I met up with friends at this place at random. It was extremely empty, but I loved it just the same. It has so many old-timey touches like the milk glass lights and the bar itself. And you can't deny a bar with naked lady decor. There's a photo booth if you're into that, and additional seating upstairs overlooking the long, narrow bar. The bartenders were cool chicks and very welcoming. Drink prices are great and they mix a nice cocktail. If you're looking for a red, moody dive bar in the middle of a rough block, this is the place. read more

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Everyone needs a couple of good go-to divey bars. They don't need to be too sketchy, just not the sort of place you're going to find hipsters ordering mocktails. The energy here is infectious, but not in the "letgo clubbing" sort of way, but more for when you need a night to hang out with the crew and have a drink or two between stops. There are too many high end bars masquerading as luxe around the city but not enough down to earth, but impressively good bars like this one. Definitely check it out. read more

This is a cute little spot, with a really cool winding staircase to the second floor. Also check out their Moscow mules on tap! read more

The Rumpus Room - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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So who knew you could have a drink in relative comfort on 6th Street? Well, 'relative' is a relative term. I'm sure I won't be able to convince everybody to come to the sketchy block between Market and Mission to patronize this watering hole. At the same time, I can tell you I wasn't hassled when I entered this unassuming bar with the provocative neon sign above (photo: https://bit.ly/3OO5aiq). It was late afternoon, and the bar was pretty empty. I just asked the bartender if she had any Makers Mark. She didn't, but she offered Barrell. I went for it with ginger ale, and it cost me $11 (photo: https://bit.ly/3OLJN0T). Not a bad price and the drink went down smoothly even as I saw a trio of hipster colleagues come in with their outdoor voices intact. Oh well, I can think of worse things spilling in from 6th Street. DRINKS - 4 stars...a smooth libation before facing 6th Street again AMBIANCE - 4 stars...more relaxing than I expected SERVICE - 3.5 stars...pretty professional (she's probably seen it all) TOTAL - 4 stars...good to know there's one escape route on 6th Street RELATED - Exploring 6th Street? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2NNz312 read more

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Been meaning to check out this place for the longest time and finally got the chance to do so. It's close to the theatres, which makes it a convenient spot to stop by before or after a show and BART accessible. Plus, karaoke nights on Tuesdays wit KJ Lauren Yellow! Not in the best of areas, but there is a bouncer at the door. Drinks are reasonably-priced, especially compared to other bars in the area. I had their Moscow Mule, which was definitely one of the best Moscow Mules I've ever had. Not sure why, but it tasted different from any other Moscow Mule I had. Definitely will keep in mind next time I'm in the area! read more

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We came from out of town and Sarah served us. She was absolutely incredible. The night we visited was extremely busy and she, on her own, gave everyone equally timely and kind service. To see a bartender have this amount of charisma and skill is rare. read more

The Rumpus Room - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Don't let the rough exterior fool you - it's all part of the charm of this gorgeous dive (said with the most love and meant as the highest compliment) bar. The owner Roxanne slings drinks behind the bar that many brings many of the locals in. Their happy hour is nothing to scoff at either, where else can you find a $3 draft? It's a beloved place where people come in and know each other by name. The drinks are stiff and the interior is gorgeous art deco. The Warfield is right across the street, a prime music/concert venue. Roxanne can give you the history of the place - the building itself is from the 1900s - and has a strong claim to be one of the oldest gay bars in SF (but don't take my word for it). The neon was commissioned (not to give it away) to look authentic and it does. They have bands and DJs, and karaokes on Tuesday nights. Take a deep breath, think of how thirsty you are, and lean into it: the rumpus room awaits. read more

The Rumpus Room - The bar and it's draft list. $1 off during happy hour! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I stopped by here for a drink with a friend. The place itself is a dive bar, and it's not in the best location of town (a lot of homeless/transient), but once you're inside, you see the charm this place has to offer. I ordered their moscow mule and enjoyed every sip, especially on a hot summer day! I noticed they had a second floor and I loved it! It had a cool lounge area with signage and great photo ops. Speaking of photo ops, they also have a photobooth there! It's $5.50 and we got 4 poses in the black and white. Makes for a fun and special souvenir. The bartender was attentive and helpful. Would definitely come back! read more

