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El Rio

Dive Bar, Music Venue, and Gay Bar$$$$

Bernal Heights, San Francisco

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El Rio

9.0^/10

861

ratings

Ranked #3 for dive bars in San Francisco
The folks at SFGate and SFist like this place. Would you agree?
"Mango for the ladies and Hard French for the guys."(4 Tips)
"If the killer patio is full, you can always shuffleboard!"(6 Tips)
"Best patio ever and pbr is $2 !!!!!!"(6 Tips)
"On a warm night, their back patio is an amazing place for a drink."(43 Tips)

122 Tips and reviews

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outdoor seating
hard french
casual
dancing
good for groups
Pabst Blue Ribbon
karaoke
shuffleboard
cheap drinks
happy hour
burlesque
oysters
authentic
great value
live music
outdoor garden
bar
margaritas
DJs
spacious
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SFistAugust 3, 2014
DJ Carnita and DJ Brown Amy's Hard French, a daytime soul music party that sets out to "modernize, takeover, revamp, trick out, revive, and do up the outdoor afternoon dance party experience." Read more
Upvoted 2 weeks ago
SFistJuly 22, 2016
The grand, homey patio at El Rio is home to one of the biggest monthly dance parties in town. Their Margaritas and Palomas are good and strong, they sell $2 Tecates, and the bartenders are cool. Read more
Courtney LucasFebruary 7, 2013
Been here 100+ times
Some of the nicest and down-to-earth folks (staff & patrons) in the City! Stop by, enjoy a libation and possibly strike up a conversation with someone awesome! The Bloody Mary bar/buffet rocks as well
SavoteurJuly 26, 2016
Drinks are cheap and usually generously poured. The outdoor space includes so much greenery you'll think you’ve absconded to the countryside. Plus the calendar is full of live music. Read more
AFAR MediaJune 26, 2015
Their backyard is one of the best outdoors spaces to drink in town and home to many of the most frequented gay parties in San Francisco, including Mango for the ladies and Hard French for the guys. Read more
Vic AveryDecember 10, 2015
This is lush! Great public ) Cool bar staff, generally nice crowd. The terrace is a gem in SF to be outside with a drink & smokes. It's rare. & the crowd is really cool & friendly )
Brendan CurranAugust 7, 2014
Been here 25+ times
The wait time for drinks is shockingly short--maybe the shortest in SF. Great outdoor space and roomy, even though it gets a ton of traffic.
SFistMay 5, 2015
Their Margaritas and Palomas are good and strong, they sell $2 Tecates, and the bartenders are all pretty friendly and cool. Get there early to avoid a line. Read more
Staff PicksMay 18, 2016
The famously raucous Bay to Breakers party is hitting SF. Head to El Rio to keep the party going. With a great outdoor space and an even better Bloody Mary, you can continue the Bay area buzz. Read more
MetroWizeFebruary 28, 2012
El Rio is the self proclaimed "neighborhood bar with a heck of a lot to offer." Their specials are unbeatable - $1 PBRs and $2 wells on Mondays and a Tuesday - Friday Happy Hour with $3 wells. Read more
Mo SiboDecember 22, 2016
A good place to drink early. Later, it gets packed. There are music shows in the back room. They have barbecue some days. Lose to my dad at pool here.
Ellen McGrodyAugust 23, 2017
It’s hella gay. Also the margarita was $6 and really salty and that’s amazing.
Annie 🌺 JalotaJuly 7, 2017
It's nice to grab a drink and hang out in the patio out back. They've got some heaters too in case it's cooler 👌🏽
DonaldJanuary 26, 2012
Get a bacon wrapped hot dog outside at the end of the night if you can. They also have a outdoor area if if gets too warm inside (2 of 4 petals via Fondu) Read more
Sam GrJuly 31, 2014
Been here 10+ times
First Saturday (except winter) is Hard French, a queer dance party. Come before 3pm to beat the insane line.
WhiskeyAvengerJune 13, 2018
Excellent patio to enjoy a hot day on while knocking back a few craft brews.
Q TipJuly 18, 2013
Great place to just chill and chat. Great drink specials and hella pet friendly.
