“This place is so fun it has both community (locals) and people from across the bay. All of the bartenders are so sweet every single day of the week you’ll have a great time with different shows or dj sets I genuinely can’t say how much I love this bar and the people “
“The burger was really great. Different taste from other options around. Problem is that I was given the wrong beer, a lager and not a stout that has the same name. Others in our group had their orders incorrect for their burger toppings. But we just dealt with it.“
“The ambiance here is totally old school San Francisco and an experience in itself. Cozy - okay a bit tavernish - but very welcoming. Drinks are far more reasonably priced than the nearby establishments and tables were full of friends (all ages) socializing or like us waiting to go on to their dinner reservation. Only food is saltines and a wedge of cheese - it's hilarious but works. In a city where so much has become the same with cool restaurants and stylish bars - it's a breath of fresh air - something I never thought I would say. We loved it and will be back.“
“This place is all about the history. When you walk in you can feel the history pictures everywhere giving you the vibe that if the walls could talk which they really can because the pics have archived the history around the building.The foodIs good but it’s not about the food it’s about where you are eating the food.We had pancakes with eggs and bacon (wish the pancakes were softer or fluffier.Also a sausage patty breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese on sourdough bread. (I wish there was more meat on the sandwich)The vibeThat’s why you should come here is because you want to experience eating right of the water, reviewing all the history stored in the photographs.Wheelchair accessibility: Mostly flat surfaces no steps at all“
“Dive bar with history. $12 famous trademarked “Chinese Mai Tais”. Rated by Anthony Bourdain and Eater. What more do you need? Has TVs to watch games - came in handy for the Warriors Lakers game tonight.Service isn’t white glove but it’s a dive bar and it’s just fine.“
“I have never been inside for a drink , but I absolutely love their choice of music which is piped into the parklet ; they play songs by Natural Milk Hotel, and The Sundays; and for this I thank them. I shall visit soon.I am also impressed with murals on their parklet.“
“Always right on time and never a disappointment. Merchants is a total essence of dive bar and no comparison to others who claim to be100 years and counting- say what???? But welcoming to old and new, stop by Merchants if your in Jack London. Put money in the meter if you arrive 9-5ish. And remember where you are, have nothing visible in your car to avoid break ins.“
“From the interior vibes to stellar staff who all have great personalities, this place is a gem! If you’re a fan of dive bars that have character, satisfying food, and that are grungy but not dirty or sticky — I believe you’ll love this place, “
“I only recently discovered The Cinch this year, and omg, it's amazing. The decor, the vibes, the back patio, and the staff are all amazing. I went last night for my birthday with a group of friends, and the bartender who helped us, David, was unbelievably kind and thoughtful and made us all birthday shots. And then when we were leaving and I was thanking him, he told me how nice our group was and was just overall incredibly kind and welcoming. Trust me, my entire group could not have higher praise for this bar, we had such a great time and we'll definitely be back!! Thank you!!“
“Not really a hole in the wall but a little bit out of the way from well trafficked areas. Spacious bar. Real fireplace. Very friendly staff that seem to each have a following but don't seem to treat non-regulars any differently. Good selection of liquors. Heads up no menus here but the staff is eager to help you get what you'll like. Gets a preett hot inside but they run fans to help keep it cool.Wheelchair accessibility: Nob Hill itself could be called not wheelchair friendly since the streets are so steep. But the bar itself is ADA compliant with clear pathways and a single level throughout.“
“A Great place to enjoy good drinks and great people.Darts & pool available.Sports games on many TVs.Local business with awesome owners & hosts / bartenders.A good time can be had by all.Outside patio for more space, food trucks visit often for munching out.“
“My friends and I rented out the private room for a joint birthday party, and it was awesome! The service was great, the room was all ready for us when we arrived and we just bought a couple of beer pitchers so people didn't have to keep going to downstairs for drinks. We had a great time, we will definitely be back!“
“Ok so stumbled in to this place after work on a Friday accidentally Anyway was looking for a thrift store had heard about they weren't there any more .... Probably Covid! Lame! Back to this place it f'ing rocks, the bartender is awesome . The people that are customers were so nice to me, I had a great time. Go check it out!“
“It's a small cozy local (full) bar and restaurant. Live piano on Friday and Saturday nights.Food is delicious authentic American cuisine.Service is quick and responsive. Accept credit cards.Has a long bar seating with big screens (could be a good option for sport bar).Has indoor seating with tables and booths.Decoration is classic saloon type bar.Since more weight goes to bar side than restaurant and small seatings, not good for kids.Great for casual drinking, small gathering or meet up. Will go back for burgers, fried chicken and drinks for sure!“
“If you come to Chinatown for a drink, there are several choices, but to me, the focus always seems to stay on Buddha Lounge (review: and Li Po Cocktail Lounge (review: since they both have prime locations on Grant Avenue and serve their own signature Chinese Mai Tais. This one happens to be Chinatown's oldest bar, so you'd think I would've been here before. However, despite passing by it dozens of times, nope, I had not been here until I decided to drop by on a random Thursday afternoon. Pretty quiet in here. First things first, there was nothing inside that would make you think you're in Chinatown except the greasy container of chicken chow mein a regular customer was eating at the bar. It was definitely the kind of place that attracts regulars regularly. No tourist magnet for sure, and that was a major plus. No Chinese Mai Tai either, but I'm not a huge fan of them anyway. I had a $10 Tequila Sunrise that the bartender mixed quite meticulously (photo: Her name was Amy, and she was chatty and friendly. The regulars not so much as they just talked just to each other despite Amy's best efforts to engage everyone. Well, Norm and Cliff weren't that friendly to everyone either. DRINKS - 4 stars...Amy made a fine Tequila Sunrise AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...oh yes, it's a dive but with character and the smell of takeout SERVICE - 5 stars...giving it up for Amy TOTAL - 4 stars...the place to get a stiff drink in Chinatown RELATED - Exploring Chinatown? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed:“
