Saphire Cafe already loses a star because of the heinous misspelling of their own name. Honestly. Just put that extra "p" in there, pretty please? Especially since you're using the "sapphire" theme will all of your blue shit. C'mon. Ok, moving on. This is a pretty typical neighborhood bar, with a gigundo big screen, kind of creepy and random "private room," mediocre food, regulars, and good specials. There were a couple of things that stood out: 1. BUCK HUNTER. (Take note, Laura V.!) 2. There were children. In the bar. Several of them. 3. Insane specials-- Miller Lites were a mere $1.60 from 7pm onward. 4. Slightly more interesting menu: turkey and brie sandwiches, chicken satay, wraps, along with the typical pub fare. They could have used better salad selections though. 5. Diversity of the crowd: in addition to the small children, there were some hella old people, a guy I'm pretty sure was homeless, typical loud and obnoxious frat guys, and some hipsters. Good mix. The problems I had with Saphire (ugh, it pains me to type that) were relatively few. They only had one poor waiter for the entire space, and he was waaay overworked. He was very friendly and did the best job that he could, but it was just too much for him. The bathrooms were kind of grody and the food wasn't all that good. A typical 3-star kind of place. For the trivia folks: Saphire features Stump! trivia (hooray!) which is always good times. They use the same announcer as Harp and Fiddle, and she's great. Prizes are $30, $20, and $10 off your tab, which is respectable. There didn't seem to be any limits to number of folks on your team.
(3)
Jae S.
One word... EGREGIOUS!!!! Extremely dirty, sad and depressing bar. Why did I visit this grotesque bar you ask? Because it was the only bar that was not packed on Saturday night in Bethesda. And now I know why it's never packed... If you make love to your inbred cousins, and your low class and mentally unstable, this is the perfect bar for you. Don't get lured in by their "half price burger night". It's half price because they will give you half-crap and half a service. The entire facility smells like an old, wet dog that curled into a hole and died. Just like the others who gave this establishment a bad rating, it is all true, it is that bad. I do not understand how this establishment received 5 star ratings... It's sad that this place is still in business. This place is riddled with young minors during the weekdays and in the weekends, bunch of has-been wearing football jerseys, white flip flops and a matching hat. The owner is always drunk and hitting on his customers just like the other reviewer said. Trust me, go down the street and pay $1 more for a drink for overall better nightlife experience in Bethesda.
(1)
Missy E.
Went here on a Saturday night. Nothing special...reminds me of the bars I used to go to in college. (+) - lots of open space - outside tiki bar - beer pong - dj was alright (-) - Only 2 bartenders serving the entire indoor bar increased the time it took to get a beer. - Warm jager bomb...ugh! - What was up with that woman holding her pomeranian at the tiki bar? Who takes their dog to the bar on a Saturday night...really? - Bathroom ran out of tp
(2)
Megan M.
My friend and I decided to meet up at Saphire for a bite to eat after work. He suggested that we check it out after reading glowing reviews on the DowntownBethesda.com website. As it happens, Saphire is probably a rockin' place for happy hour or a night out at the bar, but it's not necessarily the place you would stop for a bite to eat with a friend. The food was alright, but as we were nursing our drinks, my friend noticed a six legged creature scaling his cup. After a quick swipe from the table, we both had a good laugh about it. I imagine that you could visit this place and have an entirely different experience depending on the day, the time, or the company that you are keeping. I'm not sure that I'm in a hurry to test this theory, but in the meantime, I'm giving it 2 stars.
(2)
Jamie B.
The 3-star rating of "A-OK" seems fair for this place. The description of it as a "neighborhood bar" is pretty good. It's not a jammed club full of rowdy morons, it's a bar on one side, a restaurant on the other side with a small dance floor up front with a pretty casual, mixed crowd. Mostly an attractive crowd, at least on this night. Dance floor was empty when we first went in, though the place was busy, but that seemed to change by the end of the night. Major star deductions: * Bar tenders were overworked. They were running around nonstop but it's just too big of a bar with too many patrons for 2 people to keep up with. Wait times for my beer refills were high. * Bathroom kinda grody. Paper towel dispenser was empty all night. Probably goes under the heading of "understaffed" which, from other reviews, sounds like it extends to the restaurant area too. * Music system on overdrive. I don't know what it is with bars that make them turn up the music as loud as possible, to the point where you're catching the occasional hint of distortion, as it makes it impossible to converse with anyone without yelling directly into their ear. The real pickup line for this bar is going to be, "WHAAAT??!" Parking is ample, though. There's a lot around back and another one directly across the street, all free. Honestly, this place could be a regular watering hole for me if I didn't strongly suspect I would go deaf from being too near the dance floor. I didn't even realize they had an outside area, though. I should have checked that out.
(3)
Ralph R.
Short Lived - .It's a very spacious sport/dive bar. It has plenty of dancing room, dining room, and private dining areas. The bar staff are super friendly and knows how to pour a mean drink. Yes, they are conveniently located on Wisconsin with parking in the rear. The Bethesda metro stop is only a few blocks away (take the Old Washington Rd exit). The host , DJ Leon, - a super guy who is as smooth as silk no matter what he spins. They also offer karaoke every Thursday (NEW) at 8 PM. See you there! Management needs adjustment but all else works well.
(2)
Winifred L.
We came here for Tuesday night trivia with a group of friends on a whim. In a town of $12 drinks and fancy menus, Saphire offers a more modest, low-key environment. A little divey, but the trivia crowd was fun and $4 draft/rail drink specials help. We ordered the cheeseburger specials, which were forgettable. Save your cash for the drinks or the tater tots instead.
(3)
Mike B.
It pains me to see Saphire with such an average rating on Yelp. Saphire is all about no frills, amazing service, and surprisingly good food. I have to admit- this is my local joint. I come here 'cause it's the one place in Bethesda that is serving up cheap drinks where you can actually make your way up to the bar to order them. The bartenders and owner are extremely friendly and down to earth. A lot of the items on their menu are solid. Here are my personal picks: 1. The chicken satay is a true stand out. They are grilled to perfection, hearty, and plain old delicious. 2. The potato skins are thick with a generous portion of bacon and cheese inside. 3. Get the tots. I'm totes for the tots (I order them well-done: crispy) 4. The Pizza! I really like the pizza! Another surprisingly good thing! 5. Spinach Dip: served with both tortilla ships and bread sticks! Saphire is truly an anomaly of Bethesda. It's a little outdated; It's a little old fashioned. It's supported by a dedicated group of regulars that have found the worth in what it has to offer. Not too mention, the patio (Tiki-bar) is quite full when the weather gets better and there is trivia on Wednesdays. I have a feeling that if all of the its regulars were Yelpers, Saphire would have 6 stars.
(5)
Opie M.
Excellent place for Simpsons pinball and popular commercial beer, The pinball machine has a table next to it for your beer , The garage door for otto's would not open, or would not open all the way, something is wrong, I watched two guys play four games I played six games and the door never opened. Very friendly group of people young and old , I had to keep my coat on, was cold in there.
(4)
Sandra T.
This is not your typical Bethesda bar. Which is great. relaxed friendly. Great drink and food specials. Staff always friendly and remembers your name. Sure it is not fancy, you would expect peanut shells on the floor. weekends has a much younger crowd, But weekdays are great for the older folks!!! Love it.
(5)
Bobby S.
This place is great. Will and Jen are the best bartenders ever, Jason is a great owner. Do yourself a favor and go here immediately.
(5)
Maestro L.
I would say best dive bar in town . Great service, friendly owner and good food.
(5)
Patricia M.
I know I'm in trouble when friends start calling this place my "other" kitchen. Can't say we've ever had a bad meal.steaks, salads, burgers,wraps, apps- all delicious. Best bartenders/staff in Bethesda. It's almost summer so it's Margarita time- and they do make great Margaritas! It's a given that if it's a Wednesday we'll be there. (Jason, you gotta do something about the ladies bathroom tho...)
(5)
Megan B.
I'm a fan. This place has a chill vibe and lots of open space. I'm honestly surprised there weren't more people here on a Friday night. They also have a back room for parties or pool. Crowd is 30s and up. Not your typical Bethesda bar. Really down to earth. Reasonable prices and above average bar food. My girlfriend ordered the sliders and loved them. Some kind of awesome seasoning on the fries. Good service. Metered parking right out front and a metered lot in the back. I really enjoyed myself here, will definitely be back.
(4)
Joe K.
Great Bartenders and food is surprisingly good. But the bathrooms smell disgusting and the tables are usually sticky.
(2)
Devon S.
I have been coming to saphire for years. By far the best bartenders in Bethesda for sure. Fast service and the drinks are always made perfectly. The menu is great! I have almost had everything on it and it always surprises me how good it is. It's like they have a 5 star chef hidden in the back. They have great drink specials and a good selection of bottles/draft beer. And yes they also have wine! Trivia weekly and a Dj Thursday through Saturday. Certainly a bar to listen to music and dance if you want but out being overly packed to the point of annoyance. This place has my thumbs up and yours to if you try it out!!
(5)
JT T.
Ok so I am very biased when it comes to Saphire. This is my local hangout and I come here pretty much every weekend. For those of whom don't get this place? Saphire is a local joint that doesn't cater to the wants and needs of the common Bethesdian. It is the closest thing to a dive bar in Bethesda (unless you roll down Old Georgetown to Hank Deedles). The bartenders are fast and friendly. Even on a busy Saturday night you can get your drink with ease. The drinks are cheap and the food is really great bar food. Don't come here if you are looking for a healthy lunch choice. Their food is fried and greasy. Just what you need when watching sports and drinking. My personal favorites? The burger, steak fajita wrap, french fires, egg rolls, roast beef w/ munster and the buffalo chicken sandwich. Also if you are in the mood try any of their specials they have during the week. They are posted behind the bar on a small whiteboard. The atmosphere is low key, nothing special. Plenty of TVs showing a number of sporting events. The Tiki Bar is small but if you get their early enough you can grab a table and enjoy the debauchery that goes on round you. They also have some arcades to play as well as a new pool table in their back room. Trivia night is on Wednesday and they sell half price burgers and cheap Millers. Very fun You come here because you just got off work and need a cocktail or your favorite team is playing and you need a cocktail. Either way, you go for the drinks.
(5)
Brian S.
Despite the fact that I have been here many times, this review only encompasses the burger, fries, Miller Light, and trivia. They are all great. Apparently, they have other things, but I've yet to look at a menu. That's because Wednesdays feature half price burgers, 2 dollar drafts, and trivia. This means you can have a burger (they are standard, but sizeable and tasty), fries (really good), and 2 beers (DELICIOUS) for around 10 bucks after tax and tip. (!) (!) It just can't be beat. Don't come looking for anything fancy, or if you don't like burgers or beer or fun. As for the trivia, if you'e looking to play casually with some friends or co-workers after work on Wednesdays, this place is great. Decent crowd, and the host is hysterical. If you are very serious about trivia, it may not be ideal, as the questions are the easiest of any trivia I have been to in DC.
(5)
dylan b.
Good bar food and drinks, friendly staff Some of the better drink prices for the area. Plus has and has trivia night
(5)
Ruth C.
Two and a half stars. I'm glad I asked to substitute the kaiser roll with multigrain bread because some of my coworkers complained that their buns were too dense. My bread was toasted from the griddle, with the brie melted on nicely. Turkey was decently moist and portioned generously, with fresh sammy veg. That's where the compliments end. Light on the honey dijon, thankfully. I never thought I'd complain about this, but there was there was too much brie and the rind left on dominated the whole sandwich. With the uneven melting, some bites were alright and others needed to be washed down. Pickle was limp and almost too old for consumption. Fries were actually pretty decent (which I'd expect from bar grub), but portioned conservatively in comparison. I'd be hard-pressed to eat here again, but I'll gladly drink and watch a game here.
(2)
Kate O.
Have I never reviewed this place? Well let me start... Great neighborhood dive bar. Look, it ain't some fancy lounge. It's a dive bar. And it's really good. Got friends who smoke? Take them here- outdoor Tiki bar is the perfect spot for them. I swear I avoided this place thinking it was an Indian restaurant- don't be fooled by the name. Never, and I mean never, had a friendlier bar staff in Bethesda. You walk in and think "I'm not sure I want food from here" but let that go. The food is actually pretty decent. The burger, now that the Majestic is gone, is my favorite in all of Bethesda. It's huge and great tasting. I'm trying to think of anything I've eaten here that was bad and I can't- mind you I'm still working through the menu. The draft beer is always cold-not half warm and the drinks are good and strong.
(3)
Shey A.
This dive bar is a good chill spot when you don't feel like commuting to DC and want to keep it local. The drinks aren't pricey and the food is good. I love the bartenders they are superb! Aside from that my only complaints are sometimes the tables are sticky, the bathroom smells rancid with an overwhelming mothball aroma and it might be time for a new and younger DJ? His music selections are very outdated granted sometimes he plays requests but sometimes he doesn't care to and I feel like that is why a lot of people don't come. People want to go drink, listen and dance to good music. Just sayin...
(5)
Jay S.
Go in expecting the right thing... a bar where you can relax and not get jumped over for a drink by some girl on her 21st birthday asking for a woo-woo. There's a lot of space, great bartenders and good food (do the turkey and brie sandwich). This is a dive bar with good food, that will certainly surprise people. People feel as if they are right to rip on this place, but they also expect a cosmo like they walked off of the set of 'Sex and the City'. As much as Bethesda tries to act like the middle of Manhattan, we're still not at that level, keep this city what it is which is what Saphire does. A lot of blue collars that work hard and need a good place to relax.
(5)
Alexandra B.
I think you have to take this bar for what it is: a neighborhood bar...with great trivia night. I honestly would give this place a far lower rating if I actually expected more from it, but you would be foolish to do so. It's a bar designed for people who love happy hour and hanging out with friends for cheap. Nothing more. Don't come here expecting a five-star meal, and if you do, that's your problem. I come here most weeks with my coworkers for trivia night, which is Wednesdays starting at 7:30. They have a pretty expansive menu but since they have a half-price burger special during trivia I've only ever eaten one thing there: their veggie burgers. Now, let's be real.....this is a cheap bar; they're not homemade veggie burgers. But they serve it on multigrain bread with cooked red onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo if you want it, as well as a side of fries. For a $4 burger, it's pretty good. And the fries are actually very tasty. They offer really cheap prices for beer, especially for the Bethesda area, and all in all, we have a really fun night out for under $10 (and that's with the drinks). So yeah, it's probably a 2-stars for quality of food. But come on, it's a neighborhood bar, what do you want? Go to The Barking Dog or Union Jack's if you want expensive food. I'll continue paying $10 for an awesome night of trivia with totally acceptable food to go out with my friends on a budget.
(3)
Rachel B.
Had a drink here because the last place I slipped in acted like I was invisible. This place has quick service, even when they're busy.
(3)
Veronica J.
Yay for trivia and cheap beer. Best fries in the world they're beer battered. No frills place the unbethesda
(4)
Diana M.
This is a dive bar. Deal with it. Great prices on food and booze. They have WiFi. What's great about this place is the space is big and open so even at happy hour you can find a place to hang out. I've been here 7 years straight for my birthday, always have a great time and even your broke friend can afford to hang out with you. If you are over 25, you might want to pack it in by 9pm because that's when the kids come in and the place gets loud.
(5)
Juliana C.
I've never been inside Saphire outside of Wednesday night Stump! Trivia, but I've gone at LEAST fifteen times in the past year to lend wisdom to Team Awesome. The questions start at 7:30, but your teammates are going to be stacked on top of each other like a (gaggle? herd? flock?) of turtles if you don't show up around 6:30 or earlier. There is one server for the entire room. His name is Matt, he toured with Fountains of Wayne, and he is awesome. I would strongly recommend ordering your ($1.60!) beers from him two at a time, because our curly haired friend has a lot of ground to cover before he can return to where you are. The ($3!) burgers with crispy fries are satisfying and tasty for the money. Again, order early. The Saph also has excellent salads if you can ignore the siren call of cheap meat and potatoes. And cheese. Mmmm. Deb is the lady who runs the show, and she's the perfect blend of snarky and efficient. The songs she plays as trivia clues are diverse and creative, though sitting through Bohemian Rhapsody when you knew the answer at "No escape from reality" can get tedious. I don't think the Yelp team should play here anymore, because now that I'm officially registered on the site, my loyalty's going to pull me in both directions like a Stretch Armstrong being attacked by a rottweiler and a pit bull. What have we learned today, class? Two beers + a burger + tip = $10 = TWO ROCK HANDS UP \m/ \m/.
(4)
Sam H.
This is an awesomely bad.... bar!!! But always manage to go there. By always I mean... if we are going to hit the night out in bethesda... Saphire we go just to grab a drink b/c it's "on the way." But to break it down... Food ... not memorabily bad or good Drinks standard Dancing... there is a dance floor.... but... hardly people dance. They have a beer pong table. But....saphire has never been the "destination" just a bar on the way and may be on the way back.
(2)
Stephan S.
This place is my goto bar for a causal time. It is Cheers like. Friendly staff. Good burger. If you like a fun casual place where everyone knows your name this is it. They have a nice tiki bar in the back for you smokers. Very reasonable on price. Great place to see a game. Never had a bad time.
(5)
Dee B.
*This is only for Wednesday trivia nights.* ***A solid 3.75 stars*** Saphire Cafe has grown on me. Sure, a couple of reasons I like this place and its Stump trivia are ridiculously practical: it's within easy walking distance of my home, trivia is on Wednesdays (not Mondays or Tuesdays, which for me are not feasible due to other commitments) and trivia begins at 7.30pm (not 8pm as at many places), meaning I can often be home before 10pm. I like the woman who does the trivia -- she really does a great job. I like the specials. I like the fact that it feels like a neighborhood place. I like Matt, the lone server. And I like Stump trivia in general. I've never been here on any other night, and I don't intend to make it a priority. To me, Saphire is all about Wednesday trivia.
(4)
Kim S.
I agree with the rest of the comments. Take this place for what it is - a dive bar. It's rarely crowded and is a bit grungy, but it has a certain charm. For a dive, the food is actually pretty decent. Salads and wraps are crispy, fresh, and full of variety, which is a nice change from the standard bar food. Also, yes, thumbs up to trivia.
(3)
Casey J.
I feel like Saphire has gotten a bad rap in these reviews. I admit the decor at Saphire isn't up to "Bethesda" standards but that is not the kind of place Saphire is trying to be. Put simply Saphire is a bar with Fantastic food. I repeat .. a bar. It's NOT a lounge with $5 domestic drafts, rules on how you can wear your hat and what jerseys you can wear. It's a bar where people go to drink and have a good time. On many occasions the owner is happy to sit down and have a drink with you. I like to think of it as the Cheers of Bethesda. The bar tenders are fantastic and are extremely friendly and the food is deceptively good. I say deceptively simply because if you first walked in there you would look around at the decor and be skeptical of the food. Do not judge a book by its cover. This place could easily be featured on food network. The food is fantastic. I personally can vouch for the chicken satay, southwestern egg rolls, and hamburgers. On Wednesday evening they have half price burgers that are the Best in Bethesda. If you want a bar in Bethesda that has a deck, won't hassle you with rules, and have a great time at a good price then Saphire is the place for you.
(5)
Libby F.
A decent place, but I'd consider it more of a bar than a restaurant. The food is average; not a place you'd go to for a unique dining experience. It doesn't have much ambiance either; kinda like a typical college bar. Happy hour is a bargain here and varies day by day. $1.60 Miller Lites? Yes, it's true! The best night is trivia night on Wednesdays. It is Stump! Trivia, the best trivia out there! Our Yelp team of six held the lead up until the very end where we succumbed to second. But, it still meant $20 off our unbelievably low bar and food tab of $50-something. Our server was great and spread very thin-- he had the whole place to tend too! We never had to wait very long or our cheap drinks. This place is good for groups, if you don't mind the obnoxious frat guys Kathleen M. mentioned in her review. Whoo! Yeahhh! Come for a cheap night out with friends and put your useless trivia knowledge to fun use! Sorry Craig R. for thinking Nathaniel Lane was straight!
(3)
Natasha F.
If you're expecting a sleek, trendy, or hip bar; first check if you're dressed as a guido and then go somewhere else. What you will expect is great company, awesomely bad music and an over all fantastic time. Make sure you go on a Friday or Saturday night to see Will, the bartender extraordinaire; he'll make your night if not your weekend :)
(4)
N S.
I gotta give'em two stars guys. I'm a sucker for al fresco anything and at least we had a table on the deck with which to create our own world...sort of. Why on earth did I leave to the bar when Marine guy came over on behalf of his friend to pitch it to Tina??? And dude starts out with something along the lines of "Look, here's the deal, my buddy over there..." Need I say more??? I mean, really, need I say more? God, I wish I had been there when they clarified the Yella/Tina courtship to this dude. Music pretty much sucked. Guys in attendance sucked. Yes, "men" wearing jerseys in public on a non-game day is pretty bama-ish, but at least they were wearing the right team... I didn't even know they sold Colt Brennan jerseys, but hey, you learn something new everyday. So yeah. This place sucks.
