Carnelian Room

It’s so sad that this restaurant closed because it was such a gorgeous place. The food was mediocre, but the view… wow. The view was unparalleled. You could literally see almost every part of the city from the 58^th floor. I had been plenty of times and the atmosphere was just mesmerizing… very intimate and romantic. Every table had some sort of view, but my favorite table looked over the entire financial district and you could see the bay bridge sparkle too. Snobby staff, food was just ok, but 4 stars goes to the best view in San Francisco. I really hope they utilize that amazing space for something as memorable as the Carnelian Room was. So much potential!

They really should have called themselves the CarNASTYass Room. Mainly because of the nasty ass staff with their nasty ass attitudes all up in there.
I went here during my senior prom dinner back in high school. What’s that, you say? The fact that I came here a little over a decade ago makes anything I say about the place irrelevant?
Wrong. The fact that it is closed for good and I am still writing a review makes this review and all other reviews that were written after they closed their doors irrelevant.
Here’s a true story:
A few of my friends and I were standing street level to this place years ago and we were looking up toward the top of the BofA building.
Friend1: That doesn’t look like 52 stories high
Friend2: Yeah, it looks more like 51
Ba dum pum!

As some people would say, another one bites the dust (tomorrow is the last day).
My cousin’s wedding reception was held at the Carnelian Room several years ago. I was glad that the event went well.
I’ll miss the fantastic views here, but not the food or the service. In the meantime, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel also has nice views of the city.
I’ve read that Rick Tramonto (Tramonto’s, a popular Chicago steakhouse) is looking for locations to open 2 restaurants in both San Francisco and Napa. I think this would be an enviable location for a steakhouse. Just a suggestion.

After dinner at Bob’s Steakhouse, we walked over here to enjoy more cocktails & desserts with a gorgeous view on the 52^nd floor of the A. P. Giannini building a.k.a. B of A. Luckily, it had rained all night, resulting in a clear view of the city. We checked out the Hornblower Belle going back & forth, the busy streets of Broadway, & the Coit Tower. Apple Martini’s were reasonably priced, but the chocolate mousse was bitter & yuck! The bar menu was limited, but quite a selection compared to the Starlight. I can finally say I’ve been to the Carnelian Room before their doors are shut forever on New Year’s 2010 — bittersweet :=(

We don’t all have Fathers who would rather be with us, their kin more than anyone else. Or Fathers that are sentimental about the Good Old Days and want to share them — but I do.
Sometimes this makes for a load of quiet nights in front of the tv — but sometimes this makes for San Francisco adventures to see all the old haunting grounds, the back streets and the tiny storefronts that have long turned from housing the best homemade ravioli or thick ice cream, huge doughnuts or fresh baked rolls– in favor of feeding the neighborhood need of liquor or laundry.
The Carnelian Room will soon be among the city’s legends of a sure bet for high society dining in a sophisticated classic setting. That also happens to showcase the best view of the city.
From the ride in the elevator to this top floor destination, you know this is a special night out. They will take your coat, they will hold hand towels for you in the bathroom and they will treat you as royalty for the duration of your stay, you Gorgeous Guest, you.
Cocktails in an old school place like this are not optional. They have been around since the invention of the mixed drink, and as such are a serious treat. A Manhattan will never lead you astray.
They will ask you with your order if you will be ordering a soufflé and you will. This is what they are known for, and no one does better. So, get the Grand Mariner and don’t look back.
The bread bowl houses so many different kinds and flavors, all tender and all tasty. Dinner will be traditional and good. You don’t come for the latest trend, you come for something you know that is made perfectly and elegantly.
The tasting menu is a good deal, and that’s what the bulk of our group had, but I broke out and got the halibut with a curry sauce and steamed mussels. Not a big fan of mussels — but somehow, all of mine were gone by the time I was done…
We all loved our experience here, and that’s just what it is when you’re dining at the Carnelian Room. The atmosphere, the view and the people you are with are what make this place special.
So, go, before it’s gone and take someone sparkly with you. You won’t forget it.

