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    The Pawn Shop

    4.5 (980 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    The Pawn Shop Photos

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    THE PAWN SHOP ATMOSPHERE

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    Hipster
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    Recommended Reviews - The Pawn Shop

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    Reviews With Photos

    Jessie H.

    Amazing experience and food! The dinner we had Friday was delicious and creative. I wasn't sure what to expect but its a fun lil spot that has some yummy tapa- ish dishes! I honestly loved everything we ordered even tho everything has a hint of tomato I didn't mind it. The one dish that I thought could be improved was the shrimp more garlic& butter was needed...one photo is missing along with our drinks. The service and decore were both good / charming more of a bar vibe.

    Gambas al Ajillo
    Camilla M.

    Curios about this place, I went for dinner with my husband a few weeks ago. Before going inside, you have a funny experience with the lady who allows you to enter. Remember to bring something for her! We had de dinner upstairs because downstairs there was a party when we arrived. We ordered the patatas bravas (very good), the tortilla espanola (I didn't try it but my husband liked it) and the gambas for me that were very delicious. We enjoyed the dinner with a glass of wine. Overall it was a nice experience and I'm curios to see also the other secret areas of the place.

    Mary M.

    How do you even begin to describe a place this unique? The Pawn Shop is not just a restaurant, it's an experience. A completely unconventional, almost theatrical concept in the heart of SOMA, where you don't just walk in... you earn your way in. The idea is simple but unforgettable: you must bring an item to leave behind. Something personal, something with a story. From the moment you arrive, the staff welcomes you warmly and shares the history behind the objects left by previous guests, each one adding to the soul of the space. There's a small "entry ritual" before you're allowed in, which makes everything feel even more special and exclusive. Once inside, the ambiance is incredibly cozy and intimate with dark tones, warm lighting, and a vibe that feels like a hidden Spanish tavern. Perfect for dates, birthdays, or any occasion that deserves something different. And the food? Absolutely delicious. * The Spanish tortilla is rich and comforting * The grilled octopus is perfectly cooked * The steak is flavorful and satisfying * The crispy cauliflower is a must * The garlic shrimp are juicy and full of flavor * And the sangria? Beautifully balanced and refreshing This is the kind of place you don't just visit once you return to.

    Alyson C.

    Love this place's concept; you go in to pawn something (always bring a little thing!) and enjoy the pre-drinks entertainment. Once you step inside though, it's not a janky pawn shop at all. It's a dimly-lit, swanky bar with character and great drinks. We ordered quite a few dishes, including the octopus -- which was excellent. Also has patatas bravas which brought me back to Spain, and delicious churros with chocolate sauce! I was so full I couldn't finish it all, but man I wish I could go back. Erm, I mean, I will be going back!

    Alaskan Halibut
    Claudia M.

    From the outside, it looks like an actual pawn shop, and to get into the restaurant you have to "barter" an item. It's a fun experience and definitely makes for a memorable night out. The staff at the front really set the tone. They were friendly, had great personalities, and made the whole experience feel more lively and interactive. Inside, the space has a dark, cozy ambiance that works well for a date night or a night out with friends. We ordered the Tortilla Española and the Carne a la Plancha, and both were delicious. The food was well executed and definitely the highlight of the meal. My only real feedback is that I wish there were more options on the menu. There wasn't a huge selection, and I found myself wanting a few more choices. That said, what they do offer is done well. Overall, it's a fun spot with a unique concept, good food, and great energy. I'd come back again, especially if they expand the menu a bit in the future.

    Danielle Y.

    Unique speakeasy where you bring items to trade for the entrance into the bar from the pawn shop. We brought matchboxes and were given a pin as a trade and entry inside. We came right after opening with no reservation and no wait. It was pretty slow and our server was great and knowledgeable. We didn't realize they didn't serve liquor but the drinks were still pretty good. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to grab any bites but that would be on my list to try if I came back.

    Kimberly A.

