by Adam G. on Blush is quite possibly one of my most favorite places in the Castro. It's classy, fun, well staffed, and just about perfect. Their wine selection is varied and unique, plus it's updated by season. Nearly anyone will be able to find a wine here that will satisfy them. The food and snack items are also perfect accompaniments to the wines. Especially nice are the meat and cheese platters. They're a perfect amount for 2-4 people to graze on while sipping away on delicious local and abroad wines. The staff is spot-on. They're extremely well informed, and can explain or describe every bottle on the menu. They are all attentive, friendly, mildly flirtatious, and overall eager to assist you in your wine selection. They're more than willing to offer suggestions, or attempt to tailor your drink purchase to your palette and preferences. Interestingly, for a wine bar, the place is very much not pretentious. It's decor is casual, and inviting. The seating isn't fancy, but nonetheless welcomes you to sit and stay a while with a group of friends. Sometimes light, unobtrusive music is playing. The place never reaches a volume level where normal conversation can't be had. If I had to knock Blush, it'd be the cost. Many of their wines are international, and thereby carry an international price. The snacks are also a little more pricey than one would expect. Still, it's a bar, so what do you expect? Plus, the atmosphere and service well out-shadow any negative feelings about price. Truly, one of the best places in the Castro for friends and drinks.
by Tina C. on The Park is another Asian nightclub/lounge. However, the dance floor is smaller in the upstairs area. The decor is nicely decorated with an Asian flair. Disappointedly there is no bamboo decorations or Asian music to make it more authentic. Women does not have to work so hard to entice men as the male patrons are quite good looking. This night club/lounge is quite large. It has about two levels of space where patrons can mingle or dance the night away. The main stairs to the second level is a bit scary if one is not careful. There are no stupid gymnasts dangling on cloth ropes, which do not intrigue my interest. There is no admission charge for a Saturday night. It is a lot easier for admittance without being on the guest list. I like The Park a lot. N.B. All patrons must have a valid photo ID for admittance of 21 years old.
by Jefferey Spillane on I have only been to Suede once for a private party, and chances are that based on the previous reviews, I will not be back. So this review will be brief and strictly about the venue, not the clientele. I have read all the crap reviews of Suede here on Rateclub, and was very apprehensive going there. Asian scene in San Francisco is everywhere as it is, so there's no need, in my opinion, to create a specially-themed ghetto-Asian club. But, as I say, I was there on a weeknight for another party, so thankfully, I was spared the regular crowd. The club itself is surprisingly spacious, and what is always important, has ample seating. It has three rooms, which is a big bonus, especially after you pay the regular $20 cover charge. In return, you get three bars for the price of one and can wander around its cavernous interior. Despite the size, the place is fairly cozy, perhaps due to rather low ceilings. Interior decoration is nothing to write home about, but I doubt that is a factor for the bridge and tunnel crowd that apparently frequences this place. Drinks were ridiculously overpriced, though - I think I paid $13 for a French martini. I guess that is cheaper than bottle service, but after a couple more glasses, not by much. Finally, I half-expected the bouncers to be your regular gorilla-like dicks, which I could see they wished they could be, but being that it was a Tuesday and a private event, they must have been told to behave. So there, Suede, you've earned your three stars.
