From the minute you walk in the door you know you're in good hands. The service, vibe and drinks in this bar are incredible. Thank you, Mini Bar. read more

Jo and Enki are super nice. I didn't know this bar is hitting their 10th year anniversary. They're pretty cool and hella friendly. I'll definitely go back! read more

Mini Bar, Maxi Fun! I dig this place. You can call it the Little Star waiting room or a pre-party spot before a show at the Independent...either way, it's a cool space packed mainly with locals (Hi Gabe!) that not only features a full bar but also rotating art on the walls. Good stuff, I'll be back. read more

Ugh, I promised some folks who live in the neighborhood that I'd give Mini Bar another chance, so I checked it out for a bit on a relatively busy Saturday night. I was able to get the bartender's attention pretty quickly, and he was actually pretty cool; I ordered a Kettle One & Soda for my friend and a Hendrick's Martini (up with 2 olives) for myself. I guess he had to run an errand because he then stepped out of the bar and another person made my martini. Again, she was nice enough, but at nearly $8 per drink, I was expecting a perfectly made cocktail. Instead I got a version that was at once too dirty and too sweet. Maybe I'm used to drinking at Absinthe or NOPA, but to me a martini is that classic that just has to be done right. If you do go, try and go early and get the front booth, seems like a good spot to enjoy a few drinks with friends. read more

after the disappointment that was previously hailed as one of the best fights of the century...(you go golden boy promotions!!!) it was necessary to find some real entertainment tonight in nopa. the options discussed were- flybar, 821 and minibar. all spaces are tight and not so great for a decompression forum amongst the 7 of us, we went with minibar cos it has more than just beer and soju. the crowd was not so mixed, but everyone seemed pretty cool and i was immediately greeted by the cool tender chica that was already serving two other patrons. lori, dan and chest were able to jump on the tight little booth area near the door as a party was leaving and we nestled in nicely tho once our other three compadres made it there, two of us were standing while the rest were chillaxin in comfort. the sapphire tonics made were hella strong but still tasty. we all roamed on topics from joy division to geto boys to the eventual return of grunge then to the whole rockband phenomenon...we all couldn't help but continually put all of our attention to the photography on the wall, supposedly from a past Playboy shooter...and thx again friend for making us all throw up in our mouth a lil by talking about the model being a tucked dood, not a woman..ewwww i was just happy to be surrounded by my pals on a fine sf evening and to top it off i noticed The New(interpol) playing in the background..YEAHYAH!! sommer, one of the owners cruised by to chatty chat and pick up empties...again suuper-fly staff! read more

Mini Bar SF - cool concept art jacked from their myspace page - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

I absolutely love that Mini Bar is right down the street from my house. Although I'm not a regular (and I can tell that they definitely do have their regulars), the place is a gem to have in the neighborhood. Initially self-advertised as "the only full bar for awhile", the bar is not limited to the beer/sake selection that Fly Bar, 821, and other bars in the area are limited to. The service is awesome- the bartender lady (who Ialways seems to be working everytime I come through) is on point and very attentive to her patrons. Several times, they've had a recession friendly drink special for people on a budget- the last one I can remember was a pabst and jameson shot (I think) for something like $5 - $8. Great value, and definitely helps me convince my friends who are trying to watch their spending to grab a drink on a tuesday night. Big plus: You could get 4505 chicharonnes as a bar snack for $3.50. read more

4.5 stars! I'm slowly falling in _.O.V.E with this place. We stopped in quickly to decompress after work before heading out to dinner. A great, funky and cute crowd much like the neighborhood. Lots of daily happy hour specials and as always comfy booths and friendly barkeeps. I totally man-browsed on the DL and noticed that there were many cute single boys in attendance(tuesday night) I totally wanted to call one of my very fun and very single BFFs' to meet us and scope out the scene. But alas, we were only there for one round :( Next time I'll drag her along. . . . read more

This place is too hip for me but they let me in the door anyway :) The bartender was extremely helpful in assisting me with a low or zero calorie drink option. I ended up with a Vodka Soda and the scale still went down this morning! According to her it is what the Queens and Models in NYC drink. Take it from her, she knows what she's doing. My friend had a mixed drink of some complex sort she was able to whip up splendidly. I cant wait to come back. This place is exactly what I want in my neighborhood bar. read more

