Imagine a summer camp for lush-punk grown-ups. Thee Parkside would be the rec room. It's dark, it's dirty, casual and cheap, with a smoker-friendly covered patio area, back room with ping-pong, and, get this...a kitchen that serves a shockingly varied menu of greasy bar food (fried pickles!) and quasi-healthy vegetarian fare (salads! sammies!) into the wee hours, making tomorrow's hangover slightly more bearable. Hooooooo-ray. If you're in the neighborhood, this is a fine spot to throw back a few, get rowdy with some friends, and soak up your boozy belly. It's also one of the few bars in Potrero that's consistently open late (unlike Bottom of the Hill, which closes on a whim depending on how busy they are). Go with your most un-boring friends and you'll like it even better. read more

A patio where you can drink and smoke and people around you are usually cool? OOOOOHHHHHHHHH Good looking, friendly and competent bartenders? AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH Music so fucking loud in such a small space that you feel like your head might explode? UUUUUGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH I sit outside and drink and smoke the entire time because I can't stand how loud it is (don't tell my friends who play there). So please, turn it down? It would make me a better friend. read more

Tater tots! Sandwiches! Live music! Photobooth! These are pretty much the highlights of Thee Parkside for me so I just wanted to get them right out there. Thee Parkside's insides are a little small. I like it like that, but if you're going to see some music it may be a teensy bit crowded. So, if the crowd makes you anxious head out the back door to the big patio. Step up to the food window on the right hand side and order yourself a pulled pork or Vietnamese sandwich (there are other kinds too, these are the ones I've tried and can recommend though) or an order of tater tots. Yum. It's cash only, but they are nice enough to supply you with an ATM. The place feels dirty and gritty and alive. And of course, hipsters all over rejoice at its existence, aka hang out here all the time. That's okay by me though, I've been told I'm a hipster myself from time to time and so I have the street cred to be here eating tater tots, taking pictures, in the photobooth, and listening to live music. Life is good. read more

I've been here at least twice and maybe three times. The first one (or two) time(s), I really enjoyed this place. I don't remember which band(s) I saw, but the energy was definitely cool, and although I realized even at the time that this place was probably a creation of the dot-com bubble (or dubble), I didn't care because it was cool. I was also in my early twenties (or twenty on the nose), so excuse me. The last time I came here, I enjoyed myself in spite of the place. There was no show, so I had to make do with mingling with former coworkers. (I had recently quit my horrible horrible horrible job, and I was at someone else's I-also-quit-my-horrible-horrible-horrible-job party--good for her.) This had its pros and cons. It was nice to see people whom I probably won't see as often now, and it was also nice to realize that I won't have to see other people at all. Or like ever. Except that I always seem to run into people all the time. Anyway, not having a band to listen to alerted me to the truly annoying nature of this place. Yes, the space is interesting, and I like the bus access, and I like that parking's not a problem, and I like the name, and I like that it's called Thee Parkside because it's next to a park not because it's in San Francisco's Parkside neighborhood. These features all garner that second star. But beyond that? I don't know; besides all the people from work, this place had a whole lot of annoying people, but that's also kind of typical for San Francisco. My favorite part of the entire evening was watching a guy try to hit on my friend for literally forty-five minutes. I don't know whether she was game or not, but she wasn't walking away, and she gave him so many opportunities, but he just kept talking to her and incorporating everyone else who happened to walk by. The last time I saw him, he was talking to two other guys, and he was standing in the exact same spot. OK, I normally feel bad for people like that because they're like me, and I feel bad for myself sometimes when I think no one notices, but this guy was in another league altogether. To use a sports analogy, if I've got Division II game, this guy had Division III or club-level game. read more

