The Great Water Bar & Cafe
San Francisco, CA
Reviewed By Ryan Dunn on 8/17/98

General Appearance: On first entering the bar, you notice the excellent use of the space available. Nat (the owner) and Tim (the bar manager) have taken care to make sure that he entire bar is clean and well organized. Seating is available either at the bar, high an low tables, or at the bench seats around the pool table. Oh yeah, there's wood EVERYWHERE. I LOVE that in a pub. Lots of space to hang out and talk, without feeling crowded.

General Atmosphere: Very cool place. The bartenders are friendly and attentive, and you never have to wait along time to get a drink. A word of warning: it's not a meat market. If you are looking for a meat market, there are a number of places right up the street, and you can wait in line to get in with the rest of those poor, thirsty people. There is 1 pool table (new felt - Nat had it replaced after he bought the place).

Beer Selection: Outstanding! With over 30 beers on tap, The Great Water has an impressive selection of beers, including a few of my favorites: Bear Republic IPA, Eye of the Hawk, and Prohibition Ale. They have a little of everything, so regardless of your favorite style, you are sure to find something to your liking. For those days when you require something stronger, The Great Water features a full bar.

Munchies: The Great Water has a small but extremely palatable menu, including a number of delicious Thai appetizers. Unfortunatley, the kitchen closes at 9pm, but there is a Carl's Jr. down the street, on the off chance that you actually get that desperate.

Points of Interest: Ask Nat to show you the room downstairs - the building dates back to Prohibition, and the downstairs was an honest-to-God speakeasy. The room has a mini bar, and is available for private parties.

Complaints: It's only a small complaint, but it's the little things that make life worth living. There is only 1 pool table, and when the bar is crowded, it's hard to get a game in. My suggestion to Nat would be to open up the downstairs (not currently open to the public), put another pool table in there, and maybe add some darts.

Location: The Great Water Bar & Cafe is located at 373 Broadway in San Francisco, California, just north of the financial district. It's a nice location, as long as you don't mind the strip clubs down the street. The phone number is (415) 956-5158.

Rating: 4.2