46 Best Dive Bars in San Francisco

“Came on a Tuesday night for my little sister's 21st birthday. Just a stop on our long night. I'm not sure if it was the owner that served us but he has a long beard. We explained to him how there was a man at the door that followed us from the pizza place next door and was acting really weird. We were honestly ready to fight this guy. But the man that served us said he'll walk outside and handle it. He's been outside this whole time just to make sure this guy doesn't bother us anymore. Excellent service. He even let us try the sour beer to see if we liked it. I'd recommend this place fasho ?✊”

“A nice place, only three options for the bottomless mimosas and pretty basic for the price. There were also a lot of flies flying through the room though my local friends said that might be more normal for the city. Overall pretty good but not great in combination with the environment and price.”

“Awesome bar. Location is a quiet part of town but this place is open late and offers pizza as food so what more could you ask for. The cocktails though are world class. Very thought out and meticulously procured. The bartenders definitely know their stuff and are super friendly. Highly recommend if you are anywhere near the area. Its worth a little hike to get to.”

“Happy Lounge is the jam! Patty is the best bar owner in SF. You want to play pool or darts, they got you. You want a great drink they got you. You want a great local bone, they got you. Seriously, for place is so unassuming yet delivers great caliber service.”

“Stopped in for an after dinner beer and stayed for a while chatting it up with the bartender while enjoying the music and low-key, neighborhood scene. What a great, relaxing vibe with seemingly friendly patrons and a nice atmosphere in what would be considered a "dive bar." The Peak's Bar is my kind of spot - good drinks and fun people (didn't see any dirtbags or troublemakers.) 5 stars!”

“This is a great place to catch a good, loud, free punk/rock show. food is great, the regulars are divey, the music is random. People may tell you that they are with the band when they are saving seats before a show so get your food and sit before those types get there. No pics of food because I ate fast but I ate tatertots with a bunch of good toppings”

“An unusual gem. Fascinating interior, uncomplicated, cozy atmosphere, good music which is never too loud - a place converse over a drink without having to shout at each other. Plus there are always some interesting characters around, people drawing, playing chess… highly recommended.”

“This is my go-to spot in the Castro for a well crafted cocktail, good conversations and fun. I always end up meeting with and talking to so many random people. And the fact that I can order a Paper Plane, Naked and Famous, Aviation, or a Last Word with the bartenders not blinking in confusion is priceless - CJ in particular is the BEST.Bonus points for the content on their TVs where you never know what random movie on DVD will be playing from Death Becomes Her to Rat Race to random horror flicks.”

“What a great classic Irish bar. I love the vibe here and some of the patrons are truly characters. Great drink prices, really nice bartenders and a free pool table too! Try this place on a mellow Tuesday/Wednesday afternoon or hit it on a banging Friday/Saturday. If you want off the chain crazy try watching a Giants or Warriors game here. Good times.Oh, and the Guinness is poured correct! Take your time, Guinness, you know what’s up.”

“Such a cool bar(oldest bar in Chinatown) tucked away on the corner of the street. It's nothing fancy, no crazy drinks, no ridiculous prices. It's a good old fashioned hole in the wall bar with a bunch of tvs and a bathroom that's like a dungeon. OGs were playing liars dice, customers just chatting with each other watching the game. We were waiting for a table at Z and Y and Keith said just check out this dumpling spot up the road since your wait is so long House of Xian. It was incredible, we finished dinner 36 dumplings between us and came back for a few more beers at reds. Check it out and get some merch, the hoodies are awesome.”

“Visited on a random Monday morning and had a great experience. Very chill bartender and overall vibe. Reasonably priced (for SF) and varied selection of draft beers. Would recommend to anyone looking for a daytime bar near Pier 39 or North Beach.”

“Oldest un-rebuilt bar in San Francisco, with tons of character.This place is a deep SF dive, and worth a visit.Live music multiple times a week.The crusty North Beach regulars may give you side-eye, but the bar staff is always friendly and attentive, even to tourists.”

“I love this place. It's a perfect specimen of chill queer dive. It's not a Gay Bar; it's a queer bar, and as a queer cis woman I feel totally comfortable, I'm not intruding on a space that isn't made for me.The beer selection has a nice mix of mostly indue ferries breweries with a few old standbyes for those who like their Guinness and Rolling Rock.The vibe is very much "chill dive". There's a pool table in an open adjoining room. The vinyl booth seating is heavily patched. The bartenders are friendly.I live in the Castro and have my pick of queer bars, but this is by far my favorite.”

“Li Po is definitely a unique and historic place. Be sure to take a walk around the place before choosing a place to sit. I sat at the front bar, which was inhabited mostly by tourists drinking the Chinese Mai Tai. I tried that as well, but it wasn't to my liking. Other people seemed to like it. It is a premixed cocktail from a keg and served in a plastic glass. Once I was served my drink and paid, I never saw the bartender again. I was solo this time, but I would definitely go again for a beer with friends and sit in one of the rooms in the back.”