(2)
Jeff W.
You know that little open text box to write notes when you bookmark a place? Well maybe I'm the only person that uses that text field, but after looking over at my shorthand notes I figured there's not a whole lot to add. So, here ya go: same trivia as Harp & Fiddle, crappy service, crappy drinks but cheap. Good grilled chicken on the fruit salad. No atmosphere. No need to return. I apparently do not like dirty martinis.
(2)
Alicia G.
I'm still waiting for my drink.
(1)
Ellen L.
Is it just me but isn't it supposed to be Saphire with two p's? :) Anyway, decided to check out this bar since my friend mentioned that it had a tiki bar and it was gorgeous outside. The bar/cafe part was very muggy and hot, so we moved to the tiki bar area. The tiki bar is very small and it looks out to a parking lot, so not much of a view there. I wish there was a little more to the tiki bar to spice it up, maybe some cute lights or tiki torches? :) The place was all right, but the bartenders were friendly and attentive (aka we didnt' have to wait 20 minutes to flag down a guy) and I enjoyed my modelo beer - which I had never had before! :)
(2)
lisa w.
I agree with Casey J. I don't understand the bad reviews either. We go for trivia on Wed. They have great food and drink specials and the waiter runs his beh.. I enjoy not having to spend 5 bucks for a Bud.
(4)
Andrew W.
sapphire - p = not exactly a gem.... funny. that said, saphire's not exactly as hopelessly yuppified and sterile as some other joints in bethesda are either... as others have mentioned, this place kind of has a neighborhood feel, and really, what with the corporate mish-mash of bethesda row and the sad, sad attempts at theme bars (you know who you are) dotting the woodmont triangle, this place is the pretty much the ONLY bar that has ANY kind of feel to it in bethesda... which is to say: yeah, it's got nothing terribly special about it, but it is a servicable drinking establishment where normal people gather... you could actually walk into the bar and think you were in a city instead of a suburban wasteland....saphire would be perfectly at home in someplace as drab as ohio, but could probably cut it in the dregs of key west without dying also...there's always enough people trying to get away from other people, who need a drink to help them along...and that's really where saphire comes in: you don't go here if you're looking to score with the "hotties", chat up some "ladies", or have yourself a "crazy night on the town".... you come here because you can't stand the rest of bethesda/dc, but need to pull up a stool and have a drink in a place that doesn't make you feel like pounding your skull into your shot glass until the world around you fades into a salvaging darkness.... this kind of jaded lot can be quite diverse, though, so you really never know who you'll find here, but you could generally expect to find a random sampling of the following: grandmothers in make-up bitching about their drugged-up kids, a person missing an appendage, some one with an army coat on, an ex-skater, an ex-roller, an ex-grunger, an ex-hippie (all who will be drinking their faces off now that they've lost their label), construction workers, barkeeps from other establishments, the restaurant crew that's done for the night, the maids and nannies who're done with their day, some guy who has to wear his cap backwards, some girl who just drinks and makes conversation with the bartenders, maybe a couple of homeless people, service veterans, ex-convicts, postal employees, and the general stragglers who've just popped in for a pint or two.... the one part of the bar that does occasionally draw a bit of a festive crowd is the outside "tiki bar"....which is really as much a "tiki bar" as a dock in south dakota is a carribean port....still.... things can be pretty nice, especially in the spring and fall, when you've got some tables and a deck bar outside on a clear, cool night so you can drag off your cigarette, pitch back your head, swallow your beer, and watch your exhalations march their way off into the milky way, taking your ashes on an updraft to someplace you almost know.... back inside, you've got your bar, your stools, your booths, your wooden floors, a couple video games, a tv or two, your couple neon sign, and the dingy half-light that helps alcohol take your worries away... the bartenders won't get in your way, they'll do their job, get you your drink properly, and keep an eye out for your empty glass...as it should be. they won't be playing terrible music, and they won't be playing great music...there'll be a few times when you nod your head, and a few times when you shake your head, but mostly it'll just be in the backround (it's never very loud), and you'll chat with the company you brought with you, or whatever hobo comes stumbling around.... some people make it here sometimes for the dirt cheap specials ($1.50 for miller lites and such), some people even eat at the cafe (good luck with that, but i've got a feeling whatever's offered here is gonna taste a bit like worn socks), but they've got yuengling and sam adams on tap, and that'll do once in a while, when i can't seem to stave off the dreary dusk of the apartment, and i putter over here for a beer, and maybe a shot of whiskey or two for whatever reason, i can see saphire sitting on some block of cleveland in the dead of winter, and it kind of reminds me of this tavern in montana on an indian reservation where i used to smother the hours down.... i'm not sure whether that's good or bad, but that's just how it is... an old roomate of mine swears by the appletini's i'd just come to get toasted
(3)
Diane W.
Be careful - the portions are huge. Good food at a good price, even when we had 15 people sit down at once. I really like their outside patio, except that's where all the smokers go, unfortunately.
(4)
Michelle P.
I really didn't know what to expect from the saphire cafe. While driving around the bethesda streets looking for parking, it was hard to imagine doing trivia in what looked like a cool hit, blue lit club. But it really ended up being just another bar, with just another game of stump trivia. The place was packed, but definitely understaffed. The poor bartender was pretty much the only guys there, being responsible for tables and bar and drinks and everything. He was nice enough, but i think Alicia G. is still waiting for her drink. The menu is just bizzare. They have burgers (half price.... and looked about half of what i would expect a burger to look like.) and low carb fajitias and gyros and brie sandwiches and chicken and fruit salads. Its just a hodgpodge of different styles of food. I will say that the chicken and fruit salad was good. the chicken was perfectly cooked and very well seasoned and the dressing added a perfect compliment. i could have done without the gigantic mounds of feta that kind of dominated the whole salad, but it was ok. Perfect compliment for anyone who wanted to order a dirty gin martini (cough Jeff cough). And the special on the $4 martinis is only on tuesday, even if you think a wednesday is a tuesday, there is still no special. I liked trivia. I was disappointed we didn't win, even though we got almost every question right (missed the ones that counted though!) I loved that the harp and fiddle lady was there, i love her! She really stays interactive with the crowd and makes it more fun. Its well run, but is identical to the Harp and Fiddle, which is less crowded. While i dont HAVE to return anytime soon, i would also be willing to do so at some time.
(3)
Chris P.
This place isn't as bad as some make it out to be. Went with friends and had a good time there. The food was alright and half-off during happy hour, so I have nothing to b*tch about. Wouldn't be against going there again, by any means.
(3)
Robin G.
Not a good atmosphere. Food is awful and greasy and the restaurant has a foul bar smell. Never again.
(1)
Bill D.
The only reason I go there is for trivia. They only have 1 waiter for the entire place, which can be packed for trivia some nights. That means we order 2 to 3 beers per person when the waiter actually comes around...because you're not going to see them for another hour. The guy that usually works Wednesday is clearly trying and very nice, but he's just swamped. I don't think it's his fault, it's the owners who just do not care to make the situation better. For trivia, they've got $1.75 Miller Lite drafts and half-price burgers. The one time I had a burger it was pretty lousy and burnt to a crisp. So we only order beer. If it weren't for trivia, we would never, ever go here.
(2)
Rachael B.
Inexpensive with a decent beer selection and full shelves of liquor. The staff is awesome, the food is okay, the bathrooms leave something to be desired, but all-in-all, it's not too bad a place. Especially on Wednesday nights when they host trivia.
(3)
Cy K.
This place is a good place to come and grab a drink after work. Not much of a crowd or ambiance, but prices are pretty reasonable for the area and the environment is generally relaxed. Its a neighborhood bar incarnate.
(3)
Ashley C.
This is NOT a snooty club - if you want one of those, go somewhere else. Yes, this is a neighborhood bar, meaning bar food and cheap drinks. Nothing fancy but the potato skins are yummy and the drinks prices aren't too bad. You can usually find a booth (always good) and they have a decent sized dance floor for a bar. The DJ is iffy at times, it gets better as the night goes on. Usually plays hip hop, reggae and current hits. I always have fun dancing here. It can get a bit loud, but as aforementioned, it's a bar. I like how it is laid back. Sometimes you just want to have fun and not worry about dress codes and having $20 dollars for a cover charge. People are mellow and not uppity. People just want to have fun. So if you are looking for a casual hangout with decent service, go here!
(4)
Merida F.
I have been to Saphire I few times in the past year for different events: birthday parties, pub crawl, and drinks with a date. This place is pretty low key and has a fairly eclectic crowd. Bartenders were nice and quick. I thought Saphire has a pretty good selection of beers on tap considering the size of the place. (did I mention there is a beer pong table in the back and a dance floor?) I thought it was a great place to bring a group of people. My only problem was, one night when I went I saw a mouse by the arcade games. I took a picture of it and showed it to the bartender who said "that's our mascot." I don't scare easily and one mouse isn't a huge deal, but it would have been nice if the bartender pretended to be a bit more concerned. We had finished our drinks anway and it seemed like a good time to leave.
(3)
Jack F.
I'm here for my friends and some trivia questions I wouldn't quite call Saphire Cafe my neighborhood bar. In fact, I'm one transfer point and 13 metro stops away. If it wasn't for my friends, I'd never drop by this bar on my own initiative. First, The crowd is okay and hardly a meat market (which may be good or bad). Generally, people are hanging out with a table of friends (think "How I Met Your Mother"). Second, the food (with one exception) is ordinary but hardly worth bragging about. Although, I am a big fan of the crispy fries and $3.75 hamburgers on Wednesday nights. The $3.75 hamburger is a generous and juicy portion when cooked at medium rare (contrast against $1.95 burgers from McCormick & Schmick's yelp.com/biz/mccormick-a… ). Third, there's only one waiter/barman on Wednesday nights that goes around the entire bar picking up and dropping off orders (again, this could be good or bad). Although the slow-paced service, does have an unexpected benefit of making Saphire Cafe an ideal place to loiter for pennies on the dollar (reduction in alcohol consumption). So take your pick because Saphire Cafe could go either way for you. It really depends on whether the bar experience depends on the people that you meet at the bar or the people you come with to the bar. 3 Stars - Again, I'm not really here for the bar scene. I'm just here because we have a friend who really likes Stomp! Trivia on Wednesday nights and we're fortunate that people will travel up to Bethesda. If not for this, I probably won't return to Saphire Cafe by myself.
(3)
IH K.
I know I wrote a review on this place - where'd it go? Okay, so the inside pretty much stinks. This is one of those bars that you get dragged to all the time, if you live in the area. During the summer months though, their little "tiki bar" is a highlight - Aside from the fact that it's essentially just a covered deck in part of the parking lot. Awwwwkward.
(2)
John K.
I'd come here again if you need a place to get away, but not have to wait in line to get a beer. A decent selection on tap. My friends knew the owner, Jason, and he's a really cool guy. If you run into him, he's very open and loves to just hang out. I think that he's the kind of person who wants to make sure that people are having a good time. I'm not sure why people complain about the music. That's like asking why people listen to HOT 99.5 all the time. That should give you an idea of what kind of music they play. Wings were all right, a little dry, but crispy at the same time. Fries - PLENTY OF THEM. Lot's of fries and covered in Old Bay. Kudos!! Oh yea....Trivia Night on Wednesdays!!
(3)
Kathy S.
I like it there -- especially on a nice night on the Tiki bar deck. It seemed weird to me to be so close to the street over a parking lot but it was fine. I ate there for the first time last night and liked the food! Or rather, I ate off of my boyfriend's plate because the portions were very generous. The beer prices are good relative to comparable places. The service is always very friendly and very good. It is often bustling and busy but you are never uncomfortably packed in there. The bathrooms are cleaner than just about every comparable bar in the area -- especially for a building so old. I get the bad reviews because the place isn't for everyone but it is great for what it is -- a pleasant place to have a few beers and maybe grab a bite to eat if you find that you are hungry.
(4)
OIivia H.
This was our first stop on a bar hopping expedition, and I couldn't wait to move on. It was empty, just dead. The "tiki bar" was a tiny slab of concrete jutting off the back door into the parking lot. Beers were cheap, I downed mine and gave my husband the "let's get the hell out of here" look.
(1)
Craig R.
I'm always down for three things: 1. Stump! Trivia 2. Big Buck Hunter 3. $1.60 beers You can talk about how the food is just OK, but it does have a pretty good variety. You can talk about how this place strives to be more than what it is, but those three things above alone make this a four star restaurant/bar. Our waiter was actually one of the bartenders and it looked like he was a tad overworked. Not only did he have to do things at the bar, but he had to handle all of the tables as well and that's pretty tough to do. They do offer some very nice specials during and after happy hour. During happy hour, they have selected appetizers are half-price. Some of their beer (I'm sorry I forgot the details) is half-price as well. After happy hour is half-priced burgers! Other beer specials start at this time as well! Way to cater to your customers! They have a huge big screen TV towards the front of the bar and more TVs along the bar. It also looks like they have live music play here every once in awhile as there is lighting equipment stationed toward the front. There looks to be a "party" room stationed off to the right of the restaurant. It looked closed when we first got there, but as the night progressed there were people sneaking in and just hanging out in there. Their bathrooms leave a lot to be desired. When you open the men's room door, make sure you close it behind you as it won't automatically do that. Makes for very awkward situations. If you check out any trivia lists here on Yelp (check out either mine or Kathleen's), you will know that we almost champion Stump! Trivia. The lady who called the trivia game at Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle also called it here and it is worth coming out for. She's very friendly and knows how to work the room. Great job by a great trivia MC.
(4)
Jason M.
Went here as part of a bar crawl and it was decent. Had an outdoor bar and seating which was a nice option. Drinks were cheap and served quickly. A decent place to hang out and talk with friends.
(2)
Chase B.
Saphire is full of friendly and outgoing customers, fast and respectful bartenders, and cheap fresh beer. The food is surprisingly delicious (especially the seafood pasta and the asian chicken salad). And anyone who says thinks the burgers are anything less than stellar hasn't actually eaten the burgers. No, it doesn't turn into a club at night, but there is almost always something going on to entertain the masses, and even if there are no special events going on, the masses are often entertainment in themselves. Dance parties are known to break out any day of the week, and nobody will be standing around judging you while you make a fool of yourself doing the running man. Oh and Jae S., if 'your' so high class that you can't have a good time at Saph, then 'your' probably not welcome anyway. Saphire's patrons have very little patience for pretentious schmucks.
(4)
Zach G.
Went here with the Yelp trivia crew. They do trivia on Wednesdays and it's the Stump! trivia that Madams Organ and Union Jacks do also. Great trivia format, which is true of the other Stump! locations as well. I couldn't really find fault with the place, but nothing really stood out as great either. Food wasn't bad, pretty typical bar grub. They could have used a couple more servers; our guy was running all over the place. The best thing about the place was the beer specials. You could get a beer during happy hour for under $2. I would go hear again, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
(3)
Jimena M.
Typical bar that you'd find in College Park or any other university town. They had a live reggae band playing on Saturday night. They were too loud, I could barely hear anyone near me. We drank a few beers and shouted at each other as best we could. I went home with a friggin' sore throat from all the yelling. Not someplace I would go back to.
(2)
Victoria S.
This place is so strange...I don't get it. Very out of the way and tucked in the back of a parking lot. The crowd is slightly Gaithersburg ghetto if you catch my drift. I wasn't feelin' it. The deck has potential but this place has a long way to go.
(2)
Miss M.
Very chill bar, not a bad place to spend the night. The bartenders are all really nice and helpful, and if you catch them on a slow night, up for conversation. The beer selection isn't bad and neither are the prices. Same goes for the mixed drinks. If you head outside, you can grab a cig and some good conversation with the random folk congregating there. Friday and Saturday nights, they have a DJ, who isn't particularly good. He seems more concerned with what he wants to fiddle with as opposed to the mood of the place. (He killed the dance floor when we were celebrating my friend's birthday.) Nor is he too fond of requests. It's a pretty chill place, good to head out to when you're looking for something more low key.
(3)
Chris C.
Interesting food options, but they're a bit hit or miss. Trivia is definitely the best night, but the tiki bar area is pretty amusing. Since it's not too terribly close to where I live, it's a place I visit only once in a while, but if you're already in Bethesda, it's worth a trip at least once. Preferably a night when there's trivia.
(3)
Angela S.
I'm not sure why there are so many bad reviews. This place is good if this is the kind of place you are looking for. What kind of place is that? Well, it is not Blackfinn's, Morton's, or any other "dressy" bar. Nor is it a "Tommy Joes" post-college yuck bar. This is just a casual bar, with a mix of people, that never seems to get too packed. In other words, GREAT SERVICE. If you'd rather stand around trying to push your way through business suits to buy a $9 beer, this is not the place for you. This is just a place to relax and have a drink. That's it. Do you go for the food? Probably not, but if you are there and get hungry there are lots of options (appetizers, salads, sandwiches/wraps, pasta) and the food is pretty good considering you are in a bar. The bartenders are fantastic: nice but not phony, prompt, and they make great drinks. There is a small outside area that is open when its nice out. I think the reason there are so many bad reviews is because this place is not what people have in mind when going out in Bethesda. Which is exactly why I choose this bar when I am not in a "fancy" mood and just looking for a drink-- and a bar stool.
(4)
Olivia L.
Very chill bar with cheap drinks and awesome bar tenders :) I only give it 4 stars instead of 5 because the outdoor space is small.
(4)
Daniel C.
This is a bad bar that doesn't realize it's bad. The tiki bar is nice on a nice day, but overall this is a pretty grim place. There are much, much better. If you want to sit outside, go to Caddies. The food is much better, and the drinks deals are just as good.
(1)
sadie g.
One of my favorite bars in Bethesda. Casual without being too dive-y. Food is ok. Drinks are relatively cheap for the area. Bartenders are outstanding. Stump! Trivia on Wednesdays. DJ on most Fridays and Saturdays. Big games on a big screen.
(4)
J C.
****3.5 stars*** The Saphire Cafe is your typical neighborhood bar. The kind I don't have by me. There's honestly nothing that sets the Saphire Cafe apart from most other bars in the area, but hey, sometimes you just want predictability, a cold beer, and some wings, right? Okay, so the million dollar question you're all asking is why I came here. Trivia, of course! Stump Trivia, to be precise. Always a good time! Even better when I we were apparently the only table in the bar who knew who sang the "Lido Shuffle." (hint, he's in my profile!) And who knew that the owner of the gas station I slaved at during summer breaks at college would have been the answer to one of two final questions at the end of the night? It's like 1995 rang me out of the blue one day and wanted to grab a beer with me! The verdict: you've probably got a place like this in your neighborhood, so I'm recommending you go here only if you live here or find yourself in the area. However, if you've got a large group looking to have a good time, you'd do well here. I was in a party of six, all of whom ordered food and multiple beers, and the tab came to a little over $50... even considering that we got $20 off our tab for coming in second, that's a damn good deal. Check out their website, as they've got lots of good happy hour specials.
(4)
Kori B.
For a Friday night in Bethesda, this place was EMPTY! However, it was raining, and I feel like the deck might be the big draw here, so that could be the main reason. Bartenders are really nice though, had some good convo, but after only an hour of watching a small group of guys play a golf video game, we decided to jet. It's too bad, they played music that I would find myself wanting to act a fool with after a shot, but the opportunity just wasn't there.
(2)
Brandy L.
The bartenders were pretty fast but the atmosphere sucks and the music was not awesome, I felt like I was at a Tex Mex restaurant waiting to be seated. And as always the more alcohol involved the more people want to do awful dances to awful music. The humpty dance? Really lol?
(1)
Laura V.
Ok, so the BF and I come to Saphire on a regular basis for one thing... SILVER STRIKE BOWLING!!! We are video game geeks at heart and the draw of Silver Strike and cheap beer keep us coming back to Saphire. That being said, this place is kind of weird. The BF regularly comments that the space could be really cool if someone would fix it up a bit. It needs a good cleaning (1/2 inch of dust on the beer bottles on the bar) and some updating. The bartenders are quite friendly and acknowledge that we're regulars. On weekends, there's a DJ, and the place goes from deader than a doornail to hip hopping by late night. There's food here, but we will probably never try it. The dust on the beer bottles kind of freaks us out.
(3)
Yesenia R.
If you want the uppity feel and crowd then please go elsewhere! But if you want to be around great people who are out to have fun and a good time then this is your place. Its like Cheers but in MoCo =)
(5)
Dawn G.
This place is bad. I read all of these reviews yesterday, but still had to go because of a friends birthday being held there. I thought to myself "it cant really be THAT bad", but it was. The place smells horrible, first of all. I heard numerous random people around me say things like "this place smells like shit". The bathrooms were especially bad!! The guys bathroom had an overflowing toilet that was leaking into the hallway, umm, gross?! Other reviews were also correct about the thick dust on everything. You would think you could have an employee take care of little things like that. The owner was a young guy who was bartending and socializing. Seems to me he should spend less time behind the bar and more time behind the scenes making some positive business decisions and improvements. Besides all that, beers were relatively cheap. And I didnt try the food so cant really comment on that.
