The Tempest is just your typical dark and dingy dive bar, though it's especially important to avoid getting impaled by the people playing pool. It's entertaining to watch pool games while enjoying beers and eating food from Box Kitchen next door. There's a decent amount of seating at and around the bar, but it gets crowded very quickly. The decor is very eclectic, and there's a good variety of beers on tap and drink specials, but this isn't really my type of vibe. I would only come here to hang out while eating out of Box Kitchen and enjoying beers with friends. read more

Walked here on a Friday night (10:30-11 pm) after a giants game--my friend said this was one of her favorite dive bars! We walked in and the music was super loud (too loud to easily talk over, but not an issue). Me and a friend noticed the bouncer was eating a plate of waffles and smiled since they looked good--he approached us and got angry, saying something along the lines of if we had a problem with him eating, he'd kick us out. We tried to explain that we thought it looked good and there wasn't a problem, but he was so angry that it felt pretty uncomfortable (wondering if he had had a few drinks, or just a bad night?). After that, we made our way to the bar--the bartender was also super rude (shook his head at a friend's reasonable drink order, took 10+ minutes to get drinks to us), and our drinks were in tiny glasses that were smaller than any of the ones our friends had or the ones left all over the tables. I understand this is a dive bar, but being straight up *mean* to your customers is not cool!! read more

Love their Burger, perfect with a modelo draft. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Right now they offer limited seating out doors. Everyone wears a mask, they provide hand sanitizer. Took my son here after a baseball practice at Victoria Manalo Park, he devour the burger in two minutes. Definitely will be back. read more

Cheap drinks, great drink specials! Shot of Jim Beam and a fresh PBR pint for 5 bones! Can't beat that with a bat. Lots of large HD tvs with sports (nba playoffs on this occasion). Plenty of seating. A little grimy inside, but didn't bother me. It was exactly what I was looking for. I believe cans of Hamms and PBR pints were both 2 bux. DEAL!! Jamison shots for $6. Tons of other specials and a full bar to get whatever you want. Interesting beer list with lots on tap. There is food next door in a pop up sort of window. I didn't get any, but it is a good option when drinking. You can bring the food into Tempest. I will be back.... read more

The Tempest is a dive bar extraordinaire, nestled on the alley like Natoma street just a block away from the absolute bottom of the barrel dive, which is 6th street, aka Skid Row, where the winos and riff raff have been hanging out for decades. On 6th street, all you need is a bottle, brown bag, and the sidewalk. Here at the Tempest, it has lot more to offer than that. Well, some more to offer. I mean at least a little more. After all, it is a dive bar. But the Graffiti theme is the same as Skid Row, with the bathroom walls covered in grunge and graffiti, to make the transition from Hipster at the Tempest to Homeless on Skid Row an easy transition for those on a severe downward spiral in the commode of life. The Tempest has great prices for booze. So you will find mostly 30s something white professionals in Portland Grunge outfits hanging out here with Hipster beanies, women in wife beaters topped with nice faux funk jackets and worn neckerscarfs, who can't afford to go to the nice places because the rent downtown for their 400 sq ft matchbox studio in that new high rise is $3,500 a month. So the $3, $4 and $5 dollar beers, and $4 Fernet (ugh, relative to Jaegermeister, which was designed as a German after dinner herbal liqueur, not a shooter!) shots seem awfully attractive, despite making 6 figure salaries at the Start-Up of the Month. After all, Angel funding may cease, and without their CEO pivoting the Start-up right, there isn't much safety net between that High Rise and well, Skid Row. So think of the Tempest as a training ground for that possibly bottom pit a block away. There were only 2 bartenders on a Saturday night, so drink are a little slow. But just order the many beers on tap, or by the bottle, or they do have a large liquor selection too, and at these prices, you can double up and two fist it. The Box kitchen Window is just up the street 20 feet, actually connected to the Tempest, but has its own ordering window, and for a little hole in the wall (literally, there are no tables or chairs, it is just a hole in the wall!) they have at least 10 food items that are pretty good, not just good drunk food, which it is, but tasty stuff, that you can bring back into the Tempest. Chill crowd, pay pool table, music piped in, doorman checking IDs, funky garage sale tables and chairs, dressed down tech nerd hipster wannabes, and cheap prices for booze. What else do you want? There is always Skid Row, just a block away. read more

