Novela

Used to come here pre-pandemic for work drinks and dates. Came here recently for a work event where my former manager rented out the space with an open bar and we hosted over 150 people. The owners were so accommodating, the service was so good (shoutout to my favorite bartender Mei.)Great food, and I love the book theme and strong, good book-inspired drinks. It's a very cool space decorated with books on the shelves.

The experience I was expecting here was completely different. I was expecting a classy lounge given all the photos and the theme of books & literature but in reality it felt more like a night club, which felt like it was off concept. The music they played was super loud and it didn't feel like a lounge I can enjoy and relax in. The drinks here were also incredibly sweet and not very strong. We ordered the Kaladin Stormblessed and Aster Grey and we couldn't finish it at all. I had to keep pouring water in mine to dilute it.The only redeeming factor is that the service here is really good! They frequently checked in on us and refilled our waters. We also came as a walk in on Valentine's Day (busiest day ever) and although reservations were preferred they still were able to find us a seat! I really appreciated the workers here.Overall most likely would not come again as this place is not really for me.

Novela has become a real SF staple after being around for 10+ years, especially impressive since it's one of the few spots downtown that made it through covid still standing. The food and cocktails have stayed consistently solid over the years, and it reliably draws a good, fun crowd--a rarity in this area.Ambience is always on point.

I came with some friends to check out Novela after work and I loved the ambiance and cocktails here. The concept of a book bar is super fun and I loved the tall bookshelves they have as decor. I ended up getting the Dr. Ian Malcolm with mezcal, persimmon and ginger. It was nice and refreshing as promised and well balanced. As we were there on a Thursday night, there were plenty of people coming from work and a couple of office happy hours around. It can definitely get a loud with the music (they were playing 00s throwbacks) and people chatting but it's a fun environment.

Came back with my roommates with reservations at 8:00 PM, and good thing we did because there were not a lot of tables available. The ambiance is always great here due to the elegant and dark decor as well as the different high top tables (which we were seated at) and lounges/couches.The menus are on QR codes on wooden signs on the tables. We really struggled to scan them because of the dim lighting and low contrast of the wood color and the code. We split the punches they had on tap -- Strawberry Mezcal, Mango Rum, Blueberry Bourbon, and vodka White Peach. My favorite was the Blueberry Bourbon, as I prefer the stronger, smokier blend of flavors and I think the fruit flavors were not overly sweet. We also ordered two orders of fries, not pictured because they were quickly consumed.Overall, had a great time and love this place a lot for a more relaxed nightlife option. Can't wait to be back!

More of a bar than a speakeasy vibe (which I had thought it was), music doesn't really match the library vibe - more trendy, pop music, so was louder and livelier than expected, which works if you're going out with a group of friends. Drinks were book themed - christopher robin was a carrot gin drink, and 2 other drinks which were a whiskey sour and also a brandy drink - they were decent, food was also a hit or miss, could have been better. Service was very friendly, and tip is included! Presentation of everything was nice and came out fast.

Came on a Saturday afternoon for cocktails and light bites. Cozy- fast service and well crafted cocktails. Speakeasy library vibes. Love it. Been here a handful of times and it's always a great experience. Until next time !

Love the vibe, low lit, elegant, library theme. Pretty big. They take reservations, but also have some limited seats for walk-ins. For drinks the Mary Lennox and the Christopher Robin was delicious and nicely balanced. The espresso martinis were ok, but I've had better. Unfortunately, they were out of several food items we wanted, however the food we did end up ordering was good (sorry was too hungry for pics ha). The croquettes were definitely the star, some of the best I ever had! I also really liked the Brussels sprouts.The servers and bartenders were friendly and attentive. They even moved us to a bigger table in the reserved section because we had ordered so much food. However, one odd thing that happened was after we had been there for at least an hour, a random gentleman working there asking my friend to remove his baseball cap. If hats aren't allowed that's fine, but that was something that should have been mentioned when we arrived.

Drinks were amazing! My boyfriend and I stopped in on all star weekend and there were themed drinks - absolutely delicious and fun play on things. Food was okay, we ordered the oysters (10/10), meatballs (4/10) - they were a little dry and hard, & Brussel sprouts (10/10)! Overall the experience was good. Ambiance and lighting was perfect for the energy and vibe. Music choices were also spot on! I recommend for a date night

Novela is a cute bar with great bites to eat! The ambiance is beautiful with books and many of the tables feel like yo user in a swanky book nook. Beyond amazed at the way this bar feels, the service, and the happy hour was great! Their house punches are tasty and we loved their appetizers! Plenty to choose from and to share.They have an area for parties and groups so book ahead of time if you want your own spot. The only downside for me is that it gets very loud when it is packed and it can be hard to hear. This is often what happens at most bars but just keep this in mind when planning.