20 minutes to get a drink with 4 other people in the bar. Never seen anything like it. Otherwise a decent bar downtown Redwood City read more

Sam made this our favorite bar in Redwood City. He made us the best drinks, the mojitos were absolutely amazing. Even with how busy it was on a Saturday night, he even managed to chat with us and still tended to everyone around us. The DJ played some fun tracks, that even got the bartenders dancing. Overall a great spot for drinks and music. They're rum selection is limited, but Sam still offered us their different options. Definitely will be back. read more

Blacksmith - Sam, making some great cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Redwood City, California

Been coming to this place since the pandemic, Bc they have a great outdoor seating area.. clean bathrooms , good music and friendly bartenders. Drinks are moderate price and not pricey. Love this place - although the security guy is a buzz kill. Not sure if he has mistaken himself as the new owner, but he def has a real -life-movie, KNOCKED UP BOUNCER COMPLEX.... less fortunately in this case, it is anything but funny :/ A single staff member can really spoil a a great establishment. I hope management looks into this, since he is the "greeter" and first face you see. YIKES read more

If you look under 40 don't come here. "Sam" if that's actually who the bartender was, bigger guy, some facial hair, with glasses and a hat, was very rude. We were asking for samples of the beer and cider and he started making out of pocket comments like "why do you want to try an IPA if you don't like IPAs" (not all IPAs are the same) and "you will like this cider because it literally taste like apple juice with some alcohol" and "if you want a beginner beer you can try millers." All these comments were belittling and patronizing. When he gave us one sample of cider he asked for our ids, then when we asked for the IPA sample he asked for our ids again, then claimed they were "fake" he then started claiming that were "too young" cause we were born in 2002, bro doesn't know how to do math. He said he can refuse service to us and that the second we walked in we started being weird when he was one who initiated it. If he didn't make all those back handed comments when we just wanted a sample then nothing would've been weird. I was a bar back last year at a huge bar that served 40 beers on tap. I gave MANY samples to customers and had nothing to say about it. This is not a way to treat a customer and you shouldn't judge them for wanting to try different beers or ciders. Anyway we finished our samples of cider and beer then walked out lol. Don't waste your time at this place, it's nothing special. "Sam" should find a job that has nothing to do with hospitality. read more

I was floored by the delicious old fashioned, I cannot remember the last time I was so surprised by an old fashion. Service was exceptional and friendly. Cool spot with great vibes. read more

Went by after work to meet 2 friends who were already at the bar. There were maybe 4 other people at the bar area, 1 bartender. Long story short I sat there for 10 minutes, never greeted. 2 people walk in and stand next to my friend and they were greeted right away and asked for their order. Did not appreciate being ignored, did not like the bartenders attitude once she decided to "serve me." Won't be back here any time soon. read more

Came to this spot with a couple of our friends and it is truly a nice and chill place to catch up with good friends. The bartenders and the crowd are friendly and welcoming. They have brews, cocktails on their menu to choose from, tried a few of them and they're pretty good! They're music are great and it got really packed in the end but it was a lot of fun. We had a great time and we will definitely come back. read more

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Came here with two friends and got a few drinks and wow. I think this place and RWC are where I'm going to come for bars from now on, these cocktails were pretty great. I got the gentleman's agreement and one of their seasonal cocktails, and both were delicious. Pretty decent prices compared to when you go out in SF too! We came relatively early in the night on a week night, so the place wasn't really that crowded. I imagine later in the evening and weekends are different though. read more

Amazing cocktails! Nice vibe for a chill cocktail outside or a lounge with loud music/turn up spot inside. read more

Blacksmith - Mezcal cocktail so good - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Redwood City, California

Cute little place on broadway st. in downtown Redwood City. I was in the mood for a nice refreshing but sweet drink and didn't really find anything on the menu that was quite like that so I asked the bartender for a recommendation and he went ahead and made me something with vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and simple syrup and man that was delicious! Really nice place to jut unwind and have a drink or two :) read more

Blacksmith - Cute bar, cute place - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Redwood City, California

Things go look out for: - card getting charged multiple times on a tab - servers are unprofessional - may give your card to other customers Elizabeth (tall individual with short hair with blue tips and tattoos) is unprofessional and was not willing to listen. We wanted clarification on a charge and instead continued to insist she was right. She continuously interrupted us in the middle of our sentence and looked like she was ready to fight us. Also, double check your receipts and your cards. They gave us someone else's card. read more

