by Michael C. on Last night, I went to Atmosphere with 8 friends. Actually, I brought them all there based on my recommendation as I'd been to the venue several times, even before it was renamed Atmosphere. After checking on the nightly events on Atmosphere's website, I saw that they had something special going on for Sat with an open bar between 9:30-10:30pm and no cover until 11pm. That's pretty much enough justification to get everybody to swing by and put up with the stiff parking fees. When we arrived at 9:30pm, the door was locked with no indication that anything was going on. Really annoyed, as I had 8 guests standing around, I tried calling to find out what's going on. Nobody answered the phones. All my calls went to voicemail. This totally sucked. Then, as if by a miracle, somebody unchained the locks and put out the vile velvet ropes that would pointlessly torture their eager patrons for hours to come. I asked about the situation and the door man merely indicated to form a line at the ropes while he shuffled across the street to stuff his gullet with a greasy slice of pizza. Finally, 9:45pm swung around and the hosts finally get their act together and start checking IDs. I indicated that I had put myself on the guest list and brought along 8 friends to help pad Atmosphere's wallets. Ridiculously, the hostess tells me that not only were my friends not on the guest list, they would have to pay the bloody $20 cover even though it was before 11pm. But, she said that we would still get our shot at the open bar, which she said would be extended to 10:45pm to make up for the full hour. So, cold and clinging to optimism, we caved and paid up. When we sidled up to the bar, we were informed by the hip bartender that only well drinks were available. Errrr, we grunted and ordered up whatever simple shots of vodka, rum, and tequila we could think up. In about 30 minutes, we had put down 3-4 rounds and was getting used to the overly loud music that nobody was dancing to. Then again, with all the aspiring Lane Bryant customers filling up the joint, I could see no point in trying. Sensing that I was obviously not drunk enough, I returned for another round and was told by the same hip bartender that the open bar was closed by 10:30pm, so lame. By 11pm, we could see that the scene wasn't improving and decided to cut bait on our cover charge. I only hoped that I was sufficiently glazed over by alcohol to not betray my merciful gaze of pity on the shivering ladies still vying to get the night started.
by david c. on I've eaten here no fewer than four times since it (re)opened. I eat here because it's in the 'hood, the wait for a table is shorter than it should be (given the food), and the food is so comfort-y and delicious--from starters like the fried green tomatoes to the inventive desserts like the peppermint whoopie pie. Great pulled pork sandwich, tender, meaty ribs, best-in-the-city grits and...did I mention the desserts? If you're going to the club, come early for food. If you're going to another Mission joint, try Bruno's instead.
