I love the Hearth. I've been stopping by for an occasional beer or cocktail for the last few years and this place really makes you feel like you're at home. Ray, the owner, is an incredibly friendly and cool dude. All the other bartenders are great, especially Meredith - the Tuesday (and sometimes Saturday) night bartender - she'll welcome you enthusiastically and make you feel like you're one of the gang. "Gong-Night" AKA Talent Show @ The Hearth (Every third Tuesday of the month I think?) is a ton of fun! I've only had positive experiences with the staff and regulars here except for the bartender Lori. She really doesn't seem to give a damn if other people are in the bar other than whomever she is interested in talking to at the moment. It is likely that she will ignore you indifferently when your glass is empty, while she pretends to be interested in whatever is on TV or out the window - Which has happened on SEVERAL occasions!! Last time I was there, it was almost like a total joke - there were about 5 other people in the bar and she completely ignored my friend and me until a guy at the end of the bar had to point out to her that we had been paitently trying to get her attention for a while before she reluctantly came over to acknowledge us. She is super awkward and what's up with the attitude?? I'll ususally pass up the Hearth and head on to another bar if Lori is working. read more

The hearth is my neighborhood bar.... And I love it. All my partners friends and mine have loved it. The biggest added bonus.... Mini game room with old school arcade machine, darts, and pool. There is always something going on here! The drinks are a great price, they taste great, and the bartenders are a riot. If you are with a few friends, alone, or just need a drink... This is your bar. You walk in and instantly feel the love of a good, older bar. All ages, shapes, sizes, races, gender... No one cares here! Just drink and laugh together! Bring a smile... And cash(cash only bar) and enjoy your night! read more

I've been coming to The Hearth now and then because a friend plays pool here. It's a really cute dive bar, with friendly service from Ray the owner/bartender. More importantly, they have Blue Moon - hooray! And Ray will often give you extra orange slices if you ask - double hooray! It's not a big place, so perhaps not great for big groups. However, the bar is more than adequate for an intimate gathering. The pool room is quite spacious - a very comfortable space to hang out and play pool with friends. read more

It says no whiners (or no whining?) on the wall outside, which made me hesitate because I'm capable of whining and want to feel free if the spirit moves me. But once we were inside I understood -- there is nothing to whine about! It feels like a real neighborhood bar with all kinds of people, the kind of neighborhood bar that welcomes you even if you have never been there before. Even if you are not really from the neighborhood but from the other side of the park, which was us. Our super friendly bartender really set the mood for everyone. They have an unusual selection of beer on tap. My husband and G. both chose the grapefruit beer and were very happy with it. I can't have beer so I had an Angry Orchard Cider, which I have not seen on tap before. We only had one round but we'll be back to try some other stuff. We all wish it was our neighborhood bar. read more

Maybe it's my fault for ordering an "unusual" drink... but the bartender didn't know what a brandy alexander was. So I said "how about a white russian"... she wasn't sure what that was either, but mixed some Kahluah with some vodka and topped with with spray-can whipped 'cream'. It tasted like sweetened phlegm so I left. Couldn't get the nasty taste out of my mouth all the way home. So they still get 3 stars because 1) someone said the bartender wasn't the regular girl, 2) I ordered what apparently is an unusual drink in San Francisco - or at least in the Richmond District, and 3) the place generally has a great vibe, and the other reviewers are right about the neighborhood feel. read more

Cool place, very relaxed, easy to go to for someone new to the city (and associated snobbery). Good tap selection, divey vibe, everyone seems to know everyone which is cool. Darts, pool, everything you'd expect from a divebar. Easy place to roll up to, sit at bar alone, make a friend or two and walk out. It is CASH ONLY keep in mind. read more

Such a nice and cozy neighborhood bar. I really enjoyed the ambiance of this place... Good Selection of Beer on tap. I did not expect that! Beer from Germany and Belgium. Cool posters of SF by the entrance... One of them was a poster of old matches from old school restaurants... Bartender was Super Nice and Down to Earth... Great music from the Juke Box! The Perfect example of what an ideal neighborhood bar would be... I'll be back in the near future... + before or after there are TONS of spots to eat at up and down Geary! Damn! read more

Super dive bar! Not exactly for the young, hip crowd, but nice when you just want to have a drink with friends where you won't be hassled by throngs of drunkards. They have some pretty cute little day parties throughout the year, although, if you're not a regular, you probably won't be lucky enough to catch any. My dad's been hanging out in this bar for years and years, which is pretty much the only reason I ever ventured inside, but it's Cheers-ish atmosphere makes me glad I did. You can't beat a Japanese-owned, Irish-themed bar... can you? read more