Courtney LucasNovember 21, 2012
Been here 100+ times
Stop buy and try the Bloody Mary Bar. Various flavor-infused vodkas with tons and tons of fixings to enhance your libation experience!
Zachary Reiss-DavisMay 16, 2013
On a warm night, their back patio is an amazing place for a drink. Cheap, no frills, but warm with plenty of seating.
Millu NajeraJuly 28, 2014
Mondays are loved again at this place. Long line to enter, $2 dlls beer, try to arrive before 9 to avoid the line
MetroWizeMarch 1, 2012
Partake in their "Really Fabulous Happy Hours" ($5 Bloody Mary pints, $3 wells/beer) or swing by on Monday nights for "Dollar Day All Day." $1 PBR. $2 wells. 'Nuff said. Read more
Brook ShelleyApril 20, 2019
Awesome bar with a great back patio. Cash-only, so be prepared.
Simon SaligerOctober 20, 2018
Amazing Bar and really nice live events.
JamieMarch 4, 2012
live music, shuffleboard + @rockysfrybread! ...not enough? ok, then just head over on a sunny day (post-dolo) & enjoy a $2 pbr on the back porch... you earned it.
Peter ChiuApril 13, 2016
Great dive bar with a decent backyard. Go for transvestite karaoke. Fun times
Andrew BristowSeptember 19, 2016
This bar gets packed during day time realness. Come early, cash only
CaterinaOctober 9, 2016
Best bar in the world. Loved the queer vibes. Left a pice of my heart in this place.
BravoJanuary 27, 2010
Huge back patio. Perfect place to take a large group of people. Great place to hang out on a nice day and sit outside. -Laurine Wickett, Top Chef
Greg SchechterAugust 19, 2014
Decent dive bar with outdoor patio. Some cool events happen here, like Berlin style ping pong.
Tom AAugust 25, 2014
Everyday is fun here but I especially enjoy Sunday Salsa! Great crowd and music.
Kait GaissMay 12, 2016
Outdoor garden oasis with lots of places to sit and oh how could I forget, MARGARITAS.
Julia MaJanuary 29, 2014
Cool dive bar with a pool table, shuffleboard, and outside patio.
DustinFebruary 8, 2017
This place is always fun. Good crowd, backyard patio if it's nice out.
Jane HudsonSeptember 4, 2010
Been here 5+ times
Hard French party every 1st Saturday of the Month. Every Friday Free Oysters 5:30pm, Free BBQ 7pm. Every Sunday Free BBQ 5pm. Joanna + Gyllian are the hottest bartending team in history! Just Sayin'!
Taka TApril 28, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Salsa Sundays are quite nice here. Also if you get in before 3 p. m. No cover charge for salsa.
Ashley MowreyMay 30, 2017
Cash only, dope well drinks, sassy bartenders. ✊🏻❤️
Tanya MenendezDecember 21, 2018
Has an indoor and outdoor area with heat.
Nancy TranJuly 7, 2015
Spacious bar for dancing. Great outdoor area but it gets crowded.
Kristina SchneiderSeptember 30, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Favorite place for cheap beers and margaritas and the best crowd. Patio!
Tim HarrisonAugust 7, 2014
Cheep beer, good people! Check out the show calendar for something rad!
Anaheli De los SantosOctober 5, 2010
Been here 25+ times
salsa sunday... go to el rio´s facebook page around 10 am and wait for their guest list post to show at any moment, write them an e mail and get there for free plus one and a 2 drinks...
Katie AtwellMay 18, 2015
HH 1-8. $1 oysters on Fridays . Back patio is great. Monday has tecate for $1
Flora WiströmNovember 21, 2015
Great vegetarian nachos, beautiful patio, fun people
Robin MeansJuly 26, 2014
They let you bring in birthday cupcakes, but they keep your license until you leave.
Ali Uro-MayApril 4, 2017
Great outdoor area in the back. Always a great vibe.
Craig LittleMay 29, 2018
Get in before 9pm to avoid the cover charge.
Loren MattiaJanuary 18, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Awesome outdoor space. Cheap beers. What else do you want?
Elizabeth AgnewAugust 10, 2014
Huge outdoor patio and great for live music
Matt DewaltJuly 8, 2019
There's a photo booth deep in the back of the patio, where the cool kids hang. photomatica.com
A BallesterosJanuary 15, 2013
Checkout the comedy show in the back every other Monday night.

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