(1)
Andrew W.
sapphire - p = not exactly a gem.... funny. that said, saphire's not exactly as hopelessly yuppified and sterile as some other joints in bethesda are either... as others have mentioned, this place kind of has a neighborhood feel, and really, what with the corporate mish-mash of bethesda row and the sad, sad attempts at theme bars (you know who you are) dotting the woodmont triangle, this place is the pretty much the ONLY bar that has ANY kind of feel to it in bethesda... which is to say: yeah, it's got nothing terribly special about it, but it is a servicable drinking establishment where normal people gather... you could actually walk into the bar and think you were in a city instead of a suburban wasteland....saphire would be perfectly at home in someplace as drab as ohio, but could probably cut it in the dregs of key west without dying also...there's always enough people trying to get away from other people, who need a drink to help them along...and that's really where saphire comes in: you don't go here if you're looking to score with the "hotties", chat up some "ladies", or have yourself a "crazy night on the town".... you come here because you can't stand the rest of bethesda/dc, but need to pull up a stool and have a drink in a place that doesn't make you feel like pounding your skull into your shot glass until the world around you fades into a salvaging darkness.... this kind of jaded lot can be quite diverse, though, so you really never know who you'll find here, but you could generally expect to find a random sampling of the following: grandmothers in make-up bitching about their drugged-up kids, a person missing an appendage, some one with an army coat on, an ex-skater, an ex-roller, an ex-grunger, an ex-hippie (all who will be drinking their faces off now that they've lost their label), construction workers, barkeeps from other establishments, the restaurant crew that's done for the night, the maids and nannies who're done with their day, some guy who has to wear his cap backwards, some girl who just drinks and makes conversation with the bartenders, maybe a couple of homeless people, service veterans, ex-convicts, postal employees, and the general stragglers who've just popped in for a pint or two.... the one part of the bar that does occasionally draw a bit of a festive crowd is the outside "tiki bar"....which is really as much a "tiki bar" as a dock in south dakota is a carribean port....still.... things can be pretty nice, especially in the spring and fall, when you've got some tables and a deck bar outside on a clear, cool night so you can drag off your cigarette, pitch back your head, swallow your beer, and watch your exhalations march their way off into the milky way, taking your ashes on an updraft to someplace you almost know.... back inside, you've got your bar, your stools, your booths, your wooden floors, a couple video games, a tv or two, your couple neon sign, and the dingy half-light that helps alcohol take your worries away... the bartenders won't get in your way, they'll do their job, get you your drink properly, and keep an eye out for your empty glass...as it should be. they won't be playing terrible music, and they won't be playing great music...there'll be a few times when you nod your head, and a few times when you shake your head, but mostly it'll just be in the backround (it's never very loud), and you'll chat with the company you brought with you, or whatever hobo comes stumbling around.... some people make it here sometimes for the dirt cheap specials ($1.50 for miller lites and such), some people even eat at the cafe (good luck with that, but i've got a feeling whatever's offered here is gonna taste a bit like worn socks), but they've got yuengling and sam adams on tap, and that'll do once in a while, when i can't seem to stave off the dreary dusk of the apartment, and i putter over here for a beer, and maybe a shot of whiskey or two for whatever reason, i can see saphire sitting on some block of cleveland in the dead of winter, and it kind of reminds me of this tavern in montana on an indian reservation where i used to smother the hours down.... i'm not sure whether that's good or bad, but that's just how it is... an old roomate of mine swears by the appletini's i'd just come to get toasted
(3)
Diane W.
Be careful - the portions are huge. Good food at a good price, even when we had 15 people sit down at once. I really like their outside patio, except that's where all the smokers go, unfortunately.
(4)
John K.
I'd come here again if you need a place to get away, but not have to wait in line to get a beer. A decent selection on tap. My friends knew the owner, Jason, and he's a really cool guy. If you run into him, he's very open and loves to just hang out. I think that he's the kind of person who wants to make sure that people are having a good time. I'm not sure why people complain about the music. That's like asking why people listen to HOT 99.5 all the time. That should give you an idea of what kind of music they play. Wings were all right, a little dry, but crispy at the same time. Fries - PLENTY OF THEM. Lot's of fries and covered in Old Bay. Kudos!! Oh yea....Trivia Night on Wednesdays!!
(3)
Joe K.
Great Bartenders and food is surprisingly good. But the bathrooms smell disgusting and the tables are usually sticky.
(2)
Megan M.
My friend and I decided to meet up at Saphire for a bite to eat after work. He suggested that we check it out after reading glowing reviews on the DowntownBethesda.com website. As it happens, Saphire is probably a rockin' place for happy hour or a night out at the bar, but it's not necessarily the place you would stop for a bite to eat with a friend. The food was alright, but as we were nursing our drinks, my friend noticed a six legged creature scaling his cup. After a quick swipe from the table, we both had a good laugh about it. I imagine that you could visit this place and have an entirely different experience depending on the day, the time, or the company that you are keeping. I'm not sure that I'm in a hurry to test this theory, but in the meantime, I'm giving it 2 stars.
(2)
Jamie B.
The 3-star rating of "A-OK" seems fair for this place. The description of it as a "neighborhood bar" is pretty good. It's not a jammed club full of rowdy morons, it's a bar on one side, a restaurant on the other side with a small dance floor up front with a pretty casual, mixed crowd. Mostly an attractive crowd, at least on this night. Dance floor was empty when we first went in, though the place was busy, but that seemed to change by the end of the night. Major star deductions: * Bar tenders were overworked. They were running around nonstop but it's just too big of a bar with too many patrons for 2 people to keep up with. Wait times for my beer refills were high. * Bathroom kinda grody. Paper towel dispenser was empty all night. Probably goes under the heading of "understaffed" which, from other reviews, sounds like it extends to the restaurant area too. * Music system on overdrive. I don't know what it is with bars that make them turn up the music as loud as possible, to the point where you're catching the occasional hint of distortion, as it makes it impossible to converse with anyone without yelling directly into their ear. The real pickup line for this bar is going to be, "WHAAAT??!" Parking is ample, though. There's a lot around back and another one directly across the street, all free. Honestly, this place could be a regular watering hole for me if I didn't strongly suspect I would go deaf from being too near the dance floor. I didn't even realize they had an outside area, though. I should have checked that out.
(3)
lisa w.
I agree with Casey J. I don't understand the bad reviews either. We go for trivia on Wed. They have great food and drink specials and the waiter runs his beh.. I enjoy not having to spend 5 bucks for a Bud.
(4)
Cy K.
This place is a good place to come and grab a drink after work. Not much of a crowd or ambiance, but prices are pretty reasonable for the area and the environment is generally relaxed. Its a neighborhood bar incarnate.
(3)
Kathleen M.
Saphire Cafe already loses a star because of the heinous misspelling of their own name. Honestly. Just put that extra "p" in there, pretty please? Especially since you're using the "sapphire" theme will all of your blue shit. C'mon. Ok, moving on. This is a pretty typical neighborhood bar, with a gigundo big screen, kind of creepy and random "private room," mediocre food, regulars, and good specials. There were a couple of things that stood out: 1. BUCK HUNTER. (Take note, Laura V.!) 2. There were children. In the bar. Several of them. 3. Insane specials-- Miller Lites were a mere $1.60 from 7pm onward. 4. Slightly more interesting menu: turkey and brie sandwiches, chicken satay, wraps, along with the typical pub fare. They could have used better salad selections though. 5. Diversity of the crowd: in addition to the small children, there were some hella old people, a guy I'm pretty sure was homeless, typical loud and obnoxious frat guys, and some hipsters. Good mix. The problems I had with Saphire (ugh, it pains me to type that) were relatively few. They only had one poor waiter for the entire space, and he was waaay overworked. He was very friendly and did the best job that he could, but it was just too much for him. The bathrooms were kind of grody and the food wasn't all that good. A typical 3-star kind of place. For the trivia folks: Saphire features Stump! trivia (hooray!) which is always good times. They use the same announcer as Harp and Fiddle, and she's great. Prizes are $30, $20, and $10 off your tab, which is respectable. There didn't seem to be any limits to number of folks on your team.
(3)
Jae S.
One word... EGREGIOUS!!!! Extremely dirty, sad and depressing bar. Why did I visit this grotesque bar you ask? Because it was the only bar that was not packed on Saturday night in Bethesda. And now I know why it's never packed... If you make love to your inbred cousins, and your low class and mentally unstable, this is the perfect bar for you. Don't get lured in by their "half price burger night". It's half price because they will give you half-crap and half a service. The entire facility smells like an old, wet dog that curled into a hole and died. Just like the others who gave this establishment a bad rating, it is all true, it is that bad. I do not understand how this establishment received 5 star ratings... It's sad that this place is still in business. This place is riddled with young minors during the weekdays and in the weekends, bunch of has-been wearing football jerseys, white flip flops and a matching hat. The owner is always drunk and hitting on his customers just like the other reviewer said. Trust me, go down the street and pay $1 more for a drink for overall better nightlife experience in Bethesda.
(1)
Chase B.
Saphire is full of friendly and outgoing customers, fast and respectful bartenders, and cheap fresh beer. The food is surprisingly delicious (especially the seafood pasta and the asian chicken salad). And anyone who says thinks the burgers are anything less than stellar hasn't actually eaten the burgers. No, it doesn't turn into a club at night, but there is almost always something going on to entertain the masses, and even if there are no special events going on, the masses are often entertainment in themselves. Dance parties are known to break out any day of the week, and nobody will be standing around judging you while you make a fool of yourself doing the running man. Oh and Jae S., if 'your' so high class that you can't have a good time at Saph, then 'your' probably not welcome anyway. Saphire's patrons have very little patience for pretentious schmucks.
(4)
Megan B.
I'm a fan. This place has a chill vibe and lots of open space. I'm honestly surprised there weren't more people here on a Friday night. They also have a back room for parties or pool. Crowd is 30s and up. Not your typical Bethesda bar. Really down to earth. Reasonable prices and above average bar food. My girlfriend ordered the sliders and loved them. Some kind of awesome seasoning on the fries. Good service. Metered parking right out front and a metered lot in the back. I really enjoyed myself here, will definitely be back.
(4)
JT T.
Ok so I am very biased when it comes to Saphire. This is my local hangout and I come here pretty much every weekend. For those of whom don't get this place? Saphire is a local joint that doesn't cater to the wants and needs of the common Bethesdian. It is the closest thing to a dive bar in Bethesda (unless you roll down Old Georgetown to Hank Deedles). The bartenders are fast and friendly. Even on a busy Saturday night you can get your drink with ease. The drinks are cheap and the food is really great bar food. Don't come here if you are looking for a healthy lunch choice. Their food is fried and greasy. Just what you need when watching sports and drinking. My personal favorites? The burger, steak fajita wrap, french fires, egg rolls, roast beef w/ munster and the buffalo chicken sandwich. Also if you are in the mood try any of their specials they have during the week. They are posted behind the bar on a small whiteboard. The atmosphere is low key, nothing special. Plenty of TVs showing a number of sporting events. The Tiki Bar is small but if you get their early enough you can grab a table and enjoy the debauchery that goes on round you. They also have some arcades to play as well as a new pool table in their back room. Trivia night is on Wednesday and they sell half price burgers and cheap Millers. Very fun You come here because you just got off work and need a cocktail or your favorite team is playing and you need a cocktail. Either way, you go for the drinks.
(5)
Jay S.
Go in expecting the right thing... a bar where you can relax and not get jumped over for a drink by some girl on her 21st birthday asking for a woo-woo. There's a lot of space, great bartenders and good food (do the turkey and brie sandwich). This is a dive bar with good food, that will certainly surprise people. People feel as if they are right to rip on this place, but they also expect a cosmo like they walked off of the set of 'Sex and the City'. As much as Bethesda tries to act like the middle of Manhattan, we're still not at that level, keep this city what it is which is what Saphire does. A lot of blue collars that work hard and need a good place to relax.
(5)
Juliana C.
I've never been inside Saphire outside of Wednesday night Stump! Trivia, but I've gone at LEAST fifteen times in the past year to lend wisdom to Team Awesome. The questions start at 7:30, but your teammates are going to be stacked on top of each other like a (gaggle? herd? flock?) of turtles if you don't show up around 6:30 or earlier. There is one server for the entire room. His name is Matt, he toured with Fountains of Wayne, and he is awesome. I would strongly recommend ordering your ($1.60!) beers from him two at a time, because our curly haired friend has a lot of ground to cover before he can return to where you are. The ($3!) burgers with crispy fries are satisfying and tasty for the money. Again, order early. The Saph also has excellent salads if you can ignore the siren call of cheap meat and potatoes. And cheese. Mmmm. Deb is the lady who runs the show, and she's the perfect blend of snarky and efficient. The songs she plays as trivia clues are diverse and creative, though sitting through Bohemian Rhapsody when you knew the answer at "No escape from reality" can get tedious. I don't think the Yelp team should play here anymore, because now that I'm officially registered on the site, my loyalty's going to pull me in both directions like a Stretch Armstrong being attacked by a rottweiler and a pit bull. What have we learned today, class? Two beers + a burger + tip = $10 = TWO ROCK HANDS UP \m/ \m/.
(4)
Natasha F.
If you're expecting a sleek, trendy, or hip bar; first check if you're dressed as a guido and then go somewhere else. What you will expect is great company, awesomely bad music and an over all fantastic time. Make sure you go on a Friday or Saturday night to see Will, the bartender extraordinaire; he'll make your night if not your weekend :)
(4)
Brian S.
Despite the fact that I have been here many times, this review only encompasses the burger, fries, Miller Light, and trivia. They are all great. Apparently, they have other things, but I've yet to look at a menu. That's because Wednesdays feature half price burgers, 2 dollar drafts, and trivia. This means you can have a burger (they are standard, but sizeable and tasty), fries (really good), and 2 beers (DELICIOUS) for around 10 bucks after tax and tip. (!) (!) It just can't be beat. Don't come looking for anything fancy, or if you don't like burgers or beer or fun. As for the trivia, if you'e looking to play casually with some friends or co-workers after work on Wednesdays, this place is great. Decent crowd, and the host is hysterical. If you are very serious about trivia, it may not be ideal, as the questions are the easiest of any trivia I have been to in DC.
(5)
dylan b.
Good bar food and drinks, friendly staff Some of the better drink prices for the area. Plus has and has trivia night
(5)
Sam H.
This is an awesomely bad.... bar!!! But always manage to go there. By always I mean... if we are going to hit the night out in bethesda... Saphire we go just to grab a drink b/c it's "on the way." But to break it down... Food ... not memorabily bad or good Drinks standard Dancing... there is a dance floor.... but... hardly people dance. They have a beer pong table. But....saphire has never been the "destination" just a bar on the way and may be on the way back.
(2)
Stephan S.
This place is my goto bar for a causal time. It is Cheers like. Friendly staff. Good burger. If you like a fun casual place where everyone knows your name this is it. They have a nice tiki bar in the back for you smokers. Very reasonable on price. Great place to see a game. Never had a bad time.
(5)
Dee B.
*This is only for Wednesday trivia nights.* ***A solid 3.75 stars*** Saphire Cafe has grown on me. Sure, a couple of reasons I like this place and its Stump trivia are ridiculously practical: it's within easy walking distance of my home, trivia is on Wednesdays (not Mondays or Tuesdays, which for me are not feasible due to other commitments) and trivia begins at 7.30pm (not 8pm as at many places), meaning I can often be home before 10pm. I like the woman who does the trivia -- she really does a great job. I like the specials. I like the fact that it feels like a neighborhood place. I like Matt, the lone server. And I like Stump trivia in general. I've never been here on any other night, and I don't intend to make it a priority. To me, Saphire is all about Wednesday trivia.
(4)
Kim S.
I agree with the rest of the comments. Take this place for what it is - a dive bar. It's rarely crowded and is a bit grungy, but it has a certain charm. For a dive, the food is actually pretty decent. Salads and wraps are crispy, fresh, and full of variety, which is a nice change from the standard bar food. Also, yes, thumbs up to trivia.
(3)
Casey J.
I feel like Saphire has gotten a bad rap in these reviews. I admit the decor at Saphire isn't up to "Bethesda" standards but that is not the kind of place Saphire is trying to be. Put simply Saphire is a bar with Fantastic food. I repeat .. a bar. It's NOT a lounge with $5 domestic drafts, rules on how you can wear your hat and what jerseys you can wear. It's a bar where people go to drink and have a good time. On many occasions the owner is happy to sit down and have a drink with you. I like to think of it as the Cheers of Bethesda. The bar tenders are fantastic and are extremely friendly and the food is deceptively good. I say deceptively simply because if you first walked in there you would look around at the decor and be skeptical of the food. Do not judge a book by its cover. This place could easily be featured on food network. The food is fantastic. I personally can vouch for the chicken satay, southwestern egg rolls, and hamburgers. On Wednesday evening they have half price burgers that are the Best in Bethesda. If you want a bar in Bethesda that has a deck, won't hassle you with rules, and have a great time at a good price then Saphire is the place for you.
(5)
Libby F.
A decent place, but I'd consider it more of a bar than a restaurant. The food is average; not a place you'd go to for a unique dining experience. It doesn't have much ambiance either; kinda like a typical college bar. Happy hour is a bargain here and varies day by day. $1.60 Miller Lites? Yes, it's true! The best night is trivia night on Wednesdays. It is Stump! Trivia, the best trivia out there! Our Yelp team of six held the lead up until the very end where we succumbed to second. But, it still meant $20 off our unbelievably low bar and food tab of $50-something. Our server was great and spread very thin-- he had the whole place to tend too! We never had to wait very long or our cheap drinks. This place is good for groups, if you don't mind the obnoxious frat guys Kathleen M. mentioned in her review. Whoo! Yeahhh! Come for a cheap night out with friends and put your useless trivia knowledge to fun use! Sorry Craig R. for thinking Nathaniel Lane was straight!
(3)
Jeff W.
You know that little open text box to write notes when you bookmark a place? Well maybe I'm the only person that uses that text field, but after looking over at my shorthand notes I figured there's not a whole lot to add. So, here ya go: same trivia as Harp & Fiddle, crappy service, crappy drinks but cheap. Good grilled chicken on the fruit salad. No atmosphere. No need to return. I apparently do not like dirty martinis.
(2)
Alicia G.
I'm still waiting for my drink.
(1)
Alexandra B.
I think you have to take this bar for what it is: a neighborhood bar...with great trivia night. I honestly would give this place a far lower rating if I actually expected more from it, but you would be foolish to do so. It's a bar designed for people who love happy hour and hanging out with friends for cheap. Nothing more. Don't come here expecting a five-star meal, and if you do, that's your problem. I come here most weeks with my coworkers for trivia night, which is Wednesdays starting at 7:30. They have a pretty expansive menu but since they have a half-price burger special during trivia I've only ever eaten one thing there: their veggie burgers. Now, let's be real.....this is a cheap bar; they're not homemade veggie burgers. But they serve it on multigrain bread with cooked red onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo if you want it, as well as a side of fries. For a $4 burger, it's pretty good. And the fries are actually very tasty. They offer really cheap prices for beer, especially for the Bethesda area, and all in all, we have a really fun night out for under $10 (and that's with the drinks). So yeah, it's probably a 2-stars for quality of food. But come on, it's a neighborhood bar, what do you want? Go to The Barking Dog or Union Jack's if you want expensive food. I'll continue paying $10 for an awesome night of trivia with totally acceptable food to go out with my friends on a budget.
(3)
Rachel B.
Had a drink here because the last place I slipped in acted like I was invisible. This place has quick service, even when they're busy.
(3)
Veronica J.
Yay for trivia and cheap beer. Best fries in the world they're beer battered. No frills place the unbethesda
(4)
Diana M.
This is a dive bar. Deal with it. Great prices on food and booze. They have WiFi. What's great about this place is the space is big and open so even at happy hour you can find a place to hang out. I've been here 7 years straight for my birthday, always have a great time and even your broke friend can afford to hang out with you. If you are over 25, you might want to pack it in by 9pm because that's when the kids come in and the place gets loud.
(5)
N S.
I gotta give'em two stars guys. I'm a sucker for al fresco anything and at least we had a table on the deck with which to create our own world...sort of. Why on earth did I leave to the bar when Marine guy came over on behalf of his friend to pitch it to Tina??? And dude starts out with something along the lines of "Look, here's the deal, my buddy over there..." Need I say more??? I mean, really, need I say more? God, I wish I had been there when they clarified the Yella/Tina courtship to this dude. Music pretty much sucked. Guys in attendance sucked. Yes, "men" wearing jerseys in public on a non-game day is pretty bama-ish, but at least they were wearing the right team... I didn't even know they sold Colt Brennan jerseys, but hey, you learn something new everyday. So yeah. This place sucks.
(2)
Ellen L.