Fred is an absolute dreamboat. 5'' 9" of sheer power. You can't fade him. Literally doesn't get better than Fred. Imagine a hybrid human being of your best friend, who is a great listener, combined with Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris...'nough said. Long live The Hearth. read more

Beautiful Is ''The Hearth'' I shall say. Sort of like a ''Cheers'' long ago. Where everybody knows your name. And perhaps you shall be named, wink wink. And that's a good thing. Because in Life, We are all Characters and shall come to Love being named by those you become close to and Special friends with. The Hearth is like a community one can extend their existence with. You get to make friends and have communications of sharing experiences and exchange your own intelligence with others. How Great is that? And ''Ray'' the owner has created this place So Beautiful. One could only want to come often and let him know he is A Good Soul To have Created this place for those to Unite together and Spend their moneys, wink wink. Money is only an extension to A Creation beyond what it really means. You get to play pool with many different people and make connections you never know where that could take you. To make more moneys so you can come back and spend it. Or to make new friends which could touch your soul and enrich your life beyond money. Ray has really enlightened this place. It's not only a bar. You can come watch the Superbowl and all the games with his Grand 3 TVs and The Oscars are a really Big thing here. You almost feel like you are There at The Oscars, because he Decorates The Place Like Movie Land. Come see. Yes, You will truly enjoy coming to The Richmond and getting to know many of the different Beautiful Souls of The Universe. And The Innovation of this truly Unique Bar, Newly Remodeled And Inspired By Ray's Inspiration, as Though He truly thought it was his Very Own Living room. Lots of girls come here too... boys. And that's a good thing. Where there are girls there will be boys...love to love you baby. I Wish Ray and his Team The Best of Good Luck and many Best Wishes. This is My Fun Bar. Happy Easter Bunny. Thankyou. 'c' read more

We were going to hit up "Nightlife" in Golden Gate Park, but needed a cheap place to prefunk. We stumbled upon this bar and was delightfully happy with our find. They had a nice pick of beers on tap and pretty friendly service from all of the staff. In the back room there's a pool table. That night there was some promotion where if you order a Radeberger beer, you'd get to keep the glass. Ordered 2 ~ yay! If you want small, very "everybody knows your name" feeling, and chill, you should stop by this place. read more

Decent dive bar with pretty cheap drinks (Jameson is only $6, $5 during HH). Has a pool table and it's right next to jack in the box. Only downside: cash bar only read more

Great people and atmosphere. Nice and cozy place to have a drink or two. read more

The Hearth - Ray's Hearth holiday feast - Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place is a sensational neighborhood vibe of a bar. The bartenders (shout out to Lori!), always make you feel welcome and appreciated, and are never slow with a top off or a refill. Pool in the back, which is excellent for anyone who isn't trying to just post up on a stool the whole night. Will MOST CERTAINLY be back to this exceptional place :) Cash only, but there's an ATM right next to the door so shouldn't be an issue. read more

dude. what dive bar serves sake? THIS ONE! what a pleasant surprise this bar is .. love that they have pool AND darts under one roof, tho their game room is pretty small so you may have to move or get stabbed in the back by a cue. texie is THE SWEETEST bartender ever. she thanked me for playing music (and good one at that) on the jukebox.. it was either that, or listen to espn highlights from their big screen lol they have plenty of seating across the bar. nice plush cushioned booth style seats. cash only, but you can def get a good buzz going for less than $20. we had 2 pints of stella, 6 shots of sake for $10. read more

I love The Hearth! I try to get out there as often as possible. The only reason that I don't give it 5 stars is that the pool league players take over the table and are snotty about letting other people play. I prefer going during the day on the weekends because the league isn't there so I can actually enjoy the pool table. Also, make sure to get cash out before you go because they only take cash and the atm out front charges a nasty fee. . read more

The five-star of dive bars. The lady who runs this fine establishment is a peach, so be sure to say howdy. Once, I ordered a Sapphire and Tonic and she made it so strong that I had to send myself home after that. A very unpretentious place with a low hipster quotient, placing a high priority on drinking and nothing but. Food? Jack in the Box is across the street if they're not giving out free hot dogs. As classy as a pair of brand new mudflaps, The Hearth is always priced right. read more

Okay, so I give the Hearth five stars because it's sentimental to me. My step-dad in the eighties was a regular there and so when the niners use to win, everyone there was happy, hugging, kissing, laughing and having a good time. The owner, Sid, and my step-dad have the same birthday, July 4th, and Sid is there from like 7 am to 7pm making hot dogs and food for anyone who comes in. My parents weren't necessarily friends with Sid, but became friends because they were regulars. I remember being 3 or 4 and there use to be a ms. pacman game. Random people would stop by and give me all the change they had in their pockets so I could keep playing the game... sorry tangent... The clientele is mostly 50+, the decor is very... hmm... well, it's a dive bar, what can I say. It didn't always use to be. If you wanna go somewhere to get cheap drinks, this is the place to be. read more

ahh bitter sweet memories at this place. lots of fun nights... but too many hangover mornings. this place is a true neighborhood bar. after visiting a few times you will start to recognize the faces of the regulars. ray is doing a great job improving the bar and making some much needed updates (more seating). the juke box could have more variety but the selection seems to work with the bar's atmosphere. bartenders are friendly and eager. read more