Hi, my name is Rachel and I'm going to make everyone else sound stupid because I have insecurities about not fitting in with them. Hi Rachel... I wanted to congratulate you on discovering a way to dress a way you feel comfortably. I also wanted to say that I will urinate on you Lexo for acting like a 12 year old and "peacing out" of a place because some people looked different. If you didn't like the music, or if the drinks were too inexpensive, or the food was too unexpectedly tasty (which it is)... that I can understand. But to put it on other people because of your own issues? Jesus woman. You were probably right to go back to your bubble where you can avoid any type of diversity in one of the most diverse cities on the planet. I have been known to come into the Parkside with a collared shirt or a bright blue polo, tight jeans that make my ass look great, all white k swiss shoes that i bought because that awesome radio commercial they have. And you know what I found... no one gives a shit about me or what I wear. I still don't know why you decided to come onto a website and trash a bar without anything negative to say about the bar itself. You are a child and I hope you learn that no one appreciates your opinion. I just wonder why you gave it 2 stars instead of none? Maybe it is because no one mugged you, stole your purse, or keyed your Lexo like you were expecting. Enjoy the 5 block radius of the city you feel comfortable. Why do you even live in this city? The one sentence that killed me was when you were generalizing everyone at the bar and you mentioned that you had a "positive outlook on life". As to say people who don't wear pastel colors hate everything and spit blood on old women. You should be ashamed of yourself... Rachel. Rachel G with the positive outlook... Good Talk. read more

Yay, I love this shithole!! Now normally, calling a place a shithole might be taken as an insult. I mean, let's face it, if someone came into my house and said, "Jeez Stephy, you live in a real shithole," well I would kick a mo fo in the neck and be done with them. But in this case, it is a HUGE compliment, because Thee Parkside comes complete with a disgusting wet floor bathroom complete with band fliers that stick to your shoe afterwards, a punk rock and hipster crowd that is there to enjoy some true music and guzzle down cheap drinks and the true sign of a real shit hole; the back patio lighting looks more like a police helicopter spotlight or an interrogation room than a place to mix and mingle with people. Ahhh, shitholes :) As for the band's playing that night, well, yikes, they were pretty bad, but one band kinda sounded like a more punk Bi-Polar Bear and the chick singer was wearing a tie and had bangs that completely covered her face and that was at least cute to look at. I'm glad I got the text to come meet someone here on Friday, cuz this place was good times and I will definitely be going back. I may even get a bit more ballsy and try their food. Rumor has it, it's actually quite good. read more

SuperBF's band played their album release show here, which means I of COURSE think the place is pretty awesome... Which in itself is actually quite remarkable, because I woke up so hungover the day AFTER the album release show that I vomited until 7:00 PM (please don't PM me and tell me I need help -- I already know this). You'd think I'd be turned off by a bar after that. But honestly, it wasn't THAT bad of an experience, because the hangover didn't really START until about 2:00 (one might call this "drunkover," I suppose). I was doin' okay in the morning. I woke up at SuperBF's, bowed out of breakfast with his fam (OF COURSE)... But I DID walk to El Metate with his buddy from Fresno. Then I did the walk of shame home to my place, decked out in my clothes from the night before. Including my hooker boots. With my Deigo-fro. Listening to "Street Fighting Man" on my iPod. About a mile of struttin', total. I rather enjoyed this. I was kinda on a high... Only when I got HOME did I start barfing... So although THEE Parkside, with its awesomeness, forced one of the worst hangovers of my life upon me, I consider it part of the experience -- and it had it's good moments. I almost want to thank THEE Parkside for adding that strut to my catalogue of ridiculous memories. I mean, because CLEARLY, THEE Parkside is responsible. It's their fault, for showing me such a good time. I'M not responsible, for sucking at moderation. ANYWAY! The best thing about THEE Parkside is the back patio. Like, this place is way better than Zeitgeist for outdoor hanging, and it's in a way better weather belt, too. But no one will come down here for that because it's like... WHERE? Oh, RIGHT... Potrero Hill. The dirty gross part. I don't mind, though. Maybe some day I can convince my friends to come down here instead of Zeitgeist... Also, if you're at a live show and you come for one band and there are other bands you have to suffer through and they SUCK -- back patio, man. This is SUCH a bonus. Also, the bartenders were, like, really into the music and super smiley and friendly EVERY TIME I went to the bar. This could just be because... 1. SuperBF's band rocks (Two Headed Spy -- SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT!!!) 2. They saw in me a CASH COW who was going to drink to a hangover of epic proportions the next day ...but either way, it's rare to find bartenders in a packed music venue that are seemingly enjoying their job. This was, like, one of my best nights of live music in SF. Yeah, yeah... I was the trashed girlfriend of the singer, of the band having their album release show, and everyone knew it. I was probably going to have a good time no matter what. But really, it wasn't a given that I was going to have THAT good of a time. This was an EPICALLY good time. read more