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I thought this was a cool dive bar, close to work with decent food... however several friends/coworkers have been drugged at this bar, of both genders. I will not be returning! read more

So i took a trip to the bayyy area finally! So it was saturday we decided to go here just to keep it "chill".Got a lyft there,so if you're kinda not into the getting dropped off in the alley or infront of a tagged up place this isnt for you.just an fyi. We get there door person carding at the door we go in instantly you notice the local art decor..and by that i mean this place is tagggedd the fuuuu**ck up! But you know what it gives this place character.pictures posters beer stuff also there dont get scared away...lol so this place is fairly small so we sat at the bar for the first 20 min till a table opened up.The service was fast for the first drink second kinda took a bit longer but its not a long wait like usually some other bars do.Coming from LA i was skeptical on finding a cool place to hangout and drink but this was not that far from home. Everyone and i mean everryyyyoneee was hellaaa hipster so yeah its that crowd. Theres a bathroom for women and men. One stall each.One pool table.ohhh yeah and there is food there....well outside next door.....and the food i got was so fricken good let me tell you! So yes cool place to chill at or pregame. read more

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Although I am on a hiatus from drinking (aiming for a year!), I will give props where props are due. Tempest, on the surface, is your neighborhood dive. Its tucked away in soma on a corner that I would've never known was there. From the outside, not much to look at... in fact, arguably ugly. Once you walk in you notice a HUGE space; tall ceilings, pool table, tons of tables and miscellaneous nick knacks on the wall. So far, your standard SF dive. What warrants a review are two HUGE deal breakers and/or makers, the service and the food. One thing you can expect at most dives bars (aside from questionable restrooms), are pretentious rude bartenders. Tempest not only didn't have your stereotypical service, the service was fantastic. The bartender, Justin, was not only warm and friendly but he made us feel welcomed....even during lunch time on a busy game day. He got our drinks quickly, made small talk and even shot out recommendations on food. Service from Justin alone warrants another visit. The food, my god, the food. This isn't your typical dive fare: stale popcorn, 711 style nachos and frozen hot dogs. The menu is thought out, creative and just downright GOOD. We had the Potato skins - roasted potato halves, crispy pork belly, charred green onions, Gouda cheese, crema, and quail egg on top! I meannnnnnnn........pork belly anything is a winner, this is just going the extra mile. We also had the clam chowder, which at times are so/so, but were surprised with how big the serving size was and how flavorful it was. Granted, it's no pier 39 bread bowl....but it hit the spot. Another notable mention is the chicken and biscuits special.....saw it come to a table after we ordered and pulled this little number: http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/3975805/jaw-drop-o.gif I won't front, I would've easily walked past this place if I was in the neighborhood if it weren't for yelp and us in route to the giants game. Management, Justin is an asset and singlehandedly made our visit memorable and is a benchmark as to what service SHOULD be, dive or not... and the food was the cherry (pork belly?) on top. Tempest, you're on a pedestal and I'm fortunate to have found you. Tip: $4 fernet shots every day, $5 Jameson and great beers on tap. read more

Tempest - Pork belly potatoe skins and clam chowder. - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

A reliable dive bar with a good beer list and an always interesting crowd of people. I've always had a great time, but I've also always been with a large group of friends/colleagues. -1 for some seriously rude 'tude service from a couple of the bartenders. Not all of them, as others are great. But a couple of these guys just can't be bothered to offer you a drink or your tab without first theatrically looking you up and down and judging your perceived cred levels or whatever. Still, I prefer to focus on the ones that have been friendly and funny. +1 for the bathroom. Some people might find it gross. Well, it's not really "dirty" as it is just covered from top to bottom in graffiti. Frankly, I think it's kinda beautiful. It's as if a divey bathroom has somehow transcended into art. I definitely took a number of photos in that space. Just don't plan on looking in the mirror or having any privacy whatsoever. I'll be back because by this point it's tradition. And I'll be pretty happy about it, too. read more

