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We visited the Wilson & Wilson to celebrate my husband's birthday. While the cocktails were good quality and the atmosphere was cool, the service unfortunately soured the evening. We had a 1.5-hour reservation starting at 8:00 PM (confirmed for a 9:30 PM end time), but at 8:50 PM, the bartender told us we had to leave by 9:00 PM. We were already finishing up, but I politely mentioned that our confirmation stated a 90-minute slot and tried to show him the email just so they were aware for future guests. Instead of a professional correction, the bartender argued with us, insisted we only had an hour, and told us we had to go. We didn't want to escalate or ruin the birthday mood, so we just paid and left. It was an unnecessarily tense end to what should have been a fun night.
Behind the frosted window of a shady Private Detective Agency in San Francisco lies a cocktail paradise. Wilson & Wilson is one of the most secretive speakeasies we've ever been to. If you figure out how to gain entry, the hostess at Bourbon & Branch--which is also a speakeasy--will open a bookshelf and let you in. Once inside, the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the service is excellent. This is the kind of place where the person next to you at the bar is guaranteed to be an interesting character. Their menu features well-crafted and exciting cocktails, and we especially enjoyed the Pinkerton, made with bourbon, coffee, orange, and tobacco bitters. But above all, we got the best version of our test drink ever! Not only will we be back (again), but we recommend a visit to all cocktail enthusiasts!
Such a Fun and Unique Experience! My friends and I stumbled upon Wilson & Wilson recently, and we had the best time! The place is so cozy and intimate, with just the right lighting and the cutest little oil lamps on each table, it really sets the mood perfectly. Ross, the mixologist, was amazing! You could tell he loves what he does, and his cocktails were absolutely fantastic. He was super friendly and made the whole experience so enjoyable for us. We'll definitely be back!
Slam dunk of a place. A speakeasy inside a speakeasy. Reservations area a must. W&W is a small place (about 20 seats) and is really only good for parties up to four. Drinks are out of this world amazing and the service was top shelf. This is a must see place whenever you are in the city. There are three bars inside this co okey but Wilson is the best in my opinion. Less people, great music, and you really do feel transported to a different time and place.
I travel to San Francisco often, and on my last visit just a few days ago, I fell in love with the collection of speakeasy bars under one roof -- especially Wilson and Wilson. Thank you for the hospitality, the warmth, and the conversations over multiple nights. Your staff was lovely, and you truly raised the bar. I'll definitely be back. Please visit Cincinnati my invite to you!
Service here honestly sold the experience for me-- the drinks were great and the one I ordered was right as rain--it was appropriately fruity and smooth. The speakeasy was on theme and made me feel like I was sitting in a bar in England. We were one of two tables at our reservation time and it was so nice and intimate to get to chat with each other and the bartender. He made us an extra drink for my sisters bday, and was friendly and lovely to talk to altogether. As we entered another table was leaving and the chit chat between the customers and bartender was also very wholesome--great ambiance here. It was different than any other speakeasy I've been to, and I enjoyed all the secret rooms. Definitely recommend the experience! One thing to note was that we had a reservation but I think there was some sort of hold up inside of bourbon and branch as when we arrived there were already three parties waiting in line outside of the door--kind of defeating the secretive speakeasy mood. Although they kept ringing the doorbell no one came for maybe 20 minutes and since there were 3 parties ahead of us, and the hostess went inside each time after getting the name on the reservation to figure out where to seat them, we didn't actually get seated until 30 min after we got in line. A little bit of an inconvenience but was smoothened out by the nice experience after we were seated.
Another spectacular speakeasy in SF that absolutely blew me away. The craftsmanship of each drink was so delicate and speaks for itself. I ordered the Charlie Chan and it was amazing, has a slight hint of pepper in it. The service was great as well, my partner accidentally spilled his drink and our bartender was kind enough to make us another one free of charge. Cannot recommend this place enough.
Our favorite speakeasy, the Wilson and Wilson is the pace we always go to get an after dinner or show drink before we turn in. The speakeasy has a cool theme and a great "mystery" to solve at the beginning of the menu-it really takes you back with a feeling of: this is what it might have been like! The bartenders have the look of the time, it's dimly lit with lights at each of the tables, and occasionally has special events to attend! Make sure you make a reservation and have the password before you enter!!!!
