Velvet Room

I have never eaten here out of their a la carte menus but, have eaten here three times at a function. Unfortunately, the food is below average and, I assume expensive for what it is.
I was here for a function yesterday and the food was once again average and lacked flavour. On a positive note the dessert was nice and, I loved the multi layer slice with a chocolate top.
I cannot understand why they serve food like this. A bit of creativity would go a long way in improving catering quality and unfortunately, in the last three years, it has not.
Maybe it’s just my luck that, every time I end up here for a meal, I end up leaving disappointed. This is also an opinion shared by many of my clients and colleagues.

Worst service ever. We were a party of 6, it took 10 minutes to get a waitress– even through the place was empty, and after that every single time someone came to our table it was someone new and who was confused. Food was very okay, not very decorative, and the steaks had a whole garlic bulb for a side!!! Not even rolled. After we finished eating, we had to wait 1 hour before I could finally flag someone down to bring the cheque and when they did– they didn’t come back to take the payment !! We honestly felt if we had dined and dashed they wouldn’t even have noticed ! I don’t know if they meant to be racist, but the table of 14 white men next to us, had a super perky waitress who came to the table atleast once every 5 minutes, as opposed to our brown people table, who were not even given steak knives for our steak– we had to flag someone down after 5 – 6 mins and request for them! Really really bad service, it took 15 mins to get our wine bottle! I mean, I have never seen that happen anywhere else. Do not recommend going there at all, and I didn’t even leave a tip for the servers as they were grossly bad at their jobs.

Waiter and hostess are very friendly. Food quality is nice. Now it does not open on dinner time.

I was there on the last night before they closed their doors. The food was good some very overpriced for the portion etc. But I loved the appetizers.
The lobster Mac wasn’t good though. But otherwise no complaints.

We had the chefs tasting menu for 2 and I must say the food was pretty solid! We started with the Lobster Cobb, which had special morsels of bacon. Oh yes!
Then a delectable Seabass, and Massive Burger on a pretzel bun… Just blew our mind! And the side if squash helped us feel a bit healthier.
On to the dessert of Lemon cake with fresh berries. It wasn’t my favorite and a bit too sweet. But can’t complain.
Then we headed over to the Redwood room for drinks. It freaks me out every time that I see the live face portraits staring back at us.

Had dinner here with my boyfriend for our anniversary. We practically inhaled out food it was that good. I had the filet mignon, he had the strip steak, and we both shared a side of truffle fries and lobster mac and cheese. It was diviiine. It’s unfortunate to read some of the not-​so-​positive reviews about the food and service because everything was spot on for us tonight!

Made a reservation and upon arrival we were quickly seated. For a Saturday night at 7:30 there were only a few tables occupied. The ambience was very romantic: each table is candle lit and the room is actually velvet wall décor. We ordered an appetizer and an entrée but they said the steak will take 30−40min and we said that’s okay. In between the appetizer and the entrée they offered us bread for the wait which was really nice. THE STEAK WAS DELICIOUS. totally worth the wait. And we got a mushroom side that was great too. The service and food were good. Next time in SF we will definitely come back.

Bought a Groupon for a Chef’s tasting menu for two, to give the Velvet Room a try. I’ve had great experiences in the Clift hotel bar, but never for dining. Why is it called the Velvet Room, you may ask? Well, my inquisitive reader, here’s the scoop– it’s a room, covered in velvet. Now you know.
Friendly hostess led us to our table, which elicited a pout from me because I wanted to be seated in the tilt a wheel cupped throne chairs in every corner, but alas, we were relegated to the sea of tables like every other ordinary diner. The waitress was peculiar, either bored or high (maybe both), but would randomly drift over between bites and stare at us emptily until she voiced a breezy statement or inflection absent question.
Menu was full of items that sounded quite appetizing, our Groupon included a starter, two entrees, a side dish, and one dessert. Adding a steak entrée was an additional $ 15 surcharge, but we didn’t miss much without it. We began with drinks, I ordered the Pineapple Express ($ 12), a refreshing rendition of a cocktail piña colada, with burbon infused vanilla, and he had the Cucumber Cooler ($ 13) with freshly muddled cukes and elderflower, both refreshing starts to our dining experience.
We began the meal with the Truffled Wagyu Steak Tartare ($ 16), with wholegrain mustard and olive oil brushed sourdough points. The steak was perfectly seasoned, tender and juicy, and very rich, complimented perfectly with the spicy mustard, and sour/​tangy capers. Darling man felt the call of the cow, and was satiated with the Clift Burger ($ 18), on a pretzel bun with perfectly caramelized onions, and well-​seasoned fries. I opted for the Oven Roasted Mary’s Chicken ($ 24), which had a crispy, buttery skin, over juicy meat, and softly cooked garlic spinach. Our side was the wild Foraged Mushrooms ($ 10), complimented by rosemary and drizzled with garlic butter.
For dessert we chose the Meyer Lemon Steamed Pudding ($ 8), whose micro flowers delighted us, and whose flavors wowed us with its multitude of fresh essences of ginger, basil, berries, and tangy citrus. We paired this with a Clift Manhattan to end the meal ($ 13), which was a little heavy for my tastes, but well-​mixed.
I would recommend this dining experience for those looking to make a statement, because the ambiance is moody, romantic, and sultry, with heavy, dark paneling, ceiling to floor drapery, and ambient lighting. Perfect date spot, or intimate dining for a few. Not a place for loud parties, bringing the kids, or anyone with low light challenges. Beautiful, elegant, delicious, and delightful, The Velvet Room will wrap you up with its soft caress, and leave you feeling warm and content.

