El Rio

Just wanted to thank y’all for creating and holding queer space, especially over Pride weekend. There aren’t many places these days for queer people to go, and I so appreciate how hard the El Rio staff work to make sure the parties over Pride weekend were ACTUALLY queer spaces (I didn’t see a single drunk tech-​bro or teenagers in a rainbow tutu!). Y’all do an amazing job managing giant parties without letting them get chaotic, and multiple times this weekend I saw El Rio staff taking car of bar-​goers who had partied a little too hard (giving them snacks and water, tracking down their friends, etc). Thank you!

The El Rio door people and owner believe that their gender identities excuse them from respecting others. My girlfriend and I weren’t allowed to re-​enter the club on Mango Night because she asked the door person why he was acting so rude after she asked how much longer our group of friends have until they enter the club and he responded by telling her to shut up unless she doesn’t want to enter.
Typically, we are used to the machismo, ego-​hurt by getting checked by QWOC, but we didn’t expect it on this night especially on their Mango night for queer women. When the white owner got involved they said, «he’s a trans man, I have to stand up for my staff and he doesn’t want you back in».
So apparently at El Rio white men still prevail and the voice of QWOC will continue to get pushed aside even when we are disrespected and degraded and are simply trying to stand up for ourselves. There should be a sign outside that says «QWOC allowed in you shut up and listen to the white man at the door and don’t have any opinions or concerns»
But please, El Rio staff, continue «using» my culture as a way to appeal to the people whose money you want, but don’t want to respect.

If I take a friend to a bar here, this is the one I choose. The events and LGBTQ feels cozy and the triple spaces– bar, patio, and music hall– are fun to scene transverse. Shuffleboard is fun too.

Love this place as a bar, great place to go to chill out or have a dance on the weekend, but as many people have noted, the staff & customer service can be awful & downright rude. I lost my Visa card on a night out & called the bar in the afternoon to check if it was there. The staff member refused to check through the cards behind the bar & told me I would have to come in & check myself. I wasn’t in the city & politely explained this, & just needed to know if my card was there so I could collect it later in the week or if I needed to cancel it. The staff member then just hung up the phone on me. Awful service. Also not sure how they’re dealing with lost cards in the bar — if they’re not happy to check through names, are they just handing all the lost cards to randomers & potentially letting people take other people’s cards?!! Really disappointing.

For no reason at all, they didn’t let me into this place. They need to put a sign outside that says «White People Only»

Love this place! The bartenders are amazing and very accommodating! Just a sweet staff and great prices i

I had the greatest time coming here!
I came here on a Friday evening with some girlfriends because of the free oysters. You «read» me right. FREE. OYSTERS. Every Friday at 5:30 pm, you should go to the back area of the bar, and head to the counter where they are opening fresh oysters. You get in line. Get your oyster. Season it. Swallow it. Repeat.
If free oysters do not impress you, how about Happiest Hour? Happy hour is lame. Happiest Hour is the new thing. What is Happiest Hour, you ask? That means cheaper drinks from 1 pm until 8 pm. How cheap? $ 4 for a draft beer. That is pretty cheap to me!
I also had the good surprise of being there when they were having a free (this is such a magical word!) stand-​up comedy show at their performance room.
Overall, I’d say I had a pretty good experience here. I left the bar as a happy, tipsy lady.

This is a roomy place with a huge outdoor back area with lots of tables, plenty of nooks for hanging. It’s a very LGBT friendly place and there’s often events for the community. Film nights, dance parties, queer meetups, Comedy nights, etc. There are cheaper drinks at different times, but the bartenders are usually either catty or clueless or both, perhaps because they are often understaffed on busy nights, so be warned. The place is large enough to have two or more events going on at the same time, and some of those can be fun. It serves its purpose as a crossroads for different communities in San Francisco, so you can expect something new every time you go.

Surprisingly roomy for SF. Really nice outdoor «patio» in the back (surrounded by walls).

