Bitters Bock & Rye

San Francisco, United States

3.8

Closed now

21 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 415-440-4490
Website:
www.bittersbockandrye.com
Address:
1117 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109
b/t Hemlock St & Post St
Lower Nob Hill
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.5 miBig Bus Tours Stop 7, Civic Center
0.6 miBig Bus Tours Stop 6, Hilton Hotel
0.6 miBig Bus Tours Stop 16, Union Square North
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Good For
Brunch, Late Night
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Casual
Noise Level
Average
Music
Background
Good For Dancing
No
Alcohol
Full Bar
Happy Hour
Yes
Best Nights
Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check
No
Smoking
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
Yes
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
Yes
Has Pool Table
No

Today

Today 11:00 am – 1:30 am
Closed now
Local time (San Francisco) 8:48 AM Friday, November 29, 2024

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 1:30 am
Tuesday 11:00 am – 1:30 am
Wednesday 11:00 am – 1:30 am
Thursday 11:00 am – 1:30 am
Friday 11:00 am – 1:30 am
Saturday 10:00 am – 1:30 am
Sunday 10:00 am – 1:30 am

Description

Specialties

Watch the Super Bowl here!

Bitters Bock & Rye is a unique BBQ restaurant and bar where you can enjoy everything from southern-​style fried okra, house-​smoked BBQ brisket, southern-​style BBQ ribs, jalapeño margaritas (with house-​smoked jalapeño-​infused tequila), we brew beer, clever cocktails (like juleps done with Honey whiskey, maple whiskey old-fashioned’s with BACON-​salted rims, and many more), the list goes on.

Catering: We do high quality party catering. American and Barbeque (BBQ).

For event rental: The venue boasts a large bar/​taproom (open on Polk St.), a large capacity restaurant with its own bar, and even has a unique private party room with its own bar and bathroom facilities.

Open for ALL SPORTS! 15 TVs, Football: Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, and both college and NFL football games on weekends, brunch on the weekends with Bloody Marys, and Bottomless Mimosas. Barbecue (BBQ) food all day as well.

The lounge area is great for parties and corporate happy hours. Barbecue (BBQ) for large groups and catering available as well.

Official Michigan Bar!

All sports: Super Bowl, NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, NCAA games!

History

Established in 2013.

Bitters Bock & Rye. In the former Maharani restaurant space, the tap room (1117 Polk St.) opened in April 2013.

The space is large. Connected to 3 rooms (a taproom, restaurant, and private event room) with over 250 person capacity. The tap room is fun nightlife and sports bar spot with a full bar and food. The restaurant has a full menu and can accommodate large parties. There will also be beer brewed on-​site and there are over 12 beers on tap.

The owners are Ron Kirkpatrick (Blur) and his wife Holly, along with Shannon Henne and Jon Boswell – previously owned Tonic, and Tongue and Groove together.

Meet the Business Owner

Ron K.

Business Owner

The owners are Ron Kirkpatrick (Blur) and his wife Holly, along with Shannon Henne and Jon Boswell – previously owned Tonic, and Tongue and Groove together.

Bitters Bock & Rye also recommends

Blur

325

reviews

Lounges

,

American (New)

,

Dive Bars

Ron K. says,

«Great spot for an after dinner drink or pre-​dinner happy hour!»

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21 reviews of Bitters Bock & Rye