We just moved to Redwood City and haven't been able to enjoy the nightlife much with two little babies at home. Last night we went to dinner and decided to stop by at Blacksmith for a drink. It was about 10pm. My husband ordered an IPA and my friend a margarita. It was very crowded so the bartender put down a beer and a guy grabbed it. Then he put down the margarita and asked for payment. My husband explained that he never got his beer (since someone swiped it) and the bartender just kept yelling that he put it down and wanted payment etc. Instead of trying to understand the situation he basically just accused my husband of stealing it and not paying which was not the case. I tried to call today to speak with a manager but no one answers the phone. Very disappointed in this bar and saddened that my husband wasn't treated with respect enough to resolve the situation in a friendly manner. It's not even about the money, just the way it was handled. Our friend ended up having to pay for the drink and told us her drink wasn't even good. Terrible. read more

Went to get drinks with a friend. Nice vibe and plenty of space to chill. The heated outdoor patio is great as well.

I've been here several times. My bartender, Matt, was able to anticipate what' I needed.

Dark & Stormy. My drink order? Or a girl I once dated? Not that you'd be wrong either way. However, in the end, only one of them left me with a bad taste in my mouth. And, by the four star rating, you can probably guess which. After our terrific dinner at La Viga, my friends and I decided to grab some drinks before calling it a night. As usual, we turned to Yelp to find what was nearby, but we decided to make our pick using a method more scientific than just ratings: "what name sounds the best?". Well, you can't go wrong with a place called, "The Blacksmith"! Walking in, I knew almost immediately that we had made a good choice (and that they named their restaurant well). On one level, they covered the basics - TV's, friendly bartenders, lounge-ish styling, indoor/outdoor seating, and a bar full of alcohol. On another though, the little things pushed them over the top - the fireplace, the wooden accents, the stone bartop, the power strip under the bar (!!!), and, of course, the hammer and anvil. Of course, the most important thing, their drinks, didn't disappoint. The menu has a nice mix of house cocktails, beyond all of the usual bar/beer staples, and my Dark & Stormy was fairly well made. The pour of rum was a little light, but it wasn't the worst thing, in this instance, since I had to make the drive home. Plus, it was still pretty darn tasty! All in all, I could definitely see myself coming back again if/when I find myself around downtown Redwood City. In part, because I'm not familiar with alternatives in the area, but mostly, The Blacksmith seems like a pretty solid choice. Well, in name, anyways, but it certainly won't leave a bad aftertaste in your mouth! read more

Blacksmith - Dark & Stormy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Redwood City, California

Racist Bar, I was sitting for 20 mins at bar and girl and men bartender seeign but didn't serve me drink. Where people before gets served with drinks. Pathetic experience. FYI- this happened second time to me. do go to this shit place read more

JASONS THE BEST. Everyone else is so rude. They don't acknowledge you... please do better w security guards.

Good drinks...friendly stuff...best place to spend your night weekend...highly recommended... read more

Blacksmith - Great place to spend weekend...good vibe, wonderful drinks and friendly staff...highly recommended... - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Redwood City, California

This new bar opened on May 1st, so they are still getting their sea legs. I look forward to seeing how Devin/Matt develop some new house special cocktails, with maybe some barrel aged concoctions. Martins West finally has some competition. Plus, The Blacksmith is open on Sunday: The hours are Mon-Thur 3-11, Fri 3-1 AM, Sat noon-1 AM, Sun noon-10. The bar bites menu is supplied by Downtown restaurant next door: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-blacksmith-redwood-city?select=gm6frMjFj_7RNO2IEVnIOw#gm6frMjFj_7RNO2IEVnIOw It looks both reasonably good and reasonably priced. I sampled two of their specialty cocktails: 4/5: "The Crucible" cocktail is quite good: Apple brandy, lemon, vermouth, blood orange bitters. Nicely balanced bitter/sweet, with just enough alcohol backing: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-blacksmith-redwood-city?select=gm6frMjFj_7RNO2IEVnIOw#H2zeUHZ7SNlw6s9NT7z8Tw 2/5: I don't recommend "The Foundry" cocktail: rum, Cynar, lemon, egg white, nutmeg: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-blacksmith-redwood-city?select=gm6frMjFj_7RNO2IEVnIOw#FHAN1MhaNLKfk2x-BEGozA It's very dry, and lacking in body, or any bitter/sweet counterpoint. read more

