My husband and I were looking for a bar that wasn't too crowded and close to the hotel we were at by Union Square, so when we saw Sam's Cable Car was open, we eagerly made our way in. It was close to empty. Barely had any customers so that was nice. We sat at the bar and watched the game. This place caters to our age - they played songs from the 1980s so we were singing along the whole time. Thankfully the other patrons didn't mind. Prices aren't crazy, and the food they serve is actually tasty. I appreciated how the bartenders mostly left us alone and only came over to check if our drinks were to our liking. Great atmosphere, it's actually conducive to a lovely late night with your fella. Love this bar! read more

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Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, lots of interesting cocktails. Good location to take tourist to and a hangout with some locals. Nice to have bar snacks with our drinks without asking. read more

Sam's Cable Car Lounge - Inside - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Well do to location naturally a tourist bar thus playing the American hits from the 80s which wasn't unpleasant. I ordered a bud light - the bartender informed me "you know it's 13 dollars?" At first I was insulted but really he was helping me out . Then Seals and Crofts came on and the service was fast and efficient- you get a free bag of popcorn and a generous cup of peanuts - pretty cool and rare in most bars . The assortment of liquor is insane- there is nothing they don't have selection wise. They also feature 6 widescreen tvs if you're a sports person. Ample seating and sports memorabilia. Extensive wine selection. read more

Was walking around right before the Mexico Vs. England world cup game, and I've never even watched a world game, but thought it would be fun to pop in somewhere just for a minute to check it out. I went in here and ended up staying the whole game! Delicious drinks, clean establishment, and both people behind the bar were so kind and had great energy. They even had a cable car bell to ring when Mexico scored which I loved lol. Definitely coming back next time I'm in San Francisco! read more

Sam's Cable Car Lounge - Summertime in the SFC - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The food is great for snacks really American . The service is absolutely fantastic. The server is Pilipino and he is friendly and accommodating. He speaks Tagalog and he was very helpful. The place is nice and has a great selection of drinks. The displays are very well done. It has a mixture of tourists and locals having fun . The place is on Powell St and it's lively. read more

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Stopped by yesterday for some drinks to watch the 49er game. Great spot with a fun vibe! They have a huge drink selection and are located in Union Square. We ordered several drinks and some food. First, the drinks were all really good and the food was great! We ordered the peperoni pizza and mozzarella sticks. I didn't like the Moz sticks but the pizza was fantastic! Second, the service was great. Our initial order was taken right away, but because of the game, the bartenders seemed distracted and forgot to come back and check on us. We waited for a long time and finally went up to the bar to place our food order because we got tired of waiting. Lastly, there are SEVERAL fees that are charged to your tab. There was no mention regarding the automatic tip, credit card fee, etc. so I am glad I really looked at the check but just wanted to warn people of that! The service and the extra fees that weren't disclosed to us are the reason for my 3 star review but overall great atmosphere and I wouldn't mind going back! The bartenders were all really nice. read more

Fantastic wine cellar. In addition to a great vibe, staff and quality mixed drinks, if you are searching for a special occasion wine this is the place to stop. Thanks for helping find what I have been searching for for. You are the best! read more

Sam's Cable Car Lounge - Wine cellar - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

I travel for work regularly and Sam's Cable Car Lounge is one of my favorite bars in the US. if I am anywhere near San Fran, I adjust my logistics so that I can enjoy their staff, ambiance, drinks, and bar snacks. They have something for everyone and are guaranteed to improve your day if you are lucky enough to stop in. They take care of the their customers and their staff and give you top notch service every time! Catch them on a game night and you will watch Jack and his crew take care of bar full of crazed and thirsty sports fans with class and humor. I'd give them ten stars if I could. Hell, I just figured out yelp so that I could leave this review! Cheers!! read more

Sam's Cable Car Lounge - See? Ambiance! - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Went here while in town for work to watch the Vikings on Monday Night Football. It's a bar with very limited bar food options. They have bar pizza, which was probably frozen, but it was decent. I'm a beer nerd, and their menu did not match what they actually had, which matters to a nerd. The service was bad. Long absences, and slow. They also do the thing where they add tip to your bill and then ask you as you are checking out on the screen what percentage you want to tip, so I bet most folks tip twice without realizing - like we did. Space is okay. Meh, I suggest you keep looking for something better. read more

Walked in an hour before closing and the bartender told us they were closed, Booooooooo!!!