Texie is the best! Does a great job making sure everyone is helped out. Solid vibes, mix of crowd. Table, pin ball & darts. read more

Stopped in here after a horrid meal a few doors down at Panda Country last night. It's full of older locals who are all really nice and colorful. The bartender was great, and the drinks were cheap. Something about the place didn't really sit well with me, but since I figure that's probably just some hang up that I have and can't even put my finger on what it is I won't ding them for it. I probably won't be in a big hurry to come back, but you should totally check it out for yourself if you're in the neighborhood. read more

OMG. Texi works here now? That means you're in for a fun time. Loved the old owner Sid but can't wait to meet the new one. Thanks for the reviews, people. I'll have to check out the old haunt soon. read more

I love this place first because of the crazy mannequin in the corner who regularly changes clothing. Secondly because they have the photo hunt game (check for bella n ed, we rule) And finally, and mostly because the staff is nice, the atmosphere is super chill and the drinks are totally reasonably priced well made, and not stingy on the booze. Also, its freakin red, and I like red. read more

i got a free cookie at 2 a.m., after oh-so-many generously poured drinks. And my wallet still had some cash in it. by the way - this is a great bar. read more

The Hearth just ooooozes cozy. The regulars are a delightful blend that range from erudite to idiotic, and that's a good thing. Texi and Lori are two of the best bartenders you'll ever meet, and Ray, the owner, is always upbeat and fun. There's a great selection of classic rock on the jukebox, a decent pool table, and often free food. Hunker down in the Hearth and enjoy! Why not 5 stars: Cuz the Hearth place badly needs another TV, like squarely above the middle of the bar. Hopefully one gets installed before baseball season, otherwise be prepared to suffer a crick in your neck if trying to watch a ball game. read more

If you want to go to a bar in the Richmond district that makes you feel at home,this is the place! Ray and his staff are like family ,especially Marianne. She's there Mon. and Tues. mornings from 10am til 6pm. She's soooooooo COOL!!!!! You have to check her out. She's classic what SF is all about. Do yourself a favor...if you don't have to work on the day's she works, go have a cocktail with her. She's the BEST!!!!!!! Tell her Brenda sent you.Cheers!!!! PS...the other bartenders there are very nice as well. read more

Been here for a couple drinks. Friendly folks, but I'd rather walk a block to the 540.

This is a great neighborhood bar to check out. It's so cozy and just like home. The owner Ray and the barstaff are extremely friendly and really care about their business. They are fixing up the place and updateing it and it looks great! Their drink & beer selection is great-AND they have Tiger Beer-big plus :) read more

Reasonably priced drinks ($7.50 for a ketel soda is ), the bartender chick was super attentive and probably the most friendly and warm female bartender I have come across. Great chill dive with a pool table, awesome service!!! read more

Some of my favorite first impressions of the Hearth were: 1. The bartender: sweet and saucy, knew her way around the bar and served one mean margarita. Then even came out from behind the bar to refill my glass with the leftover mix from the canister. Awesome. 2. Sign above the bar: "No whining. No website. Just booze." 3. Setup: 2 rooms with a pool table in the back. Front room: bar on the right, four small tables on the left, one that is under a spot light and adorned with a red tablecloth. Clearly for the fancy patrons or date night at the Hearth. 4. Jukebox: Some 80s, some 70s, Neil Diamond, Sinatra, Madonna. Not necessarily just the popular karaoke numbers, but the forgotten classics too. 5. Crowd: A melting pot of Richmond patrons. All ages, races, states of drunkenness. Sports fans, booze fans, people fans. This is as much of true America as anywhere in rural America or the heartland...right here in San Francisco. read more

I LOVE the Hearth. I just don't know why it took me so long to step foot inside. Was it the older crowd standing outside smoking? Was it the fact that it was in the Inner Richmond? Was it the proximity to Jack in the Box? I lived 2 blocks from this place for six years and finally ventured in here a few months ago. This place is fantastic. Great bartenders who will come out and sing and dance with patrons, who will remember who is drinking water and refill it without being asked, and who have a pleasant demeanor even when the place is crowded. The other appeal frankly is that the crowd is more varied in terms of age -- it's not a bunch of 20-somethings out for a night on the town, but you see everything from that age up to the older elbow benders from the neighborhood. My only goal now is to check here often enough so that I can be mayor on Foursquare! read more

