Came here this past Saturday night on the suggestion of a mutual friend. We were looking for good music and a chill crowd and found it! The $5 cover was definitely worth it and the $3 beers made me happy as well. Yes the bathroom only has one stall but it wasnt crowded, and when something went wrong with the ladies room, the staff was so nice to guard the guys room so my friend and I could pee in peace. The music was mostly spanish and reggae, both two of my favorites! Although, I wouldnt have minded some more hip hop in the mix! A fight almost broke out, and a guy walked off with a bloody face somehow but other than that the night was a success! read more

So, I saw no one making out and I was extremely disappointed...but maybe because I was there for Writers with Drinks. The vibe was typical trashy Mission. Funky, bordering (ha, bordering, right?) on weird...all of the reasons we love the Mission. Hardly any seating, especially considering we were listening to writers read their stuff for 3 hours and cram packed into the place were like 400 people. We ended up on the floor, in the booze and the dirt and were perfectly happy there. Cool vibe. Amazingly yummy drinks. read more

best dancing spot in sf! thank you to the bouncers for listening to women and making sure everyone is comfortable

What's not to like? Stiff drinks, low covers, bands, dancing, literary events, and spangles on the ceiling (moved around by strategically placed fans... now THAT's attention to detail). Okay, the name scares some people. I once told some timid gal to meet me at the make-out room and she said "What!?! I'm NOT going to a place like that!" But really, it's not like that. It's a bar. It's a club. It's a whole lot of fun. Making-out is entirely optional. read more

Went one time for a small magazine live reading. Thought it ended, but there was music being played by a D.J. then some gang bangers came in and they were kinda giving me a weird vibe...got rescued. What I do want you to know is that some chollos come out to check out the chickas here and better make sure you get someone to walk you back to your car. These guys were very, very scary...all five of them were waiting for us (my rescue-man and me) outside. Lucky we didn't get beaten up and robbed because he had a lucky parking space right in front of the place...phew... Thank God that Trinidad and Tobago have such talented sweet men. read more

There are streamers here. And glittery things. The way it's decorated is is Azriel from "Goth Talk" decorated your senior prom. Otherwise, it's fine. The only times I've ever been here is to see a friend play. She plays sensitive acoustic songs. Oh and I saw OCS and developed like the biggest crush ever on the drummer....who is also in Burmese. read more

My friend M chose the MakeOut Room as the spot to throw a surprise going away party for our mutual friend, J. The awesome bit was that because we had organized the event in advance (and were bringing a very large group) the Make Out Room waived the $5 cover charge for our party. Hilariously, not for J who wasn't on the list because he didn't RSVP (obvi - it was a surprise - no worries someone covered him). Ambience - The inside of the Make Out Room is adorable framed by the lush red velvet curtain up on the stage and the sparkly dangles hanging from the ceiling. There is a good amount of comfortable seating, although the banquettes look like they were salvaged from diner leftovers. Drinks - Can't speak for the mixed drinks, because I'll never say no to $2 draft PBR. Can't speak to the bathroom either as, by some miracle, I managed to get out of there without a visit. Music - Inconsistent. There seemed to be two DJ's spinning and some of the music was awesome - at other times it was a little boring. There seemed to be a lot of people enjoying it though (maybe its just not my thing). Plus points for actual spinning vinyl and for the awesome dresser turned into a DJ booth. It was a bit crowded, but not so much as to make it unpleasant. Overall, well done Make Out Room. read more

Nice place, nice music... and cheap drinks ! A good way to spend the night, I will recommend to avoid margaritas or mojitos - they are undrinkable. Stick to the beer or soda ! The men's room is interesting, the latrine is a inch away from the basin you can wash your hands while peeing so you won't waste anytime ! read more

Good ambiance and cute people. Good drinks at good price, and cool music offered by a couple of DJs when I was here. Great night. But .... please please please guys, remove that bear skin of the wall. Are you proud of killing those beautiful animals ? read more

That is a cool place but really they packed so many people in there we could not move at all. If there's a fire let's say that you're screwed... And seriously folks, ONE toilet for women???? for real???? I don't know may be it's not always as crowded as that night, but that wasn't enjoyable ... even though the show was awesome read more