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Love coming here !!! If your looking for a place with great vibes and amazing drinks, then Blacksmith is always a great place to be at!! The bartenders are always on point with serving us and everyone around for a great time!! Cheers read more

Blacksmith is a classy yet casual bar. They go the extra mile to keep the place clean, elegant, yet casual. The amiance is great with great music/ quality audio system, bar seating, a great patio area, and booths which make the place vercitile, making it a great place to hang out with friends, bring a date or have a drink with coworkers. And the most important part is the bartenders are all professional, friendly and make literally the best drinks. They dont even skimp on the well drinks either. Any place that makes their well Manhattan with antica is alright by me . Friday and Saturday nights they turn into a mini night club with a DJ, and evey time I have been there its been a gret mix, always a fun. I have been coming here for a while and got to know the bar tenders and the security and its a safe place, they do a great job keeping the place fun, diverse, clean, classy. My favorite place in redwood city to have a good time and meet great people. Honestly though the bartenders are really cool people and are what keep me coming back! S/O LIZ, SAM, ANDREAS, JASON, LAMAR you guys make the blacksmith the only place in redwood to have a good time! read more

Blacksmith - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Redwood City, California

Picked this place for a work happy hour for the ladies. Such a cute place with the outdoor seating, inside/outside bar and the bar inside with additional seating. I just love how it looks nice and not dive bar-ish but still be casual. On a beautiful, sunny day like the day we went, the inside/outside bar was the spot to be! Got so lukcy and got parking right in the front for $1.25 cause it was 4pm-ish. There's also a lot right around the corner, but I don't know the cost. The atmosphere was great, the people there were nice and we talked to a few people around us including a man with his really well behaved dog. The first drink I had tasted too strong while at the same time being too small - the bartender recommended it but I did ask for something strong so my fault. But for the size, it wasn't worth it. The second drink we got was perfect - it wasn't super sweet or bitter. I was so close to giving this place a 4 star review but I dropped a star for the second bartender we had. She was just not happy to be there and the drink I ordered has to be made one by one so when I told her I wanted 5 of them she had a really sour look on her face. She was not friendly at all. Then the mechanism she was using was going haywire and it splashed my friend and I. We laughed it off but then the next hit, it went straight to my face and the ceiling and every which way. She didn't apologize, didn't offer to discount the drinks, we were soaked. It just left a sour taste in our mouth about her. I still tipped her I think either 15 or 20%, but not happy with her service at all. Otherwise, I would have given 4 stars. There's no food here which is unfortunate cause we wanted to nibble on light eats. There's plenty of restaurants around so we all split up and went to different places while the rest stayed at the bar. read more

Blacksmith - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Redwood City, California

I love this place! The ambiance is intimate yet lively, the bartenders have always been nice and helpful. I love the option to sit sort of in between the inside and outside when weather permits - they open up the windows and you can sit inside while your friends enjoy the outside, sharing the same table/bar! read more

The only reason this place is not a one star is because of Elizabeth. We came here for some mid day drinks and she was a the only bartender, server, actually the only employee here. She attended to us with professionalism and quickness when she had over 10 tables of patrons. The owner of this establishment should really consider giving this woman a raise. They should also not schedule one person for a shift that requires from what our group of people at least 3 people. read more

Bartender was awesome (unfortunately didn't catch her name) and we loved the outdoor seating area! 6/29/20 read more

The security guard here is no good and on a major ego trip! He thinks he can do whatever he wants with no consequences. We ordered drinks at last call and paid for them. The security guard comes over and proceeds to dump our drinks on our laps and says 'TIME TO GO!' Next time don't say 'last call' and take our money if you're just going to dump it on us! read more

Decided to stop by after dinner and have a quick cocktail with my wife. The short stay turned into a great experience. We ordered the pisco sour and the dark/stormy, both delicious. The drink presentation and the ambiance was an added bonus. Can't wait to go back and try a different cocktail. read more

