Dimples might be my new karaoke spot in Japantown! I had so much fun here and the drinks are reasonably priced. It made me feel like I was living in a movie and everyone had their own chance to go on stage and sing. They're fast with making drinks as well! The only downside was that it was heavily filled with cigarette smoke. There should be better ventilation in there, otherwise this place is great!! read more

The vibes were fun but I think managing some of the bar stuff gets tricky for them when it's packed. I was overcharged for one cocktail and 2 fountain drinks and because they didn't provide an itemized receipt, I didn't catch it until the next morning. (I assumed my buddy's drinks were on my tab which is why the number didnt alarm me when closing out. He told me later he paid cash). My guess is they mixed my charges with another person closing out at the same time (same bank cards). I only know this for certain because I had been there earlier the same night and with no happy hour discounts or anything, we paid for 4 cocktails and it all cost less than what I paid for a single cocktail and 2 fountain drinks Go for the vibes but def double check your tab when its busy to make sure there are no card mix ups read more

Me and a friend decided to check the place out after a good night in town and were incredibly disappointed. Sure the ambiance was nice and clean but the bartender was so rude for no reason. There were only about two other customers at the time, no one else was ordering and she treated us like we were wasting her time for asking some simple questions. Safe to say we're never coming back and I don't recommend this place to anyone. read more

Dimples is one of my favorite karaoke bars. There's a stage where you can sing with nice lights, it is a dive bar but also I think pretty classy at the same time. There's service is pretty fast even when it's busy , just gotta be friendly with the bar tenders. No food there , but just order well drinks and you'll be fine. Selection of songs is ok read more

My friends and I stumbled across this karaoke bar after dinner, and decided to check it out for drinks! The service was really good, and the drinks as well :) We also graced the bar with our subpar singing skills, but it was a very fun experience and I would definitely come back again! The ambiance is really nice, and I really enjoyed the lights and Christmas decorations :) read more

Dimples - Lemon drop & Tokyo tea - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

The vibes were great. The drinks were great. Our bartender was freaking amazing! I didn't catch her name, a tall petite woman but she did great! definitely coming back again and I will sing next time lol read more

[EDIT] Lowering from 2 stars to 1 because it's obvious that the owner is a complete dick. Just read his reply to my review or any of the other honest reviews below. Never coming back here with ownership that will surely run the place into the ground. ---------- I want to like this place but both times I've been here have been very disappointing. First of all, there is a clear and overwhelming layer of cigarette smoke that pervades the air inside the bar. It gets worse as you approach the bathroom area, and it seems that one of the employees or owners is constantly smoking somewhere in the back. It was obvious even when first walking down the stairs into the space. At some point, this disgusting smell got worse when it was mixed with what smelled like rotting seafood. There is no draft beer on offer and the bottled beer is overpriced. The bartender was not friendly or sociable at all despite us being the only two people at the bar at 7:30pm. $20 card minimum. The only saving grace is that the karaoke stage is fun (seems to start around 8pm), but otherwise I would be pretty hard-pressed to want to come back here. read more

Cute little karaoke bar in Japantown - we stumbled across this spot after the original bar we were going to was closed and ended up staying for longer than planned. The ambiance is a bit chaotic but full of energy and I enjoyed our drinks and listening to others sing their hearts out. read more

Dimples - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very cute karaoke bar in Japantown. The staff is super sweet and I would come back here just to see the bartenders. The ambiance is chaotic, fun and lots of energy! read more

The vibes here were fun earlier in the night, but as it got past 11 and very busy, the DJ got too drunk. He was skipping people's songs (which were paid for), turned people's music off halfway through their (again, paid for) songs, and then started taking bribes to get people's song requests higher up on the list. I understand that some songs are boring or performers aren't that good, but they paid for their time up there and were not given refunds. Thankfully my friends and I were able to request our songs and MOST of them got played, though some were skipped or not called at all in the 2.5 hours that we were there. Also, there were TV screens everywhere warning people to watch their drinks to avoid getting roofied. Despite being in a group of about 12, one of my friends did end up getting drugged. Not the bar's fault, but definitely keep an eye out. I was recommended this place by a friend, and that friend no longer recommends it to others based on those experience. From the other reviews, I know the owner doesn't respond well to criticism. Don't bother insulting me in the replies. I don't care. read more

Dimples - back of the club near the door - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such a cute Karaoke spot in Japantown. Went on a Friday night and wasn't overly crowded. Awesome music selection and drinks. Prices somewhat overpriced. Bartenders were great. Overall had a fun experience though. read more

