A nice local spot that my bf and his coworkers frequent at. We met up with them a few weeks ago while I was in town. Backyard seating was cute with picnic tables and string lights. I had a strawberry margarita and Moscow mule. Both were strong and tasted great! I would definitely go back. read more

Awesome spot that's been around for many years. A mainstay in SSF where maybe you founded a Biotech company on a napkin from here. Right off the freeway near some motels and car shops, they have a relaxed vibe for a easy date, Trivia night Wednesdays or Monday night football. They make some great classic cocktails, some with twists and have a great beer selection with local craft batches. Summer nights can include some time in the back patio or an after work drink, definitely a place that will not change in the face of the many new buildings going up. Gotta love it read more

A SSF local bar. The atmosphere was chill. When its warm the patio is a good idea. They have a pop up restaurant that comes in and makes different items like tacos, nachos. The two guys working the bar that evening put in some work. The line was extremely long for a Thursday evening no game. Amazing job! read more

Best bar in all of South San Francisco with a ton of local charm and a great choice of cocktails and draft beers. A nice mix of locals, laid biotech happy hour, and people dropping in to watch the game. A little over ten minutes walking from the Cove shuttles and fifteen to the Caltrain station. Hidden in the back is awesome outdoor seating and a little lounge space for a small party. read more

The StandBy - Cosy outdoor seating with warmers out back! - Lounges Near Me - South San Francisco, California

Low profile bar. Divey feel, but a but nicer. Comfy booths and plenty of tables. Outdoor area is nice on those random sunny SSF days. They've got some good cocktails and good selection of beers in tap. Free popcorn at times as well. read more

Even though this old-school tavern has been around only since 2009, the neon signage (photo: http://bit.ly/2nQ291n) and the interior made it feel like a throwback to a film noir where Jane Greer slapped Kirk Douglas at the bar for making her feel cheap flirting with Robert Mitchum or maybe this is where Jimmy Stewart got thrown out in the snow with Clarence during the nightmare sequence in "It's a Wonderful Life". Proximity to SFO appears to be a drawing card for layover passengers in need of a libation thus the name of the place. With regulars parked on their stools and not about to leave anytime soon, the bar felt like a watering hole for the hardcore drinker, and Jamie W. and I felt like comparative lightweights in that company. That's probably why we settled ourselves at a table in front where no one could bother us. Jamie was feeling feisty and ordered a house special, the South City U-Turn which they simply bill as "our legendary rum punch" (photo: http://bit.ly/2nXdrBq). It packed quite a wallop hidden by a deceptive sweetness that made it easy to down fast. I was more gun shy and ordered the Vodka Strawberry Margarita, but it turned out to have quite a kick as well and almost smelled of gasoline (photo: http://bit.ly/2oOAVNp). There was a painting of dogs around the pool table that almost looked like it was moving (photo: http://bit.ly/2ocwwk9). No second round for us. They offer Free Pizza Fridays and even allow you to bring your own food. There are colorful picnic benches in the back for just that purpose (photo: http://bit.ly/2ocJtdN). What more could you want when you're in a drunken stupor? COCKTAILS - 3.5 stars...quite a wallop to them AMBIANCE - 3 stars...dive bar supreme if that's what you like SERVICE - 3 stars...the bartender kept busy but priority is on the regulars TOTAL - 3 stars...methinks the regulars were having the best time here read more

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I think I've found my new favorite neighborhood bar. Ok ok, so it's not really in my neighborhood... but it's a pretty short drive away. Why do I call it my favorite? First off, it's not crazy packed, so I don't feel like I'm walking through a mosh pit just to get a drink at the bar. The drinks are pretty good, though I can only vouch for my tried and true Old Fashioneds. Secondly, if you're looking for a low-key night, you can drop by for a drink or two and play a round of board games. Lastly, they have a back patio with string lights for the 4 days it gets really warm in South City. I'm not sure if this is a normal thing, but they had pizza and popcorn there. Two of my favorite things... read more

The StandBy - Lounges Near Me - South San Francisco, California

Hidden gem with lots of potential. Bartender was great knowledgeable and experienced. Good music, patio a good spot for the locals.

Pretty decent as a dive bar goes. I needed a place for a cold pint after arriving at my hotel and finding that the bar in the hotel closes at 10:00 pm (Hilton Garden Inn North - close to SFO). Another HGI customer told me about The StandyBy - I found it on Yelp and used Siri to navigate over. It was less than 5 minutes from the hotel to the bar. It was a cool evening out, and so the front door was propped open. I found a spot at the bar and ordered a pint of Dorado Double IPA (10.0% ABV), Ballast Point Brewing Co., Paso Robles, CA). The bartender, Nicole, was very nice. Her little dog Lola (I believe that was her name) was holding forth behind the bar with her. Lots of folks in here quaffing Ales and mixed drinks, laughing and having a good time. I believe their is a $10.00 or $15.00 minimum to use a credit card, so I paid with cash. I did not see any menus - I'm not sure if they serve any food. Some folks brought their own pizza and chicken wings in to eat at the bar while they were drinking. Pretty decent selection of craft beers and Ales. read more

The StandBy - Lounges Near Me - South San Francisco, California

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Great drinks and good times! Love their ol' fashions! Hope to go back soon for a visit.