Many a bad decision has been made at Tempest, but actually going there is rarely one of them. You already know this place--that place where you know you're going to end up, where you know you can get cheap drinks, where you know it's going to be easy to preface your decisions with, "I never thought I would do this, but...." You know this place. This version of that dive bar is the one with pool tables and a really incredible kitchen next door that serves up surprisingly good food that you can use to dilute the growing mix of liquor in your innards. This version is down what feels like a back alley, but when you find it, it's packed with people. You've been here before, even if you never have. So, why Tempest over any of the other dive bars in town? I wish I knew the answer to that. Every dive bar comes with its own highly unique and specialized form of Dive Bar Magic, and perhaps Tempest was blessed with more than its fair share. I was with a group of almost 30 people who were looking for someplace to go after a work event, and as the designated walker (the guy who's leading a pack of non-locals as they navigate the streets of SF to find this place) there was magic (read: terror) on everyone's eyes when I popped through the door with 29 of my closest friends. There's magic in that food next door (see also, Box Kitchen) and there's magic in the mixture of people who show up there on any given night. You can't mix all those genres of people together and not expect some kind of chemical reaction. You know exactly what this place is. You know you'll probably make some bad decisions here. That's pretty much why you choose Tempest. read more

Stopped by here for a couple of beers last weekend and it didn't disappoint. My boyfriend is a fan of dive bars and we were revisiting old stomping grounds. Would come again soon read more

Anyone who knows me can describe me as girly and okay...bougie! So, with that being said, I do not do dive bars. However, my friend and I were meeting up with her friend and all her friends here. Tempest is on Natoma which is an alleyway pretty much in between 5th & 6th Streets..so yes, it is in a teeny bit shady location...thank goodness we got back to fiance's car in the nick of time, that's all I gotta say. Anyways, good vibes, chill people, attentive staff looking around to take away glasses. Just didn't like how we ended up at a table by the pool table so I had to watch out for a few pool stick jabs. My vodka pineapple was fine, not sure about prices as I didn't pay though. Super convenient for them to have the food order window right outside. My friend shared her garlic fries with us which were a little greasy but hit the spot. She also got a bacon wrapped hot dog, but they burnt hers a little. Seems like the wait was a teeny bit long for a window at a bar, prices were so so. The ladies room was just a single toilet and sink, which was pretty clean for a dive bar, but smelled like pee, perhaps a guy used it before us? 3.5 but rounding up. read more

The Tempest is like the dive bar of your dreams. Hidden on a side street in SOMA, Tempest is a bit off the beaten path. Walking in, the dimly lit bar has a nice haze over it. You look around and find random tables, mis-matched chairs and a long wait list for the pool table. The bar extends the whole back of the bar with ample seating and nice TVs for catching the Giants game. Similar to their sister bar, Louis, The Tempest has an amazing selection of rotating craft beers at reasonable prices. Bottles start around $3 and drafts start at $5 so you can enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. Aside from great beer selection, there is a full bar with select craft cocktails to choose from or whatever suits your fancy for the day. With all the beer drinking and watching baseball on TV you're sure to get hungry - Box to the rescue! Step outside The Tempest and get your hands on some fried up food next door to bring in. Also, with burgers and sandwiches at $8+ with fries added on for $2 you can fill up on some amazing bar food and still have tons of cash leftover for more beers (yay!) The service is excellent here. The bartenders are so friendly and really know their spirits and craft beers. The Tempest is the type of place I could go to for "just one beer" and turn up leaving 5 hours later drunk and full (oh wait, didn't that just happen?). Cheers. read more

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Solid dive! Tempest is a great spot to meet for drinks with friends, coworkers, or friends who are coworkers. Just check out photos of their bar -- it's a beautiful fully-stocked sight. They're prices are reasonable and have good specials on the board too. You'll find something to do whether you like shots, sipping on bourbon, double-vodka drinks, or cheap beers. You'll find something to do whether it's getting quite inebriated, playing pool, appreciating suggestive art, eating some greasy grub, or doing the splits in front of your coworkers. They also have a food window outside, which is truly a treat, especially late-night. I had some taquitos there that were delicious and didn't make my body hurt! read more