This place is a tad on the divey side (not in a bad way, but definitely not a "cocktail lounge") and gets very busy/loud on Fridays and Saturdays. Chiller during the week. It's a decent ambiance inside, but the seating is not wonderful (two large benches/couches and bar seats otherwise). Their cocktails aren't bad--nothing super remarkable. Prices are average. read more

An amazing bar to chill out with friends. Matthew the bartender was really awesome! Would recommend this place for a weekend outing

Went on a Saturday night. Decent drinks. No complaints there. Way too loud and very little seating inside. More seating outside but the heaters weren't working and it was freezing. Plus, no servers working outside. Then, I saw the restaurant next door had tapas and cocktails, with fire pits next to every table and so the five of us left to sit there instead. read more

Nice bar in the middle of RWC downtown. For the longest time RWC didn't really have a hangout place, and then the restaurant scene really exploded. Many good restaurants now have longer waiting times - so a bar to get a drink while waiting for your meal is a great thing to have within walking distance. This is a fully stocked bar, with some outdoor seating (they've added more recently), and nice and comfy seating inside. The bar can be a bit busy, plus there is seating at the bar - which makes it harder to get attention at times. I find the drinks decent, not mind blowing like some of my favs in the city, but pretty good for RWC nonetheless. Unless, of course, you're looking for margaritas, then you should definitely hop over to Quinta Sol instead ;) read more

It pains me to have to share an experience with an establishment that has meant a lot to me through the past years. I've lived in Redwood City for over 4 years and my service animal, Chico, have never been given any difficulty or been treated in a discriminatory way. Tonight, July 9th, at 9:30pm my service animal and I attempted to enter blacksmith as we usually do. Two bouncers at the door mocked my attempt to enter with my service animal, and gave me multiple false reasons as to why he wasn't allowed in. My service animal is trained to alert and protect me from seizures and can also alert me from dangerous blood pressure levels. My night began at nighthawk with my service animal when someone questioned me and asked for his paperwork, (if you know anything about service animals, you know how illegal this is). I clarified that my dog was a service animal and was here to offer a service that regards my health. I then realized the gentleman questioning me was not even an employee at the bar I was sitting at. After that, I walked over to blacksmith and wanted to enter and see how packed the bar was to see if we should stay for a drink. I was refused entry multiple times. I even tried asking to just stand by the door and was barely allowed to do that. When I asked to stay for a drink, I was told I could not because of the dog. I reassured the bouncers that my dog was there to provide a service and not as a pet. After being mocked by both employees, I explained to them that legally they could only ask me what service my animal was trained to perform. I repeated that he is there to alert and protect me from my epilepsy. After being laughed at and mocked, a bouncer questioned whether the lights inside would give me a seizure. After feeling completely embarrassed and humiliated, I left with my pet and boyfriend. This was the first time in years that this has happened at blacksmith. I'm saddened to think this could happen to anyone else that requires their service dog to provide a task detrimental to their health. I highly recommend anyone that needs a place to go where their service animal is accepted, go to nighthawk. read more

I went to blacksmith on Friday night (5/31/19). At first, it wasn't too busy so the bartenders were being nice and gave us our drinks relatively quickly. Later on, as the bar became busier, the bar-back started to take drink orders. He was right in front of my friend and me as we were waiting to order our next round of drinks. The bar-back looked right at us and then proceeded to take the order of the person to our right and everyone else. I wish I would have timed how long our wait was, but I am certain we waited for at least 15 min as the bartenders (3 blond women) and the bar-back took everyone's orders but ours. At some point, I waved at the bartender to get her attention. Keep in mind we were right in the middle of the bar, the bartenders and the bar-back had an unobstructed view of us and knew we were waiting to place an order. Well, the bartender did not like the fact that I waved at her to get her attention. She turned to look at me and proceeded to tell me, "Don't wave at the bartenders, it's disrespectful," and then she walked away. My friend and I looked at each other and were extremely confused. Since when is it rude to wave to get someone's attention? At this point, we decided to just close our tab and go elsewhere, somewhere where the bartenders will want to take our money. We stood there for another while waiting for one of the bartenders to look at us so we could close our tab. The rude bartender came right in front of us, looked at us and I asked to close the tab. She again said something rude, told me we had to be nice and then walked away without giving us our credit card. A few minutes later, she walked over to the bar-back, said something in his ear as she pointed her finger at us. I have no idea what she told the bar-back but apparently she needed him to rescue her from us because we were so threatening and scary because we waved at her. The bar-back then came to us and finally asked us what we wanted. We finally closed our tab and left. I will never ever go to blacksmith. It's a shame, I work in Redwood City, and have been to blacksmith multiple times. In fact, the organization in which I serve on the Executive Board of even hosted a happy hour there. I'll make sure that we never host any events at blacksmith. The manager or blacksmith needs to know how rude his bartenders are. The bartenders don't care because they get paid no matter what and are only there for tips. read more

