Don't go here unless you are a smelly hipster. Everyone in this bar was too cool including the bartenders. And when i say "too cool" i really mean fucking lame. I got my beer slammed on the table because i guess i wasn't hip enough to hang out there... right. In general every single person i interacted with was just rude. I was with a group of about 10 and every single one of us will NEVER go back because the lady serving us drinks obviously hadn't be laid in a long while. So what it comes down to is that if you are a hateful, unfriendly, typical San Francisco jerk... then this is the place for you. But you wont catch me there. the outside patio was nice though... i'll give them that much. read more

Cheapass thieves!! Zeitgeist is the place where I left my wallet last night. I called them, told them where it was and they found it. I ran back to the place. I got it back but they stole all the cash. They pushed me out of the bar saying they were closing when I complained. They said they couldn't help me. read more

I've never had a bad experience with the bartenders here like so many other reviewers have. Maybe it's because I don't come off as a fussy baby bitch. I often come here for my Sunday morning BM (hah!). I also like that they serve hamburgers all day. I live right around the corner and it makes my apartment smell like backyard barbecue. It's like Fourth of July every day! read more

With over 500 reviews, what more can I add that would be of use? Zeitgeist reminds me of the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden http://www.yelp.com/biz/cuVyM_ZxtREqpO1SXgZmRA located in Astoria, NY - though about a third the size and with a little more pretense (oh you know, it's a biker hang in a hipster neighborhood). There's something about the set up and the vibe that makes this not only a good place to come with a group (more of the scene at the Beer Garden in NY), but a fine venue to bring out the social butterfly in anyone. Or maybe the pitchers of beer have more to do with that than Zeitgeist's feng-shui. p.s. Make sure to seek out the Tamale Lady while you're at Zeitgeist! True SF Local Flavor, indeedlydoodly. read more

I think there's a 2 tattoo minimum here since I didn't look punkish enough to be here. Lagunitas IPA on the tap was what I got, though apparently one of their signature drinks is the Bloody Mary. Restroom, though not pretty, is clean to use. Better than the war torn urine experience one would get at the Academy of Science. read more

Another year, another hangover. The Bloody Mary love story continues. In fact, this year we've decided that Zeitgeist is to be an annual tradition between coworkers. We fly into San Fran once a year from all over the world for a conference and with our limited time in the city, we have decided to dutifully visit Zeitgeist. The Bloody Marys are THAT good. read more

So you work at the zeitgeist and you think you're hot shit. You can carry a stack of pint glasses like nobody's business. You get your panties in a wad if someone orders a Mary but you keep em on the menu anyway because it gives you a good excuse to throw attitude. You get off on selling huge portions of booze one minute before closing time. It's fun to let people piss their money away on $8 margaritas right before dumping 'em on their way out the door. I love giving you a reason to flex your authority as you threaten to kick me out over serious offenses like taking off my shoes under the table, taking a picture in your pristine backyard, or - gasp - sitting the wrong way on your picnic tables. Things could get out of control if you and your Dickie's jacket weren't there to keep everything in check. You think you're such a bad ass, zeitgeist. You're just a growed-up momma's boy with an attitude problem. read more

Whats cool about this place? I can sit there a smoke a joint. And that's about it. I'm not a picky person, but if you go into the place hungry...you're pretty much going leave hungry. It's just really unorganized. The staff isn't super friendly either-ordered a pitcher a beer, brought it back because it was flat, and the lady bartender basically said in so many words I was full of it....until she tasted it for herself. Welllll whad'ya know! Yep lady, just because I look a bit more put together than the rest of the crew here doesn't mean I can't tell when a beer taste like shit. read more

