With no windows and off in the foggiest part of a Pacifica strip mall the Surf Lounge looks like it could be shady. http://static4.px.yelp.com/bphoto/vSk3L_S0Bcn3jh-hL_wUJQ/l That sense of mystery is exactly what I love about some bars. Just like Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get. Especially in a strip mall bar, bikers, soccer moms, 50-somethings, etc. could all be inside or not. Walked in to some J Timberlake - Sexy Back on the jukebox. That kinda set the tone and vibe for a Friday night. A kinda lively and diverse crowd both ethnicity and age wise. S-lounge is kinda intimate since it's a little bit smaller with small tables inside to converse. They do have a plastic dart board but it's more of a place to lounge with umbrella drinks - nothing too serious. Demo, the bartender, was friendly and efficient as he knew all the regulars drinks and had a pretty busy bar under control. I hate to admit it but he makes some good and dangerously strong umbrella drinks. http://static2.px.yelp.com/bphoto/ef-qo_YspxzOH5YIebNGhA/l Their menu has ice cream based cocktails too which I've never seen before. I wonder what's next, froyo cocktails? read more

See all

Cheap drinks, good music, a rough-looking crowd.. what more could you ask for?! Their Scorpion Bowls pack a PUNCH and it's one of my favorite places to catch up with old friends. What's even more amazing is that pizza can be delivered from next door!!! I LOVE YOU SURF LOUNGE! read more

They are definitely OPEN for business. Further travels in Pacifica today took me to the Surf Lounge. Its about a block off the beach and the quintessential Tiki Bar. LOCALS ONLY!!! Which means people within walking or legal driving distance. Amenities include: jukebox full of zep and stones, fireplace, dart board, EA PGA Tour Golf, lots of neon beer signs on the walls, drinking nook with Rattan furniture, and beer branded Corona and Bud surfboards all around. This is definitely the Trad'r Sams of the Coast. And to boot they have an insane menu full of Rum and other mixed drinks. I have a message into Yelp to correct that fact that it says they are closed. They are definitely OPEN for business. read more

Surf Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Pacifica, California

See all

Dive bar for sure. Opens at 8 or 7am for "the cops who get off the beat" or basically people who need a little something at any time of day. Juke box. Outdoor patio. Great ish bartenders. Sometimes they ignore you unless they see you every day and then they will have your drink ready as you walk in. You can trade weed for drinks. Hey why not? I've seen it with my own eyes. St Pattys is the best day of the year to come. read more

This is your grandparents Tiki bar! In its 1970's funky -kitsch- glory, the Surf Lounge is a classy place - this means the following: * umbrella drinks with fruit, * a gas/brick fireplace, * free darts, * an outdoor patio, * neon signs all over the place and no windows, * an almost human sized leprechaun statue, * surfboards * a huge menu of blended tiki drinks all under $8 * multi-person giant bowl drinks like the volcano at $14. :) * also they have ice cream drinks too like the grasshopper and the orange creamsicle. How could you go wrong? We came in on a Sunday afternoon and there was a steady crowd to our surprise! Kris was a great bartender (serving us the best Pina Coldas ever with chunks of coconut!) and we will definitely be back soon. This would be a great place for a birthday party, they have lots of seating. The Surf Lounge is like the less busy cousin to Trad'r Sam in the Outer Richmond. Just remember to bring cash and avoid the ATM fees. read more

As the on and off duchess of this fine establishment, I figured it's about time I finally write a review about this awesome place. I loved Trad'r Sams in SF and when I found out that there was another place like it but closer to home I was stoked! The owner is the same so it's pretty much the exact same thing as Trad'r Sams, except brighter and a lot less crowded. As one reviewer mentioned, the crowd is generally older folk with the occasional younger crowd (read: me) on the weekends. I hate having to shove my way to the bar just to order my drink or having to keep a hawk eye out for an open table but I typically never have a problem with either whenever I come here. One downside is that it is cash only but there is an ATM inside the bar or if you're a BOA cardholder, there's a ATM right outside of the Safeway just down the street. Other than that, this place is pretty much amazing. The drinks are relatively cheap, the bathroom is always clean, parking is easy, and the people are usually very friendly, not to mention that the bartenders are always super nice and never hesitate to answer my questions whenever I can't decide on what to order. The shuffleboard there is always entertaining too and it only costs a dollar to play! Just hand me a scorpion bowl (..or two) and the shuffleboard pieces and I'll be a happy camper for the rest of the night. TIP: Have the drunchies? If it's before 12 you can order a large 3-topping pizza from next door and have them deliver it to the bar.. AND IT'S ONLY $14!! read more

