The Saloon

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6 months ago

Cash only! Had to walk to the Chase Bank down the street to get cash. The bartender was a hilarious crusty lady. The live music was fun for dancing. I love seeing a group of octogenarians playing saxophone while their counterparts cut a rug on the dance floor. read more

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Tatiana C.

158

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4 months ago

A good bar with live music! I had an awesome time! The drinks are affordable & they do charge a cover read more

The Saloon - Jazz & Blues Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Moe M.

160

2 months ago

Made the mistake of walking into the bar when everyone was looking at us like we didn't belong. Well long story short we didn't the lold lady bartender I think it was a lady was very rude. You should just put up a sign that says NO BLACKS! read more

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C. S.

3 months ago

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Jon C.

170

8 months ago

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Christine N.

7 months ago

The bartender that was male and elderly was making me extremely uncomfortable and over pouring my drinks. He usually wears a baseball cap and eyeglasses. Pretty clear that he cannot handle a busy bar on his own. On another note GG Amos band or singer pessimist as usual and asking for donations to buy groceries. Plenty of other bars or bartenders to be served from. Do not come here in the late Tuesday evenings. read more

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Suzy S.

5 months ago

Great band, ambience.. and @Samuel Marshall band ! Getting people on their feet! Standing room only! read more

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Robert M.

5 months ago

Love this place ! Great music, atmosphere and great people behind and in front of the bar !

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Dario G.

5 months ago

One of the best bars we've been to. Cash only. Met spark at the bar who is a no nonsense bartender. Just a great experience. Music was great and ambience was great too read more

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Jeffrey JT W.

1 year ago

Delta Wires w/full horn section!! Gorgeous bartenders!! The One and Only Saloon in San Francisco: Greatest Bar in the World! read more

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Sara J.

1 year ago

I'm here specifically to give a massive shout out to the bartender whose name is something like Mikayla (?) who really looked out for me as a single woman at the bar. She had her eyes on every single transaction that was going on and she was on top of everything. She came up to me when she thought that I may have been taken advantage of and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that. On top of the awesome music, this single lady felt very well taken care of. CASH ONLY and if you are a clean frank don't bother coming here. It's a dive and we love it! read more

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Mary L.

5 months ago

The older male bartender, Ray with extreme grey hair and glasses over served me for the SECOND time. He's worked the door checking IDs. The first time he served me he had tried to grab my hand on the way as I was exiting the saloon. He's been filling in at the bar lately as a bartender. Peter the other door man, asian fellow, claimed false accusations and called the north beach police. He admitted to EVERYONE in the bar that he called the police on me. He is a bad guy and he didn't make a mistake. Ray was still watching me at the bar when he last worked the door, even though we chatted about that night. Peter knew what he was doing and there was absolutely no reason for him to call the police. I told the police that I was willing to leave and just wanted my phone back. Peter should be FIRED & 86d. He was openly gossiping to the entire bar of what had occurred this evening. He and the police, both caused me severe PTSD & Trauma. After the police station I was taken to CMPC, Urgent Care, because I was going to attempt self harm. Neither of the staff took me seriously more took into consideration after the fact of what I had mentioned the series of events, following the police picking me up from the bar. They asked me to take this review down. I will not & I do not have to after being so mistreated so poorly. I never deserved to be treated this way. I am still dealing with PTSD from this evening and series of events and interactions, all these weeks later. read more

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Baba O.

Elite 25

2 years ago

When you're in the city looking for places to drink, this place is mandatory. Stop by, listen to the music. Chat with some locals or tourists. Get you a very cold beer. They're very cheap, if not the cheapest beer to get in North Beach. Saloon is perfectly across from El Farolito if you get hungry. It's the oldest saloon in the City. read more

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Loriana A.

6 months ago

as soon as I walked in their was this creepy bar guy but when I found my friends he stopped bothering me lol music was absolutely amazing ! !! read more

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Jenn T.

178

1 year ago

Great little cash-only dive bar with Live Music. One drink minimum is a small price to pay for free [good] live music!! read more

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Michelle V.

Elite 26 All-Star

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2 years ago

Great no nonsense bar in San Francisco North Beach neighborhood. Cash only and live music. Rule #1 minimum. 1 drink per person! And...if you have seen Reese Witherspoon in Just Like Heavan, they filled a scene here. Stop by for a drink and some fun! read more

The Saloon - Outside - Jazz & Blues Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Saloon - My drink vodka soda - Jazz & Blues Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Keenan F.

