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    The Ave

    4.3 (102 reviews)
    InexpensiveDive Bars, Sports Bars
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Ave Photos

    THE AVE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Juke Box
    Divey
    Casual

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    Recommended Reviews - The Ave

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    The bar
    Angela T.

    Today is my first visit here. It's on Ocean Ave but we found parking right away. First impression is that this is an A+ little dive. Loving the nostalgic vibe. They've got a great celestino of beer, including a cider on draft today. The bartender is super friendly. And the crowd here today is friendly. Vibe is a friendly neighborhood bar.

    Soulful Sundays with D.J. ROB V
    Jesse C.

    10-6-2019...5p.m. Soulful Sundays with D.J. Rob V... Every Sunday 5P.M.-9P.M. ya diggg Good people, good vibes, great drinks... Nothing like chilln in ya old neighborhood.. The Ave is a kool place to be... Stop by and get ya chill on

    Manhattan on the rocks
    Jesus A.

    Great vibes and great cocktails and cider. Friendly and easy parking! Service was phenomenally again!

    The Ave...
    Earl G.

    Hanging out and watching a Giants game at the Ave is like chillin' at a barbershop. Bunch of guys talking, sports, smack, ish', and what not. There isn't a pool table or anything else to keep you occupied but the friendly regulars are lively and will keep you entertained. They do have some old school pictures on the walls for decoration. As well as some old school class and football/basketball team pics from the local all boys HS that's right around the corner. Riordan is the barkeep's alma mater as well as mine. There's some serious male bonding to be had here.

    The juke has the slaps
    Lupe R.

    I usually dont go to bars but after going here once I'm hooked, Gaby gives the best service and the drinks are fire. You have to come and see for your self.

    Ginger beer masterpiece
    Simi J.

    This was the first bar I ever entered 5 years ago. It holds a special place in my heart. That is the kind of energy you will feel at this bar. It's very welcoming and neighborly. Bay Area game days are on point, and you never know who you are going to run into or how many funny conversations you're gona have. The jukebox is on point and the 90s hiphop will make you happy! I love them especially because they carry ginger beer! That is usually the missing ingredient in most mixed drinks! If you're looking for a nice lowkey place to hang out and drink, come here! You won't be disappointed. P.S. Be ready to get hit on you beautiful ladies! Hahaa

    Angel A.

    The ave has quality drinks and service! The staff are friendly and inviting and will always make you feel at home.

    Awesome drink! Bennie bulldog drink !

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    2 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Business owner information

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    Yusufu B.

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    11 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    This is a great place to chill and listen to some of the city's comedians. The service is great as well!

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    4 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Hours not accurate - tried to come, paid for parking, and they closed. Only open th/Friday/Saturday now

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Ruby the bartender is very kind. Made me feel like it was "The neighborhood spot." Super down to earth vibes.

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    Yusufu B.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Ave

    Review Highlights - The Ave

    The owners Bomani and Lucia are simply wonderful, as are all the employees!

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Holy Water - Drinks and holy decor

    Holy Water

    4.4(325 reviews)
    2.5 miBernal Heights
    $$

    I have to preface my review by stating I absolutely adore Catholic art, antiques, relics and such,…read moreso this definitely influenced my decision to check this place out; but I am beyond happy that my curiosity led me here. The ambiance was perfect for a nightcap. I visited Holy Water with relatives who live in the area but hadn't visited the place themselves before. Drinks we ordered include: * Mexican Firing Squad - Our favorite of all. We are classic paloma cocktail lovers, and this drink provided everything we enjoy in a paloma and more. Tart, smooth, and all-around divine. * Southern Exposure - The celery in this really awakens the senses. Very refreshing. * Zombie - Boldest drink we've tried yet. Haunted us the remainder of the night (in a good way). * Poinsettia - Wish this wasn't just a holiday menu item. It's fabulous. * Caribbean Snow Day - The playful kid's cup this came served in had us fooled. This eggnog sure packed a punch. Can't wait to be back and check out what other rotating or seasonal drinks they provide. Lastly, major shout out to the hard-working bartender last night who provided kind, prompt and attentive service on top of greeting all patrons coming in, taking orders and bussing tables. You rock!

    Headline: I found Jesus in the bar tonight and it was good…read more No it was not some long haired patron but instead this awesome themed bar in San Francisco. This place had a nice chill vibe despite being crazy busy. We were still able to find some decent seats and bask in the glow of good old JC. The place almost had a hall in the wall vibe with the twinkle lights but still boasted an impressive selection of drinks. Despite how busy it was, the staff was super friendly and bartenders were moving fast through the requests. Sometime at a bar you can feel ignored but it was not like that here. Cellphone signal is not great but they have wifi inside as well.

    Photos
    Holy Water - IPA

    IPA

    Holy Water
    Holy Water - Holiday decor at Holy Water December 23

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    Holiday decor at Holy Water December 23

    The Knockout SF - Bar

    The Knockout SF

    3.9(315 reviews)
    2.6 miBernal Heights, Mission
    $

    A True Mission Gem -- Gritty, Loud, and Full of Heart…read more Caught Star Belly Bug here recently and had an absolute blast. If you're looking for a venue with soul, personality, and a healthy dose of weird -- The Knockout is it. The Scene: This place screams underground SF in the best way. The walls are plastered with stickers from hundreds of bands, artists, and regulars that have come through -- it's like a living punk flyer wall. Dim neon lighting and vintage touches give it a divey charm, but not in a try-hard way. The Virgin Mary painting above the bar and eclectic photo strips tucked in every corner add a little extra mystique to the already vibrant decor. The Music: Star Belly Bug was killer -- great sound for a small venue, and the energy was contagious. The stage is super intimate, so you're right up close with the band, no matter where you're standing. The Knockout clearly supports local and underground talent, and it shows in the diverse lineup and passionate crowd. The Bar: Drinks were strong and reasonably priced (especially for SF), and the bartenders were cool and efficient even when things got packed. There's a solid cocktail list on the board, but also plenty of cheap beer and no-nonsense options. Vibe: Inclusive, weird in the best way, and 100% authentic. This is the kind of place where you can dance, lose yourself in the music, and just enjoy being part of the scene. Zero pretension. Lots of regulars. Great people-watching. Whether you're coming to catch a band, dance your face off on theme nights, or just grab a stiff drink, The Knockout delivers the goods. A Mission must-stop.

    Nice place to play - very cool people, sound man knew what he was doing, helpful and got a good…read moretone. small place - but 40 people feels like 100 so I don't mind. Place was clean, I don't drink alcohol but some folks loved the drinks and they had some new alcohol-free options which I appreciated. Than you guys! one thing to consider if your'e a band playing here, parking is tough and unloading becomes a little dicy when double parking. Ended up having to park 4 blocks away.... that said, would play it again. cheers!

    Photos
    The Knockout SF
    The Knockout SF - Shoegazey photo of the excellent watermelon mezcal paloma

    Shoegazey photo of the excellent watermelon mezcal paloma

    The Knockout SF - Simpsons Trivia

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    Simpsons Trivia

    The Ave - divebars - Updated June 2026

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