So, I LOVE Zeitgeist. By which I mean LOVE. A lot of people seem to hate the staff here, as I've read many statements regarding nasty bouncers and bartenders. This is both true and untrue. When Zeitgeist is dead (which it isn't nearly enough during the summer months), the staff is actually really friendly and helpful. I've had bartenders suggest things for me and be really nice. I've even had cool conversations with bouncers. When the place is busy and stress is up, however, those same bouncers may become rather gruff (and there's a huge guy who seems exceedingly unfriendly), and the helpful, friendly bartender doesn't want to hear any shit from people who are tired of waiting in line; he is, after all, doing the best he can. So how does one deal with this sometimes unfriendly atmosphere? Listen to the bouncers, wait in line patiently (even though, admittedly, it IS annoying to wait 20 minutes for a pint of beer), and order quickly. It saves you stress and the annoyance of having someone be an asshole to you. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of waiting in line more than ten minutes for ANYTHING, and I prefer Zeitgeist when there's more room to breathe, but it's ALWAYS one of my favorite spots in the city. They have a pretty impressive selection of draft beer, mostly stuff that you DON'T find everywhere else, and it's very reasonably priced. The Bloody Marys are absolutely INCREDIBLE. Seriously. Best I've ever had. The Gardenburger I ordered my vegetarian ass after being there for 4 hours drinking was delicious--and the home fries are RIDICULOUSLY good. At least, they are when they have SAUERKRAUT in ems, as they did the first time. More recently, they were krautless, and I was not wholly thrilled. BUT, as if to make up for it, the grilled cheese was damn tasty (and not just cuz I'd been drinking for a couple hours and was ripped)--and I don't even like grilled cheese. Gotta love American cheese slices. Om nom nom. Oh, and then there's the back. Yeah, the fact that there are porta potties is kinda gross, but it's large and with a beer garden vibe. There are trees, a bike rack (if you have a bike), and plenty of picnic tables for which to do some sitting, conversating, and some smoking, if you're so inclined. ALL HAIL ZEITGEIST!!! read more

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Zeitgeist means the "spirit of the times". If the spirit of our (good) times in San Francisco means drinking various selections of beer(and the occasional tamale ordered from the tamale lady) on a warm sunny afternoon amidst the cozy comfort of friends, then Zeitgeist is a certain contender for a 5 star rating. Upon the election of Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House, Republicans started sneering about "San Francisco Values". Perhaps, the most important SF Value is Friendship and a place like Zeitgeist epitomizes the theme of friendship. It is said that Eskimos have lot more categories of snow than others. San Franciscans have lot more categories of Friends than others. Some seek "friends with benefits" to ensure that they are not home alone on weekends, others Swoon over Jennifer Aniston while watching "Friends", while savvy netizens log on to Adult Friendfinder to find instant love. The warmth and coziness of Zeitgeist on a sunny afternoon makes us feel loving towards our friends. For a moment, we come out of the cocoon of our Selves and embrace the collective, though fleeting, happiness and we feel blessed for our existence in this world. read more

The appearance of the tamale lady tipped the scales for this beloved hipster grunge heaven. It's not the scene for everyone... like people who don't carry cash or who don't have mustaches and/or leather but as a redhead, I get an auto pass for any scene. Seriously. Chic rooftop club? Redhead. Sassy speakeasy? Redhead. Zeitgeist? Redhead. I ordered a beer and stood near the bike rack with pals. I hugged my favorite Canadian gentleman (here's lookin at you Kris U) I saw the mystical fairy that is Jessica, met the pixie wonder that is Evelyn, hi fived Brad B, SD home slice and hat aficionado.... Jon was there. Redheads. Everywhere. Oh, and I met Ruggy. Finally. We ran towards each other in slow motion... Not really, but still. Magical. Picnic tables I liked, people watching as prime. As the afternoon started to fade to evening I fled, but not until I had another beer and a tamale. Some say the service is gruff, I did not have this experience. Easy and friendly, SF win. read more