Great local bar - good prices - free food on Fridays - nice bartenders - clean bathrooms - no complaints. Just wish it stayed open later! read more

The Stand By has a really chill and comfortable atmosphere and I really enjoy their happy hour. They have a nice cozy fire place and board games to play too. I usually order the French Gimlet which is St. Germain, white wine, fresh lime juice and your choice of either vodka or gin. I have done both ways and I really enjoy them both. They have a popcorn machine which is great because you can snack and drink together and honestly who doesn't like popcorn (if the answer is you well then you just don't know how to enjoy life there buddy). It definitely starts to pick up after 5:30pm so if you want a spot to sit at make sure you here here before then (also because happy hour ends at 6). Outside patio is really nice too during the warmer days. read more

The StandBy - Popcorn! - Lounges Near Me - South San Francisco, California

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Love this place. Great service and drink drinks. Local SSF locals with new biotech people.

So i came here with friends for some birthday cocktails. The vibe was nice and the people were friendly. They had a DJ that took requests and had some really good music playing. I mean this guy had an excellent ear for mixing and the great music showed that. They have a lot of specialty drinks and although I was drinking Johnnie Walker Black Label and some Chimay's that people kept handing me, I did try the "South City U-turn". It was a rum punch concoction that was pretty good. When I checked- in on Yelp, I got a buck off my drink just by checking in! The bartender was Deanna and she knew exactly how to use the Yelp promo from my iPhone. Deanna was super fun and very sexy. She even came out from around the bar to dance and she took it upon herself to make me a special "Chocolate Cake" drink. She was thoughtful :-) The Standby also has a pool table and some cool house furniture like couches and tables throughout. They also have to be the 1st bar I've been to where even at midnight, their bathrooms are clean! My friends and I had a great night and it had to be because of the great vibe of Deanna and the great music from the DJ. Thank you Standby! I will be back...possibly tonight! read more

Great little bar. I love the bartender Nichole. She's got a great personality and suckers me into the pricier drinks every time! She'll introduce you to the regulars and remember your name. Quite impressive. Tuesday Karaoke is absolutely en pointe. Great crowd, great KJ, and just a lot of amazing talent. I'll happily return as much as possible SO worth it! read more

Way overpriced for a want to be hipster bar in South City. They need to have regular beers besides craft brews. But I won't be back anytime soon. So I guess it doesn't matter. read more

This place is horrible, garbage of a business. You either are accepted in there click of wanting to be a customer of theres or your like the many others I've spoke to recently that have been told they are not welcome there with no explanation. I am cool, I just wanted an explanation no matter how discriminatory it was. Big ups to ROger NINer, screech on my tires an the tire smoke in the face with a bird to the rest . Shame on you disrespecting me an the other customers like that. THere are no good nights to come to this joke of a place anymore. I was telling this dude who was telling me I am not welcome tonight" well not tonight so what night is a good night to come then??" I just got ignored like this guy at the door thinks he's better then me. Well I am not the only one , theres others that have had this treatment. The staff here must think they are the kanye west of bar people with there noses all up in the air and all. read more

I've been here once before the renovation and recently again over this last week and lemme just say, I'm impressed. The first time I came here, I was probably 21 and still new to the whole bar/club scene. I came per a suggestion by a friend and probably was only here for all of 5 minutes. I quickly dismissed Standby because it wasn't playing any good music nor were any of the patrons around my age. Young/naive me was probably disappointed by the fact that no one here was drinking AMFs, long islands, and other hangover inducing concoctions ..so I left. Since then, I hadn't had any urges to come back. Fast forward to last week when I got invited to a post-work HH. Seeing as it was so close to work, I figured why not? To my surprise, I liked it a lot. Now that I'm older (and hopefully wiser), I find myself leaning more toward places where you can just casually kick back, have a decent conversation, and drink. Standby is one of those places. Gone are the days when I go to a bar just to pretend like I'm still young by getting trashed off of $3 wells and AMFs..for the most part. For it being a dive bar, it's actually pretty nice. There's an ample amount of seating and to my surprise, an outdoor patio. Seeing as we perpetually live in the fog, I don't know how practical it is. However, on the day I went, the weather was surprisingly pleasant so I got to enjoy the patio for a little bit. There are a couple of large flat screen tv's around the bar and they also have an assortment of board games, cards, and adult coloring books available to keep you occupied if nothing else is doing the trick for ya. I don't know that they serve food but they do serve snacks! I was lucky enough to snag some freshly made popcorn but I also saw that they had brought in a few boxes of pizza for patrons as well. Bathroom is clean but very small. I only drank one beer while I was there so I can't speak on behalf of their drinks, but I did appreciate that they had Weihanstephaner on tap. Overall, this is a pretty solid watering hole, as far as local bars go. I'll be back soon! read more