I love the ambiance but the service was super slow. The bartender wasn't efficient and seemed inexperienced. This was my second time here and the first was by far better .I think they also may have switched up the menu, this is expected, however I feel like they need consistency with the menu as I was on a date here and was not as impressed as I was the first two times that I went there and that's why this place went from a five star to a three star and definitely can earn the other two stars, but they need to figure it out. My day once again didn't understand the complexities of bourbon or whiskey in the server didn't quite assist in the way that I thought they would as an efficient Auto of the various different bourbons and whiskeys and just words suggesting the things that looked cool versus actually tasted good and luckily, I didn't allow it to continue and ordered for her, but based upon his recommendations, I would've spent money on just juice and or non-spirit forward cocktails. I saw one couple literally not finish their drink get up and walk out after tasting the same thing that my date ordered. I love this place and definitely could be better but I think there's things that need to be improved. I love the acquaintance of it. I love how small it is. I love everything that this bar to include the library and the Bourbon branch has to offer, but this one in particular out of the three is probably the worst.I would go back.
This place is amazing, if hidden speakeasy's that require a password to enter are your vibe you should definitely check this place out! The entrance to the bar is a unlabeled door, and you have to ring the doorbell before someone comes out and asks you for the password The only way to get a password is to make a reservation so make sure to book ahead of time. The doorman will then lead you through bourbon and branch through another door to a smaller quieter more intimate, mid 1900's themed bar. Giving me Indiana Jones, 1950 detective vibes. Everybody is dressed to the theme so you really feel transported back in time. The drinks themselves are pretty good. The concept is that you can get 3 drinks in the style of a dinner, an appetizer, a main course and a dessert. We didn't do that ourselves but just putting out there as an fyi. I'm a big fan of uniquely good cocktails and I feel like they really got a good grasp on a well balanced, strong and tasty cocktail. I got the double indemnity and the skull island sour. Both were tasty, well balanced and strong enough. My only nit would be their ice choice. For one of them, they served it to me with crushed ice with a paper straw and tbh that was actually so hard to drink, my straw kept crumbling and the ice diluted the drink down before I was even close to finishing. Other than the ice though, vibes, tastes were immaculate.
This is a nice speakeasy. Make sure you make a reservation! They give you a passcode to enter. We were sat at a high table in the bar area and the ambiance is romantic if you come in late in the evening. It is gentle but it can get loud depending the type of crowd that enters. My boyfriend ordered a sazerac and he said it's the best sazerac he's ever had. I ordered the right is rain and it was lovely. No food here just drinks. Glad we stopped in before our dinner.
17 days ago
An outstanding quite literal hole-in-the-wall speakeasy-themed cocktail bar. When entering the main speakeasy Bourbon & Branch (which is outstanding in its own right), you enter Wilson & Wilson which has its own menu and seating area. The cocktails have a great prohibition vibe and the service is exemplary with the bartender even going so far as to include a Friends, Family & Industry complimentary discount! This place is definitely on my list of places to return to! read more
2 months ago
If I could, it'd be 1 star for the lousy bartender and 5 stars for the venue & drinks. We wanted a special night out last Saturday and hoofed it to SF for drinks at Wilson & Wilson around 6ish, having enjoyed being there on a few previous occasions. Our bartender had all the personality of plain oatmeal, making for a pretty lame start to a lousier experience. It took 25 minutes for him to bother taking our order into an hour-long reservation because he was so occupied with the couple at the other end of the bar, but not before arriving with a drink we hadn't ordered. We momentarily thought it was a compensatory drink for the lousy service, but, no, he just awkwardly swooped it off the counter to deliver to the lucky soul who wasn't still waiting to order. We had to wave him down for a second order - because attentive he was not - which he he'd then proceed to screw up. It quite sucked compared to every other time we've been, and, while we can't get our time or experience back, can we at least get a refund? read more
9 months ago
We visited the Wilson & Wilson to celebrate my husband's birthday. While the cocktails were good quality and the atmosphere was cool, the service unfortunately soured the evening. We had a 1.5-hour reservation starting at 8:00 PM (confirmed for a 9:30 PM end time), but at 8:50 PM, the bartender told us we had to leave by 9:00 PM. We were already finishing up, but I politely mentioned that our confirmation stated a 90-minute slot and tried to show him the email just so they were aware for future guests. Instead of a professional correction, the bartender argued with us, insisted we only had an hour, and told us we had to go. We didn't want to escalate or ruin the birthday mood, so we just paid and left. It was an unnecessarily tense end to what should have been a fun night. read more