I was all geared-up to come here for their big Sierra-Nevada tap takeover night! I'm a big craft beer fan and this was supposed to be SF's beer Mecca. There was a sign saying "please order by number" as all the beers on the board were numbered. The bartender was a guy that was about 110 pounds, 40 of which were his beard and hair. Think of Grizzly Adams if his beard was longer, dirtier and with AIDS. He asked what the three of us wanted, we said "a number 13, a 22, and the saison wi..." and he snapped "ORDER BY NUMBER"...and proceeded to walk away for 15 minutes. Sorry, I was just trying to give you my money in exchange for a product. After the crowd thinned out we went back for another only for him to walk back and forth while while ignoring us. Literally looking up from his cell phone, made eye contact with us and continued texting someone, who I assume is his meth dealer. Sorry, but I won't be back here. You can have the exclusive/hipster/grunge look, however you don't need to be a dick about it. Two stars only because the beer selection is pretty good. How the beer doesn't have scabies in it from that guy, is a miracle. read more

AHHHH Hipster haven! All you want to be hipsters, LISTEN UP!!!! You must attend the Zeitgeist class room to learn how to be a true SF hipster. Let your eyes linger over the scraggly haired ironic youth with the spotty facial hair. See his lovely tight skinny jeans matched with that latest great 70's button up shirt he scored from Wastelands. Ladies, examine closely the tramp stamps of ink located on the small of the back, nape of the neck and ankle. Marvel over the tough dudes with their heavy work boots, wranglers and mandated well worn leather motorcycle jacket. Engage in a conversation with the lithe and more fay lads, they all have their bicycles near at hand and I believe one of them just scored a new Fixie!!!! But wait, whats this a FULL BAR?!?!?! Ok well maybe I can grab a couple cocktails and dull myself quickly, oh thats right, the bartenders don't make cocktails, they just pull taps. They might serve you ONE cocktail if they are feeling EXTREMELY generous, but more likely you will be banned and thrown out. Absolutely the WORST bartenders in the city, hell it is a joke to call them bartenders. They are crappy beer tenders! I would rather do matt shots at Mckenzies or the High Tide than spend one second here. One star for Tamale lady, One star for the awesome beer garden. A million stars for me never having to go here again. read more

I love dive bars. I love art. I love punk rock. I love good stiff cheap drinks and I specially love a great burger. Win win win #winning read more

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What a horrible service on top of being a ripoff. The fries are supposed to feed 4-5, we were 9 so got two for 13.5$ each. And let me tell you, each of us had two single fries. Asked to get more or talk to the management, but waiters were just putting it off, and incredibly unfriendly, holy shit!! Came here for the past 3 years, used to love it here but I'll now stay away. read more

Great beers, cool people and bar... but Crappy food from a shitty cook with a bad attitude... yuck don't eat here. read more

Pros: Tons of seating on their outdoor back patio, so you can accommodate quite a few people here. Huge selection of beers on tap Bartenders seem to know all the beers quite well Cons: Lots of seating = lots of people, but they don't have lots of bartenders. You'll have to wait a while and fight for the bartender's attention every time you want a drink! Overall: I much prefer the atmosphere of Shotwell's. Their beer selection is pretty good, and they don't have the problem of massive crowding at the bar. If I *really* need a huge beer selection, Shotwell's might not work, but I'd still probably look elsewhere for a place where I don't have to fight to be served. read more

So the night started off promising as one of my friends had forgotten his ID in his "other" wallet. After getting a heads up that there was a bouncer checking IDs at the door, we ninja'ed our way in through the side door of Zeitgeist and proceeded to the back patio (points for having an unlocked side door) Now to say that this place is a dive bar is a bit of an understatement. More like a plunge bar... it was poorly lit, the fences outside were laced with barbed wire, the traditional chairs and tables were replaced with picnic benches, and the smell of weed definitely made me crave sketchy, possibly tainted food. Right on cue, I was bumped from behind by the Tamale Lady and her cart, and against my better judgment I decided to try one. Who woulda thought that a cornhusk of cornmeal from a strange lady's cooler would taste sooo good... Drinks weren't anything special. The margaritas tasted like amoretto sours and had the alcoholic content of a mike's hard lemonade. Despite this fact, one of my friends still managed to get utterly messed up, so props to her Bonus points for having no line at the bathroom, mainly because there were Port-a-Potties lined up outside. Minus points for one of them overflowing at the end of the night. Overall, I think I'd go back to this place...it's outside so not as stuffy as most bars, there was a good mix of people having a good time, AND they have BIKE HOOKS! So if I ever decide to tempt fate and bike my hammered ass home after a night of consumption, at least there's a place to hang my bike. read more