Tempest Bar is definitley not a destinaion. but if you are near the chronicle building, this may be the cheapest liquor alternative there is. surprised drafts (white lighting) just 4. black board specials include a beer (pabst/hamms) and a shot of jim beam for 5, or 2 beers for 5 or shot of jack daniels and beer for 9. tempest is a nice hole in the wall to get a drink and designer drinks are not a requirement. service on the slow side since a single amigo is the bartender, waiter, and busboy for the entire dining room and bar. one pool table is in da house and many flatscreens. read more

A legend. This is a divy bar that had become the unofficial company waterhole, before we moved. Since then, it's been hard to get out here, but we've stormed this place with an army of ubers on more than one occasion. Lest there be any doubts on the prowess of the bar's diviness, there are three and a half supreme nights of drinking in SF that are legendary amongst my friends. two of these began at Tempest, and each involved a double-round of bearfights. So if you dare the bear, then take your share here. read more

Tempest - The unofficial tradition of our company. First round. - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

CHEATSHEET (aka if you haven't played since the 90s) Dhalsim aka the Haight Yoga Fire: Down, Down-Toward, Toward, Punch Yoga Flame: Away, Down-Away, Down, Down-Toward, Toward, Punch Chun-Li aka Chinatown Lightning Kick: Tap Kick Repeatedly Spinning Bird Kick: Hold Down, Up, Kick Ryu aka SOMA Hadouken: Down, Down-Toward, Toward, Punch Shoryuken: Toward, Down, Down-Toward, Punch Blanka aka the Tenderloin Electricity: Tap Punch Repeatedly Rolling Attack: Hold Away, Toward, Punch If I play other characters on a future visit, remind me to add: Ken aka the FiDi E. Honda aka Japantown Balrog aka Hunters Point Vega aka the Castro Zangief aka Russian Hill Guile aka the Marina M. Bison aka the Sunset Sagat aka MUNI 38 past 11 pm read more

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You look like you'll get shot here. But I don't think any bullets will be wasted. This place is the definition of a dive, hipster, trendy, too cool for school, bar. I went here for a couple of quick drinks before heading out for dinner. The place was packed, but it's also small. Tucked away in an alley, it was hard to get to for me since this was the first time visiting SF. Drinks are craft and local. Didn't try the food, but my friend swore by it. There was a fight that broke out in front of the joint, probably about who is more underground... it was broken up quickly. I would go back and would like to have spent more time here. It's an interesting crowd and I'm intrigued. read more

Full disclosure: I'm from the South, where dive bars reign. This is the "dive bar." To rule all other dive bars. Compassionately priced drinks (2 different $5.00 BEER+SHOT specials) Legit beer (cask sours and nitro cream ales) Enough TV presence, but not a sports bar (except playoffs, go dubs) Amazing food next door at Box Kitchen (see my other reviews) Kind bartenders that put up with a lot, but still are sweet as can be A pool table that, from my perspective, gets some semi-legit competitive play An arcade machine (recently updated to Cabela's Big Game from MKII) Good, loud music (most of the time, we all have opinions, 90% I'm on board) You can bring in outside food, also (saw a dude straight up pull a bag of Fritos and a can of bean dip out and go to town, not mad 'bout it) tl;dr Inexpensive but quality, a rare paradox for SF bars. read more

The female ratio is off the hook here, MY homie Paul was stuck in a whole ambush of women. This place is in an alleyway it could be a lil hard to notice so you may pass it a bunch of times like dooooh not again. just park bruh and go in maan the liquor is good the people are good the music is really really rockin man. One time I was here and I seen a pregnant lady walking a midget on a leash. This place is wild man. read more

I was coming here with a big group of people. One of us was carrying (but not using) a vape. Someone else walked past and puffed on their vape. The bouncer seriously started *yelling* at my friend to walk across the street, even though he wasn't vaping. The guy then continued yelling at him, and it was honestly just kind of insane and aggressive. He was on a *massive* power trip, and managed to lose his place our entire group. I wish I had gotten a better photo of him to post here, but if you see this bouncer I recommend keeping your distance and going somewhere else. read more