Great spot near Union Square with 10/10 playlist and amazing Filipino bartenders with spot on drink recommendations! I will definitely return when I visit SF in the future! read more

This place sits in the heart of San Francisco about a block away from Union Square Sam's cable car lounge offers a great place that has a family atmosphere with great bartenders and owners that cater to customers needs very respectful and if you're looking for a special venue, make sure you talk to Jack and you're looking for a real good selection of wines. Make sure you talk to Jack Jack is the man he runs. The place and Charlie is a sidekick and these guys really know how to make a party atmosphere prices can be a little high due to service fees but if you know, San Francisco tourist destination, the price is in that area are pretty compatible with each other. Other than that you're looking for a great atmosphere good people, family atmosphere all these employees bartenders management have been together for many many years are very well known in the sports community and is visited by a lot of pro sports teams when visiting San Francisco to compete they always look for Jack to provide a discreet, quiet atmosphere that they can relax and not worry about the public interfering with their private time with their families and can enjoy their companions and other teammates in a quiet venue..! read more

A service is friendly Food is not too good Especially chicken wings are too saucy Drink are okay read more

What a unique experience in Union Square. The decor is amazing and eclectic. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. Gotta to come and have a drink or drinks here. read more

This is a cool place to get a drink on Powell Street . They have Happy Hour specials and lots of drinks available. They have screens to watch sports. A good bar to go to if you are in Downtown San Francisco. read more

Sam's Cable Car Lounge - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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20% service charge on all your drinks WTF and they have the nerve to still put tip on the receipt. Thos place is a joke . Old fashion drink was a joke. Patrioons be ware read more

I decided to visit Sam's Cable Car Bar for the first time. I didn't know what the concept was. I wanted to eat and the food menu is light and mostly they serve cocktails and wine. They sell wine at the shop and you set appointment. Then I sat a the bar and talked to a stranger and he was really nice. I had the hot dog and pop corn. Then he got the hot chocolate. I'll tell you that they don't serve mocktails too much. The guy had a moscow mule. It's a nice bar and fun. There's a Shaq signed shoe. And if you go to the bathroom, you can check out the funny wall with funny magazines. Also, a signed Elvis memorabilia piece. Sam's Cable Car has been here for years. Fun! read more

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do not come here if it's for a quick drink or 2. i ordered 2 regular beers that should have been no more than $20. They add 3 separate fees that raised my bill and extra $12. I've never been to a bar that charges a "service fee" and credit card fee. $32 is not a lot but when you order only 2 beers it's definitely unexpected and uncalled for. If you stay at any hotel nearby, do not come here read more

Didn't eat. Had a martini. They added 20% gratuity into the bill the had an additional line for tip. One $20 martini should not have a mandatory $4 tip. I would have likely left $3.00 and a much better review if I wasn't forced to pay for a TIP...to insure proper service. Not a mandatory charge. BS! read more

Very nice vibe and friendly bartenders. So why two stars, you might ask? Simple: extra charges that are not disclosed and frankly insulting. I was born and raised in SF and was really thrown off by this type of sleight-of-hand. $18 for a cocktail already is ridiculous, but a 20% surcharge is beyond the pale. Sad to see this type of business approach, but one of the many reasons I moved out of the city and only go back for the live entertainment venues -- and in most cases, I make cocktails for my wife and myself at home before we leave . . . read more

This place is a tourist trap. $228 for 10 drinks max. Bud Lite and draft beer. They have hidden fees. When I disputed the bill, they called the cops. DO NOT TIP. They already include 20% on your tab. If you want to get ripped off and the cops called on you, go to Sam's. If you want a better time, good food and honest charges, go to Foley's Irish House a block away. Sam's Cable Car Lounge SUCKS and I'll say it again, A TOURIST TRAP. read more