No registration required
Place rating: 5
San Leandro, CA
We just had our annual company celebration here and had a blast. Shannon was responsive throughout the planning process. The best part was how flexible they were, they allowed photo booth & karaōke since our party was not too late in the night. Brian was so attentive whenever we needed more food & helped me set up the karaōke. Food was delish and they had full bar service. Will definitely consider bringing our team back here.
Place rating: 2
San Francisco, CA
Two stars only because the server was nice. Other than that the food was horrible, and took forever, on a not busy evening. I ordered the brisket sandwich. Over ¾ of the meat was pure fat, and it was cold. Not that that much fat would be good warm.
Go here for drinks maybe an appetizer, but stay away from a dinner or group for dinner. There are much better bbq options all over the city.
Place rating: 5
San Anselmo, CA
Great bar. Even better food. Bartender and owner were great. Awesome place to watch the game. Maybe could have better lighting, lol.
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
I haven’t had a bad meal in this city, but I was in there last night with a group and I have to say the food was pretty tasteless, inconsistent, and the service was really slow for some simple whiskey pours when we were the only people in there. Bad food + bad service= bad business
Had pretty much the entire menu from ribs, the meat plate, catfish, deviled eggs, fried okra, brisket, fried chicken, watery coleslaw, octopus etc. I’m surprised they called it an octopus dish when it had little microscopic pieces mixed in with tomato and bread.
Whiskey was good, but anyone can pour a drink from a bottle. I judge how good a place is on if I would go back, and this place is a no.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
I’ll go 4 stars on this one. The service was spot on and friendly. The chopped brisket sandwich was delicious and the portion was fair. The sweet potato fries were good and the portion size was generous. The cole slaw was whatever, but I don’t care much about cole slaw, so it didn’t matter much.
My friend Jon P.‘s ribs were just okay from what he said.
Had a living social deal to sweeten the experience and that is what drew me in to visit and check this place out for the first time.
I wanted to try the guilty fries. Maybe next time…
It looks like a decent place to watch sports.
Place rating: 4
Stockton, CA
Smoked jalepeno magarita– You got me. You got me good. It was NYE and the last thing I remember was the taste of your hot and spicy rim…
Place rating: 3
South San Francisco, CA
I like the concept of this bar, and they’ve got some down-​to-​earth people working, but they’re kind of clueless about what bottles they have, and service can be really slow at the bar. They’re also out of several of the bottles they have on their list, so don’t assume that they have everything. I really like the food, but it’s heavy as heck. It reminds me of old miner’s plates. Lots of bean, pork, and neon yellow cheese. It’s not bad at all, especially the guilty fries and mac and cheese, but it’s super heavy. Cocktails are strong, and prices aren’t terrible, but it’s slow going here.
Place rating: 5
Hayward, CA
Bartender set the entire mood for this REVIEW! THANK YOU DAME!!! Very Whiskey knowledgeable, outstanding hosts whom enjoys a variety of people. Knows how to really work bar and still entertain each party. Drinks amazing! Most importantly I can’t stop thinking about food! Our waiter was defiantly top notch funny, hipster wearing a cool ZITTLES shirt. I forgot his name but really wanted to say thank you! Can’t wait til my next visit!
Place rating: 4
Fresno, CA
Four of us had a little time to kill early on a Saturday evening. We stopped in for drinks, and some snacks. The drinks were outstanding! It didn’t hurt that we hit the happy hour pricing either I guess… Definitely need to try the Maple old fashioned, with bacon on the rim of the glass! Seriously, a drink with bacon? I was very happy. :) — We also enjoyed our selection of deviled eggs, Ceasare salad, and great barbecue pork sandwiches. You should check this place out!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Wondering about that Health Inspection Notice posted on this site?
So was I. I’m updating my review not because my opinion on this place has changed (I still love it, still think the food and atmosphere fantastic, still appreciate the great customer service by bartenders and servers), but because I thought the notice needed explanation.
My husband wanted to use their event space (it’s great for gatherings, even has its own sound system – check it out) for his 40th birthday, but was put off by the notice. We inquired and got an immediate, very thorough response that was corroborated by an e-​mail exchange between BB&R and the Health Department, which they attached for confirmation.
TLDR: in my opinion, looking at this evidence, BB&R is ENTIRELY safe to eat in, and the notice can be attributed to significant amounts of bureaucratic red tape and snail-​paced city action.
