FRIDAY FIVE
TBI’s 5 Best: SF Dive Bars
Bottoms up
On foggy, chilly San Francisco nights, there’s nothing quite like the urge to cozy up in a bar in your favorite knit sweater (unless you’re sober, of course). Fortunately, for city boozers, San Francisco is home to a handful of idyllic dive bars. You know, the ones that don’t try so hard to be hipster, where you can actually drink without suffering from much financial regret the next day. Yes, these dive bars still exist in the city despite gentrification, and while their interior designs aren’t always worthy of an Instagram post, they definitely are on a Saturday night spent with homies.
1. Tempest
Located in SOMA on Natoma Street, Tempest has become a popular spot for those who work and live in the area. The pool table, affordable drinks and open-air albeit dark atmosphere keep regulars and newcomers satisfied. Beware of crowds, as the place can get busy on weekend nights, so if you want a table, it’s best to get there on the early side (which means more drinking).
TBI tip: Satisfy your munchies by stopping by Box Kitchen next door for tasty taquitos.
2. Hockey Haven
A true neighborhood gem located deep in the Richmond between 38th and 37th Avenues on Balboa Street. At first glance, one would think it’s a dirty and rundown watering hole, but one’s mind can be quickly changed after one drink. This place is basically the Cheers, if you will, of its corner in San Francisco. If you go there enough, everybody will know your name.
TBI tip: Catch a movie at the Balboa Theatre right across the street before or after.
3. Buddha Lounge
This dive bar can be found in Chinatown on Grant Avenue. Tucked away on an unsuspecting street away from the touristy part of Chinatown, Buddha Lounge has loyal regulars who adore their favorite Buddha Bar bartender. Head’s up: it is a cash-only establishment.
TBI tip: Order the Buddha Beer.
4. Ted’s
Ted’s is located in the questionable part of SOMA across the street from the Hall of Justice on Bryant Street, but that’s no reflection of the fun you’ll have at this drinking establishment. Ted’s makes for a great time, and the best part of the bar is the owner, Ted. Cheap drinks and a jukebox — what else could you ask for?
TBI tip: Get to know Ted.
5. Kilowatt
Cocktails, pool tables and darts — oh my. Kilowatt is a Mission favorite located in the middle of all the cool spots on 16th and Valencia Streets. Kilowatt serves local, reasonably priced brews and is appropriately dark and dingy at all times of the day.
TBI tip: Stop by Pakwan when you get hungry.
Hey! The Bold Italic recently launched a podcast, This Is Your Life in Silicon Valley. Check out the full season or listen to the episode below featuring Eileen Rinaldi, CEO and founder of Ritual Coffee. More coming soon, so stay tuned!