125

1 year ago

Performer (at 8pm) demanded my group be kicked out because we didn't "tip him enough" when he shoved his tip jar in our faces and demanded a tip at the cash only bar where we used all our cash. Have a cover if you want everyone to pay. Very disrespectful, we will not return. read more

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Stacy L.

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2 years ago

Great place for live music and well drinks. Cash only, with a $5 cover per person on the Friday I was there, and the staff are super friendly. Can be hard to get a drink at the bar, so have your order ready when they come to you. Something to be aware of, there are pickpockets that hang out in the back, where the band is playing. Guy put his whole hand into my purse while using a jacket over his arm to hide it. read more

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Ravi R.

7 months ago

My friends and I are locals and have been coming to this bar for about 4 decades, love this place and have been served by the blond haired bartender many times over the years. But after my Sat night experience there when I was there with my wife, I will stop coming. Looking at the other comments here about her and the crowd at the bar, I doubt this comment will make any difference. Anyway, I was at the front of the bar trying to get a beer. She was dancing around - which was fine. After 20mins trying to attract her attention - I was waving my hands. I could not tell if she was not seeing me or ignoring me. Anyway, at some point she yelled at me to be "f.. patient". At which point, shocked and dissappointed, I had no choice but to leave as I guess I was not getting a drink. Most people at this bar have been very nice and friendly over the years, so this was very dissappointing. The popularity of this place will no doubt make no difference. She may have been having a bad day, or could not hide her animosity towards us - we do look like "yuppies" or whatever we are called these days. No matter what, it is very dissappointing behaviour, to see in the city we love and a bar we have loved. read more

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John M.

10 months ago

I love this place always have good music. Pretty much a small dive bar but my only complaint is sometimes it's hard to get a drink. This is usually my last stop of the night when I'm I. The city. Last night for whatever reason they only had one bartender and I couldn't even get her to look at me so I left and went to Tupelo down the street. I'll be back because I love the Saloon just know there are nights like this....... read more

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Missi L.

1 year ago

Love this local dive bar! We've been there 2-4 times when we visits San Fran Great staff and drinks and live bands read more

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Craig A.

10 months ago

The blonde girl, I think her name is Mareille or something like that is extremely rude, treats customers badly, always outside smoking. Singing on stage while customers are waiting for a drink. I am only in SF occasionally for business and every time I'm in town wanting to just check out live music and relax over a drink this lady ruins my whole experience. I've chosen to go to another bar. Pretty sad because I really like that Saloon. read more

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Joshua V.

1 year ago

Service was the worst for first time going there Other Spanish guy is normally nicer that I've seen but some guy in a crust up dry aged pony tail got so mad about us coming in even tho we haven't been drinking we asked for what we wanted and denied us service just to keep giving us 5 rounds of just water on top of having an attitude and probably g we rid of your roach traps too that's not appetizing read more

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Dema S.

1 year ago

This place is so fun, the music, the energy, all so great. The drinks are great and the bands are amazing.

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D S.

1 year ago

Visited 1/5. Nice woman bartender. Dog on the bar. Dog and I hated the music. IT WAS WAY TOO LOUD. Drink prices reasonable

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Mary M.

248

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2 years ago

Fun cash only dive bar for a stop on your weekend out. Cover charge of $5 for really good live music. Drinks were strong and bar was full of energy and good vibes. read more

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Rachel D.

2 years ago

SHARON!!! My spouse and I are tourist. And we were recommend this bar many times, though we already had planned to come here. It was WELL worth the hype. If anything it was undersold to us. Very good prices on drinks, great clientele, but let me speak on the bartender- the one who sets the tone for the bar. Sharon knew we weren't locals but was happy to share the history of the bar, take us outside to show more history, and recommend food/fun/dining nearby. After only 2 drinks I consider her a friend. She makes a GREAT host. My spouse and I own a bar in Florida and if we could pack her up and take her with us we would. She was incredible. From start to finish. We'd visited many bars since being in San Fran and never stayed more than one drink anywhere else. She is a perfect representation of this bar. All wits, banter, fun, and full of character. A class act in anyone's book. You can tell she's a valuable asset to The Oldest Bar In The Bay. I can't wait to make another visit solely to be served by her again. read more

The Saloon - The best bartender in the SanFran Bay! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Tim H.