I've heard of this bar for awhile but went in for the first time a month ago. Very friendly atmosphere, great bartenders! There's an outside area, where you can hear music or see the game, while still social distancing! 5 stars read more

Love this spot to chill with friends! The awesome, welcoming neighborhood type dive bar. Nice, stiff drinks and awesome people - bartenders and the customers. Every time I go there, I always end up having good conversations with the locals. Great spot to hang out with friends over some drinks, or even by yourself watching a Warriors playoff game :) From my experience, they're welcoming to both newcomers and regulars. read more

Perfect dive bar with patio in back. A block to the beach. Kinda fabulous, in the diviest way. Locals fill the place. CASH ONLY

Full glass, a round of coldies for all, and a punch in the mouth. Followed by a walk to the beach! What more could you ask of your cool little local bar? read more

This "dive" is the best. Owned for generations by a great native San Francisco family, this bar is a sister-bar to the infamous Trader Sam's on Geary. The prices are great--and yes, like Trader Sam's, they serve excellent tiki-tropical cocktails better than the Tonga Room at half the price. Nice backyard patio, great bartenders like Louis & Tony, & interesting regulars. Warm fireplace for those windy Pacifica nights. A perfect hang-out. Drop by some Friday afternoon, & if you are lucky, Tony (who is the BBQ KING!) will be cooking' up some tri-tip or chicken on the grill, marinated in the best marinade since my grandpa's you'll ever taste. Such a loving, generous guy--thanks Tony! read more

I was discriminated against by a bartender with long hair. he declined to provide me with service because he's never seen a Florida ID. How unbelievable is that?... Let's just say, I'm not going back. read more

Tony and Louie are the greatest!! Always so accommodating, such a great time hanging with the locals. read more

Surf Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Pacifica, California

Friday night out with my closest friends, how much more can I say! We actually wanted to head to Tradr Sams in SF but it was crazy busy because of Outside Lands. We decided to come here because I heard it was the same owner and they had the same drinks! Ugh that scorpion bowl was yummy! If you like fruity drinks, try it!! Three of us shared one but then we also got the Hawaiian Volcano. MHM this one is a must try too! Scorpion bowl, I tasted the alcohol a little more. The slush on top made me get a brain freeze. Yeah, it's not foam, it's like a slush. Hawaiian Volcano, super sweet and paired so well with the whip cream on top. It had like a little spice in it and I just can't make it out. This drink had so much ice in it too, another brain freeze. Price not too bad because we shared the drinks! Got me buzzing a little but not drunk. Maybe another scorpion or two would of made me drunk. The bar itself is not huge but it has about four small tables. They have a jukebox that you could play music on. Unfortunately, my boyfriend paid for some songs that never played. It's a cozy place when it's not busy! read more

This family owned and runned business is a staple of our community and helps serve all walks of life; from the very depraived, to the top of the tech industry. Everyone is welcome! Hugs feel good from locals and the pours are unmatched in the city. Thank you for always being nice to me. read more

To keep this as professional as possible the following review is one hundred percent accurate and goes for anyone looking to get a drink local in pacifica - or better yet, not get a drink here. The bartender that's balding, has a pathetic taste when it comes to drinks, and doesn't know what day of the week it is... Well needless to say is a joke. When a guest who puts money in your business so you can have a job to provide your luxury lifestyle of t-shirts and an excuse of a bartending resume at the high end Surf Lounge, complains about a drink... Remake the drink. It's literally that simple. It's easy to slam someone behind a screen, but he will know who we are and I hope you understand how depressing you are as a human being to speak to three guests the way you did all because you don't use ginger beer in a Moscow mule but instead ginger ale on a soda gun. You let your guests at your bar slam three people who just wanted to relax after our long day in the industry as well. For someone who has been in the industry for ten year (or so you say you have) you really don't know how to handle yourself, bar guests, or a customer who just wants to understand how your ginger beer is on a soda gun... Keep it real and don't let the door hit you on the way out. read more

