Dalva - San Francisco, California

Jordan P.

I go to a lot of cocktail bars in San Francisco. This is one of my favorites. The drinks are creative and tasty. Vibes in both the front and back bar are on point with good music. Staff was very friendly to me as I chatted them up about their menu!

Matty E.

The ID Security person was reading Sylvia Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel “The Bell Jar” with a clip-on-booklight when we handed her our IDs, and that should tell you everything you need to know about this hidden gem. It takes itself seriously as a sophisticated bar with just a hint of pretentiousness that is, admittedly, well-earned: the drinks are good, and they know they’re good.

The dim lighting adds to the swanky mood of a 1960’s Southwestern parlor which was the perfect vibe for our date night. It honestly felt like walking into my trendy older cousin’s first apartment after she graduated college: it was tastefully decorated by someone who finally had the money to execute their vision and to do it right.

The cocktail menu leans towards more mature flavors, so this isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for really fruity or flirty drinks. Instead, these drinks are thoughtfully constructed into something you’ll want to slowly slip throughout conversation.

Ultimately, we asked the bartender for her recommendations, and it was the best thing we could have done — 10/10 for both cocktails (Public Sesame #1 and New Wave Fix).

The Public Sesame #1 scratched my itch for a Negroni, but with an interesting nutty overtone from the sesame flavor. The giant ice cube really elevated the presentation, and I enjoyed seeing it slowly melt as I sipped away at it.

The New Wave Fix is not a bad choice if you want something sweeter and easier to drink, though it is deceptively complex — the sweet and sour pineapple is rounded out with the toasted-coconut liqueur. It tastes foamy and creamy without being heavy at all.

With all the various restaurants, venues, and shops around the area, Dalva is a must-try before or after another event. Will be back for another nightcap soon!

Kate

Waitress was inattentive and slow even though they were at their busiest time on a Friday night. As for the drinks, no one in our group of three liked them

Alakananda S.

What an absolutely amazing cocktail bar! I chanced upon Dalva as we were walking around in the neighbourhood. It looked interesting, so we decided to go in. A beautiful bar with contemporary décor, it was a breath of fresh air on 16th street. The dim lighting added to the relaxed mood..

They have a fantastic cocktail menu, I was spoilt for choice! Our waiter was friendly and attentive helping us choose from their selection. We went for a mezcal and a brandy cocktail, both of which were very good. They had a good playlist as well, which made the evening very enjoyable before we headed to dinner.

Krista W.

The whole vibe of this place was great. Staff was super friendly and happy to make recommendations. Every drink we had was very out of the box and delicious!

Peter P.

Creative cocktails, top notch vibes, and great location. This place has become one of the best spots in the Mission. High brow, low brow atmosphere (expect sometimes snooty service) and fantastic bar in the back for larger events. Check this place out!!

Noah P.

Service fantastic, atmosphere on point, drinks were unique, complex, yet somehow all of them refreshing and perfect for the vibe!! Love!! Underrated!!

Rachael A. Y.

public sesame #1 big yum!