I think I was too harsh on R Bar back in January. It's a little unfair to generalize an entire establishment following my run in with a pushy 38 year old. Really, there is so much more. - 37 year olds - Cute 38 year olds - 38 year old Oregon fans - tall maybe attractive but who knows because it's dark twenty somethings - short 38 year olds - 38 year old Irish men on holiday who tell me that a "falling tree is easier to claim" and then offer to buy me another drink - "hey we went to the same high school!" "what year did you graduate?" "1988" "Oh" - 36 year olds - 34 year olds with Prada phones and who think Abercrombie is for peons - "I'm the male equivalent of a cougar. How YOU doin?" Bottom line: this is the bar that I find myself winding up at on a regular basis these days. Super strong drinks (love the absolut ruby red & ginger ale), fun crowd, good movies on TV, and a small dance floor in the back. And an overabundance of men in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Buffet time! read more

After arriving at R Bar at 10:30pm on the Monday after the Oregon Ducks were contenders in the BCS National Championship game and seeing nothing but empty bar stools and long faces, there was no need to turn on ESPN to determine the outcome of the biggest college football game of the year. Since R Bar is the official Oregon Ducks bar here in SF (not to mention the official Fernet bar!), the place would be rocking well into the wee hours had the outcome been different. Oh well, they'll get 'em next year. When it's not football season, R Bar is one of those old standbys that's sure to do the trick when you're bumming around the Tenderloin and looking for an efficient way to attain a tasty buzz. Tall cans of Bud Light are a mere $3, Fernet will run you $5, and I'm sure there are a whole host of other drink specials I'm not quite privy to. But rest assured - you'll get in-and-out without spending too much coin. Always a good thing. It can be a royal clusterfuck on the weekends, though. So like any true alcoholic, try doing your best damage on a Monday or Tuesday night. Otherwise, high tide might sweep you into an ocean of douche. Beat the beat, bro. read more

I've been hibernating the last couple of days but what a way to come out of hibernation by coming for the canned food drive. I always love going to support a good cause. The drinks are stiff, the bartenders are cool, their is a juke box and a dance floor and the decor is a mix between a lounge and a dive bar. I haven't been here for over a year and todd, the part owner/bartender was very nice and still remembered me. Came here with a group of us. Although I only stayed here for an hour or so, we all had a great time. Will definitely come back. read more

I give R bar 2 stars because they allowed hundreds of snuggies to invade their friday night, and gave us cheap drinks. I'm not really a dive bar kinda gal, maybe it's because I like going out and getting dolled up, and when you do that for a dive bar, people look at you funny. Anyways, if you are looking for that dark, dingy, almost illegal feel, R Bar fits the bill. I can't judge the crowd, because we were all in snuggies, but I will say the bouncer was awesome...I'm pretty sure he knew I had my drink in my snuggie sleeve every time I went in and out...he just laughed.... read more

R Bar is like a comfortable pair of shoes, man! I haven't been here in over a year and a half but it was like I never left. When you go here you have to have a shot of Fernet and so do all your worthless friends. I did mine and I became worthless if not useless. So goodbye R bar for another year when I'll come back avoid the high fives and girls howling for whatever they howl for. Good Times Bad Times You know I've had my share read more

My girls and I found ourselves huddled around R Bar's jukebox late one Friday night. It's a good thing we came equipped with single because here, the jukebox is the DJ! The bar stayed pretty jam packed the whole night but the $5 Vodka drink specials made the wait bearable, even though I personally don't care for Vodka all that much. They also have a few side tables (standing room only) but the bar is narrow so you're elbow-to-elbow web other patrons., which is okay because this bar is a good time - not pretentious or snooty. Definitely a place to let your hair down and throw back one or two (or three). Apparently there is only one tiny restroom (yikes) so be prepared! read more

I lost my bra here once and ended up with a fake monkey tattoo on my forearm. 4 triumphant stars for class. read more

Hey, R Bar, how about turning the music down JUST a bit. This is a great place to grab a drink and the crowd is really fun, but the music is just so damn loud. I wish I could stand the high decibels of a frat house as I once did, but I guess my ears are just not up to par. I can stand loud music, but for some reason, it sounds particularly loud in this bar. The bar itself is great, located off of Polk, and the bartenders get to you pretty quickly which is always a plus. A very mixed crowd with the jeans and shirts, mingled in with the coats and ties. But I guess that's what makes SF, SF. read more