1 year ago

A dive bar, with cheaply priced drinks, and really good blues music! Went back there twice on our 5 day trip in San Francisco!

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Kathleen K.

2 years ago

"Music Makes the people Come together" -Madonna Excellent perch to people watch and dance to live music. Don't even think about parking on weekends-- take Bart or get a ride. Great time! read more

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Michael B.

3 years ago

It is one of the oldest drinking establishments in San Francisco and it feels like the day it was built. The staff is magnificent. The crowd is always interesting and the music is always fabulous. Go now. read more

The Saloon - Music from the bar - Jazz & Blues Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Lauren M.

300

189

394

4 years ago

This is a dive bar. But it isn't. It's a cool, local, eclectic dive bar! Cash only so prepare for that- in addition to incredible live music, helpful bartenders, and immaculate vibes. Put it on your SF list! read more

The Saloon - Entrance to the Saloon - Jazz & Blues Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ralph B.

2 years ago

This place shouts that it's a dive bar. Not so much IMHO. What it is is a wonderful music bar with a casual (rough) interior, very good inexpensive drinks, smart bartender, and really great music. Incidentally, one reason I question it's diveish credentials is that they have a discrete but excellent sound system, not easy in a long narrow room with the music at one end. Get there between sets, stake out your seats and don't move. It's small and gets very crowded when the music's playing. There's limited (very) space for dancing in front of the band. read more

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Jessica K.

2 years ago

Markelle is the best bartender in the neighborhood. Cheap drinks, great service, amazing music.

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L H.

2 years ago

The Saloon has cool vibes, a friendly bartender, and music daily. It's an SF tradition since 1861 and definitely worth the visit. read more

The Saloon - Cool vibes, friendly bartender - music daily. An SF tradition since 1861. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Susan J.

3 years ago

I love this place. I love the quality of the bands. The bar and people are friendly. You can't beat the history it is small but things were like that in 1861. I like the crowd mostly older locals, but then there are tourists. It's a must go to spot while in San Francisco.. read more

The Saloon - Outside of the saloon - Jazz & Blues Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Cathy L.

128

3 years ago

This is the ONLY blues club in the entire Bay Area worth a darn for real blues music. They have a 40 + history. The owner is the rarest of human beings, a most generous club owner with a good ear for musicianship. The bartenders are fabulous. You can be yourself and dance the night away. The Saloon is beloved to musicians. I have played there once a month for 34 years straight. It's my favorite place to play and I have been to 46 states in the U.S. read more

The Saloon - The Lucky Losers at The Saloon. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Robert E.

3 years ago

Ok, this place is kind of a dive, but it's REAL San Francisco! I've lived in northern CA for ever and I've never been to a more SF bar. Sure, it's a tourist trap. People come and go constantly. They come in for one or two drinks and split, but this is true SF. A bunch of old hippies and trust funds hanging out having fun. The music is awesome, as you would expect in SF. You probably can't play on stage if you don't have a masters in music. The band I saw was a technically good as anyone, but really fun too. Also, the drinks are pretty cheap. But, they only take cash, so plan ahead. Which I didn't, but there's an ATM across the street. If read more

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Markelle P.

3 years ago

An iconic dive bar in San Francisco, live music every day starting at 4:00pm. Circa 1861. read more

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Christopher M.

112

3 years ago

Dive bar. So important to the underside of our culture. Not the polished pressed wood and Marshall's art of modern America corporate bar. The Applewood esthetic you see in every conformed American town. The Saloon is none of that. I went there on a chilly San Francisco night. I went to same place all the poets and singers and writers went, because this place hasn't changed. Ever. I ordered a Budweiser because that's what you order in a place like this. Or a whiskey. Neat. No ice. I'm looking up at the stage, to mics, SM-58s, a drum kit. Janis Joplin sang up there. Everybody sang up there. It's Tuesday night. Plenty of seats. The bartender mostly ignores me. It's cold. The door is open. I keep my wool cap pulled down over my ears. Dive bar perfect. Nothing special. That's the whole point. Except the ghosts. They're painted on the walls. They're scrubbed into the floor. I place my hands on the bar and feel them. read more

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More info about The Saloon

1232 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Directions
(415) 989-7666
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.thesaloonsf.com

Hours

What time does The Saloon open?

The Saloon opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does The Saloon close?

The Saloon closes at 2:00 AM (Next day) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does The Saloon take credit cards?

