Otis
Categories: Lounges, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
Neighborhood: Union Square25 Maiden Lane
San Francisco, CA 94101
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 5:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
Sat-Sun 8:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Music: DJ
- Best Nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: No
173 Reviews for Otis
One of Otis' Favorite Reviews
this cute bar is right on maiden lane and a perfect little hiding spot. it's well decorated. love the peacocks and the wallpaper. love how it's so small and cozy. love how it's not really that crowded. love how they serve really good appetizers. and loved their new drink, which is not quite on the menu, but is really fruity with strawberries, blueberries and perfect for the summer. otis is my new fave bar downtown! i especially loved drinking here because i just spent a fortune at louis vuitton.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
This is one of my new favorite spots to go! How exotic, laid-back and sexy is this place??!! This diamond is hidden in the high-end fashion alleyway that Maiden Lane is-there's ALWAYS parking. This place gets pretty packed on Wed & Sat nights. I don't even know how to really describe this place--it's just COOL and I want to come here every week! The bartenders are always so nice and on top of their game. And the music is just bumpin-sometimes the djs playing old school hip-hop R&B and mix in the current hits of today w/o sounding so mainstream! There's never a cover, the drink prices are pretty average and if you're looking for a cool place to hang out w/ either a date, group of coworkers or a big crowd of friends, this is the place to go! I LOVE OTIS!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I came to Otis on a Friday night, and during this night they had some new promoters promoting the bar. They opened late and they did a horrible job telling people about the place. The music was repetitive and the bartender herself did not seem that friendly at all. They also had a cover charge. A total of 6 people showed up that day. Not a good night. Cover was $10, and they never usually have a cover charge according to one of my friends.
I am sure that this place is really cool and nice on another night when the promoters are not there, but on this particular day I went, it was not good. Also a it hard to find because it is in an ally way. You have to look for a white fence and go inside the white fence. I had to drive around three times to find his place. Even if you have a GPS, you still have to look for he white fence in the alley way.
Trekking down a narrow dim ally, while attempting to widden my already small Chinese eyes (don't worry ladies, I am big in other ways), I scan to locate magic number 25.
With my precision sonic ears, hip hop music guides me through the front door to Otis. Walking past two Fijian bouncers (very down to earth friendly), I enter a high ceiling tavern.
The 80 feat walkway wrapped around as a corridor is the place to make deals happen whether you're
a) exchanging numbers
b) deciding on the after party details
c) or simply getting a minor note of peace
shortly, the arrival of the main sector appears.
With two bar tenders hustling away and pouring drinks, I have yet to establish the theme or mood.
Turning down my restaurant consultant senses, it was time for me to relax.
"Get me a gin tonic and Stella." $12
Despite being Asian, I stray away from the stereotype and leave a "fat" tip.
(After all, I have been there. A "professional juice" at Jamba juice and the charming sushi waiter.)
With the towering ceiling, the music flowed through the dark walls and appeared to surround the room.
As a simple eye candy, Thai Beer Asian girls dressed in golden traditional "kai po" filled the room.
This reminded me of my Budweiser days. After graduating from UC Berkeley, I was hired by Budweiser in St. Louis to throw parties in San Francisco and hire Bud girls.
That night, my friend and former co-worker from California Culinary Academy Denise invited me to the party. For her friends bday, the set arrangement included cheese, olives, and the best surprise, Beard Pappas.
Feedback for the bartender, a smile or even a fake charming wink would have added more to the night.
In short, Size Matters. For a small get together, this is an ambitious places without the pretentious mood.
People thought this was:
Useful (12)
Funny (10)
Cool (14)
The Artwork that people are talking is by millard. - and artistic duo -
Diana Smith & Ezra Livingston- check the website at http://millardboutique...
1 Previous Review:
-
08/02/2008
This is the secret that very one in SF is looking for
The decor is pretty rad. My friends and myself went upstairs to sit. After we'd been the for a while the owner came over to us and told us very politely that a party had reserved the space. We were free to stay there until they showed up and then we'd need to just move over to another table.
When the group did show up and we moved we were right under one of the speakers. The owner noticed this and walked over personally to turn down the volume on that speaker.
A quick note of the music. I am extremely biased when it comes to music but the DJ continuously played hip hop and rap from the 90s. It was awesome! I must have heard my favorite three Nas songs, Juicy by Notorious BIG and even some DMX. I want that guy to play at my birthday party!