Some people - hipsters (cough) - like drinking beer next to 5 porto-potties overflowing with sh#t and piss right next to them, and don't mind the warm breeze of poody-poo and urine that wafts them in the face because their breath stinks anyways. I don't. Hence the low review. read more

So I get this email inviting me to ZeitGeist no not Zeitgeist.. ZeitGeist. I'm off, its something new to me, and I'm going there with good people... how can I say no. So I call my boy and tell him I'm down to go to ZG's... lets just say I was thrown off by the capital G for Geist and wanted to shorten the name... Ya, they still haven't dropped the fact I called it ZGs. Buuutttt.... once we got there and I walked in, I couldn't understand why this spot was so hot... until I walked out back and I could see this sea of people sitting at these picnic tables spread out all over the place. I seriously did a double take... walked back in walked back out and was like ARE YOU FOR REAL!!! Give me a group of happy go lucky people and I don't care what you serve. The beer is great and the food is delicious. THE ONLY THING I DON'T LIKE ABOUT ZG'S IS THAT THE GOLF GAME ATE LIKE $4 WORTH OF QUARTERS. Why? Because I was determined to finished the 9th hole. Fuckers... I want my quarters back. ;0) read more

4 stars from 3 of my favorites...I'm going to be my rule-breaker self and go with the A-OK. Zeitgest is the type of place that you just HAVE to go to, just for the experience, but for me it took a day of another random jaunt to a much coveted place to finally make it here. We enter, I get carded (score!) by a cute guy in a Dropkick Murphys Sweatshirt (okay, I'm a sucker for all things Boston) and was asked (told) to go find some seating outside. As the bar is very dark and the doorway was flooded with light, the back area wasn't hard to find. Once I made my way out, I saw a sea of people, and realized that for once in my life my outfit was completely wrong for the occasion. Sure- it ranged from biker to hipster to punk lesbian...but as a chick in gym clothes with a "see no evil, hear no evil, date no evil" shirt, I felt like a pariah. It's not that I don't have the right gear (actually, my biker/punk rock lesbian stuff should not be worn in public, and there is no way in HELL I'm going hipster)...it's just that I clearly hadn't planned to spend the day drinking bloodies and beers and soaking up the sun. I could see that on one of those rare heat wave days this place would be fabulous, but there are just too many bodies and not enough of those who shower. But they have food, which is always okay in my book. Now that I've been, I'm in no hurry to go back, but I'm sure my arm could be twisted again. The right one, though, as the left one is still a little messed up. read more

On one of the rare days I actually dress appropriately for working at an international law firm, Irish decides to take me here, a dive in the Mission. Seriously over-dressed. Fortunately I was able to pull off a few girl-tricks in the truck on the way over to make me a bit less conspicuous. We were here early on enough where half the bar stools were still open but the outside area was near full up. I didn't find the bartender rude at all, just serious about getting you your drink and doing it fast, then moving on. But then, we knew what we wanted and were just as quick about it. The girl next to me was not. She went off and ordered some girlie drink with a ton of labor and ingredients involved, at least one of which Zeitgeist did not carry. After the bartender told her no-can-do, she hemmed and hawed, back and forth, and was met with a curt "I'll be back when you decide." I don't blame the bartender on this one. The barback, now him I could've done without. He stood right in front of us the whole time, not really doing much at all. Awkward and annoying. We sat inside for one drink, then headed outside for a second. Communal tables, we got stuffed against a group of about ten and the fence. Not ideal. Getting in and out was a bitch. Zeitgeist can be an experience. But to make the most of it, I'd say this is one of the few places that qualifies for a When In Rome state of mind. Don't overdress. Don't expect bartenders to chat. Know your drink and be ready. Funny thing is, if there's a Marina equivalent (and I'm sure there is), I'd say "No F'ing way." read more