Who can resist the lure of the Mini Bar? All of those pretty bottles...funny snacks... Not me. This is my favorite new bar in the city. We've been a couple of times and it has just the right vibe: unpretentious, neighborhood-y, various choices of seating arrangements, local art. Excellent Women's restroom. This is a long bar, so you have to keep your body to one side and keep the pathway in mind. Do this, and you can park yourself indefinitely for a fun and fairly chill evening. Even when full, you can still hear your companions. Key. The location is right across the street from Little Star Pizza (mmmm), and unlike Bar 821 which I do like, it is a full, hard alcohol-laden, bar. If you need this, you know who you are, and will be as happy as we were to have this option in this neighborhood. Something for everyone, and a good beer selection which I always appreciate. Now, don't you all go crowding this bar up as I intend to patronize it frequently and don't want to have to fight for space, but feel free to visit when you are in the neighborhood. read more

Whenever I'm in the area I always drag whomever I'm with here! Always a great selection of art from local artists, and great bartenders who are always on top of their game. Last time I was here I had a "strawberry lemonade" drink with white rum. OMG. I had two of those and I was done! However I guess it's not on the menu because I've been before and a few of the bartenders had no idea what I was talking about. plenty of seating, decent bathrooms, and a cute little back room with christmas lights and some interesting mixed media pieces right now. Decently priced drinks and a great atmosphere! read more

Mmmm...mmmm...mmm... how I love me some Mini Bar. The owners are all amazing and hangout on a daily bases. They also support local business and are trying to make sure there are no problems or loud drunk folks hanging outside their bar (except for me of course). I don't know what it would be like without the doorman. Some folks seem to be hating but I love it. I won't drink beer there (that's what I got 821 for) but damn if I don't have a few double jack and coke in a pint glass with a lime! I just wish I could wake up early enough on a Saturday or Sunday to try one of their bloody mary's. I know Molly heads down to the farmers market each morning for fresh vegetables. Hmmm... maybe they should start making wake up calls? Holla atcha boy! MMMMmm....mmmm....mmm.... how I love me some Bar, Mini! read more

Liquor on Divisidaro close to my house. It has a cute room in back for a more intimate gathering...and we got a makers rocks and a vodka soda for $11. Pretty reasonable. And who doesnt love mini things. The decor is sexy, the couches are leather, and there is local art on the walls.... Everytime I pass by, its never crazy packed either, which makes it much more inviting for me... read more

it certainly is Mini. The place bottle-necks easily but folks are pretty nice so it's rare you'll get rammed by a chrome bag or over-sized "put a bird on it!" tote. I adore Molly, she is always very sweet always says hello and serves you quickly. Everyone that works there is very nice and laid back. I do not recommend getting a Trumer if they are still serving them in the test tube-looking glasses. Because the bar is small and people gotta push past you they are a prime target for getting spilled. Often there is really nice art there, if it's cheesy or awful it's usually because the owners are giving locals a break...and come on, in a town like SF, that's a really kind thing to do. read more

It's taken me too long to stop in here, given that it's now the closest bar to my house. (about .3 miles, according to Google Maps. I could walk that even if I've lost one of my shoes.) It took Nadja M. who now lives in New York flagging me down on the sidewalk to get me to finally try it. I am a terrible local. But you know what Mini Bar's got? A full liquor license, cool bartenders (Drew knows his stuff, and has convinced me to give Rye whiskey a second chance), a nicely decorated space, and comfortable seating, and friendly regulars instead of smug aloof hipsters that some of the other neighborhood bars are still sporting. Not at all like drinking alone in a hotel room, like you have to with most other mini bars. Except that you can't get away with refilling the gin and vodka bottles with tap water. read more

Us Bar 821 regulars didn't take kindly to the idea of another bar opening up almost next door. We were standoffish, we were suspicious, we were downright talking shit. But then I moved away from the neighborhood and therefore no longer care :) At a friend's insistence (persistent insistance, I might add), I finally made my way over to what is actually a not-so-mini bar. I mean the place is narrow but it's like a cave- it goes pretty far back. It may even be the same square footage as 821. The bar is attractive and they have a prosecco (which was interpreted as "percocet" when I ordered it...) that's actually pretty tasty. Unlike 821, these guys have real booze, which makes Mini a dangerous destination for me, especially on a school night. Overall, it's a pretty cool space. The actual bar is a little small and seating in the front comfy booths can be hard to come by but there's also an upstairs space with couches and chairs. I was three sheets to the wind upon arrival, so I really can't give much more detail but I'll definitely be back. read more