This past Saturday at thee Parkside rocked my socks. Apparently it was the last night before switching to a new owner, so they ran out of ALL the mixers. Not a co-cola to be found in the place. Which made for an interesting evening of not-my-first-choice beer (Lagunita's Hairy Eyeball...a strong one) and whiskey. Fun! The main room / bar area is pretty small and the stage is right there. Things get LOUD. Might be a smart idea to bring some ear protection if you care about hearing the TV when you are 70. I very much enjoyed having the option to go to the back patio for chatting and/or smooching on a certain cute new man friend. We caught the hotty-hot burlesque show, The Razorburns, and The Grannies. All good quality PG-13 entertainment. And as luck would have it, we caught the 22 (right in front) back to the Mission, because there isn't a cab to be found in that neighborhood after 2am. read more

Pleasant discovery. Dive bar at it's best, simply put. Including a spacious patio, a bar packed with incredible men (Jim, Johnny and maybe José), and a photo booth! $5 Blue Collar Special: Jim Beam and PBR. Two of the worse liquors known to man, but best believe it sure makes for a good time. Also the Sweet Long Island Tea special creeps on you. See you at Parkside! PS. Oh, and they have food! Wasn't drunk enough to partake, but it looked like it was the business! How can you not respect a place that offers CHILI CHEESE TATER TOTS! GET IT! read more

I have been here a gazillion times to see a bunch of my friend's bands play. Usually, I get sidetracked sitting outside and forget that I should go inside to see friend's bands play. Oops. I'm a sucker for outdoor patios and seating. I have yet to try the food here (except for the occasional hot dog, which needs bacon wrapped around it), but I hear the burgers are really good. Bartenders are awesome and pour nice, heavily boozed drinks. The inside area is small and they are only two tables and a few chairs inside, aside from the bar. BIG PLUS......Recently bought a photobooth. Scatterbrain Jamboree was rad. 12 year old looking lead singer (dude) in band with sequin panties and milky white thighs, not the look, but oh so very entertaining. read more

LOVED this place! It's divey, you can't see anything in the girls bathroom, the drinks are cheap, the patio is enclosed and allows smoking, the food is mediocre, killer bands blasting music through the rooftops and a hot bartender named Chelsea. Paired with a group of awesome friends, it's needless to say that I ended up stumbling out of here! I love this place and I will be back in the near future. read more

This being San Francisco and all, the farm to table dinner my colleagues and I downed was immediately followed by a trip to a metal show. Of course. I think it stands to reason as such that I was the only fellow in a blazer in there. That said, Thee Parkside rocks. Literally. Staff was quick with a pour, the bands were a blast (such as they were, I can't say that metal's my scene but the showmanship was solid), and the crowd was generally super cool - it was arguably comparatively chill for a room of what at first blush looked like Motorhead clones. I haven't been often enough to know the full breadth of what they book here, but I'd definitely come back again. Here's saying that's exactly what I'll do. Parkside's a winner. read more

a few of my co-workers and i headed to thee parkside to watch a few bands play for an obama fundraiser. to our delight, we found that their happy hour (2-8pm, M-F) boasted of $3 well drinks and most drafts. seemed like a friendly mix of people. one harley-riding-kinda guy gives his buddy a back rub. i inquire about obama buttons. hayley w. and i engage in a little chit chat w/the bouncer while waiting for the 22. hayley w. and i decided to get an order of the chili cheese fries. if it wasn't for the drinks, they'd certainly be FAR from comestible. the cheese quickly transformed into a wax-like glob, and the chili wasn't chili at all. ...SALSA, folks. w/a couple of beans. ...shudder. i realize that this is a dive bar, but for $7, i'd like to see some actual chili on my fries. (fyi, i'll eat pretty much anything. ...but these 'chili' cheese fries were bad news.) hooray for the happy hour specials, photo booth fun, and the laid back vibe. though, i'll probably pass on ordering anything from the kitchen in the future. read more

