The Best Dive Bar in Bay Area

Kozy Kar

Kozy Kar is a bar of all things cool growing up in the 70's and early 80's. Custom vans, eight track players, CB radios, waterbeds, chain steering wheels, shag, mirrored ceilings, van bar seats are just a few of the amenities. more

Latin American Club

One of several Mission circuit bars which attracts a young, open-minded and festive crowd. The Latin serves hard liquor and tap beer only, with two people-watching window seats, a long bar, a pool table, and an array of deco kitchen tables for social... more

Lost Resort

Feeling a little lost? Yeah, we know. WE'RE OPEN, come over! Ahoy. Lost resort and it's beautiful back patio is a home away from home for all to join. Cocktails by Captain Brad and excellent complimentary bites from our kitchen make it a destinatio... more

Lucky 13 - Alameda

Lucky 13 carries over 20 bad ass drafts and over 40 different bottles. Sorry no Budweiser, Miller, or Coors! We also stock the finest available spirits including vodkas, Irish whiskeys, tequila, rum, bourbons and more. We also have a pool table, p... more

Marina Lounge

Friendly bartenders, drinks are good for a decent price, there's a pool table, Ms. Pacman and a trusty jukebox. more

Merchants Saloon

Merchant's Saloon has changed itself into Merchant's Pantry during the pandemic. To meet requirements set forth during Covid, they must sell food to allow outdoor table seating. Call to find out what daily specials they have - (510) 465-8032. more

Mervyn's Lounge

As downtown Mountain View becomes increasingly gentrified by the tech elite, it’s nice to know there is still a place you can tie one on for cheap. Hidden away in a small alleyway, just off of Castro Street, Mervyn’s is just a short walk... more

Mission Hill Saloon

A local dive bar in the Mission - near SF General. more

Missouri Lounge Cafe

The bar, opened in 1953, is one of the last of the great dives on San Pablo Avenue. The vibe is relaxed and hip.  Great place. DJs every evening from 10pm till 2am.   A west Berkeley favorite.  Bar food served 12noon - 1am. more

Molotov's

A great little dive bar perfect for the neighborhood. more

Mr. Bing's

Mr. Bing's is a classic bar that's been on the map as a must-visit stop in San Francisco. It's old school, it's kitschy, and it's the perfect place to get a drink or two before continuing on to whatever the evening holds. more

7 Upcoming events

Noc Noc

While Lower Haight is full of well-stocked bars, Noc Noc has a slightly better crowd for people-watching, especially if you snag one of the coveted corner tables. The bar services a wide variety of beer, wine, and sake as well as juice, soda, and n... more

One Double Oh Seven Club

The sign says "Smokers Lounge"—welcome words to a particular slice of the population. And as it happens, that demographic includes a lot of fun people. Outside the Plexiglass wall that defines the smokers' section (and includes the bar itself),... more

Peacock Lounge

Cool little dive bar, lounge. more

Phone Booth

Old-timers, lesbians and hipsters alike frequent this tiny locale. Weekends get crowded but during all in all, it's a great dive. Stuart, of Broke-Ass Stuart fame, gives a wonderful ode to this classic watering hole - https://www.sfgate.com/bars... more

Pitt's Pub

Divey and kitchy, except for those who live in Outer Sunset or Ocean Beach, this normally wouldn't be your watering hole. But on a sunny day, if you happen to be out at the beach, this could be the perfect little bar to set kick up your feet for a dr... more

Poet & Patriot Irish Pub

A cool little dive bar with a dart board, and ocasionally live music. Cash only.   more

Polomoni's

Dive bar. Darts. Cheap drinks. more

Pop's Bar

POP'S BAR, keeping you in good spirits since 1937. Pop's is a classic Mission dive bar. Good place to get an early drink - ie. before most have gotten their first cup of Joe. more

2 Upcoming events

R Bar

A good, low-key bar that has the games. Lots of TVs in general for any game that's going on. But R Bar is near and dear to Cleveland fans; they play Browns and Cavs games. more