This is the restaurant inside the Clift Hotel, a Morgans Group property. I have said in many other reviews of their properties, that I am a huge fan of their hotels. The décor, the ambiance and the service are all excellent.
The breakfast service is a very relaxed experience and the room, with its dark wood and curtains, create a nice way to ease into the day — very calming and peaceful. The staff are very good as well — there when you need them, but never hovering. I ordered the continental buffet. It was the usual mixture of breads, fruits, granola, eggs, bacon, etc. Although the spread wasn’t massive, the quality of the food was excellent. In addition, there was an a la carte breakfast menu as well if you absolutely have to have pancakes in the morning.
Although I was staying in another hotel nearby, I came here for breakfast (and tranquility) each morning to avoid the zoo in my hotel restaurant.

My girlfriend and I were impressed with the Velvet Room, simply because the reviews on Unilocal were not as favorable. We had arrived at the Clift Hotel that day, so we took a nap and found ourselves hungry once we woke. We didn’t know where to go and just decided to go downstairs at the Velvet room.
My girlfriend had the rib eye and I had the filet mignon, both were perfectly fine. Not the best steaks but delicious nonetheless. The real winner was the Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese! So good! I would just order that as an entrée if I came back. It was big enough to share between two people. Two steaks, one side, a bit over $ 100, kind of pricey, but no regrets!

Came here through a promotional offer from what about we worth $ 75 of 3 course pre fixe menu with cocktails. The deal was pretty good. the amount of food was pretty good although quality was so-​so. Service nonetheless was wonderful the servers were very accommodating and very friendly. Location is good since it’s near union square. Parking as usual is a challenge. If you love interesting interiors this is the place to go. It is my second time here by the way and you have to try their short ribs.

Food: Was okay. Probably never go back. Tried duck, portobello raviolis, fried chicken, rib eye steak, pork loin, scallops, caprese salad, s’more dessert, chocolate brioche, and vanilla ice cream, and truffle fries. We all enjoyed the duck, pork, s’more, and vanilla ice cream.
Service: Excellent.
Atmosphere: Dark and clubby. Shares a wall with a club/​lounge where you can hear the live band. Kinda loud.

I know that the Velvet Room kitchen also produces the room service food for Clift Hotel, where I am currently staying, and that is the extent of my experience with the food — I have not eaten IN the restaurant in some time, so I can’t speak to the atmosphere or service in there (though I would bet it’s fabulous) … I can only talk about the quality and flavor of the food that comes out of here. AND IT IS AWESOME. Right now I am having a delicious frittata with a side of perfectly crisped bacon … yesterday I enjoyed the charcuterie place (delicious variety of sliced meats, all top quality) and on a previous visit, I remember the burger as being just fantastic. In fact, now that this has brought it to mind again, that may just be dinner tonight. One of the best burgers I’ve ever had. And the fries hold their own too — always perfectly cooked.
The coffee here has always been fantastic, especially for a hotel/​restaurant. They always have really, really good coffee.
If you appreciate top quality ingredients, well prepared — really, it’s a menu that showcases the FOOD and doesn’t try to make foods into something they aren’t — then Velvet Room is worth a try. Don’t be put off by the ultra hip scene in the lobby or the bar crowd in the Redwood Room — this place is a serious restaurant.

My fiancé will not stop raving about the duck entrée!!! My albacore tuna was perfectly cooked and so delicious. Our server, Max, was the sweetest/​most helpful server ever; he was so attentive it made for a lovely dining experience. Added bonus — the redwood room (right next door) plays some great jams :)

terrible food. Steak was over cooked twice, my filet steak was tough, bland and grey looking. Bread was stale. The Stergeon was disgusting, barely warm and bland, service was bad, our waiter left on break right after food was served and we had to chase someone down to help us. Very small portion, although presented beautiful, unedible. The chocolate dessert was microwaved and rubbery, the mocha was from a package. Really unbeleavable. They only charged us for our two drinks and appitizers, it was still $ 65, my boyrfiend added a tip on $ 15 and so our final bill was $ 80! We planned on spending a couple hundred based on what we thought it was going to be, but we ended up leaving grossed out.
The Rose Picante drink was supper great, atmosphere was posh, so that is the only upside.