    Ahhh I have been wanting to try this place out for so long ! Glad I finally went. So if you aren't familiar with this place u should bring an item or momento to get in and if you bring a book they swap it for different one. How cute! The grill working the front is amazing love that she was very enthusiastic when we arrived. Will say it's best to do a reservation if u plan to eat here. We only did drinks at the bar and they did not disappoint ! It's only a wine bar but the cocktails that are made with them are so good. And it's pretty cozy inside as well. We also got the papas bravas and they were tender and good not actually spicy like others I've had. Great vibes will definitely come back again.

    Jaimie L.

    Update! It had been a little over a year since I had been here because I had surgery. Now there's a security guard in the front, and the line outside is way more organized. I recommend making a reservation because it books fast, and you can wait for a while as a walk-in. The food is reasonably more expensive than compared to 18 months ago, but the food is just as good. They don't have the dancing bartenders anymore, so it's a bit more of a relaxed but still super fun vibe. The fabulous guy, who I think is the owner and used to always be the greeter, wasn't there this time. There was a woman, who was just as hilarious and entertaining in showing us the way into the Pawn shop. I told her about my surgery and how I had looked forward to being back, and she gave us the best table in the house! I like to bring little trinkets of offering because they collect and display some of them. I brought a little figurine this time, and a building block set for the pawn master. She was so appreciative and enthusiastic. That's just the beginning! The food is sooooo good. If you like tapas, this is your place. It's so reasonably priced for the experience and location, and the sauce on the shrimp is sooooo savory and indulgent. The hanger steak is my favorite, and I personally think a hidden gem in the neighborhood. The fried potatoes are perfectly crisp but fluffy and steamy on the inside. The tapas are filling but not too heavy, and the drinks are beautiful. Now they have electronic receipts, which is new since last time I was here. I actually think they have really improved operations with the new changes while keeping alive the spirit of the place when it originally opened. Thank you Pawn Shop!

    What I traded
    John P.

    I'd been hearing about this place for a while, so I was super excited to finally check it out. I managed to snag a dinner reservation for six just a few days beforehand, which was a nice surprise. When we arrived, the security guard gave us the rundown on how it all works: to get in, you have to bring something to trade. It can be anything small or random, like a pen or keychain. I brought a cute little blue fluffy vampire pendant plush (see photo) and traded it for a hilarious figurine of a woman with big breasts (see other photo). I loved my trade! Such a fun and quirky touch! If you forget to bring something, you can still get in by singing, dancing, or telling a joke, which adds to the charm. Once inside, we were seated right away. Before 7pm, the staff told us that anyone who comes in after 7 gets a cheer from everyone and sure enough, it made the whole experience feel lively and communal. Watching people's reactions as we all cheered for them was hilarious. The food definitely lived up to the hype. We ordered nearly every tapa on the menu, and everything was delicious. My personal favorite was the Gambas al Ajillo. The shrimp was perfectly seasoned, and the bread was spot-on. You really can't go wrong with any of their tapas; each dish had great flavor and presentation. Another cool touch: there's a hidden door that connects to Monarch, which we used when leaving! Such a fun surprise to end the night. Overall, I'd absolutely come back. The whole experience felt unique and interactive, and the food was genuinely good. My only drawback is that it can get a bit pricey for larger groups since most tapas are around $20 and the portions are on the smaller side. I think it's best suited for a date night or a smaller group outing where you can really soak in the vibe.

    Dong H.

    Super cool hidden tapa restaurant perfect for a night out with friends or a date. Make sure to bring a trinket to barter! The vibes and service are amazing and it really feels like you just entered a hidden world. There's a lot of different unique cocktails to try and their menu has some nice small dishes to munch on while drinking. Wouldn't recommend as a pure dinner place and more a drinking and eating type place.

    Front entrance
    Alston F.

    Super cool! To enter you need to bring something to trade into the pawnshop. There is a whole elaborate code that is done to get entrance into the bar. It's a tapas bar with a new cocktail menu. I was able to sit at the bar. On the way to the bathroom, I saw a hidden trap door into another secret space is a nightclub on certain nights. It wasn't open when I was there unfortunately. Drinks Uno Rivera - the only drink from original menu. It was light, refreshing and sweet. Pablo picuatro - their take on a red sangria. It was sweet and delish. Food: Gambas al ajillo - very traditional Spanish tapas. It was small but carb load! ensalada de bruselas - so different and it was shaved brussel sprouts as the lettuce. It was huge and definitely meant to be shared. I couldn't finish it. I loved the experience of the pawn shop.