This is one of my favorite dive bars in SF. It has such a wide range and variety of people.
The patio is awesome
Live music on Fridays
$ 2 Tecates ($ 1 on Mondays)
Cash only
But definitely a place to visit any day of the week

So.much.fun. This place is crazy lol. Go on a Swagger Like Us Sunday– it’s on their calendar website. It’s a 10 $ fee but worth it. The drinks are not too pricey. I think it’s cash only though. They have cool performances and crazy fun crowds. Next time I have friends visiting, I want to take them here. I guess people are saying this is the feel of sf before all the techies came and took over. You need to just go to see what I’m talking about. Here’s a quick snap of the crowd.

A nice place to hang out with a few drinks. Moderately priced and good service. $ 2 beers and many more cocktails!

I’m no regular anywhere. But always happily excited about a LGBT friendly bar in my own neighborhood. Especially one with so much legend. Sadly, I had a horrible experience last night on my birthday. When I let the doorpeople know that it was my birthday the man who checked my ID responded quickly with a rude «i know» and turned his back. I rolled my eyes used to this sort of treatment from macho males. He gave me a free drink chip and I was on my way. The scene was pretty slow (being a late Thursday night and all) and we decided to leave without purchasing drinks. On our way out the door one of the employees yelled «later losers» at us as we walked out the door. (How immature…) I am appalled that this is the treatment customers receive on their birthdays! I used to love this bar. Lots of good memories and lore from all the OGs. After last night yall will not see me around.

Great scene in the Mission. You’ll feel like a regular on your first visit. Bartenders are really friendly, and there is a decent selection of decently priced alcohol. Important, right.
Inside, it’s a bit dark and mysterious. There’s a pool table which seems to be frequented by the natives. You’re a regular now, but you soon be there. Outside, is where it’s at if the weather’s nice. Lots of places to stand, sit, do yoga. Whatever you’d like. They don’t judge here. Sometimes there’s live music.
I really like this place, because it doesn’t try to be hip or cool. It just is.

Frankly, shitty service and terrible staff. I’ve had a better gin and tonic out of my toilet, and I prefer the company of my awkward landlord.
Should have a read more reviews prior to going, turns out this place is kinda infamous for their ill-​tempered staff. If you’re looking for that kind of vibe, go here!
Bullshit, bullshit, and more bullshit.

It’s a bar with an outside area.

Me and a couple of friends went to see La Plebe there on Saturday night. The place looks like a nasty dive out front. But when you go inside its nice, clean and cozy. We all had the drink of the night the Paloma which was Tequila and Grapefruit soda. The drink was simple, refreshing and just downright delicious. The bartender was really friendly. They have a pool table and shuffle board. But the best was the beautiful and huge outdoor patio. With places to sit with heaters. A beautiful lemon tree and flowers. All under a moonlit sky. The only drawback is that there is smoking on the patio. I could barely breathe it was so overwhelming. I agree people have the right to smoke but not in my face. It would be nice if they had a smoking section. I would definitely go back.

This is truely a great place to party and hang out. The place is divided into 3 places. There is a small crammed bar area which hold a pool table and what I think is called skeet ball. You know, that game with the really long table?
The next section is the patio area. This space is huge and hold a ping pong table, lots of space to sit. And sometimes you’ll find some friendly cats. They also have some food that can be punched in the back of the patio.
Lastly, there is a room which hosts either a show of some sort or is open for some dancing. There is an actual dj back there which is pretty awesome. The space is big and open with nothing to get in the way of your dancing.
The only downside of this place is that it is cash only. That being said, there is an atm in the bar area which charges $ 2.95 or $ 2.50 I don’t remember exactly.

Love it, bartenders are friendly (he called me beautiful even with a unibrow) other customers are chill really casual vibe with casual costing drinks. Oh they have an outdoor area if you want to strike up a j or pipe (not crack) which is cool ohh and they have one of those photo booths for you extraordinary folks who like being photographed. Great place!