Posh valentine dinner date with my financé. I loooove the ambiance, their friendly staff and their Valentine set menu. Memorable heart’s day experience for me. It made me more in love with my beau.

*3.5 stars*
I came here and used a Gilt Group voucher for a 3 course meal.
They use Open Table for reservations so it was easy and it seems like they’re hardly ever booked up since all times were open for a Friday & Saturday. Having said that, I didn’t have high expectations since it seems as all the great restaurants in the city are booked up for weeks unless you want dinner at 9:30pm.
Anyway, the restaurant has a dramatic feel to it with its ridiculous high ceilings, massive corner booths lined with red leather, dark wood, dim lighting and of course, the loud music & bass from the bar next door. The host was friendly and approachable making the place not as «uppity» as it could have been.
Onto the food…
Appetizer — green salad with apple slices, pomegranate seed and bacon (!) with a light vinegrette. Salad is best with bacon. True story.
Main — butternut squash risotto, the rice wasn’t cooked thoroughly making it chewy & hard. I’d pass on this next time. The husband got the petit poulet coq au vin which was tasty (the skin was apparently delicious, of course) that came with pearl onions & mushrooms. It was the better option.
Side — we got the fries which came with a what seemed like mayo+sriracha sauce. Fries were good, nothing spectacular but good. If you want ketchup, they give you a small glass bottle Heinz. It’s pretty cute.
Dessert — chocolate cake, which was served warm (yes!) with olive oil ice cream. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ice cream but the cake was divine.
Overall, service was great and the food was good.

I usually don’t rate many places under 3 stars, but this really did it for me this time. Our group was staying at the hotel for a celebrations and had 2 huge tables booked for dinner. After ordering drinks the real story begun. The four of us at the end of the table ordered appetizers before all of our friends. After waiting patiently 20 minutes we see our appetizers going to someone else. We asked the waiter if maybe they made a mistake-​no mistake he said. So we kept waiting. We saw another set of the same appetizers going to our other friends again because they ordered more… but where are our appetizers? Still not there. At the end after a long wait we finally got our food and quickly ordered the main courses. We have ordered the Grilled Flatbread, Heirloom Beet Salad and the Grilled Octopus. All of the appetizers were very delicious and were up to a decent par so far…
For the main course we ordered: Alaskan Halibut, 2 Prather Ranch New York Steaks and their famous Truffle Poached Egg Pasta.
The Halibut, the Pasta and one of the Steaks arrived at the same time. I started digging into the Halibut and couldn’t believe how salty it was. It was almost impossible to eat. Then I started to eat something really chewy that tasted like rubber. I didn’t touch it the rest of the meal. I found later it was pork… great. The gnocchi was the only edible part of this meal. My friend started to eat their pasta and also stopped very quickly. I after I took a bite I realized why… it tasted like cardboard. I couldn’t believe how anyone could mess up a simple pasta! The steak looked like a fish. it was huge and was put on the plate literally looking like a fish in intense sauce. Where they got grilled is news to me. Of course it was also well done, which is not what my friend ordered so he just sent it back and decided to stop eating.
The real story comes to the fourth missing steak that my boyfriend never got. People returned their food and got new steaks and he still didn’t ever get his original steak. The waiter just kept saying oh I’m sorry it will be right out. By this time people were moving into dessert. Still NO STEAK. Then the waiter comes over and tries to give him a Halibut that he didn’t even order and says here you can eat this and we will comp it. I have never ever seen anyone ever do that. First of all nobody ordered a Halibut and why did they give the other people two steaks and he still never got his! Let’s just say we tried to leave this place as quickly as we could. At the end the waiter told the four of us that they wanted to apologize for their service and send us a gift to the room. OK.
After going out we came back to our rooms and we see… drumroll…a plate with 3 plums and a bottle of water.
I have nothing more to say.

Meat, shrimp, drinks absolutely delicious! Décor very urban, dim, and romantic! which I loved especially on date night.
Waiter’s service very slow and not at all forgiving! Thank god for the suburb margarita it was keeping me busy. Lol

Yes it is dark. One could also say it makes it more romantic because people will notice you snogging with your boo when it’s dark. It also means you don’t have a spotlight on you eating while the people partying it up in the Redwood Room are drinking.
It is a beautiful hotel restaurant and the clientele are dressed very classy and upscale. The women wandering in an out of the adjacent Redwood Room are dressed to the nines and everyone is lookin’ good.
The service is acceptable but nothing to win any awards.
The food itself was standard New American. Nothing awe inspiring but it was all done very well. My fish was cooked perfectly and I had my choice of sauce, of which I chose a light citrus. The braised short ribs had a nice red wine sauce and were super tender. The creamed spinach was fresh and surprisingly light tasting. The swiss chard was peppery and flavorful.
Overall I really enjoyed my food and ambiance, but for the prices I feel like it was overall pretty standard in it’s class.