Tempest - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

This past Friday I wandered into a neighborhood bar named "Tempest". I have to admit I wasn't in the best of moods that day. The end of a long hectic workweek and the stress of the holiday season was wearing on me and I'm sure others noticed... That said, as I entered the bar it was packed. Probably three rows deep of patrons waiting for drinks. I'm a self employed business owner who works for the public and even I was overwhelmed by the crowd. However every now and then, there is a gem in an establishment that stands out, truly makes your day, and makes you want to return. At Tempest bar that employee is named "Billy" (female). As I said it was crowded and Billy made her way over to my friend and I. She greeted us with a smile and some humor ready to take our order. My drink of choice is a nuisance to most bartenders who frown on making it in a crowded environment because of the tedious and timely process. However when I asked Billy for "2 shots of Mandarin Absolute Vodka chilled with separate coke backs" she responded with a charming smile and witty nod. More over as the night was going on my friend was a little worn out from her day and started to feel a little ill. Billy noticed, inquired on my friend's well being, brought water without us asking, and asked us if there is anything we needed. There are a lot of establishments to choose from when spending your hard earned dollars. Customer service always comes first with me and I'm happy to visit Tempest bar where people actually CARE and go out of their way to make your experience special. When you go to Tempest just look for Billy, you can't miss her with her adoring smile and resembling Amy Winehouse to a degree. If you have the same experience with her that I had, you will want to return!! read more

It is a dive bar. The beers and drinks are flowing and the place had a good crowd. Nice selection of beers on tap. Again this place is a dive bar. Not a bad thing at all. The three bartenders were good (two guys and one gal). Friendly and were pretty quick with the drinks and or beers!! The only reason not a five star. The place was a little dungy hence the four stars. Tip #1 This is a SF bar. Lots of giants and 49er fans, so if you wear something other than. Standby. Nothing like a good ribbing!! Tip #2 Ask about the stickers! Yes they have stickers!!!!! read more

Tempest - The outside.... Come on the place is called "TEMPEST"!!!!!! - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Uh, the surrounding area is a bit sketchy but the restaurant itself has a really chill and dim vibe! The staff is super helpful and nice :D We came in to get some take-out for lunch and the server sat us at the bar to order. We got the Box Burger (done medium) with fries and the server was really patient with us even though we were acting like total noobs. Food took about 15 minutes to arrive, which wasn't too bad. The burger itself was super juicy and the pattie was thick. Fries were ah-maaaazing! Definitely will need to try the garlic version next time. Overall, it wasn't the most earth-shattering burger I've had, but it's decent and filled me up. Great spot for lunch :) read more

Tempest - Box Burger - medium and with fries! - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great prices, great service, excellent food from The Box next door. Randy and Billie took great care of us! You can really relax here and not break the bank! read more

Tempest - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place rocks - total dive type bar, they did allow smoking, so lots of chain smoking in every direction but it's well ventillated, or maybe I didn't realize it because cough cough I was smoking too. you know - do like the italian do - smoke and drink. the bartenders are really cool and don't act like your from out of town because they don't personally know you. that happens all of the time - there are too many places in SF to act like well if I haven't seen you - you must be visiting from another land. Met some great girls here every time I've been there - some crazy Melanie chic that's a chef and her hot hot friend N_talia!! read more

This bar has gotten a lot of love from my colleagues, and I'm going to toss it a little bit more. Because any dive bar that can mix a decent cocktail and has a pool table deserves adoration. Welp, I just went ahead and told you the three important things you need to know about Tempest. If you want to cut (a little too) loose, hit her up. read more

The bar area is pretty awesome. However, what killed it for me was the food. I ordered chicken but it came undercooked

Hold your horses kind souls, and get a load of this joint. It is incredibly undervalued and one of last bastions of the San Francisco I used to know. Perhaps that is why it is so popular among so many, whether they're visiting the Warfield or just want a place to put their arms down and get in touch with sticky tables. This is an anything-goes-until-you've-been-kicked-out kind of place, and it is crowded most evenings. You'll find that they serve up some solid local craft brews among the staple Bud Light and Coors, and have every mixed drink you can surmise from your tepid thoughts. I found the prices to be reasonable, the wait times to get your drinks from the bartenders to be lengthy, and table seating to require patience. My group did find a nice long table for six, and went into a demonstrative night with nothing more than some dice, a cup, and turns to the bar for continued orders. I find the Tempest to be an even better establishment considering the leniency of bringing burgers in here from the next door hole-in-the wall. If there's a systems that having me committed to calories and America, it's through this place. read more