Ooooh snap. We stopped by for the Leprechaun Pub Crawl and got a little attitude from the but bartender was on point with his lemon drop. Whole guacamole it was one of the best drinks we have had in San Francisco. read more

R Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Be nice to the Todd. Don't yell at the Todd. Take care of the Todd. If you give the Todd crap, be prepared to get a mouth full of crap to eat in return. Todd is one of the owners of this drinking establishment. He does a great job of keeping the atmosphere positive, lively and fun. The drinks are affordable. There is always a good mix of folks to socialize with regardless of the day of the week. There is a bit too much of the Marina influx on Fridays and Saturdays but don't hold that against the bar. If nothing good sports-wise is on TV, then they will throw in a movie to keep things interesting. When the destination is Polk street this is a mandatory stop. So do us a favor and don't piss off the Todd. Thanks. read more

This is an extension of Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, a.k.a. the football stadium of the University of Oregon Ducks, and/or, depending on the season, an extension of MacArthur Court during basketball season. The owners are kind of keen on the Oregon Ducks. They "fancy" the Ducks. For that- 5 STARS!!!! :o) read more

HEY WHAT'S UP?? NOT MUCH, WHAT'S UP WITH YOU? HUM, NOTHING, ... .... WHAT'S YOUR NAME?? WHAT?? WHAT'S YOUR NAME?? WHAT??? that pretty much summarize it...this bar is FREAKING LOUD!!! hard to keep up with any conversations. if a conversation is worth it, at all. it's cool if you're with your friend, but people i met there seemed to always be quite of snob-ish and interested in empty talks. however, there is a mixed crowd hangin at the R. some young upper class professional light headed mingle with some more down to earth kids. friendly staff, and even if the music will lead to hearing loss, it is good muzak. and it's within a block of like 5 other 'hipster' bars, so good location for a cheesy pub crawl on thursday nites. thus the xtra star. read more

I could give a damn about the game on TV, but nobody seemed to mind me sullenly drinking and writing at the bar. Apparently I looked like I needed to drink last night because after buying three rounds, the bartender dropped off a 4th on the house. Good prices, good beer selection and a bartender who knew the percent alcohol by volume of each off the top of his head make this the sort of place where I could brood again. read more

After bar hopping on polk my friends and I randomly asked these girls where the next stop was and we followed them here! While my friend unsuccessfuly hit on the girl we followed here (she was married), I ordered a malibu pineapple that I don't even remember drinking. I must've been drunker than I thought because I walked into the mens bathroom and started yelling at this guy wondering why he was peeing in the women's bathroom and he turns around mid piss and goes uhh you're in the mens bathroom but he said it in the nicest way!! Then I apologize and walk back out and someone else redirected me to the women's bathroom. I love nice people and this bar is clearly filled with them! Hooray!!!! read more

Before starting your night of regrets on Polk Street, stop in R Bar so you don't break your bank. For $8, you can have your choice of a shot of Jameson/fernet with a tall can of Bud Light. Granted, drinking the can of Bud Light made me feel like I was back in college being punished for sucking at beer pong... I can't really complain because cheap beer also gets the job done. This dive bar is everything a dive bar offers - not that glamorous, simple/cheap selection of alcohol, but still a comfortable place to drink. Bartenders are attentive and cool. Bathrooms are small, but hey, we're in SF, so what was I expecting? read more

I'm sad to see people raggin on this place. The bartenders--Rick and Chris are the ones I've befriended--are wonderful and attentive. And if you're there often enough you may get a free drink or two, especially if it's a slow night. Also, they typically keep a pack of cigarettes open for patrons behind the bar for those occasional only-smoke-when-I-drink-smokers. The jukebox is stocked with a great selection of modern and classic songs, and if it's a slow night, the bartender will let you pick out songs. But of course, the weekend comes and the place turns to a Marina sausage fest ...it's true. But i'm not holding two nights a week against my bar. If you want to get a real feel for this place, go on a Wednesday night. They open at 6. read more

