Novela is a bar inspired by the world of literature, bringing classic literary elements to life in fresh and captivating ways. Our color-coordinated book collection sets a stunning backdrop, while our signature cocktails are named after beloved literary characters, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that blends classic and contemporary design.

Whether you're looking for a lively post-work gathering, a romantic first date, or a joyous birthday celebration, Novela's ambiance is perfect for any occasion. Our seasonal cocktail and punch programs, expertly crafted by our skilled bar team, offer a dynamic menu of original house creations and historically inspired punches, all served on tap.

Bloom's Saloon, a well-loved bar in San Francisco, is located on Potrero Hill and is known for its fantastic rooftop view. One fun fact about the rooftop of Bloom's Saloon is that it offers one of the best panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, including a clear sight of the Bay Bridge and downtown San Francisco. This makes it a popular spot not just for drinks, but also for capturing stunning photographs of the city, especially at sunset. The combination of a relaxed atmosphere, great drinks, and a breathtaking view makes it a hidden gem in San Francisco's bar scene.

The cylindrical basin of the fountain, designed by architect Albert Lanier with assistance from Aiko Asawa, stands 90 inches tall and has a 193-inch diameter. Its outer wall features bas-relief scenes of San Francisco and rests on a brick stair base.

In May 2016, Apple unveiled its flagship store on Post and Stockton Streets, which included a renovation of the public space. This upgrade featured wooden furnishings, a "living wall," a new "LOVE" sculpture, and the restored San Francisco Fountain by Ruth Asawa.

Inspired by opera star Enrico Caruso’s experience during the 1906 earthquake, artist Brian Goggin crafted an extraordinary installation featuring thirteen glass pianos. Partnering with musician Gabriel Rey-Goodlatte, the pianos illuminate in perfect harmony with Caruso’s recordings broadcasted on an FM station.

This $750,000 project was commissioned by Avalon Bay through San Francisco’s 1% art tax. It receives additional support from the Kenneth Rainin Foundation and Black Rock Arts, organizations renowned for funding Burning Man and public artworks nationwide.

Tosca Cafe in San Francisco, founded in 1919, is renowned for its unique blend of history and Hollywood glamour. One fun fact is that the bar's famous "House Cappuccino" contains no coffee at all! Instead, it's a boozy blend of hot chocolate, steamed milk, and brandy, making it a signature drink that has delighted patrons for decades.

The towering "Venus," standing at a height of 92 feet, gracefully contorts her gleaming steel form, resembling a genie emerging from a bottle.

Located at the heart of the Trinity Place apartment complex in SoMa, this sculpture surpasses all others in San Francisco, standing only about 20 feet shorter than the "Statue of Liberty" when excluding the height of the latter's raised arm with the torch.

Wilson & Wilson is a hidden gem nestled within Bourbon & Branch, embodying a speakeasy-within-a-speakeasy concept that might initially seem complex. However, the intrigue only deepens as it is set within the imaginative ambiance of a (fictional) detective agency. The enchanting setting features velvet-flocked wallpaper, vintage glassware, and a clandestine drink menu concealed within a case file. What truly distinguishes Wilson & Wilson are the unique concoctions crafted by their expert bartenders, offering beverages that go beyond the typical fare of clandestine bars, making each visit an extraordinary experience.

At the intersection of Broadway, Grant, and Columbus Streets in San Francisco, a site-specific sculptural installation called "Language of the Birds" takes center stage.

This installation draws inspiration from the ancient belief in a divine bird language. It features 23 illuminated books that appear to take flight, leaving traces of local literature across the plaza. Made from frosted white translucent polycarbonate and suspended by stainless steel cables, the books are arranged in dynamic wing-like positions.

Embedded LED lights within the books create mesmerizing visual patterns, capturing the essence of a flock in motion. At night, the lights subtly pulse or display a zoetropic effect, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

The Ramp in San Francisco is a beloved waterfront restaurant and bar that has a unique history. Originally established as a bait shop in the 1950s, it transitioned into a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. One of the fun facts about The Ramp is that it hosts live salsa music and dancing every weekend during the summer. This has turned it into a lively hotspot for both dining and dancing, attracting a diverse crowd who come to enjoy the energetic atmosphere and beautiful waterfront views.

The Interval is a multifaceted space serving as a bar, cafe, museum, and the headquarters of The Long Now Foundation. It features an extensive library with books crucial for rebuilding civilization, displays prototypes of a clock engineered to last 10,000 years, showcases dynamic evolving art, and offers a menu of artisan drinks inspired by the concept of time.

Crafted in response to San Francisco’s association with Eros, our Embarcadero park project initially explored the clichéd imagery of Cupid’s bow and arrow. Straying from the conventional, Coosje van Bruggen suggested a bold transformation: inverting the image, with the arrow and bow buried in the ground, spotlighting the often overlooked tail feathers.

This innovative sculpture morphs into a ship and a condensed suspension bridge, seamlessly blending with the site’s surroundings. It acts as a frame, capturing either the cityscape or a panoramic view of the Bay Bridge and distant mountains. Challenging romantic conventions, we wove in the myth of Eros fertilizing the earth with his arrow.

Positioned on a hill, the sculpture gives the impression of the arrow sinking into the plant life. The slanted bow creates a sense of dynamic movement, with the bow-as-boat seemingly navigating towards the city’s Ferry Building when viewed from its “stern.”

