50 Best Dive Bars near Mill Valley

“Nascar Pete pulled it off again . Was crowded so we had to share TVs lol but never the less Pete was great today .“

“Bring on the funny 😁 happy anniversary Lisa good times great atmosphere!!!“

“Amazingly weird, a real gem. Strange and wonderful interior with a wildly good beer selection and the owner, Remat, is a genuine “only in SF” character. Go for the decor, stay for the sour beer, and support a neighborhood bar that could never be imitated.“

“Good drinks nice music good prices“

“Nice neighborhood bar. We used to come to The Bitter End during the weeknights back in the late 90's as my friends lived nearby. It is nice to see they are still busy. It is the type of restaurant/bar where you order at the bar. You fetch your own drinks and if you are eating, tell them which table you are at. The fish & chips $20 come with mushy peas. That is rare in San Francisco as most restaurants don't have mushy peas. The batter was light and the fish was perfectly cooked. My food came out fairly quickly as it was busy.“

“Can’t beat the rustic atmosphere and the bartender was very friendly and informative.“

“Great experience!!! Loved it m/“

“Overall a great spot to chill w/ friends or on your own!! 👍 My BF & I have visited quite a number of times, and we love this place!“

“Not many bars out there make you feel so welcome that even their regulars welcome you with open arms. This is one of those spots! Incredible owners, amazing selection of beers, and fantastic cocktails made with love.“

“Great bar that has friendly patrons as well as lots of entertainment. You will often find love entertainment on the weekends, and always loads of pinball.

Bar has quite the selection of craft beers, and bar staff are knowledgeable to help find your perfect pint.“

“Great bartenders, so welcoming& makes an awesome Old Fashion, makes you feel like a family“

“I know where Lucy Borden’s remains are. She was delicious. Barbecue was great, but the menudo was the best!“

“Stopped in randomly, great fun vibes! HUGE shoutout to Laurie on the bar!! She was slammed and was having so much fun the whole time, taking care of everyone quickly and was super kind! Just one of those people who you can just tell cares so much and loves what she does. This was one of 6 places we went to that night and she was just on another level. The passion is seen and appreciated !“

“This is a dimly lit bar where the night feels a little slower, the bartender is cheerful, and conversation flows as easily as the drinks. My partner ordered an Old Fashioned; I didn’t order anything but the bartender still asked if I wanted a glass of water. A small gesture, but thoughtful enough to stay with you.

Across the bar, skulls tied with ribbons keep their quiet watch, surrounded by neon signs, and stickers – little fragments of other people’s nights, layered into the city’s story.

It’s the kind of place where you don’t have to drink to belong. Sit for a while, trade some banter, watch the city glow through the darkness, and eventually step back out into the streets feeling just a little lighter than when you walked in - with or without a drink.“

“great place and the prices are even better. The owner is so nice. This is our new go to bar when we come to San Francisco. They rhave happy hour prices all the time. love the drink he made me“

“Way to be different lol“

“A must stop when in the area. Nothing fancy, dive bar feel, but always a good time.“

“International flavor...great patio and vibe. It's a landmark.“

“Good drinks, great atmosphere, best food!!“

“Tony is the fantastic bartender“

“such awesome chill vibe!! jessi the bartender was super sweet and made us feel super welcome, she was holding it down even amidst the masses at puzzle night. also just love the set up of the bar, really good for groups or to find a private space if needed“

“Can’t believe this place is still open!Just stopped by cause the outside light was on. Got 2 Anchor Steam beers on draft. Bartender remembers me after all these years. Beers are only $6 each!Great spot as a low key, neighborhood bar.Stop by for a chill time!“

“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.“

“If I could give Patty and Happy Lounge 10 stars...I would. Met some old friends here on a Friday night before heading to Night Bloom and late night dinner. But after meeting Patty and having a few rounds of beers, drinks and shots with her none of us wanted to leave...EVER! There is something special about a dive bar in the City with cheap drinks, cool vibe, pool table, darts, and a jukebox box playing 80's music...that something special is owner and bartender Patty. Patty is so warm, welcoming, and utterly candid in the most endearing way. She is the most real and adorable bartender I have ever met. She and I were instant friends...she even invited me behind the bar. Which I imagine is much like a cook letting you into her kitchen. I hear Patty used to have a Thai restaurant and still occasionally makes curry for her bar patrons. Did I tell you that Thai food is my absolute favorite food and that Thailand is my fav vacay destination? Happy Lounge is now my fav dive bar. And Patty...she's just my fave!“

“(This was originally written about Trax but it was sold and is now Mary's. Every word still applies.)
Ostensibly a gay bar (the last of what were once 4 on Haight St.) it is, in practice, just a nice friendly neighborhood pub. Pool table, TVs, booze, nice humans.“

“Very small dive bar in the Tenderloin! So much fun…..say hi to Davy Jones……😉“

“If you want to sit on a throne in San Fran“

“Found out my great grand father owned this bar 70 years ago and came in here early this afternoon and I'm so amazed how amazing the staff and customer were to me and telling me stories about the bar was an amazing experience for my 1st time. Ever I love this bar“

“Had a great first visit to Toronado! Charlie was super friendly and took care of my group. I bought some merch that I wore the next day at a conference and got lots of compliments from the locals attending.