This place is simply gorgeous. I came here with my significant other a coupe of nights before Christmas for a romantic dinner. It was ROMANTIC alright! The view was amazing. Food was delicious and fulfilling even though they came in somewhat of small portions. Maybe because we filled up on bread and crackers. DELICIOUS! By the way! We sat next to the window and saw the beautiful city at night with clear skies. It was beautiful… ME+HIM+VIRGIN STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI+NEXT TO TRANSAMERICA BUILDING = BLISSSSSSSS.
Enough with the corny stuff. We ordered an appetizer… all kinds of seafood in it. I think it was called the «Seafood Platter». That alone was like $ 40.00. We didn’t mind the price. We were just there for the food and view and the fact that it is closing down soon so I wanted to go there. I ordered the swordfish and he ordered the black angus beef. BOTH were delicious but I must say, the beef was way better than the swordfish, not that it wasn’t good. And for dessert, we had Lemon Crème Brulee with kumquat and Madeleine. THAT WAS SIMPLY MOUTHWATERING!!! SO DELICIOUS! Very good eating experience for the first and last time here. FOUR STARS!
However, don’t think I forgot the bad part. The SERVICE was HORRIBLE! Except for the Asian servers who would fill up your water and keep coming back to see if we were ok. I made reservations at 8pm and requested that we sit next to the window. However, he seated us after 5 minutes of waiting at a table in the middle of the restaurant. I never speak up for myself so my date decided to tell the person that we requested a window seat because we want the best experience. So the guy who seated us (an Indian guy I believe) came back and said RUDELY, «You see those people outside. They have been waiting a long time to get window seats.» I was like WTF? AND? We requested window seats and on top of that, we made reservations. He told us it was a one hour wait or so… what’s the point in making a reservation then? Doesn’t make sense… So we waited for 10 minutes or so and then finally the guy sits us next to the window. Some Caucasian guy gave us menus and totally forgot about us so we were there eating bread and crackers for half and hour before they took our order… PISSED ME OFF! It’s ok… that didn’t matter TOO much to me because I was spending quality time with someone special at a nice place. If it wasn’t for those certain people who made this a bad experience, this would have been 5 stars but if I can just rate Service, and SERVICE ALONE… it would be one star.
Overall, I forgot about the bad service and had a great night.
*Review not intended to be racist.

Came here because a group had mentioned it had great views and so wanted to watch the sunset. The waiters were horrible. We were separated into two groups because we had seven, but when another group of eight came, they were able to sit together with no problem.
The food was poor in quality. We waited almost an hour before our appetizer came, we only ordered one and it was fried calamari. The calamari really tasted funny. The beer I got was straight out of bottle at 3 times the price, a $ 10 Guinness.
There kitchen staff really do not care much expect in what they believe they will be getting in tips. The hostess was still professional.

Closing its doors December 31^st, 2009…
You don’t go the Carnelian Room for the food… Its sucks.
You don’t go to the Carnelian Room for the drinks… They tend to be watered down.
You don’t go to the Carnelian Room for the service… It can be a little snobbish…
You go to the Carnelian Room for two things being 1) the view that is breathtaking from 52 stories above the BofA building and 2) the fact that the Carnelian Room really is the LAST place in SF with high class you can go that doesn’t require a dress code, cover charge, or reservation.
Be warned: If you decide to visit on a weekend, be prepared to spend at least $ 1 to tip the restroom attendants if decide to tinkle tinkle…
Yup, that’s right. You have to pay to use the restroom at the Carnelian Room. LOL Optional of course.
I’m going to miss this place… :(