I LOVED the reviews posted here! I bartended at the Infamous Surf from 2003-05. 3 Days a week, I told people it was part of my "court ordered community service". I was about 40 years old, and still a whole lot younger than anyone else who worked/drank/passed out regularly there. What did my days entail? Make alotta well drinks, open alotta bottled beer, referee daily "spirited debates" between unruly patrons - the best one ever - Two cantankerous old regulars actually yelling at one another about what REALLY went down on/with Titanic. I kid you not. Yes, dear old Ben Hodges(the aforementioned mustached-deaf-amiable-surly bartender/owner) passed away unexpectedly in Sept 2007. I heard the Surf is for sale, and I'm trying to find out for sure. Some of my friends want to buy it and let me renovate it and reopen it, and make them a lot of money. Hey I can do it. In December 2004, at The Surf, I jumped out of a huge birthday cake in a velvet bikini and big white stripper boots for one customer's 50th birthday... to an overload crowd capacity of 200 people! read more

My husband and I went in for a drink last night and we had the best time. The bartender is the nicest guy ever and his drinks were awesome. We had the best nice and made the best memories. Can't wait to be back. read more

It is in a strip mall, Close to the beach, They serve all the tiki bar standards, It was pretty quiet on a saturday night, The bartender is very nice, and from Michigan, The Singapore Sling will remind you of getting crunchy on cough syrup at age 13, Not only do they not list the ingredients, the bartender isn't allowed to tell you what's in each drink. These are the most important points, I think. read more

Did I tell you that I just moved here and am still discovering my hood? Well.................the first place that I noticed in my hood was this bar, LOL! This is a sister bar from Trad'r Sam. If I loved Trad'r Sam, I should love this place right? RIGGGGGGGHHHHHT! Its not fair to compare these 2 'loves'.... these 2 bars are indeed the same but...different. Being in Pacifica, I feel that this place is more like the sleepy nature town bar. How do I describe...let me think. First time I walked in with my other half, I noticed that the place was loud, but only about 8 people in there. 4 'mature' patrons sitting at the table and maybe another 3-4 younger patrons more by the bar. More people started to walk in as time went by. Half were so friendly, they said hi to us and talked about the drinks they bought and how they mixed their drinks (lol). The bartender was SUPER friendly. Welcomed us to the bar and first drinks were on da house! He was talking to most of the patrons whom I could assumed were regulars. Electronic jukebox playing music in the background just like Trad'r Sam....only that the songs played are older classic rock type music as oppose to Madonna style college kids music at Trad'r Sams. Oh and NOONE ordered 'umbrella' cocktails compared to Trad'r Sam. 30 minutes at the bar, a couple boxes of pizzas were delivered to the bartender and he invited all the patrons to have a slice...or 2. Now that, to me, was cool. Before we left, bartender reminded us that Pacifica police are strict when it comes to DUI. Not that any of us had too much to drink and if we did, we could just walk home. Will definitely go back! I love Pacifica! read more

I've been there many times with girls that I've dated and payed for many drinks for friends that I know , Watching sports games """Owner has 86 to me because I do not drink alcohol I've been clean and sober for 25 years and like to watch sports games . Seems like a racist bar to me read more

Whomp whomp whomp! I never really got served when I ordered a simple drink. The bartender decided not to make my drink after I ordered. Aaaand I waited patiently too. So unjust walked away. It kind of sucked since its my first time here and giving it an honest shot. I highly suggest you skip this bar and head straight to WINTER's TAVERN down a few blocks where there's really good live music, awesome bartenders, pool table and more table games. Aaand you get your drinks right away with tender love and care! The people there are pretty cool including the crowd. Theyre by no means duoche at all. WINTER's TAVERN is a thumbs up! read more

Ah, the Surf Lounge... This first bar to ever be in walking distance of where I lived. Surly but amiable bartender? check. Same three regulars that make up 75% of the crowd on any given night? check. Dirt cheap drinks? check I came here years ago on St. Patty's and I remember they had some corned beef sandwiches. Yeah, they were free...but it came with a price...they were left out since morning. Delicious in a queasy sorta way or maybe it was because I chased it with a jack and coke. People come to this bar for one reason and one reason only... to drink. If the Sea Captain from the Simpsons was real, this is where he'd come to get tanked. "Yarr, I be at the Surf Lounge tonight" read more

