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Maven

Maven

(Now Closed)
Cocktail Bar and American Restaurant$$$$
Lower Haight, San Francisco
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    Has a stamp of approval from Eater and SFGate
    • Eater
    • SFGate
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  • Chris M.
    Chris MessinaFebruary 25, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    The Maven Bloody Mary is unique. It's not too spicy but has a soft heat. Topped with picked fennel and tiny pickles, the flavor leans towards a watery V8, rather than Tabasco. Worth a try. 👌🏻
  • Bohdan H.heart icon on user image
    Bohdan HnatkovskyyJune 14, 2015
    This place is known for sliders and cocktails. Choose the option starter + cocktail and you will be really happy. Cocktails are more likely authentic than modern, it is important to understand.
  • Mike W.heart icon on user image
    Mike WinstonDecember 15, 2014
    I'm not a big salad guy, but that brunch Smoked Trout Salad was insanely good, especially with The Maven Bloody Mary and luxurious Billionaire's Bacon. Read all about my visit on WinstonWanders below! Read more
  • SFist
    SFistJanuary 25, 2017
    A classy, delicious, and unique twist on the form comes in the Maven Bloody, served only at brunch, which includes basil, balsamic vinegar, Tabasco, horseradish, and house-made pickles. Read more
  • Michael A.heart icon on user image
    Michael AldereteJuly 25, 2018
    Been here 50+ times
    The Maven burger is terrific. Even better, there’s a happy special, burger and draft beer for the same price. 5:30-6:30pm and 10:30-11:30pm.
  • Thomas E.
    Thomas EdwardsNovember 23, 2014
    Fantastic date spot with an amazing cocktail menu that's always changing. The food is delicious & if you're not there for a date, you can enjoy the lovely sights. You know what I'm talking about.
  • Eater
    EaterJanuary 13, 2017
    Snuggle up to Maven's fireplace, which is tucked in the loungey upstairs corner, with any of the cocktail haven's stellar drinks. Read more
  • SFist
    SFistAugust 8, 2014
    It's one of those "why aren't more people doing this?" situations: The secret to Maven's delicious and uniquely spiced burger is a few dashes of Angostura bitters, which goes right into the meat. Read more
  • Eater
    EaterJuly 10, 2013
    Whether you're in for a burger and a cocktail or a five-course extravaganza with drink pairings, you'll leave satisfied, and the buzzing energy of the dining room is hard to resist. [Eater 38 Member]
  • Eater
    EaterJuly 30, 2012
    Communal tables, huge living wall, and culinary cocktails may be everything that's hip in San Francisco dining right now, but Maven is, above all, a great neighborhood restaurant. [Eater 38 Member]
  • Danielle F.
    Danielle FOctober 26, 2014
    Great cocktails at this spot. Brunch was smaller than I was expecting for the price point, but everything was still tasty. Get here early on the weekends otherwise you will be waiting.
  • Thrillist
    ThrillistJanuary 4, 2012
    The menu at Maven pairs every single dish with a cocktail and beer/wine option, like the tremendous Global Warming (a gin/sake/lemon cocktail topped with a floating absinthe sorbet). Read more
  • David R.heart icon on user image
    David RFebruary 25, 2017
    Really great for date night or a small group of friends. Excellent cocktails, small bites, and ambiance. Upstairs is a great view if it's not rented out.
  • Jenny
    JennyDecember 8, 2014
    I was once standing near the kitchen when one of the waiters came out and offered me the extra duck sliders that no one ordered. That was awesome. But I would totally have paid for them, yum.
  • AskMen
    AskMenJanuary 11, 2012
    While you’re waiting at the bar with your International Mistress (a heady mix of amaro, lemon, mezcal, orgeat, & grapefruit) & some Chinatown duck sliders, there’s no other place you’d rather be. Read more
  • Ning M.heart icon on user image
    Ning MaOctober 7, 2012
    Try the Global Warming, Summer Kiss, or Death in the Afternoon. They use the freshest ingredients for the cocktails and food. Ask for David (owner) for recommendation on their newest food and drinks.
  • Sydney M.heart icon on user image
    Sydney MMarch 10, 2018
    One of my favorite spots with the Haight. Great for food or just for cocktails
  • Tianna J.heart icon on user image
    Tianna JohnsonOctober 25, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Not a great selection of food. Some of the small bites are good, like the duck sliders. Cocktails are fantastic! My favorite bar in the Lower Haight for overall bar and cocktails.
  • Frank K.heart icon on user image
    Frank KimDecember 4, 2014
    Duck sliders damn good, as were the crispy brussel sprouts and broccoli tempura with oyster. Had an excellent porter beer here too.
  • Brett L.heart icon on user image
    Brett LiderJuly 22, 2013
    They make an absinthe sorbet that comes in two different cocktails: Global Warming and Death in the Afternoon. Or try to order the sorbet on its own!
  • Raj S.
