The Saloon

SHARON!!!
My spouse and I are tourist. And we were recommend this bar many times, though we already had planned to come here.
It was WELL worth the hype. If anything it was undersold to us.
Very good prices on drinks, great clientele, but let me speak on the bartender- the one who sets the tone for the bar.
Sharon knew we weren't locals but was happy to share the history of the bar, take us outside to show more history, and recommend food/fun/dining nearby.
After only 2 drinks I consider her a friend. She makes a GREAT host. My spouse and I own a bar in Florida and if we could pack her up and take her with us we would.
She was incredible. From start to finish.
We'd visited many bars since being in San Fran and never stayed more than one drink anywhere else.
She is a perfect representation of this bar. All wits, banter, fun, and full of character. A class act in anyone's book. You can tell she's a valuable asset to The Oldest Bar In The Bay.
I can't wait to make another visit solely to be served by her again.

"Music
Makes the people
Come together"
-Madonna

Excellent perch to people watch and dance to live music. Don't even think about parking on weekends-- take Bart or get a ride. Great time!

Fun cash only dive bar for a stop on your weekend out. Cover charge of $5 for really good live music. Drinks were strong and bar was full of energy and good vibes.

Great no nonsense bar in San Francisco North Beach neighborhood. Cash only and live music. Rule #1 minimum. 1 drink per person! And...if you have seen Reese Witherspoon in Just Like Heavan, they filled a scene here. Stop by for a drink and some fun!

Great place for live music and well drinks. Cash only, with a $5 cover per person on the Friday I was there, and the staff are super friendly. Can be hard to get a drink at the bar, so have your order ready when they come to you.

Something to be aware of, there are pickpockets that hang out in the back, where the band is playing. Guy put his whole hand into my purse while using a jacket over his arm to hide it.

Amazing vibes and good music! A must if you enjoy live music or visiting San Francisco. Please note it is a cash only bar and there is a $5 cover.

The Saloon has cool vibes, a friendly bartender, and music daily. It's an SF tradition since 1861 and definitely worth the visit.

The owner/ the blond bartender is extremely rude and condescending. Zero customer service skills, she needs some courses on how to speak to people and serve. I arrived there to meet my friends. Shortly after getting there, I was talking to them (showing some pictures of our tour thru the city) and did not notice any signs (Cash only/ One drink per person!). Instead of getting my attention politely, say hi and then notify me of the signs! POLITELY!! Not rudely or condescending speaking to me. You should not speak to people that way ever, specially CUSTOMERS or potential ones! I would understand if the bar was full but no, it was EMPTY!!!! I felt threatened and had no reaction at the time plus, did not want to cause a scene but, I wish I had put that ugly bitter soul in her place!! I hope karma catches her one day! I wouldn't recommend spending your hard earned money here specifically if that old blond b*** is there and if you are a TOURIST! Checking the reviews it seems they hate Tourists! If you are one do not come here! Plenty of nice and fun bars to choose from in SF!

Music was very good. Bartender was not. She was an older lady that seemed to be mad at the world. I saw her insult customers and it was like she was doing everyone a favor by letting us drink there. First time in this bar and I expected a lot more since I was referred here by another bartender at another bar. Hopefully she was just having a bad night.

I love this place. I love the quality of the bands. The bar and people are friendly. You can't beat the history it is small but things were like that in 1861. I like the crowd mostly older locals, but then there are tourists. It's a must go to spot while in San Francisco..