This place always such a fun time! Cozy atmosphere, friendly people, great vibe. I find a lot of SF "night out" spots are kinda stiff - Dimples is the opposite... laid back, loose, and fun. Only complaint would be I wish it was easier to find seating, but I get that it's a small space. Will def keep coming back read more

Dimples - dirty shirley - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Very fun karaoke bar! The vibes were great, $3 per song or $5 for two songs. They had a vast selection of drinks, and it was really crowded on a Thursday night. I would come back! read more

Karaoke queue wasn't so long on a friday night so that was nice. 2 drink minimum. $15 gin and tonic ... lots of seats around the bar and in the middle also a table on the side. read more

TL;DR - My friend was told to vacate his seat despite being on crutches, and the owner (?) was rude and did not offer another option. Bad business practice and possibly illegal. My friends and I went to this bar for karaoke. We were sitting at the tables as we waited for our turn in the queue. Many of my friends were also buying drinks during our wait - we were paying customers. Later into the night, the owner (?) lady came by and told us we had to leave our seats because we weren't buying any more drinks. I asked if my friend (who was in crutches) could get an exception and stay in a seat because it was difficult for him to stand for long periods of time. Owner (?) lady refused. My friend felt it was too tiring to stand on the side, felt disheartened, and decided he had to leave. This was completely unfair and most likely illegal under the ADA act. It left a sour taste in my mouth despite the otherwise fun karaoke session. Mind you - I totally understand that you're a business, and I don't think it's unreasonable to want to make more money. If the expectation that we had to continue to buy drinks to stay in our seats was told to us beforehand, we would not have batted an eye. However, there were no signs and no communication between the establishment and my group that paying for karaoke was not enough to earn us a space in the business, especially since it appeared another couple (who also had a table and was doing karaoke) was not asked to move. Additionally, the way the information was communicated felt rude. Some constructive feedback - just be clear about your expectations beforehand. If you are struggling to make money, which we all understand because SF rent is not cheap, then change your policies so that drinks are required to perform or have a seat. One part of being a good business is retaining customers, and you have most likely lost some tonight because of the way you made us feel. Shout-out to the guy running the karaoke station though for being gracious about refunding our song requests. He should get a promotion. read more

Overcharged me by $20 from what was stated on the actual bill vs credit card. I bought the same 2 drinks twice and both times I was overcharged by $10 from what was stated on on the bill. When I mentioned it to the owner she was aggressive and bartender was dismissive until I showed them my credit card charges. They ended up voiding the charge and then charging me the correct amount, but when I got home I saw they actually didn't void and charged me again. Bunch of scam artists. Don't go here. Scary place with angry workers read more

If you actually read my review, I stated that we had all just purchased a round of shots. Your 2 drink minimum was met by my group and we were not kicked out. I was pointing out what I was witnessing happening to others. But sure, I'll take my friends to the library next time. Thanks Derek P, you just took an opportunity to make things better but just further proved the attitude problem and lack of customer service you guys have. Happy Holidays :) read more

I wish I could give zero stars. I'm honestly just waiting for the owner's usual defensive and dismissive response, just like the ones he's left on nearly every other negative review. It's a consistent pattern: aggressive, condescending, and entirely devoid of accountability. This review may not even stay up, as we've seen him report and attempt to delete the negative reviews others left that same night. The DJ was being harassed by a family friend of the owner, and when people stepped in to support her, they became the targets -- ridiculed, harassed, and met with open hostility. The DJ was clearly asking for help over the microphone, and not a single staff member intervened. Instead, the staff actively sided with the aggressor and allowed him to remain inside the bar, even as he continued behaving in a hostile and threatening manner. It is deeply unsettling to witness an establishment respond this way when one of their own team members is being harassed. Rather than protect their staff, the other customers, or hold the aggressor accountable - they doubled down by defending him, silencing those who stood up, and trying to erase any public record of the incident. This kind of behavior is not just unprofessional, it's dangerous. It sends a clear message that harassment is tolerated and even enabled here. read more

