50 Best Dive Bars in San Francisco

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

“I quit drinking before the judge ordered me to—how is that for initiative? Since that last call, no bar has captured my attention. Nor have I returned to any of the bars I enjoyed around here. I’m from the east coast—a pub near a rail station which draws a crowd free of pretense is proper nurture. Glen Park Station is welcoming, comfortable, fun, and built for a night done right.

There are non-alcoholic brews for those who abstain, shot-and-a-beer specials for $12.00, wine by the glass, and an indoor smoking lounge. A pinball machine which takes dollar bills. Darts. Superior bar stools. Table seating up front. A rear patio. No Apple Pay.The bar has neighboring businesses which serve food. One can find Vietnamese, Thai, and Mexican fare within a block. The bodega sits across from BART, on the same side of Diamond St. A pizza place is in proximity. This area has a low-key dominance about it. A great spot for socializing, a walkable pocket of the city wherein small businesses sling good eats, and you have the option to get hammered.

Parking is available in the public library lot after 6, 7, 8PM during the week. Street parking on the northbound lane of Bosworth between Arlington & Diamond is free in the evenings. I am not sure when the meters stop accepting payment-I pulled up at 7:30PM on a Monday.

To those behind the wheel—be advised—residential streets intersect as sharp turns become sudden hills. At all hours there are pedestrians, cyclists, and coyotes. SFPD often posts a patrol vehicle on Bosworth (south of the Arlington intersection) to eyeball the I-280 south on-ramp.“

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

“You must try the guava cider and fish and chips with the mushy peas! I dont know why I liked the peas so much, but I did. Pascal is a great bartender and makes sure youre taken care of and does it with such warmth. Definitely come here for free games of pool on Mondays and trivia on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!“

“Good food under the towering Bay Bridge- great views 😍“

“Watch out for the spicy drinks......they are SPICY!! It was very good. The staff were nice and fast. It's a bar so I don't expect a clean bathroom let's just say it needs a lil help and I was there early. Would go back with a different dj“

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

“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!“

“Friendly staff who are happy to give reccomendations for the area (both for food, bars etc as well as "cultural" advice).

Reasonably priced.

Nice vibe. Music, but not too loud. Cool rural on the floor you enter in.“

“10/10 atmosphere; this place is a little oasis of the true SF and the Mission spirit. Has a pool table and grunge aesthetic, but still plenty of space to mingle and meet new and old friends. Lighting is not as dim as other places, making it more inviting and welcoming + shows off the cleanliness of the kitchen (solid burger!)

Hidden gem“

“Always fun place wonderful experience“

“Great venue. L, X“

“Great bartender & sours. FYI - they don't serve any liquor, just beer & wine

Parking: You will likely have to drive around the neighborhood for a while and walk a few blocks to park which will be time limited.“

“A San Francisco legacy business; old school lgbt hangout with plenty of TVs to watch Niners and Warriors games. The decor is full of beautiful nostalgia; one of the TVs is dedicated to either Xena or some hilarious b-movie with Bigfoot. Excellent drinks (amazing margaritas and whiskey sours) and top class service. Love this place; A+++ ♥️“

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

“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“

“Last Call is a cozy and welcoming bar in the Castro. It has a relaxed vibe, friendly atmosphere, and just the right level of intimacy that makes it a great spot for a date. Drinks are solid, the crowd is easygoing, and it’s always a nice place to spend time with someone special.“

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

“This was my 1st visit to San Francisco on my birthday! Hidive was welcoming, with great staff, good drinks, and a great bar top food menu! Started the day out there with margaritas, and stopped back in for some wings and a nightcap at the end of the day. It was great!“

“Great experience!!! Loved it m/“

“best tacos 🌮🇮🇹🐍🦅 in San Francisco 🚩🏟📍49ers 🏈 maybe 🤷 😂24th street 💘“

“Great old Skool bar. Bartender rocking on Spotify! good times! good drinks! Good peeps!“

“Kati is an excellent bartender with great skills in talking to people and making drinks. As a former bar owner, I think she is the perfect person for this pub. Don't hesitate to ask Kati what her favorite drink is! It might become your favorite too.“

“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 Juke box, cute bartender and booze! What else can you ask for?“

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

“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“

“awesome place! I highly recommend!“

“This is !n old divey bar in the upper Haight. It's fun and super friendly. You might come in a stranger but you'll leave with a new group of friends.

This is not a place where you look at what's trending so you can order the same thing and take yet another photo of the same cocktail to post on the web. This is a place where people talk to each tiger, share their stories and become friends.“

“Way to be different lol“

“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.“

“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!“

“I loved the warm atmosphere, friendliness of the bartenders and that it has also been a LGBT bar since 1973! I was there for a special wedding reception and it was just beautiful!!! 🥰😍🤩❤️🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵💜🤎🖤🩶🤍“

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

“Great old place. I just came back from San Francisco where Yancy's is located and walking in felt like coming home. This was the place I turned 21 and now 43 years later find myself standing at the bar. Yes, it looks a little worn like a favorite old sweater and totally comfortable. The only thing missing was the Pac Man machine in the back by the big screen. I love this part of San Francisco. A nice selection of restaurants little shops and just character and charm.
If you are in San Francisco and want to check out an old neighborhood bar going to Yancy's won't disappoint you.“

“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.“

“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 :)“

“I had a good time in this place I hadn't been there 20 plus years but it's good to see that the same hospitable atmosphere exists now as it did in the past if you need to look at how to run a small business in San Francisco this is an excellent example“

“Awesome place! Lots of fun!“

“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!“

“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“

“Tony is the fantastic bartender“

“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.“

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

“I had a total blast! Very retro vibe. Amazing people.“

“2 gorgeous lady bartenders who are both sweethearts.“

“If you are not looking for overpriced crafted cocktails and pretending wannabes, but for an honest cold beer after work aswell as down-to-earth-folks, this is your place to go.Fair bartenders, nice karaoke on Friday, always someone to play pool against.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Red Jack Saloon in San Francisco is absolutely worth a visit! 🍻 The bartender was super friendly, attentive, and took great care of us. We especially enjoyed the wide selection of beers, all served perfectly cold – just the way it should be. On top of that, the cozy and well-rounded atmosphere makes you feel right at home. We’ll definitely be coming back!“