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I've lived in the area for more than a year and JUST decided to come here on a recent weekend. Felt the need to have burger and fries. There is not much to offer in this area when you have a sudden craving and I was ready to be disappointed, but I was pleasantly surprised. They have a very minimalist menu. I got the burger with bacon and french fries. It. hit. the. spot. It's a standard burger, but tasty enough to meet your taste buds' needs. The order came out quickly and we took it to go. Is it out of this world? NOPE. But if you want a burg, go here and enjoy. I'll definitely be back for the convenience of it. French fries were actually on point. In the past few months, we went to Ganim's and were so disappointed. Parkside is way better. read more

Beers are cheap, parking is SUPER easy. Those are the first things that come to mind. I was not expecting there to be a big area outdoors for people to hang out. You can hang by the bar, or go outside and stand by a heat lamp. I was freezing my ass off but all my friends were already hanging outside. There's a stage and small dance floor so I'm assuming they book shows here but have not been to one personally. read more

If you're playing a gig here, be advised that there's only one line out to the stage monitors so everything gets mixed together and you might have a hard time hearing yourself over the rest of your band. If you're watching a gig here, be advised that drinks are kind of pricey for a place like this and the crowd can be sort of rude. Nice patio though. read more

If you like black jeans, the kind with a chain attached to a belt loop, black fatigue jackets, wear your hair wild and free, and your musical taste tends toward the kind with a vocalist who sounds like he's telling you to fuck off between puking spasms, then this . . . This is your place. Thee Parkside is a big dark bar with a big dim back patio - they have a short order grill. Crowd's mostly in it's mid-twenties. read more

Nice dive bar in Potrero Hill. Low key, quick service, all the (or thee) kinds of alcohol you could possibly want. Plus you get to enjoy the "regulars" who spin their tales of why their lives of woe are so woeful (hint: if you're drinking in a bar every day starting at 2, you might want to reconsider your life choices). Didn't get to sample any of the supposedly cool live music and what-not, but it seems like it'd be a good place to see a local band. read more

Love me some Parkside. I come here to satisfy my fried food and beer craving. Dyno-mite chicken tenders and tater tots. Also, kudos to Mark who works the kitchen. I don't usually stick around for the shows, but Parkside is my neighborhood standby for an after work happy hour. read more

Cheap beer, rockin chicken fingers, and awesome music. Happy hour is from 4-7. If there's music that night, 90% of all shows are under $10. You may not have the slightest clue who it is, but for eight bucks, you can risk it. Being the Gap-poster child that I am, I felt a little uneasy the first time I stopped by; but it takes you all of 5 minutes to realize that nobody cares. Thee Parkside is the epitome of all things San Francisco: a little cold, a little dirty, but freakin awesome and you'll always remember it. [Bonus: the 22 Fillmore stops right outside.] read more

One of "thee" least pretentious bars in the entire city. This is where I go when I want no bullshit --- just pop the top on my bottom-shelf can o' macrobrew and let me get down to the business of destroying my liver and catching some punk rock'n'roll. Thee Parkside is generally about half as expensive (and one-third as precious) as the Bottom of the Hill, located only a few doors down the street. One of the bartenders is also a roller derby tuff-chick, which I like, and is still super-friendly despite her stocky, tattooed, take-no-guff appearance. Plus the back patio kicks ass. Granted, there is no real "stage" to speak of --- just a slightly elevated platform in the front corner. And sometimes the bands are uninspiring (because let's face it: there's a lot of uninspiring and unoriginal punk, metal, and rockabilly in the world). But I figure I've seen as many fun shows here as anywhere else in the city. Because this is a place people go to have F-U-N, not stand around and let everyone appreciate their fashion sense. It's strictly blue collar and blue denim at Thee Parkside. Check your upscale ego at the door, please. I can only hope the encroaching condominium hell --- from SoMa to the north and Potrero Hill to the south --- leaves Thee Parkside well enough alone. San Francisco needs more places like this. read more

