Martuni's
A casual crowd converges at this piano lounge bordering the Castro.
Message from Martuni's
Martuni's is a piano bar offering a different style of jazz, standards, contemporary and showtunes. Guests enjoy a wide variety of martini selections, including the chocolate martini, cosmo martini, mango melon martini and lemon drop, to name a few.
Editorial by Citysearch
The SceneA horseshoe-shaped bar--backed by marble-like columns, mirrors and a flower arrangement--is the centerpiece of the small front room. There is no overhead lighting; instead, a stained-glass window, two torch lamps and candles resting atop high tables provide minimal illumination. Through a curtain to the right of the bar, a back room offers additional seating and a piano (music is played Sun-Thu 9:30pm-1am; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-8:30pm and 9:30pm-1am).
The Draw
After work, this place attracts a laid-back, 30-and-up crowd; the black pantsuit-clad waitstaff is typically more dressed up than the clientele. As the night progresses, folks filter in to hear a piano man play everything from show tunes to Billy Joel ditties. There's wine and a few tap brews, but the martini menu compels with inventive concoctions and twists on old-fashioned favorites, like a pear-infused Tom Collins (dubbed the "Wet Collins"). All drinks are served with complimentary snack mix.
Key Points
- Piano Bar
- Variety of Martinis
- Jazz, Standards and Show Tunes
The Inside Scoop
- When to Go - Arrive 30 minutes before a performance to nab a stool around the piano.
- Know Before You Go - Martuni's is known as a gay bar, but straights will feel welcome here, too.
- What to Drink - A classic gin martini complements Martuni's throwback decor.
Insider Pages Reviews for Martuni's
Martuni's is an old-fashioned piano bar, complete with older gay men singing around the piano, and it makes a fine stop after a show in the city. You almost feels as if you've stepped into a bygone era (only without the fear of "decency" raids). It's a sophisticated atmosphere, but the price for one of their signature drinks is hardly high-class--$4 for the best and strongest martini you have ever had. Do not attempt to operate heavy machinery after one. Do not attempt to stand upright after two. The crowd is primarily, though by no means exclusively gay, male, and graying. If you have problems with any of those categories, this place might not be for you. The quality and style of the music varies.
PROS: A cheap drunk
CONS: Parking--but really, you shouldn't be driving
Posted 07/31/05 | Report Abuse
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Wow. I have never purchased a drink with more alcohol in it than the gin martini that I had from here. Somehow it was still flavorful, too--I wish I understood how that worked. Unfortunately, the combination of taste and potency means that an after-dinner session at Martuni's may easily lead to an embarrassing night! Reasonably priced with a slightly darkened atmosphere.
Posted 06/29/05 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Not great
by lawbuzz18
The drinks here are great, although expensive. It's one of those places where you can count on dropping $7-$10 for a few martinis, then you will spill 80% of the contents on the way back to your group. Rude guests, non-existent seating, and, inexplicably, it can be impossible to get a drink. This place is a firetrap - I was literally wondering what would happen in the event of a fire. Can't imagine it meets fire code. If you enjoy spilling your drinks and begging for another one, and enjoy being elbowed and slapped by gesturing drunk partiers, and standing around for four or five hours waiting for a table, this place is for you. They really need to serve the guests faster - after a few drinks the claustrophobic atmosphere is less noticeable.
Pros: Good cocktails
Cons: Impossible service; no room to walk, let alone sit
Posted 04/10/09
hihi
by CSMobileUser
meh could have been better. i don't think i'll go back the food was about the same as olive garden but for 5 dollars more
Pros: Example: best croissants in town
Cons: What are the drawbacks?
Posted 04/02/09
Martuni's
by lovenola
Great place!---took some friends there and had a blast in the piano bar singin along all night!
Hey...if the owner got mad at you for standing in the service area, then stop standing
there and get a clue! I have worked in the bar industry for over 25 years, and one of the most obnoxious
things you can do is block the service area. Think how irritating it would be if someone was standing right in
the middle of YOUR work space!
Pros: Lively atmosphere on the weekends!
Cons: Crowded
Posted 06/22/08
rude owner!!
by johaninni
The most rude and obnoxious owner i ever had the misfortune of meeting. Was repeatedly and purposely knocked into and bumped by him just for "overhanging" into the service bar area. When confronted, started an argument with me and my friends (who i brought there from out of town) instead of just nicely asking us to move over a bit.....will not be back here!
Posted 06/15/08
Best Martini's in San Francisco!!
by sfcitygal6
If you want amazing martini's, an awesome staff and a great piano bar, then run to Martuni's! This place gets better every time I go there.
Pros: drinks, music, wait staff
Cons: smoke sometimes drifts in
Posted 07/12/07
Cozy, Classy Jazz Joint
by dancergirl21
This place is very cool. When you're here, you can feel like you're in a cozy little up-scale jazz joint in a movie ... People line up to sing at the grand piano and everyone looks and listens on - it's quite the moment! This place has style, and a whole menu of songs that you can sing. I like that both the inexperienced and experienced alike can feel comfortable giving singing a go in a non-karaoke, warm, and stylish environment.