Is it just me but isn't it supposed to be Saphire with two p's? :) Anyway, decided to check out this bar since my friend mentioned that it had a tiki bar and it was gorgeous outside. The bar/cafe part was very muggy and hot, so we moved to the tiki bar area. The tiki bar is very small and it looks out to a parking lot, so not much of a view there. I wish there was a little more to the tiki bar to spice it up, maybe some cute lights or tiki torches? :) The place was all right, but the bartenders were friendly and attentive (aka we didnt' have to wait 20 minutes to flag down a guy) and I enjoyed my modelo beer - which I had never had before! :)
(2)
Michelle P.
I really didn't know what to expect from the saphire cafe. While driving around the bethesda streets looking for parking, it was hard to imagine doing trivia in what looked like a cool hit, blue lit club. But it really ended up being just another bar, with just another game of stump trivia. The place was packed, but definitely understaffed. The poor bartender was pretty much the only guys there, being responsible for tables and bar and drinks and everything. He was nice enough, but i think Alicia G. is still waiting for her drink. The menu is just bizzare. They have burgers (half price.... and looked about half of what i would expect a burger to look like.) and low carb fajitias and gyros and brie sandwiches and chicken and fruit salads. Its just a hodgpodge of different styles of food. I will say that the chicken and fruit salad was good. the chicken was perfectly cooked and very well seasoned and the dressing added a perfect compliment. i could have done without the gigantic mounds of feta that kind of dominated the whole salad, but it was ok. Perfect compliment for anyone who wanted to order a dirty gin martini (cough Jeff cough). And the special on the $4 martinis is only on tuesday, even if you think a wednesday is a tuesday, there is still no special. I liked trivia. I was disappointed we didn't win, even though we got almost every question right (missed the ones that counted though!) I loved that the harp and fiddle lady was there, i love her! She really stays interactive with the crowd and makes it more fun. Its well run, but is identical to the Harp and Fiddle, which is less crowded. While i dont HAVE to return anytime soon, i would also be willing to do so at some time.
(3)
Jack F.
I'm here for my friends and some trivia questions I wouldn't quite call Saphire Cafe my neighborhood bar. In fact, I'm one transfer point and 13 metro stops away. If it wasn't for my friends, I'd never drop by this bar on my own initiative. First, The crowd is okay and hardly a meat market (which may be good or bad). Generally, people are hanging out with a table of friends (think "How I Met Your Mother"). Second, the food (with one exception) is ordinary but hardly worth bragging about. Although, I am a big fan of the crispy fries and $3.75 hamburgers on Wednesday nights. The $3.75 hamburger is a generous and juicy portion when cooked at medium rare (contrast against $1.95 burgers from McCormick & Schmick's yelp.com/biz/mccormick-a… ). Third, there's only one waiter/barman on Wednesday nights that goes around the entire bar picking up and dropping off orders (again, this could be good or bad). Although the slow-paced service, does have an unexpected benefit of making Saphire Cafe an ideal place to loiter for pennies on the dollar (reduction in alcohol consumption). So take your pick because Saphire Cafe could go either way for you. It really depends on whether the bar experience depends on the people that you meet at the bar or the people you come with to the bar. 3 Stars - Again, I'm not really here for the bar scene. I'm just here because we have a friend who really likes Stomp! Trivia on Wednesday nights and we're fortunate that people will travel up to Bethesda. If not for this, I probably won't return to Saphire Cafe by myself.
(3)
Robin G.
Not a good atmosphere. Food is awful and greasy and the restaurant has a foul bar smell. Never again.
(1)
Bill D.
The only reason I go there is for trivia. They only have 1 waiter for the entire place, which can be packed for trivia some nights. That means we order 2 to 3 beers per person when the waiter actually comes around...because you're not going to see them for another hour. The guy that usually works Wednesday is clearly trying and very nice, but he's just swamped. I don't think it's his fault, it's the owners who just do not care to make the situation better. For trivia, they've got $1.75 Miller Lite drafts and half-price burgers. The one time I had a burger it was pretty lousy and burnt to a crisp. So we only order beer. If it weren't for trivia, we would never, ever go here.
(2)
Chris P.
This place isn't as bad as some make it out to be. Went with friends and had a good time there. The food was alright and half-off during happy hour, so I have nothing to b*tch about. Wouldn't be against going there again, by any means.
(3)
Ashley C.
This is NOT a snooty club - if you want one of those, go somewhere else. Yes, this is a neighborhood bar, meaning bar food and cheap drinks. Nothing fancy but the potato skins are yummy and the drinks prices aren't too bad. You can usually find a booth (always good) and they have a decent sized dance floor for a bar. The DJ is iffy at times, it gets better as the night goes on. Usually plays hip hop, reggae and current hits. I always have fun dancing here. It can get a bit loud, but as aforementioned, it's a bar. I like how it is laid back. Sometimes you just want to have fun and not worry about dress codes and having $20 dollars for a cover charge. People are mellow and not uppity. People just want to have fun. So if you are looking for a casual hangout with decent service, go here!
(4)
Merida F.
I have been to Saphire I few times in the past year for different events: birthday parties, pub crawl, and drinks with a date. This place is pretty low key and has a fairly eclectic crowd. Bartenders were nice and quick. I thought Saphire has a pretty good selection of beers on tap considering the size of the place. (did I mention there is a beer pong table in the back and a dance floor?) I thought it was a great place to bring a group of people. My only problem was, one night when I went I saw a mouse by the arcade games. I took a picture of it and showed it to the bartender who said "that's our mascot." I don't scare easily and one mouse isn't a huge deal, but it would have been nice if the bartender pretended to be a bit more concerned. We had finished our drinks anway and it seemed like a good time to leave.
(3)
IH K.
I know I wrote a review on this place - where'd it go? Okay, so the inside pretty much stinks. This is one of those bars that you get dragged to all the time, if you live in the area. During the summer months though, their little "tiki bar" is a highlight - Aside from the fact that it's essentially just a covered deck in part of the parking lot. Awwwwkward.
(2)
Rachael B.
Inexpensive with a decent beer selection and full shelves of liquor. The staff is awesome, the food is okay, the bathrooms leave something to be desired, but all-in-all, it's not too bad a place. Especially on Wednesday nights when they host trivia.
(3)
Craig R.
I'm always down for three things: 1. Stump! Trivia 2. Big Buck Hunter 3. $1.60 beers You can talk about how the food is just OK, but it does have a pretty good variety. You can talk about how this place strives to be more than what it is, but those three things above alone make this a four star restaurant/bar. Our waiter was actually one of the bartenders and it looked like he was a tad overworked. Not only did he have to do things at the bar, but he had to handle all of the tables as well and that's pretty tough to do. They do offer some very nice specials during and after happy hour. During happy hour, they have selected appetizers are half-price. Some of their beer (I'm sorry I forgot the details) is half-price as well. After happy hour is half-priced burgers! Other beer specials start at this time as well! Way to cater to your customers! They have a huge big screen TV towards the front of the bar and more TVs along the bar. It also looks like they have live music play here every once in awhile as there is lighting equipment stationed toward the front. There looks to be a "party" room stationed off to the right of the restaurant. It looked closed when we first got there, but as the night progressed there were people sneaking in and just hanging out in there. Their bathrooms leave a lot to be desired. When you open the men's room door, make sure you close it behind you as it won't automatically do that. Makes for very awkward situations. If you check out any trivia lists here on Yelp (check out either mine or Kathleen's), you will know that we almost champion Stump! Trivia. The lady who called the trivia game at Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle also called it here and it is worth coming out for. She's very friendly and knows how to work the room. Great job by a great trivia MC.
(4)
Jason M.
Went here as part of a bar crawl and it was decent. Had an outdoor bar and seating which was a nice option. Drinks were cheap and served quickly. A decent place to hang out and talk with friends.
(2)
J C.
****3.5 stars*** The Saphire Cafe is your typical neighborhood bar. The kind I don't have by me. There's honestly nothing that sets the Saphire Cafe apart from most other bars in the area, but hey, sometimes you just want predictability, a cold beer, and some wings, right? Okay, so the million dollar question you're all asking is why I came here. Trivia, of course! Stump Trivia, to be precise. Always a good time! Even better when I we were apparently the only table in the bar who knew who sang the "Lido Shuffle." (hint, he's in my profile!) And who knew that the owner of the gas station I slaved at during summer breaks at college would have been the answer to one of two final questions at the end of the night? It's like 1995 rang me out of the blue one day and wanted to grab a beer with me! The verdict: you've probably got a place like this in your neighborhood, so I'm recommending you go here only if you live here or find yourself in the area. However, if you've got a large group looking to have a good time, you'd do well here. I was in a party of six, all of whom ordered food and multiple beers, and the tab came to a little over $50... even considering that we got $20 off our tab for coming in second, that's a damn good deal. Check out their website, as they've got lots of good happy hour specials.
(4)
Zach G.
Went here with the Yelp trivia crew. They do trivia on Wednesdays and it's the Stump! trivia that Madams Organ and Union Jacks do also. Great trivia format, which is true of the other Stump! locations as well. I couldn't really find fault with the place, but nothing really stood out as great either. Food wasn't bad, pretty typical bar grub. They could have used a couple more servers; our guy was running all over the place. The best thing about the place was the beer specials. You could get a beer during happy hour for under $2. I would go hear again, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
(3)
Jimena M.
Typical bar that you'd find in College Park or any other university town. They had a live reggae band playing on Saturday night. They were too loud, I could barely hear anyone near me. We drank a few beers and shouted at each other as best we could. I went home with a friggin' sore throat from all the yelling. Not someplace I would go back to.
(2)
Victoria S.
This place is so strange...I don't get it. Very out of the way and tucked in the back of a parking lot. The crowd is slightly Gaithersburg ghetto if you catch my drift. I wasn't feelin' it. The deck has potential but this place has a long way to go.
(2)
Miss M.
Very chill bar, not a bad place to spend the night. The bartenders are all really nice and helpful, and if you catch them on a slow night, up for conversation. The beer selection isn't bad and neither are the prices. Same goes for the mixed drinks. If you head outside, you can grab a cig and some good conversation with the random folk congregating there. Friday and Saturday nights, they have a DJ, who isn't particularly good. He seems more concerned with what he wants to fiddle with as opposed to the mood of the place. (He killed the dance floor when we were celebrating my friend's birthday.) Nor is he too fond of requests. It's a pretty chill place, good to head out to when you're looking for something more low key.
(3)
Dawn G.
This place is bad. I read all of these reviews yesterday, but still had to go because of a friends birthday being held there. I thought to myself "it cant really be THAT bad", but it was. The place smells horrible, first of all. I heard numerous random people around me say things like "this place smells like shit". The bathrooms were especially bad!! The guys bathroom had an overflowing toilet that was leaking into the hallway, umm, gross?! Other reviews were also correct about the thick dust on everything. You would think you could have an employee take care of little things like that. The owner was a young guy who was bartending and socializing. Seems to me he should spend less time behind the bar and more time behind the scenes making some positive business decisions and improvements. Besides all that, beers were relatively cheap. And I didnt try the food so cant really comment on that.
(1)
Chris C.
Interesting food options, but they're a bit hit or miss. Trivia is definitely the best night, but the tiki bar area is pretty amusing. Since it's not too terribly close to where I live, it's a place I visit only once in a while, but if you're already in Bethesda, it's worth a trip at least once. Preferably a night when there's trivia.
(3)
Angela S.
I'm not sure why there are so many bad reviews. This place is good if this is the kind of place you are looking for. What kind of place is that? Well, it is not Blackfinn's, Morton's, or any other "dressy" bar. Nor is it a "Tommy Joes" post-college yuck bar. This is just a casual bar, with a mix of people, that never seems to get too packed. In other words, GREAT SERVICE. If you'd rather stand around trying to push your way through business suits to buy a $9 beer, this is not the place for you. This is just a place to relax and have a drink. That's it. Do you go for the food? Probably not, but if you are there and get hungry there are lots of options (appetizers, salads, sandwiches/wraps, pasta) and the food is pretty good considering you are in a bar. The bartenders are fantastic: nice but not phony, prompt, and they make great drinks. There is a small outside area that is open when its nice out. I think the reason there are so many bad reviews is because this place is not what people have in mind when going out in Bethesda. Which is exactly why I choose this bar when I am not in a "fancy" mood and just looking for a drink-- and a bar stool.
(4)
Olivia L.
Very chill bar with cheap drinks and awesome bar tenders :) I only give it 4 stars instead of 5 because the outdoor space is small.
(4)
Daniel C.
This is a bad bar that doesn't realize it's bad. The tiki bar is nice on a nice day, but overall this is a pretty grim place. There are much, much better. If you want to sit outside, go to Caddies. The food is much better, and the drinks deals are just as good.
(1)
sadie g.
One of my favorite bars in Bethesda. Casual without being too dive-y. Food is ok. Drinks are relatively cheap for the area. Bartenders are outstanding. Stump! Trivia on Wednesdays. DJ on most Fridays and Saturdays. Big games on a big screen.
(4)
Missy E.
Went here on a Saturday night. Nothing special...reminds me of the bars I used to go to in college. (+) - lots of open space - outside tiki bar - beer pong - dj was alright (-) - Only 2 bartenders serving the entire indoor bar increased the time it took to get a beer. - Warm jager bomb...ugh! - What was up with that woman holding her pomeranian at the tiki bar? Who takes their dog to the bar on a Saturday night...really? - Bathroom ran out of tp
(2)
Kathy S.
I like it there -- especially on a nice night on the Tiki bar deck. It seemed weird to me to be so close to the street over a parking lot but it was fine. I ate there for the first time last night and liked the food! Or rather, I ate off of my boyfriend's plate because the portions were very generous. The beer prices are good relative to comparable places. The service is always very friendly and very good. It is often bustling and busy but you are never uncomfortably packed in there. The bathrooms are cleaner than just about every comparable bar in the area -- especially for a building so old. I get the bad reviews because the place isn't for everyone but it is great for what it is -- a pleasant place to have a few beers and maybe grab a bite to eat if you find that you are hungry.
(4)
OIivia H.
This was our first stop on a bar hopping expedition, and I couldn't wait to move on. It was empty, just dead. The "tiki bar" was a tiny slab of concrete jutting off the back door into the parking lot. Beers were cheap, I downed mine and gave my husband the "let's get the hell out of here" look.
(1)
Kori B.
For a Friday night in Bethesda, this place was EMPTY! However, it was raining, and I feel like the deck might be the big draw here, so that could be the main reason. Bartenders are really nice though, had some good convo, but after only an hour of watching a small group of guys play a golf video game, we decided to jet. It's too bad, they played music that I would find myself wanting to act a fool with after a shot, but the opportunity just wasn't there.
(2)
Brandy L.
The bartenders were pretty fast but the atmosphere sucks and the music was not awesome, I felt like I was at a Tex Mex restaurant waiting to be seated. And as always the more alcohol involved the more people want to do awful dances to awful music. The humpty dance? Really lol?
(1)
Laura V.
Ok, so the BF and I come to Saphire on a regular basis for one thing... SILVER STRIKE BOWLING!!! We are video game geeks at heart and the draw of Silver Strike and cheap beer keep us coming back to Saphire. That being said, this place is kind of weird. The BF regularly comments that the space could be really cool if someone would fix it up a bit. It needs a good cleaning (1/2 inch of dust on the beer bottles on the bar) and some updating. The bartenders are quite friendly and acknowledge that we're regulars. On weekends, there's a DJ, and the place goes from deader than a doornail to hip hopping by late night. There's food here, but we will probably never try it. The dust on the beer bottles kind of freaks us out.
(3)
Yesenia R.
If you want the uppity feel and crowd then please go elsewhere! But if you want to be around great people who are out to have fun and a good time then this is your place. Its like Cheers but in MoCo =)
(5)
Patricia M.
I know I'm in trouble when friends start calling this place my "other" kitchen. Can't say we've ever had a bad meal.steaks, salads, burgers,wraps, apps- all delicious. Best bartenders/staff in Bethesda. It's almost summer so it's Margarita time- and they do make great Margaritas! It's a given that if it's a Wednesday we'll be there. (Jason, you gotta do something about the ladies bathroom tho...)
(5)
Winifred L.
We came here for Tuesday night trivia with a group of friends on a whim. In a town of $12 drinks and fancy menus, Saphire offers a more modest, low-key environment. A little divey, but the trivia crowd was fun and $4 draft/rail drink specials help. We ordered the cheeseburger specials, which were forgettable. Save your cash for the drinks or the tater tots instead.
(3)
Maestro L.
I would say best dive bar in town . Great service, friendly owner and good food.
(5)
Ralph R.
Short Lived - .It's a very spacious sport/dive bar. It has plenty of dancing room, dining room, and private dining areas. The bar staff are super friendly and knows how to pour a mean drink. Yes, they are conveniently located on Wisconsin with parking in the rear. The Bethesda metro stop is only a few blocks away (take the Old Washington Rd exit). The host , DJ Leon, - a super guy who is as smooth as silk no matter what he spins. They also offer karaoke every Thursday (NEW) at 8 PM. See you there! Management needs adjustment but all else works well.
(2)
Mike B.
It pains me to see Saphire with such an average rating on Yelp. Saphire is all about no frills, amazing service, and surprisingly good food. I have to admit- this is my local joint. I come here 'cause it's the one place in Bethesda that is serving up cheap drinks where you can actually make your way up to the bar to order them. The bartenders and owner are extremely friendly and down to earth. A lot of the items on their menu are solid. Here are my personal picks: 1. The chicken satay is a true stand out. They are grilled to perfection, hearty, and plain old delicious. 2. The potato skins are thick with a generous portion of bacon and cheese inside. 3. Get the tots. I'm totes for the tots (I order them well-done: crispy) 4. The Pizza! I really like the pizza! Another surprisingly good thing! 5. Spinach Dip: served with both tortilla ships and bread sticks! Saphire is truly an anomaly of Bethesda. It's a little outdated; It's a little old fashioned. It's supported by a dedicated group of regulars that have found the worth in what it has to offer. Not too mention, the patio (Tiki-bar) is quite full when the weather gets better and there is trivia on Wednesdays. I have a feeling that if all of the its regulars were Yelpers, Saphire would have 6 stars.
(5)
Opie M.
Excellent place for Simpsons pinball and popular commercial beer, The pinball machine has a table next to it for your beer , The garage door for otto's would not open, or would not open all the way, something is wrong, I watched two guys play four games I played six games and the door never opened. Very friendly group of people young and old , I had to keep my coat on, was cold in there.
(4)
Ruth C.
Two and a half stars. I'm glad I asked to substitute the kaiser roll with multigrain bread because some of my coworkers complained that their buns were too dense. My bread was toasted from the griddle, with the brie melted on nicely. Turkey was decently moist and portioned generously, with fresh sammy veg. That's where the compliments end. Light on the honey dijon, thankfully. I never thought I'd complain about this, but there was there was too much brie and the rind left on dominated the whole sandwich. With the uneven melting, some bites were alright and others needed to be washed down. Pickle was limp and almost too old for consumption. Fries were actually pretty decent (which I'd expect from bar grub), but portioned conservatively in comparison. I'd be hard-pressed to eat here again, but I'll gladly drink and watch a game here.
(2)
Sandra T.
This is not your typical Bethesda bar. Which is great. relaxed friendly. Great drink and food specials. Staff always friendly and remembers your name. Sure it is not fancy, you would expect peanut shells on the floor. weekends has a much younger crowd, But weekdays are great for the older folks!!! Love it.
(5)
Bobby S.
This place is great. Will and Jen are the best bartenders ever, Jason is a great owner. Do yourself a favor and go here immediately.
(5)
Devon S.
I have been coming to saphire for years. By far the best bartenders in Bethesda for sure. Fast service and the drinks are always made perfectly. The menu is great! I have almost had everything on it and it always surprises me how good it is. It's like they have a 5 star chef hidden in the back. They have great drink specials and a good selection of bottles/draft beer. And yes they also have wine! Trivia weekly and a Dj Thursday through Saturday. Certainly a bar to listen to music and dance if you want but out being overly packed to the point of annoyance. This place has my thumbs up and yours to if you try it out!!
(5)
Kate O.
Have I never reviewed this place? Well let me start... Great neighborhood dive bar. Look, it ain't some fancy lounge. It's a dive bar. And it's really good. Got friends who smoke? Take them here- outdoor Tiki bar is the perfect spot for them. I swear I avoided this place thinking it was an Indian restaurant- don't be fooled by the name. Never, and I mean never, had a friendlier bar staff in Bethesda. You walk in and think "I'm not sure I want food from here" but let that go. The food is actually pretty decent. The burger, now that the Majestic is gone, is my favorite in all of Bethesda. It's huge and great tasting. I'm trying to think of anything I've eaten here that was bad and I can't- mind you I'm still working through the menu. The draft beer is always cold-not half warm and the drinks are good and strong.
(3)
Shey A.
This dive bar is a good chill spot when you don't feel like commuting to DC and want to keep it local. The drinks aren't pricey and the food is good. I love the bartenders they are superb! Aside from that my only complaints are sometimes the tables are sticky, the bathroom smells rancid with an overwhelming mothball aroma and it might be time for a new and younger DJ? His music selections are very outdated granted sometimes he plays requests but sometimes he doesn't care to and I feel like that is why a lot of people don't come. People want to go drink, listen and dance to good music. Just sayin...