Will be back soon!“

“Either an FML type dive or a fun place to meet friends for a drink. No in between. A souped up version of Hockey Haven on Balboa.
Excellent drinks, great vodka selection and daily beer specials. A great place to watch the Niners.
Solid service; love this place!“

“2 gorgeous lady bartenders who are both sweethearts.“

“rader Sam’s is one of those rare San Francisco bars that feels like stepping into a fully realized world rather than just another place to grab a drink. The immersive tiki décor, warm amber lighting, and layers of hand-crafted details give the space a cozy, transportive feel that immediately sets it apart from typical cocktail bars. It’s intimate without feeling cramped, with different pockets of seating that make it work equally well for quiet conversations or casual group outings. While the bar is clearly adult-oriented in terms of drinks, the playful tropical visuals make it approachable and visually engaging even earlier in the evening. The atmosphere leans relaxed and nostalgic rather than loud or chaotic, which makes it a great stop for people who value ambiance as much as cocktails. Accessibility is generally manageable with ground-level seating and open walkways, though tighter areas near the bar may require some navigation“

“I hit this bar anytime I’m in the area. Quirky, friendly, funny… perfect! It’s a full bar so you can get all sorts of cocktails made, or just have a bottle of Buddha beer in the green bottle. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.“

“Amazing place and people!!!! The manager, Candice, is so sweet and helpful! We got married at Deer Park Villa nearby and chose to have our after-party at Nave's after looking into multiple bars in the area. Nave's stood out to us over the others because of the friendly, casual, laid-back, and fun vibes! Candice made it so easy for us, helped us coordinate with Ghiringhelli's Pizzeria in town to have late night food there and ready for us when we arrived, and even let us bring our DJ and allowed him to set up his equipment and continue to play for all of our guests. We cannot thank her or Nave's enough for this! They even let us come back and do it all over again the next night! Some of our best wedding memories were made here this weekend. All of the staff and other customers were so friendly and welcoming to us! We definitely recommend Nave's for a wedding after-party or event! Contact Candice and you'll be in the right hands. 10/10!!!!!!“

“Great for events and parties or just swing by for a drink. Best well kept secret in Marin. Fun funky bar and great outside patio area. There is a wonderful upstairs hall as well with a private bar and kitchen. Lots of options.“

“Great bartender, great service, perfect location. Will be back when we're in S.F. 😊“

“By far one of my favorite bars in the area! 🍻“

“Hole in the wall bar with a lofted area with underground DJ's and great music. I wouldn't call it divey but well lived in.
Cast of funky local characters included.
The bathrooms are next level but that's part of the charm right? Or a great filter to keep out the well-heeled snobby types.“

“Bartenders are all nice. Shirley is great she's my friend anyway so maybe biased. They actually have a lot of Chinese karoake songs too. My friend lives close so we go there kinda often. Always have a blast, and go home wasted after a great night haha“

“More than a dive bar. But a piece of the community. A piece of history in the tenderloin. A safe place in a wild world. A place to feel that the tenderloin really does have a community. Never too busy. And always friendly. I've been coming here for about 15 years now. Always a good choice for a drink.“

“Fun vibes and cool decor! Love the beats ! So fresh 😎“

“Outsider is a nice neighborhood bar with great staff. If you're looking for a spot to watch a game, play some pool or just hang out, this is a great spot. Open 7 days a week. Stop in for a brew and some chips, happy hour chow. Good place to be.“

“As someone who does not hail from the area, we accidentally stumbled across this gem whilst upon our hobbit-esque adventure throughout the hills of Sàn-Frăn, by foot, having breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, and supper in need of a tasty adult beverage. Bar maiden Jenny was a kind and gracious host whom made our travels all the more worth while. If we were ever to venture these lands again once more in times of the morrow, we'd hence again visit this tavern!“

“Nikki, what a gem! She knew all of my friend's drinks that are regulars at this bar and I'm the new guy of the crew! Totally amazing, prompt and fun service. She totally makes the place what it is, crowded or not too busy my friends always make a point to come into Crestas for the great service and good vibes.“

“This is my favorite spot in the entire state! Great people, stiff drinks and the atmosphere is amazing. During your visit here you sit and talk to locals as well as tourists on holiday from all over the world. This place is a whole vibe. Each bartender has a different personality and life story. The owners are absolutely amazing! Not a better place to have a drink or 20 on the planet.“

“Excellent Browns Backer Bar!“

“Great spot. Always a solid mixed crowd. Chill environment and way less of a frat party then the marina they have my favorite drink on their menu! Hope they never get rid of the paper planes. While the wait can be a thing I’m fine with it when the drinks are always very good and the prices are right for this quality, def keeps me coming back“

“Just when you think the old SF is gone you find a tried and true generational staple. This is it. Forget your balboa cafe. If you’re looking for a no frills, deeply stacked - both in cocktails and beer lineup, unintentionally crafted bar; this is the place. One of the only spots in marina with a backyard area. Buckhunter game in the back. Pool
Table inside. And best of all, not too loud. Great for a catchup. Will be back. I even left here wanting to plan my trip back to Hawaii.“

“I don't want to tell you about this place, because I don't want it to be too crowded next time I go. This is a neighborhood bar for regulars. We loved it! Tip the bartenders generously, and make a point to be social with the locals if you go invade this space :)“

“Was searching for beers to sink my thoughts during my trip to SF and I was very pleased to meet Marty and his bar !
Good music, good beer and great guy to talk to.
Thanks for the good time, I’ll come by again next time in SF.
Pardon my french 😉
Bruno“