5A5 Lounge

I remember when this place was a French restaurant way back when. The décor has remained essentially the same but the food is a much different.
The experience is great. The closest comparison I can make is Alexander’s Steakhouse which I really like. 5A5 also is just as great. It’s has a slightly different spin on the steak dining experience with a slight Asian fusion touch with its hamachi sliders and wasabi sauces. All I can say is that I really enjoyed my dining experience here and the steaks were cooked perfectly to my liking. And if you’re really up for the $$$$, they of course have the Japanese imported Kobe /​Wagyus.
I’m definitely coming back someday soon. A great holiday and special occasion date dining experience!

Love the ambiance and service but the steaks were so expensive yet unremarkable that I had to write. We had a large group of 12 for a bachelor party and all felt that the steaks were not steakhouse quality meat.

Not sure why there are two profiles on Unilocal for this place… It’s been more than a year since we had a corporate dinner event here. I also had dinner here once or twice by myself. The service is very good and I liked that they have coat check-​in. Perfect if you go on a date. The food was also good. A little pricey but perhaps that comes with any fancy restaurant

Not a fan. Atmosphere is so so, food is kinda bleh. It’s just not what I would expect from a steakhouse, no offence to the chefs and I am sure it’s more of a management thing, but salt is your friend. I have such a hard time writing reviews for crappy places because I feel it’s not the staffs issue at all, I mean again, service and food is managements thing, everyone else is just there trying to make the best of things. So staff I give 5 stars, they are seriously trying. Hopefully management takes notes and can maybe listen to their staff for some ideas.

What a cool spot in a nice neighborhood. I did not come here for steak. Apparently a good steakhouse, but came here for drinks many a time back in the day. Definitely an air of class that comes close to pretentious. That much I believe is unwarranted.
Strict, fancy location with good drinks a bit more upscale crowd at night during the weekends. Or that’s what they say at least. A lot of posers, but I believe that crowd has moved on.
For a good chill lounge it’s a solid spot for the inclined.

(HAPPY HOUR REVIEW ONLY) The food is aight and the drinks are fine too. The best draw is the HH special, and the nice atmosphere. It is a chill environment to have a drink and catch up with someone before the dinner rush. I would come back but mostly because for the deals.

I’ve been here numerous times to celebrate birthdays or just have a fun night out on the weekends. The steakhouse turns into a lounge almost a club on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s a bit more upscale and dressy than your typical lounge. They have a dj that plays classier music like edm and top 40s. You’ll rarely hear hip hop and rap, if anything it will be a mashup and it’ll pass by real quick.
The crowd is also fancier. An older crowd of late 20’s-late 30’s and mostly asian. The real loungers will be seen standing in the dining area with drinks in their hands chatting their night away. While you’ll see the clubbers on the dancefloor and at the bar. Every time I’ve been here it’s been real busy. But I heard it can be quite dead.
The men wore suits, business attire (collared shirts with dress pants). The ladies wore cocktail dresses and heels. They enforce dress code strictly, so men put those sneakers away and bring out those dress shoes.
Rumor has it the owner of 5A5 is also the owner of Element SF. Surprised it’s not ratchet? Heard the owner is strict on keeping 5A5 fancy. Tried to request a lil Jon song one night and the dj said he’s not allowed to play those kinds of songs. Say whattt? :O. But the dj said he’ll try his best to incorporate my request in his playlist. It ended up being mashed up and played for about 20 sec until it transitioned to another song. At least he tried.
I do really like the décor, ambiance and layout. They also have an outdoor patio don’t remember if it was also a smoking area. The bathrooms are downstairs and I liked the design of it. It is unisex however.
The venue itself isn’t meant to hold a lot of people. When capacity hits, they open the downstairs private dining area and the bar downstairs as well. The «dancefloor», because it’s a lounge not a club but can seem like a club sometimes, is between the bar and dj. It’s not spacious at all and can get quite packed like a sardine in a can.
Bar is fully stocked with top shelf choices. Around $ 10 per cocktail/​shot, average in my opinion.
They have a guestlist and it’s guestlist ONLY. There’s no cover. They also have table service.
And if you have late night cravings, the munchies, or just drank a little too much, there sometimes have been a dirty dog (bacon wrapped hot dogs) stand outside. YUMMMM who can resist that smell?
I’ve always had a good night here so far.