Very interesting and inspiring cocktail menu. The signs above the bar have several great cocktails. All use only fresh juices. No mix. The "Build your Own" portion gets the creative juices flowing. Michelle made me a bourbon Old Fashioned that is magical. Fresh lemon and orange peel instead of the same old orange and cherry fruit garnish really sets it apart and makes it special. If you like to come into a bar and mix it up with other patrons, this is your place If you like to come into a bar and chill with your own thoughts, this is your place. If you are staying near SFO or just in the area, come here, have a cocktail, relax, unwind and enjoy. You'll Thank yourself!! read more

Always have a good time at this place! It's an idea location from me, since I work in Oyster Point. I can stop by on my way from work and it's an easy place for other co-workers and friends to meet :D Also, I like playing pool and there are very few places nearby or in SSF that have a pool table! Plus, free eats on most nights, bonus! read more

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Small little bar. I didn't get a bad vibe from anyone here. Staff were nice, seems to have a local vibe to it. They were showing a basketball game, audio was super loud, so it was hard to talk with my friends. There is a single bathroom for women, and I think maybe 2 for men? Menu has drinks from cocktails to beers. read more

Glad to hear the StanBy is having Live Blues bands on Sunday, It's been a while since I've been there but My favorite band is going to play Sunday the 30th of October, So I'll be there for sure, the place will be packed and these guys put on a great show.. "Jump Swing & Blues" good drinks and great bartenders! South City Blues Band ! Ray read more

Great place to have a few craft beers, friendly people.. cute bartender. :-) Close to the airport so good for travellers! Stop in and say hi! Sorry bout the shaky pic... read more

The StandBy - Steph at the standby - Lounges Near Me - South San Francisco, California

I feel like I'm cheating on my neighborhood dive bar by going to this one, but the drinks are good and cheap, the bartender is nice and friendly, and the place is spacious and has character. Had a good time meeting my friend for drinks for his birthday here the other day. And after attending another event at a hotel down the way with drinks twice as expensive and half as good, why wouldn't I want to go here. If anything, come for the random B-list movies shown over the bar. Shhhhh...I'll probably will be back. How could I not, good bars and cheap drinks is my thing. read more

Joe's a great guy! He let us host our Department Christmas Party here and even let us set up some appetizers. The bar is NIZE and clean the bathroom although small is nothing but clean, stylish, and with the decor ON HIT! There's a dancefloor big enough to let us all dance and have a great time and there are nice recliners if you want to cozy up with your sweety :O) I love the pool table and the jukebox, but mostly, the ambiance here is RIGHT ON! Joe works hard so you do not have to wait for your cocktails, and he's just getting started here. My husband and I also happen to be photographers, so I am posting some of the images we took while there. Another major PLUS this place has, it's centrally located in an area where there is not much foot traffic, which in my opinion is G R E A T for a neighborhood bar. If one goes there they meant to go there and not just stumbling in there going bar to bar. Go up and visit the Standby, it's definitely NOT on standby anymore! Can't wait to go back for one of his Happy Hours! Cheers! read more

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Yup! Come on in. It was the split door entrance for me LoL. Good service. Good brew selection. Good times.

The best drinks made with the freshest ingredients. Fresh squeezed juice and a great environment. Michelle is the best bar tender this side of Mars so you should probably be there when she's working and tip her like she's changed your life for the better because she has. read more

Love this place. Joe and Michelle are my favorite people there!! Drinks are made the way they should be, you can bring food or partake in the popcorn. Sometimes they even host some appetizers! Highly Highly recommend anyone looking for a chill place to either bring work friends or business folks for casual hangouts. read more

By far the best Old Fashioneds on earth! Seriously, come to Standby and order an Old Fashioned made by Michelle, it will change your life. Salud! read more

The StandBy - Bomb old fashioneds by Michelle - Lounges Near Me - South San Francisco, California

Not an update per se, just trying to get my review to post (again). Love this bar.