BEST CLEVELAND BROWNS BACKERS BAR IN SAN FRANCISCO!! I moved to SF Bay area almost a month ago & spent the last 4 weeks searching for a Cleveland Browns bars. My only requirement is that I wanted to spend my time with at least more than one backers fan. All the bars I went to on the SF Backer's list were a bust... up until now! What I mean is - you go to a sports bar out here & you're stuck listening to another game while being pushed into a corner with one other fan. The raiders & the 49ers always take the center stage - which I completely understand- I'm in their town, but sorry, I'm a die hard & want to see & hear & enjoy my game! I heard that the first game of the season at this bar, there were more than 40 browns backers hanging out, but I suppose as the season went on, as always, fans became sparse. I also read that last review about the browns game from Sept, and I think they might have been one of the 40 who never returned. All is good here now - cozy browns game watching - no spazzy televisions that I found. Well, I'm posting this review so that other browns fans can come and join in on the fun with all of us. We're here - and it's not worth your time going anywhere else in the bay area - I checked! This bar did play other games (cincinatti, baltimore, detroit, carolina were just a few that I remember), but because it is a smaller bar, it caters to your needs more than the other big sports bars in the area read more

In answer to Patrick G.'s estimation regarding 22 year olds and the discovery of "alcohol", I have to say to him that, yes, he is correct in his outside assessment of this establishment. I remember back in 2002 when this place used to be called "An Sibin", a laid-back Irish DJ bar that encouraged local DJ's to come on in and practice their spinning in a leisurely, friendly and grown-up pub atmosphere with paintings of little sprites and gnomes and faeries adorning the walls with a low-ceilinged back room with black-painted walls and some great freaking music. Whatta spot it was. What is it now, exactly? I have no freaking idea. I've been there four times in the last two years (all under some kind of duress: "Where you going?" "R Bar." "Oh, really?" "Yep." (under breath)"Fuck."), and I just don't understand the appeal of this claustrophobic clusterfuck that is festering in the Polk Gulch neighborhood. It's packed. It's hot. It's nearly impossible to get from Point A to Point B. It's full of Marina-types who, as stated above, seem to have just discovered that alcohol will make you feel all giddy and funny and loud and pretty obnoxious. Their jukebox is OK, but frankly I don't trust the taste of the clientele here. Marina in the Tenderloin. *shudder* Just shouldn't happen. Just shouldn't happen. Sorry, R Bar. I knew An Sibin. I've served some time with An Sibin. And YOU, sir, are no An Sibin. read more

Why do I give this dive bar 5 stars? One reason: The University of Oregon Ducks According to Urban Legend this place is owned by a Duck or maybe it just happened that a posse of Ducks decided to start coming here for football and basketball games and they stated a trend. Either way, it doesn't matter. When the Ducks are on TV, this place is packed with Green and Yellow (the thought almost brings a tear to my eye) and the atmosphere is...loud? boisterous? crazy? ridiculous? Drunk? Yes. It doesn't matter if the Ducks are losing, it doesn't matter if you didn't go to The Best College Ever...I'll bet you a punch in the face that everyone here is in such a charged, celebratory mood that you can't help but enjoy yourself. Worth checking out. If you're looking for a review of this place for when there's not a Duck game on, well you've come to the wrong place... read more

Wow, I am blown away that I have never reviewed R Bar. I live a few blocks away and have been many times. A cool place to come and check out. The people who own the place work there much of the time and are always really cool. On the weekends R Bar can become super crowded (sometimes w/ a large male %) and ridiculously hot during summer with no ventilation of any kind, i don't even think they have a fan in that bitch. If you are a Oregon Duck fan they usually have the flag hanging out there on football game days, and the place is packed. They also the have the MLB package too and is a great option for me to come down and catch the Cubs. R Bar can have a very different scene from one day to the next. read more

