Seemor
Mr. Tipple's Jazz ClubBWorth Trying
39 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
· Bar, American restaurant, Live music venue
· 4.6/5 Google (1081 reviews)
Reservations
Destination for intimate live jazz with creative cocktails and Asian-leaning small plates; excellent music and vibe, but service inconsistency, strict seating policies, and fees can frustrate.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Mr. Tipple's Jazz Club delivers a distinctive nightlife experience anchored by exceptional speakeasy ambiance and strong destination appeal for live music. However, inconsistent food quality and service reliability—ranging from attentive servers to missed tables, and dishes that vary from excellent to underseasoned—prevent a higher grade. The venue excels as a music-forward night out but falls short of consistent fine dining standards.
Restaurant Summary
Step through the discreet entrance and you are in a candlelit room where the band is just steps away and the cocktails lean aromatic. One guest noted, "It felt like another world the second we walked in," and the room stays warm and intimate even when the bar gets buzzy. The music is the draw—many praise virtuoso sets—though chatter in the back can compete unless you book closer to the stage where the vibe is music-forward. The cooking leans bar-friendly with Asian-influenced small plates: bao, dumplings, and a crowd-pleasing crispy salmon over clay pot rice. Fans call out balanced flavors and late-night compatibility with craft drinks, while detractors cite the occasional lukewarm plate or seasoning miss. It suits diners seeking a full night out—live jazz, thoughtful cocktails, and snacks—more than a formal dinner. Families should note: this is a nightclub environment with cover fees, loud sets, and per-person minimums. There is no kids menu mentioned in reviews, and the atmosphere caters to date nights and adult groups rather than children.
At a Glance
- Intimate live jazz with excellent musicianship
- Speakeasy ambiance and creative cocktails
- Service can be slow or uneven during peak sets
- Fees add up (cover, minimums, auto gratuity)
- Best listening near stage; bar area can be chatty
What Sets It Apart
- intimate_stage_proximity
- speakeasy_entrance_vibe
- asian_influenced_club_menu
- front_row_premium_seating
What People Love
- Feeling close to the band in an intimate room
- Aromatic, inventive cocktails
- Bao, dumplings, and crispy salmon
- Romantic, speakeasy lighting and vibe
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistencies: long waits, missed tables, and tab mix-ups reported by several guests
- Multiple fees (cover, per-person minimum, auto gratuity) can surprise first-timers
- Bar area chatter can drown out the music; sightlines blocked near pillars
- Review patterns show signs of polarization (raves and sharp critiques), so experience may vary by night and seat
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$55-75 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair bao or dumplings with a house cocktail; choose salmon clay pot as a shared entree; order early in the set to avoid delays
Perfect For
- Booking front-row for a music-first date night
- Celebrating birthdays or anniversaries with a live set
- Cocktail lovers pairing drinks with shareable plates
- Out-of-towners seeking a quintessential SF jazz evening
Location Insights
Area: Urban arts-and-civic corridor near theaters and government buildings; attracts night-out crowds and visitors.
Safety: Generally active but mixed; typical downtown concerns after dark, better on busy show nights.
Nearby: Near Civic Center/UN Plaza, Hayes Valley dining, music schools, and performance venues; good rideshare access.
Mid-MarketMid-Market is a vibrant area with a mix of office buildings, entertainment venues, and a growing number of restaurants and bars. The dining scene is diverse, catering to both casual and upscale tastes, often frequented by workers from nearby tech companies and residents seeking trendy spots.
Tenderloin BorderThis micro-area sits on the edge of the Tenderloin, known for its gritty character and social challenges, but also for emerging dining spots and cultural venues that attract a diverse crowd. The atmosphere can be eclectic and edgy, with a mix of casual eateries and innovative restaurants.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday18:45–22:15
Thursday18:45–22:15
Friday17:45–23:45
Saturday17:30–23:45
Sunday17:45–21:15
Available: Reservations
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