Wine bar with a decent selection of beer. The bartenders are attentive. There's a wine cellar amongst all the sports theme. Lots of helmets and Shaq's autographed sneaker. Bar food is cooked in a convention oven. I suggest you stick with pizza. read more

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DISHONEST owner and management. You get the bill at the end and realize they add on 20% service charge (which does not really go to the wait staff / bartenders - only 8% of that). Also by the way this is not the "SF downtown tax" etc. Just a horrible way to run a business I hope this place goes under, will never go back. read more

My friend and I stopped here for cocktails on our way to a play. I was pleasantly surprised by their cocktail menu, which had quite a selection of standard and specialty cocktails. The bartender was especially attentive, checking up on us often and keeping our little snack bowl filled, From the outside I was afraid it would be a bit of a dive, but it was well lit with lots of room inside. We had a choice of a table or the bar, so it would work for a casual drink or a nice dinner. read more

I hate to give bad reviews but i feel the need to warn people. We wanted to escape the crowds and have a drink or two and catch up and have a conversation. So when we walk in an employee kinda of pushed us to bar seating (i do not prefer bar seating due to being cramped and pushed up against strangers and you can hear everyone conversation and have no privacy for your own conversation). And yes a loud person talking and then talked over us to people further down the bar...ugh! The bartenders were good and the drinks were good. We asked the loud guy to change seats with us so he could talk to the other people instead of shouting over our heads, so all ok and fine. Then the bill came....we knew the drinks would be pricey due to the location BUT didn't expect ALL THE EXTRA FEES, come on it was utterly ridiculous! And no where on the menu did it mention any extra fees and no signage of extra fees, felt so ambushed and scam! Plus a credit card extra fee, usually there is signage on that or the bartender will tell you hey we have a credit card fee so if you have cash. No one mention or said anything , I would of paid cash to save that ridiculous overpriced fee but I was so much in shock I didn't think to give the bill back and say I will pay in cash. I would of even tipped 20% on my own they didn't need to scam and bullshit people. It really really put a damper to the ending of a good night. Sad but we won't be back with those type of scammy business practices. The only reason was 2 stars was the bartenders and the tasty drinks.​ read more

Standing (my choice) here watching chargers game with a beer and staff member comes over 87n prompted)and sets down a popcorn and peanuts! Freaking great service! Friendly and attentive. Been here a few times over the years and place gets better every time. Good job Cable Car read more

This is kind of a fun place for a drink -- not really a romantic stop on a date, though. My partner and I have visited a couple of times on Thursday (before dinner and A.C.T.); one time it was quiet, and one time we could barely get a seat at the bar. Like most such places, there isn't any table service we've noticed, so you have to get to the bar. If you're sitting towards the middle of the bar, you might be able to chat with a bartender; they're kind of an interesting group! This place is worth a visit! read more

Drinks good but $104 for 4 drinks ??!!!! Never again !!! They charged 20% tip and a convenience fee and a transportation fee!! What the heck I went further down the street and had two drinks for $18 and they were just as good terrible I'll never go here again ever so be aware when you go here that they tackle all these charges on read more

BEWARE. Drinks and food are already overpriced - and then on top of this when you get your bill they automatically charge a "service fee" of 22% Their food is served on paper plates with plastic utensils. They sit in a prime location on Union Square where they get tons of tourists and shoppers constantly. I saw the "service fee" charge on my bill and asked what it was for. The bartender said something that I couldn't hear, but when I signed it I added no other tip. Imagine how many people just add to that and unknowingly tip 20% on top of an already inflated total? WTF it probably happens a hundred times a day. I don't know how they can get away with this. read more

Sam's Cable Car Lounge - The bill with a "service fee" - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Poor service, bartenders where more concern about their own shots, drinks vs the customers and they added a 20% tip! Wouldn't recommend at all read more