I brought my girlfriend here for our 2 year anniversary and she loved it. The reason how i know is because I read her Unilocal.Let’s just say that this place was located on the 52^nd floor, you can pretty much see all the piers and some of SF’s most beautiful lights.
First thing i noticed when i walked into this building was the automatic elevators. It just knows when someone needs an elevator. I thought that was hella cool because i didn’t have to get my hands dirty.
When we first walked in, we were greeted and got our coat checked in. We was then seated right away next to a window which was great because we got to see the beautiful view of SF. Let’s just say i got the best view of the bay bridge in this nicely dim lit room. I can see the Port of Oakland in the background, the dangerous S-​turn, the lights from the bay bridge, everything!
I started my meal out with a Ceasar Salad, i love ceasar salad for some reason. I also ordered a glass of Franciscan red wine that the waiter recommended. After my appetizer, came my main dish, i ordered halibut because im a big seafood fan. The fish tasted fresh, but i thought the seasoning was a little bland. For dessert, we shared a vanilla soufflé that completed my meal.
Overall, i think this place beautiful but the food wasn’t to die for. Don’t get me wrong, the food was still good, just not drool status. 4 stars for the great service and nice view.
By the way, the girl i took here is Sylvia N. You can read what she ordered.

Just came here for a 2 year anniversary date and I loved it. The view was amazingly GORGEOUS. Thank goodness for clear skies tonight because I was able to see ALL of San Francisco. I can honestly say I’ve never realized how beautiful the city is until this evening.
I started off the meal with an oxtail ravioli appetizer. It was very different, but extravagant. The oxtail was delicious. Next, for my main dish, I got the house special Prime Rib with shrimp. The shrimp was AMAZING. It was soooo juicy. The prime rib was also really good, it basically melted in my mouth! Then last, but definitely not least, I had a vanilla suflee for dessert. It was the first suflee I’ve ever tried. It was decent, nothing special. I kind of wish I got a crème brûlée instead, but it still added a nice finish to the evening.
Overall, the service was GREAT.
Everyone should come experience the view and wonderful food before they close in a month.

We were lucky enough to be included in my husband’s cousin’s 40^th birthday party here and I am glad we got to go. The night was clear and the views were spectacular. We were in a private room for the party which had about 20 people. I would rate the place 5 stars, but they were out of one item on the menu and I did not like being called «Lady» over and over again when asked what I wanted to order, if I wanted another drink, etc.
The food we had was wonderful. The bread basket had and assortment of rolls and lavosh. I love lavosh-​it reminds me of my childhood. The cocktails were free flowing and strong, but the soda my husband ordered was flat. We were not provided with appetizers and everyone (well just about) had delved into a libation or two by the time we were ready to order (hence why the bread basket was so popular). Husband started with a crab and something or other and an ahi entrée I had a roasted beet salad and one of the best steaks I have tasted in a long time. I am a big fan of the charbroiled steak and this place cooked mine perfectly. The party was a huge success, and it was a wonderful celebration. I am sad to know this institution will be closing soon, but am super glad to have been able to partake before it happens.

Bar review only
It’s all about the view here. Cocktails were not very good, food was ok (in bar). I would suggest keeping it simple with your ordering here, a visit to this bar is all about the view, and it is phenomenal!

This is a review for the cocktail lounge only!
I’ve been here several times to enjoy the few and a cocktail … or two… or a bottle of wine… or two…
The views of the city and bay are incredible, the atmosphere feels like a cross between touristy and library-​ish; but this is a good thing!
Just one word of advice: when you go, leave your cheapiness attitude at the door, drinks are expensive, wine is expensive, the snack menu is expensive… just deal with it and enjoy being 52 floors above the world.