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Music : DJ Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Kathleen M.
Saphire Cafe already loses a star because of the heinous misspelling of their own name. Honestly. Just put that extra "p" in there, pretty please? Especially since you're using the "sapphire" theme will all of your blue shit. C'mon. Ok, moving on. This is a pretty typical neighborhood bar, with a gigundo big screen, kind of creepy and random "private room," mediocre food, regulars, and good specials. There were a couple of things that stood out: 1. BUCK HUNTER. (Take note, Laura V.!) 2. There were children. In the bar. Several of them. 3. Insane specials-- Miller Lites were a mere $1.60 from 7pm onward. 4. Slightly more interesting menu: turkey and brie sandwiches, chicken satay, wraps, along with the typical pub fare. They could have used better salad selections though. 5. Diversity of the crowd: in addition to the small children, there were some hella old people, a guy I'm pretty sure was homeless, typical loud and obnoxious frat guys, and some hipsters. Good mix. The problems I had with Saphire (ugh, it pains me to type that) were relatively few. They only had one poor waiter for the entire space, and he was waaay overworked. He was very friendly and did the best job that he could, but it was just too much for him. The bathrooms were kind of grody and the food wasn't all that good. A typical 3-star kind of place. For the trivia folks: Saphire features Stump! trivia (hooray!) which is always good times. They use the same announcer as Harp and Fiddle, and she's great. Prizes are $30, $20, and $10 off your tab, which is respectable. There didn't seem to be any limits to number of folks on your team.
(3)Jae S.
One word... EGREGIOUS!!!! Extremely dirty, sad and depressing bar. Why did I visit this grotesque bar you ask? Because it was the only bar that was not packed on Saturday night in Bethesda. And now I know why it's never packed... If you make love to your inbred cousins, and your low class and mentally unstable, this is the perfect bar for you. Don't get lured in by their "half price burger night". It's half price because they will give you half-crap and half a service. The entire facility smells like an old, wet dog that curled into a hole and died. Just like the others who gave this establishment a bad rating, it is all true, it is that bad. I do not understand how this establishment received 5 star ratings... It's sad that this place is still in business. This place is riddled with young minors during the weekdays and in the weekends, bunch of has-been wearing football jerseys, white flip flops and a matching hat. The owner is always drunk and hitting on his customers just like the other reviewer said. Trust me, go down the street and pay $1 more for a drink for overall better nightlife experience in Bethesda.
(1)Missy E.
Went here on a Saturday night. Nothing special...reminds me of the bars I used to go to in college. (+) - lots of open space - outside tiki bar - beer pong - dj was alright (-) - Only 2 bartenders serving the entire indoor bar increased the time it took to get a beer. - Warm jager bomb...ugh! - What was up with that woman holding her pomeranian at the tiki bar? Who takes their dog to the bar on a Saturday night...really? - Bathroom ran out of tp
(2)Megan M.
My friend and I decided to meet up at Saphire for a bite to eat after work. He suggested that we check it out after reading glowing reviews on the DowntownBethesda.com website. As it happens, Saphire is probably a rockin' place for happy hour or a night out at the bar, but it's not necessarily the place you would stop for a bite to eat with a friend. The food was alright, but as we were nursing our drinks, my friend noticed a six legged creature scaling his cup. After a quick swipe from the table, we both had a good laugh about it. I imagine that you could visit this place and have an entirely different experience depending on the day, the time, or the company that you are keeping. I'm not sure that I'm in a hurry to test this theory, but in the meantime, I'm giving it 2 stars.
(2)Jamie B.
The 3-star rating of "A-OK" seems fair for this place. The description of it as a "neighborhood bar" is pretty good. It's not a jammed club full of rowdy morons, it's a bar on one side, a restaurant on the other side with a small dance floor up front with a pretty casual, mixed crowd. Mostly an attractive crowd, at least on this night. Dance floor was empty when we first went in, though the place was busy, but that seemed to change by the end of the night. Major star deductions: * Bar tenders were overworked. They were running around nonstop but it's just too big of a bar with too many patrons for 2 people to keep up with. Wait times for my beer refills were high. * Bathroom kinda grody. Paper towel dispenser was empty all night. Probably goes under the heading of "understaffed" which, from other reviews, sounds like it extends to the restaurant area too. * Music system on overdrive. I don't know what it is with bars that make them turn up the music as loud as possible, to the point where you're catching the occasional hint of distortion, as it makes it impossible to converse with anyone without yelling directly into their ear. The real pickup line for this bar is going to be, "WHAAAT??!" Parking is ample, though. There's a lot around back and another one directly across the street, all free. Honestly, this place could be a regular watering hole for me if I didn't strongly suspect I would go deaf from being too near the dance floor. I didn't even realize they had an outside area, though. I should have checked that out.
(3)Ralph R.
Short Lived - .It's a very spacious sport/dive bar. It has plenty of dancing room, dining room, and private dining areas. The bar staff are super friendly and knows how to pour a mean drink. Yes, they are conveniently located on Wisconsin with parking in the rear. The Bethesda metro stop is only a few blocks away (take the Old Washington Rd exit). The host , DJ Leon, - a super guy who is as smooth as silk no matter what he spins. They also offer karaoke every Thursday (NEW) at 8 PM. See you there! Management needs adjustment but all else works well.
(2)Winifred L.
We came here for Tuesday night trivia with a group of friends on a whim. In a town of $12 drinks and fancy menus, Saphire offers a more modest, low-key environment. A little divey, but the trivia crowd was fun and $4 draft/rail drink specials help. We ordered the cheeseburger specials, which were forgettable. Save your cash for the drinks or the tater tots instead.
(3)Mike B.
It pains me to see Saphire with such an average rating on Yelp. Saphire is all about no frills, amazing service, and surprisingly good food. I have to admit- this is my local joint. I come here 'cause it's the one place in Bethesda that is serving up cheap drinks where you can actually make your way up to the bar to order them. The bartenders and owner are extremely friendly and down to earth. A lot of the items on their menu are solid. Here are my personal picks: 1. The chicken satay is a true stand out. They are grilled to perfection, hearty, and plain old delicious. 2. The potato skins are thick with a generous portion of bacon and cheese inside. 3. Get the tots. I'm totes for the tots (I order them well-done: crispy) 4. The Pizza! I really like the pizza! Another surprisingly good thing! 5. Spinach Dip: served with both tortilla ships and bread sticks! Saphire is truly an anomaly of Bethesda. It's a little outdated; It's a little old fashioned. It's supported by a dedicated group of regulars that have found the worth in what it has to offer. Not too mention, the patio (Tiki-bar) is quite full when the weather gets better and there is trivia on Wednesdays. I have a feeling that if all of the its regulars were Yelpers, Saphire would have 6 stars.
(5)Opie M.
Excellent place for Simpsons pinball and popular commercial beer, The pinball machine has a table next to it for your beer , The garage door for otto's would not open, or would not open all the way, something is wrong, I watched two guys play four games I played six games and the door never opened. Very friendly group of people young and old , I had to keep my coat on, was cold in there.
(4)Sandra T.
This is not your typical Bethesda bar. Which is great. relaxed friendly. Great drink and food specials. Staff always friendly and remembers your name. Sure it is not fancy, you would expect peanut shells on the floor. weekends has a much younger crowd, But weekdays are great for the older folks!!! Love it.
(5)Bobby S.
This place is great. Will and Jen are the best bartenders ever, Jason is a great owner. Do yourself a favor and go here immediately.
(5)Maestro L.
I would say best dive bar in town . Great service, friendly owner and good food.
(5)Patricia M.
I know I'm in trouble when friends start calling this place my "other" kitchen. Can't say we've ever had a bad meal.steaks, salads, burgers,wraps, apps- all delicious. Best bartenders/staff in Bethesda. It's almost summer so it's Margarita time- and they do make great Margaritas! It's a given that if it's a Wednesday we'll be there. (Jason, you gotta do something about the ladies bathroom tho...)
(5)Megan B.
I'm a fan. This place has a chill vibe and lots of open space. I'm honestly surprised there weren't more people here on a Friday night. They also have a back room for parties or pool. Crowd is 30s and up. Not your typical Bethesda bar. Really down to earth. Reasonable prices and above average bar food. My girlfriend ordered the sliders and loved them. Some kind of awesome seasoning on the fries. Good service. Metered parking right out front and a metered lot in the back. I really enjoyed myself here, will definitely be back.
(4)Joe K.
Great Bartenders and food is surprisingly good. But the bathrooms smell disgusting and the tables are usually sticky.
(2)Devon S.
I have been coming to saphire for years. By far the best bartenders in Bethesda for sure. Fast service and the drinks are always made perfectly. The menu is great! I have almost had everything on it and it always surprises me how good it is. It's like they have a 5 star chef hidden in the back. They have great drink specials and a good selection of bottles/draft beer. And yes they also have wine! Trivia weekly and a Dj Thursday through Saturday. Certainly a bar to listen to music and dance if you want but out being overly packed to the point of annoyance. This place has my thumbs up and yours to if you try it out!!
(5)JT T.
Ok so I am very biased when it comes to Saphire. This is my local hangout and I come here pretty much every weekend. For those of whom don't get this place? Saphire is a local joint that doesn't cater to the wants and needs of the common Bethesdian. It is the closest thing to a dive bar in Bethesda (unless you roll down Old Georgetown to Hank Deedles). The bartenders are fast and friendly. Even on a busy Saturday night you can get your drink with ease. The drinks are cheap and the food is really great bar food. Don't come here if you are looking for a healthy lunch choice. Their food is fried and greasy. Just what you need when watching sports and drinking. My personal favorites? The burger, steak fajita wrap, french fires, egg rolls, roast beef w/ munster and the buffalo chicken sandwich. Also if you are in the mood try any of their specials they have during the week. They are posted behind the bar on a small whiteboard. The atmosphere is low key, nothing special. Plenty of TVs showing a number of sporting events. The Tiki Bar is small but if you get their early enough you can grab a table and enjoy the debauchery that goes on round you. They also have some arcades to play as well as a new pool table in their back room. Trivia night is on Wednesday and they sell half price burgers and cheap Millers. Very fun You come here because you just got off work and need a cocktail or your favorite team is playing and you need a cocktail. Either way, you go for the drinks.
(5)Brian S.
Despite the fact that I have been here many times, this review only encompasses the burger, fries, Miller Light, and trivia. They are all great. Apparently, they have other things, but I've yet to look at a menu. That's because Wednesdays feature half price burgers, 2 dollar drafts, and trivia. This means you can have a burger (they are standard, but sizeable and tasty), fries (really good), and 2 beers (DELICIOUS) for around 10 bucks after tax and tip. (!) (!) It just can't be beat. Don't come looking for anything fancy, or if you don't like burgers or beer or fun. As for the trivia, if you'e looking to play casually with some friends or co-workers after work on Wednesdays, this place is great. Decent crowd, and the host is hysterical. If you are very serious about trivia, it may not be ideal, as the questions are the easiest of any trivia I have been to in DC.
(5)dylan b.
Good bar food and drinks, friendly staff Some of the better drink prices for the area. Plus has and has trivia night
(5)Ruth C.
Two and a half stars. I'm glad I asked to substitute the kaiser roll with multigrain bread because some of my coworkers complained that their buns were too dense. My bread was toasted from the griddle, with the brie melted on nicely. Turkey was decently moist and portioned generously, with fresh sammy veg. That's where the compliments end. Light on the honey dijon, thankfully. I never thought I'd complain about this, but there was there was too much brie and the rind left on dominated the whole sandwich. With the uneven melting, some bites were alright and others needed to be washed down. Pickle was limp and almost too old for consumption. Fries were actually pretty decent (which I'd expect from bar grub), but portioned conservatively in comparison. I'd be hard-pressed to eat here again, but I'll gladly drink and watch a game here.
(2)Kate O.
Have I never reviewed this place? Well let me start... Great neighborhood dive bar. Look, it ain't some fancy lounge. It's a dive bar. And it's really good. Got friends who smoke? Take them here- outdoor Tiki bar is the perfect spot for them. I swear I avoided this place thinking it was an Indian restaurant- don't be fooled by the name. Never, and I mean never, had a friendlier bar staff in Bethesda. You walk in and think "I'm not sure I want food from here" but let that go. The food is actually pretty decent. The burger, now that the Majestic is gone, is my favorite in all of Bethesda. It's huge and great tasting. I'm trying to think of anything I've eaten here that was bad and I can't- mind you I'm still working through the menu. The draft beer is always cold-not half warm and the drinks are good and strong.
(3)Shey A.
This dive bar is a good chill spot when you don't feel like commuting to DC and want to keep it local. The drinks aren't pricey and the food is good. I love the bartenders they are superb! Aside from that my only complaints are sometimes the tables are sticky, the bathroom smells rancid with an overwhelming mothball aroma and it might be time for a new and younger DJ? His music selections are very outdated granted sometimes he plays requests but sometimes he doesn't care to and I feel like that is why a lot of people don't come. People want to go drink, listen and dance to good music. Just sayin...
(5)Jay S.
Go in expecting the right thing... a bar where you can relax and not get jumped over for a drink by some girl on her 21st birthday asking for a woo-woo. There's a lot of space, great bartenders and good food (do the turkey and brie sandwich). This is a dive bar with good food, that will certainly surprise people. People feel as if they are right to rip on this place, but they also expect a cosmo like they walked off of the set of 'Sex and the City'. As much as Bethesda tries to act like the middle of Manhattan, we're still not at that level, keep this city what it is which is what Saphire does. A lot of blue collars that work hard and need a good place to relax.
(5)Alexandra B.
I think you have to take this bar for what it is: a neighborhood bar...with great trivia night. I honestly would give this place a far lower rating if I actually expected more from it, but you would be foolish to do so. It's a bar designed for people who love happy hour and hanging out with friends for cheap. Nothing more. Don't come here expecting a five-star meal, and if you do, that's your problem. I come here most weeks with my coworkers for trivia night, which is Wednesdays starting at 7:30. They have a pretty expansive menu but since they have a half-price burger special during trivia I've only ever eaten one thing there: their veggie burgers. Now, let's be real.....this is a cheap bar; they're not homemade veggie burgers. But they serve it on multigrain bread with cooked red onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo if you want it, as well as a side of fries. For a $4 burger, it's pretty good. And the fries are actually very tasty. They offer really cheap prices for beer, especially for the Bethesda area, and all in all, we have a really fun night out for under $10 (and that's with the drinks). So yeah, it's probably a 2-stars for quality of food. But come on, it's a neighborhood bar, what do you want? Go to The Barking Dog or Union Jack's if you want expensive food. I'll continue paying $10 for an awesome night of trivia with totally acceptable food to go out with my friends on a budget.
(3)Rachel B.
Had a drink here because the last place I slipped in acted like I was invisible. This place has quick service, even when they're busy.
(3)Veronica J.
Yay for trivia and cheap beer. Best fries in the world they're beer battered. No frills place the unbethesda
(4)Diana M.
This is a dive bar. Deal with it. Great prices on food and booze. They have WiFi. What's great about this place is the space is big and open so even at happy hour you can find a place to hang out. I've been here 7 years straight for my birthday, always have a great time and even your broke friend can afford to hang out with you. If you are over 25, you might want to pack it in by 9pm because that's when the kids come in and the place gets loud.
(5)Juliana C.
I've never been inside Saphire outside of Wednesday night Stump! Trivia, but I've gone at LEAST fifteen times in the past year to lend wisdom to Team Awesome. The questions start at 7:30, but your teammates are going to be stacked on top of each other like a (gaggle? herd? flock?) of turtles if you don't show up around 6:30 or earlier. There is one server for the entire room. His name is Matt, he toured with Fountains of Wayne, and he is awesome. I would strongly recommend ordering your ($1.60!) beers from him two at a time, because our curly haired friend has a lot of ground to cover before he can return to where you are. The ($3!) burgers with crispy fries are satisfying and tasty for the money. Again, order early. The Saph also has excellent salads if you can ignore the siren call of cheap meat and potatoes. And cheese. Mmmm. Deb is the lady who runs the show, and she's the perfect blend of snarky and efficient. The songs she plays as trivia clues are diverse and creative, though sitting through Bohemian Rhapsody when you knew the answer at "No escape from reality" can get tedious. I don't think the Yelp team should play here anymore, because now that I'm officially registered on the site, my loyalty's going to pull me in both directions like a Stretch Armstrong being attacked by a rottweiler and a pit bull. What have we learned today, class? Two beers + a burger + tip = $10 = TWO ROCK HANDS UP \m/ \m/.
(4)Sam H.
This is an awesomely bad.... bar!!! But always manage to go there. By always I mean... if we are going to hit the night out in bethesda... Saphire we go just to grab a drink b/c it's "on the way." But to break it down... Food ... not memorabily bad or good Drinks standard Dancing... there is a dance floor.... but... hardly people dance. They have a beer pong table. But....saphire has never been the "destination" just a bar on the way and may be on the way back.
(2)Stephan S.
This place is my goto bar for a causal time. It is Cheers like. Friendly staff. Good burger. If you like a fun casual place where everyone knows your name this is it. They have a nice tiki bar in the back for you smokers. Very reasonable on price. Great place to see a game. Never had a bad time.
(5)Dee B.
*This is only for Wednesday trivia nights.* ***A solid 3.75 stars*** Saphire Cafe has grown on me. Sure, a couple of reasons I like this place and its Stump trivia are ridiculously practical: it's within easy walking distance of my home, trivia is on Wednesdays (not Mondays or Tuesdays, which for me are not feasible due to other commitments) and trivia begins at 7.30pm (not 8pm as at many places), meaning I can often be home before 10pm. I like the woman who does the trivia -- she really does a great job. I like the specials. I like the fact that it feels like a neighborhood place. I like Matt, the lone server. And I like Stump trivia in general. I've never been here on any other night, and I don't intend to make it a priority. To me, Saphire is all about Wednesday trivia.
(4)Kim S.
I agree with the rest of the comments. Take this place for what it is - a dive bar. It's rarely crowded and is a bit grungy, but it has a certain charm. For a dive, the food is actually pretty decent. Salads and wraps are crispy, fresh, and full of variety, which is a nice change from the standard bar food. Also, yes, thumbs up to trivia.
(3)Casey J.
I feel like Saphire has gotten a bad rap in these reviews. I admit the decor at Saphire isn't up to "Bethesda" standards but that is not the kind of place Saphire is trying to be. Put simply Saphire is a bar with Fantastic food. I repeat .. a bar. It's NOT a lounge with $5 domestic drafts, rules on how you can wear your hat and what jerseys you can wear. It's a bar where people go to drink and have a good time. On many occasions the owner is happy to sit down and have a drink with you. I like to think of it as the Cheers of Bethesda. The bar tenders are fantastic and are extremely friendly and the food is deceptively good. I say deceptively simply because if you first walked in there you would look around at the decor and be skeptical of the food. Do not judge a book by its cover. This place could easily be featured on food network. The food is fantastic. I personally can vouch for the chicken satay, southwestern egg rolls, and hamburgers. On Wednesday evening they have half price burgers that are the Best in Bethesda. If you want a bar in Bethesda that has a deck, won't hassle you with rules, and have a great time at a good price then Saphire is the place for you.
(5)Libby F.
A decent place, but I'd consider it more of a bar than a restaurant. The food is average; not a place you'd go to for a unique dining experience. It doesn't have much ambiance either; kinda like a typical college bar. Happy hour is a bargain here and varies day by day. $1.60 Miller Lites? Yes, it's true! The best night is trivia night on Wednesdays. It is Stump! Trivia, the best trivia out there! Our Yelp team of six held the lead up until the very end where we succumbed to second. But, it still meant $20 off our unbelievably low bar and food tab of $50-something. Our server was great and spread very thin-- he had the whole place to tend too! We never had to wait very long or our cheap drinks. This place is good for groups, if you don't mind the obnoxious frat guys Kathleen M. mentioned in her review. Whoo! Yeahhh! Come for a cheap night out with friends and put your useless trivia knowledge to fun use! Sorry Craig R. for thinking Nathaniel Lane was straight!
(3)Natasha F.
If you're expecting a sleek, trendy, or hip bar; first check if you're dressed as a guido and then go somewhere else. What you will expect is great company, awesomely bad music and an over all fantastic time. Make sure you go on a Friday or Saturday night to see Will, the bartender extraordinaire; he'll make your night if not your weekend :)
(4)N S.
I gotta give'em two stars guys. I'm a sucker for al fresco anything and at least we had a table on the deck with which to create our own world...sort of. Why on earth did I leave to the bar when Marine guy came over on behalf of his friend to pitch it to Tina??? And dude starts out with something along the lines of "Look, here's the deal, my buddy over there..." Need I say more??? I mean, really, need I say more? God, I wish I had been there when they clarified the Yella/Tina courtship to this dude. Music pretty much sucked. Guys in attendance sucked. Yes, "men" wearing jerseys in public on a non-game day is pretty bama-ish, but at least they were wearing the right team... I didn't even know they sold Colt Brennan jerseys, but hey, you learn something new everyday. So yeah. This place sucks.