Great dive bar with inexpensive beer/shot specials and heavy-pouring female bartenders who are friendly and cool but no-nonsense, like a great dive bar must have. It's my favorite dive in SF, and that says a lot of you know the city's expansive bar culture. read more

I love a dive bar. Was looking for a place to have a cocktail with a friend before a show at the Golden Gate theatre. GG Theatre is only about 500 feet away - but on the seedier (opposite) side of Market street, so there was zero pre-theatre crowds. (We might have been the only pre-theatre people in there) The service is a bit gruff, but the prices were not too bad (for SF) Surprising a fairly good selection of nice spirits. They DO have under bar purse hooks, but the stools do not have backs and are pretty uncomfortable. (and there is a weird gap in the bar, so spills are inevitable.) read more

Great cheap drinks and beers! Very laidback atmosphere! Great bar!!! I highly recommend this bar!!!

Sketchy neighborhood but surprisingly solid back bar for a local dive. Friendly bartenders with high professional standards willing to make a real cocktail and do it right. I might have to make time for this place before more shows at the golden gate and orpheum. There's a relatively hidden upstairs with one table/chairs and another couch accessible via a circular stairwell in the back if you're looking for a quiet place to sit with friends. read more

Now THIS place is dope. They have a guy at the door who IDs you before you go on in. The lights are dim and just gives off a low key vibe for real. Appears they do some mixologists drinks here too if you want to be fancy. The place is relatively quaint but nothing like I've seen back in my hometown of STL. I plan to come back more for the chill vives it gives. Only thing this place is missing is Stag beer. read more

One evening on a recent trip I felt like going out for a drink and was sad to discover just how much of the nightlife of this area of San Francisco didn't make it through the pandemic. Entire blocks have nothing; stores, restaurants, and bars all closed. Thankfully this one popped up on Yelp and it was open. The Rumpus Room isn't anything risque so don't let the name or logo fool it. It's a clean, cool, and unique dive bar. They had a bouncer checking IDs who was welcoming, and a single bartender who was attentive and friendly as well. I had the feeling that the building was an old bank or pharmacy ages ago. The bar sits along the one wall, with a photo booth and restrooms at the rear. There's space for live music, which they have on occasion. One of the coolest parts is the narrow winding staircase up to the loft. They have a number of small tables up there, both secluded in the back and ones at the railing overlooking the bar. They have a full selection of hard liquor, but I was only interested in trying a San Francisco staple beer: Death & Taxes Dark Lager from Moonlight Brewing. They also had a delicious IPA on from Ghost Town Brewing. Prices were reasonable, glasses clean. If you're in the area and need a nightcap at a welcoming place, look no further. read more

I can appreciate a good dive bar and prefer them, but this one just didn't do it for me. The service was a tad moody and it was still early (perhaps the end of that shift, idk) but we didn't feel too welcome. The restroom of course was on par for a dive bar so is a 1/5. Our drinks were okay. I tried a cosmo here and it was a run of the mill cosmo, nothing special. My partner had the special that was a Cucumber Spritzer and it was pretty good, but neither tasted like they had much actual alcohol. The reviews I read ahead of coming made me excited to try this place, but our experience wasn't the same, unfortunately. (We chose this place bc of the proximity to our dinner reservation at The Pawn Shop and knew we'd have time for a drink post show at The Orpheum and pre- dinner). read more

The Rumpus Room - Cosmo & Cucumber Spritzer - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A good nearby bar for early happy hour (starts at 2pm) and holds govt hours (nice if those are your hours--or if you happen to work on east coast time). Suitably dark with good background music, a small stage, a full bar and decently priced drinks on tap (I had cider) for less than $10/pint. Will be back to see what that upstairs is all about :3 read more