“We were here at past 9pm on a weekday and it didn't really fail to give us more ideas of how things can really be in this part of SFO. The lady bartender was friendly and helpful. We just had a round of drinks and then left after. It was becoming too noisy for comfort outside, although our hotel is not even 4 blocks away. We enjoyed our time just the same.“
“Such a cool treasure!The location is a historical neighborhood with a view of San Pablo Bay and train line.Staff were fun, engaging and welcoming.Wish we had 3 more hours to take in all the tchotchkes and historical pieces.The Warehouse is a rare and special gem.“
“SF hidden gem. We visit for a third time this month, our final dinner before heading back home to Utah. Food was great and service better. Love the jambalaya and my wife is a fan of the fish and chips. Had a great burger one visit and the tacos are also a meal. Service is warm and friendly. Elaina and Kelly took care for us, and they were all in. They each have two kids. How often are your servers this engaged, knowing you by name, and keeping up with your travels. We do not even live in SF, and they still invested in the relationship. It is a very unusually warm place in a cold, indifferent world. We will be back in the summer.“
“Lovely & grungy dive right by the lake. Some of the cooler bartenders I've encountered in the East Bay. Was bummed that they planned to close at the end of 2023: But! Now they're open on Friday nights only, better than nothing eh:“
“love me a small little bar! i really like the vibe here and think their buddha beer (the signature drink!) is super delicious. it's refreshing, tasty, and the price point is perfect. my only gripe is sometimes they close earlier than advertised without warning. but i get it, sometimes days can get slow. i love that they have the touchtunes in here--it's actually something i REALLY enjoy about this place. can't wait to go back!“
“Kerry House, nestled on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, stands as an exceptional local haunt revered by residents for its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming vibe. The establishment boasts a well-curated jukebox and an inviting outdoor patio where smoking is permitted, making it a rare find. Bartenders exude energy and friendliness, contributing to the lively ambiance that has been a hallmark of Kerry House for years. Flanked by exquisite restaurants and charming baguette spots to both the left and right, it's positioned in a bustling area, promising an engaging experience. While soaking in the locale's lively spirit, visitors should be mindful of parking regulations. Ensure you feed the meter or opt for paid parking to avoid the inconvenience of a ticket. Kerry House is more than a bar; it's a testament to Oakland's spirited community and a must-visit spot for an authentic local experience.“
“Felt like a nice welcoming place to enjoy a few beers away from fisherman’s wharf. By no stretch were we the only tourists there, but generally tourists were in the minority. But and this is a big but, all seemly were made to feel welcome. Barmaid was friendly, chatty and attentive.Always nice to find somewhere like this away from the hotel and main tourist hotspots. Oh and they had sport on the tele which was nice, but it wasn’t dominating..“
“Lakeside Lounge is a great little bar that has been in Oakland for decades! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming! The people are friendly and bartenders are fantastic! I am Piedpiperkj, and I perform at the Lakeside every third Wednesday of the month! The musicians with whom I work, ar Lorenzo Hawkins and Ranzel Merritt. There is also Live blues band every Sunday night, and it is always LIT! There are activities happening Wednesday thru Sunday, something for everyone!“
“The Avenue is the all year round Halloween decor dive bar located in Oakland in the Temescal area off of Telegraph. Located in the area where a lot of restaurants are, we tend to come here while waiting to be seated for ramen or after getting some Cuban sandwiches. Watch out where you park here because it's bip central. But The Avenue has a full bar with cheap drinks, brews, and everything. They have a pool table, tons of seating areas, and other activities and I think you can watch games here. Service is great and a vibe inside.“
“Anne is the sweetest! It's a nice quiet bar and everyone is super friendly. There's a pool table too. Its chill bar to go to for a quick drink and to watch the game in peace. Definitely recommended for those who want to relax after a long day and not have to worry about the overly drunk people.“
“EVERYONE was so kind & welcoming. We bought some art. Yes!! You can buy art displayed on the walls. It was an absolutely magic night!!! Big shout out to Cherry, Peter & Smitty for allowing us to buy some of his art rather late which is now safely home in Brisbane Australia. This is a great place for a beverage or 2. It's well worth a visit!!!“
“I booked a party here without having previously been at the venue and it was great! We were there on a Tuesday evening and the first ones there. Nice and clean with a lot of space for my group. The bartender was friendly and accommodating. I really recommend it; it seems like an undiscovered gem downtown. Close to BART, too.“
“Great watering hole in the TL, especially if you're early for a show at GAMH. If you go between 2-8pm, there is a lovely Korean bartender who will teach you Korean while you drink. Solid jukebox, clean restroom, and entertaining regulars.“
“While this place may look uninviting, let me tell you that looks are without a doubt deceiving when it comes to this place! Our bartender, May, has been nothing short of amazing! Kindness and service is her m.o. Inclusivity and coziness are the two best factors I can describe about this place. I wish this business the best success!“
“Lama Bar in El Cerrito is a gem! Exceptional service, great DJ vibes, and a cozy patio – it’s the perfect spot to unwind. Plus, the added bonus of billiards adds to the fun. Big thanks for the wonderful service; it’s definitely the go-to place for hanging out with friends!“