Oh sweet Tempest, how do I love you? Let me count the ways: Dirty Bingo on Sundays, where a roller derby hostess asks to see boobies and gives away free playthings and t's and shots, while dressed like Leelou Dallas from Fifth Element. The pool table, where a steady group of decent players will let you in the fold, should you be able to keep up for a game or two. Well, kinda. Doggies, always around and behaved, although open to petting. No more smoke, so glad they stopped allowing cigs in here, I hate going home and having to shower. The new look, exposed brick everywhere, so old skool and downtown dive-sheik, new paintings so rad, and a crazy saloon style bar. The new owners, my age, kick back, remember my name every-stinking-time I return, which in this city I find is less amazing as everyone is pretty decent to patrons and remembers each other by sheer proximity of encounters within the city's tiny geography - but it still sizzles my ego. $2 PBR, $5 PBR + Jim Bean shot. Anchor on tap, just the basics, always there and reliable. The new kitchen. Holy Crap there are some good finger foods to be found in the Box. The new chef whips up some crazy fun dishes, a burger, a Mediterranean wrap, those fried cheese sticks, and the Jalapeño mini corn dogs with Jalapeño Aioli. Indoor bike parking, thank you dammit, as long as you can fit it in and keep it out of the walk way, it's good indoors. TWSS. But serious, considering the nabe it resides in, this is a huge plus. Not having to worry about a downtown/6th street bike rip off. Also, my friends and I, although alternative routes exist, usually say that the walk down 6th from Market is kind of the gauntlet you have to pass in order to be worthy to visit the Tempest. Like a right of passage. Just don't pull out your phone, or look most anyone in the eye on the way down. No website, but if you follow them on twitter (@tempestbarsf), they'll send you updates on specials and events. Love you Tempest, literally my neighborhood dive. read more

I had a cheese burger at Tempest a couple of weeks ago, and after I ordered it, Tempest brought out all this yummy meatloaf and mashed potatoes for free! So I figured I'd keep the cheeseburger in it's bag and eat it later on. The meatloaf and mashed potatoes were outstanding. I feel like such a pig but after I was done I opened up the burger and ate half. I could not believe how good it was. The meat was cooked to medium rare perfection. I actually gave the other half to some girl who was locking up her bike. I wanted someone else to share and confirm. She said "I hope you didn't poison it" or something. Oh and Pool is only 75¢! read more

First-The Tempest box was yummy.. I ate fried pickles with the jalapeno aioli... I thought both were really smack-a-lack-a good and fairly cheap for $3.50. Although, I think the pickles need more breading and to be fried in hotter oil....but I'm from Tennessee and I'm just sayin:-) Second- Tempest bar is a hole in the wall, bicycle messengers paradise..Nice people slingin drinks and a nice crowd..All around cool place.. I will be back. read more

Tempest - Fried pickles...jalepeno aoili.. pretty dern good! - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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If I could put 0 stars I would! Long story short. I was hungry, kicked out and got the police called on me LOL. I attended here after a warrior game. I was next in line for the bathroom and seen the cook to ask what was good. He was super sweet and helpful. Had an empty beer can that I was about to throw away. I was greeted but a bleach blonde passive aggressive bartender (probably drunk considering the liquid courage she definitely had lol) I was told I can't have the empty can in the bar. I was next in line for the bathroom to toss it before I sat to eat. I asked to speak to someone other than her bc she lacked poise and communication skills. Obviously if words cannot be used to SOLVE a problem especially in food/ customer service setting don't purse that job!!! I then got called the non emergency line called on me because my whopping 5 foot demeanor trying to clear the misunderstanding was threatening. Get a grip LMAO. Bartender kept referring to it as her bar saying she was manager (doesn't own the bar and I was approached by another person impersonating a manager??!!?) who actually owns this poorly run establishment LOL not a good look. She obviously has a ego problem, which seems like a running theme of all staff considering the ongoing similar reviews. End of story bartender stinks and they all back each other up for back behavior. Avoid this place I already posted this on ALL platforms. read more