Rite Spot Cafe

With lounge bars all the rage, the Rite Spot is the only one without the added attitude. While candles and white linen tablecloths may give the illusion of upscale, it's still really a dive at heart. Yummy Food Full Bar Live Music more

Rock Bar

Neighborhood bar building great cocktails, serving cold beer, and pouring fine wines. more

Royal Cuckoo

A kitchy, so very cool bar in MidMission.   The neighborhood bar you always wanted.   Sweet music - either live or via an old record player - nothing played before mid 70s stuff, great cocktails and a Hammond B3 organ. more

Sea Star Club

A nice little dive. Happy Hour: Monday - Friday, 3pm - 7pm more

Smiley's Schooner Saloon & Hotel

Smiley's is the oldest continuously operated saloon on the West Coast. Est. in 1851 and is still the best party in town! more

Summer Place

Summer Place is a "perfect/terrible" dive bar where you can play on the AC/DC pinball machine. more

Sweetie's Art Bar

Sweetie's Art Bar is tucked away in North Beach on Francisco Street. It's a meeting place for locals and people seeking an interesting local spot for a drink. Sweetie's boasts a pool table and art as well as a welcoming bar. Happy Hour happens dai... more

Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen

Established in 1950, The Tempest is a historic bar that sits adjacent to the San Francisco Chronicle building and has been a watering hole for local journalists, bike messengers, the after-work crowd and locals for decades. The Tempest is also hom... more

The Amplifier

The Uptown neighborhood's answer to the Heart & Dagger Saloon! Cheap drinks and chill vibes! more

The Asti

The Asti was established in 1937 after being a Speakeasy in the 1920's. Fast forward to today and it is a Santa Cruz staple that always has its fair share of local flavor. Located on Pacific Ave in the heart of downtown, this is one bar in Santa Cru... more

The Boulevard Tavern

live music every friday no cover... 2 pool tables... upscale dive... doctors, lawyers, contractors, bikers, salepeople... you name it... weve got it... friendly staff... 8 hi def tv's... sharks and giants fans... more

The Branham Lounge

The Branham Lounge has been around since 1969. Its vintage decor combined with the modern feel make for an inviting atmosphere where anyone can feel at home. The "living room" fireplace area provides a cozy spot with two TVs to watch your teams compe... more

The Caravan Lounge

The Caravan Lounge is a friendly, owner-operated bar located in the heart of downtown San Jose. As well as being one of San Jose’s oldest live music venues, the Caravan provides other fun activities such as karaoke, comedy, burlesque, trivia, p... more

The Castaways

Pleasure Point is the neighborhood that sets the tone for this neighborhood bar. That explains the wall-mounted surfboards, and should serve as a warning that the good-looking crowd is here to par-tay. A makeover a few years back replaced the ratty c... more

The Fishbowl

Good bartenders - Flat screens for Giants! 49'ers! Sharks! more

The Golden Bull

The dive bar / music venue features a good sampling of local music. The bar features a good selection of local craft beers, has daily drink specials & freshly squeezed juices. Plus there's pinball, a pool table and a photo booth! more

The Homestead

Homestead is an institution; established in 1902. The neighborhood bar is all about community and the drinks. more

The International

Happy Hour:  4pm-8pm $2 drafts and well drinks Daily Drink Specials * jukebox * good people * hot bartenders * cool fish tank * free Pool Tues & Weds more

The Lister

A newly renovated Bar with Outdoor Beer Garden near San Francisco State University. Cheap drinks and hookahs. Large outdoor patio. more

The Riptide

The Riptide, built in 1941, has the look and feel of a small town lodge and is labeled as San Francisco's Tahoe by the Sea. In addition to rustic brick flooring and high ceilings, the original knotty pine walls and raging fireplace add warmth you can... more

4 Upcoming events

UPCOMING EVENTS