Concierge.com's insider take:

Built to ambitious proportions during the dot-com boom, Bacar is having a post-bust renaissance since the addition of Bacar Below, a mod basement lounge serving arty cocktails and live jazz. But sensible mixologists and a 1,300-bottle wine list (with more than 60 by-the-glass options) aren't the only reasons to check the restaurant out. Upstairs at the street-level bar, thirtysomething SoMa locals and food-industry staffers fresh from their shifts gather to share crispy wood-oven pizzas and clams pastis with salty frites. Likewise, the dressed-up dining room, with its massive floral arrangements, upholstered booths, and contemporary art, is a sophisticated destination for foodies from across the Bay Area to sample some of the city's best Cal-French fare.

Open Saturdays through Thursdays 5 to 10 pm, Fridays 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 5 to 10 pm.