Simply the best Punk Rock bar in San Francisco. Drinks are stiff and very reasonable. Treat the bartenders well and they will do the same in return. A decent number of beers on tap and a perfectly adequate supply of spirits for your discerning greaser, punker, hepcats, and riff raff. They have a small standard menu of forgettable bar food. Thee Parkside has live music most every night and some weekend days. Pretty much strictly punk/ metal/ rockabilly groups. The room where the bands play only takes up about a quarter of the entire bar foot print. The other three quarters is essentially a large constructed back yard with plenty of pick nick tables and areas to loiter. Ideally the band room would be larger, as when a good band plays the room is packed like sardines holding not even 100. There is always a good time to be had at Thee Parkside. read more

El Zeitgeist Nuevo. Now if they'd only blast "Ace of Spades" once every twenty minutes, the circle would be complete. read more

Went here over the weekend when a friend of a friend's boyfriend was having a 33nd birthday bash here and the first friend suggested we come along (are you still with me?). Not only was it a chance to go to this allegedly "biker" dive which I had been eying for a while, not only was it a good opportunity to drink heavily with friends and friends of friends and their boyfriends, but there were even a couple of PUNK ROCK bands playing that night. And, as the forwarded Evite suggested, "WE ARE PUNK ROCK"! Kingpin is most definitely PUNK ROCK, having been around for the first incarnation of the self-destroying PUNK ROCK era. So I spiked my hair a little more than usual, donned my boots, skinny jeans, angel-skull shirt, and new, shiny "Prince coat" - how PUNK ROCK is that? We arrived fashionably late in the black and beat-up truck to find the place nicely warming up - the bar dark and LOUD - how PUNK ROCK is that? The crowd was understandably young, but suitably attired in black, studs, piercings, ripped jeans, leather jackets, and thrift-store throwbacks - pure PUNK ROCK! I did not get the name of the support band, who were about twelve-years-old, who chatted playfully with the audience and who played some good and catchy three-chord riffs. Excellent. And the main act was called F*ckwolf - how PUNK ROCK is that? The main room was good and packed and too loud to talk, so being of a previous PUNK ROCK generation, we spent much of our time enjoying the music on the fabulous and huge patio which is almost entirely, but not completely, covered and has a high ceiling allowing people to smoke as much as they will - how PUNK ROCK is that? So, it was cool to hang out in the outdoors chatting with friends until the undeniably PUNK ROCK Kingpin's stressful corporate financial industry job, several quickly-downed beers etc., and love-and-life in general all caught up with him in an instant. Almost in mid sentence, I went from standing to face down, flat-out cold on the nearest picnic table. How F*CKING PUNK ROCK is that? I was only out for a second at most, but I sacred the crap out of all those around, though a few minutes later, I was standing and smiling once again. Watch and learn you youngsters - PUNK'S NOT DEAD! (I really liked this place.) read more

Thee Parkside is the cheapest, most unpretentious, food-loving place to see your favorite bands (or bands you've never heard of but will end up enjoying for the low, low price of... less than $15 if you stick around). And the water! If you go to a show and you're having a shot and a beer for $7, you can also get a full cup of water without bothering the busy bartenders or waiting in line. In a sometimes sweaty, dense crowd, that means a lot. Take the ride--eat the fried chicken sandwich. read more