Went here last Friday right before the night rush and it was so chill! Really liked hanging out here - drinks were good, awesome bartender, great music! We left right around the time the spot was getting pretty packed, maybe around 10pm. Nice spot in the Peninsula for some drinks. read more

Our night was ruined here by an awful, rude bartender. She had the worst attitude and was power-tripping like she owned Redwood City. Looking through the other reviews, it looks like their bartenders are a consistent problem. They're lucky they're in a good location so people come here, but advice to management - bartenders need training on how to treat people. There are other places to spend my money at. Will be staying away from here from now on. read more

Great customer service, yummy drinks and great music love blacksmith!! Ronnie and Liz!! Cheers ..

I was removed from this establishment when another patron of the bar approached me and grabbed me physically by the shirt collar because he wanted the seat I grabbed, even though he was the only one insulting and cursing at me he wasn't removed but I was. I will not go back read more

I had learned years ago that specialty drinks often are made very strong (at least for me), so from that point on I made sure that in the future if I were to have one it will be my one and only drink for that evening (I am but a small tiny hobbit - I am old enough to know my limitations :)) LOCATION/PARKING I had drove by this spot numerous times when I lived in Redwood City. Can't miss it as I can only assume that it is fairly busy on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Given that it is located in downtown Redwood City, street parking may prove challenging. I usually park in the parking structure, which is free if you leave after a certain time (like 2AM). The gates are open so you can drive right out not needing to insert your ticket. Bonus : It's right around the corner from this venue. AMBIANCE/DECORE A beautiful, dark and intimate spot that I think is great for a girl's night out, or boys night out or maybe a business meeting over some drinks. Nice tall tables and booths on the patio/street with nice christmasy lights lighting the area. Inside, it is dark and intimate, with booths and coffee-table style seatings with bar stool seating as well. From my last visit, the majority of the crowd are college students (probably from Stanford) and a few business folks in the mix. Once the music starts, these business folks clears out and all is left is college students. SERVICE Specialty drinks are made with precision and care, so unlike a regular bar or club, you're most likely to wait for about 10-15 minutes to order your drink. Since I was in no rush, I didn't have a problem with that. Plus, I enjoy watching bartenders make specialty drinks. Once it was my turn, they were professional, attentive and made my drink as if he was making it for the President of the United states. MUSIC (Friday Night w/ Adam Cova) I thoroughly enjoyed the music he selected, the style he incorporated and his friendly interaction with the patrons there. VERDICT I would definitely return and have another (1) drink and stay to listen to some good drinks and clean mixing. The Sazerac was very well made and fitted my taste buds perfectly. read more

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I love this cocktail bar. As much as it's classy, they still give it space to feel like a mini club with the best selection of songs to make you shake that booty the whole night Triple YAAASS! Came in for Halloween over the weekend with my sister and what a night. It was packed with some amazing people. The bartenders are just on point. Friendly and welcoming. The drinks Had a Manhattan... had to have a 2nd one. Made to perfection with the attention they give your drink. Want to have a casual, down to earth kind of experience? Go to Blacksmith. Want to have a drink that's been given a bit of TLC? Go to Blacksmith. Want to let loose and get down like never before to some decent jams? Go to Blacksmith. Thank You for a memorable night. read more

Blacksmith - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Redwood City, California

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This bar was down the street from our hotel so we decided to check it out on a Friday night. Found ourselves two spots at the bar and just the perfect timing as the DJ started his Caribbean/Reggae set list. Nothing beats good company, some drinks, and jams to set the mood. A lot of the drinks on the menu was discontinued as we came during their transition phase. Would've loved to try some of them but not really a problem. If they served food, we might've stayed longer. Definitely cool environment with chill bartenders. Would definitely come back next time I'm in town. read more