    Raj S.October 19, 2014
    Duck confit hash was perfect. Most of their cocktails are great but stick to the basics at brunch and go big with the whiskey after.
  • Brad T.heart icon on user image
    Brad TJanuary 1, 2015
    An outstanding cocktail program (Christmas in Oaxaca may be the best mezcal drink I ever had), strong service but the food lacked a little unfort.
  • Jenny J.heart icon on user image
    Jenny JApril 24, 2016
    Great (strong!) cocktails and always great food no matter what I've ordered 👌
  • Amy B.heart icon on user image
    Amy BSeptember 7, 2015
    Friendly, helpful employees. At least three diff people asked if we needed drinks! Nice cocktails. Low key vibe. For adults.
  • Kevin R.heart icon on user image
    Kevin RipperApril 6, 2015
    Well crafted drinks, interesting decor, and bartenders that take their product seriously. Definitely worth a trip here.
  • Billy B.
    Billy BennightOctober 27, 2013
    Great atmosphere and very attending wait staff. My oyster and mushroom omelette was stunning. Bravo drunky brunch!
  • John D.heart icon on user image
    John DohertySeptember 12, 2014
    Pretty delicious. We sat at the bar. Great cocktails and the good was fresh, service was friendly.
  • Melon L.heart icon on user image
    Melon LJuly 12, 2016
    Cocktails are killer here. The vixen and purple reign are drinks you want to never stop ordering. Quite dangerous.
  • Ni M.
    Ni MuJuly 20, 2014
    Not an official pairing, but Devil's Halo and the Coconut Panna Cotta are heavenly together
  • SFGate
    SFGateJanuary 21, 2015
    The refined food continues to standout here with 10 plated items, including dessert. The cocktails are well-made, and service is strong. Read more
  • Minjae L.heart icon on user image
    Minjae LeeJuly 11, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Chinatown duck sliders are great. Also the Kate Bolton cocktail menu is outstanding.
  • Matthew K.heart icon on user image
    Matthew KirkJune 9, 2015
    Stick with the burger. Ask for extra remoulade. Fries are good ask for them well done
  • Navin I.
    Navin IyengarFebruary 11, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    They have a cozy spot upstairs with a fireplace and easy chairs...good for a group of 4-6.
  • Francesca H.
    Francesca HernandezJuly 28, 2013
    Definitely try the duck sliders and the Maven's burger. Bartenders are awesome. Go!!!
  • Brendan C.
    Brendan CurranSeptember 10, 2014
    Big fan of the Hometown Vixen and the Original Whisperer. Orgeat's a tasty treat!
  • Andrea K.
    Andrea KuszewskiFebruary 17, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    If you want the couch by the fireplace upstairs, make a reservation for it (especially on weekends).
  • Maykel L.heart icon on user image
    Maykel LoomansNovember 6, 2016
    Been here 25+ times
    One of my top 3 favourite bars in SF.
  • Mike P.heart icon on user image
    Mike PinkowishJuly 22, 2015
    Been here 25+ times
    Cocktails, burger, salmon, and the people are all top-notch.
  • Daveheart icon on user image
    DaveNovember 15, 2015
    Good cocktails and lively atmosphere, if that's what you're going for
  • Chris H.heart icon on user image
    Chris H.November 10, 2015
    Unique cocktails. Cool environment. Social seating can be pretty awkward though.
  • Ryan T.heart icon on user image
    Ryan ThriftAugust 2, 2016
    The grilled cheese is incredible and all of the drinks were tasty!
  • Zoe♪heart icon on user image
    Zoe♪July 29, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    The Bloody Mary has a nice kick to it. Make sure you order it with tequila instead of vodka.
  • Rachel S.heart icon on user image
    Rachel SánchezJuly 1, 2016
    Great cocktails. Awesome fish and burgers. And the FRIES....
  • Rochelle M.heart icon on user image
    Rochelle McCuneJuly 8, 2017
    Been here 25+ times
    Decent cheese selection but the bread is awful - puffy white bread that can't hold up to the cheese.
  • Jess L.heart icon on user image
    Jess LMarch 11, 2016
    Great cocktails and the duck sliders are amazing.
  • Catherine B.heart icon on user image
    Catherine B.June 11, 2013
    Andrew is a great bartender. He'll make amazing recommendations!
  • Remi T.
    Remi TrangJuly 31, 2014
    Clara says: good place to start the evening with a drink and some sliders and see where the night takes you.
  • Christopher B.heart icon on user image
    Christopher BownsJanuary 9, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Pair your meal with a drink: pick a dish from the center of the menu, and a cocktail to its left or wine/beer to its right.
  • Doug P.
    Doug PetkanicsApril 15, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Upon seeing the abnormal size of the ice cubes I recommended my drink get checked out by his doctor.
  • Andy S.
    Andy SmithMay 30, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Get your whiskey with large ice and watch people eat from the mezzanine. And don't drop your silverware.
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