The longer explanation: The score was from back in February, when small repairs were needed in the building (an area of ceiling in a non food prep area of the basement was damaged, more freon was needed for a fridge, and a drain sink needed fixing). Those repairs were made the same day, being minor. The health inspector came back out and noted that the corrections were made, but said a new inspection couldn’t happen for six months. It’s now been 10 months and, because of city cuts, no one has come back for re-​inspection. BB&R has phoned and e-​mailed the city requesting re-​inspection, but the response is that they are shorthanded and unable to keep up with requests. Nonetheless, Unilocal rules mandate that the notice remain.
I think this is all massively unfair. Return to BB&R, people! In a way, it’s your own, small rebellion against civic bullshit.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Cons include that this bar is on the smaller side, with limited seating.
We watched a college football game here though and had a good experience. I was impressed by their food. It was beyond your average bar food for taste. Had the brisket sandwich (with sliced brisket instead of chopped) which I highly recommend! The brisket was tender, smoky, flavorful. Comes with cole slaw which was just so-​so and homemade potato chips which were nice and crispy. We also had the fried okra which was cooked with long strips of okra deep fried in batter. Also good overall.
I have to give it a 4 based on the brisket sandwich and the fact that my team won a thriller of a game when I was there, which probably made the bar seem better to me by association =)
Place rating: 3
San Jose, CA
Came here with a few friends to watch the Michigan game a couple of weekends ago. They had specials, including Coney dogs! That’s the first time I’ve seen that on a menu in California.
To start off the day, I ordered an Irish coffee. There was something weird about the taste, like they used Vodka or something else. Anyway, it tasted different from how I’ve usually had them, so it was a little tough to drink. We ordered the Wolverine Wings (16) to split. Not bad! A little too saucy, but it was the right amount of heat. Finally, I go the brisket sandwich. The meat itself was good and the potato chips also weren’t bad. But the cole slaw was terrible. It tasted like chemicals — I couldn’t put my finger on it, but after a couple of small bites, I was done trying.
The saving grace was the service. Even though the place is small, it was PACKED, and our waitress was prompt and attentive. I think I’ll give BBR a second chance, given that it’s a Michigan bar.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
This restaurant/​bar was perfect for 11 pm on a Wednesday. My friend just moved here that day so we had gone out on polk street and were SO HUNGRY. We were searching for good food and stumbled upon this lovely little place.
The bartender was really friendly and immediately helped up once we sat down. We ordered the deviled eggs and the pulled pork Mac and Cheese. The mac was UNREAL. Wish i had taken a picture but was way too excited to put this cheesy deliciousness in my mouth. The deviled eggs were really yummy too. There was a variety of three different kinds of eggs, which I have never heard of before. One was bacon-​y, one was cheese-​y and one tasted cole slaw-​y. All were great but the cheese one was my favorite!
Didn’t get a chance to try the drinks but I would come back for sure!
Place rating: 3
El Cerrito, CA
I’ve been here several times for lunch, since my office is nearby. Don’t get me wrong, I like Bitters — but feel that it’s been hit or miss in my past couple experiences recently.
The first time, I ordered the brisket sandwich and it was off the hook amazing. Big sandwich, filled with brisket on a bun. I was very happy with my order. Second time, I talked it up and went back to order the same sandwich with a few of my coworkers. They served them on smaller slider buns with a tiny amount of very dry and over cooked brisket. I vowed never again, let’s try something new.
So on my third try, I ordered the chicken sandwich. It was just ok and not anywhere near the smoked brisket of my first time. The last time I went with the Shrimp Po’ Boy which was delicious. Every time I go, I pick the greens with brisket ends as my side, they are awesome.
Since it’s more expensive than my usual lunch time spots ($ 15 – 25), I don’t come as frequently as I used to. I’ll have to check out their Happy Hour soon.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Their BBQ sauce program brought me here, but I ended up more impressed by the sides than the sauces or ribs. Order food at the bar then #seatyoself. 4th star for service.
SAUCES (
)
(^_​^) BBR
Closest to what everyday people #slyfamilystone #arresteddevelopment imagine as BBQ sauce.
(-_​^) South Carolina Mustard
More like hi-​power mustard than BBQ sauce. For bold (read: drunk) taste buds.
(-_​^) Texas
Ehh.
(-_​-​) Carolina Mop Sauce
More watery, sourer, less nuance than what I had in Carolina.
FOOD
(^_​^) Fried Okra (
)
Uncut. Dug the buttermilkish batter style.
(^_​^) Baby Octopus (
)
Semisweet. Looks like a big dish but eats lightly. #twss
(^_​^) Iced Tea (
)
I must have this.
(^_​^) Coleslaw (
)
Liquid turns pale purple. Kinda fun.
(^_​^) Service
«Just» a bar yet with better service than some full-​fledged restos.