    Special menu
    Lena M.

    I can't believe I'm late on writing a review for this incredible restaurant. If you're a lover of speakeasies, this is the place for you. Behind this "pawn" shop is a restaurant!! In order to enter, you have to give an item to the pawn shop. We were a group of nine. We gave things like pens, scarves, postcards, and other goodies. Our hostess was a skilled improver. She had unique replies and stories to each of our items. When I gave her a pen and told her I wrote a love letter to my fiancé she gave me "something blue" as a gift for my upcoming wedding. She then entered a magic password to open the door to the restaurant. It was fun watching her tap a bunch of random objects. We were then led to our big table. We had a special menu filled with tapas for us to share. We were there as a work group and had an absolute blast. Each dish was so delicious. I remember really loving the octopus and steak dishes. We were seated at a high top rectangular table. They have gender neutral single stall restrooms here. My manager was super kind and told the restaurant that it was my birthday. They came out with a special cider porron for me as a unique birthday treat. My team and I had a blast here. I highly recommend getting a meal here.

    Toan D.

    This isn't your typical pawn shop. In fact, it's not really a pawn shop at all. Behind a pawn shop facade and some cluttered shelves filled dusty odds and ends lies a secret speakeasy and the only way in is to "pawn" a gag item to the gatekeeper. The young woman guarding the front was hilarious, charming, and totally committed to her character as the "gatekeeper". An absolute natural performer. Speakeasy vibe and hush-hush ambiance aside, the real star here is the food!!! The menu leans heavily Spanish flavors, with tapas-style dishes that punch far above their weight as bar food. Gambas al Ajillo Poached shrimp swimming in garlicky chili oil, infused with smoky paprika and sizzling garlic. The garlicky chili oil was slurp worthy. The shrimp cooked to a perfect tender while retaining a meaty snap. The grilled bread served alongside was basically a garlic sponge that saved me the awkwardness of having to slurp from a dish. Pulpo a la Plancha Tender, charred octopus with crisped potatoes, Romanesco sauce, Tokyo turnips, and a whisper of Aleppo chile. This was one of the tastiest octopus I've ever had. Super tender with a wonderful smoky flavor. I would venture back just for this. We swung by at 4:30 for a quick pre-dinner bite before heading to another spot..Despite being packed on a Wednesday night, the service was excellent. We were greeted almost instantly , and food and drinks arrived timely without ever feeling rushed. Highly recommend making a reservation. We had one for 4:30 and noticed only two empty tables when we were seated. The only downside and why it didn't get 5 stars is the neighborhood. It's definitely on the rougher and sketchier side, so we'd recommend taking an Uber and skipping the nighttime stroll. We will definitely come back but will leave before the streetlights come on. Happy Eating.

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    Page 1 of 25

    The Pawn Shop Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Pawn Shop

    If we just want to grab drinks do we need reservations?

    No! Just show up and patronize this wonderful establishment

    We have reservations next month? Where's the closest parking garage?

    Most likely, it's the Fifth and Mission Street/Yerba Buena Garage. It's owned and operated by the city of San Francisco. There may be other private lots closer to The Pawn Shop, but I don't know about those. The Fifth and Mission Garage very large,… 

    How loud is the restaurant? Does it cater to younger people....e.g. under 50?

    The restaurant is quiet, making it easy to have a conversation. From what I saw, all the seating consists of primarily high-top tables. I’m not sure about the typical age range of guests, but the atmosphere seems comfortable for a variety of people.

    How long does a meal here typically take?

    Service was attentive and quick!

    What type of things do people bring for the pawn master I'm coming from out of town?

    Any small throw away trinket you can find would work. Matchboxes from other bars, old toys from cereal boxes, things like that. Or you can bring stuff that is really nice and luxurious, that's up to you

    I didn't see menu prices. Is it prixe fixe? How much?

    Not price fixe. Great appetizers and small bites. All very tasty and great service. My beautiful wife and I had an awesome time. 10 to 20 dollars for each appetizer/item. We highly recommend it for the experience. Speakeasy bar with great ambiance.… 

    It's been a while since I've dined there, do you offer chairs with back rests?