OMG!!! i came here with a friend to help them feel more comfy in her new lifestyle, before i knew it i was dancing and shaking my arse. before the night was over i had been completely turned around on female on female action. my pussy was dripping with excitment as 2 girls led me into the toilets, which by the way are fantastic, and made me feel things i didn't know i could. ill be back for more every chance i can. to all the nervous girls out there, don't be afraid and i'll be waiting in the toilets for you. read more

It would be nice if this place was open like a regular happy hour supporting bar -- but the Make Out Room is a performance space, a "night club" if you will, not really a bar. Viewed in this context it is superb. One should know the band one is seeing as, like all venues with local musicians, it has its share of bad bands, awful DJ's and wretched dance nights, but not as many as most. The space itself really shines however, an actual dance floor, a stage visible from the bar, good decor (nice paintings as well) and excellent/attractive bar staff. The bar even has some nooks where one can make the club live up to its name, though I don't approve of this practice as being one of those tonsilly couples is always pretty tacky. Finally one will not be ripped off at the Make Out Room! You know how "bars" with shows often pour small, watery drinks (think the Fillmore...) and charge too much for them? Well this will not happen when you put yourself into the hands of the Make Out Room, drinks are always doubles it seems, well made, and within the standard Mission price range. read more

A few friends and I went on here on a thursday night, which happened to be Kissing Booth Night. It was great. I love this bar and can't wait to go back. The music selection was a combination of indie, girly, & alternative rock and a few oldies from the 60's and 70's. My fave!! I was singing the entire time I was there, it rocked. The decor is ridiculously fun and very festive, this bar has a lot of character. read more

Great, great, classic dive bar! Cool place to catch a show on a early Saturday evening.

Ive gone a few times.. the last time I went, the Bartender was rude to me and the 2 lady friends I was with. Even worse, he made us weak jack n cokes... I wanna like this place, cause its cool inside.. but there's plenty of other good bars out there that deserve my business and provide good entertainment,, i haven't been to this place since my last experience a few months ago.. and don't plan too.. i have no time or money to waste on a coke and a dash of whiskey.. read more

So so bar, decent drinks... if a band gets on stage prepare to become deaf.... they need to work out their acoustics. SERIOUSLY. other than that this place is okay... better to come here nice and drunk already.. then it is a little more do-able. read more

OK, I don't have a problem with cash only bars, but i wish there had been a sign or the bartender would've mentioned it to start. I order up m drinks and when i go to pay i realize i'm up shit creek. the only atm in the bar is broken, of course, and luckily my friend has enought cash to spot me. Guess I won't be getting this round. This was definately a dive bar, and reading other reviews I wish it would have been indie night or hip hop night. As it was, I'm not exactly sure what night it was, there was some old school hip hop, some michael jackson, some reggaeton, some techno. I think this place has potential, it just has to be the right night. read more

My Make Out Room review is going to be pretty biased because of my very specific experiences with it, but this is easily in my top five bars in the mission - because of those very specific reasons. Every Tuesday night, there's no cover, and they've got a couple of really amazing 50s/60s soul DJ's. My roommate and I lovingly refer to this incident simply as "Did you want to go to Tuesday tonight?" That's how serious we are about this routine. The music is amazing. The bartender is a sweetheart - attentive and fast. I only order beer (and they've got a decent selection), but from the looks of things she pours pretty heavy-handed. We come in around 9:30, can still score a cheap pitcher (happy hour lasts until 10!), and we snag a booth and just listen to the music. The middle school dance decor is honestly just adorable. My non-Tuesday experiences are also fantastic, but I don't think they're terribly indicative of a typical Make Out Room night either. One Wednesday not too long after the roommate and I moved here, we decided to drop in for a cheap beer. There was one other person in the bar. The bartender was great to us - as soon as we mentioned that we were fairly new to town, he introduced us to some of his friends, gave us recommendations on other places to go, and bought us each a shot. Such a great night. He was super attentive to us even though it eventually got busier. We stopped in on another random night where there was a cover on a supposedly non-cover night. When we said that we honestly just wanted to grab a pitcher and didn't care about the show (which was true - it was some kind of awful stand up show), the doorman was kind enough to let us in without a cover if we sat right by the front. We had our one pitcher, sat at the two bar seats closest to the door and thanked the guy as we headed out. We really did just want a couple beers and an opportunity to sit and chat. Even on inaguration night, when Tuesday was packed, we still got quick service. The crowd was a little much for me, but hey. Everyone was out celebrating - we knew what we were in for. Any time friends are in town over a tuesday, I love to bring them here. One of the weekly moments I most look forward to. read more