(-_​^) Ribs (
)
Ok. Not moist but not arid. I’ll probably skip them in the future.
(?_​?) Hush Puppies
Don’t know. They were out when I went.
I wouldn’t say no to returning any time of day — lunch, dinner, brunch… whenever.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Good food, food service, free wifi, good atmosphere
FOOD:
Chicken sliders
Fish n chips
Mac n cheese
Place rating: 4
Redwood City, CA
I thought this place was most definitely above average as far as a dining establishment/​bar goes. A group of six of us came in after a puzzle game and sat upstairs.
We ordered a variety of meats, salads, and an order of poppers. Everything deep fried was good, and not super greasy. The Finding Nemo and whole chicken were both very good. The salad came with a very good amount of salmon, and the chicken was well seasoned and cooked.
The service was super friendly and the restaurant had a very laid back relaxed vibe. One of the pillows we had on the bench had a strange white crust on it. Either someone had way too much fun with their whole chicken, or someone spilled some ranch. Either way, it probably should have been cleaned.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Last night we had invites to a special client event and then to the invitation only Academy of Arts Graduation Fashion Show on Van Ness. We hit the client event first and had a little too much fun, so we were late to the fashion show — thus we couldn’t get in (filled to capacity and the fire marshall out his foot down).
So what do you do? You go get a drink, that’s what.
Walking down Post we spied upon Bitters, a place we had been by before and were intrigued but we had never stopped. So tonight was the night.
Sitting at the bar we received prompt service (though the guy in the adjoining seat seemed bothered that we sat next to him). The bartender was friendly and engaging, let my wife sample a rose, and discussed rye with me. We ordered the rose and a rye Manhattan and he even asked what level of sweetness (amount of vermouth) I preferred.
When he returned with my well made cocktail we asked him for recommendations on food. He politely gave us the rundown and we selected the «baby» size sampler plate with lean brisket, pulled pork, bacon wrapped sausage, baked beans, and slaw. We found all the items to be tasty and flavorful — particularly the bacon wrapped dog.
The amount of food was plenty since we had nibbles at the client event (glad we ordered the baby size). The service was timely — not too fast and not too slow. The cocktails were well made — had 2, each with a different rye per his recommendation. And the wine was a nice size pour.
We will definitely go back. I wavered on 4 or 5 stars, but stuck to my rule that I will rarely give a 5 star review based on only 1 visit unless the place completely blows me away. So after future visits, they just might ear the fifth star.
Place rating: 3
San Mateo, CA
We came here as a group of 10+ (people stopping by to say hi) for someone’s birthday. This is not suited for large parties but they squished us into a corner with tables side by side and none of us had a problem with it. I was part of the group that actually sat and ate. The service was okay. You can tell they aren’t used to big groups which is okay but drinks were empty for a while and food came slowly.
We arrived and were seated at the end of happy hour so we got a couple of the happy hour appetizers. There were three type of deviled eggs (for $ 1 each during hh) and the bacon one was definitely the best one by far. We also shared mini potato fritters with the whole table and grilled baby octopus. I’ve never had potato fritters before and it was interesting but I don’t know that I’d order it again (because I don’t like onions). The grilled baby octopus was pretty good though (if you’re into that) and came with a refreshing corn/​pico salsa type thing. The chicken pot pie was not what I expected and pretty watery which made it a little bland and not very good. The biscuits weren’t bad though.
Overall it’s a decent place but there wasn’t anything too spectacular for me.
Place rating: 4
Paris
Un barbecue dans les règles de l’art. Un accueil très chaleureux, des cocktails de haut vol, une ambiance tamisée ou l’on se sent bien. Et que dire des plats si ce n’est bienvenue en Amérique, ou la viande sous toutes ses formes règne !
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Always on the lookout for good BBQ spots in the city, Bitters Bock & Rye was something we had been looking forward to trying, especially since we saw that they were open late. We made our way over to Nob Hill around 10pm and were seated immediately in the back room with the bar.
I expected great things from the bbq meats but they turned out to just be average. I have definitely had better from other local bbq spots. What I wasn’t expecting was to have one of the best cocktails and the best cornbread around. The maple rye old fashioned with bacon was so good that I want to learn how to make it at home. The cornbread was also amazing with a great taste, a nice crust and just the right consistency.
Overall, I would come back here, but it would not be for the bbq. Try that drink because it is amazing. «I’m a fan.»