(2)Jeff W.
You know that little open text box to write notes when you bookmark a place? Well maybe I'm the only person that uses that text field, but after looking over at my shorthand notes I figured there's not a whole lot to add. So, here ya go: same trivia as Harp & Fiddle, crappy service, crappy drinks but cheap. Good grilled chicken on the fruit salad. No atmosphere. No need to return. I apparently do not like dirty martinis.
(2)Alicia G.
I'm still waiting for my drink.
(1)Ellen L.
Is it just me but isn't it supposed to be Saphire with two p's? :) Anyway, decided to check out this bar since my friend mentioned that it had a tiki bar and it was gorgeous outside. The bar/cafe part was very muggy and hot, so we moved to the tiki bar area. The tiki bar is very small and it looks out to a parking lot, so not much of a view there. I wish there was a little more to the tiki bar to spice it up, maybe some cute lights or tiki torches? :) The place was all right, but the bartenders were friendly and attentive (aka we didnt' have to wait 20 minutes to flag down a guy) and I enjoyed my modelo beer - which I had never had before! :)
(2)lisa w.
I agree with Casey J. I don't understand the bad reviews either. We go for trivia on Wed. They have great food and drink specials and the waiter runs his beh.. I enjoy not having to spend 5 bucks for a Bud.
(4)Andrew W.
sapphire - p = not exactly a gem.... funny. that said, saphire's not exactly as hopelessly yuppified and sterile as some other joints in bethesda are either... as others have mentioned, this place kind of has a neighborhood feel, and really, what with the corporate mish-mash of bethesda row and the sad, sad attempts at theme bars (you know who you are) dotting the woodmont triangle, this place is the pretty much the ONLY bar that has ANY kind of feel to it in bethesda... which is to say: yeah, it's got nothing terribly special about it, but it is a servicable drinking establishment where normal people gather... you could actually walk into the bar and think you were in a city instead of a suburban wasteland....saphire would be perfectly at home in someplace as drab as ohio, but could probably cut it in the dregs of key west without dying also...there's always enough people trying to get away from other people, who need a drink to help them along...and that's really where saphire comes in: you don't go here if you're looking to score with the "hotties", chat up some "ladies", or have yourself a "crazy night on the town".... you come here because you can't stand the rest of bethesda/dc, but need to pull up a stool and have a drink in a place that doesn't make you feel like pounding your skull into your shot glass until the world around you fades into a salvaging darkness.... this kind of jaded lot can be quite diverse, though, so you really never know who you'll find here, but you could generally expect to find a random sampling of the following: grandmothers in make-up bitching about their drugged-up kids, a person missing an appendage, some one with an army coat on, an ex-skater, an ex-roller, an ex-grunger, an ex-hippie (all who will be drinking their faces off now that they've lost their label), construction workers, barkeeps from other establishments, the restaurant crew that's done for the night, the maids and nannies who're done with their day, some guy who has to wear his cap backwards, some girl who just drinks and makes conversation with the bartenders, maybe a couple of homeless people, service veterans, ex-convicts, postal employees, and the general stragglers who've just popped in for a pint or two.... the one part of the bar that does occasionally draw a bit of a festive crowd is the outside "tiki bar"....which is really as much a "tiki bar" as a dock in south dakota is a carribean port....still.... things can be pretty nice, especially in the spring and fall, when you've got some tables and a deck bar outside on a clear, cool night so you can drag off your cigarette, pitch back your head, swallow your beer, and watch your exhalations march their way off into the milky way, taking your ashes on an updraft to someplace you almost know.... back inside, you've got your bar, your stools, your booths, your wooden floors, a couple video games, a tv or two, your couple neon sign, and the dingy half-light that helps alcohol take your worries away... the bartenders won't get in your way, they'll do their job, get you your drink properly, and keep an eye out for your empty glass...as it should be. they won't be playing terrible music, and they won't be playing great music...there'll be a few times when you nod your head, and a few times when you shake your head, but mostly it'll just be in the backround (it's never very loud), and you'll chat with the company you brought with you, or whatever hobo comes stumbling around.... some people make it here sometimes for the dirt cheap specials ($1.50 for miller lites and such), some people even eat at the cafe (good luck with that, but i've got a feeling whatever's offered here is gonna taste a bit like worn socks), but they've got yuengling and sam adams on tap, and that'll do once in a while, when i can't seem to stave off the dreary dusk of the apartment, and i putter over here for a beer, and maybe a shot of whiskey or two for whatever reason, i can see saphire sitting on some block of cleveland in the dead of winter, and it kind of reminds me of this tavern in montana on an indian reservation where i used to smother the hours down.... i'm not sure whether that's good or bad, but that's just how it is... an old roomate of mine swears by the appletini's i'd just come to get toasted
(3)Diane W.
Be careful - the portions are huge. Good food at a good price, even when we had 15 people sit down at once. I really like their outside patio, except that's where all the smokers go, unfortunately.
(4)Michelle P.
I really didn't know what to expect from the saphire cafe. While driving around the bethesda streets looking for parking, it was hard to imagine doing trivia in what looked like a cool hit, blue lit club. But it really ended up being just another bar, with just another game of stump trivia. The place was packed, but definitely understaffed. The poor bartender was pretty much the only guys there, being responsible for tables and bar and drinks and everything. He was nice enough, but i think Alicia G. is still waiting for her drink. The menu is just bizzare. They have burgers (half price.... and looked about half of what i would expect a burger to look like.) and low carb fajitias and gyros and brie sandwiches and chicken and fruit salads. Its just a hodgpodge of different styles of food. I will say that the chicken and fruit salad was good. the chicken was perfectly cooked and very well seasoned and the dressing added a perfect compliment. i could have done without the gigantic mounds of feta that kind of dominated the whole salad, but it was ok. Perfect compliment for anyone who wanted to order a dirty gin martini (cough Jeff cough). And the special on the $4 martinis is only on tuesday, even if you think a wednesday is a tuesday, there is still no special. I liked trivia. I was disappointed we didn't win, even though we got almost every question right (missed the ones that counted though!) I loved that the harp and fiddle lady was there, i love her! She really stays interactive with the crowd and makes it more fun. Its well run, but is identical to the Harp and Fiddle, which is less crowded. While i dont HAVE to return anytime soon, i would also be willing to do so at some time.
(3)Chris P.
This place isn't as bad as some make it out to be. Went with friends and had a good time there. The food was alright and half-off during happy hour, so I have nothing to b*tch about. Wouldn't be against going there again, by any means.
(3)Robin G.
Not a good atmosphere. Food is awful and greasy and the restaurant has a foul bar smell. Never again.
(1)Bill D.
The only reason I go there is for trivia. They only have 1 waiter for the entire place, which can be packed for trivia some nights. That means we order 2 to 3 beers per person when the waiter actually comes around...because you're not going to see them for another hour. The guy that usually works Wednesday is clearly trying and very nice, but he's just swamped. I don't think it's his fault, it's the owners who just do not care to make the situation better. For trivia, they've got $1.75 Miller Lite drafts and half-price burgers. The one time I had a burger it was pretty lousy and burnt to a crisp. So we only order beer. If it weren't for trivia, we would never, ever go here.
(2)Rachael B.
Inexpensive with a decent beer selection and full shelves of liquor. The staff is awesome, the food is okay, the bathrooms leave something to be desired, but all-in-all, it's not too bad a place. Especially on Wednesday nights when they host trivia.
(3)Cy K.
This place is a good place to come and grab a drink after work. Not much of a crowd or ambiance, but prices are pretty reasonable for the area and the environment is generally relaxed. Its a neighborhood bar incarnate.
(3)Ashley C.
This is NOT a snooty club - if you want one of those, go somewhere else. Yes, this is a neighborhood bar, meaning bar food and cheap drinks. Nothing fancy but the potato skins are yummy and the drinks prices aren't too bad. You can usually find a booth (always good) and they have a decent sized dance floor for a bar. The DJ is iffy at times, it gets better as the night goes on. Usually plays hip hop, reggae and current hits. I always have fun dancing here. It can get a bit loud, but as aforementioned, it's a bar. I like how it is laid back. Sometimes you just want to have fun and not worry about dress codes and having $20 dollars for a cover charge. People are mellow and not uppity. People just want to have fun. So if you are looking for a casual hangout with decent service, go here!
(4)Merida F.
I have been to Saphire I few times in the past year for different events: birthday parties, pub crawl, and drinks with a date. This place is pretty low key and has a fairly eclectic crowd. Bartenders were nice and quick. I thought Saphire has a pretty good selection of beers on tap considering the size of the place. (did I mention there is a beer pong table in the back and a dance floor?) I thought it was a great place to bring a group of people. My only problem was, one night when I went I saw a mouse by the arcade games. I took a picture of it and showed it to the bartender who said "that's our mascot." I don't scare easily and one mouse isn't a huge deal, but it would have been nice if the bartender pretended to be a bit more concerned. We had finished our drinks anway and it seemed like a good time to leave.
(3)Jack F.
I'm here for my friends and some trivia questions I wouldn't quite call Saphire Cafe my neighborhood bar. In fact, I'm one transfer point and 13 metro stops away. If it wasn't for my friends, I'd never drop by this bar on my own initiative. First, The crowd is okay and hardly a meat market (which may be good or bad). Generally, people are hanging out with a table of friends (think "How I Met Your Mother"). Second, the food (with one exception) is ordinary but hardly worth bragging about. Although, I am a big fan of the crispy fries and $3.75 hamburgers on Wednesday nights. The $3.75 hamburger is a generous and juicy portion when cooked at medium rare (contrast against $1.95 burgers from McCormick & Schmick's yelp.com/biz/mccormick-a… ). Third, there's only one waiter/barman on Wednesday nights that goes around the entire bar picking up and dropping off orders (again, this could be good or bad). Although the slow-paced service, does have an unexpected benefit of making Saphire Cafe an ideal place to loiter for pennies on the dollar (reduction in alcohol consumption). So take your pick because Saphire Cafe could go either way for you. It really depends on whether the bar experience depends on the people that you meet at the bar or the people you come with to the bar. 3 Stars - Again, I'm not really here for the bar scene. I'm just here because we have a friend who really likes Stomp! Trivia on Wednesday nights and we're fortunate that people will travel up to Bethesda. If not for this, I probably won't return to Saphire Cafe by myself.
(3)IH K.
I know I wrote a review on this place - where'd it go? Okay, so the inside pretty much stinks. This is one of those bars that you get dragged to all the time, if you live in the area. During the summer months though, their little "tiki bar" is a highlight - Aside from the fact that it's essentially just a covered deck in part of the parking lot. Awwwwkward.
(2)John K.
I'd come here again if you need a place to get away, but not have to wait in line to get a beer. A decent selection on tap. My friends knew the owner, Jason, and he's a really cool guy. If you run into him, he's very open and loves to just hang out. I think that he's the kind of person who wants to make sure that people are having a good time. I'm not sure why people complain about the music. That's like asking why people listen to HOT 99.5 all the time. That should give you an idea of what kind of music they play. Wings were all right, a little dry, but crispy at the same time. Fries - PLENTY OF THEM. Lot's of fries and covered in Old Bay. Kudos!! Oh yea....Trivia Night on Wednesdays!!
(3)Kathy S.
I like it there -- especially on a nice night on the Tiki bar deck. It seemed weird to me to be so close to the street over a parking lot but it was fine. I ate there for the first time last night and liked the food! Or rather, I ate off of my boyfriend's plate because the portions were very generous. The beer prices are good relative to comparable places. The service is always very friendly and very good. It is often bustling and busy but you are never uncomfortably packed in there. The bathrooms are cleaner than just about every comparable bar in the area -- especially for a building so old. I get the bad reviews because the place isn't for everyone but it is great for what it is -- a pleasant place to have a few beers and maybe grab a bite to eat if you find that you are hungry.
(4)OIivia H.
This was our first stop on a bar hopping expedition, and I couldn't wait to move on. It was empty, just dead. The "tiki bar" was a tiny slab of concrete jutting off the back door into the parking lot. Beers were cheap, I downed mine and gave my husband the "let's get the hell out of here" look.
(1)Craig R.
I'm always down for three things: 1. Stump! Trivia 2. Big Buck Hunter 3. $1.60 beers You can talk about how the food is just OK, but it does have a pretty good variety. You can talk about how this place strives to be more than what it is, but those three things above alone make this a four star restaurant/bar. Our waiter was actually one of the bartenders and it looked like he was a tad overworked. Not only did he have to do things at the bar, but he had to handle all of the tables as well and that's pretty tough to do. They do offer some very nice specials during and after happy hour. During happy hour, they have selected appetizers are half-price. Some of their beer (I'm sorry I forgot the details) is half-price as well. After happy hour is half-priced burgers! Other beer specials start at this time as well! Way to cater to your customers! They have a huge big screen TV towards the front of the bar and more TVs along the bar. It also looks like they have live music play here every once in awhile as there is lighting equipment stationed toward the front. There looks to be a "party" room stationed off to the right of the restaurant. It looked closed when we first got there, but as the night progressed there were people sneaking in and just hanging out in there. Their bathrooms leave a lot to be desired. When you open the men's room door, make sure you close it behind you as it won't automatically do that. Makes for very awkward situations. If you check out any trivia lists here on Yelp (check out either mine or Kathleen's), you will know that we almost champion Stump! Trivia. The lady who called the trivia game at Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle also called it here and it is worth coming out for. She's very friendly and knows how to work the room. Great job by a great trivia MC.
(4)Jason M.
Went here as part of a bar crawl and it was decent. Had an outdoor bar and seating which was a nice option. Drinks were cheap and served quickly. A decent place to hang out and talk with friends.
(2)Chase B.
Saphire is full of friendly and outgoing customers, fast and respectful bartenders, and cheap fresh beer. The food is surprisingly delicious (especially the seafood pasta and the asian chicken salad). And anyone who says thinks the burgers are anything less than stellar hasn't actually eaten the burgers. No, it doesn't turn into a club at night, but there is almost always something going on to entertain the masses, and even if there are no special events going on, the masses are often entertainment in themselves. Dance parties are known to break out any day of the week, and nobody will be standing around judging you while you make a fool of yourself doing the running man. Oh and Jae S., if 'your' so high class that you can't have a good time at Saph, then 'your' probably not welcome anyway. Saphire's patrons have very little patience for pretentious schmucks.
(4)Zach G.
Went here with the Yelp trivia crew. They do trivia on Wednesdays and it's the Stump! trivia that Madams Organ and Union Jacks do also. Great trivia format, which is true of the other Stump! locations as well. I couldn't really find fault with the place, but nothing really stood out as great either. Food wasn't bad, pretty typical bar grub. They could have used a couple more servers; our guy was running all over the place. The best thing about the place was the beer specials. You could get a beer during happy hour for under $2. I would go hear again, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
(3)Jimena M.
Typical bar that you'd find in College Park or any other university town. They had a live reggae band playing on Saturday night. They were too loud, I could barely hear anyone near me. We drank a few beers and shouted at each other as best we could. I went home with a friggin' sore throat from all the yelling. Not someplace I would go back to.
(2)Victoria S.
This place is so strange...I don't get it. Very out of the way and tucked in the back of a parking lot. The crowd is slightly Gaithersburg ghetto if you catch my drift. I wasn't feelin' it. The deck has potential but this place has a long way to go.
(2)Miss M.
Very chill bar, not a bad place to spend the night. The bartenders are all really nice and helpful, and if you catch them on a slow night, up for conversation. The beer selection isn't bad and neither are the prices. Same goes for the mixed drinks. If you head outside, you can grab a cig and some good conversation with the random folk congregating there. Friday and Saturday nights, they have a DJ, who isn't particularly good. He seems more concerned with what he wants to fiddle with as opposed to the mood of the place. (He killed the dance floor when we were celebrating my friend's birthday.) Nor is he too fond of requests. It's a pretty chill place, good to head out to when you're looking for something more low key.
(3)Chris C.
Interesting food options, but they're a bit hit or miss. Trivia is definitely the best night, but the tiki bar area is pretty amusing. Since it's not too terribly close to where I live, it's a place I visit only once in a while, but if you're already in Bethesda, it's worth a trip at least once. Preferably a night when there's trivia.
(3)Angela S.
I'm not sure why there are so many bad reviews. This place is good if this is the kind of place you are looking for. What kind of place is that? Well, it is not Blackfinn's, Morton's, or any other "dressy" bar. Nor is it a "Tommy Joes" post-college yuck bar. This is just a casual bar, with a mix of people, that never seems to get too packed. In other words, GREAT SERVICE. If you'd rather stand around trying to push your way through business suits to buy a $9 beer, this is not the place for you. This is just a place to relax and have a drink. That's it. Do you go for the food? Probably not, but if you are there and get hungry there are lots of options (appetizers, salads, sandwiches/wraps, pasta) and the food is pretty good considering you are in a bar. The bartenders are fantastic: nice but not phony, prompt, and they make great drinks. There is a small outside area that is open when its nice out. I think the reason there are so many bad reviews is because this place is not what people have in mind when going out in Bethesda. Which is exactly why I choose this bar when I am not in a "fancy" mood and just looking for a drink-- and a bar stool.
(4)Olivia L.
Very chill bar with cheap drinks and awesome bar tenders :) I only give it 4 stars instead of 5 because the outdoor space is small.
(4)Daniel C.
This is a bad bar that doesn't realize it's bad. The tiki bar is nice on a nice day, but overall this is a pretty grim place. There are much, much better. If you want to sit outside, go to Caddies. The food is much better, and the drinks deals are just as good.
(1)sadie g.
One of my favorite bars in Bethesda. Casual without being too dive-y. Food is ok. Drinks are relatively cheap for the area. Bartenders are outstanding. Stump! Trivia on Wednesdays. DJ on most Fridays and Saturdays. Big games on a big screen.
(4)J C.
****3.5 stars*** The Saphire Cafe is your typical neighborhood bar. The kind I don't have by me. There's honestly nothing that sets the Saphire Cafe apart from most other bars in the area, but hey, sometimes you just want predictability, a cold beer, and some wings, right? Okay, so the million dollar question you're all asking is why I came here. Trivia, of course! Stump Trivia, to be precise. Always a good time! Even better when I we were apparently the only table in the bar who knew who sang the "Lido Shuffle." (hint, he's in my profile!) And who knew that the owner of the gas station I slaved at during summer breaks at college would have been the answer to one of two final questions at the end of the night? It's like 1995 rang me out of the blue one day and wanted to grab a beer with me! The verdict: you've probably got a place like this in your neighborhood, so I'm recommending you go here only if you live here or find yourself in the area. However, if you've got a large group looking to have a good time, you'd do well here. I was in a party of six, all of whom ordered food and multiple beers, and the tab came to a little over $50... even considering that we got $20 off our tab for coming in second, that's a damn good deal. Check out their website, as they've got lots of good happy hour specials.
(4)Kori B.
For a Friday night in Bethesda, this place was EMPTY! However, it was raining, and I feel like the deck might be the big draw here, so that could be the main reason. Bartenders are really nice though, had some good convo, but after only an hour of watching a small group of guys play a golf video game, we decided to jet. It's too bad, they played music that I would find myself wanting to act a fool with after a shot, but the opportunity just wasn't there.
(2)Brandy L.
The bartenders were pretty fast but the atmosphere sucks and the music was not awesome, I felt like I was at a Tex Mex restaurant waiting to be seated. And as always the more alcohol involved the more people want to do awful dances to awful music. The humpty dance? Really lol?
(1)Laura V.
Ok, so the BF and I come to Saphire on a regular basis for one thing... SILVER STRIKE BOWLING!!! We are video game geeks at heart and the draw of Silver Strike and cheap beer keep us coming back to Saphire. That being said, this place is kind of weird. The BF regularly comments that the space could be really cool if someone would fix it up a bit. It needs a good cleaning (1/2 inch of dust on the beer bottles on the bar) and some updating. The bartenders are quite friendly and acknowledge that we're regulars. On weekends, there's a DJ, and the place goes from deader than a doornail to hip hopping by late night. There's food here, but we will probably never try it. The dust on the beer bottles kind of freaks us out.
(3)Yesenia R.
If you want the uppity feel and crowd then please go elsewhere! But if you want to be around great people who are out to have fun and a good time then this is your place. Its like Cheers but in MoCo =)
(5)Dawn G.
This place is bad. I read all of these reviews yesterday, but still had to go because of a friends birthday being held there. I thought to myself "it cant really be THAT bad", but it was. The place smells horrible, first of all. I heard numerous random people around me say things like "this place smells like shit". The bathrooms were especially bad!! The guys bathroom had an overflowing toilet that was leaking into the hallway, umm, gross?! Other reviews were also correct about the thick dust on everything. You would think you could have an employee take care of little things like that. The owner was a young guy who was bartending and socializing. Seems to me he should spend less time behind the bar and more time behind the scenes making some positive business decisions and improvements. Besides all that, beers were relatively cheap. And I didnt try the food so cant really comment on that.