Pros: Cool Atmosphere
Cons: Not good for large groups
Posted 10/03/06
Great People, Great Workers, Great Music, AWESOME DRINKS! I Love It!
by littlejj
I love Martunis! I have been going to Martunis for a little over a year, and I love it. The crowd is a very diversed type crowd, and the people all seem to be very nice. I have met tons of new friends by just going to Martunis to have a nice drink. In addition, all the waiters are very nice and energentic. They definitely know how to do their jobs well, and make your experience even better. The drinks also come out quick, because they are doing their jobs very well. I have got to become firends with many of them. They are very warm and friendly, and love to communicate. The drinks are also very amazing. My favorite is the Cherry Blossom, Apricot, Sour Green Apple, and Fig, but all the other Martinis are just as good! I also love listening to the Piano performers play and sing songs. Also multiple people come into the bar to sing, and many of them have beautiful voices. It is a very fun experience sitting in the back room, so if you go for the first time I recommened checking it out. You will have a lot of fun. It is a nice place to bring your friends, go with your family, or even relax by yourself. Stop by and check it out :)
Pros: Drinks, People, Waiters
Cons: I cannot think of any honestly!
Posted 09/17/06
I dont get it
by skelley01
I never got why this place attracted so many people. They possibly serve the worse cocktails Ive ever had and with the most attitude. There cocktail list is not only simple and unimaginative but just disgusting. Every drink they call a 'martini' which is wrong but we wont get into the specifics and definitions now- every drink is mixed with a flavor of pucker. I.e. 'Pineapple-tini, Raspberry-tini' Gross. The classic cocktails I have had been poorly mixed, too expensive, and generally served with an attitude. I thought it would be best to go simple but a Hendricks rocks and vodka/tonic ran me 17 dollars last time. A little much? Most definitely.
Pros: clean, conveinent location
Cons: expensive and snooty, poorly mixed cocktail, dark, close quarters
Posted 10/21/05
User review by ajcpaint
by ajcpaint
The best martini in the city. The place to go to if you want a fabulous martuni, I mean martini.
Posted 09/24/05
For Professional Drinkers Only!
by howudoinsf
A dark lounge located on the edge of the Castro, Martuni's is a great place to unwind with a serious cocktail. The main room is centered upon a pretty backlit bar and surrounded by cocktail tables. Moving into the backroom is a piano lounge which seems to be a bit less busy until the music starts. Service is very professional, I tossed down a chocolate martini and two metropolitans and were feeling them later on, they pour with a heavy hand! Once the music started, the piano lounge got busy and some very talented customers entertained the crowd. Stop by Martunis if you need a relaxing evening with a potent cocktail...
Pros: Stiff Drinks, Piano Lounge
Cons: Stumbling home
Posted 09/25/03
happy place
by dizzybird
it's a place where all rules are broken and craziness happens!
Pros: BIG MARTINIS, $3 well-drinks, CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN
Posted 08/14/03
Protect your Martini at Martuni's
by jdaniel
The consistent experience at Martuni's is that someone always spills your drink. The place is generally overcrowded and overserved. The stool-jammed space leaves you nowhere to escape and enjoy such good hooch. Trashed patrons are forever lined up for the too few restrooms located right in the main highway to the piano room. Beyond the novelty of the place, the entertainment is generally worth skipping unless you're a friend of the marginally talented 'performers.' Go early and enjoy a martini, then do yourself a favor and head to Mecca where you can drink and socialize with atmosphere and comfort.
Pros: Great drinks, Reasonable prices
Cons: Small, Crowded space, Bad cabaret
Posted 07/13/03
Tangy Tini's for Stella
by Stella_Starlight
Delectable, delicious, darling, dulce, delightful, lovely, luscious, pleasurable, exquisite, erotic.
Posted 12/12/02
The Thinking Mans Martini!
by yusuf
I was a british holiday maker in San Francisco, and discovered Martuni's. It's the most amazing camp place I have ever gone to. The people who go there are quite delightful. I found myself being chatted up by numerous people (probably to do with my english accent!). The bar staff are excellent (especially Glen, who is divine), but most importantly the Martinis are excellent. What makes this place so unique, is that you can sit in the front area to drink and talk to people or you can sit at the back room, where the piano player plays while people take it in turns to sing show tunes! Quite simply the best place in San Francisco.
Pros: Martinis, Great Bar staff, meeting people
Posted 10/20/02
Popeye, where are you...
by foggyfog
Damn this place is hot! After drinking two of the most fabulous martinis in the world (thanks Glen) I have been accused of behaving like Olive Oil (under the influence of Brutus). The staff/owners (Chip & Skip in particular) are amazingly charming (by dutifully trying to be un-charming) and take very good care of their guests. It's a very cozy piano bar with a fantastic show every Thursday & Saturday. Joseph Magdalana can kick out any tune you can dream up and is graciously willing to let amateurs sing at the mic. (Please don't take advantage of his kindness if you are drunk - you'll be the only one who thinks you're cute singing and slobbering while inebriated.) The crowd is a nice mix of class and queens, which makes for a great time whether you're gay or straight.
Enjoy!
Pros: service, excellent drinks, easy parking
Posted 07/01/02
The Best
by Payton
I love Martuni's the drinks are yummy and the atmosphere is always fun and lively!
Posted 06/12/02
Oh Dear
by MarkeBieschke_Citysearch
2 martuni's and I'm up there singing on the piano -- a true gem in the City, with the most gracious waiters, always willing to call me up when I leave my purse behind after they roll me into a cab...
Posted 05/20/02