Super RAD bar I'm from LA came down for the game. Jason is amazing that guy is all around a dope guy And the food here? God damn chef kiss come down for a donkey punch or what ever it was called lol read more

I feel like this is the place my collective buddies would own if my collective buddies weren't collectively a piece of shit. This place is great. Great prices, fun atmosphere, no frills, no bs, but a clear care for quality of product, environment, and service. Great food, interesting people, knowledgeable staff, tasty booze, and even free stickers. It just really feels like the owner cares; love this place. Ps: an extra note on the food - it's so easy to just phone it in when it comes to bar food. I love that this place really cares about the uniqueness/quality of the food they're putting out. read more

Tempest in a teapot? No. Tempest in SoMa? Yes! A chill local dive bar sort of place...any neighborhood that does not have this ilk of bar is sorely lacking in my opinion. Fairly crowded even on a Wednesday night, lots going on in and around the joint. have a brew and enjoy the local atmosphere. read more

Turning into the alley...ahhh there it is....wait, what did I just walk into?! ...Tempest!! Very chill spot! I highly recommend you try their Chipotle Habanero beer...it's a got a kick that is just so good! :D Bring cash as it's a minimum $10 on cards - but if you're also grabbing lunch (check it out!) then it works... I went on an Tuesday around 5:30 and there was a good amount of seating available. Some chairs are very old (as in springs are coming out haha) but I suppose it adds to the charm of the place... That chipotle spiced beer is enough to bring me back! read more

With the hotel location change from previous years of our annual work conference, a night-ending "homebase" was needed as our many co-workers returned home after a night in our million different, bay area directions. With Tempest as a location visited in years past and only a block and a half from our hotel, it seemed to make the most sense. Due to this being the last stop of the night, finite details get lost in the streets of San Francisco. But all of my experiences here were just what I was looking for. It was never overly crowded and I hardly ever had to wait for a drink. The selection is not fantastic. But as for many things in this review, Tempest is not trying to fit the bill for what you would consider the perfect bar. For us to make this a bar to wind down the night, it was definitely the right ambiance. Its location is a little off the beaten path... but what do you expect from a dive bar. I've heard from co-workers that they had some rude service from time to time. But I definitely did not have those same experiences. For being a very solid dive bar, you get three stars. But for fitting the bill for what we needed it for, Tempest gets a bonus star. read more

This place was really cool and nicely laid out. They have an amazing food selection that you get through a pick up window and can bring to the bar with you which has a higher standard than normal wait staff for a local dive bar also all of the decoration will keep you staring at the walls a unique type of patrons will keep you entertained and they play good music and have retro music videos going on as well as several sports games you're able to find the drink you like at the price you like they have drink specials every day and they also post their beer menu on the wall so you can easily choose I will definitely be returning again read more

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Box burger. It has been hyped up for me forever and yesterday I finally got the chance to try it. To my surprise, the prices here are extremely affordable by SF standards. For 11 dollars I got the biggest burger I've had the chance to stumble upon and a side of fries. The fries are your standard fries, nothing special but the box burger itself was better than your average burger. The bun is wonderful since it was fluffy and crispy at the same time. The fried shallots give it that extra flavor profile that a burger needs. It was so big that I still had some of my burger patty leftover so I tried that by itself and unfortunately I found it to be unseasoned. In addition to my main dish I ordered the brussel sprouts to share with my girlfriend. She wasn't a fan of it but that was my favorite part of the the meal. I loved how the roasted and crisp the sprouts were and the lemongrass vinaigrette paired along wonderfully. One bad thing was the service was pretty bad. I don't know if it was because we were the only Asians in the restaurant at the time, but not once did our waitress come to check up on us to see how the food is or even to refill our water. However, the waitress constantly checked up on the tables around us so we were annoyed by that. Overall, I would give this 4 stars because of the food but the service needs some shaping up to be more equal to all. Get the brussel sprouts for sure and then the burger if you're looking to be filled up for your money's worth! read more

Tempest - Crawford's Fried Brussel Sprouts - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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