1st time there. Got carded at the entrance - I'm 37 years old and I look every one of them. Did not have my ID, told bouncer my age, he said since I'm riding a bike it's better to always have yer ID - good point. He let me in anyway, that was cool. I found space to rest half a butt cheek on a bench ouside, watched the girl next to me get called a bitch by another, whom she had just met. Nice introduction. After closer inspection it seemed that the angry one was romantically interested in the other (nice ways). In any case she was swinging a little too close to me. Not a good vibe. Believe it or not I did not order a damn thing. I had no cash and the BOA ATM was somewhere possibly too remote. So I just looked around in what was mostly disbelief and a 1/2 ounce of curiosity. Was nice and sunny. Everyone seemed to be coming down on some drug or another and trying to avoid the inevitable: Sunday night angst. I would say most folks looked unhealthy. Girls with sagging asses and beer bellies, dudes - well the same for the most. Too much beer and drugs. Great place to watch the hipster Mission crowd at its peak. The hipster/tattoo artsy alternative lifestyle while being a nice poke in the eye to the waspy-preppie-Marina/Pac Heights-sorority-campus deal just seems to hold a lot of self-destruction. I could not help feeling like there is a lot of anger and despair going on, although everyone is trying hard to be kinda cool. Not quite as authentic as the down-and-out, downbeat , thouroughly depressing Tenderloin, which is sadly the end of the road for a lot of folks, but in terms of addiction and people holding grudges towards pretty much anything, we're not that far off. But I may go back because I've heard rave reviews about the Tamale Lady, the local icon it seems, and ZG's veggie burger!!! Maybe I'll roll up my sleeve and show off my tattoo and then jerk off on the bathroom wall for good measure. read more

Rude or not! I love my Bloody Mary's at Zeitgeist and nothing in this world would keep me a part from them, especially not on Sunday mornings! I also think it is funny that Zeitgeist has a reputation to live up to! read more

If, at anytime in my life, I am destined to be a homeless, chronic alcoholic (i'm a yelper, it could happen) ..I want to live here. On my trip to SF last November, the lovely Drue and Paul took me here in the few bits of time we got to "cram as much SF down Riss's throat (and liver) as we can", and this was on the list. I learned Mexican (aka racist) dominoes, met Ed M, witnessed a fantastic drunk douchebag meltdown, had some great drinks and just enjoyed to total chaos of sitting dozens of people outside on worn down picnic tables and serving them alcohol for hours on end. It was fantastic! read more

Used to like this place like a year ago, but something seems to have changed, 'cause I've had three really negative experiences here fairly recently, which is going to keep me from returning for the foreseeable future: First Experience: Was doing a scavenger hunt with a large group of people, dressed as mimes. Part of the hunt was to have a drink (as in spend real money at their establishment) in front of the pink elephants on the wall in the patio area (and get a photo of it). Apparently the first few groups that got there weren't even LET IN, because they were dressed as mimes. Second Experience: Was there with a medium sized group of people after a bike ride. There wasn't room for all our bikes, so we locked them up nearby on Valencia. Went inside and waited for a while to get some pitchers of beer from the very rude/unresponsive bartender who seemed offended that we would ask her advice on which beer to get. Went outside, where there was nowhere to sit, so we stood around waiting for a spot and were told to move twice 'cause we were in the way, even though we were clearly NOT in the way and left plenty of room for people to get by. Finally found a spot where we could stand without being asked to move, and commenced to take photos of each other. Large man comes up and says, "Do you know our photo policy?" I say, "Um, no." He says, "You can only take photos of people you know. If we catch you taking photos of the walls or strangers, you're outta here!" "Um, okay, I WAS only taking photos of our friends." I mean, really?! You can't take photos of the art on their WALLS?! WTF? Third Experience: There with a large group for a friends B-Day. Again, rude bartender, although slightly less rude than previously. A friend was taking photos of other friends and acquaintances at our table, when an employee comes up and says "Are you taking pictures of the wall?" "No, I'm not," says my friend. "Well, if you do, we'll have to kick you out". So anyway, to sum it up: - IDs gets checked for WAY too long - Pretentious and unnecessarily rude staff - Hipster overload - Nonsensical photo policy - Too crowded There are SO many great bars in this city, dive and non-dive alike, where you actually get treated with an modicum of respect 'cause they WANT your business, rather than EXPECT it. Those are the bars I'll spend my hard earned money at... however if you LIKE being treated like shit, this is the place for you. read more