I so wish I could take the weekend crowd that comes to this bar and move it to another location! Because this is a really GREAT bar with the BEST bartenders, who are fun, funny, friendly, and really good at what they do. The kind of guys who remember you, your name, your drink, and the (self-described) funny annecdote you amused them with during your last visit. I just learned (after coming here for 5 years) that while they don't offer food, you can order in such neigboorhood treats as nachos and sub sandwiches. Or you can be highbrow like me and spring for a tube of Pizza-liscious Pringles from the corner store. They don't mind. The drinks are strong and plentiful. The decor is not trendy at all (although they do have "art" now - that's new) - but this is a bar, not trying to be a lounge or a club, it's about the drinkin'. Yes, sometimes it reminds me of bars I went to in college. But...I liked the bars I went to in college! So is that bad? read more

What can I say, R-Bar is the place to be: My gal friends and I have deemed this our favorite bar, it's in the heart of the Tendernizzle and we've even had total fun on a Sunday. The je ne sais quois of R Bar: You never know what crowd you're going to get, and it's between either extreme of being very chill or brushing elbows crowded. Either way, it's cool and definitely order a Jamba Juice shot, my fave. Or their famous Fernet which is on the list of bucket things to try in SF. It may be a place to find someone great: My good friend met her bf there and after about a year, they are engaged! **************************************************************************** They're always on the up and up on holidays/events and it's a cool place to throw a party which I've done twice, once for my birthday and a pre-Halloweenie thing last year. The owners are also Mighty Ducks and Giants fans and when they're not tuning into sports on their flatscreens there's always a good indy/oldie movie playing. If you happen to stroll in, don't forget to pass by the jukebox and play my fave - 2006! The crew is awesome, owners are laid back and cool, and you'll feel at home. It's the modern day Cheers where they will remember you and know your name. *************************************************************************** They also just opened up the Wreck Room Bar a few weeks ago. Bigger venue with pool table, videogames and hoops. I've only been there once, the crowd was very random when I went. Hyde and California, can't miss it with the big sign on the side of the building. Something new to try! xo reecey cup read more

This is my favorite place to score a Fernet shot. Nice down to earth bartenders, although sometimes this place can be a sausage fest. Sunday's bloody mary's made by Ed are by far the best I have had in SF! Just the right amount of horseradish and spice! Yum yum. read more

Always have a good time at R Bar. Good selection of music to keep your head nodding, vocal chords blaring or body wriggling. Crowd gets packed in near the door, just push on through and find some space in the back. And find video games and refuge in the super secret vip room to the right of the bathrooms. Can actually find a place to sit and not yell talk. Drinks are inexpensive ($15 minimum on using plastic) and strong. High brow with some top ish hangar one shelf vodka or knock back cans of Olympia beer. Bartenders will drink up with you too if you ask nicely. read more

$8 Jameson+Bud Light Tall Boy = a good idea all the time.

My roomie refuses to come here with me anymore dubbing this place as a guaranteed sausage fest and dive bar. I, on the other hand, love it for all of those reasons as well as the cool, relaxed vibe, owners Chris and Todd and of course - the jukebox. No matter what night it is, it's def one of those places that you will never leave sober ; ) The staff here has mastered the art of hospitality and just plain ol' fun. read more

I go to R Bar because I know exactly what I'm going to get. I'm going to get my favorite beverage of the moment: Absolut Ruby Red and soda for a measly $6 and it is going to be all absolut with a splash of soda. I'm going to get sh*@ housed after 2 drinks and cozy up to the awesome juke box that they have in the back. I'm going to get chatted up by a lot of random dudes and I'm going to leave by 11pm when it gets so overly crowded that I can't move. Can someone enlighten me as to why there are so many Euros and foreigners that frequent this joint? It never fails, I always meet someone there from halfway around the world. I started the night off there yesterday at around 9:30pm. In my humble opinion, it's the best time to go. Get there before the masses do. Get in a few solid drinks and move on. Can I just say that last night was the most entertaining experience I've ever had there? I was on my way out when I caught 2 guys giving each other the Brandon Walsh/Steve Sanders split eyebrow shake. You know I love me some nine-o. I'm tempted to give them another star for playing "Dazed and Confused" on the telly last night. "That's what I love about them high school girls. I keep getting older and they stay the same age". read more

It never seems to look and feel complete. There is something missing. They can really utilize the space a lot better. With that said, I always have fun at R Bar. The bartenders are really nice and they serve cocktails. The location is on the verge of EEKS! read more