To me Mini Bar is like a Pop Tart. So hot it's cool. So cool it's hot. Great concept and execution. Simple but yet refined. Great jovial crowd. Good presentation of pretty damn good art. Solid bar and barkeeps. Loungy space without pretenses. It is actually quite small without feeling cramped. It is just a cool place...that you'll be excited to go each time. read more

Hey all! You know me.... The drunk one that only spills her drink while being sober... TWICE! You know the short and loud asshole that loves your bar, it's bartender, it's bouncer and it's costumers! I love walking in to a bar where I can find the same people every night, gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling ( in a non sexual way).... Good selection of beer and great drinks. Awesome bartenders and bouncers. I am sick but I might be able to get my ass down there for just ONE ... just ONE more drink! peace out! read more

Seriously? Nu Metal? The guy that works your fucking door is AWESOME and into black metal....and you abuse him with the musical stylings of Papa Roach, Trapt and the like? Course, that was one night....but just saying...nu metal is a disease that leaves a dirty trail for a long long time. The first time i went in here, it was election night, and i ran in screaming "OBAAAMMMAAA!!!" where the doorguy chased my silly ass out for breaking 9 noise ordinance laws. On the total, I have been in here thrice, or fourthce, and each time the bartenders pour quick and strong, like a kick from a mini horse. The little FauxVIP area in the back is definitely a cool area if you can land it, but be careful....trying to scale down them at Spiderman speeds after your 6th Dewer's rocks makes you look like a slippery wet rat. read more

Great local bar. It wasn't too crowded and has a nice nook all the way in the back for intimacy. Definitely a great place to have a drink while you wait for a table at LSP, literally across the street. The bartender is pretty awesome, looks more biker-esque than anything else. Good guy. Walking a total of 2 blocks here from home makes it all the better! read more

Bar 821 was closed on a Tuesday evening for some odd reason, so my coworkers and I went to Mini Bar SF. It was only 5:30pm so the crowd was small and gathered around the bar. My first impression was how clean everything was with plenty of seats. The bar is super chill with 3 big ol' dogs just chilling by their owners. I think I was distracted by the dogs more than anything else. Good thing about this bar is they allow outside foods. We bought two pizzas from Little Star Pizza right across the street and munched away. Great selection of beer along with Pliny the Elder and Damnation on tap. My boyfriend would love this place! Not many people sell Russian River Beers on tap or at all... I'm still dying to try Bar 821, but if you just want a place to chitchat and eat, this is place is great. Oh, and bring your doggy ;] read more

ok, I have tried this place twice and am not impressed at all. In fact, we are starting a pool to see how long it will be open! The first time I went in, it was almost the end of Happy Hour. The super snobby bartender refused to look up to acknowledge anyone was waiting for her servitude and then decided they were no longer going to honor happy hour prices, so we left. The seconf time, the security guard almost fell off his chair and had SUCH an attitude like he was working at a NYC club- Please, this is only NOPA, not the Village. Once again, took forever to get bartenders attention. Nice they have a full bar,artwork is fantastic as is the design, but the attitude needs to stop. read more

Hmm. I'm gifting Mini Bar three stars since there wasn't really anything wrong per se, I just wasn't feeling it. Walking in at around 5pm, I was first surprised by the crowd, and then the dogs. Not until after we sat at one of the narrow, uncomfortable, side bars was it pointed out to me that I was the only female in the place. Not that I mind, just odd, a bar full of boys and dogs. The art on the walls, while not very good overall, felt out of place, what with all the animals running around sniffing at each other. Drinks - they had a Tuesday special of Russian River Pliny-The-Elder bottles for $4 which were quite nice, not sure why the bartender felt the need to let us know that NOPA sells it for $9 though. Happy hour is $1 off wine, but my prosecco was a stingier pour than I am used to. Overall, not my scene, won't be back. Probably a great bet if you feel the need to imbibe while walking the dog though. read more

As a big fan of its neighbor, Bar 821, Mini Bar had a lot to live up to in my eyes. And while similar in a lot of ways, both have its share of unique qualities. Mini's biggest advantage is in serving hard liquor, and a few--albeit, healthy (Pirate Booty, and the like)--snacks to munch on. The space has more couch seating, allowing patrons a larger area to relax. Compared to next door, the bartender here was a chatty Cathy; alone or not, she'll strike up a conversation with you, regardless. Local art graces the walls, which are also available for purchase on the spot. Although I gravitate towards 821 for their $3 Happy Hour cocktails, I always found the small place more conducive to grabbing a quick drink and jetting. The atmosphere at Mini Bar, on the other hand, seems comfortable enough to lounge around at all night. Either way, both attract a mellow, neighborhood crowd. Given how pretentious some bars in this city can be, sometimes, that's all you can ask for. read more