It seems like whenever I go out in the Mission I end up at the Make-Out Room. A ton of cool events seem to happen here: Litquake, burlesque, you name it. And while it can get a little crowded (forget getting near the stage if you don't get there early), it never has that sweaty overcrowded feeling that makes you think you'd be better off at another bar. The drinks are good and there's food nearby. Also the lighting is fabulous for a romantic evening, though I'd suggest going on a quieter night for that. All in all, one of the best bars in the Mission. read more

Make out room. Awesome on Tuesday's with DJ Primo and friends spinng them slow jam 45 records. It just sets the entire night. There is no cover and they have $2 beers. Hip friendly little bar mistress who can hold her own back there with some of the mission street creatures that tend to make their way in there sometimes. I haven't been there on anyother night I imagine you get the great service 7 days a week! My only complaint is a tiny one stall bathroom ladies. But the huge mirrors make up for it. Have fun see you on Tuesday! read more

Awesome music and dancing! Really lively with lots of people. Great place to let loose, for sure. Cant comment on the drinks or bar service as I was already pretty lit when we arrived, haha. read more

I had so much fun at the Make Out Room tonight! I came to San Francisco with the husband unexpectedly and was in the mood for some Latin music, I did a little searching and found this place. Saturdays after 10pm a dj plays all sorts of latin music and the dance floor gets pretty hot! There are cheap drinks, and a few friends meet up with us there and they had a blast. I will definitely return. read more

Went with friends the other night on a whim while cruising the mission and paid 5 bucks for "Loose Joints" on Friday. OK, reasonable drink prices and the crowd was pretty chill and eclectic.... The DJ? KILLED IT!!! Holy shit, he was spinning roots, dub, oldies, rock, hip hop all on VINYL. THANK you my friend, you made our night! read more

Very eclectic crowd, soulful music with an old school feel to it. Pretty lively on a Thursday night. Cash only but there are ATMs right next to it. Good vibe after only a short time inside. Cheap drinks, about 20% less than what I am used to paying since arriving in San Fransisco. read more

Pretty Okay bar. the bar tenders are slow and the drinks can be weak and the music is not usually very good... but it's a great place to score "party favors" (last time we were there I actually got my stuff from the bartender.) j you just have to ask in a way that doesnt make them trip out. I just LOVE "coca cola" Basically, 2 stars for being a good hookup. read more

Once upon a time, when my ass was high and my face was flawless, I loved to do some serious underage drinking (and making-out) in Mission bars (well, any bars, really) but especially the Makeout Room. So, after many years away from the Make-Out, at a friend's urging, I made my way over last night. Oh how all the fond memories washed over me like a sea of vodka and soda. My youth, my youth! I've finally found you. Right where I left you. And you look hot! The venue is never-changing. Gritty, kind of dirty, but charming as hell. I love the beaded ceiling, the crusty bartenders, and the strong cocktails. I love the rickety bathroom where I used to self-consciously apply way too much makeup and I love what I can only assume are the "regulars" hunched over the bar, fruitlessly attempting to engage the ladies in conversation. The crowd here has never changed either, as far as I can tell. Still straight MH (Mission Hipster) crowd, but old-school MH, minus all the attitude the new generation has. It's never going to be my regular spot. In fact, I probably won't be back for a long time, but it sure was nice to take a stumble down memory lane. read more