I've had some good times at The StandBy with old coworkers and friends. Unfortunately, I don't work in the area anymore, but I would highly recommend this bar to the Oyster Point biotech fam or South City residents. Why is this spot so great? It is definitely a dive, but there is lots of seating, yummy cocktails, a decent selection of beer, and a back room for private events. It's conveniently located close to Grand Ave., has plenty of parking, and a smoking area to sit out and chill, whether you have a cigarette in hand or not. The French Gimlet was pretty much my go-to drink. Dang, I miss this place! Pro-tip: After a couple of drinks, hit up Taco Bell or one of the many restaurants on/off Grand Ave! read more

Super crappy service and bad music don't go near this place it's terrible The bouncer has issues and is a jerk read more

The StandBy - Terrible service - Lounges Near Me - South San Francisco, California

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Michelle was our bartender. She was absolutely amazing. Great personality, fantastic drinks. Try the Old Fashioned, it's unlike any I've had before. Love this place. read more

The beer is yummy and ambiance nice. However on a Thursday afternoon, there was only one bartender serving the entire full house of customers. It took us half hour to get two pitchers of beer and another half hour to get more, not even a cocktail which takes more time to prepare. I felt bad for the only bartender but they need to arrange the staff better. It will also be better to have other snacks than just popcorn which runs out immediately every time the machine pops more. read more

I'll start by saying, after reading the reviews, I came here post-remodel and was in "awe" that this gem graced the grounds of SSF. Honestly, I never knew it was even here as I thought there was nothing outside of Grand ave..... and i'm glad I was proven wrong. Unfortunately, great bars are hard to come by in SSF.... For whatever reason. I have recently pegged them into three categories. Topper - dark, unwelcoming, older crowd. The standby - cozy, unpretentious, middle aged happy hour crowd Hometown Heroes - loud, trendy, younger crowd Now, this doesn't discredit the other two.... But all are widely different. That said, the standby is very unassuming from the outside. Divey, old(er) sign, saloon doors yet once you walk in you are hit with a warm, cabin-esque feel. Tables and couches line both sides with a large "u" shaped bar to the front. Ample TV's, great beers on tap and a wide selection of the hard stuff. We came in around 6 on a Thursday and it was a happy hour crowd (see: khackis and polos) which was okay, but cleared out by 7. During game days, sports fill the many TV's and the bartender was accommodating to recommendations. On that day, there was a spurs/OKC playoff game as well as a sharks game. Of course, the local team took priority to the large tv behind the bar but the other two played the other games. The bartender mentioned that there is no food at the moment, but are in talks of food trucks making appearances in the coming days.... So be on the lookout for that. While there, a group ordered a pizza for delivery and the staff didn't seem to mind, which is a nice alternative in the meantime. Out back is a narrow beer garden with strung Edison lights and picnic tables for those nice, sunny SSF days where you want to sit outside and enjoy your beer (note: not sure if they allow dogs or not). SSF is a new stomping grounds for me. I have my boat docked at oyster point down the street so I have been trying to find a nice, close watering hole and the standby takes the cake. While other bars in the area are great, for their own reasons, these guys will be my front runner from here on out. read more

We just stopped here on our way to the Airport to have a few drinks. Wish we had more time to stay and hang out. The drinks were delicious and very reasonably priced. read more

Look beyond the unassuming entrance. Very charming place with speak-easy atmosphere and great selection of beer and cocktails. Awesome patio, however it is so damn windy all the time in SSF. read more

This is a pretty cool spot for an after-work happy hour. They have a ton of drink specials that apparently pack a punch...and have pretty amusing names. And one day of the week (Wednesday I think?) is "shitty beer night" or something like that. It's always good when an establishment shows a sense of humor. :) Happy hour deals are great, and on Fridays they even bring in free pizza for everyone. It's close to the biotechs and downtown, so it's a convenient spot to stop and blow off steam after a long week at work. Bonus points for the pinup ladies in the bathroom. :D read more

OMG !!! So we were stuck in a hotel by the airport the thur before st pattys day ( the hotel by the bay was sold out and since we flew we wanted a free shuttle so we stayed by the airport) and we were looking to go explore we yelped this place and heard it was a dive so were like hell ya lets check it out ( not expecting anything) WOW ... The drinks for one are something everyone that either lives in SF or is driving up to the city for a vacation should stop by for I love that they used fresh fruit and write all the names of the drinks on a chalkboard .. None the less my cousin had 2 south city u turns and i had 2 forplays ... they were those drinks that sit in your body then hit and creep up on ya ! Loved them even though they were 8$ each or something like that they were worth the experience the new bartender there was really helpful !! I loved that its one of those bars that dont get packed ( well not yet at least) and you and a group of friends can have a spot to chill play pool ( they only have one table) or lounge on their couches that gave it a starbucks feel ... they also play movies or show games and that night they had casablanca they must of known i was coming with my fancy self ;) I am not biased on bars or dives or lounges i just go where the unique stuff is ...i will visit soon !! i cant wait read more

I was just at this place for the first time a couple days ago. It's such a cute little dive bar with a pool table, juke box and a friendly bartender and staff. Did not have much of a selection of beers on tap, but the prices were pretty cheap and the vibe was just what I was looking for after my co-workers and I were corraled out of BJ's nearby since they close at midnight. Will definitely be back! read more