Well, I started writing a review for Mini Bar three weeks ago after my first drop in for a whiskey post birthday dinner with roommates past & present. I stopped a few sentences in & haven't come back to it until now. Why is this important? Because I've been back to Mini Bar THREE times since. It's effectively around the corner from my old house, serves liquor (lord knows I love my whiskey), & the environment is cozy & unpretentious. Additionally, they've got some killer art on the walls from neighborhood artists, the owners are incredibly nice people who have lived in the 'hood for more than a decade & can often be found mingling with the clientele. The list goes on & on & on. A Welcome Addition to the Western Addition. read more

Summer the season isn't my cup of tea, but Sommer the bartender is money! Having a drink at Mini Bar SF was like unwinding at a small party in a friend's arty but understated livingroom, and she was the perfect host. Being a Richmond kid, I expected the other patrons to smell it on me from a mile away with shunning glares awaiting me inside, but to my surprise, it was incredibly nice and laid back. All that and great daily drink specials? This could make a regular out of me. read more

Meh. We came here late one night while looking for something open and not too crowded. I always like to ask bartenders at cocktail bars to surprise me with something good. I've never had an issue at Rye, Redford, or similar cocktail bars with that request. Most bartenders see it as a way to be creative and try something different. You would have thought I asked this girl to solve a quadratic or something-- deer in the headlights. Don't put "cocktails" on your window if your bartenders don't feel comfortable making them. Drinks are cheap...lots of bottled beers, maybe 5 on tap? There's cool local art on the walls at least. Very narrow space. A back room with couch and some chairs. Clientele is white, hipster, tattooed, pierced, etc. read more

I went into the Mini Bar on a recent trip to SF after checking with Yelp to find a good bar in the area. Since it had four stars, my friends and I went inside to have a drink. Wow, the Mini Bar is lame. I have no idea why anyone would give this place four stars. SF is an amazing city with a lot of incredible places to hang out at, I'm not sure why anyone would want to hang out at Mini Bar. Lame drinks. Lame service (yes you Mr. Bartender, you're a dick). Lame vibe. And what's up with all that bad art on the wall? Do yourself a favor. Skip this place. read more

The ambiance rates five stars, but the service and cocktails both get one from me. If you end up at the Mini Bar, stick to drinking beer. I first wandered in here because they were having a No-on-8 fundraiser. Great vibe that night. I wisely ordered a beer, which was fine. The second night, I ordered a Manhattan. The bartender (short tattoeed guy with dark-rimmed glasses) was a dick and made the worst Manhattan I've ever had. He acted like I was interrupting him and his friends by trying to order a drink. The manhattan tasted like Robitussin in an up-glass. I think the bartender must've poured a full ounce of maraschino cherry syrup into my drink. This was the sweetest, nastiest manhattan I've ever had. Also, they put two cherries into the smallest up glass on Divisadero. So most of what you're buying is fruit, not bourbon. They do the same with their martinis. Two olives in a real small glass. If I want an olive plate, I'll order an olive plate. If I want to drink, I'll go somewhere besides the Mini-Bar If you need a cocktail on Divisadero, go to the Page or Madrone or Waziema. read more

One of my favorite bars in the whole city. I tend to love small bars, and mini bar is pretty small. But at the same time, it's deceptively large. There's a "front" area, the bar itself and this crazy cozy secret back room that I've never actually been able to find a seat in . Mini bar has been open for, I think, about 2 years now and they've stayed surprisingly true to their premise. A small bar, good friends, good neighbors, and a splash of local art over reasonably priced drinks. The bartenders are very friendly, at least one of them has a pretty awesome taste in music. The drinks are fairly strong but they won't knock ya over (unless you ask for it). They carry a decent amount of respectable beers. And they do push that gimlet on ya for some reason, but it ain't bad. I really like that during the annual Noise Pop festival, they host the "art of noisepop" on the walls, which is a bunch of historic promotional posters and what not. Very cool. They also feature lots of great local photographers. The only reason this bar doesn't get 5 stars is that, like any good thing in this town, it's ruined by the crowds. It's become near impossible to grab a seat here on the weekend, and even Thursday has become a challenge. Yes, I am blaming them for being popular...but lots of people goes against the whole "mini" concept. You can't meet new friends when the person next you already brought his 6 best ones with them. Oh well. read more