5A5 Steak Lounge Happy Hour review. Open seating area near the bar for happy hour. There’s a piano right nearby that someone plays. Fancy looking bathrooms downtown stairs, but you’ll have to take the elevator down to use it. Gets kind of noisy here if you want to have a conversation. Bunch of tables and seats in this place, which makes it kind like everyone’s squished into this area. The dinner area is definitely a lot more roomy.
== Food /​Drinks ==
All appetizers are $ 5 during happy hour!
Quality however range quite a bit. It’s quite bleh to pretty good.
The truffle french fries and oysters on the half shell (came with 3) are good.
Roasted mochi was pretty disgusting. Hard texture mochi in some kind of red sauce.
Popcorn chicken wasn’t really good either. Another dish to avoid.
Drinks are pretty nice. Quite expensive at $ 11 a pop. I tried Tea Garden Cooler, which is really cool and refreshing. Definitely worth getting. The other drink I got… I don’t remember but it wasn’t that good.
== Service ==
Pretty good service. Waitress came around a bunch of times to check up on things. Food takes a while to come out, but drinks come pretty quick.
== Overall ==
Kind of an expensive place for happy hour if you’re going for drinks. The appetizer price is pretty nice, but the quality is hit or miss. Overall, it’s pretty meh in terms of a place to happy hour at if you want to have a conversation.

This is a review of the bar only. A few weeks back Wifey and I went to see a play at the Eureka Theater. We arrived early so we went across the street to grab a cocktail at 5A5.
The bar area was pretty decent but they had about 75% of it blocked off for some private affair. Unfortunately, the bar space was taken by people eating at the bar. Personally, I believe if you are going to a steakhouse for dinner, you should sit at a table and enjoy the full experience. So, we ended up standing at a high table since there were no chairs. After waiting for a while, I realized there was no cocktail waitress. So, I go over to the bar, and lean over some folks to get my order in. What we received were some small martini glasses. Eh, ok.
The drinks were fine, nothing special. But I do have to complement the bartender. She was the only one working behind the bar and she was really moving and trying to keep on top of things. Kudos to you.
As for the rest of steakhouse, I thought it was a little loud for a place that is an upscale location. Also the décor seemed old and a little worn.
Will I be back? Maybe. I do like steak, but I think there are other places I’d like to try first

Second visit here following up on a previous review…
Vibe: 4.5 Stars — still a really neat place to drink and dine. Sizeable lounge area and great crowd, although drinks a bit pricey.
Food: 4.5 Stars — This visit was even better than the last, special recognition to the Hamachi Spoon Shots, the Diver Scallops, and the 4oz Wagyu Ribcap (wow)!
Bottom Line: If a subsequent visit is this good and consistent, I will likely give this place 5 stars…

This is a review for the after hours night lounge/​semi-​club.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! If you love Asians, then this is the place for you. I hear Asians saying, «There are too many Asians there.» I have never heard a white person, black, indian, mexican, or any other ethnicity say there is too many of their own race at a venue as a negative comment. Boggles my mind really. Why we gotta hate on ourselves?
Every time my friends and I go here, it has never disappointed. The ratios are good. Lots of females that I feel are willing to dance with you. The music is top 40 with some old school jams that night.
The drinks are strong and delicious.
Always lots of Asians. I think its a good thing. :D

Lots of Asians! Like lots and lots of Asians. The ratio isn’t that great here if you’re a guy. The music is your pop top-​40 mix. I like it. I came here for a birthday so getting in wasn’t bad at all, no line at 11:30. We also had a table so luckily we had a little area set for us. The dance floor is pretty packed. But the bar area isn’t too bad. The restrooms are in the basement, with unisex stalls. And sometimes the light doesn’t work, so you don’t know of someone is in there or not. Long waits for the restroom, but it nice to strike a conversation here and there. They kick you out right at 2AM, and won’t let you loiter in front of the lounge.

