered. There are unusual flavor combinations but don't be afraid of dishes like ice cream sundaes with anchovies; it works! The servers were friendly and knowledgeable. Our server was great about making suggestions and guiding us about how much to order. We also enjoyed sitting at the counter overlooking the prep area. The restaurant is small but not crowded and the decor is subtle but sophisticated. Can't wait to go back!

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19. JP

    JennP

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Outstanding food and the service was wonderful. Thank you to the whole team!

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20. T

    Taytay

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food is amazing! Try the Ceviche and Trout Roe chip and dip

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21. AN

    AmyN

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    It was a wonderful dining experience. The food , service and atmosphere were outstanding, but the restaurant had zero smugness which was nice. Truly loved it. Music was a tiny bit too obvious; my only complaint….

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This place is great. If you are a seafood lover, it’s a must-try!

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23. s

    supersilversurfer

    Pittsburgh

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Anchovy Bar punches far above the weight you’d expect from a basically kitchenless, stoveless little wine and seafood bar. And every punch lands perfectly, fresh oysters enhanced by a sparkling furmint from Hungary, anchovy toast and a low ABB negroni fugazi, and on and on. Sincere and friendly and super knowledgeable staff make it all work, with Chef Stuart dropping in to shuck and jive and say hi. Just perfect. So go. Go often.

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24. WN

    WilliamN

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Great Food! Our third time at the Anchovy Bar and love it! Everything is very fresh! thank you!

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25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic experience - will definitely return again soon

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26. DL

    DonnaL

    San Francisco

    28 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Anchovy Bar was a fun venue with some inventive dishes. Really enjoyed this as a pre-opera dining adventure a little away from Hayes Valley. The Anchovy Toast and bone marrow were especially delicious. Found the red wine list by the glass to be a bit limited and not to our taste, so I will bring my own bottle the next time.

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27. BM

    BarbaraM

    Portland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Great service, food and wine delicious! I would recommend.

    Report
28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food! Highly recommend coming here

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29. k

    kurtdismas

    San Francisco

    41 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    food is fabulous. every dish shined. waitstaff is superb. treat yourself.

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Incredible food

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31. O

    Oly22

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience1

    The food here is actually quite good, but the portions are ridiculously small - especially since they encourage people to eat family style. Everyone in our party left a little hungry. Our bill came to $57/person or so which, given our recent dining experiences in SF, suggests that Anchovy Bar has room to increase some menu item prices if they increase the portion sizes. The service was frustrating. Our server was quite attentive, and knowledgeable . . . until we were done eating. Once we passed on dessert, we couldn't get her to look at our table, let alone process our bill. Meanwhile, the food dishes came out one on top of the other. There was no sense of pacing. Given the small portions, it might have been wise to slow our pace down so that we would feel more full. Finally, we requested indoor seating to be warm. But the restaurant door was left open the entire time, and the indoor room did not appear to be heated. This has to be the first restaurant I have been to at which it is warmer to sit outside (with heated lamps) than inside. I never unzipped my jacket, let alone took it off, during the meal. Bottom-line: Anchovy Bar has real potential, but it needs to focus on the basic fundamentals of diner comfort, portion size, and consistent service all the way to the end.

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Glad to have this exceptional spot in the neighborhood! Always a treat.

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33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was fresh and presented creatively; anchovy was not respected fish but after last night - my opinion changes; staff was knowledgable and friendly and attentive- but pricey but still a good value on what was presented; expected as much from a legacy of a great chef

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34. W

    Whatadisappointment

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    I honestly don’t know what the fuss is about. The food was very good, some dishes inventive, but overall it was disappointing after hearing all of the hype. The $21 albacore dish is a kick in the teeth, 4 thin slices of pleasantly seasoned tuna that in total might weigh 2 ounces. On the positive side the anchovy toast and the uni were very good. Service was rushed, felt like they wanted to get the table turned but the restaurant was only half full. Not worth the $.

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35. l

    ladymissjess

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a great time! A great meal! Great service! Loved our corner table!

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Caribbean

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and experience.

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37. E

    Empress

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience4

    It says all when ice cream dessert was the best of the meal! Very disappointing experience compare to it’s sister’s restaurant, State of the Bird and Progress. We had 5 different plates but non did its justice for the delicate ingredient’ accompanied by so not complementary adage, literally ruined it! The most expensive on the menu, guacamole uni was a disaster ruining with awful sauce with avocado mush. Had I not seen the beautifully shaped and color, I could not have guessed it had uni in it. Prosciutto was on greasy, I don’t know what and the cheese sauce was too strong that you can’t even taste the meat which was mushy again. Red wine by glass choices were poor and limited.

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38. RC

    RonC

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Food & service were outstanding but this place is REALLY expensive for tapas-sized dishes even by San Francisco standards. The anchovies and oysters were exquisite and almost worth tapping into a HELOC.

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39. M

    Matt

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    Food was mediocre. Very expensive. Service just ok.

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40. JM

    JonathonM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food. Great service. Loved all of it. Will return.

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