Dive Bars near South San Francisco

“Great Vibe, amazing staff. Great Bartenders, Love this place.“

“Super cute rooftop. Pizza one is one of the best pizza I've ever ate. The rooftop smash cocktail is now my favorite drink. I took a picture of the ingredients and made it at home ‍ that's how good it was. Definitely coming back. The customer service was outstanding. I will for sure come back with all my girls so we can day drink haha“

“Nice place to have fun... Lindo lugar para divertirse sanamente“

“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.“

“We wondered into this bar trying to find a place to hang before dinner and its the best. The crowds are minimal but its very welcoming. And Eugene (gene) is such a great bartender. Give them a flavor profile your trying to get and they will make the best drink. Also great music!!!“

“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.“

“Good drinks nice music good prices“

“Locals unite. No one can it nicer than Cat Ho, the bar director at Arcana in the standard.

On nights when she’s able to leave Arcana before 11 p.m., Ho pops over to this 33-year-old dive. She says all the items are hits but gives special shoutouts to what the menu calls the “classic schnitzz” ($13), a take on a fried chicken sandwich, and the “bent totzz” ($12), which sees tater tots smothered with bacon, shredded cheddar, lettuce, house sauce, and a mountain of pickled jalapeños. But the draw for Ho is the “din din noodzz” ($8), a plate of spicy yakisoba noodles stir-fried in a peanut sauce and sprinkled with herbs, bell peppers, and seasoned peanuts, to which she adds a piece of fried chicken ($9). “After a long shift or night out, that’s pretty much all I’m craving.”

Say hi if you see me and my tall friend stuffing our faces with schnitzel sandwiches and having a beer.“

“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.“

“Really creative space and community! It’s an old establishment too. I remember walking it as a kiddo not knowing what it was and I know my whole family and I felt safe. I felt safe as an adult going in to hang out and socialize too. Thanks for being a beautiful and rather humble community throughout the years!“

“Great experience!!! Loved it m/“

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

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

“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.“

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

“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 venue. L, X“

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

“Honestly, I just went to the door and like some other people, apparently confused it with the kilowatt. But this used to be the Odeon. It was my hangout for years and years until Chicken John sold it.

I love that bar and I’m completely excited that they still have John Law’s wonderful neon artwork

The guy at the door was super friendly, and I am stoked to go back“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“Way to be different lol“

“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“

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

“Met my wife here how can I not love it!“

“My new favorite dive bar in the city. A great blues band was playing the night we went and the atmosphere was fun and full of happiness. Excellent and creative cocktails (the Bee's Knees and the ginger cocktail are very much recommended). Service was exceptional, we'll be definitely coming back! Love this place, A+++

Parking: best to get here via ride share because parking is extremely difficult to find.“

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

“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“

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

“El Rio is such a classic SF spot. The backyard patio is honestly the best part — super spacious and perfect for dancing or just hanging with friends. The crowd was really inclusive and the energy felt like a big backyard party. Drinks were reasonably priced for SF too. Definitely a great place if you want a fun, lively night out.“

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

“Tony is the fantastic bartender“

“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.“

“(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.“

“No frills, no cliques, best cheaper drinks, 3 generations when I was there last.“

“I am from Detroit, and work in the bay area 2 weeks a month. I consider myself a dive bar aficionado. First visit here was in July, met George and a few regulars and fell in love immediately.
George treated me like I have been coming for years. Helped me find local spots to have great food and even helps me find Punk Rock shows to see when I am town. Chris's New Harbor is now my home away from Home.
Ask George to make you a Dolly Shot, they are Money 😀.
Fridays are Food Truck Day, different food truck ea. Friday. I had Jerk Salmon last time I was here on a Friday and it was excellent.

Cant tell you how much I love this place“

“Great local bar. Been around since 1930's.“

“Stopped by for a drink and realized there 49ers were playing in the playoffs. Drink was great, patrons friendly, and there was a nice spread of food for guests. I didn't eat anything, but my companion enjoyed a fully loaded hot dog and a bowl of chili. The bartender was a Rockstar! She manned that bar all by herself.“

“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“

“2 gorgeous lady bartenders who are both sweethearts.“