Too small of a dance floor and some of their music that they play is not rhythmic! Their music ranges from country, pop, mainstream and to oldies. I don’t know what age group or type of crowd they are trying to attract with the songs they play!
People are there, but half of the crowd are not dancing — just lingering. It kills the whole vibe for the night, kinda.
Their drinks are priced on average. Downstairs, where the unisex restrooms are located, is pretty nice! What a waste of space, though — they could have converted that seating area, downstairs, as an additional dance floor area, somehow.
The layout is modern — especially with the glam on the top ceilings where the bottle service is at. It’s eye-​catching!
FINAL SAY — Please make the dance floor bigger and the music better!

Few of my friends did birthdays at the 5A5 lounge before and it never disappoints, so this year, I decided to have mine here. I requested a table without bottle, and Steve was very nice to save me a table. Oh yeah, they also brought out a complimentry mini cake for me. They are super nice because I was wandering around the dance floor, and they actually hunt me down to give it to me. That was very sweet of them.
There is no covers as long as you’re on the guestlist. The lounge has a dj on Saturday, and the music starts around 11:15ish. The music here are pretty good, like those you would hear on the radio. The drinks here are strong, definitely worth the money. The atmosphere is pretty and classy.

SUPER DUPER ASIAN. I have nothing against Asian places (duh, I’m Asian too…), but I love diversity… Other than the fact that there really isn’t a diverse crowd, it’s pretty nice. I love the décor and ambiance.
The cucumber gimlets are really good here — strong too!
There’s the main area upstairs and there’s also a smaller VIP area downstairs. It’s also a steak house, so the dining area turns into a bottle service area when it becomes a club.
The bouncers are really nice (such a nice breath of fresh air), and the bartenders can be a bit snippy. but they do a good job with your drinks. It can get pretty crowded too since it’s not a huge venue. If you’re going with just girls, they usually let you cut the line or you can hop over to the VIP line.
Overall, it’s not too bad. I’d give it 3.5

One of my dearest & oldest buddies asked me of any lounges to celebrate her b-​day that I could suggest. I named a few that I’ve never been to, including 5a5. Steve was her main point of contact that I gave her (I had tried to plan my b-​day at 5a5 a month prior but had to cancel) & he was so accommodating. They hooked it up with a complimentary table, comp champagne & a surprise slice of cake for her. Though the venue is small & the table couldn’t hold that many of us, the staff is so nice & the music wasn’t that bad either…& NO COVER, but you must be on the guest list for admittance (no time cut off though)!
This nice venue mostly attracts the Asian crowd, but there is some sprinkles of diversity. It does get stuffy in there as the dance floor is small as well, but I believe there are ins & outs. Note: Table service doesn’t start until everyone clears out of the dining room… this could be until after 11.
Overall, not a bad place if you want to go somewhere a little more laid back & intimate. Thanks 5a5 for making my friend’s b-​day a great one!