(1)Andrew W.
sapphire - p = not exactly a gem.... funny. that said, saphire's not exactly as hopelessly yuppified and sterile as some other joints in bethesda are either... as others have mentioned, this place kind of has a neighborhood feel, and really, what with the corporate mish-mash of bethesda row and the sad, sad attempts at theme bars (you know who you are) dotting the woodmont triangle, this place is the pretty much the ONLY bar that has ANY kind of feel to it in bethesda... which is to say: yeah, it's got nothing terribly special about it, but it is a servicable drinking establishment where normal people gather... you could actually walk into the bar and think you were in a city instead of a suburban wasteland....saphire would be perfectly at home in someplace as drab as ohio, but could probably cut it in the dregs of key west without dying also...there's always enough people trying to get away from other people, who need a drink to help them along...and that's really where saphire comes in: you don't go here if you're looking to score with the "hotties", chat up some "ladies", or have yourself a "crazy night on the town".... you come here because you can't stand the rest of bethesda/dc, but need to pull up a stool and have a drink in a place that doesn't make you feel like pounding your skull into your shot glass until the world around you fades into a salvaging darkness.... this kind of jaded lot can be quite diverse, though, so you really never know who you'll find here, but you could generally expect to find a random sampling of the following: grandmothers in make-up bitching about their drugged-up kids, a person missing an appendage, some one with an army coat on, an ex-skater, an ex-roller, an ex-grunger, an ex-hippie (all who will be drinking their faces off now that they've lost their label), construction workers, barkeeps from other establishments, the restaurant crew that's done for the night, the maids and nannies who're done with their day, some guy who has to wear his cap backwards, some girl who just drinks and makes conversation with the bartenders, maybe a couple of homeless people, service veterans, ex-convicts, postal employees, and the general stragglers who've just popped in for a pint or two.... the one part of the bar that does occasionally draw a bit of a festive crowd is the outside "tiki bar"....which is really as much a "tiki bar" as a dock in south dakota is a carribean port....still.... things can be pretty nice, especially in the spring and fall, when you've got some tables and a deck bar outside on a clear, cool night so you can drag off your cigarette, pitch back your head, swallow your beer, and watch your exhalations march their way off into the milky way, taking your ashes on an updraft to someplace you almost know.... back inside, you've got your bar, your stools, your booths, your wooden floors, a couple video games, a tv or two, your couple neon sign, and the dingy half-light that helps alcohol take your worries away... the bartenders won't get in your way, they'll do their job, get you your drink properly, and keep an eye out for your empty glass...as it should be. they won't be playing terrible music, and they won't be playing great music...there'll be a few times when you nod your head, and a few times when you shake your head, but mostly it'll just be in the backround (it's never very loud), and you'll chat with the company you brought with you, or whatever hobo comes stumbling around.... some people make it here sometimes for the dirt cheap specials ($1.50 for miller lites and such), some people even eat at the cafe (good luck with that, but i've got a feeling whatever's offered here is gonna taste a bit like worn socks), but they've got yuengling and sam adams on tap, and that'll do once in a while, when i can't seem to stave off the dreary dusk of the apartment, and i putter over here for a beer, and maybe a shot of whiskey or two for whatever reason, i can see saphire sitting on some block of cleveland in the dead of winter, and it kind of reminds me of this tavern in montana on an indian reservation where i used to smother the hours down.... i'm not sure whether that's good or bad, but that's just how it is... an old roomate of mine swears by the appletini's i'd just come to get toasted
(3)Diane W.
Be careful - the portions are huge. Good food at a good price, even when we had 15 people sit down at once. I really like their outside patio, except that's where all the smokers go, unfortunately.
(4)John K.
I'd come here again if you need a place to get away, but not have to wait in line to get a beer. A decent selection on tap. My friends knew the owner, Jason, and he's a really cool guy. If you run into him, he's very open and loves to just hang out. I think that he's the kind of person who wants to make sure that people are having a good time. I'm not sure why people complain about the music. That's like asking why people listen to HOT 99.5 all the time. That should give you an idea of what kind of music they play. Wings were all right, a little dry, but crispy at the same time. Fries - PLENTY OF THEM. Lot's of fries and covered in Old Bay. Kudos!! Oh yea....Trivia Night on Wednesdays!!
(3)Joe K.
Great Bartenders and food is surprisingly good. But the bathrooms smell disgusting and the tables are usually sticky.
(2)Megan M.
My friend and I decided to meet up at Saphire for a bite to eat after work. He suggested that we check it out after reading glowing reviews on the DowntownBethesda.com website. As it happens, Saphire is probably a rockin' place for happy hour or a night out at the bar, but it's not necessarily the place you would stop for a bite to eat with a friend. The food was alright, but as we were nursing our drinks, my friend noticed a six legged creature scaling his cup. After a quick swipe from the table, we both had a good laugh about it. I imagine that you could visit this place and have an entirely different experience depending on the day, the time, or the company that you are keeping. I'm not sure that I'm in a hurry to test this theory, but in the meantime, I'm giving it 2 stars.
(2)Jamie B.
The 3-star rating of "A-OK" seems fair for this place. The description of it as a "neighborhood bar" is pretty good. It's not a jammed club full of rowdy morons, it's a bar on one side, a restaurant on the other side with a small dance floor up front with a pretty casual, mixed crowd. Mostly an attractive crowd, at least on this night. Dance floor was empty when we first went in, though the place was busy, but that seemed to change by the end of the night. Major star deductions: * Bar tenders were overworked. They were running around nonstop but it's just too big of a bar with too many patrons for 2 people to keep up with. Wait times for my beer refills were high. * Bathroom kinda grody. Paper towel dispenser was empty all night. Probably goes under the heading of "understaffed" which, from other reviews, sounds like it extends to the restaurant area too. * Music system on overdrive. I don't know what it is with bars that make them turn up the music as loud as possible, to the point where you're catching the occasional hint of distortion, as it makes it impossible to converse with anyone without yelling directly into their ear. The real pickup line for this bar is going to be, "WHAAAT??!" Parking is ample, though. There's a lot around back and another one directly across the street, all free. Honestly, this place could be a regular watering hole for me if I didn't strongly suspect I would go deaf from being too near the dance floor. I didn't even realize they had an outside area, though. I should have checked that out.
(3)lisa w.
I agree with Casey J. I don't understand the bad reviews either. We go for trivia on Wed. They have great food and drink specials and the waiter runs his beh.. I enjoy not having to spend 5 bucks for a Bud.
(4)Cy K.
This place is a good place to come and grab a drink after work. Not much of a crowd or ambiance, but prices are pretty reasonable for the area and the environment is generally relaxed. Its a neighborhood bar incarnate.
(3)Kathleen M.
Saphire Cafe already loses a star because of the heinous misspelling of their own name. Honestly. Just put that extra "p" in there, pretty please? Especially since you're using the "sapphire" theme will all of your blue shit. C'mon. Ok, moving on. This is a pretty typical neighborhood bar, with a gigundo big screen, kind of creepy and random "private room," mediocre food, regulars, and good specials. There were a couple of things that stood out: 1. BUCK HUNTER. (Take note, Laura V.!) 2. There were children. In the bar. Several of them. 3. Insane specials-- Miller Lites were a mere $1.60 from 7pm onward. 4. Slightly more interesting menu: turkey and brie sandwiches, chicken satay, wraps, along with the typical pub fare. They could have used better salad selections though. 5. Diversity of the crowd: in addition to the small children, there were some hella old people, a guy I'm pretty sure was homeless, typical loud and obnoxious frat guys, and some hipsters. Good mix. The problems I had with Saphire (ugh, it pains me to type that) were relatively few. They only had one poor waiter for the entire space, and he was waaay overworked. He was very friendly and did the best job that he could, but it was just too much for him. The bathrooms were kind of grody and the food wasn't all that good. A typical 3-star kind of place. For the trivia folks: Saphire features Stump! trivia (hooray!) which is always good times. They use the same announcer as Harp and Fiddle, and she's great. Prizes are $30, $20, and $10 off your tab, which is respectable. There didn't seem to be any limits to number of folks on your team.
(3)Jae S.
One word... EGREGIOUS!!!! Extremely dirty, sad and depressing bar. Why did I visit this grotesque bar you ask? Because it was the only bar that was not packed on Saturday night in Bethesda. And now I know why it's never packed... If you make love to your inbred cousins, and your low class and mentally unstable, this is the perfect bar for you. Don't get lured in by their "half price burger night". It's half price because they will give you half-crap and half a service. The entire facility smells like an old, wet dog that curled into a hole and died. Just like the others who gave this establishment a bad rating, it is all true, it is that bad. I do not understand how this establishment received 5 star ratings... It's sad that this place is still in business. This place is riddled with young minors during the weekdays and in the weekends, bunch of has-been wearing football jerseys, white flip flops and a matching hat. The owner is always drunk and hitting on his customers just like the other reviewer said. Trust me, go down the street and pay $1 more for a drink for overall better nightlife experience in Bethesda.
(1)Chase B.
Saphire is full of friendly and outgoing customers, fast and respectful bartenders, and cheap fresh beer. The food is surprisingly delicious (especially the seafood pasta and the asian chicken salad). And anyone who says thinks the burgers are anything less than stellar hasn't actually eaten the burgers. No, it doesn't turn into a club at night, but there is almost always something going on to entertain the masses, and even if there are no special events going on, the masses are often entertainment in themselves. Dance parties are known to break out any day of the week, and nobody will be standing around judging you while you make a fool of yourself doing the running man. Oh and Jae S., if 'your' so high class that you can't have a good time at Saph, then 'your' probably not welcome anyway. Saphire's patrons have very little patience for pretentious schmucks.
(4)Megan B.
I'm a fan. This place has a chill vibe and lots of open space. I'm honestly surprised there weren't more people here on a Friday night. They also have a back room for parties or pool. Crowd is 30s and up. Not your typical Bethesda bar. Really down to earth. Reasonable prices and above average bar food. My girlfriend ordered the sliders and loved them. Some kind of awesome seasoning on the fries. Good service. Metered parking right out front and a metered lot in the back. I really enjoyed myself here, will definitely be back.
(4)JT T.
Ok so I am very biased when it comes to Saphire. This is my local hangout and I come here pretty much every weekend. For those of whom don't get this place? Saphire is a local joint that doesn't cater to the wants and needs of the common Bethesdian. It is the closest thing to a dive bar in Bethesda (unless you roll down Old Georgetown to Hank Deedles). The bartenders are fast and friendly. Even on a busy Saturday night you can get your drink with ease. The drinks are cheap and the food is really great bar food. Don't come here if you are looking for a healthy lunch choice. Their food is fried and greasy. Just what you need when watching sports and drinking. My personal favorites? The burger, steak fajita wrap, french fires, egg rolls, roast beef w/ munster and the buffalo chicken sandwich. Also if you are in the mood try any of their specials they have during the week. They are posted behind the bar on a small whiteboard. The atmosphere is low key, nothing special. Plenty of TVs showing a number of sporting events. The Tiki Bar is small but if you get their early enough you can grab a table and enjoy the debauchery that goes on round you. They also have some arcades to play as well as a new pool table in their back room. Trivia night is on Wednesday and they sell half price burgers and cheap Millers. Very fun You come here because you just got off work and need a cocktail or your favorite team is playing and you need a cocktail. Either way, you go for the drinks.
(5)Jay S.
Go in expecting the right thing... a bar where you can relax and not get jumped over for a drink by some girl on her 21st birthday asking for a woo-woo. There's a lot of space, great bartenders and good food (do the turkey and brie sandwich). This is a dive bar with good food, that will certainly surprise people. People feel as if they are right to rip on this place, but they also expect a cosmo like they walked off of the set of 'Sex and the City'. As much as Bethesda tries to act like the middle of Manhattan, we're still not at that level, keep this city what it is which is what Saphire does. A lot of blue collars that work hard and need a good place to relax.
(5)Juliana C.
I've never been inside Saphire outside of Wednesday night Stump! Trivia, but I've gone at LEAST fifteen times in the past year to lend wisdom to Team Awesome. The questions start at 7:30, but your teammates are going to be stacked on top of each other like a (gaggle? herd? flock?) of turtles if you don't show up around 6:30 or earlier. There is one server for the entire room. His name is Matt, he toured with Fountains of Wayne, and he is awesome. I would strongly recommend ordering your ($1.60!) beers from him two at a time, because our curly haired friend has a lot of ground to cover before he can return to where you are. The ($3!) burgers with crispy fries are satisfying and tasty for the money. Again, order early. The Saph also has excellent salads if you can ignore the siren call of cheap meat and potatoes. And cheese. Mmmm. Deb is the lady who runs the show, and she's the perfect blend of snarky and efficient. The songs she plays as trivia clues are diverse and creative, though sitting through Bohemian Rhapsody when you knew the answer at "No escape from reality" can get tedious. I don't think the Yelp team should play here anymore, because now that I'm officially registered on the site, my loyalty's going to pull me in both directions like a Stretch Armstrong being attacked by a rottweiler and a pit bull. What have we learned today, class? Two beers + a burger + tip = $10 = TWO ROCK HANDS UP \m/ \m/.
(4)Natasha F.
If you're expecting a sleek, trendy, or hip bar; first check if you're dressed as a guido and then go somewhere else. What you will expect is great company, awesomely bad music and an over all fantastic time. Make sure you go on a Friday or Saturday night to see Will, the bartender extraordinaire; he'll make your night if not your weekend :)
(4)Brian S.
Despite the fact that I have been here many times, this review only encompasses the burger, fries, Miller Light, and trivia. They are all great. Apparently, they have other things, but I've yet to look at a menu. That's because Wednesdays feature half price burgers, 2 dollar drafts, and trivia. This means you can have a burger (they are standard, but sizeable and tasty), fries (really good), and 2 beers (DELICIOUS) for around 10 bucks after tax and tip. (!) (!) It just can't be beat. Don't come looking for anything fancy, or if you don't like burgers or beer or fun. As for the trivia, if you'e looking to play casually with some friends or co-workers after work on Wednesdays, this place is great. Decent crowd, and the host is hysterical. If you are very serious about trivia, it may not be ideal, as the questions are the easiest of any trivia I have been to in DC.
(5)dylan b.
Good bar food and drinks, friendly staff Some of the better drink prices for the area. Plus has and has trivia night
(5)Sam H.
This is an awesomely bad.... bar!!! But always manage to go there. By always I mean... if we are going to hit the night out in bethesda... Saphire we go just to grab a drink b/c it's "on the way." But to break it down... Food ... not memorabily bad or good Drinks standard Dancing... there is a dance floor.... but... hardly people dance. They have a beer pong table. But....saphire has never been the "destination" just a bar on the way and may be on the way back.
(2)Stephan S.
This place is my goto bar for a causal time. It is Cheers like. Friendly staff. Good burger. If you like a fun casual place where everyone knows your name this is it. They have a nice tiki bar in the back for you smokers. Very reasonable on price. Great place to see a game. Never had a bad time.
(5)Dee B.
*This is only for Wednesday trivia nights.* ***A solid 3.75 stars*** Saphire Cafe has grown on me. Sure, a couple of reasons I like this place and its Stump trivia are ridiculously practical: it's within easy walking distance of my home, trivia is on Wednesdays (not Mondays or Tuesdays, which for me are not feasible due to other commitments) and trivia begins at 7.30pm (not 8pm as at many places), meaning I can often be home before 10pm. I like the woman who does the trivia -- she really does a great job. I like the specials. I like the fact that it feels like a neighborhood place. I like Matt, the lone server. And I like Stump trivia in general. I've never been here on any other night, and I don't intend to make it a priority. To me, Saphire is all about Wednesday trivia.
(4)Kim S.
I agree with the rest of the comments. Take this place for what it is - a dive bar. It's rarely crowded and is a bit grungy, but it has a certain charm. For a dive, the food is actually pretty decent. Salads and wraps are crispy, fresh, and full of variety, which is a nice change from the standard bar food. Also, yes, thumbs up to trivia.
(3)Casey J.
I feel like Saphire has gotten a bad rap in these reviews. I admit the decor at Saphire isn't up to "Bethesda" standards but that is not the kind of place Saphire is trying to be. Put simply Saphire is a bar with Fantastic food. I repeat .. a bar. It's NOT a lounge with $5 domestic drafts, rules on how you can wear your hat and what jerseys you can wear. It's a bar where people go to drink and have a good time. On many occasions the owner is happy to sit down and have a drink with you. I like to think of it as the Cheers of Bethesda. The bar tenders are fantastic and are extremely friendly and the food is deceptively good. I say deceptively simply because if you first walked in there you would look around at the decor and be skeptical of the food. Do not judge a book by its cover. This place could easily be featured on food network. The food is fantastic. I personally can vouch for the chicken satay, southwestern egg rolls, and hamburgers. On Wednesday evening they have half price burgers that are the Best in Bethesda. If you want a bar in Bethesda that has a deck, won't hassle you with rules, and have a great time at a good price then Saphire is the place for you.
(5)Libby F.
A decent place, but I'd consider it more of a bar than a restaurant. The food is average; not a place you'd go to for a unique dining experience. It doesn't have much ambiance either; kinda like a typical college bar. Happy hour is a bargain here and varies day by day. $1.60 Miller Lites? Yes, it's true! The best night is trivia night on Wednesdays. It is Stump! Trivia, the best trivia out there! Our Yelp team of six held the lead up until the very end where we succumbed to second. But, it still meant $20 off our unbelievably low bar and food tab of $50-something. Our server was great and spread very thin-- he had the whole place to tend too! We never had to wait very long or our cheap drinks. This place is good for groups, if you don't mind the obnoxious frat guys Kathleen M. mentioned in her review. Whoo! Yeahhh! Come for a cheap night out with friends and put your useless trivia knowledge to fun use! Sorry Craig R. for thinking Nathaniel Lane was straight!
(3)Jeff W.
You know that little open text box to write notes when you bookmark a place? Well maybe I'm the only person that uses that text field, but after looking over at my shorthand notes I figured there's not a whole lot to add. So, here ya go: same trivia as Harp & Fiddle, crappy service, crappy drinks but cheap. Good grilled chicken on the fruit salad. No atmosphere. No need to return. I apparently do not like dirty martinis.
(2)Alicia G.
I'm still waiting for my drink.
(1)Alexandra B.
I think you have to take this bar for what it is: a neighborhood bar...with great trivia night. I honestly would give this place a far lower rating if I actually expected more from it, but you would be foolish to do so. It's a bar designed for people who love happy hour and hanging out with friends for cheap. Nothing more. Don't come here expecting a five-star meal, and if you do, that's your problem. I come here most weeks with my coworkers for trivia night, which is Wednesdays starting at 7:30. They have a pretty expansive menu but since they have a half-price burger special during trivia I've only ever eaten one thing there: their veggie burgers. Now, let's be real.....this is a cheap bar; they're not homemade veggie burgers. But they serve it on multigrain bread with cooked red onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo if you want it, as well as a side of fries. For a $4 burger, it's pretty good. And the fries are actually very tasty. They offer really cheap prices for beer, especially for the Bethesda area, and all in all, we have a really fun night out for under $10 (and that's with the drinks). So yeah, it's probably a 2-stars for quality of food. But come on, it's a neighborhood bar, what do you want? Go to The Barking Dog or Union Jack's if you want expensive food. I'll continue paying $10 for an awesome night of trivia with totally acceptable food to go out with my friends on a budget.
(3)Rachel B.
Had a drink here because the last place I slipped in acted like I was invisible. This place has quick service, even when they're busy.
(3)Veronica J.
Yay for trivia and cheap beer. Best fries in the world they're beer battered. No frills place the unbethesda
(4)Diana M.
This is a dive bar. Deal with it. Great prices on food and booze. They have WiFi. What's great about this place is the space is big and open so even at happy hour you can find a place to hang out. I've been here 7 years straight for my birthday, always have a great time and even your broke friend can afford to hang out with you. If you are over 25, you might want to pack it in by 9pm because that's when the kids come in and the place gets loud.
(5)N S.
I gotta give'em two stars guys. I'm a sucker for al fresco anything and at least we had a table on the deck with which to create our own world...sort of. Why on earth did I leave to the bar when Marine guy came over on behalf of his friend to pitch it to Tina??? And dude starts out with something along the lines of "Look, here's the deal, my buddy over there..." Need I say more??? I mean, really, need I say more? God, I wish I had been there when they clarified the Yella/Tina courtship to this dude. Music pretty much sucked. Guys in attendance sucked. Yes, "men" wearing jerseys in public on a non-game day is pretty bama-ish, but at least they were wearing the right team... I didn't even know they sold Colt Brennan jerseys, but hey, you learn something new everyday. So yeah. This place sucks.
(2)Ellen L.
