Zam Zam

I visited Zam Zam while in town for work, and it's a solid little bar. The space is small but cozy, and they make excellent martinis--some of the best I've had in a while. The bartender was originally from the East Coast, and I really enjoyed chatting with him; he added a great personal touch to the experience.One thing to note is that this place is cash-only, which I didn't realize beforehand. Unfortunately, their ATM was out of order, so I had to leave to find cash, which was a bit inconvenient.Despite that hiccup, I'd definitely come back again. The drinks and atmosphere are well worth it--just make sure to bring cash!

Reviewing a venerable institution like Zam Zam feels almost sacrilegious, yet here we are. Established in 1941 by Assyrian-born Samson Mooshei as the "Persian Aub Zam Zam," this iconic Haight Street bar has been serving classic cocktails for over eight decades. The late Bruno Mooshei, Samson's son, was the undisputed king of martinis, known for his exacting standards and, shall we say, selective hospitality. Today, Katie has assumed the role with aplomb, continuing the tradition of crafting impeccable martinis and Manhattans.Stepping into Zam Zam is like entering a time capsule of old San Francisco. The Persian-inspired Art Deco interior, complete with a mural depicting the Persian love story of Khosru and Shireen, exudes a timeless charm. This isn't merely a bar; it's a shrine to the city's storied history of libations. Ordering anything other than a martini or a Manhattan would be akin to heresy. With its rich legacy, Zam Zam stands as a testament to enduring quality and tradition, a place where the past is ever-present and the martinis are eternally perfect.

If you're into bars with character and tons of personality, Zam Zam is a great bar to visit. With its Persian-themed decor it has a reputation as one of SF's most famous dive bars. They've been open since 1941 and thankfully haven't spent much beautifying the bar. While they're known for their martinis, I had a happy hour beer there for $4. The bartender was friendly and the patrons of the bar were too. History, character, cheap beers in a storied San Francisco neighborhood. It's definitely worth a stop and I'm glad I did.

Bartender was very rude to my friends and I. We came for a drink for my birthday and was greeted with really gruff commentary from the bartender. We're pretty thick-skinned, but this was very unwarranted. My friend asked how much a drink was, as it cash only and she wanted to know how much to pull out. The answer was incredibly rude and she treated her like she was a child. She continued that treatment throughout the night. Again, we generally don't care but it was for sure a bad experience

I come into this bar regularly, paid cash, always tipped more than 25% regularly. I had a rough week due to the holidays and yes, I did end up crying at the bar. Not sobbing or causing a scene but having a brief moment to myself (trying my best to make it unnoticeable) and the bar tender has the audacity to tell me to stop crying despite the fact I paid cash for drinks for the people around me and the request that I wanted water when I knew I had too much to drink. She said I needed to ordermore drinks in order to stay at the bar regardless of how courteous and cognizant I was of my own capacity. She basically said I needed to order more alcohol in order to stay, instead of suggesting non-alcohol alternatives and just letting me have my moment to myself. Whatever her intent was, it was beyond compassion and understanding when a customer is clearly paying for the service and just asking to be left alone. A bar tender should never pressure a customer to order more alcohol when they clearly have not finished their drink to begin with that is sitting right in front of them. I would not recommend going to this bar unless you're okay with dealing with the most disrespectful service.

Keanu Reeves unattractive cousin was working bar when we rolled in. He was extremely rude from the moment we walked in. Negged us and told us not to stay there if we weren't going to buy more and faster, shushed the bar, and played the same shitty jazz music on repeat. Don't support shitty customer service.

Cool and divey cash-only cocktail bar in the Haight. Had kind of an old school vibe and was really dark inside. Plenty of bar seating and some tables available too. Dog friendly, at least it was when we were in on a weekday afternoon. Pretty large liquor selection available. I ordered an espresso martini, which came filled to the rim, and enjoyed every sip of it! Bartender was nice and funny. Good place to stop for a drink in the area!

Look, you need to understand what you are walking into here before you step foot in the place. I used to drink here inow and again in the late 90s and will forever speak reverently of this establishment and the complete lack of tolerance for the bougie SF IPA f**kwads that began to exist back then. Bruno ran the place with an iron fist, which has apparently been passed down. Always dressed in black slacks with a crisp white shirt on. He was a consummate professional. Opened when he wanted to, there were no set hours regardless of what it might have said on the door. The juke box only had 50's - 60's crooners available. Even back then it was a blast to the past. Place had a Rat Pack vibe to it. YOU WILL be 86'd for the slightest of transgressions. He took no prisoners. Order beer in a can? "I'm sorry sir, we don't serve beer in a can here. Perhaps you'd be more comfortable down the street at a different establishment?" and you'd be gone. Have your hat on backwards? "I'm sorry sir, we don't serve clientele who wear backwards hats here, perhaps you'd be more comfortable down the street at an establishment that serves people wearing backwards hats". 86'dAnd zero tolerance, zero, null, for a vodka martini. You had one chance to order it right, and he made it how he wanted to. Dirty martini? GTFO, but you'd be firmly 86'd, with class. The best course of action back then? You'd fix your act before walking in the door if you found the place open. "I love your place, may I get a drink?" and you'd be happy with what you got. Normally a nice gin martini, 1 onion. Then enjoy the sights of people being graciously kicked out left and right around you. But, if you laughed at them, you were gone too.You put cash on the bar to cover your drink, and more. And you tipped well from the first drink. Else good luck getting a 2nd drink poured. You played the right songs, you were not stupid drunk and too loud running your mouth Looks like the apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree in the years that have followed. It isn't that hard, know your environment

Best Espresso Martini in SF! Best Dirty Martini in SF! Best bartender in SF!! This place is a total vibe and the drinks are made to perfection.

Woman working at the bar yelled at me for using the bathroom, I walked out to grab my partner to come inside so I can buy a drink. She thought I was leaving and told me I was b**********g her. Super rude. Don't care about the bar's reputation. Doesn't give her the right to yell just to yell.Posting this as many times as possible so people can be aware. If you see an old cranky lady at the bar, go to another bar. Drinks aren't worth staying for. Plus it's cash only..