“I love this place for many reasons. Most definitely affordable, especially for San Francisco. Annette and Molly are two fantastic bartenders who seem to care about who you are and want to provide you with great service. They have many different shot and beer specials, 6 beers on draght, two darts boards, the ring game, and a handful of tvs. Their alcohol selection is surprisingly large, and they make their own bloody mary mix.Parking: It's close to the end of Noriega on your way to Ocean Beach. So most of the time, there is parking available right around the entrance.”

“A very nice bartender who happens to have a strong interest in art, especially Neo Rauch. You typical dive bar. If you want beer (Anchor Steam, Fat Tire, Blue Moon) for a reasonable price in an environment where nobody bugs, this is your place to be.Love places like this. No chi chi, just straight drinks. THUMBS UP!My wife and me found this place by coincidence. We entered and absolutely loved it from the start – nice and friendly staff, great beers, a mean wine spritzer and… 90%+ are locals.So, no rip off, everything is nice and easy.Since we were here for the first time, when in SF the Gold Cane is a MUST!”

“We like stopping here on the way to the Ballpark before a game. The waitresses there are so nice. When its busy, they have to run back and forth, so it might take an extra minute. Be prepared. But that's just when it's busy, they are attentive and friendly. The food is basic. Not great, not bad. Drinks are decent. Wine selection is good. Nice to sit inside and look at the view of the water. But also nice to sit outside on a nice day and take in the ocean air, sunshine and people watch. Definitely a place to check out.”

“Are we talking or drinking? Thank god this place is here. If you are waiting out an abysmal Warfield opening act, slip in for a drink like Harris and O'Toole between acts, and then go back across the street when the headliners show up. Prices are right. Bartenders are pros. And it's generally devoid of guys with thick rimmed glasses and beards channeling 2010. San Francisco is sprouting new growth, and it's coming from old stock. Love this place.”

“This was my first time here and I came to watch the 49ers game with my husband. I cannot speak about how this bar is at night, but for a day game it was great. The bar is definitely a dive bar but with tons of personality character and a bunch of tables and TVs. Most people were in niners gear with everyone cheering or complaining and they even use a horn for a TD, sack etc. There wasn't food but they let us order in and the beer was great and very reasonably priced. The owner (I think she was an owner) even helped me find a stool when my brother arrived and I couldn't find one and then said hi to him - "hi brother" :).Will definitely be back for niners/giants/warriors.”

“Well, if this wasn't the coolest find, I don't know what is. I love walking into a new bar in a town I'm not from and getting just good vibes. And also a long sleeve piece of warmth because I didn't plan ahead when we jumped on the bike to come to sf. Bartender Andy was working and he was terrific too. Add on the fresh popcorn in the bar, and a little food from next door, and it was a perfect day.”

“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.”

“Just what we wanted! Had a couple of Japanese traveler friends passing through and we wanted a locals place for some brews. Not enough of these places left in SF. Fine pub food - nice variety of craft brews. Cool vibe on a weekday afternoon.”

“Yes it is a dive bar. But it's the cheapest bar in the area with nice staff and nice LOCAL patrons. If you you are a snow flake hipster who only likes shinny new soulless places stay away. It's been around 46 years. I enjoy the company of the staff and yes even the old drunks.”

“The guy with the beard and pony tail was freakin awesome! Great service, friendly, quick drinks and food, we chatted about a concert I was seeing tonight and his excitement went 1,000x great spot with a great staff! Also those chicken nuggets ssssccchhhmmaaaacked!!!”

“This place has surprisingly good food at great prices! The drinks are super affordable, too.They have calamari on the menu, and I'm not mad at it. I order it often, actually.Nothing fancy here, so if you're a cocktail person, you'll be disappointed. However, they will make you one if you ask. Keep it simple.The bar staff are awesome. Seriously. They're the best.You can sit and chat or go upstairs and play pool. There are also tables and a fireplace in the corner, so you can work or read if that's your style.Overall, it's a great neighborhood spot for an easy night and some food.”

“Hmmmm, Crazy bar and scary at first sight, but this bar have little very guard secret, they serve Great birria and tacos that are the BOMB........... i have been coming to this place to eat birria on weekend morning for 16+ years...... seriously BIRRIA AND TACOS”

“This is the best of San Francisco! Open since 1999, there's no better place if you want a strong drink, a super fun (rowdy) atmosphere, and the best comfort food menu (think tater tots, Mac n cheese, deep fried Twinkies) in town!Pro tip: Order your drink from Jay - you won't be disappointed!”

“It was kinda weird but there aren't a lot of options for just a drink in the Fisherman's Wharf area. But honestly it didn't really matter as for us, this was the best spot even if there were 20 other options. It is a local spot so if that scares you away, then that's on you. We loved that about the place and met some really great people!The owner (I feel dumb for not remembering her name) took great care of of us at the bar and we had an awesome night. We had walked all around San Francisco all day and really needed to chill out, take a break and unwind from the day. It worked.The owners are a couple from New England, if that scares you away, that's on you also! But to quote another bar from Boston, I can guarantee that "everyone knew our name" by the time we left. Even if we weren't in any state to remember theirs!”