You get two stars for the drink specials on Tuesdays... The place is a dump really. It stinks of cigarette smoke (because people still smoke freely in there) and like the men's restroom. Okay folks...the men's restroom is fucking scary. I'll take my chances with the Pacifica PD while pissing in the back alley....I'm sure they will understand. Aside from the smoke and urinal cake scent that lingers, there are the cougars. I was sitting with my girlfriend, both half loaded from beer, and a damn cougar starting sucking on my damn fingers. No amount of bleach could wash the 55 year old saliva from my fingers. Aside from the smoke, piss, and the cougars....this place is a swingers lounge. Just ask Mr. Sideburns. Yikes. Lastly, there is Gino...a true warrior and a guy who definately gets his ice time (inside joke). I try to avoid this place as much as I can...but makes for an hour or so of entertainment. UPDATE: I heard the owner (Ben) died. The bar is officially closed and up for sale. Good luck finding a buyer...it's a shit-hole. RIP Ben...no more Texas Hold'em on TV for you! read more

I used to see the patrons of the Surf Lounge smoking their PallMalls in the front of the bar, so it seemed like a place I would never want to find myself in. But one evening, we were invited by a fill-in bartender (an acquaintance) who told us he would hook us up with stiffer drinks if we dropped by for a minute. So we walked two blocks down from our house to the bar. When we enetered, we were greeted by the fill-in for the fill-in bartender. We asked where the other guy was and he told us that he called in sick but he would make it worth our while if we stayed for drinks made by him. I wanted to leave after a beer, but decided to stick around for a while. I called a few friends to meet us there and when they got there we were hooked up even more. We got 7 rounds of shots for 7 people and about 4 beers and 4 mixed drinks on top of that. When we left, our bill was very nice. It was under $100 for everything. There is a smoking patio in the back with a table and chairs. I prefer that to the front of the house. I told the bartender that we'd be back, but I still havent made the time. The crowd there was odd. Our group of 20-something year olds was about 3 decades younger than the rest of the people. The drunk retired navy guys next to us kept talking about their sex trips to Asia, while looking at my wife and her girlfriends. There was a lady that came in hiding from the cops. 2 old Asian guys in trench coats. But I was drunk so it was all good. read more

One year later and I make my second attempt to enjoy this place. This time, we made it more than 5 feet in. A little bit of a younger crowd this time around. The bartender was talkative and funny. I happen to walk around the corner in the bar to find a couch, darts and games. It was a good time. Oh, and they play great music. read more

Local dive bar with amazing prices and awesome drinks. The first time I went here, the 45-ish female bartender (looked like she was on meth) was really rude, telling me they didn't have an alcoholic milkshake. After throwing a menu at me, I saw that it was called "an ice cream drink".... seriously? She then ignored us whenever we tried to get a drink. The locals all stared at us with hate in their eyes too... BUT the drinks were so good that I revisited the place and the experience was so much better! Male bartender was really nice, The Dark Knight was on the tv and we got seats at the bar. Some regulars came in later and got kinda loud singing, but the prices make it worth it. Alcoholic Milkshakes ("Ice cream drink") $6.50 Beer - $2 Fish bowls - $16 Mixed drinks - $6 read more

Love Trad'r Sam's? Then welcome to Surf Lounge! ** ** This is NOT the filthy old dive you may have loathed. Totally remodeled, Clean, Bright and FUN! These are the same owners of Trad'r Sam's with the same great menu, and a few new ones too. All the tropical drink bowls you love. plus full bar and frosty cold beers. Just perfect for a day at Pacifica Beach! I had the BEST time! Foggy? No problem! Big HD TV's and 100+ Sports channels... and a fire place. Cozy seating area if you don't care to sit at the 18 seat bar. OPEN 8am - 2am EVERY DAY Friendly bartenders make it worth the trip. I say check it out and tell your friend's, there is a new place in town! read more