When we left the owner saw us making our way out and came over to us again to thank us for being so understanding about moving. He shook each of our hands, even remembered our names and wished us a good night.
Whenever I'm in this part of town this bar will always be a place I recommend to friends!
Disappointing. Went on the 3 year anniversary. So the complimentary vodka was nice but it took a LONG time to get it (understandibly so) what with one bartender and one bar?? SNOBBY DJ's who cleared out the place. Don't think i'll be back. Oh well.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Pros:
Cute, cozy bar
Funky beats
Fun decor (love the art)
Decent drinks
Love upstairs (at least there are windows that open!)
Stays open until 4 a.m.
Cons:
So crowded and damp
Poor ventilation (first floor usually reeks of something)
Drinks aren't as good as the prices with suggest
Bottom line: This place is almost a hidden gem. It's hidden, but not quiet gem material. I hadn't heard of it until a month ago, which is strange. The place has been packed to the gills both times I've gone. More room and fresh air upstairs.
However, I would come back. I think it's more of a come with a group of friends type of place as opposed to come with one friend type of place.
On the smallish side, but very cute interior and good tunes on the happy hour tip. When I do venture off to Otis, it's usually on a Wednesday when Sergio and Alona are spinning. This place is best for small private functions, like a birthday or office soiree party thaaang. Pretty decent sangria, clean bathrooms (whaaaat?!) and cool art work by featured artists.
FYI Otis, if you're ever in the market to redecorate, hit me up.. I have a vision..
Otis, how have you been open for 3 years and my friends and I are just now finding you? We were all convinced that this place must be new after we came and loved it, because if it wasn't we would have gone many times before.
The music and decor are worth 5 stars. The music was....a little Hall and Oates, a little classic MJ, a little Jay Z, a little Amerie.... every song, one of the 3 of us was super jazzed about, but it was usually all 3. The DJ they had played the BEST songs for the majority of the night, until it went from hip hop to something else....but even then it was still good. The decor was all about the art, the unique lighting concepts, the peacock feathers, it was all fabulous. This place had style flowing out the door and through the windows.
Otis is urban, sleek and sexy all at the same time. I love the art (there is one painting across from the bar that I feel I HAVE to have!...girl with long dark hair, long legs in a trench coat or something, it was beautiful).
This may be my new favorite bar in the city. The owner Damon was so great (and he makes a fabulous French martini), the crowd was great and it's also open after hours for those nights when you're just not ready to go home yet....
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
You'd like Otis if you already enjoy: exotic taxidermy, Amy Butler prints, small bars, West Elm lighting apparatuses, and independent art. I happen to like all of these, so I enjoyed Otis. Yes, everyone has mentioned the peacock, but it really is magnificent, sitting above the bar and watching over us like a guardian angel. Also the paisley wallpaper upstairs somehow fits with whatever paintings are on display (and on sale).
I went on a Thursday night for the PSFK event. The crowd was friendly, the vodka gimlet was pretty good (a bit too much lime juice for my tastes), and, best of all, my friend and I met a Yelper and I got to say "See you on yelp!" --in all seriousness--for the very first time.
People thought this was:
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Cool (1)
I came here for a friend's birthday party. I loved the floor plan of this place. It gets warm on the top floor, but the lighting, the décor, muy sexy! Drinks are a little pricey and there really isn't anything around it, you're forced to pay drink prices
A great spot to hang out and meet new people. Cool environment. Not really a dancing spot, although it does come to that point here sometimes. I have a lot of new friends from my few times spent at Otis. I would take someone here that is new in town. I just moved here from NY and just happened to end up there one night. Great drinks too.
I have no idea how my coworkers found this place but it was a good way to end a night of dinner, drinks and debauchery. Our group of 12 pretty much took over the place, soaking in the good music, tasty drinks, and laid back atmosphere.
The ( +++ ) of comfy seats downstairs almost cancelled out the ( --- ) smell of weed upstairs.