Cheap drinks. Bartenders very happy to see anyone. Just enough people inside to keep it interesting. Yes MIke W, it does resemble a nuclear bunker. I'll call it cozy. Wonder in with some friends, get a buzz, toss on some good tunes and play some pool. Then tip well as you stubble out with money still to burn. read more

Yes, this place looks like some truckstop bar in Wyoming or Nebraska. Yes, there are a lot of potentially annoying music to be played on the juke. Those things aside, it is pretty freaking awesome. They have good cheap beer, pool tables, and a cozy (albeit 1960's) atmosphere. Oh, and it's right next to Jack in the Box should you drink a little too much and need some junk food to soak up the alcohol. Last, the bartenders rock, specifically Erin who works Monday nights. She is the sweetest, bestest thing to ever grace the bars of the Inner Richmond. read more

One of my favourite dive bars in sf. Friendly staff. Good crowd. Nothing extreme which is exactly what you want for your local.

I think I've found my new favorite neighborhood bar with The Hearth. I stopped in for the first time last night, and I could immediately tell that everyone at the bar is a local, and a regular. I was greeted right away, and when the bartender could see that I couldn't quite read the taps, without my asking, he started listing the beers on draft. Nice. I paused at one option and said, "What's that?" He told me that it was a dark ale, and said, "I'll try that." To my surprise, he brought me a taster at first, which I considered probably the best customer service I've gotten (in a bar, mind you) in about 10 years!..lol From there, I quickly realized that I'll definitely be coming back, if not only for Happy Hour, which is from 12-5p during the week! read more

Dive bars can be refuges: Island gardens for men and women who wish they could sail to distant shores and chop holes in their boat too big to repair. Places where contemplative silences can be honored, where truth can be found at the bottom of boilermakers and at the bottom of seedy urinals, where solace is found in the steadfast light of a cigarette or by the uneven light of a dim overhead bulb. Dives are places for the weary, for outcasts, for introverts, for postal workers, and bus drivers and lawyers. Dive bars are where we go to feel alone, to feel the troubles of a day begin to melt as tension unspools from shoulder blades, shivering involuntarily as we struggle to forget. A dive bar is a place where one can feel the fullness of time as it relentlessly moves its slow haunches, never stopping for a drink, ask though you may. My beloved Richmond District is going away. My favorite dives are overrun by the hip and noisy, the audacious and beautiful, young men and women who have never taken a moment to sit in silence, in contemplation. The Hearth is not their place. The Hearth is a place where the Richmond District remains. The owner comes in every night, the bartenders know peoples names, the place is dim, clean, a beautiful pool table in a back room. Husbands and wives sit on the banquet, I at the far end of the long bar staring out into the night. There are good beers on tap from the States, and interesting beers from Germany and Belgium. They pour my Vitus in the right glassware, and the bartender smiles at me. I drink, and nobody bothers me. Its a perfect dive: a refuge from the cold, a refuge from the mundane trivialities of my life, a reminder that the world still has these quiet places, these Island Gardens. We all search for an island garden sometimes. A place where we can hide, jettisoning all dead weight from our shoulders as we retreat from the world, as we face ourselves. A place where we can sit and feel completely hidden, at peace, separate. Tonight, Karl the Fog engulfs the district, but The Hearth is there to warm me, sheltering me from a brave new world I don't quite understand. Listening to: Island Garden Song, by The Mountain Goats. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK4ejdz2KTI read more

Meredith is the funniest bartender in San Francisco and outlying areas. In fact, she hosts a free Stand-Up Comedy Show the second Saturday of each month. The place is super homey and you might just run into a homey while you are drinking some of the finest cocktails in in the Bay Area. read more

At long last, a decent SF alternative to San Mateo's Yuppie Bar. They don't have the boardroom table and office chairs here, but they do have lovely red lighting and a sweet bartendress who becomes more and more integral to your conversations as the night wears on. Indeed, as its name implies, The Hearth is essentially a "comfort bar"--neither a place for high-rollers nor low-brow rollickers, but simply a reassuring haven where you can put some Sam Cooke or an acoustic Mandolin Wind on the jukebox, order up your favorite strong drink, and socialize away with your friends or with the decidedly eclectic crowd. read more

I don't consider this a "dive bar." I consider this a "neighborhood bar," with a lot of friendly regulars. Meredith is a fantastic bartender, she's funny, welcoming and makes a mean martini. Big thumbs up! read more

Great neighborhood bar in the Richmond district, corner of 11th and Geary, often nicely busy, pool table in back with new felt! Drinks not watered down, not expensive. Real friendly staff, Ray and Meredith are super folks. Go on Saturday night, often they have music or live comedy shows, super fun bar... read more