I’m debating between 1 or 2 stars. 2 stars? Story time.
Me — «Excuse me sir, is there cover?»
Guard 1 — «No there isn’t, but it’s guestlist only»
Me — «Ohh. ok thanks»
Our friends were already inside, so we tried calling them. 3 asian girls in heels and skimpy dresses walk pass us
Guard 2 — «Sorry it’s guestlist only»
Girl — «ohh. but our friends are already inside»
Guard 2 — «ohh. well I guess you girls can go on in then»
My friend and I look at each other «WTF?!»
Me — «Hi, our friends are already inside, is there a way we can get in?»
Guard 2 — «Are you girls in the guestlist?»
Me — «Umm. no. but our friends may be, we’re trying to contact them»
Guard 2 — «Well, it’s guestlist only…»
My friend — «Well I went on the website and tried getting on guestlist but it said that girls get in free before 1030. I tried getting on guestlist just in case but it wouldn’t let me»
Guard 2 — «girls free before 1030. Well, how about you girls step aside and wait for your friends»
–_​_​_​_​_​–
Our friend comes out, talking to Guard 3.
Our friend — «Hi sir, my friends and I are in guestlist but my two friends over there (points) aren’t. We’re from LA and invited them last minute, is there a way they can come join us?»
Guard 3 — «is it just those two girls?»
Our friend — «yeah»
Guard 3 — hesitates. «It’s supposed to be guestlist only. But I’ll take care of you guys. You gonna take care of us?»
Our friend — «Ohh. yeah forsure. thanks man.» And my friend hands him a $ 20 tip.
ARE. YOU. KIDDING ME.
We go inside, it’s a bunch of short fobby asians who can’t dance taking over the dance floor and overpriced drinks = what a RIP OFF. The guy/​girl ratio is freakin 3:1 right now and you don’t even want to let 2 nice girls in?! SERIOUSLY?!
Ok I’ve decided. 1 star. The End.

Hi, my name is Cherylynn and I’m addicted to 5A5…
This is embarrassing and I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but I literally get 5A5 withdrawals and it’s the only thing that I look forward to every weekend. In the past 7 months, I’ve been to 5A5 every Saturday with the exception of several Saturdays because I had to go to birthday parties at other clubs. And, even when my friends and I try «change it up» and go elsewhere, we always end up at 5A5.
I don’t often write review updates, but my friends and I always have a great time at 5A5 so I thought I take the time to do so.
IMPORTANT:
1) 5A5 now enforces a guestlist ONLY policy. If you’re not on the list, you will not get in. The guestlist often hits capacity a week before if not earlier, so plan accordingly and sign-​up ahead of time.
2) Security is very strict on dresscode. I’ve seen numerous people get turned away because they were in chucks or tennis shoes, so guys make sure to wear dress shoes.
PROS:
1) CROWD: Classy, upscale crowd in their late 20s to early 30s. It tends to be more Asian than mixed. In the 30 times I’ve been to 5A5, I’ve never seen anyone get kicked out or carried out because they were a sloppy drunk or rowdy. I’ve only seen one fight which occurred outside after 5A5 had closed down. If you’re an avid club goer, you’ll know that this is a rarity!
2) STAFF: One of the most friendliest staff I’ve ever encountered!
*The VIP Event Director, Steve is awesome! He’s amiable, social, and quickly responds to email/​text correspondences. Last month, one of my friends wanted to do bottle service last minute (as in 1 hour before 5A5 opened) and he quickly put that together.
*Bartenders, Tina, Amy and male bartender (works at the main bar on the right side) are super friendly, quick and make a stiff drink. I don’t even have to ask, and they already know my regular of Hendrick’s Tonic although I did shots all night last night (BAD IDEA esp when I saw my call log this morning, followed by pics and videos my friends have taken *sigh*)
*Bathroom attendant, Jose is the MAN! He always greets us with a cheery smile on his face and keeps the stalls immaculately clean and fully with stocked toilet paper, seat covers and paper towels.
3) MUSIC: The Top 40s and Mash-​ups always keep me dancing and fist pumping all night. Twice a month, they bring in a drummer which gives the songs a different dimension and spin to it. Thank you, Norris for the awesome spinning and always playing my annoying requests.
CON (S):
The only con is 5A5 gets really packed on Saturdays and everywhere you go, you will be rubbing elbows with the crowd.
Thank you 5A5 for making every Saturday night like Katy Perry’s «Last Friday Night». This Saturday night, it will be time to DO IT ALL AGAIN (minus the chicken in the bed)!