It was extremely empty on a Friday, around midnight. That's either good or bad, you decide. I liked it foshizzle
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Otis was fine, basically. The location is adorable and I liked the soft lights and weird decor (although the ratty-looking stuffed peacock over the bar had me wondering if it was dropping, um, bits, in everyone's drinks). It has sort of a girly feel. I went for an Ivy+ party and it was unpleasantly PACKED, so I won't ding it for that, but I will say that it's teeeeeeny, so maybe go on more off nights unless you like a crush? I thought it didn't work with the lounge-y feel, and also their AC was NOT up to the task. The DJ area on top could be cute (I like the wallpaper) but was kind of squicked by the profusion of swirly Victorian carpet covering everything. Music was so-so, drinks were fine but pricey. I think this place could be more fun with the girls on a low-key evening, but overall I was underwhelmed.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
i like this bar more than most. maybe it's bc i have friends who dj here, but nonetheless, a very cool laid back vibe. it's a small bar, but that's what makes it so awesome.
It's nice and intimate. no food, just drinks. music on some nights.
I love the reindeer antler lights.
Fernet shots with ginger (Ale) chasers- Yes!
Non-shitty music is automatic bump to 4-star status.
Dress to impress, and sit in a furry chair.
People thought this was:
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I love this amazing little find!!!
Intimate, urban, sophisticated, and chic. This cute spot is SOOO perfectly tucked away on Maiden Lane. You'll be captivated by the urban funky decor and the beautiful art that lines the walls. Enjoy the friendly bartenders and chill scene.
1st impression of Otis ~ a cozy Peacock's lair. Quirky blend of stylish + natural decor...feathers, fake antler lights, coral on the wall, it works.
Double decker ~ bar on the bottom + DJ vibe on top.
Very fitting, nestled on Maiden Lane. Check it out.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (3)
Cool (4)
This place has a lot of potential, but the bartender I encountered and even the owner just had waaay too much attitude for their own good.
I frequent dive bars to black tie establishments and everything in between and I have to say: rudeness and giant ego's have no place anywhere. I can't believe I invited a couple friends here - I hope they will take my advice on where to go in the future!
I asked for a drink that was listed on the website and the bartender gave me the pshaww look at told me flat out he wont make that drink.. and no on e has for years. When I asked him to make me something similar and described what was in it, he just looked at me and said "OK.." with a questioning look on his face. I asked him to make me something similar, anything, you know, be creative and he just shrugged. I finally ordered a redstripe because I got the feeling he just could not be bothered. Keep in mind this was a Wednesday and there were only about 4 other people in there at this time. Not busy at all.
There was also an issue with an invite I received from Goorin to come down for some discounted drinks on "their" night. The bartender flat out told me they dont honor this agreement and reluctantly made me the discounted drink after I presented him with the invite.
I settled in with my friends and was ready to forget it when the owner came upstairs to talk to us. He didn't introduce himself, just sat down at our table and started talking. I had to ask him who he was and he looked shocked that I didn't know.. Anyway, he asked me to provide the invite again and once again told me that they will not honor it and that there is no "Goorin night." When my friend tried to explain, he interrupted her with "can i speak, can I speak please..." and implied that we had insulted his bartender in some way. We just wanted to be left alone at this point. It was a big mistake coming here.
The confusing part of the night came when we were leaving. there was what appeared to be a Goorin rep there hocking merchandise! I really don't get it...
Stay away.. Unless the "in" crowd to you means attitude.. and lots of it.
Otis is my new favorite night spot.
BUT ONLY UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
_Its the second Friday of the month, when "STEP" is happening
_Vinroc is spinning
_Ample amounts of clear liquor such as vodka or soju is running through my system
It honestly makes for a great combination.
[This place is tiny!]
People thought this was:
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I want the peacock!!! Totally love it.
Very cute little place and I love the location. It's nicely tucked away from the masses. Decent drinks and tunes. I'm definitely a fan now.
Otis is a blast. I went there on thursday night and found an awesome hot spot. The drinks are great, crowd is cool and the location is central. The part is that a friend of mine forgot her video camera and the owner held onto it for us until we were able to pick it up... now that is service.
I plan to go there again soon :)
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Useful (1)
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I think there's enough positive reviews in which I know I'll end up back at this crazy little bar in the alley in the heart of Downtown SF.
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I work upstairs from Otis and their newest drink is named after my company, and Mike is an awesome bartender and always says Hi in the elevator, but all that aside, this place is awesome. it's chill, it's a great place to hang out with a new friend, it's a fabulous place to meet up, the cocktails are usually good, the music is just loud enough to muffle the conversation the guys next to you are having but not too loud to have to yell to the person you're trying to have a conversation with.