Waterbar Restaurant in San Francisco is renowned for its stunning views of the Bay Bridge, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. One fun fact about Waterbar is that it features an impressive and massive floor-to-ceiling aquarium filled with a variety of local marine life. This aquarium serves not only as a unique and captivating decor element but also as an educational feature, showcasing the diverse aquatic species of the Bay Area. Additionally, Waterbar is celebrated for its commitment to sustainability, focusing on responsibly sourced seafood and participating in numerous environmental initiatives.

Edinburgh Castle Pub in San Francisco is known for its unique and vibrant atmosphere, but a particularly fun fact is that it has a long-standing tradition of hosting “The Scottish Cultural & Arts Foundation” events, including the annual Robert Burns Night. This celebration, dedicated to the famous Scottish poet, involves traditional Scottish fare, poetry readings, and plenty of whisky, making it a beloved event for both locals and visitors alike.

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps project, initiated in 2003 by residents Jessie Audette and Alice Yee Xavier, is a collaborative mosaic on a 163-step stairway in San Francisco's Golden Gate Heights Neighborhood.

Artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher, chosen by the community, designed 163 mosaic panels featuring handmade tiles sponsored by neighbors, depicting animals, fish, and shells.

The tile sponsorships funded most of the project, with three community workshops held for widespread participation in creating the mosaic panels.

Shreve & Co, a prestigious jewelry store in San Francisco, has a fascinating history dating back to its founding in 1852 during the California Gold Rush. One fun fact about Shreve & Co is that they crafted the 18-karat gold, diamond-encrusted trophy for the first America's Cup race held in 1937. This prestigious trophy, known as the "Shreve & Co. Trophy," remains one of the most iconic and valuable awards in the world of sailing. Additionally, the store has been a favorite among celebrities and royalty, adding to its storied legacy and allure.

Step into the enchanting realm of Umbrella Alley, where a tapestry of color and artistic expression awaits! Nestled in the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, this lively hub is a must-see for art enthusiasts and those who appreciate boundless creativity.

Umbrella Alley's walls serve as canvases for local artists, showcasing the rich diversity of San Francisco's art scene through captivating murals and installations. Overhead, a mesmerizing array of vibrant umbrellas and balloons dangle in the air, creating a whimsical and imaginative ambiance.

If you’re familiar with the Harry Potter series, you might find yourself doing a double-take when you come across a doorway that resembles the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. Decorated with seven snakes symbolizing the Horcrux, this door pays tribute to the iconic book and film “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”

Created by Steve Penetti, the door has become a tourist attraction for Harry Potter enthusiasts. Unfortunately, you can’t actually enter the chamber, but you’re welcome to pass by and admire it for free.

Ugo Rondinone, a Swiss artist residing in New York, is known for his mottled aluminum sculptures titled "Moonrise." This series showcases 12 nine-foot-tall, ghost-like figures, each embodying a different month and displaying unique expressions. The sculptures' amorphous forms and primitive aesthetics invite viewers to ponder and discuss Rondinone's artistic intentions.

In addition, Rondinone created a smaller series called "Moonrise West," exhibited at the Phillips de Pury Gallery. This collection features the same faces crafted in black urethane, giving them a more mask-like appearance.

British artist Andy Goldsworthy presents "Spire" to San Francisco, a 90-foot installation in the Presidio that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings. Crafted from the trunks of 35 Monterey cypress trees that were removed to make way for new growth, the piece symbolizes renewal amid destruction.

Inspired by Goldsworthy's discovery of the grove, Spire stands as a testament to the artist's dedication to intertwining human creation with the natural world. Though permanent, its surroundings will naturally evolve, further connecting the artwork with the environment over time.

Jedi Master Yoda, revered as the wisest in the Star Wars universe, is immortalized in bronze atop a fountain outside Lucasfilm's headquarters. Installed in 2005, this life-size statue attracts fans who trek to the Presidio, tossing coins for luck. Situated near Letterman Drive at Building B, it provides a unique experience away from the more popular attractions.

Visitors can explore the lobby during weekdays, which showcases additional Star Wars memorabilia. Make a wish at Yoda's feet, and may the Force be with you.

"The Ladder (Sun or Moon)" is a ten-story neon and steel structure that resembles a fire escape, created by Chilean artist Iván Navarro. Navarro, who holds a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Chile, aims to subtly integrate art into public spaces. His work encourages viewers to question the meaning of everyday objects, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.

Navarro is renowned for his socio-politically charged sculptures, which incorporate light, sound, and text. His art ranges from furniture adorned with fluorescent lights to optical illusions created with mirrors, offering sensory experiences that draw attention to global issues.

The Vaillancourt Fountain, also known as Quebec libre!, stands prominently in Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco. Created by Québécois artist Armand Vaillancourt in 1971, this substantial fountain reaches a height of approximately 40 feet (12 meters) and is constructed using precast concrete square tubes.

Due to its bold modernist design, the fountain has long been a subject of controversy, with multiple unsuccessful proposals for its demolition over the years.

Notably, in 1987, the fountain gained additional attention as the backdrop for a free concert by U2. During the performance, lead singer Bono garnered both praise and criticism for spray painting graffiti on the fountain.

These structures, often referred to as "wind breakers" or "flowers" due to their stem-and-leaf-inspired design, are constructed from steel and serve to mitigate wind impact. Additionally, they feature external illumination, emitting a gentle glow through their perforated upper sections. At night, these baffles transform into captivating sculptures, appearing to float ethereally in the darkness.