I've only spent a few hazy minute in R Bar, but I like what I saw! With a fun crowd, loaded jukebox, and quick bartenders I don't know where there could be a problem. This is the kind of place that makes you know that you are kicking off a great night. Had a shot of fernet, and it tasted just fine, but I think I'll stick to Jaeger. read more

What's with this place???...I can't seem to ever remember the leaving part of the night! Perhaps it's the cheap and stiffy drinks and great bartenders that never make you wait for a drink. It's not the nicest bar, but I love dive bars. I know I'm always guaranteed to have a good time if I end up at R Bar with my friends. read more

A Yankees and a BoSox working together behind a bar? Nothing is impossible. Looking for a spot for when you tire of the hoity toity, scenesters? Come to this cozy nook full of drunk lads and lass's (usually after midnight). It's art school kids, service industry and regular visitors who hate the Redwood Room, all looking to hook up. And if you like that God-awful Fernet, this is definintely the spot to satisfy such masochistic cravings. Me? I love the people-watching here and the jukebox. read more

EDIT 7/06: I walked through R Bar last night and felt a strong frat party, someone is going to roofie my drink, who just grabbed my ass vibe. Needless to say I got the hell out. _________ Contrary to other reviews here, I felt like there was an overabundance of 30-something, white, live in nob hill patrons at R Bar (no offense y'all, it's just not my thing). Also, it seems really well-lit, and after several hours of drinking & dancing I don't really think anyone needs to see anyone else that clearly. read more

JOCKS 'R' US I actually had a guy invite me to his gun show. WOW, really? Loud and crowded with white folk from the Marina. I can't say I hate this place, but I can say that I will never come here by my own decision. I'd rather be at the Hemlock around the corner. read more

Local bars always rock..good selections in the juke box, we came here on our Pub Crawl last weekend too...the double vodka cran I had was more like a triple, but I'm not complaining! I was only there for 1 our but had a good time maybe it was just because I was there with really cool people from my club!? read more

Sweet! Not a "scene," just a chill place to get cheap beer without a hassle. The bartenders are amazingly efficient-- tall can Coors Light with no delay, even thought the place was absolutely packed. Plus, I always seem to meet really interesting people at the old R bar. Good music, good folks, good times. Rock on, R Bar. read more

2 Dollar Olympia's in the can. Constantly give out R Bar Coozies to keep your beer cold. Oregon Duck Football. This place is a Win. read more

I have to give it four stars because I have spent more time there then I have on my own toilet, but I would never never visit my second home on a weekend (see other reviews for reference). Things that have happened at R bar: 1. I received the nickname of "Jennifernet" and will get poured a shot of my favorite stuff that tastes like shoe polish the minute I walk in. 2. I was followed home by a Mongolian (a real one!) and had to duck into the corner store to be saved. 3. Got my first Harley ride from some patrons that I met there. Yes, I had had Fernet first to agree to this. 4. Was picked up by a 24 year old (if they go after me am I cougar or is it just if I go after them?) who told me he would hate me "like forever" because I wouldn't take him home. See all the fun you have been missin'? Not only that, if you are a guy you can stumble out an get a "happy ending" next door at the massage place if the ladies at R bar aren't willing. They usually are though. read more

One of the best bars on the west coast. A REAL San Francisco vibe with grEat people owning and running it. I love this place read more

I dont come here for the football, I dont even like football, where is Oregon anyway? I've been going here for a year and half or so. Always a good time. Its packed on weekends, so i tend to stay away. Cool bartenders (Chris and Todd), good cheap drinks. Nice music. Horribly ugly paintings. I love it. Always packed. If you're a smoker, and you're standing on the street outside, be prepared to get propositioned by tranny hookers. Once i was even offered to purchase heroin from one. quite the package deal (pun intended) read more

My favorite dive bar in the city and my favorite bloody mary!! I initially discovered this fantastic little whole in the wall because they have a Browns Backers club that meets here on sundays to watch the games. GO BROWNS!! I was very pleasantly surprised to find they have the best bloody mary I have had in San Francisco.. a much needed addition to my Sunday mornings when I have to get to the bar at 10 am to cheer on a football team that has been letting me down since the 80's. While this place certainly has no frills, the bartenders are great, the people are friendly and the drinks are strong. Definitely worth checking out! read more