    Yes!

    Can you just come for drinks at the bar your do you have to have dinner?

    Just drinks is fine but regardless you might need a reservation or be added to the waitlist

    Are kids allowed (age 5)? Update. We spoke to the hostess and she said it would be fine. We had a…

    It depends on how well behaved your child is and if he's a picky eater. I brought my 7 year old son and he loved everything we ate. He had a great time.

    Do they take walk in?

    Yes, I went on Friday (party of 2) and they were able to seat us after a short wait

    What do they do with all the little items that get pawned every day? How do they decide what stays in the shop?

    It's a Speak Easy, so they just keep trading stuff

    Is this place closed? I called many times and it goes straight to voicemail and couldn't locate this place

    They were open a few weeks ago when I went

    Hello! I really want to make resi for this eve around 5:30pm. Could you please help with it? Alisa

    I would just go and you can probably get a table. We did this at the same time two Fridays ago.

    Hello, did happy hour ever come back?

    Hi Harim, we are not currently offering happy hour. Thanks for checking!

    Are happy hours still on? If so, what days and times?

    Hi there! We are currently not offering happy hour, but we are taking walk-ups and reservations beginning as early as 5pm Wednesday-Saturday.

    Do you accept negative Covid tests vs vaccination proof?

    Hi there, Pawn Shop require vaccines for entry. Please bring your vaccination card or a photo of it, and your ID with the matching name. Thanks!

    Hi, are vaccines required because I lost my card?

    Yes. Source: their website and I was there yesterday, 9/1. You can show a photo of the card or your QR code if you don't have the physical card

    Has anyone heard when they will re-open?

    Scheduled to reopen on June 24, 2021!

    How to get in?

    Front door, neon sign says "Money Loaned" you don't need a password but bring something fun to pawn ;)

    Are underage people allowed inside? Two people in our group will be underage when we go. Will they be carded if we purchase alcohol?

    Yes & Yes.

    View All 33 Questions

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    4.4(278 reviews)
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    I bought out Arcana for a night and it was a hit! The plants and decor are lush. It feels like…read moreyou've left San Francisco and entered a jungle. I love the wood tables and the steps that lead you to a private room upstairs. The space is amazing and attendees loved it. They have a photo booth too. Staff are wonderful! Thank you, Naz and Ife! Amazing bartenders. They were so friendly, attentive, and personable. Many attendees said they came to the event particularly because they love Arcana. It's conveniently located near BART and multiple bus lines and some Lyft bike docks. I cannot recommend Arcana enough! It's great for date night, girls' night, corporate meetups, and more. It's welcoming and inclusive and the food and drinks are delicious and strong. Will be back!

    Clearly says 9:30pm for the cover/ticket charge. I am uploading this at 9:19pm, but the whole…read moreinteraction started maybe 10 minutes prior. Charging the $10 event fee on discretion before the posted event start time seems... shady? illegal? My two friends got in a few minutes before with no cover. I was dealing with a bike lock while they went in. We were not there for the event but rather as volunteers from the weekly cleanup refuse crew in the Mission. You get perks as a thank-you for doing your part in making the City a cleaner place. We had just had a lovely time at another participating business (Beehive) and planned on Arcana being our final stop. Thankfully I was able to use the restroom without a fee, with my gear held up outside by the security team. While waiting in the restroom line, I told a staff member about all this, and the worker seemingly went up to the front to find out what's going on. The line took a few minutes, my friends also bumped into me, and I told them I'd likely wait for them outside the business post-restroom while they finished their wine. Already reported to the Mayor's Office. Maybe I'll add BBB. Should be honest and equitable! Four out of 200+ reviews by me have been one star, so I rarely share negativity. It's all rather unfortunate as other visits here went off without an issue. I warned a group of four about all this while I waited out front, and after talking to the front door folks, they left and thanked me for the advice. Please be careful if you visit here. . . .