7 months ago
Behind the frosted window of a shady Private Detective Agency in San Francisco lies a cocktail paradise. Wilson & Wilson is one of the most secretive speakeasies we've ever been to. If you figure out how to gain entry, the hostess at Bourbon & Branch--which is also a speakeasy--will open a bookshelf and let you in. Once inside, the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the service is excellent. This is the kind of place where the person next to you at the bar is guaranteed to be an interesting character. Their menu features well-crafted and exciting cocktails, and we especially enjoyed the Pinkerton, made with bourbon, coffee, orange, and tobacco bitters. But above all, we got the best version of our test drink ever! Not only will we be back (again), but we recommend a visit to all cocktail enthusiasts! read more
Such a Fun and Unique Experience! My friends and I stumbled upon Wilson & Wilson recently, and we had the best time! The place is so cozy and intimate, with just the right lighting and the cutest little oil lamps on each table, it really sets the mood perfectly. Ross, the mixologist, was amazing! You could tell he loves what he does, and his cocktails were absolutely fantastic. He was super friendly and made the whole experience so enjoyable for us. We'll definitely be back! read more
2 years ago
Slam dunk of a place. A speakeasy inside a speakeasy. Reservations area a must. W&W is a small place (about 20 seats) and is really only good for parties up to four. Drinks are out of this world amazing and the service was top shelf. This is a must see place whenever you are in the city. There are three bars inside this co okey but Wilson is the best in my opinion. Less people, great music, and you really do feel transported to a different time and place. read more
8 months ago
I travel to San Francisco often, and on my last visit just a few days ago, I fell in love with the collection of speakeasy bars under one roof -- especially Wilson and Wilson. Thank you for the hospitality, the warmth, and the conversations over multiple nights. Your staff was lovely, and you truly raised the bar. I'll definitely be back. Please visit Cincinnati my invite to you! read more
Service here honestly sold the experience for me-- the drinks were great and the one I ordered was right as rain--it was appropriately fruity and smooth. The speakeasy was on theme and made me feel like I was sitting in a bar in England. We were one of two tables at our reservation time and it was so nice and intimate to get to chat with each other and the bartender. He made us an extra drink for my sisters bday, and was friendly and lovely to talk to altogether. As we entered another table was leaving and the chit chat between the customers and bartender was also very wholesome--great ambiance here. It was different than any other speakeasy I've been to, and I enjoyed all the secret rooms. Definitely recommend the experience! One thing to note was that we had a reservation but I think there was some sort of hold up inside of bourbon and branch as when we arrived there were already three parties waiting in line outside of the door--kind of defeating the secretive speakeasy mood. Although they kept ringing the doorbell no one came for maybe 20 minutes and since there were 3 parties ahead of us, and the hostess went inside each time after getting the name on the reservation to figure out where to seat them, we didn't actually get seated until 30 min after we got in line. A little bit of an inconvenience but was smoothened out by the nice experience after we were seated. read more
4 years ago
Another spectacular speakeasy in SF that absolutely blew me away. The craftsmanship of each drink was so delicate and speaks for itself. I ordered the Charlie Chan and it was amazing, has a slight hint of pepper in it. The service was great as well, my partner accidentally spilled his drink and our bartender was kind enough to make us another one free of charge. Cannot recommend this place enough. read more
Our favorite speakeasy, the Wilson and Wilson is the pace we always go to get an after dinner or show drink before we turn in. The speakeasy has a cool theme and a great "mystery" to solve at the beginning of the menu-it really takes you back with a feeling of: this is what it might have been like! The bartenders have the look of the time, it's dimly lit with lights at each of the tables, and occasionally has special events to attend! Make sure you make a reservation and have the password before you enter!!!! read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
I love the ambiance but the service was super slow. The bartender wasn't efficient and seemed inexperienced. This was my second time here and the first was by far better .I think they also may have switched up the menu, this is expected, however I feel like they need consistency with the menu as I was on a date here and was not as impressed as I was the first two times that I went there and that's why this place went from a five star to a three star and definitely can earn the other two stars, but they need to figure it out. My day once again didn't understand the complexities of bourbon or whiskey in the server didn't quite assist in the way that I thought they would as an efficient Auto of the various different bourbons and whiskeys and just words suggesting the things that looked cool versus actually tasted good and luckily, I didn't allow it to continue and ordered for her, but based upon his recommendations, I would've spent money on just juice and or non-spirit forward cocktails. I saw one couple literally not finish their drink get up and walk out after tasting the same thing that my date ordered. I love this place and definitely could be better but I think there's things that need to be improved. I love the acquaintance of it. I love how small it is. I love everything that this bar to include the library and the Bourbon branch has to offer, but this one in particular out of the three is probably the worst.I would go back. read more