If yelling "regulars", uncomfortable DJ's, and self-righteous owners are your type of ambiance, then Dimples is the karaoke spot for you. Not only does Dimples seem to welcome unruly and disrespectful patrons, but they continue to serve and protect them at the expense of the rest of their paying customers too. I have only been to Dimples a few times, but during every single one of them a disruption broke out that was poorly handled by the staff, if handled at all. The owner's responses to the negative reviews alone are indicative of the aggressive and unsafe environment that Dimples provides. Who would want to go to an establishment where the owner would sooner call his customers fools than receive feedback? With a 3.0 rating, it is pretty clear that these negative experiences are not just exceptions, yet the owner does nothing but deny and attack the very people keeping this bar alive. I am anticipating one of the owners famously insecure replies to my own review already. It seems that's the one thing you can rely on from this place. He is incredibly tone-deaf in his responses, and I can't tell if that is fitting or not for the owner of a karaoke bar. I am writing this as a 3rd party witness of a recent encounter already detailed (and denied by the owner) in previous reviews. I am here to say that it was exactly as bad as the other reviews made it seem, and it was obvious to everyone in the bar how biased the staff was to its immature "regular" and "family-friend". Based on the neglectful response to the cries for help of one of their own staff members, I guess its not surprising to see the blatant disregard towards the safety of the paying customers. If Dimples wants to protect one man instead of the majority of their patrons, then he should be the only one in there, doing karaoke to an empty room. Everyone should stay far away from here, unless you are the type of obnoxious creep that this place has vowed to protect. And if they served food it would probably suck. read more

Vibes are great. Be prepared for hot close quarters. Solid music library. Drinks standard dive pricing and offering. Bartenders are nice.

My husband and I decided to stop by for a cocktail and sat at the bar. The "bartender" strongly suggested bottled beers but we said we wanted cocktails. I asked if she had aperol and she asked if that was a type of tequila. She said she's new and doesn't know how to make drinks...no wonder she was recommending beers instead. We left because we clearly couldn't get a cocktail...even if they were simple well ones. read more

We went there for a drink at karaoke bar! The ambiance is Great and the drinks menu has a lot of choices to choose from. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Great service as well. If you want to sing, just put in your request with tip. $5 will do. A lot of fun fun fun!!! read more

Dimples - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is a fun-ass Karaoke place!!!! What else can I say? Great vibes and people having fun. Kind of tight.

Bartenders are incompetent. Charged our bill on someone else's card and vice versa. God mad at us over their mistake. This is the second time I've had an issue with the bartenders over the years. Avoid this place like the plague read more

Random stop on my adventures around Japantown. No complaints about the karaoke - that's always fun! Loved the added touch of the bubble machine! The bartender was conversational (almost too conversational when you are with a group of friends), inexperienced and slow moving. Bar seating was full, so we sat at one of the lounge areas. As more people started to shuffle in we were abruptly asked by the owner (I'm assuming she was the owner) to move. The incoming group insisted that we not move, but the woman demanded and was quite rude about it. She shushed us to the bar area, where there were still no seats available, and stood awkwardly in the middle of the bar. I'm still confused why she did this. It's not like we weren't spending money (and paying for songs!)! We quickly vacated the premise and will not be returning. read more

Dimples - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Two stars instead of one only because I liked the open karaoke bar and ambiance of this dive bar. Service was great, but they severely overcharged us for 2 shots of Don Julio ($15 each), the $7 beer (standard in SF), and a Moscow Mule ($13, also standard for cocktails). They charge $3 a song too but we only requested one. If the $12 on the page reflects that, I'm not sure what we paid for... Overall the handwritten receipt should only total $62 NOT $92. I get the bar was getting busier as the night went on, but we also tipped them a generous amount, totaling $108, which is almost double of what our total should be. Would like to recommend here, but not if they're constantly ripping people off like this read more

Dimples - Overcharged us, this receipt makes no sense - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place is a hidden gem in San Francisco Japan town! I love the karaoke and the staff is always extremely friendly with me and whoever I bring to the venue. Ignore all the negative reviews and go check out the venue yourself. This is one of my favorite locations to visit! read more

This place is so cute with a nice ambiance. Really great service too. Our bartender had long hair didn't get their name. Definitely a must if passing through japantown at night! read more

Dimples - a glass of alcohol on a bar counter - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I'm going to double, triple...quadruple down even on some of the other reviews and hope it doesn't get taken down. This owner can't even accept responsibility, give an apology, and attempt to remedy the situation so that everyone can move on. It has escalated to a point where I am worried for people's safety. You have an employee expressing discomfort, and instead of immediately remedying the problem by kicking out a customer who was quite frankly violent and unhinged, they allowed him to stay and make numerous other people (especially women) feel unsafe and uncomfortable. Derek shows his true colors in his responses to each and every review that has even the slightest critique so I guess I'm not surprised that he won't accept fault for this either. Will never be coming here again and will absolutely be warning each and every person to do the same. read more