Is it just me but isn't it supposed to be Saphire with two p's? :) Anyway, decided to check out this bar since my friend mentioned that it had a tiki bar and it was gorgeous outside. The bar/cafe part was very muggy and hot, so we moved to the tiki bar area. The tiki bar is very small and it looks out to a parking lot, so not much of a view there. I wish there was a little more to the tiki bar to spice it up, maybe some cute lights or tiki torches? :) The place was all right, but the bartenders were friendly and attentive (aka we didnt' have to wait 20 minutes to flag down a guy) and I enjoyed my modelo beer - which I had never had before! :)
(2)Michelle P.
I really didn't know what to expect from the saphire cafe. While driving around the bethesda streets looking for parking, it was hard to imagine doing trivia in what looked like a cool hit, blue lit club. But it really ended up being just another bar, with just another game of stump trivia. The place was packed, but definitely understaffed. The poor bartender was pretty much the only guys there, being responsible for tables and bar and drinks and everything. He was nice enough, but i think Alicia G. is still waiting for her drink. The menu is just bizzare. They have burgers (half price.... and looked about half of what i would expect a burger to look like.) and low carb fajitias and gyros and brie sandwiches and chicken and fruit salads. Its just a hodgpodge of different styles of food. I will say that the chicken and fruit salad was good. the chicken was perfectly cooked and very well seasoned and the dressing added a perfect compliment. i could have done without the gigantic mounds of feta that kind of dominated the whole salad, but it was ok. Perfect compliment for anyone who wanted to order a dirty gin martini (cough Jeff cough). And the special on the $4 martinis is only on tuesday, even if you think a wednesday is a tuesday, there is still no special. I liked trivia. I was disappointed we didn't win, even though we got almost every question right (missed the ones that counted though!) I loved that the harp and fiddle lady was there, i love her! She really stays interactive with the crowd and makes it more fun. Its well run, but is identical to the Harp and Fiddle, which is less crowded. While i dont HAVE to return anytime soon, i would also be willing to do so at some time.
(3)Jack F.
I'm here for my friends and some trivia questions I wouldn't quite call Saphire Cafe my neighborhood bar. In fact, I'm one transfer point and 13 metro stops away. If it wasn't for my friends, I'd never drop by this bar on my own initiative. First, The crowd is okay and hardly a meat market (which may be good or bad). Generally, people are hanging out with a table of friends (think "How I Met Your Mother"). Second, the food (with one exception) is ordinary but hardly worth bragging about. Although, I am a big fan of the crispy fries and $3.75 hamburgers on Wednesday nights. The $3.75 hamburger is a generous and juicy portion when cooked at medium rare (contrast against $1.95 burgers from McCormick & Schmick's yelp.com/biz/mccormick-a… ). Third, there's only one waiter/barman on Wednesday nights that goes around the entire bar picking up and dropping off orders (again, this could be good or bad). Although the slow-paced service, does have an unexpected benefit of making Saphire Cafe an ideal place to loiter for pennies on the dollar (reduction in alcohol consumption). So take your pick because Saphire Cafe could go either way for you. It really depends on whether the bar experience depends on the people that you meet at the bar or the people you come with to the bar. 3 Stars - Again, I'm not really here for the bar scene. I'm just here because we have a friend who really likes Stomp! Trivia on Wednesday nights and we're fortunate that people will travel up to Bethesda. If not for this, I probably won't return to Saphire Cafe by myself.
(3)Robin G.
Not a good atmosphere. Food is awful and greasy and the restaurant has a foul bar smell. Never again.
(1)Bill D.
The only reason I go there is for trivia. They only have 1 waiter for the entire place, which can be packed for trivia some nights. That means we order 2 to 3 beers per person when the waiter actually comes around...because you're not going to see them for another hour. The guy that usually works Wednesday is clearly trying and very nice, but he's just swamped. I don't think it's his fault, it's the owners who just do not care to make the situation better. For trivia, they've got $1.75 Miller Lite drafts and half-price burgers. The one time I had a burger it was pretty lousy and burnt to a crisp. So we only order beer. If it weren't for trivia, we would never, ever go here.
(2)Chris P.
This place isn't as bad as some make it out to be. Went with friends and had a good time there. The food was alright and half-off during happy hour, so I have nothing to b*tch about. Wouldn't be against going there again, by any means.
(3)Ashley C.
This is NOT a snooty club - if you want one of those, go somewhere else. Yes, this is a neighborhood bar, meaning bar food and cheap drinks. Nothing fancy but the potato skins are yummy and the drinks prices aren't too bad. You can usually find a booth (always good) and they have a decent sized dance floor for a bar. The DJ is iffy at times, it gets better as the night goes on. Usually plays hip hop, reggae and current hits. I always have fun dancing here. It can get a bit loud, but as aforementioned, it's a bar. I like how it is laid back. Sometimes you just want to have fun and not worry about dress codes and having $20 dollars for a cover charge. People are mellow and not uppity. People just want to have fun. So if you are looking for a casual hangout with decent service, go here!
(4)Merida F.
I have been to Saphire I few times in the past year for different events: birthday parties, pub crawl, and drinks with a date. This place is pretty low key and has a fairly eclectic crowd. Bartenders were nice and quick. I thought Saphire has a pretty good selection of beers on tap considering the size of the place. (did I mention there is a beer pong table in the back and a dance floor?) I thought it was a great place to bring a group of people. My only problem was, one night when I went I saw a mouse by the arcade games. I took a picture of it and showed it to the bartender who said "that's our mascot." I don't scare easily and one mouse isn't a huge deal, but it would have been nice if the bartender pretended to be a bit more concerned. We had finished our drinks anway and it seemed like a good time to leave.
(3)IH K.
I know I wrote a review on this place - where'd it go? Okay, so the inside pretty much stinks. This is one of those bars that you get dragged to all the time, if you live in the area. During the summer months though, their little "tiki bar" is a highlight - Aside from the fact that it's essentially just a covered deck in part of the parking lot. Awwwwkward.
(2)Rachael B.
Inexpensive with a decent beer selection and full shelves of liquor. The staff is awesome, the food is okay, the bathrooms leave something to be desired, but all-in-all, it's not too bad a place. Especially on Wednesday nights when they host trivia.
(3)Craig R.
I'm always down for three things: 1. Stump! Trivia 2. Big Buck Hunter 3. $1.60 beers You can talk about how the food is just OK, but it does have a pretty good variety. You can talk about how this place strives to be more than what it is, but those three things above alone make this a four star restaurant/bar. Our waiter was actually one of the bartenders and it looked like he was a tad overworked. Not only did he have to do things at the bar, but he had to handle all of the tables as well and that's pretty tough to do. They do offer some very nice specials during and after happy hour. During happy hour, they have selected appetizers are half-price. Some of their beer (I'm sorry I forgot the details) is half-price as well. After happy hour is half-priced burgers! Other beer specials start at this time as well! Way to cater to your customers! They have a huge big screen TV towards the front of the bar and more TVs along the bar. It also looks like they have live music play here every once in awhile as there is lighting equipment stationed toward the front. There looks to be a "party" room stationed off to the right of the restaurant. It looked closed when we first got there, but as the night progressed there were people sneaking in and just hanging out in there. Their bathrooms leave a lot to be desired. When you open the men's room door, make sure you close it behind you as it won't automatically do that. Makes for very awkward situations. If you check out any trivia lists here on Yelp (check out either mine or Kathleen's), you will know that we almost champion Stump! Trivia. The lady who called the trivia game at Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle also called it here and it is worth coming out for. She's very friendly and knows how to work the room. Great job by a great trivia MC.
(4)Jason M.
Went here as part of a bar crawl and it was decent. Had an outdoor bar and seating which was a nice option. Drinks were cheap and served quickly. A decent place to hang out and talk with friends.
(2)J C.
****3.5 stars*** The Saphire Cafe is your typical neighborhood bar. The kind I don't have by me. There's honestly nothing that sets the Saphire Cafe apart from most other bars in the area, but hey, sometimes you just want predictability, a cold beer, and some wings, right? Okay, so the million dollar question you're all asking is why I came here. Trivia, of course! Stump Trivia, to be precise. Always a good time! Even better when I we were apparently the only table in the bar who knew who sang the "Lido Shuffle." (hint, he's in my profile!) And who knew that the owner of the gas station I slaved at during summer breaks at college would have been the answer to one of two final questions at the end of the night? It's like 1995 rang me out of the blue one day and wanted to grab a beer with me! The verdict: you've probably got a place like this in your neighborhood, so I'm recommending you go here only if you live here or find yourself in the area. However, if you've got a large group looking to have a good time, you'd do well here. I was in a party of six, all of whom ordered food and multiple beers, and the tab came to a little over $50... even considering that we got $20 off our tab for coming in second, that's a damn good deal. Check out their website, as they've got lots of good happy hour specials.
(4)Zach G.
Went here with the Yelp trivia crew. They do trivia on Wednesdays and it's the Stump! trivia that Madams Organ and Union Jacks do also. Great trivia format, which is true of the other Stump! locations as well. I couldn't really find fault with the place, but nothing really stood out as great either. Food wasn't bad, pretty typical bar grub. They could have used a couple more servers; our guy was running all over the place. The best thing about the place was the beer specials. You could get a beer during happy hour for under $2. I would go hear again, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
(3)Jimena M.
Typical bar that you'd find in College Park or any other university town. They had a live reggae band playing on Saturday night. They were too loud, I could barely hear anyone near me. We drank a few beers and shouted at each other as best we could. I went home with a friggin' sore throat from all the yelling. Not someplace I would go back to.
(2)Victoria S.
This place is so strange...I don't get it. Very out of the way and tucked in the back of a parking lot. The crowd is slightly Gaithersburg ghetto if you catch my drift. I wasn't feelin' it. The deck has potential but this place has a long way to go.
(2)Miss M.
Very chill bar, not a bad place to spend the night. The bartenders are all really nice and helpful, and if you catch them on a slow night, up for conversation. The beer selection isn't bad and neither are the prices. Same goes for the mixed drinks. If you head outside, you can grab a cig and some good conversation with the random folk congregating there. Friday and Saturday nights, they have a DJ, who isn't particularly good. He seems more concerned with what he wants to fiddle with as opposed to the mood of the place. (He killed the dance floor when we were celebrating my friend's birthday.) Nor is he too fond of requests. It's a pretty chill place, good to head out to when you're looking for something more low key.
(3)Dawn G.
This place is bad. I read all of these reviews yesterday, but still had to go because of a friends birthday being held there. I thought to myself "it cant really be THAT bad", but it was. The place smells horrible, first of all. I heard numerous random people around me say things like "this place smells like shit". The bathrooms were especially bad!! The guys bathroom had an overflowing toilet that was leaking into the hallway, umm, gross?! Other reviews were also correct about the thick dust on everything. You would think you could have an employee take care of little things like that. The owner was a young guy who was bartending and socializing. Seems to me he should spend less time behind the bar and more time behind the scenes making some positive business decisions and improvements. Besides all that, beers were relatively cheap. And I didnt try the food so cant really comment on that.
(1)Chris C.
Interesting food options, but they're a bit hit or miss. Trivia is definitely the best night, but the tiki bar area is pretty amusing. Since it's not too terribly close to where I live, it's a place I visit only once in a while, but if you're already in Bethesda, it's worth a trip at least once. Preferably a night when there's trivia.
(3)Angela S.
I'm not sure why there are so many bad reviews. This place is good if this is the kind of place you are looking for. What kind of place is that? Well, it is not Blackfinn's, Morton's, or any other "dressy" bar. Nor is it a "Tommy Joes" post-college yuck bar. This is just a casual bar, with a mix of people, that never seems to get too packed. In other words, GREAT SERVICE. If you'd rather stand around trying to push your way through business suits to buy a $9 beer, this is not the place for you. This is just a place to relax and have a drink. That's it. Do you go for the food? Probably not, but if you are there and get hungry there are lots of options (appetizers, salads, sandwiches/wraps, pasta) and the food is pretty good considering you are in a bar. The bartenders are fantastic: nice but not phony, prompt, and they make great drinks. There is a small outside area that is open when its nice out. I think the reason there are so many bad reviews is because this place is not what people have in mind when going out in Bethesda. Which is exactly why I choose this bar when I am not in a "fancy" mood and just looking for a drink-- and a bar stool.
(4)Olivia L.
Very chill bar with cheap drinks and awesome bar tenders :) I only give it 4 stars instead of 5 because the outdoor space is small.
(4)Daniel C.
This is a bad bar that doesn't realize it's bad. The tiki bar is nice on a nice day, but overall this is a pretty grim place. There are much, much better. If you want to sit outside, go to Caddies. The food is much better, and the drinks deals are just as good.
(1)sadie g.
One of my favorite bars in Bethesda. Casual without being too dive-y. Food is ok. Drinks are relatively cheap for the area. Bartenders are outstanding. Stump! Trivia on Wednesdays. DJ on most Fridays and Saturdays. Big games on a big screen.
(4)Missy E.
Went here on a Saturday night. Nothing special...reminds me of the bars I used to go to in college. (+) - lots of open space - outside tiki bar - beer pong - dj was alright (-) - Only 2 bartenders serving the entire indoor bar increased the time it took to get a beer. - Warm jager bomb...ugh! - What was up with that woman holding her pomeranian at the tiki bar? Who takes their dog to the bar on a Saturday night...really? - Bathroom ran out of tp
(2)Kathy S.
I like it there -- especially on a nice night on the Tiki bar deck. It seemed weird to me to be so close to the street over a parking lot but it was fine. I ate there for the first time last night and liked the food! Or rather, I ate off of my boyfriend's plate because the portions were very generous. The beer prices are good relative to comparable places. The service is always very friendly and very good. It is often bustling and busy but you are never uncomfortably packed in there. The bathrooms are cleaner than just about every comparable bar in the area -- especially for a building so old. I get the bad reviews because the place isn't for everyone but it is great for what it is -- a pleasant place to have a few beers and maybe grab a bite to eat if you find that you are hungry.
(4)OIivia H.
This was our first stop on a bar hopping expedition, and I couldn't wait to move on. It was empty, just dead. The "tiki bar" was a tiny slab of concrete jutting off the back door into the parking lot. Beers were cheap, I downed mine and gave my husband the "let's get the hell out of here" look.
(1)Kori B.
For a Friday night in Bethesda, this place was EMPTY! However, it was raining, and I feel like the deck might be the big draw here, so that could be the main reason. Bartenders are really nice though, had some good convo, but after only an hour of watching a small group of guys play a golf video game, we decided to jet. It's too bad, they played music that I would find myself wanting to act a fool with after a shot, but the opportunity just wasn't there.
(2)Brandy L.
The bartenders were pretty fast but the atmosphere sucks and the music was not awesome, I felt like I was at a Tex Mex restaurant waiting to be seated. And as always the more alcohol involved the more people want to do awful dances to awful music. The humpty dance? Really lol?
(1)Laura V.
Ok, so the BF and I come to Saphire on a regular basis for one thing... SILVER STRIKE BOWLING!!! We are video game geeks at heart and the draw of Silver Strike and cheap beer keep us coming back to Saphire. That being said, this place is kind of weird. The BF regularly comments that the space could be really cool if someone would fix it up a bit. It needs a good cleaning (1/2 inch of dust on the beer bottles on the bar) and some updating. The bartenders are quite friendly and acknowledge that we're regulars. On weekends, there's a DJ, and the place goes from deader than a doornail to hip hopping by late night. There's food here, but we will probably never try it. The dust on the beer bottles kind of freaks us out.
(3)Yesenia R.
If you want the uppity feel and crowd then please go elsewhere! But if you want to be around great people who are out to have fun and a good time then this is your place. Its like Cheers but in MoCo =)
(5)Patricia M.
I know I'm in trouble when friends start calling this place my "other" kitchen. Can't say we've ever had a bad meal.steaks, salads, burgers,wraps, apps- all delicious. Best bartenders/staff in Bethesda. It's almost summer so it's Margarita time- and they do make great Margaritas! It's a given that if it's a Wednesday we'll be there. (Jason, you gotta do something about the ladies bathroom tho...)
(5)Winifred L.
We came here for Tuesday night trivia with a group of friends on a whim. In a town of $12 drinks and fancy menus, Saphire offers a more modest, low-key environment. A little divey, but the trivia crowd was fun and $4 draft/rail drink specials help. We ordered the cheeseburger specials, which were forgettable. Save your cash for the drinks or the tater tots instead.
(3)Maestro L.
I would say best dive bar in town . Great service, friendly owner and good food.
(5)Ralph R.
Short Lived - .It's a very spacious sport/dive bar. It has plenty of dancing room, dining room, and private dining areas. The bar staff are super friendly and knows how to pour a mean drink. Yes, they are conveniently located on Wisconsin with parking in the rear. The Bethesda metro stop is only a few blocks away (take the Old Washington Rd exit). The host , DJ Leon, - a super guy who is as smooth as silk no matter what he spins. They also offer karaoke every Thursday (NEW) at 8 PM. See you there! Management needs adjustment but all else works well.
(2)Mike B.
It pains me to see Saphire with such an average rating on Yelp. Saphire is all about no frills, amazing service, and surprisingly good food. I have to admit- this is my local joint. I come here 'cause it's the one place in Bethesda that is serving up cheap drinks where you can actually make your way up to the bar to order them. The bartenders and owner are extremely friendly and down to earth. A lot of the items on their menu are solid. Here are my personal picks: 1. The chicken satay is a true stand out. They are grilled to perfection, hearty, and plain old delicious. 2. The potato skins are thick with a generous portion of bacon and cheese inside. 3. Get the tots. I'm totes for the tots (I order them well-done: crispy) 4. The Pizza! I really like the pizza! Another surprisingly good thing! 5. Spinach Dip: served with both tortilla ships and bread sticks! Saphire is truly an anomaly of Bethesda. It's a little outdated; It's a little old fashioned. It's supported by a dedicated group of regulars that have found the worth in what it has to offer. Not too mention, the patio (Tiki-bar) is quite full when the weather gets better and there is trivia on Wednesdays. I have a feeling that if all of the its regulars were Yelpers, Saphire would have 6 stars.
(5)Opie M.
Excellent place for Simpsons pinball and popular commercial beer, The pinball machine has a table next to it for your beer , The garage door for otto's would not open, or would not open all the way, something is wrong, I watched two guys play four games I played six games and the door never opened. Very friendly group of people young and old , I had to keep my coat on, was cold in there.
(4)Ruth C.
Two and a half stars. I'm glad I asked to substitute the kaiser roll with multigrain bread because some of my coworkers complained that their buns were too dense. My bread was toasted from the griddle, with the brie melted on nicely. Turkey was decently moist and portioned generously, with fresh sammy veg. That's where the compliments end. Light on the honey dijon, thankfully. I never thought I'd complain about this, but there was there was too much brie and the rind left on dominated the whole sandwich. With the uneven melting, some bites were alright and others needed to be washed down. Pickle was limp and almost too old for consumption. Fries were actually pretty decent (which I'd expect from bar grub), but portioned conservatively in comparison. I'd be hard-pressed to eat here again, but I'll gladly drink and watch a game here.
(2)Sandra T.
This is not your typical Bethesda bar. Which is great. relaxed friendly. Great drink and food specials. Staff always friendly and remembers your name. Sure it is not fancy, you would expect peanut shells on the floor. weekends has a much younger crowd, But weekdays are great for the older folks!!! Love it.
(5)Bobby S.
This place is great. Will and Jen are the best bartenders ever, Jason is a great owner. Do yourself a favor and go here immediately.
(5)Devon S.
I have been coming to saphire for years. By far the best bartenders in Bethesda for sure. Fast service and the drinks are always made perfectly. The menu is great! I have almost had everything on it and it always surprises me how good it is. It's like they have a 5 star chef hidden in the back. They have great drink specials and a good selection of bottles/draft beer. And yes they also have wine! Trivia weekly and a Dj Thursday through Saturday. Certainly a bar to listen to music and dance if you want but out being overly packed to the point of annoyance. This place has my thumbs up and yours to if you try it out!!
(5)Kate O.
Have I never reviewed this place? Well let me start... Great neighborhood dive bar. Look, it ain't some fancy lounge. It's a dive bar. And it's really good. Got friends who smoke? Take them here- outdoor Tiki bar is the perfect spot for them. I swear I avoided this place thinking it was an Indian restaurant- don't be fooled by the name. Never, and I mean never, had a friendlier bar staff in Bethesda. You walk in and think "I'm not sure I want food from here" but let that go. The food is actually pretty decent. The burger, now that the Majestic is gone, is my favorite in all of Bethesda. It's huge and great tasting. I'm trying to think of anything I've eaten here that was bad and I can't- mind you I'm still working through the menu. The draft beer is always cold-not half warm and the drinks are good and strong.
(3)Shey A.
This dive bar is a good chill spot when you don't feel like commuting to DC and want to keep it local. The drinks aren't pricey and the food is good. I love the bartenders they are superb! Aside from that my only complaints are sometimes the tables are sticky, the bathroom smells rancid with an overwhelming mothball aroma and it might be time for a new and younger DJ? His music selections are very outdated granted sometimes he plays requests but sometimes he doesn't care to and I feel like that is why a lot of people don't come. People want to go drink, listen and dance to good music. Just sayin...
(5)