Someone sent me a private comment recommending I "go back to the Marina." I moved to the Tenderloin from the Mission. Even if I could afford the Marina I'd expect not to be treated like crap by bar staff. There are plenty of friendly dive bars in the city. And zero reasons to put up with the bad attitudes at Zeitgeist. read more

Two stars for the Bloody Mary. Holy friggin' shit, that's a meal in itself. Worth every penny. One star for movie nights on the outdoor patio. One star for the burgers. The beauty about this dive bar is that it really gets what a dive bar needs to be all about: a place you can spend your entire life in. Grubbily and unshowered at that. Go there in the late morning for a Bloody Mary and some sunshine on the Patio. Nurse your hangover until the late afternoon when it's time for something from the grill. Take over the pool table once it gets dark and stay there until they kick you out at 2 am. The next day, wash (if you're so inclined), rinse and repeat. read more

D: ID. V: Ok, here. D: EXCUSE ME, get in line! (to my friend standing next to me, ID in hand) V: Oh it's okay, she's my friend. And so are the other two folks in line. D: Actually, it's NOT ok. She needs to wait in line like EVERYONE ELSE. Thank you, doorman at Zeitgeist, for being the last pillar of civilized society. Where would we be without you? Probably smacking each other with mammoth tibias and flinging poo. read more

Bouncer extremely rude to Honest patrons. Do not go unless you want to spend good money and get treated badly. read more

My friends and I stopped here last weekend to have some drinks. The outdoor patio has plexiglass walls bolted to each side of every picnic table. Each employee was wearing a mask. Despite all of their precautions and punk rock attire, they were comically terrified of our big bad germs. Every one of us was wearing a mask. I briefly moved my mask to the side so the waiter could hear my drink order and he brazenly threatened to kick me out. I paid for the drinks that none of us had even started and went to explain the situation to his manager (I think his name was Isaac). The manager leaped backwards away from me with his hands in the air, like I was about to cough up malaria on him, exclaiming "Whoa whoa! You can't do that!". We went straight to a Mexican restaurant a few blocks away and had a great time with wonderful service. Don't waste your time or money on these folks. There is nothing punk rock about them. And to the employees...If you are so afraid of getting sick, just stay home and collect unemployment. Our government will take good care of you boys. read more

Asshole food service I order a bacon cheese burger. They said comeback in 12 mins. I came back in 20 and I asked about my burger. They guy decided to adopt an attitude and refunded my money. Still, I'd rather just have my fucking burger. I wasn't asking for special treatment. I just wanted my burger that I paid for. Fuck these people. read more

One of my favorite dive bars in SF. 100% a must-see. Solid beer selection + fantastic bloody Mary's. Burger was 7/10, but outdoor beer garden makes up for it. read more

I really do love Zeitgeist. The porta-potties, the cheeseburgers, the smoking, the sun, and the people watching. Do you know what all those things make me want to do? Drink.. And I like to drink alot. You know what I like to drink?? Radenberger Pilsner. Please Zeitgeist put it back on your taps. I can't drink IPA's and Stouts all day long. I need a few pitchers of pilsner to enjoy with friends and Radenberger is one of the best pilsners out there. Why did you take it away???? I demand answers. Do you know that I once drank a Radeberger with Charlie Sheen? True story. It's his favorite beer and that guy is cooler than you. Bring it back. Do it.. Do it..... read more