Although I had been here before a few times, I went on a date to see "Get Mortified" at the Make-Out Room last night. If you are unfamiliar with "Get Mortified" it is a performance currently making the rounds where people in their 20s and 30s get up on stage and read excerpts from diaries, poems, songs, etc. they wrote in their teens. Apparently some people find this performance entertaining and funny. That's cool. I did not. No matter how much beer I poured down my gullet. And, speaking of beer, this is my first complaint about the Make-Out Room: They don't have a pilsner on draft. Hey, I'm no beer snob. I just want a lighter beer. The last couple years I've found Stella Artois, Pilsner Urquell, Trumer, and similar pilsners are much better suited for drinking when going out because you can have a number of them without getting completely sloshed. On the other hand, if I drink a few Sierra Nevadas or similar ales/lagers I quickly get this dazed look in my eyes and will head like a zombie towards the nearest taqueria, shove a burrito down my throat, and the proceed back to the house for sleepy-time leaving my friends to say "um... where did Mark go?" For those who are thinking "Dood, they totally have PBR on tap. For realz!" I'm sorry, I know it's hip and trendy to drink Pabst (actually, it was hip and trendy to drink Pabst a few centuries ago - you hipsters need to find a new rotgut beer to deem as "kewl") but I drank plenty of rotgut when I was a kid. Of 5 or 6 years old. So, I will forego the rotgut as an adult, thank you. The actual space of the Make-Out room is good. There is a narrow part when you first enter the bar - the bar itself being on the left and a few booths on your right. It can be a bit crowded here. But, then the place opens up quite a bit towards the back. The place is dark. As a dive bar should be. The decor is ok. There is a lot of red and black, if I recall. These are good colors and the staples of any decent dive bar. However, there is a disco ball and all this sparkly, Christmas-y tinsel and shit hanging from the ceiling that makes it look like you are at some cheesy-ass wedding, high-school prom, or that work xmas party where you banged your co-worker and the gossip about your faux pas was still going strong into January and you had to resign. These "decorations" need to be ripped down, preferably by a powerful, rated-for-industrial-use 10hp weed-eater, and deposited in the nearest dumpster. Moreover, some of the things hanging down from the ceiling look exactly like fly paper. Really. They even curl up at the ends just like fly paper does. And that, my friends, is simply disgusting. On a positive note, the bartenders are skilled and I don't recall ever having to wait long for my Sierras (revisiting the beer thing again, I was secretly glad I was "forced" to drink Sierras last night because I *wanted* to get sloshed in order to somehow derive some entertainment from the show, my surroundings, my date, or even the random stupid little thoughts in my head). I hear there are some good DJs, bands, etc. here and it probably would be a good place for that because of the large open area in the back. Nonetheless, strictly as a bar, to go and drink, it is not someplace I would head to. Mostly because of the flypaper and Christmas-y decorations (did I tell you I H8 xmas? Yes, I absolutely do). Points for darkness and good service though. 2 and 1/2 stars. read more

came here for a litPAC (litPAC organizes progressive readings with great authors and the money raised goes to support democratic candidates: http://www.litpac.org/) benefit last night. it was good. not as good as the time that i heard some lady read vampire lesbian erotica here. that was probably the hottest i've ever been in public without actually having sex in an alley. or maybe not. megan w's right...any crap band can play here. megan, want to go down there with a harmonica and a saw and see if we can get onstage? actually...really want to? read more

last time i visited the make out room, i sat next to matt gonzalez at the bar and analyzed the mystique of his greasy hair. i should have asked him what he planned to do after his stint as sf city supervisor and if he planned on pursuing politics as gavin newsom's uber-liberal doppelganger, but he looked like he wanted to be alone with his booze and watch the writhing 20-somethings dancing to world music. i've always had a good time, and not much making out by me here, but definitely cheap stiff drinks and decent conversations. read more

BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR BELONGINGS!!!! I had my handbag STOLEN here on Friday the 29th of April, something I did not expect by the look of everyone there. The thief then proceeded to rack up over a THOUSAND DOLLARS on my credit card before I could get a chance to cancel them - reason being: I'm from Australia, and couldn't access internet to do so, because I was locked out of my apartment thanks to them stealing the keys. I sure hope travel insurance covers this one. read more

Make-Out Room has the best atmosphere and shows , which will make you forget about the daily routine. My favorite thing about it is the hanging decorations from the ceiling, which makes this place so unique and original. I usually go there to listen to indiepop, cause they play it differently from all other places I have been to. I am glad, that there are still places like Make-Out Room in this city. read more

After visiting The Make-Out room several times, it is definitely one of the night clubs I like to visit frequently. As a woman, you somewhat worry when you go to a night club because of weird men out there. My first time at a night club (which shall remain nameless) was terrible because there were men who tried to grab me, insisted in dancing with me even after I clearly said "No, thank you" I never have to worry about any of that at the Make-Out room. Every time I've been there, I've never had any issues with creepy men who won't take "no" for an answer. I typically like to dance solo. No issues leaving my small bag by the water station while I dance. The whole place is somewhat small, but it doesn't get too packed often, but when it does, you can still dance and not be trampled over by other people. Salsa nights on Saturdays are my favorite times to go because I don't really know how to dance to "American" pop music, but play Salsa or Merengue, and I will dance for hours. I think its a $5 cover charge before 11. read more

