20 Spot - San Francisco, California

ayush kalani

San Francisco has no shortage of wine bars, but 20 Spot in the Mission district manages to carve out a special niche for itself. It's a solid 4-star experience, perfect for a cozy date night. This review is mostly focused on the ambiance and the service because my friend and I already had dinner at a restaurant next door.

Ambiance is King: This place nails the intimate vibe. It's housed in a former record store, and they've kept some of that charm with exposed brick and stacks of vinyl lining the walls. The lighting is warm and dim, creating a perfect atmosphere for conversation and connection. You can also snag a spot on the comfy couch in the back for some serious snuggle factor.

Wine & Bites Delight: The wine list is impressive, with a strong focus on interesting finds from California, alongside some classic French and Italian options. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to recommend something based on your preferences. Our bartender was very light-hearted fella and had a great sense of humor. They also serve modern American fare food. Their menu mostly consists of snacks, cheese boards, and small plates with 1-2 mains and some desserts.

We tried their house bread with pimenton oregano butter, and it was perfect for sharing.

A Few Caveats:
It's a popular spot with limited seating space, so be prepared for a wait, especially on the weekends. Also, the focus is definitely on wine, so the cocktail selection is a bit sparse.

Overall: If you're looking for a charming and intimate spot for a date night with a focus on great wine and delicious bites, 20 Spot is a fantastic choice. Just be prepared for a wait and the slightly limited seating options. For the ambiance and overall experience, it's definitely worth a visit.

Marco Reginelli

Super cozy wine bar. The wine I selected was really good and I had a second glass - it was a Mouvedre from Spain. I didn't have any food, so I can't comment on that. The servers timed the check-ins well. One downside, it was really warm in there. To many people for such a small space maybe.

Marcela Ma

This place is a 5star all around! Rather you’re on a date or eating with a friend or family keep in mind this place is not very kid friendly… kids are welcomed but it’s just not a kid friendly environment. the food and service is always outstanding. Everything is made in-house with super fresh ingredients, From the bread to pasta to desserts. Wine selection is also great and the service… they are super awesome 🙂 I love it love it love it ? keep it in mind that their menu is constantly changing very seasonal!!

Rupert Harvey

20 Spot bar delivers an impeccable blend of vintage charm and contemporary offerings. The decor is undeniably cool, effortlessly merging a nostalgic aura with very welcoming vibes, primarily showcased by an impressive array of old records lining the walls. The staff here goes above and beyond, ensuring your experience is warm and delightful. Though we didn’t partake in their culinary offerings, the food, especially the small plates, lamb dishes, and pizza, being enjoyed by fellow patrons, looked incredibly tempting and well-crafted. The crowning jewel, however, is their amazing selection of wines, offering a sophisticated palette that speaks to both novice and seasoned wine enthusiasts alike. A must-visit spot for an elegant, yet cozy, evening in San Francisco.

Andrea Santos

primarily go for the atmosphere but don’t expect much from the food. lively interior with moody lighting and vinyl records on display and great date spot.

brussel sprouts: decent dish, didn’t hate it but didn’t love. uninspiring

calamari stew: nice for a cozy night. the bread was really tasty. overall nothing spectacular

Adell Hanson-Kahn

Good wine list, good food, great service. Cottage core vibes? Mission prices, but what do you expect.

Susan H

This is the epidamy of a corner bar with tapas, beautiful men that work there, and incredible food! I was taken by surprise by this venue when my new daughter in law made arrangements to have an after-party after their wedding service. This is in the mission, but you have to take a walk there either during the day or come at night. The food will fill your sense as your drinks fill your head. I will come here again, and again. Amazing!!

Patrick Kennedy

Great drinks (we tried both vermouth options on the menu u and got a natural wine bottle all at the bartender’s recommendation and she consistently steered us right; super knowledgeable) and really solid food (the kitchen really knew how to take advantage of peak tomato season). Loved the 70s vibe.

It was pretty packed on Friday evening, but the staff managed to work efficiently without giving off hectic energy.