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    Frenchie Wine Bar - Deviled eggs

    Frenchie Wine Bar

    4.8(59 reviews)
    2.0 miMission

    Came here for date night and could not have picked a better spot. The name drew us in right away…read moresince we have a Frenchie of our own, and the place lived up to it. The food was excellent. Do not miss the burrata and the anchovy toast, and the pan con tomate is just as good. The wine list is great too. We ended up meeting the owners, who are genuinely wonderful people. They told us the story of how they started the restaurant and how they landed on the name, which made the night even better. We also got to meet their Frenchie, Dolcetto, who is usually tucked away in the back and is about the cutest dog you will find. Highly recommend for food and drinks. We will definitely be back.

    I've been seeing Frenchie all over online for a while now and finally decided I needed to check it…read moreout for myself. It's definitely a cute little wine bar with a cozy, intimate vibe. We stopped in over Labor Day weekend and I was actually surprised by how quiet it was, which made it a nice place to sit and enjoy a glass without feeling crowded or rushed. Where they lost me was the wine pricing. The by-the-glass prices are pretty steep, with most around $16-$20 and Champagne at $25. I'm completely fine paying more at a wine bar for the atmosphere, service, and experience, but knowing what some of these bottles actually retail for, the markup felt excessive for what was being poured. They do offer a full food menu and some of it sounds interesting, but I wasn't impressed enough with the wine experience or value to want to stay and try the food, so I can't speak to that. I'm glad I finally checked Frenchie out after seeing it online so much. It's a cute space and I can see the appeal, but for me the value just isn't there at these prices

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    Frenchie Wine Bar
    Frenchie Wine Bar
    Frenchie Wine Bar - 2021 Kiralyundvar Furmint Sec. Delightful white wine with apricot smell and citrus forward taste hint of earthy minerals.

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    2021 Kiralyundvar Furmint Sec. Delightful white wine with apricot smell and citrus forward taste hint of earthy minerals.

    El Chato - Order number

    El Chato

    4.6(61 reviews)
    1.6 miMission
    $$

    We went on a double date here after dinner a few weeks ago. The vibe was fun and casual. We shared…read moretwo bottles of reds. My husband and I had such a lovely time that we came back recently for food and drinks! I had a glass of Pardas, recommended by the bartender, and my husband chose a beer. For food, we shared the Pan Tumaca, Jamón con Brie, Gazpacho, Boquerones en Vinagre, and Gambas. We loved all of the food and our drinks! My favorites were the jamón and gambas. For the anchovies dish, I did like it more than I thought I would. It paired nicely with the chips. We sat at the bar both times. Staff there is friendly and welcoming. The bathroom is also an experience lol. Can't wait to go back!

    Found a great little wine bar in the heart of the Mission, and I'm so glad my friends convinced me…read moreto go! The moment you walk in, your mood instantly lifts. The energy is vibrant without feeling overwhelming, and the noise level is just right. It's quiet enough to have a conversation and get lost in your own thoughts, but not so quiet that you feel awkward sitting in silence. Plus, the people watching was pretty entertaining, which definitely added to the experience. The three of us only tried two different wines. My friend ordered a glass of Masha, while my other friend and I both ordered the Los Chuchaquis. The verdict: Masha was really good. Good enough that a second glass was ordered! As for the Los Chuchaquis, I personally didn't love it. I found it a little too tannic and bitter for my taste. If you have a low tolerance for bitterness, this might not be the wine for you. That said, my friend, who ordered the same wine, absolutely loved it and thought it was delicious. So maybe I just ordered the wrong wine for my palate? ‍ Either way, the wine is only part of the experience. The energy here is fantastic, the bartender was welcoming and friendly, and the crowd was cheerful without being obnoxious, which I really appreciate. I'm not usually much of a night person, but I genuinely had a great time. It was one of those evenings that reminded me how nice it is to get out, enjoy good company, and simply soak in the atmosphere. I'm really glad I took my friends up on their offer to go out. Definitely a 5 star experience for the atmosphere, the energy, and the overall vibe. This seems to be such an interesting neighborhood. I'd love to come back and wander around, explore more, and discover what else this part of the city has to offer.

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    El Chato - Menu

    Menu

    El Chato - Inside

    Inside

    El Chato - Rose vermouth they have

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    Rose vermouth they have

    The Pawn Shop - speakeasies - Updated September 2026

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