Rasselas On Fillmore Jazz Club

I remember this place when it was on California cuisine. It has really grown - not just in people attending but mature - with different types of live music as well as yummy cuisine. They serve ethiopian food and what a great combination with a live band?! I saw a blues band here and I stayed even though I don't like blues music. The energy was super, decor cozy and the corner booth romantic. The staff was warm and gave generous portions with food. Great bar too!

Great place to eat, the food is great and they have an awesome menu, but even better is the yummy jazz that plays here nightly. What a great...

I have to be honest and say the food is great! I really like it. I havebeen going to Rasselas every since it opened on Filmore street, mainly for the food and atmousphere. I have always noticed the poor organization and very poor customer service but felt it was part of opening an new business, working out the "kinks" and all. But after going there for 7 or 8 years now, and after the last time I was there (a few weeks ago) I am tired of the poor service. I urge all of you not to do what I did and compromise getting bad service in exchange for good food! Don't patronise places, that basically abuse you as a customer and have the nerve to expect a tip!!

What a combination, the food here is amazing as is the wonderful Jazz that plays here nightly. The dishes have the right amount of spices an...

A bunch of co-workers and myslef try to go to Rasella's every couple of months and almost always have a great time dancing there. Last year they used to have two live bands and a DJ in between bands and for breaks. This is where we go to get down and get our groove on. I was disappointed to learn that the last couple of times we went there they had just one live band they did not start playing until 9:30... since I live across the bay I had to hightail it out of there by 10:00 so I wish they would have at least one band that starts at 7:30 or 8:00. Also last time the DJ sucked !But most of the time the DJ's get it right and we never get a chance to sit down because they are so "hot" in their music choices. . Just like sometimes I see people in their late 20's to early 70's and have danced with both groupos and had a blast with them And they have soem regulars who will show you how to to some dance steps if you just ask.They used to have free food at Happy Hour consisting of buffalo wings, cheese cubes, spicy meatballs , with crackers , some fruit and something other stuiff I forgot but now if you are hungry you will have to order your own food Last visit we arrived early at 6:00 and ordered in the front. Six of us shared two orders of crispy fried pita chips with some spicy dipping sauce which is just delicious and I am not a real chip person but these were great. We also had curried lamb and vegetables and drunken chicken which was also quite tasty. The waitress was great but once you go in the back where the music is the service suffers so your best bet is to get your drinks at the bar. I will continue going to this place even though they no longer serve free food but I wish they would start the live music earlier and contact me directly when the "kick butt Dj's are performing.I also noticed that they post a calendar of who is perfroming on their website.

this place is definately a best kept secret. very nice ambiance. romantic but very comfortable. they got it right. the food was really enjoyable, the people very friendly and professional. handy spot to meet friends for dinner any night! loved it!

I went there with a group & was very disappointed. I made reservations in advance & even called a few days before to confirm. I was told each time that we'd be able to enjoy the jazz entertainment after dinner, but once there was told it was for a private party only. The manager was not helpful AT ALL. Even the website did not indicate it was a private party so WAY TOO MISLEADING! Now to enjoy the jazz I'll have to pay a cover charge... but after this I don't want to go back.

our server was pretty nice and the food was pretty average, but the management was horrible. we had booked a party for 14 people for dining and jazz and had confirmed that week that there wouldn't be any problems. when we arrived, the manager had failed to notify us that there would be no jazz and a private party had booked the back room. he promised us free bottles of wine for the inconvenience, but later tried to charge us for the wine. not only was he unprofessional, he was rude and annoying. the food isn't good enough to put up with the bad service. i highly recommend you to go somewhere else.

This place was amazing! It was so cozy, romantic, and the music was wonderful. There's not a bad seat in the whole place. I highly recommend this place to jazz enthusiasts or anyone who really wants to hear the music and relax.

The music is great, and thats the only thing that this place has going for it. The servers are rude, the food not that great. Go there to support the music but not for the food!!!1

Why such low reviews? I've been to rasselas on numerious occasions and have had the best time, great service and food. The jazz sax player last Saturday was one of the best I've seen! I will be coming back!

The Ethiopian food at Rasselas is great! The vegie combo is fabulous! I have been a Rasselas customer for many years, first at the older California Street and now at the Fillmore St. location. The food and music at the newer location is just as good (if not better). This is one of the few places left in SF to see live music with no cover (during the weekdays).

We went with a group of 8. Reserved a Table 3 days in advance and when we reached there didn't get it. What we got was real Attitude. We were sent to a hole next door to sit and eat while our waiter disappeared every now and then. It was like solitary confinement with seriously below average food and service. If you must order a soda please be sure to state no ice, or you will get Ice with two-spoonful of soda. All in all, the place doesn't even deserve a rating in the positive. I would only go their on a full stomach and drunk to support the Jazz.

The Scene
Situated along a neon-lit commercial strip, the club attracts a diverse crowd. The front lounge, where most performances take place, has a full bar, fireplace, small tables and several booths. A larger back room has a good-sized dance floor and small balcony. The exposed brick, muted fabrics and gold-trim border scream "1980's schmaltz," but when the club is full, the energy is hip and exciting.

The Draw
The music is king and the place is practically empty between shows. In the lounge, the acoustics can be loud and slightly distorted, but proximity to the performers creates an intimate atmosphere. The backroom is only occasionally open, hosting DJs, larger jazz ensembles and special events. Lively bartenders and waitstaff serve a standard drink menu, as well as appetizers from the adjoining Ethiopian restaurant.