The Rumpus Room - Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

All the bartenders are super friendly. They are happy to make you a really good drink, even if it's not on the menu. The vibe is cool/divey but not pretentious or dirty. They even have karaoke, which got pretty busy, but it was not impossible to get your turn. Overall great experience. 100% should go if you're in the area but also can be the destination for a night out. read more

A pleasing dive bar. It's narrow, dark, and while the block outside is not super chill, it's pretty close to the corner. Sadly, even at dive bars now the beers in SF are like $8. But that's 2023 I guess and I want bars like this to stick around even if they have to up their prices some. read more

Great no-nonsense dive bar with a decent ambiance and the cheapest drinks you'll get this close to Market Street! You're on 6th Street but get over it, you'll survive. Bar can get a little understaffed, but $7 for a beer and a shot? Just wait it out and don't forget to tip. Fun photo booth downstairs with a surprisingly Instagram friendly upstairs if you're sober enough to get up the oddly beautiful spiral staircase in back. Friendly faces here and honestly just a great place for a drink with some friends. Feels like how San Francisco used to be pre-tech money in all the best ways. read more

The Rumpus Room - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love this place. It's a half door entrance so it lets a little light in. There is an unexpected spiral staircase that takes you to the 2nd floor. The service was great. There is a red glow that makes it feel extra divey. read more

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They mailed my credit card back to me when I left it at the bar. Thank you! Good drinks at cheap prices as well

This may be the best dive bar in all of San Francisco. Roxzy kicks fucking ass all over mid market. If you are faint of heart, toughen up and settle in for a great time. read more

Are we talking or drinking? Thank god this place is here. If you are waiting out an abysmal Warfield opening act, slip in for a drink like Harris and O'Toole between acts, and then go back across the street when the headliners show up. Prices are right. Bartenders are pros. And it's generally devoid of guys with thick rimmed glasses and beards channeling 2010. San Francisco is sprouting new growth, and it's coming from old stock. Love this place. read more

Peter L and I decided to do a bar crawl of sorts after work. I didn't have any spots in particular in mind, so I just let him pick all the bars. We decided to started at Rumpus Room last Friday, May 18th. We both arrived around 5:45pm. The bar was full, but we managed to find a spot in the corner of the bar to stand until a seat opened up. We both got the Beer & Shot Special: Fire Crotch Red Bush Whiskey & a High Life ($9). I wasn't sure if I was in a liquor or beer mood, so this was a good way to ease into our night of drinking. Both were easy to drink. I only realized this when Peter mentioned it, but I've been to this bar before when it was Showdown. The layout and look are pretty much the same. Though it wasn't as crowded when I went to Showdown. I did go on a Wednesday night though so that could have been why. In my old age, I like spots that are more chill, where I can sit down and just have a good conversation. Even though it wasn't super busy, I didn't like that the bar was so crowded. Not a bad place to start our evening. The bartender was sweet and the beer & shot special was a pretty good deal. read more

The Rumpus Room - Beer & Shot Special: Fire Crotch Red Bush Whiskey & a High Life ($9) x2 - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Higher quality dive bar in the tenderloin. Great atmosphere and good service. The house mixed Moscow Mule on tap mix is amazing. Perfect spot for a drink before a show at the Warfield or meet up with friends. read more

Fun little dive in the Tenderloin. We stopped by for a few drinks while waiting for another bar to open. I love the old style of the bar, felt nostalgic inside. The bartender was very friendly and gave us some coasters for my boyfriend to put in his bar back at home. read more

The Rumpus Room - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Rumperia with her top hat and thick thigs keeps kicking in oscillating motions to entice my salivary glands to be washed with Dark Rum, Absinthe Dirty Martinis, Bailey's on ice so that hell's fire can't scorch me, and an economical selection of bubbly beers which embrace the Moscow Mule. The ladies are the hottest bartenders that are worthy of T-Pain's song. Hotty Totty's with Rockstar status awaits my shivering hands to then be soothed with numerous songs that invoke my adolescent spirits while entertaining that many shelved spirits. I truly salute you! read more