Organized a double birthday party this past Saturday at 5A5. What can I say… I knew we would get a couple of tables and a bottle of champagne. What I was really surprised by was the surprised birthday cakes for both of my friends. Wow is all I can say for their service and place itself. The manager who helped with this party has been helping me with a few others too. He just keeps on moving that bar higher and higher each time! From the guest list, to the champagne, to the tables, and to the cakes. Each step of the way, I felt like we were very well taken care of.
Definitely a place to go for special events and occasions!

I’ve been dragged to 5A5 on a number of occasions in the past month for late night clubbing, and each time have been disappointed. There are always issues getting in, and, although the free cover is nice, the interior is usually overcrowded. They have extra space downstairs with an extra dance floor and bar, but it’s often closed, even when packed.
Good:
+ Free cover
+ Location in North Beach and Financial District
+ Music is pretty good, mostly Top 40s
+ Often a well-​dressed crowd
+ Drinks are average priced (~$ 10 shots/​cocktails).
Neutral
— The crowd has been mixed, sometimes very rude and other times friendly. It seems to attract mostly mid-​20 Asian Americans.
Bad:
– Bouncers are randomly discriminate and have, on many occasions, not let my friends in for not having the right shoes, and I’ve been told that it’s a «private party only» night (only to eventually get in by talking to the owner).
– At last call, they shift to only selling shots (no mixed drinks). I had to order a shot of vodka and a sprite chaser with ice to make my own drink.
– They shut down the party very early. By 1:35 the lights are on, and they start forcing you out at 1:40.
– Taxis are nearly impossible to get in the area at ~2am on the weekends.
– The bottle service area in the middle is always packed and hard to keep limited to your friends.
(This review is for the 5A5 lounge /​bar /​club, not the restaurant.)

The bar and lounge area of 5A5 exudes a club-​like feel with tacky electronic flames lighting up the panels behind the bar and a huge circular ceiling bearing over the dining area. On the same token, the atmosphere is chill enough to just kick back and have a couple drinks with old friends. I arrived early for an annual Christmas party last night so I thought I would try a couple cocktails before heading to the private dining room downstairs. Not wanting to ruin my appetite, I passed on the small bites.
The cocktails are all priced around the $ 11 – 12 range. The first thing I noticed was that many of the specialty cocktails included raw egg whites, which have been making a comeback in the past year or so. First made popular in the pre-​Prohibition era, this ingredient has reinvented the texture and consistency of the cocktail drink. At first, I was perplexed by putting egg whites in alcohol. What could a seemingly flavorless, slimy egg white contribute to a drink? After that first sip of the ginger fizz, I realized that it was all in the texture and airiness.
Prepare to be wowed because I’m about to drop some Alton Brown knowledge on you. The main component of egg white is ovalbumin, which make up roughly 60−65% of the protein (thanks Wikipedia!). Structurally, the protein is tightly-​wound, but when shaken, like say for instance, in a mixing glass, the protein unravels, thus leading to bubbles and the foaming property of eggs. And the inclusion of acid such as sours in mixes stabilizes the ovalbumin, leading to smaller bubbles and better foam. Thus the mystery behind the egg white is revealed, leading to a silky and and light cocktail drink.
At 5A5, they serve a particularly nice ginger fizz, which is a take on the classic Ramos gin fizz. It has a wonderful ginger-​lemonade type flavor with a touch of carbonation. It’s light in both flavor and texture. Another drink with egg white that I tried was the fog nog, which I guess is a spin on the classic egg nog. I wasn’t particularly fond of the flavor because the cinnamon and maple syrup combination with the rum turned the entire drink into a Kahlua-​flavored drink. Nevertheless, they have plenty of other drinks to try with egg white to tickle your fancy. They also seem to have a great happy hour menu.