Wow. wow wow wow. That’s really all I could say as I joined a few friends for drinks on Friday after work on the 52^nd floor of the Bank of America building. They had the best table in the house, one of the three coveted tables directly in the triangle of the window. If you could tell just from the spectacular view that was right in front of you that this was the best table, then the several people who asked to skootch in and take pictures by our table was the other dead give away.
The elegant atmosphere was nice and made for a calm and relaxing happy hour with quiet but interesting conversation that carried us into the evening. We could literally see all of San Francisco and the surrounding bay. It was a relatively clear day and luckily one of my friends there knew the city well and had been to the Carnelian room many times before so he gave us a guided tour of the city from our table, drinks in hand. It was really neat watching the fog roll in over the Golden Gate, especially when it hit Alcatraz and you could see it rise up and over the island. We could also see out to the East Bay, and my girlfriend and I, being the loyal Cal grads we are, easily pointed out the Campanile and smiled with pride.
I’ve heard the food here is not very good, but I wouldn’t really know as we only had drinks. The drinks were great but the prices were pretty steep, but you get what you pay for, and your getting the view. I’d definitely come back for another happy hour, but probably would stear clear of dining there, except possibly for brunch which would be great on a clear day.

This is for the bar side only review
spectacular view!!! It would be a great place to take your out of town guest!
Service was slow… The drink was ok. I had a apricot colada, I didn’t taste much of the apricot or the alcohol.

Breath-​taking panoramic views of SF. Great place to bring visitors if you are having brunch or a cocktail. This is on the 52^nd floor inside a corporate building. Only parking available was across the street at St. Mary’s lot for $ 2/​hour.
Small bathrooms (only 4 stalls) with a funky toilet lever pushed by your foot. Food was decent — though the fish I had was mediocre.
Waiters — I find it interesting that they were mostly Chinese (they spoke Cantonese to each other).
Will post photos later. Watch for them.

Although this place has a spectacular view, the service was HORRIBLE. Food was just okay, nothing to rave about. I ordered the duck breast dinner and certain pieces were a bit dry. My friend ordered the salmon, which to me, was a bit fishy. He asked the waiter to explain the menu and to see what he would recommend, instead the waiter plainly stated that the left side of the menu was the set menu and the right side the first course, second course, third course and then walked off. All was stated about the dessert menu was that there was one. When we finished with dinner we asked for the dessert menu and noticed there was chocolate soufflee on there, which noted takes 45 mins and to order with the dinner, if we had known, we would have!!! Took awhile each time for the waiter to check on us as well.
We expected a lot more coming here especially since I was in a nice dress and he was in a nice suit.
Needless to say, we both would not be coming back.

GOD DAMN! OVERPRICED is the word.
I went for brunch this morning and I was ready to walk away satisfied… until I saw the freaking bill. $ 130 for two people for brunch – There’s a new word for that: RICOCKLOUS!
The pros:
*AMAZING view of the city
*Large variety of food
*Great selection for vegetarians
*Live music
The cons:
*WAAAAYYYY TOO EXPENSIVE for a brunch buffet.
(Seriously, the buffets in Las Vegas aren’t even that expensive.)
*It’s OLD and STUFFY!
*Food is just average
Here’s my recommendation: It’s a tourist «trap», if you will. If you’ve got people in town and are ready to fork out the cash, then go. If not, save your money for Sunday Brunch, check out the view from the bar area.

I’ve seen many views of San Francisco, but this is by far the best — it really shows the beauty of the city and why people pay so much money to live here. You get a fantastic and close view of the Transamerica Pyramid and then the Golden Gate Bridge in the background with sweeping views of the bay — how can you top that?
Yeah, the place is overpriced (meals) so here’s my suggestion: come for the view and enjoy it with a drink. It’s worth it for that.

I can’t believe I had never been to the Carnelian Room until last Friday. I suppose, while you can eat a regular dinner there, many people experience it as part of a larger party or gathering.
After going up — and feeling it — fifty floors by elevator, the doors open to a hostess who checks you in. There are a bunch of different rooms that you can book, so it’s good for banquets, weddings, business meetings, etc., and the clientle tends to be on the conservative side (jackets are recommended for the gents).
We were there for a rehearsal dinner and the space our friends rented had a fabulous view of the city. That alone is worth an experience but I was surprisingly pleased by the quality and variety of the food. The night was set up like a cocktail party with a separate bar and plenty of waitstaff to keep the flow going. Overall, a well-​executed night from an event standpoint. Definitely a great way to mark a special occasion, making up in charm what it may lack in hipness.