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    The Social Study

    4.2 (581 reviews)
    ModerateWine Bars, Cafes
    Open 1:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    The Social Study Photos

    Business Info

    THE SOCIAL STUDY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    DJ
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    April Y.

    Came for drinks while waiting for a dinner res around the corner. The interior concept is really cute and perfect for coming with friends/catching up, the floating tables/seats especially were really nice vibes. The seats are kind of deteriorating in upholstery though, so it would not be as comfortable sitting in shorts with raw wood poking through. We ordered a beer and sangria, both were honestly unimpressive, especially the sangria, pretty disappointing. The state of the restroom is also a deterrent.

    Diego B.

    Not a bad spot near Japantown for an afternoon coffee or some drinks early in the evening. Given it's location, you can expect some ... Less than spectacular customers. But I haven't had any trouble during my time there, although it might ruin the vibe you're going for.

    Linda H.

    Been here a few times for happy hour. It's close to work, it's cute and not super loud. They only have one bartender most time so there might be a wait if it's super busy. I got the little apple this time around. Nice divey ish drink. They also have coffee and tea which makes it have the coffee shop feel too with people working and studying. Nice chill vibes. Recommend.

    Sanfrangria
    Samantha D.

    Came in as the first stop of my happy hour crawl in Japantown. Decent prices for happy hour. Ended up getting a sangria here. It was okay. Seemed a little watered down. Wanted more fruit forward taste. They have games if you want to play with friends. Tried the pork tacos too. They were kind of dry but decently priced. It's a very chill vibe in here.

    Roop K.

    Looooove the vibe at this place Dark and mysterious, silent movie projected on the brick wall, choice of cofffee or alcohol and easy place to pass away time I came here due to the power outage all over the city today and luckily they had power and some newspapers and games to enjoy

    Izzie L.

    The Social Study is such a cute, underrated bar in the city! I love their selection of drinks and the aesthetic retro decor. Amazing date night spot and open surprisingly late. :) They have a wide array of wines, beers, and signature cocktails. I got their hot apple cider and it was good! It wasn't strong [:(] but it was definitely delicious [:3]. The chairs built into the wall were a little uncomfy but they looked so chic. The bar projected an anime on the wall on the night that we went and it made for a great vibe. Service was a little slow (it seemed like it was only one person servicing the whole place) but they were friendly and attentive! Would 100% recommend checking the Social Study out if you're in the area!

    SY C.

    TL;DR: cute spot for quick drinks, they only have wine and beer but they have some interesting combinations for cocktails We stumbled into this spot after walking around Japantown and needing a bit of a breather from the crowds after lunch. This is a super cute spot closer to the Fillmore side and has a good amount of people in there without feeling too packed. Service is friendly and efficient. You order at the counter and can either sit at the bar or carry your drinks to seats. The set up is really cute and the mismatched furniture suits the vibe. We've tried a variety of drinks, from beer and wine to some of the cocktails. They also serve tea and espresso drinks, so their espresso martini has a fresh shot of espresso! The list is quite extensive so I'm sure there is something for everyone. They serve food as well but I haven't had a chance to explore that side of the menu.

    Sanfangria Happy Hour $7
    Amica J.

    Came here for HH on a weekday. It's a good intimate space if you are coming in a smaller group but the place itself is intimate and chairs are somewhat uncomfortable. It's nice for conversation but wouldn't stay longer, Our group was 3 which already felt cramped. They do have board games and happy hour food options. Staff was friendly it was good crowd inside. Paid street parking available which I believe ends at 6 pm but can't remember from the top of my head. Sanfrangria was a watered down from the ice. Three Amigos Tacos was solid. 3 tacos for $12.00.

    Chocolate shot :)
    Daw M.

    Wonderful spot to grab a glass of house wine to start your evening. Order at the counter with friendly and helpful service. The bread pudding was amazing. Really enjoyed the chocolate beer concoction. Thank you.

    Winetail
    Linda Y.

    I really love the concept of this hybrid study/social bar but the execution fell a little flat for me. I've been here a few times and the vibes are very cozy, but the tables don't feel big enough for any studying (some really barely fit a laptop). They're also very strict about no laptops after 5pm which is a bummer as they could have probably capitalized on more customers who are looking for a work café option open in the evening. Socializing wise, it's a cute spot with a fun menu. I like the winetails (some are like fizzy ciders) but I'd stay away from the sangrias (way too sweet and doesn't taste fresh). I've played some board games here with friends and had a good time but never find myself staying long tbh since the seats are kind of uncomfortable and gets cramped.

    Chocolate Mousse
    Jennifer L.

    Husband and I had 24 hours solo out on the town and checked out this place due to its varied menu. The space is small, inviting and compact. We ordered the nibbles trio, Rueben sandwich, the ginger limeade and a spiked apple cider (I forgot the official name). Ooh and we topped it all off with their chocolate mousse. I would order everything again except maybe the ginger limeade. I do think likely I just received an accidentally watered down batch, because it tasted more like flavored water than a limeade. However, everything else was delicious. Staff were friendly and efficient. It was amazing to watch how they dealt with the small kitchen and bar space yet still managed to serve all the patrons with ease. I would definitely return should the opportunity arise again.

    Caili C.