This is a great addition to the neighborhood. They have amazing selection of beer local as well as import. The drinks are good too. The bar tender will work with you just let her know what your choice of alcohol is and she will create something for you. . read more

I just moved to the neighborhood and was really missing my old hood standbye, The Argus (best drinks in SF!), when I finally popped into Mini Bar. I'm hooked. Love the place. Cheap drinks, neighborhood vibe. The bar is small, limited seating, not a lot going on. People come here with friends or to meet friends or grab a solo drink. I wouldn't recommend this place if you're looking for a crazy party (although you could meet someone that would lead you to that...). There is also artwork by local artists on the wall. Don't come here with pretensions. read more

I had a great time here while waiting for my table at Little Star. Unlike most of the other places in San Francisco, I wasn't treated like shit, which was a nice change of pace. James hooked it up with a delicious variation on the Old Fashioned. I also got a taste of the homemade Bloody Mary mixes that I am looking forward to imbibing this upcoming weekend. There is a little lounge area with couches that look like goooood sittin. I will enjoy it. Go Mini Bar! Also, whoever "Larry" is (you know, the guy below me with 2 reviews and no friends)....yea, he is a douchebag. read more

Good prices, well-made drinks, a back room lounge with often-bizzarre art and comfy couches, and board games! (If that's your thing. I recommend Cards Against Humanity.) I think I love Mini Bar a little more every time I visit. This place has the mellow, laid-back neighborhood-y feel that I really appreciate in a bar. Fantastic place for a date, catching up with friends, even reading a book. It's fast becoming my base of operations when doing anything on or around Divisadero. read more

Mini Bar is right. This place is tiny, and the clientele leaves something to be desired. The people are fairly grody (literally dirty), and they bring dogs into the bar, which is a bear, because walking around is difficult enough as it is. Their drink menu is extensive, but there's just nowhere to really stand around or sit. I wasn't feeling this place at all. read more

A quick stop for a beer while we were waiting to eat. A quaint little bar. The place was clean and the service was quick. No loud music so it was the perfect place to sit and talk. Average prices for drinks. If your looking for a place to grab a drink this is the place! read more

Everything I could ask for in a drinking establishment. Well-made drinks, excellent bartender and a bestest friend to vent with. It's the size of a dive bar, but not-smelly, not-dark or -dank, and not-full-of-hipster-irony. I'm a fan of little efforts that mean a lot. We were sitting at the bar chatting away when we ordered our second round. By this time, we were 45 minutes past the end of Happy Hour, but the bartender indicated that she'd discount our next round anyway. Honestly, it only cost her $2 (which we then added back into the tip), but it's those small things that make a big difference. And, it's those small things that will keep me coming back. read more

I pretty much love this bar & it would be my local if I lived in town. It's full of regular, friendly, cool, nice people. Both times I was here last week I struck up a conversation with a neighbour in the backroom. I went to Russian River night during beer week and I had a great time. We arrived at open, so there was plenty of Younger to go around and I loved the flight of RR beers. I also LOVE the artwork that was on display in February 2011 in the back. I was less excited about the photos in the main space but the Adrianna Bamber Phantasmagoria stuff was really interesting and awesome (and reasonably priced). I probably should have bought one. I kind of have didn't-buy-regret. I will be back here everytime I visit Kat F. read more

Of course I finally get a full bar in my neighborhood. Only to have me move to a different neighborhood. I'm an idiot. read more

This little warm bar is just fabulous! Not only did they allow us to bring our pooch Bob, but they gave us the back room for our little bday party gratis! And, get this, asked if we needed anything. What? I said. Yes, they asked if we needed plates or plastic ware. I could not believe my ears. The bartenders are very warm and friendly and really down to earth. No pretension. All goodness and grey and warm and good. Just good. This is the little bar that could. read more

My new favorite neighborhood bar! It's cozy, friendly and hip all at the same time. Plus the bartenders are cheerful, knowledgeable and enjoy experimenting. Bartender: What'll you have? Me: I dunno. Something with whiskey. Bartender: Ok. Anything you don't like? Me: Cherry. Blech. Nothing too sweet. Bartender: Don't worry, I'd never do that to you. I felt so safe and cared for! :) A nice feeling, at a bar. Moments later he presented me with a lovely little concoction that I didn't even know I'd wanted. Other perks: Cool, local art. Reasonable prices. Friendly locals. Plush booths. Sparkling mirrored bar. read more