I love Otis - but two questions:
1. What's with the flatscreen with sports on all the time? that's not a cool change.
2. What's with you guys closing early last night? That was messed up.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I came here for an ad:tech party. There really isn't much to say except the decor is lovely and the drinks are good abut the prices are retarded. I guess that is what I should expect at a FiDi/Union Square bar but really, $11 for a vodka collins? With well vodka?
I suppose if I were to come here again (or go to any FiDi bar that sounds like it could be pretentious for that matter) I'll make sure I dress to impress. But then again I could just back out and go to my local bar where the dressiest I need to be is have a decent pair of jeans and a newsy hat.
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$two off drink happy hour...quaint establishment...smallish, but cozy handsome comfort sofa 'n' barstool relax....mingle of friends....converse and nip of glenlivet twelve...$nine after $two off....odd in name..."otis"...thinking elevators common....methodical measured pours only slight discomfort....good average casual nip or two....
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A co-worker found a flier for this place--it has $2 drink specials for 2 separate hours on Tuesday. Cool...and it's close to work.
A week ahead, we planned to go to this place, and it couldn't have been a better day for a martini.
After finding this place (look for the heavy wooden doors), I was very cool. It's decked out gorgeously like The Peacock in Austin. White leather plush seating, a dim, but wonderful decor, good bartenders, and a laid back crowd. Luckily, this place wasn't crowded, but comfortable. I can't stand sardine-packed bars, especially after work. This place was perfect. The music was good until right when I was leaving when it went from a lounge groove music to some harder hip-hop. Ugh... that was the only inappropriate part of the experience, but I was walking out the door anyway. Let me clear one thing up--hip hop is fine, but it just doesn't fit this laid-back and posh place. It felt just wrong for the space. Save it for a dance club.
Anyway, I will be back. I had a great time, the drinks were right-on, if not a little expensive.
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I remember when Otis opened I thought it must be uber-cool since it was billed as being all exclusive and shizz. Fast forward three years and Otis looks like it's been through a battle or two. Wallpaper's coming off, graffiti in the bathrooms, dirty carpet. I think the pretense of exclusivity is gone.
I've only been in here for Happy Hour, which is an undeniably fantastic deal. Their sangria is pretty good and it's only $5.
The crowd-size is doable. I can imagine it's hell on a weekend night, packed to the gils with annoying pretentious people.
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Stopped by for a pals shindig and fell in love with the space. I'd love to see a band like Rilo Kiley play here...or have a small scale art show in the space followed by a private party for San Francisco's finest? I cannot attest to the prices of drinks as I didn't pay for any, but the space alone is worth raving about. Here's a thought, instead of going to a club on your next birthday, rent out Otis and have the bday of a lifetime. I know I will.
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I can't say that I'm a huge fan of Otis...but then again, I went here on a weeknight and maybe I wasn't in the best mood for the vibe that Otis was giving. The music was very loud and it very hard to have a conversation with the person sitting across from me, which is kind of the opposite of what I was expecting from this place. I mean the common descriptions of this place that I've heard or read include the words "nook", "intimate", "private", "secluded", "exclusive", I was expecting something a little sexier and quieter. However, the decor and hanging art was nice, the cocktails were stiff and tasty, and the bartenders had a sense of humor. I guess I'll try this place again when I'm in the mood for something a little more club-like. Maybe I'm getting old? It happens.
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10 minutes was all I needed to decide that this place is not as cool as it's semi-secret alleyway entrance might lead you to believe it is. Picture this: 4 cute girls dressed up for a night on the town. We're laughing, having a good time, strolling through Union Square, giddy with excitement that it's Friday and we are going to check out a new bar. We walk in with a whoosh of energy and .... ::crickets::. or actually more like the noise a record plays when it's scratched to a halting stop. The approx. 3 people who were there, including the bartender, looked up, frowned, and looked back down. It was DEAD at 11pm on a Friday night. We tried to make the best of it but the place absolutely killed our energy and the smiles we had on our faces.
What I could make of the decor in the too-dim lighting was very cool, and the upstairs seating area was nice, but the place reeked of pot and getting a drink at the bar even though we were the only ones ordering took way too long.
I *will* try it again (because I'll try anything twice and I've been told I must have gone on a randomly bad night) but in all honesty, I already went through my drink-in-the-darkness in a pot-filled room where everyone chills in silence to some trippy music during my hippie phase in college.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Otis is a warm and comfy space to go with a friends after work or a pre drink with a date. The low key bar has 2 levels with a capacity of about 100 to 120 people in the touristy union square location on Maiden lane. They have good DJ's through out the week from Hip Hop to House music and the space is great for a private party.