If this bar survived covid... I need to get there again stat. This is one of the most underrated dives bars in SF. Interesting people, great vibe, great bartenders. I was super bummed I discovered it right before lock down. Their matchbook is AMAZING. read more

This is a great location. If you're waiting for a show or event nearby and need something to eat or drink, this is a great corner of the city... sketchy, but great. Rumpus Room used to be Showdown, but I like this iteration better. My friend and I found seats at the bar. The bartender could sense our energy and eagerness to have a fun night, so she mixed us some pretty strong drinks. Can't recall what it was, but she remembered my order two hours later after we returned post-dinner. So impressive. There's not much else to say about this bar except it's a chill, dive-y spot. They always have some sort of drink special, usually involving shots. There's bar snacks and cute matchbooks, too. I can't wait to come back! read more

Great vibe. Great Manhattan. Highly recommend. Love the music, disco ball, and will come back for upstairs lounge and photo booth.

True dive bar with reasonable prices. Great for a quick drink or to hang out. And don't forget the Jell-O shots

First time for me last Friday night, but definitely not my last. Funny door guy checking ID's, so off to a good start. Met my friend there and we sat at the table near the spiral staircase at the rear. Cool female bartenders and I was greeted straight away. I ordered a Moscow Mule which was nice and strong. The restrooms were usable. My friend had some draft IPAs, and they had a good selection of draft beers. The bar had a good friendly vibe and we had a great time. Close to Market street, so perfect for a Muni pub crawl. We will be back soon. read more

This bar is dirty, the bartender last night was extremely rude, and the area is not the safest. Definitely watch drinks here and be in buddy system. It read more

This place is awesome! Dive-ish bar with an upscale, Art Deco twist. Roxanne and the entire staff are all beyond amazing. You have to try one of their Hanger One Moscow Mules! They're on tap and ridiculously tasty! They also have an awesome sign outside that update with the funniest little quotes :) Dog friendly! read more

The Rumpus Room - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This one was a surprise, nice laid back dive bar with cheap beers and a full bar. I really like the good music they were playing and that the lighting was really dark, a real dive bar! read more

Went in on a Saturday night around 12 and it was dead. Plan was to dip n find a better spot so I ordered a vodka cranberry and closed out. After I finished my drink and while i went to the bathroom, the female bartender decided to go up to the 3 girls I was with and said "We're closing here soon and since ur fuckin friend didn't wanna tip what are you guys gonna do????" lol I've never been to a bar where a bartender expects a tip from one $8 drink. Especially never been to a bar where the bartender was so unprofessional and had the nerve to say that to my friends. She didn't say a word to me about it but didn't have a problem running her mouth when I was in the bathroom. never ever will be coming back read more

Small place with a big bar. Prices were a little much considering what the atmosphere was like which was none. Bartender was ok. Not nice but not unpleasant. Not a great area to be in so be aware of that if you go read more

Very relaxed atmosphere for a neighborhood bar..very close to the Warfield and the Golden Gate Theatre..in case you have a long of a wait time and you wanna chill in a place with a bar. great list of selections. Newly (re)opened. The former #showdown. 1st impression: i wanna come back again..& bring friends along too. Tip: They have special..with quirky names deal. They got sexy matches for those who don't vape..what!! read more

The Rumpus Room - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Thank god this bar is back and better than ever! While it still has the some of the same feels as its predecessor, the slick new furnishings, paint and most importantly wider selection of beers has made this my favorite happy hour spot. The bar staff are incredibly friendly and Roxanne always has some killer tunes playing. It opens at 12pm if you really need that midday drink and the happy hour benefits are fantastic. Pro tip, if you need to charge your phone there are USB chargers at every bar stool! But hey, it's a bar, you shouldn't be on your phone. read more

The Rumpus Room - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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SCAM ALERT: Bouncer tells women the first drink is free. After ordering at the bar the bartender says drinks are free with tickets. Walked outside to grab ticket from bouncer and the bouncer said you have to pay 10 for a ticket and that he NEVER said anything was free. read more