Went this past weekend for my friends birthday and was expecting just a regular place. Got there around 10 and there wasn't that many people. Kind of quiet and awkward as the time went by more and more people came in and the people changed the music to more upbeat and it started getting fun. The bouncer and bartender were really awesome super good attitudes. Drinks were good alot of cream or nice cream and flavored drinks on the menu but good ones. The zombie lives up to its name. Overall a great experience! Def coming back! read more

Surf Lounge - Slippery Nipple shot and a vodka tonic. So good! - Dive Bars Near Me - Pacifica, California

This is where I'd come at the end of the night for my last drink while I was living in Pacifica. It's cheap, and it was on the way back to my apartment. Once you push your way into the dingy pinkish interior, you'll have to face off with a slightly deaf, profoundly drunk bartender to get your drink. Invariably, someone in a cheap suit will be passed out at the end of the bar. The drinks are strong, but this place has seen better days. Still, it holds a special place in my heart for being my first neighborhood bar in Cali. read more

It's now a Polynesian style bar. The owners of Trad'r Sam in San Francisco own this place now. So you get the same menu! You can order the infamous SCORPION BOWL!! And the prices are like happy hour prices, but every hour is happy hour here. read more

I really like this bar. It's cozy and cool; anytime I come in here it's super chill. Drinks are good and prices are great. They even serve free food some nights, normally weekends. The juke box always ensures a great time and the bartenders treat you like a regular even if you're not. Location is great too. They have foosball and a patio out back that's great for nighttime chill. I'll be a regular for as long as they remain this chill. read more

Surf Lounge - #happyhour #bluemoon #lemondrop - Dive Bars Near Me - Pacifica, California

A nice neighborhood "dive-y" sort of place. And I mean that in a good way. Not fancy, just good drinks, fun characters that frequent this place, and great bartenders. And yes, sports playing on the TVs. Small and intimate, great beverage choices, plenty of parking in the lot and in front depending on when you go. Patio out back is a perfect place to watch the coastal fog roll in during the summer (warmer, LOL!) months. read more

Surf Lounge - Libations - Dive Bars Near Me - Pacifica, California

Great atmosphere, stirring conversation and fine beverages. I always thought this place would be rough until I saw the Febreeze in the toilets! Quality! read more

Omg, dont expect a non alcoholic drink here I asked. For a red bull because I was not drinking and was told to go to the store we dont have enough to serve you one without alcohol here wtf some people like to not drink and be the sober driver that's not welcome here read more

Surf Lounge is one of my first times at a dive bar, and it's pretty fun! Love the tiki theme (which adds to the name of the place) and their matching drinks, i.e. THE FISHBOWL. That thing will eventually be the death of me because of how strong it is. On the downside, the service is good but not outstanding, the music is too loud, and the place in general is cramped. Nevertheless, I will still come here with my friends because of its proximity to our house... and mostly because of the fishbowl. read more

This bar has regular POTLUCKS. Just take that in for a minute. I've heard fables about this tiny little dive in an old strip mall near my apartment, with the mysterious massage parlor sitting right above it, and usually, on any given weekday, you're sure to see a guy standing outside the door at 10AM smoking a cigarette, talking about how he's at the bar at 10AM. Despite the dark impression you might get from this place, I've been surprised to find that it's always welcoming and people there are usually really friendly. The bartenders are always great. The bar has regulars which seem to consist of mostly mature, working-class people. Sometimes, you'll find some fishermen throwing back some beer, and on weekends, there's usually a younger, diverse crowd. They have a tiki menu full of huge sugary, alcoholic bowls that are sure to make you drunk sick. They'll also let you order pizza from next door and have it delivered to you. A true cozy, dive bar. read more

Was greeted by a rude miserable slurring woman on the phone that was angered and offended (perpetually no doubt) that i asked if there was outdoor dining or takeout only. Was that so odd a question to ask? Rude, miserable, old hag! read more

Excellent service, bartenders fill your cups with alcohol and a splash of chase. Music varies but there is something for everyone.

This place fucking blows! Went in there game day and ordered a scorpion bowl and was told ill work on it. waited 10 mins and asked should I order something else? her reply was there was "I can have a shot and a beer or a beer and a shot." WTF! It's not about you it's about the consumer! Place is a dump with shitty service! read more