10 months ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
This place is amazing, if hidden speakeasy's that require a password to enter are your vibe you should definitely check this place out! The entrance to the bar is a unlabeled door, and you have to ring the doorbell before someone comes out and asks you for the password The only way to get a password is to make a reservation so make sure to book ahead of time. The doorman will then lead you through bourbon and branch through another door to a smaller quieter more intimate, mid 1900's themed bar. Giving me Indiana Jones, 1950 detective vibes. Everybody is dressed to the theme so you really feel transported back in time. The drinks themselves are pretty good. The concept is that you can get 3 drinks in the style of a dinner, an appetizer, a main course and a dessert. We didn't do that ourselves but just putting out there as an fyi. I'm a big fan of uniquely good cocktails and I feel like they really got a good grasp on a well balanced, strong and tasty cocktail. I got the double indemnity and the skull island sour. Both were tasty, well balanced and strong enough. My only nit would be their ice choice. For one of them, they served it to me with crushed ice with a paper straw and tbh that was actually so hard to drink, my straw kept crumbling and the ice diluted the drink down before I was even close to finishing. Other than the ice though, vibes, tastes were immaculate. read more
1 year ago
This is a nice speakeasy. Make sure you make a reservation! They give you a passcode to enter. We were sat at a high table in the bar area and the ambiance is romantic if you come in late in the evening. It is gentle but it can get loud depending the type of crowd that enters. My boyfriend ordered a sazerac and he said it's the best sazerac he's ever had. I ordered the right is rain and it was lovely. No food here just drinks. Glad we stopped in before our dinner. read more
3 years ago
This place is amazing. A great secret bar within a secret bar. Specialty drinks and stellar service. I've been coming here for years. I love the ambience and hidden aspect of it. A great place to get drinks before as show or dinner. read more
1 year ago
Thank you so much, W&W. I was a whiny baby because our flight that were supposed to get us into SF by 3:30 pm was canceled, we took a diverted flight to Oakland, crossed the bridge, and our 9:30 res was in doubt yet they took us in at the tail end of the night regardless. THANK YOU. Now, on to the star of the show: these fantastic libations. From seating to service, W&W is a speakeasy within a speakeasy oozing Bogart style, taking us back to the era when Sam Spade sought the Golden Falcon. In a three-course fashion, we enjoyed front to back. Each cocktail -- whether mezcal or gin -- pushed a distinct flavor profile from smoky to airy to citrusy. It truly was a rolling tasting that provided elegance with every sip This was my top spot on this trip and I'm so truly thankful they took us in after an awful travel experience, which was forgotten the second we were welcomed through the door with our special secret password. Thank you, W&W. We will be back again some day! read more
Visited the Bourbon & Branch side first then headed over to this area. It's very cool and hidden away within B&B. They are a bit more lax on the cell phone/camera usage in this area. It's a very small bar area and it's disguised as a detective agency. You get a menu hidden inside a detective file. The experience is designed to be 3 courses "drinks". The first drink I ordered was so unique. Very bitter to start then a distinct cocoa essence afterwards. Next was the skull island sour. This was probably my favorite here. Last was the truth serum. This one was strong! I liked the larger variety of cocktails offered over at B&B. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 the bar stools here were very uncomfortable and seemed unstable. Also be careful not to accidentally touch the little lamps. They are HOT!!!! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
You can't miss out on this place if you're in the area. Go chat with Barry and have a laugh. Enjoy the ambiance and have Isaac mix up a truly one of a kind cocktail for you. The service was perfect, the drinks were top notch, and the experience left me speechless. read more
4 years ago
What a gem in the TL district in SF. The speakeasy-within-a-speakeasy setup is really fun, and the drinks are amazing. I really recommend the Charlie Chan; balanced and tastes like autumn in a glass without being too sugary. Great place for a date because of the cozy, intimate atmosphere. Also great service! The bartenders really want to make you a drink you'll love. They are reservation only, so check their websites for openings. Once you reserve a table, you will get a secret code for when you arrive. read more
3 years ago