Food n/A Atmosphere 5/5 Cleanliness 5/5 Customer service 5/5 Speed 5/5 Price 3/5 Outdoor seating? No Wheelchair access? Yes Restrooms? Yes Super cute tourist spot in the Bay Area. Went on a night that wasn't busy. Drinks were good and employees were nice. Really expensive since they add a 20% gratuity automatically. They gave us a small popcorn and handful of peanuts for free. read more

Sam's Cable Car Lounge - Powell street pear martini (left) and jack-hattan (right) - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

The staff is super friendly and they have an amazing happy hour. However, READ your bill. 20% had already been automatically added. I normally tip 20% gratuity. You are actually paying 40% between gratuity and "service charges" on top of the cost showing in the menu. 20% to cover employees benefits or other expenses that may or may not go to benefit employees, it's hight and unethical. Considering this service is actually mandatory by law, and the establishments not having to disclose to either the patron or the employee how this percentage will be used, this is a shady way to keep their prices competitive on paper and a total tax loophole I believe the service industry should be tipped accordingly but adding this automatically to the bill no matter the size of the party being served, it's just a bit shady. Most people don't know this or won't check, especially tourists. This shame-tipping is getting out of control. Yes, the fine print says to ask to remove it if you don't agree. Not the most honest business practice. We are all struggling here. read more

Sam's Cable Car Lounge - Bill - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Close to my lodging, I Came here for a post-work drink. The Anchor Steam is on tap. Drinks are pricy but that goes with the location. They add 20% to your tab. read more

We began stopping here ever since we Saw their Sign "We Need Your Business!" We have never been disappointed and always end up in a Conversation with other patrons. The Servers are awesome and that is Due to the Friendly Manager who seems to always be on the job! We will continue to make this our go to Spot! read more

If you are in the Union Square area of San Fran - YOU MUST GO VISIT JACK AND THIS BAR! This was our first time in San Fran and we are so lucky to have found this great bar. What makes a good bar for me is the people that work there and the great drinks. This place does not disappoint! We were there for labor day weekend and we are dodgers fans so we literally were at this bar 3 nights in a row as the Dodgers were in town playing the SF Giants! By this time, the bartender, Jack, knew us and it was like we were old friends. He makes a great lemon drop and expresso martini! We tried some of their bar food, have to say.. not bad at all. Pizza was great! They don't have a huge dinner/food type of menu, just bar food but it's good! I would 100% return to see Jack and his team anytime I am in San Fran! read more

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Roxie the bartender fire drinks 100% 100 % Good service good vibes always love seeing her read more

We loved this place from the moment we walked in. A full bar, unique and inviting decor, cigars in the display case, a wine cellar in the back downstairs, excellent customer service, and no wait to sit at the bar (though it did get busier later on a Saturday evening). On top of that, the drinks were really good, and strong! We tried the Powell Street Pear Martini, Cable Car Cosmo, and Pink 75. My fave was the Cable Car Cosmo, a slightly sweet blue cocktail with really good flavor. Our bartender even gave us complimentary nuts and popcorn (yes they have a classic popcorn machine at the bar), and it was delicious. FYI, they charge an automatic 20% "service charge" on all bills, so be aware when you are tipping (this is noted on your receipt but can easily be missed). read more

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Wonderful staff, beer and wine selection. Jack, Charlie and Glenn all made my wife and I feel welcome. I spent 5 nights in SF and went here 3 nights. A+ all around. Jack, pls tell Jason I say "Thank you" for the wonderful birthday 1976 bottle. -Joe read more

Stopped by after work, stood and waited for 7 to 10 minutes and then left because the bar tender was too busy on his phone and watching the game to serve me. read more

I liked this place until is got the check. Here's the good and the bad. Good: nice atmosphere, solid drinks and decent prices Bad: they charge a 20% service fee automatically. If you ask the bartenders it doesn't go to them. Either management are terrible people or the bartenders are lying. There's also a 3.5% credit card charge which isn't disclosed despite their claims. I wouldn't go back because of how dishonest of a business this is. read more