El Rio is fun!
I don’t know, my friend told me to come here and it was some sort of queer party that was super packed and full of happy, drunk, dancey people. It’s a giant dive bar with one of the best patios I’ve seen in the city. They barbecue out there — they gave out cake, even. I don’t know why, but I wasn’t complaining. Cake!
It’s next door to the less-​packed Virgil’s Sea Room if you need a breather. Also, the Knockout, the best bar in the city to meet hot guys in bands, is across the street as well.
Drinks are cheap and stiff, so if you pay a cover for an event, you’ll get your $ back soon enough.

I wouldn’t give this bar one star if I could give them none at all. I have been an advocate of your bar in the past, but was so disappointed in how I was treated and will ensure all of my friends know how poorly you act to your loyal customers. They will not be supporting your bar ever again.

The best part about this place is you have room to breathe, thanks to the back patio. Even when the bar area is crowded, you always feel like you can go outside, be with the people you came with, and not be stepping on everyone’s toes.
I always have a good time here. Its El Rio!!! It’s not fancy or pretentious. It’s just a great time.
The bathroom situation is not excellent. Just… plan ahead.
Sometimes there is a cover for the whole place, sometimes it’s just for the separate music area. Depends on the night.
Viva El Rio!

One of my favorite dive bars. Every time I come here I run into people I know. The party is definitely in the back in the patio, even on cold days because it’s perfectly warmed up by the heat lamps. They have the cheapest happy hours and the nicest staff. One of the girls working there is hella aggressive checking your ID at the door though.
I came in once on my birthday and ran into 20 people and ended up having a huge birthday thing by pure chance and the bar gave me free drinks and this one guy I ran into got me tequila shots that led to me throwing up on my living room floor but anyways the bartender gave us all patron shots for the price of regular tequila. They also let my friends bring in a birthday cake for me and I cried like a sociopath.

Actually very cute, and fun. You don’t have to be gay to have fun here, it’s like the metro-​sexual bar of the mission district with a touch of punk!

I went here for a drink last night and loved it! How have I never been here before? The outdoor patio is awesome with all the twinkly lights and places to sit. I got a beer last night but would love to to try a cocktail next time I go. I am definitely a fan of this place and will for sure be back very soon. Seems like a great place for a date. Very laid back casual environment but fairly lively for a Wednesday night.

I was really surprised by this bar. It has such a chill vibe and its very spacious. And they have a pool table which is nice. The margaritas were yummy, three were perfect. I’d come back here for sure when I’m in the area. I love the patio out back and everyone that comes to this bar seems to be so friendly.

Amazingly awesome atmosphere. Love it! The live music. The pool table. The bar. Oh man.

Awesome dive bar complete with pool table and great secluded back patio area off of the street and away from the noise. Crazy nice bartender and they offer a local California hard cider.
Cash only. No biggie.
Why 3 stars? Because smoking is not only overlooked, but ashtrays are provided. Ew. This was literally the only bummer about the place. Everything else is in line to make this the best place ever!

Awesome place, cheap drinks, great vibe!
Just go for it!

Came here on a weekend night, after dinner, drinks and bowling at Mission Bowling Club.
This place was PACKED for 11:30pm, with A LOT going on!
Live music, food on the patio, multiple bar locations, and lots of fun people dancing!
Definitely recommend if you are relaxing or have friends visiting. Very loud, very social so if you are looking at something fun to do and want to drink and hear music and meet people, the El Rio is the place to be!