Very cool speakeasy in San Francisco. Hidden entrances and cool drinks. Recommend when visiting SF. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
I've been here a couple of times and I LOVE it. The bar is so exclusive you are required to make reservations and once you hear a response there is a secret word to need to give when you arrive. The entire bar is dark and NO PHONES ARE ALLOWED. They are really serious about this or else you will not be asked to leave. There are three bars within the venue, but the doors are closed. I came here on Halloween where my experience was so different from my first time. I was expecting no light and being in one bar, but it was the complete opposite. There were lights on and the doors to the conjoining rooms were open. Such a pleasant surprise. I have always enjoyed my visit to Wilson and Wilson and will make an effort to coming here when I visit San Francisco. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Enjoyed our time here. Did the flight... mixed alcohols which might not have been the best idea for later evening, but all the drinks were amazing! read more
2 years ago
8 years ago
My 600th review goes to...Wilson & Wilson! First of all, I confess I love speakeasies. They are so enigmatic and full of charm and history. I've always wanted to check out Bourbon & Branch but never got the chance to until a couple of months ago. I tried to make a reservation at Bourbon and Branch but they were all booked. I later learned that they had another bar Wilson & Wilson inside Bourbon & Branch which would require a separate reservation. A speakeasy inside a speakeasy?!?! Seriously?!?! I was immediately sold! I guess not many ppl knew about it so I was able to score a reservation just a couple of days in advance. I got an email with a password and the establishment called to confirm before my visit. Damn! This already made me super excited before I even got there! On the day of the reservation, my guest and I showed up after visiting another bar in the TL. This spot was kinda hard to find b/c it doesn't have a sign. It was and still is a speakeasy after all! We saw a gentleman standing outside and confirmed with him that we were on the guest list after giving him the password. We were then taken inside by a hostess into a very dark space. After entering many doors, we finally arrived at Wilson & Wilson. Wow! It was like another secretive world! The atmosphere was swanky and intimate and took me back in the old days instantly. It certainly lives up to its private detective agency name. I was mesmerized and in love. The cocktail menu was designed like a case file. We opted to order a la carte instead of doing the 3 course tasting. We both decided to try this coffee infused cocktail and were absolutely blown away. I mean I'm serious that IS the best cocktail I've ever had in my life. And my guest was wowed and said the same thing. BOTTOM-LINE: it doesn't matter if you live here in the bay or are just visiting, you MUST come to this spot if you haven't. You'll have a hell of a good time here like I did, I promise! read more
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More info about Wilson & Wilson
505 Jones St
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tenderloin
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https://www.thewilsonbar.com
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Ask the Community - Wilson & Wilson
How do you make a reservation now? There's no link anymore
Hi Al, there was an issue with our reservation system. You can now make a reservation through our website at https://www.thewilsonbar.com/. See you soon!
For W&W, do you knock on the B&B door (on the corner) or the one next to it?
Knock on the main bar door at Bourbon & Branch.
Can a group of 6/8 ppl be accommodate?
The space is usually tight for more than 2 people, I would recommend going with Bourbon and Branch for a group of 6.
Do you need a separate reservations if you want to go into B&B after?
Yes you do need a separate reservation. If they're not busy, they might be able to accommodate you, but it's not worth the risk if you plan on going to B&B as well.
Is there a dress code?
No - there is not a dress code. That being said, you're sitting on stools pushed up to a bar, so keep that in mind. Shorts or short skirts might mean your legs are sticking to the stool and that you're uncomfortable.
Is this a relatively safe area to walk to from the union square area?
I would say there are a lot of homeless people. Whether or not they would be aggressive is subject to possibility. There is a doorman at the speakeasy so once you get there, you're good, but it is a sketchy walk.
How much can you expect to spend here per drink?
About $12USD per drink (if you're ordering off the cocktail menu). It is most definitely worth it (I didn't think I would feel that way, but the drinks are works of art!)
Is smoking cigars or cigarettes acceptable here?
Not indoors. You can go outside to have a cigarette and they will hold your seats while you're gone.
I've made a reservation. Got a confirmation from Yelp. But no password from Wilson & Wilson. What should I do?
I've always gotten a response right away in my email, so maybe check your spam/junk folder?
Is this a 21 and over establishment?
Yes, Wilson & Wilson and all other bars at this location are 21+ at all times.
Are there no 4 tops there? We have a group of 4 and Yelp reservations will only allow reservations for 2.
We got two different reservations for our party of 4. They were accommodating and sat us together.
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