The bathrooms are clean and the bartenders aren't so bad. They made some changes on the decor over the years, but its still pretty tasteful. The sound system needs work, but that's about it. I usually make it out to happy hour on Wednesday for my friend DJ Sergio's night. If you like spaced out disco, italo, or boogie check out his happy hour
Otis is my new favorite downtown bar! Simply it rocks up and down and all around.....
From reasonably price drinks to soul stealing music to the scene, you cannot go wrong with a visit to Otis.....Get there early as after work most evenings it can get crowded, but you will never be disappointed!
Aloha to Damon and the bartenders at Otis. Good people.
Avoid at all costs.
Major problems with staff and owner here - total lack of class and do I dare say completely unethical people?! Yes, I did - I said it. This is my experience with them and I am sticking to it!
What has always turned me off about this place to start with is the level of 'exclusivity.' I understand having standards but in all reality this place at the very least needs to clean their bathrooms regularly if they are going to be consistent with promoting an exclusive 'members only' clause.
Secondly, the owner and his security staff are the most lame, unethical, condescending, scam-artists, downright foul restaurant people that I have ever encountered while living in San Francisco. Needless to say, buyer beware before choosing to work with them for a private event.
You may have a good experience here but trust me when I say that if you don't - the attitude is almost laughable in the way of compromise. It's almost as if they feel some form of religious entitlement to screw you over.
In the meantime, I would recommend saving your good times for those who deserve your pleasant company AND fair patronage.
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Useful (8)
I love Otis.
I think part of my love for Otis may even stem from all of the initial buzz of rumors which surround it.
All of the past articles that used to discuss the "exclusive" aspects of Otis got me and I guess there's a sliver of the Studio 54 diva inside of me - because it made me want to go. (I think the exclusive part of Otis may have changed since...)
My first experience with Otis was actually a small Yelp event that we hosted here. I loved the interior right away. The charm of the cozy upstairs is unmistakable. The interior is different from anything else in San Francisco. The reindeer lights like Kirst S points out are intriguing and the peacock above the bar, cast with just the right light, is nothing short of regal.
My favorite part of Otis is the crowd on a good night. Everyone seems to have a unique style, and story. Some of them local bar owners, artists etc. It all seems very New York. Hip. Chic.
Every time that I've been, I've found the bar staff to be attentive, and the music to be happening. There's been a number of times that I've stopped by and found the place to be pretty empty, but I'm sure later on in the night it must fill up very quickly - especially considering it's size.
If you haven't yet checked out Otis - go, but you may want to consider:
1.)stopping by on the earlier side to grab some seating room
2.) Coming a little buzzed, since drinks can get pricey.
3.) Getting out your hoop earrings (cause hoop earrings just rock) or rummaging through your clothes for a styish hat.
4.)Making sure there is not a closed event beforehand.
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Okay, I pretty much blacklisted this place when it first opened because it was supposed to be "members only" (oh no, another one of the many places trying to be "exclusive" opening in sf, but just end up being filled with a bunch of lame yupsters). So, needless to say, I didn't go. Recently, a good friend of mine started up a little happy hour thing on Wednesday here, so I finally gave in and dropped by, mostly to support her. It is actually a pretty cozy bar. I like cozy bars. We all decided to go there last night for birthday drinks for a friend. Basically, we took the place over, and we had a great time. The drinks were flowing and tasty, and someone even ordered one of their pizzas, which was surprisingly good. All in all, a good after work bar, good place to unwind. Two thumbs up.
Oops, forgot to add that the reason for the 1 star off, was the super stopped up toilet. Why is it so difficult for bar staff to keep their toilets working?
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This could be one of my new favorite spots downtown, hands down.
The intimate and secluded setting makes it a really fun little place to go with a group and mingle. I was here because my friend Nick threw a party, and he did a fantastic job picking this as the location. I was blown away by the decor, I don't know what it was, but it just struck a chord with me. Might have been the red walls with the white coral in the shadow boxes...Hmmm that sounds familiar....
The drinks were pricey, yes, but what do you expect these days; it wasn't the most I've had to shell out. The upstairs is really small, but cozy. It was great for chatting with old friends and there was plenty of seating to go around. All in all, I would definitely come back here, maybe throw my own party while I'm at it.
Love the location, and I can totally see how this would be (or could have been) a members only club at some point.
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