    Really cute cafe/lounge near Japantown. My friend and I ducked into this bar on a rainy afternoon to grab a quick drink before dinner. I love that they have wine and soju based cocktails if you're looking for a lighter drink. I got the yellow diamond with white wine and prosecco which was great and really bright with the orange peel without being too sweet. The snack menu looks yummy as well and while we didn't try any food this time, the freshly baked homemade chocolate chip cookies looked really tempting!

    Japantown Reuben
    Anindita C.

    I got the Japantown Reuben and it wasn't the best but wasn't terrible either. I've had better Reuben and I wouldn't recommend this Reuben over others. The vibes of this place are immaculate though. I sat with my Reuben and a mocha and had a great time just marveling at the beauty and the books in this space. The service was quick and the person behind the bar was very good at remembering everyone's order during this busy time.

    Espresso shot!

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    Page 1 of 15

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    Ask the Community - The Social Study

    Is it 21+?

    Nope. Brought my kid there.

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    The Ice Cream Bar

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    On a recent family trip, our first order of business for a birthday was to get great ice cream…read more Well we certainly found it here thanks to the recommendation of a friend. The Ice Cream Bar is popular, so prepare for a wait since they take the time and care to make your order. It's located on a nice block with street parking, but it's also a busy area in general and probably easier to walk to. They have menus and a small seating area outside. Inside is a great throwback to 30s/40s art decor style, with the main ice cream counter to the right and the actual bar at the back. They have different ice creams available by the scoop in a cold dish, or opt for a made-daily waffle cone. They have classic toppings as well. Once you order, you pay towards the back. The bar area itself offers alcohol, perfect for a Guinness float or to add a little something extra to a milkshake or sundae. Prices are reasonable for the quality. The servers were so welcoming and eager to please with special requests as well. If you're an ice cream fan, this one is worth coming to enjoy.

    Best ice cream store in the city. I time warp back to the 50s/60s. Everyone working here is so nice…read moreand they let you try all the flavors and will give recommendations. Open late and perfect for a final stop on a nice walk. Bar seating available if you prefer that vibe. The banana pudding and morello cherry ice cream are amazing. The mint chip is also super good. Home made waffle cones are my personal favorite. Also love a chocolate banana milkshake. Go!

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    Brioche Bakery & Cafe - The breakfast plate

    Brioche Bakery & Cafe

    3.9(234 reviews)
    1.3 miThe Haight
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    I was excited to try the French onion soup, but it was a disappointment. The onions weren't…read moreproperly caramelized. they were pale and translucent rather than deeply browned and sweet, which is what gives French onion soup its signature rich flavor. As a result, the broth tasted flavorless and lacked the depth I was expecting. Every bite, I took a pile of carmelized onions.

    I hate to leave a one star for a café we have been going to successfully for many years. But our…read moremost recent experience really unnerved us and makes us hesitate to go back. We went down to eighth Street to go to the café a few days ago, on a wonderfully warm day, and as we entered, the hostess said "go ahead and sit anywhere." As we went to the back patio as we have done for over six years now, she rudely interrupted and said "not the patio." We were not sure what she was saying as she had turned away and talked away from us, but we asked if the patio was open. She laughed at us and said "no the patio is not open. You can't sit there. " We said OK well, we'll have to go some other time cause we don't eat indoors. She started laughing at us and said well OK and kept laughing as we exited. As I said, we have been going there for over six years and we always enter the indoors masked and the staff who's worked there for a long time know us as well. This rudeness was really uncalled for and I don't know if I'll go back. It looks like they now take reservations for the patio so I don't understand what's up.

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    GiGi's - Mapo Tofu Noodles - shiitake, eggplant, fermented fava, bean sprout, chill pepper

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    4.2(66 reviews)
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    Ambiance was moody and a vibe inside. I love how intimate it is - perfect for a girls night! Just…read moretwo girls on a Saturday evening and scored a table in the back. Our server was super friendly, helpful, and provided great service to make us feel welcomed and he seemed very excited about the menu. Food was absolutely incredible. I was blown away by the peanut salad and how creamy and fresh it was. Perfect started. The shrimp baos were unique but super juicy, not too flavorful. Pork floss shumai was flavorful, juicy, and delicious. Garlic noodles were buttery, creamy, and had such a unique flavor I was really surprised and loved it. Absolutely amazing dinner and will be coming back!

    Passed by this bar in an Uber once and had it bookmarked since! I thought it looked cute inside…read morefrom my brief glance and recently, I finally had a chance to check it out. My party of four came without a reservation, so we were seated along the wall against a small countertop area. It wasn't the most comfortable setting for a group hangout. I'd recommend making a reservation in advance. Space is a bit small so seating is limited. Ambiance is a vibe though. Cute and chic little wine bar in a central location. Between the four of us, we ordered the bread/butter, ceviche, Dungeness crab garlic noodles, and the Wagyu dog to share. We also got a bottle of their Lambrusco. The stars of the show were definitely the wine and the garlic noodles. I wouldn't recommend sharing the Wagyu dog as it got a bit messy. Everything was definitely overpriced, and portions were small. We had to order takeout from another restaurant afterwards to satiate our hunger lol. I'm glad I tried this spot but would only recommend stopping by if you're not very hungry or are just looking for some small snacks before an actual dinner.

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    The Social Study - wine_bars - Updated September 2026

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