BAR JOHNNY
Neighborhood: Russian Hill
2209 Polk St (between Bonita St & Vallejo St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 268-0140
http://www.barjohnny.com/
In the Know: What a cute and quaint little joint. Designer Sheri Sheridan (of Otis and Salt House) did a fantastic job in regards to space planning. She complimented what can only be
presumed as a tongue-&-groovesque wood wall with raised, white marble tables. The banquette (long, upholstered bench) that ran the length of the restaurant allowed for fantastic people watching. This also worked perfectly for the narrow space because it really only allowed for a semi-romantic dining experience for two. I should know, three tables down from me was an ex-lover dining with a friend's girlfriends roommate. (true stories of 'what a small world' San Francisco is) The other half of the space is taken up by the 8ish person bar (seats 10 but a couple of the seats are right in front of the entrance; they should not be there) which shares a partition wall with a small lounge area. Fortunately there is a huge bird mural over the bar because without it you would forget what an explosion of modern textiles would look like.
Behind the Bar: Missing that extra couple feet in your space? Wanna separate the entrance from the the patrons that are dining next to your entrance? A thought- don't use a hanging fabric. Specially one that looks like it hasn't been cleaned since before the bars conception. Put a little extra money in for something like this Aswoon design, steel tubing and stained glass partition. Hello fabulous construction!
Speaking of the entrance, once you get through the door, past the hanging fabric, you don't' get far (maybe 5 feet) before you hit the bar. I can see why they don't put a hostess here, obviously lack of space, but where does one go or who does one talk to upon entering? To the bar and bartender? Kinda did that when I went through the door and good luck getting a bartender to seat you. I say float around aimlessly (of course by float I mean step side-to-side in the small waiting area) till you are approached by someone that works there.
Who's Who: This space is pretty user friendly. That is, if the user is in their late 20's all the way to early 40's. Don't get me wrong, I have seen younger and older inhabit this space but there is more of an urban cool kids club vibe going on. As previously mentioned it is perfect to take a date but make sure you sit on your best side, you wont be staring at the person directly. If you are in a larger group, good for you...you probably made reservations at one of the 4, 4-top tables or lounge.
Too Much Information- Take Me Back!