No, The Saloon does not take credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Saloon have a happy hour?

Yes, The Saloon has a happy hour.

Does The Saloon serve alcohol?

Yes, The Saloon serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does The Saloon have TVs?

No, The Saloon does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Saloon have bike parking?

Yes, The Saloon has bike parking.

Does The Saloon have outdoor seating?

Yes, The Saloon has outdoor seating options.

Does The Saloon have parking?

Yes, The Saloon has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does The Saloon allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, The Saloon allows outdoor smoking.

Does The Saloon have free WiFi?

No, The Saloon does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

The Saloon is the oldest bar in San Francisco. Established in 1861 as Wagner's Beer Hall, The Saloon is celebrating 150 years in business as a beloved North Beach watering hole - our 150th birthday is October 8th, 2011

History

Established in 1861.

Opened as Wagner's Beer Hall on October 8th 1861, and was saved from burning down by a bucket brigade after the 1906 earthquake.

More Info

Health Score

The Saloon Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Saloon

Is it blues every night of the week? I'm specifically interested in saturdays. Don't see a website to check a calendar. Thanks

There's live music everyday. Starting at 4pm - 1:30am. 8 hours, two bands a day on schedule.

Are people under 21 allowed to enter and watch?

No.

Do they play any hard bop? Like John Coltrane?

I'm sure they would if you asked.

Is your location open again since San Francisco is in the yellow tier?

LOL

Do they sell t-shirts? Women's sizes?

They sell unisex tshirts

ATM at the saloon?

Next door .

How is parking around the saloon on a saturday afternoon?

Parking is hard to find no matter what day or time it is.

View 2 more answers

How many people does it hold? How many seats/tables to watch the band?

There are 10 chairs at de bar, in front of the band standing maybe it can hold 50-60 people and there is no tables

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Is there live music during the week?

There is live music every night

View 1 more answer

Do you happen to be open on Christmas Eve?

Yes

So there is live music on Thursday nights?

Yes. We have live music every day 4-8, and 9:30-1:30 with a small cover on Friday and Saturday nights.

0.5 mi•North Beach/Telegraph Hill

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Review Highlights - The Saloon

“and the best part is that bassist did what he did apparently because - get this - the guy smelled funny.”

Mentioned in 6 reviews

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Omg how much fun was this place. I just did another review about a bar, and it was a bit boring. We…read morearrived here before they opened, one bartender for the evening! Crazy right! This is definitely a neighborhood bar cause everyone seemed to know each other. Everyone walking buy was waving to others, even an ex coworker back in the day, I saw... it's been 20 years. This place feels like a speakeasy but with none of that other stuff. All the walls are covered with stuff, lots and lots of stuff. The bar itself looked like it sat maybe 10 people at most. The place didn't feel that big. They do have a pool table and a couple of cute places to sit and have an intimate conversation. They have a parklet and a couple of tables right in front. People were nice but you can tell this place makes strong drinks, they were all pretty tipsy. They do have food, but it's very minimal, and yes it was again just the bartender having to deal with everything. They had small bar items, a small little kitchen, with an oven to make pizzas. They have a great drink menu, the specials are on the board. I had their basil daiquiri and let me tell you! Yum!! It was perfect, had great flavor. Just the right amount of sweetness, made with love. Whenever someone thinks of daiquiri, they think of a mixed, slushy, drink with whip cream.. this is an original daiquiri This place was reasonably priced, about 10 bucks a drink! Crazy for the city.. been paying $18-$20 for a cocktail! My favorite part was the Buddha! You have to come in and immediately rub his belly!

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Bow Bow Cocktail Lounge

4.1(292 reviews)

0.1 mi•Chinatown

Absolutely love it here! Best place for karaoke in the city. The bar is small and narrow, but it is…read morealways a good time. It can get packed and crowded, but people are always filtering in and out. The prices are affordable and they are quick to make drinks. They are also quick to put in your karaoke song, and there's a great flow to it. The only thing that can't really be controlled is that if you submit a song, you have to let the crowd know it's your song, or else someone will sing the song for you! If you make it out, have so much fun and tip your bartenders!!

The customer vibes were great, good songs picked to sing, friendly atmosphere; however, the…read morebartender was not as kind. She was rude both to us and the customer next to us. Claimed that karaoke was for customers only AS WE WERE PAYING ? We were not allowed to put in a song and left after finishing the drinks we paid for.