“TLDR: Amazing bar.I’m a big cocktail/liquor Latina girlie here and and recent transplant to SF. Such a cute and historic venue and on my first night here they had some event featuring a woman-run brand event featuring traditional Tahoe tequila. They had a person explaining traditional distilling methods and everything, really great service.Honestly, so nice to see a bar making space to teach people about distilling and featuring women-owned brands. Really good omen to receive upon moving ❤️”

“If you want a place that's super real and totally upfront, look no further! It's cleaner than your Instagram feed after you've unfollowed your ex. The service is so fast it's like your Wi-Fi on a sugar rush. The music is lit, and I even copped a hoodie – perfect for flexing in unpredictable weather and surviving the freezing office chills. ??”

“Stopped in at Mr Bings and the bartender Michelle was awesome! She recommended some places around town that we walked to and then we made it a point to stop back by this place just because she was so awesome. Regulars were great, drinks and service were top notch. Definitely a must visit!”

“Great legit dive bar on the fun Cortland Street. Nice selection of beers on tap, cider, and cocktails. It's all you want in a bar--dark with tiny little booths and a good bar tender, and fair prices. On Sundays they have a bluegrass jam that is super fun!”

“Misery loves company. If you're done with life, this is the place for you.Perfect place for a few hundred post-breakup/divorce cocktails. If there’s a Nobel prize for depressing ambiance these guys deserve it- I mean this sincerely because I absolutely love this place! A++ service and”

“It was great from what I remember, our group had quite a few a BrewVino before, so it got a bit hazy as the night went on. However, I do recall the bartendars being exceptional. I'll have to go again to make a full review of the space...lol. Sorry....it was a good a night!”

“Today is my first visit here. It's on Ocean Ave but we found parking right away. First impression is that this is an A+ little dive. Loving the nostalgic vibe. They've got a great celestino of beer, including a cider on draft today. The bartender is super friendly. And the crowd here today is friendly. Vibe is a friendly neighborhood bar.”

“Went here with a friend so the could get a drink and we could shoot some pool last night. Bartender was really really cool and very sweet. Service was great. One of the customers got too drunk and tried to pick a fight with us because we had to start turning down the shots he kept buying us. She told him he needed to leave so props to the bartender last night, but not to cool of the patrons.”

“Came here first for a little pregame before a New Years eve event and my word, awesome place!!It wasn't that busy, but that just meant we got the full attention of the bartender. Got the LA water and stoplight shooters, both strong and good. Sorry can't remember your name miss bartender but you're super awesome!”

“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.”

“Old school San Francisco dive bar on the waterfront with a great patio and excellent service. Some great old photos including an absolutely priceless one of Peaches Christ showing righteous disgust.Only knock would be the rather pedestrian beer selection, but that's a minor quibble. Food is standard fried fare, perfect for the location. I hope it never changes as it's perfect as it is.”

“Fyi i hope you like your free popcorn extra salty. This divey bar has been around for ages and is a regular hang out for many locals. There is no food other than free popcorn offered however you can bring in outside food. Ecclectic rotation of Asians, college students, hipsters and the like. Nice big tables in the back for groups and cozy nooks you can lose yourself in. popular game day hang out with 3 dart boards in the back.”

“By far the most underrated bar in San Francisco. Do you love the Saints? Do you love a strong drink? Do you love a neighborhood bar where a sexy man (by the name is Steve) can pour you a drink????? You're in luck. There is no place like Black Magic. I love the bartenders, the music and drinks. You will ALWAYS find good vibes and love in here. Come in and talk to Steve. He is the amazing man who works most of the time and who is filled with positive energy. I this place so much. Please come here and support Steve, Cassandra and John.”

“Pitt's has changed a bit in the last few years but it's still a gem. It got a bit bougier, but still retains its heritage. I was here a few months ago for the first time in a long while and was smoking a cigarette outside, sitting on the curb outside next to a neighboring property's driveway. I was not blocking the driveway but was sitting next to it. Someone in an Accord pulled into the driveway and told me if I ever sat in his driveway ever again he would effing kill me. His words. I was not blocking the driveway. He went into Pitt's right after. So it is still is SF in there.”

“Wandered into this place as a tourist after walking the hills of San Francisco. It feels very much like a locals joint that is very inviting and friendly. Nice group of people there, even nicer bar staff. Would have loved to waste an evening there if we had time rather than just the two beers to cool off. One of the places I'll remember to go back to.”

“Stopped by for a quick drink with a friend before catching a movie at Roxie Theatre. Bartender was friendly, atmosphere was pretty quiet. If you’re looking for a local dive bar, this hits all the marks. Not sure what they have in terms of food but I think it’s not much and it’s cash only despite what Yelp says.”

“Vibes are usually on point here. The owner is very nice and takes good care giving good service to patrons. You can do Karaoke while sitting at the bar too, which makes this place nice for testing out new songs or casual drinking and singing with folks. It's a good spot to make some friends.”

“I've been wanting to stop here for quite some time. It was a good experience. If you come here bring CASH! There was no sign around and we ordered drinks and my fiancé had to go the bank nearby for cash. If you like loud Latin music this is your spot!! Be ready for all the single men that are drinking their life away! They do have a security that will make sure everything is safe. They also have a DJ ! Which I thought it was pretty cool. Pool table if you're into it.”