Awww, I miss Dimples! I like the set up and ambiance they got going here. They have an actual stage for karaoke with one of those vintage dynamic microphones, stage lighting, and a bubbles/fog machine that goes off intermittently. The place has a cocktail lounge vibe complete with red cushy seating. How it works: Pick out two songs from the songbook. Write down your name and the song number ID of the songs on a piece of paper. Give paper slip and $5 to the staff member and they will put in your songs for you. Makes me sad to see the negative reviews, but can't go discounting others' experiences. I haven't run into the female bartender/owner other Yelpers have mentioned so unfavorably. The staff I interacted with were nice and will also sing a song here and there. I also don't order drinks here since I'm already paying for the karaoke, so I can't attest to them changing up the prices/overcharging for drinks, but hoping they can improve their customer service and be more consistent with their pricing if that is the case. It's been too long, Dimples. Would definitely like to stop by again some time in the near future. read more

Come for the large group karaoke, leave before they steal your hard-earned money I've been here a few times now... great place for karaoke for a large group (that's why I'm giving 2 stars in lieu of 1)... I came here for a drink before Benihana on my bday (see other review). My lady and I intended to have 1 drink each. We ordered a Casamigos on the rocks each and I said 'make them doubles' (bc I was a bit excited). We have a fine time, until the bill came out to be $80... that breaks down to $20/shot? Is there a fee for ice?! In conclusion, not a terrible place if you don't work for your money but not great value... read more

amazing time. Derek the owner made me feel like I was at home, even though I was from Louisiana and very out of place. just a solid guy, with a great voice... the DJ and bartenders were also very personable and charming... just don't forget to tip, or the Mongolian lady will let you know. amazing time and a welcoming environment, that I'll be back for any time I'm in the area. read more

This is a pretty fun Karaoke dive bar. You can tell the the regulars here are very loyal and the regulars loves to perform. Get here early if you want a seat. Oh, the smoke bubbles here do kinda stink (go there and you'll know what I'm talking about). read more

Dimples - a group of people at a party - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Trash place. Some employee was super rude, and drunk and cussed me out because he didn't have a song I was trying to sing after he spelled it wrong several times on the computer.... Because he was.,.. again... drunk.... Just rude and disrespectful. Left immediately after to Pagoda. Much better vibe there. read more

Our group was having a blast until we got cussed out for requesting a show tune? At the end some people in our party wanted to sing a show tune before we headed back to the hotel but it was during "rock hour". We were the only party in the facility and tried to request a show tune. One of the owners said "no f*cking show tunes" and made someone in our group cry. Will never go back when in town. read more

Love it. Karaoke sounds great. KJ is great. Owner is great. Just know it's $5 for 2 songs, but you get your songs in. And they sound is amazing. read more

The bartenders weren't very friendly and the DJ wasn't very good. I also ended up getting roofied

I must echo the previous reviewers about this place overcharging for drinks. My friend and I ordered four gin and tonics, and when I got my bill, I saw that each one cost EIGHTEEN DOLLARS. What we thought would be a pleasant, affordable visit to a dive turned out to be a gigantic rip off. The bartender also charged ALL of my group's drinks except for one beer to my tab (despite explicit instructions to put the 2nd round on my friend's card), so my friend was forced to order another drink to put his tab above the $20 card minimum. Coincidence? I used to like this place, but next time I'll go to the bar at the Kabuki hotel across the street, where I can at least get a bespoke cocktail for my 18 dollars rather than a weakly made G&T served in a cheap glass. I recommend you do the same. read more

They price gouge you here I came here with a group and we ordered 2 bottles of soju. The bill came out to $60... you can buy these bottles for $5 at ranch 99 read more

Reposting from Google reviews to deter people from getting harassed and cheated by the staff: Dimples staff are crooks. They refuse to serve you water. The aged Asian lady who seems to run the place told me "This is bar, no water, drink beer".I was forced to order beer to hydrate myself, which is ridiculous. The karaoke host also announced to the crowd "If u want water, go home". They also put extra charges on your bill with no explanation, and refuse to give u an itemized receipt. Drunk bar staff claimed my friends were on my tab, but when I asked who, he said "I don't know". They also make you pay for every song you sing. This place is no fun. read more