This is what I'm talking about. I was looking for a worthy SF successor to my beloved DC home/dive bar heaven, the Black Cat, and Thee Parkside comes quite close. On a side note, I've always noticed that I tend to like things prefaced with "Thee". Cases in point: Thee Parkside and now-defunct DC garage band, Thee Snuff Project. This is what the Hemlock wishes it could be--dirty, legit, crazy, and fun. Strong drinks, miniscule show space, eardrum-busting rock and roll (bring ear plugs, kiddies), and boys, boys, boys (cue my gender-reversing homage to the Crue's classic, girls girls girls). Yup, thee parkside is *sweet*. ***************Edit************* Oh hells yeah--this place gets raised one star for $2 Tuesday's delicious tacos and cold PBRs. Plus, the rock show last night kicked it hardcore. read more

Dogpatch Potrero neighborhood - so easy to find parking or to ride to (although to bus, it's the 22 boooooo, that takes a 100,000 years). Cool bartenders who are super friendly. Lots of up and coming bands, video premiers and small shows happen here. If you need a venue, it's decent, nothing fancy. The big patio out back is A+ tons of room and it's got covered areas so even when it's crappy out you can still go out to sit in the air. They have a small menu of quick pubfood. You order from the kitchen window in the patio area. They have some dice and some cards if you want to borrow and play. Squirrel wall! BBQ sometimes Photobooth Indie Mart sometimes Me like read more

WHAT?! Did I completely forget to give this local bar of mines a review? How dare I! Alright folks, its a dive bar. . . .not too packed nor full of hardcore hipsters/punk rockers. I would call them intermediate ones, who they're folks that just want to chill, not talk over each other and get louder and louder and what, I can't hear you now. Its located near Mission Bay and Potrero HIll, so once UCSF is up and running, don't be surprised if you start seeing doctors, nurses and Zynga nerds come by. Its a full bar, with a food hole in the back. If you crave tater tots like Napoleon Dynamite, then come here my friends. They've recently expanded their menu to include more stuff like Vietnamese sandwiches. Tried it and it was a good try, but its not the same when its not in a real french baguette. Nice back patio for just chilling, but of course, for smokers to chain smoke together. Inside is a small stage for shows, from punk rock to Americana. You can even rent the venue for a small fee during the day, so yes, I did bring my karaoke with me and it was a success. As long as I brought the machine, they had the projector. And bartenders are sweet, not aggressive and stern like the Zeitgeist ones. The only thing that bugs is the bathroom, but hell, its a dive bar. What would you expect? So overall, its a cool hang out. If you just want a chill day, and maybe even drop it for a free show, come during the day on weekends. At night, the cover is at most $10. Have fun and enjoy this spot like i do. read more

Total dive bar. Tiny stage if you can even call it that. They have wicked evil bartenders here. The first time I saw Bleu perform live in California was here. Full of baseball stadium food and Jagermeister, my date puked all over the side of my white rental car. I will always remember this place. read more

Holy hell yes. Rocking cowboy music, Attack from Mars pinball, strong whiskey sours, good sound system... A spontaneous road trip turned even more awry when we stopped in at parkside on Sunday night. The music was fan-boot stomping-tastic, but the catch phrase of the night quickly became: "Did he just throw up on the floor?" After the singer made a very graceful, mid-song, release and kept on singin. read more

I love Thee Parkside! It's the best local mid sized venue to see live bands, that ALSO has a patio and food! Great, friendly staff, with an unpretentious, down-home vibe that reminds me a little bit of Austin, TX., which is a high compliment! I've been coming here for years and have NEVER had a bad time! read more

Punk show....check cheap drinks.....check questionable patrons....check Love it. added bonus for outdoor seating read more

Thee Parkside is a cool bar! I loved the outdoor patio area. The drinks were reasonable, the bartenders were cool enough, the jukebox selection is probably the best I've seen in ages. I saw a band called Buddy that kicked ass. The reason I'm only giving Thee Parkside 3 stars? THE BATHROOM!!! OMG! First of all, I didn't realize I was in the men's bathroom. It's a tiny room that smelled as if someone had painted it with urine, set it with a heat lamp and then painted it with even more urine. It was SO foul, that I stood there in horror for 30 seconds then left without going pee. I was actually willing to risk rupturing my bladder to wait until I could leave and find a decent sidewalk to pee on. WOW! read more