The Top Bars in San Francisco’s Mission District

Mission Bar

In a neighborhood (and City for that matter) that is notorious for high-priced drinks, it is reassuring that simple, affordable dives still exist. In the center of San Francisco’s Mission District (between 23rd and 24th on Mission Street), Mission Bar combines a simple décor (I can’t believe I just used the word décor in reference to a dive) with decently-priced drinks and a pool table. It’s a fairly quiet and sparely populated bar where a PBR finally costs under $3 ($2.50)

The Lone Palm

Located between and Guerrero on 22^nd Street , the Lone Palm is a happening little spot. Drinks are not particularly cheap, but the taps are good. The staff is friendly (especially for the Mission District). And the clientele seem very happy. It seems to me that the Lone Palm is a regular bar. Throngs of sexy singles and awesome happy hour specials might be found elsewhere. But, if you are looking for some neighborhood friends and an intimate place to relax, Lone Palm is one of San Francisco’s top bars.

Elbo Room

The Elbo Room (located a little further down on 18^th) is a class-act. The interior is vibrant and plush. Seats are comfortable (and available if it isn’t a weekend night). Drinks, again, aren’t particularly cheap-although thrifty customers can opt for the 24 oz of PBR for $5. Otherwise, most pints (Fat Tire, Anchor Steam, etc…) are around 4 or 5 dollars a pint. There are multiple pool tables-including a secluded one of to the side. The music is great and not too loud. One of my favorite spots in the Mission District.

The Phoenix

Located on , in between 19^th and 20^th Streets, The Phoenix is more a pub than a bar. The food is more than decent and the beer selection on tap is good (not as good as Amnesia’s, as you’ll see later). A nice Carlsberg in a frosty mug will run you $5. But, the burgers and appetizers aren’t too expensive. Not a weekend hang-out by any means, but the right place for the right mood.

Amnesia

One of the top bars in the Mission District or even all of San Franciscois Amnesia. The cozy beckon of Amnesia’s red-lighting has become a fixture in San Francisco’s Mission District-a figurative heart of the neighborhood, geographically if not culturally. Featuring an eclectic mix of live music and karaoke-everything from Bluegrass Mondays to Indie-rock to the weekend swarm of underground DJs-Amnesia (853 Valencia Street-in between 19th and 20th) also offers one of the most complete beer lists in the city. Rows and rows of taps separate themselves into three sections: Light, Dark and Belgian (Chimay, Maredsous, Leffe, etc.)-and are priced accordingly: $4, 5 and 6. In addition to the draughts, Amnesia boasts an impressive collection of bottled beers, including everything from delicious local micro-brews to high-end Belgians. And, as a wise man said, there are few ails that can’t be cured by a fine Belgian stout. The bar also stocks a variety of wines for those disinclined to enjoy a pint. Liquor, however is not served at Amnesia-although between all the beer and wine selections, bar-goers hardly seem to miss the hard stuff.

One thing to keep in mind when deciding upon the top bars in San Francisco’s Mission District, is the presence of happy hours. For those eager to grab a pint on the way home from work, or start a weekend night off early, happy hours are an affordable way to experience the Mission District’s top bar scene. Almost all bars entertain some sort of special between the hours of 6 and 9 PM.