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Lounge - Starlite, San Francisco, CA

Starlite

4.4
4.4
178 Reviews
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 60 times today
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Thu 4:00 pm–1:00 am Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–2:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Phone number
    (415) 395-8520
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    Starlite offers dazzling private event spaces, from intimate gatherings to grand affairs, with up to 225 guests to take in the sweeping city views. To raise a glass and celebrate, message us at events@starlitesf.com or give us a ring at 415-395-8528 for more details.
  • Neighbourhood
    Financial District / Embarcadero
  • Cross Street
    Powell and Sutter
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Public transit
    Powell St Station BART, Union Square Market Street Station MUNI
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Dancing, Late Night, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access

What 178 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Starlite offers "amazing views" and a vibrant atmosphere with "fantastic cocktails" and a DJ spinning energetic tunes. The venue's "elegant ambiance" and classic San Francisco vibe make it a popular spot. The "friendly and attentive" staff contribute to a memorable experience. Great for cocktails, views, and a lively night out.

178 Reviews
  1. Erik

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really great view of the skyline, drinks are creative and taste great, fries were amazing and complimented the drinks. Plus they have matchbooks!

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  2. Victor

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a Fabulous elegant time capsule with beautiful city views, fantastic bar menu and a few small bites. Perfect for pre or post dinner cocktails. The seating and opulence make you feel like you’re in a 1920’s movie ❤️❤️❤️ Velvet couches and swivel chairs, eclectic music, rich decor and great service! Make a reservation as this gem stays busy.

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  3. Houston

    VIP

    San Francisco

    49 reviews

    2.0

    49 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent service, views, & ambiance. Drinks are good but at the higher price points. The food made me sick all evening/morning.

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  4. Martin

    Edinburgh

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice view but cocktail not great and the service was poor. The staff seem to have the mantra the customer is always wrong. My wife had a pornstar martini and this was pre-made and poured from a bottle not freshly made with the theatrics and fresh ingredients. Very poor.

    1 person found this helpful

  5. Melissa

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Stunning! The wait staff is attentive, the views unsurpassed, and the cocktails are a delight for the senses! We went at sunset and watched the city light up around us. Keep this gem in your pocket for going out with the girlfriends, a romantic evening or just your own self-care treat!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ruth

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Reservations are for 1.5 hours so just keep that in mind even though it’s a bar. We are patrons at The Beacon Grand but apparently it’s separate.

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  7. DANIELA

    Vancouver

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    unfortunately, had a very disappointing experience. We encountered condescending and rude behavior from both the waitstaff and the management. Our questions were met with eye rolls, not a single smile and dismissive answers, and it felt as though our presence was more of a nuisance than anything else. The overall atmosphere was uncomfortable, and it was clear that customer service was not a priority. We had hoped for a pleasant evening out, but the poor service overshadowed any positives. It’s disappointing to see such disregard for customer satisfaction. I hope the management takes these concerns seriously and works on improving their staff’s attitude towards patrons. Until then, I cannot recommend this place.

    1 person found this helpful

  8. Andreea

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding experience. The view at night is the best time to go. Drinks that I highly recommend are the Strawberry Grasshopper, Espresso Martini, Dirty 90’s Martini
    StarliteResponded on January 7, 2025
    Thank you for the nice review, Andreea! We're so glad you had an outstanding experience and enjoyed the stunning views—after sunset is truly a magical time to visit! We’re thrilled to hear you loved the drinks! The Strawberry Grasshopper, Espresso Martini, and Dirty 90’s Martini are some of our team favorites, too. Your recommendations mean a lot, and we’re so happy they hit the mark for you. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another exceptional visit. Cheers to more great cocktails and amazing views!

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  9. Patricia

    VIP

    San Francisco

    45 reviews

    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I was so happy that they finally opened the Starlight Room. Every holiday 3 of us lady friends get together for a drink near Union Square for the holidays. Usually we are at the Beacon Grande cocktail lounge on the mezzaine. This year we were so happy to have the Starlight Room available for our yearly "catch up". We were seated by a window with an amazing view. BUT, the music was soooo loud and boisterous that we were screaming at each other to be heard. Not at all conducive to a calm, low key, classy evening of conversation. So, we left the view and returned to our normal wonderful mezzanine bar near the lobby. That said, the redo was actually really tacky and looked like it had seen better days. Floors were dirty and scuffed, overall ambience seemed dated - almost as if they didn't really do anything, but take the sheets off the old furniture and dusted a bit. It could be spectacular, but it's fumpy and old looking.
    StarliteResponded on January 7, 2025
    Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Patricia. We're thrilled to hear that the Starlite was part of your annual tradition and that you enjoyed the breathtaking views from your table. However, we sincerely regret that the music volume did not meet your expectations for a relaxing evening. Your feedback about the atmosphere is invaluable, and we take it seriously as we strive to create an inviting and exceptional space for all our guests. We hope you'll consider giving us another opportunity to provide the kind of atmosphere you and your friends have come to cherish during the holidays. If there's anything we can do to enhance your next visit, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Please send us a DM with your email at your convenience so we may make your next visit memorable.

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  10. Andy

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Service wasn’t good enough to get me through the night but meh no really what use to be, they also charge tips without giving you a receipt! No really a place to visit!
    StarliteResponded on January 7, 2025
    Thank you for sharing your feedback, Andy. I’m so sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet the expectations we've also set as a standard at Starlite. We aim to provide excellent service and transparency for all our guests, so I deeply regret any confusion or frustration you encountered, especially regarding the tipping process and receipt. If you'd like, I can look into this further for you—please feel free to reach out directly with more details. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve, and I truly hope we’ll have the opportunity to provide you with a better experience in the future.

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Starlite is rated 4.4 stars by 178 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 60 times today
Google Map for Starlite

450 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94108-1504

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Powell and Sutter
  • Neighbourhood
    Financial District / Embarcadero
  • Hours of Operation
    Thu 4:00 pm–1:00 am Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–2:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Public transit
    Powell St Station BART, Union Square Market Street Station MUNI
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Dancing, Late Night, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access
  • Phone number
    (415) 395-8520
  • Private party facilities
    Starlite offers dazzling private event spaces, from intimate gatherings to grand affairs, with up to 225 guests to take in the sweeping city views. To raise a glass and celebrate, message us at events@starlitesf.com or give us a ring at 415-395-8528 for more details.
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