"Let me take you to the most 'Austin' bar in San Francisco" my local buddy said, and though that may have been one of more amusing things one of us noted all night, turned out he was pretty spot on. There's lots to like about Zeitgeist. Sketchy and clever in seemingly equal portions (depending upon who you ask), we teetered in on part of an opening salvo bender that found us out back, at a table, hunched over one of the sea of wooden picnic tables, bottle in hand. It's a fine way to do a Friday. I can only imagine that the best time to happen in here might be when the sun is beaming and the conversation is lively, but all the same, I rather figure that this spot doesn't want for interesting conversation much. It's casual and a little weathered, the walls stained with remnants of conversations past. And no doubt, a few down the road or via the dark corners of the latest bottle. read more

The following is the conversation that would take place between myself and James Lipton, should I ever be a guest on "Inside the Actor's Studio". JL: What is your favorite word? AK: Dumpy. JL: You...are...a...DELIGHT. What is your least favorite word? AK: Spendy. JL: What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? AK: Bearded biker men, signs in German, and pitchers of Stella. JL: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? AK: Here's a pint glass of vodka soda, with a splash of sweet and sour. JL: You are a shining beam of light from Heaven. AK: Yeah, that's true. JL: You are brilliant. No, there is no word to describe your perfection, so I'm forced to make one up, and I'm going to do so right now: Scrumtrulescent! read more

My relationship with Zeitgeist has come full circle. I've wised up, Zeit's mellowed out. In Autumn Math, jeans + hoodie + cap + chuck Taylors - purse - high maintenance hair x 2 hours + 3 heffeweizens = good times for all. By good times I mean no falling from 5" stilettos into the gravel. No bad hair. No spilled beer on clothes that cost more than a black-market baby. Hallelujah, this is what everyone meant by, "Chill the fuck out". It's like heaven. Even the door guy was subdued and almost smiled once last night. I'm not sure I'm ready for unilateral change of such monumental proportions but since I'm chilling the fuck out, I'll go with it. Since we're frequent fliers at Zeitgeist, this is truly a revelation. Just don't go painting the interior or remove the portapotties when it's 110 degrees outside and we'll be fine. read more

I don't really know why I'm reviewing this place. I doubt anyone really cares at this point. You all know what kind of place this is. They have decent priced drinks and food and an outdoor area where you can stick your bike. And it gets hella crowded. So instead of telling you what the other 1409(!) reviews can tell you, I'm going to give you a haiku. I checked, and none of the other reviews have a haiku. Zeitgeist, I get it Let's finish the night elsewhere Fuck it, more beer please read more

When we had been in town about a month, someone actually harshly reprimanded us for not having hit Zeitgeist yet, saying, "you should have gone before the moving van was unpacked." Well we did finally venture over and what a treat. Kind of reminded me of being at a backyard frat party in college, complete with herb smoke wafting through the air, big, cold pitchers of beer and the BBQ going full force. On a sunny day you just cannot beat this spot for some dive drinkin'. One of the best bloody's in town as well. One BIG downside to this place: super sunny Sunday a few weeks back they had no porta potties open and masses upon masses of beer swilling people. TWO bathrooms for that mob scene? We go the hell out after only one beer, unfortunately. read more

The truth is that I've somehow managed to avoid Zeitgeist in the 2+ years I've lived in SF. It struck me as a bit of a hipster trap, where you are guaranteed to brush up against fixie-riders drinking PBR and talking about Sonic Youth. I mean, c'mon guys, there's a reason i don't live in the Mission. But I knew that when my good friend decided to hold her going away party here before leaving for Singapore, I had to come. It would give me a chance to say a proper goodbye, and I finally had a good reason to come here. On a Friday night on the cusp of good weather, the place wasn't extra crowded. And the beergarden is huge! It's got ample seating, and is great for huge parties (I think we must have had 13 people with us). They have an excellent beer selection for decent prices, and when I ordered a whiskey-ginger ale, they gave it to me in a pint glass. Well done, Zeitgeist. I don't know if it's normally that uncrowded on a Friday evening, but I know I won't think twice the next time someone invites me to Zeitgeist. :) read more