This is my favorite Mission bar yet.
Happy hour that starts at 1PM?! That’s how you knowwww this place is crackin’. Throw in FREE oysters (don’t be too hasty now) starting at 5:30PM on Fridays AND free shuffleboard and pool?! WHUT. I am sold.
Came here with a friend from San Diego, and we had our happy hour drinks: Prohibition (only beer on tap that’s dark) and a well drink for $ 8. NICE. Played a bit of shuffleboard – this is my new bar game addiction! And had an oyster – you can choose between hot or cold, hand-​shucked right in front of you! This place is LGBT-​friendly with their beautiful rainbow flag raised with pride! And there’s plenty of restrooms, bar stools, and the best part – the cozy/​neighborhood-​bbq-​esque porch out back.
This is great if you’re coming with a date or even with a large party. We noticed that it was poppin’ around 4:30PM when we arrived, and there was a huge mixer going on in the back with some group. I am totally down for coming here again if I ever have an early day off to play some shuffleboard and enjoy a pint for $ 4. I haven’t experienced this place at night, but I think they do have cover once it’s past a certain time. Big points for their outdoor space, since I’m assuming it gets pretty crowded in the cowboy-​saloon-​esque dingy bar.

Came here last night (Saturday) and I LOVED this place. I think this is actually one of my favorite bars in the city. I can’t believe I haven’t been here before!
Getting here is kind of a pain (it’s pretty far south), but once you’re here you can stay for a really long time. The inside is cool (has a pool table and shuffleboard) and the line for the bar isn’t too long — and they have IPAs AND red bull vodkas! True to Mission form, the drinks are cheap and cash only. But what makes it really special is the outdoor patio. The outdoor patio is beautiful and gigantic, with heat lamps and string lights and lots of seating, and lots of cool art. There’s a big pretty wall mural and at one point I was sitting under a tree and looked up and saw a bike in the tree. Miryenda was there cooking up a storm of lumpias, which were ON POINT for my drunchies. The crowd here seemed really chill, and I like that it’s not too divey and has a «fun» vibe. The only downside is that you’ll probably smell of cigarettes after being outside for about 15 minutes.
It’s too bad I’m not in this area very often, but if I am I’ll make sure to come back. Definitely like it way more than any bar I’ve been to in the Mission!

This place is incredible. Went there on a Tuesday and 2 bands were playing. One senior citizen band (you read that right) in the main bar, and a lineup of 3 indie bands in the room next door ($ 5 cover). There’s a rad patio out back equip with heating lamps for those coldish nights.
Sound quality in the next door room was not that great, but who cares. So many characters at this bar and I’ll definitely be back.

Definitely my favorite bar in San Francisco. They have the best parties, cheap drinks, and the most laid back atmosphere. It’s super casual and filled with every type of person you could ever imagine finding in SF.
Cash only and they generally have a cover on Friday/​Saturday nights.

Went here for Hard French and became an instant fan! It’s really a must…
Hard French takes place every 1^st Saturday of the month March — November. For a measly $ 7 cover you will experience a totally chill ass day party that offers free bbq ($ 3-​$ 5 and they do accept donations) and really cheap but strong drinks. The music features 60s girl groups, early ‘70s soulful funk, boogaloo, garage & Northern Soul stompers basically music you can dance to but also vibe with if you just want to kick back and look cool.
The people are super chill, non-​pretentious, and come in a variety of flavors. I saw a man with a full beard and lipstick and a guy in a vest in booty shorts in chilly ass SF weather. Ppl here were super cool. My friend accidently punched a girl in the face while animating a story and everyone was able to laugh it off without unnecessary drama. So it’s a place you can come and wave your freak flag freely without worrying about judgment but hey that’s most of SF!
The ABSOLUTE highlight was the BBQ! They had the most amazing veggie burgers I have ever tasted! Perfectly cooked and the patty was crumbly and flavorful. Soooo tasty and it was FREE! They also had reg burgers that my friends adored.
The photo-​booth was a nice feature as well. It was donation based but the proceeds helped a local tattoo parlor that was recently robbed so good cause for some fun.
Another great feature was the pool table inside. Great entertainment and it wasn’t too crowded. For a simple buck we were able to play a bit of pool for a round.
Overall great time!

Un bar incroyable, réunissant tout ce qu’il y a de bien à SF: un grand patio plein de verdure, des verres pas chers, une population agréable…

Bières bons marchés. Grand espace bien agencé à l’extérieur. On y rencontre des gens curieux et accueillant. Concerts réguliers dans une salle à part. Impec!