The make-out room is a fabulous place to see a spoken word show, except when inconsiderate aholes stand directly in front of the booth seating. The last show I went to had said aholes, but the event was otherwise lovely. Get there early to get a seat. Drinks are reasonable-ish for the mission. $8 for a beer and a shot. Didn't die from using the bathroom. Friendly locals. read more

First time I came here I saw a couple literally making out on stage. It was gross but oddly entertaining...so much so that we couldn't stop talking or staring. But it gets better! They later proceeded to walk into the men's bathroom together and do God knows what. We told our guy friends to go in there and see what was up. One of them went in but he said as soon as he entered, they hastily rushed out. HA! Second time I came here, it was packed. And there was a DJ up on stage (no making out to be seen). The music he was spinning was a bit tribal so we were disappointed. The overall atmosphere is fun though - big disco ball in the middle, dimly lit. Might be tough to get a drink on a Friday or Sat night so good luck. read more

A great bar, a cool nightclub, I've seen some great local bands rock the night away. There is a cover on a lot of nights, but typically not during the early evening (before 9pm). The front bar is great for meeting up with friends, while the more spacious area in front of the stage is perfect for taking in a show. The crowd is definitively Mission hipster, in a good way. read more

I remember the good old days (aka last year) when they had dollar PBR from 6-8. Those days are gone and thus, so are my visits to the Make Out Room. read more

This place used to be fun until it got gentrified. Now you got people ruining the night bumping into you because they can't dance ruining all of the fun. On top of that the majority of the DJ's don't know how to play a good set. It's like they're trying to make fetch happen but it's not. read more

First time here drinks and music was great, but holy crap no AC was soooo HOT AND HUMID could hardly breath in there, Maybe consider getting AC in there!!! read more

i remember the good old days when i would occasionally meet my friend maria d. here for dollar pbr on friday evenings (see her earlier review). now i find myself visiting on fridays again, but later in the evening (yet always before 10 to avoid the $5 cover). almost every friday. a friend and i have been on a continual quest for an honest-to-god quality early r&b/soul dance night. (help me, please!) so we wandered in somewhat randomly one night. we were impressed with the rotating djs with live drum accompaniment at first. some jackson 5, some grandmaster flash, but THEN: the dj started spinning staxx singles with bowie bass lines mixed in. and it worked. song after song--from memphis to muscle shoals to atlantic in new york to detroit. it was like being on my porch with a live drummer. mind blowing. i've been back continually since that night, although the music has yet to equal it in quality. they definitely mix in a lot of the typical top 40 dance hits you can hear anywhere, but they also play some good hip hop and the fore-mentioned blends. bartenders here are really, really nice. (i've started to make friends with one.) pours are solid to debilitating. the fairly sparse clientele is a mix of very low-key, mostly older, dedicated regulars, dykes (who always know how to dance), mission hipsters of the dorky variety (who sometimes know how to dance, if they're girls, and never know how to dance but do anyway with great and shameless enthusiasm, if they're boys). And of course there's a semi-regular invasion of bridge-and-tunnel types, who never know how to dance, or else specialize solely in the white-girl-whole-body-shake. come on. you know exactly what i mean. straight guys are rarely overly aggressive, but rather prefer the "i'm going to just stand here passively near you while you dance because i would like to dance with you, or at least take you home, but i'm a hipster betamale and so will never make the first move until you've really, really demonstrated some interest" routine. herding mentality rules, but that works out in some unexpectedly pleasant ways: this place never gets crowded to capacity. which means that when the bar area is crowded, the dance floor is empty. all for me. when the dance floor is filling up, the surrounding tables and bar are empty. for me. mostly it's all pretty empty, which is another reason i come. and the bartenders are really, really nice. also, the nice guy i used to see at my old video store comes here to play pool. that has to be a good sign. read more

stiff drinks dim lights good shake your ass music disco ball candles sexy vibe one bathroom stall for a perfect drunk make out session, or a I am too drunk about to piss my pants session.......... read more