540 Club
540 Clement St
San Francisco, CA 94101 (415) 752-7276
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Music: DJ, Juke Box
- Best Nights: Mon, Fri, Sun
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
- Coat Check: No
164 reviews
Neighborhood: SOMA
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242 Reviews for 540 Club
There's really nothing better than have a Tom Collins underneath a giant stuffed Octopus. I love the 540 Club, but now I love it even more. I'm sad I won't be able to make it to the 80's Prom Party.
All the bartenders are skilled in making delicious cocktails, I usually go for a Gin Martini or a Tom Collins, which are nice and cheap, and the bartenders are always friendly and have great insight into the SF scene.
There are always plenty of scenesters and an eclectic mix of music. Sometimes it smells bad, but I give it an extra star for that, it adds to the flavor.
Good beer selection-Check
smoking area-check
do-able bathrooms-check
great music, dj/juke box-check
service-check..well sometimes its interesting but overall good
what else does one expect from a bar? all you that want more. go to your fancy shmancy clubs and pay 15$ fora drink. find me at the 540. ps. they have absinthe and chartusse...(dude try a shot! OMG). I am a tequila kid hands down, thats my shot or drink of choice. I play with Jagger here and there but have a shot of chartusse (spl?) it taste like ...shit but has a great after bite and gets to the point! According to the bar tender, they are the # 1 seller of it here in cali or something!
oh its 1$ you call it wells till midnight on monday
( ;
viva 540 club
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I'll give it another chance. It was (is) Friday and the place was less than half full. DJ was spinning oldies until my friend made some requests and in 20 minutes it turned into a hip-hop club. Reasonable drinks abound, art is plentiful on the walls, a small front patio appeals to the smokers, and a booth-like padded bench runs along the whole wall. It has potential, the 540 does. Perhaps another night. Update coming...
female bartender didn't know how to make a side car!?! the barback kept on climbing/standing on the bar, how clean is that? jamie, you need to get your staff together.
I really liked this place, lots.
Really loud punk rock music playing. Sweet art on the walls. Neat crowd of people. Beers...word. The service was a little slow, but once they helped us they were totally nice and helpful.
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I work with a guy (glasses, a beard, & a Giants baseball cap - look for him as if he were Waldo) who frequents (by 'frequents' I mean 'practically lives at') the 540 Club.
He wanted to celebrate his birthday at the bar, so I went to meet him & some friends there. Before he arrived, however, I was accosted and cornered for 2 hours by another co-worker who attempted to extract from me, earnestly it seems, the truth behind the grand conspiracy involving the CIA, our current president, and the Pacific Ocean. Apparently, it was obvious to this co-worker that I had been indoctrinated while he was not. He simply wanted information.
The two hours spent nervously clutching my glass of Stella & standing as a symbol for all that is wrong with late capitalism & imperial aggression qualify as some of the tensest, longest hours of my life & could have, for a lesser man perhaps (or one not privy to the Grand Conspiracy) (or merely one less enamored of the Drink), deterred one from ever returning to the 540 Club.
But I soldier on stoically, demanding no attention, just a lot of alcohol.
p.s. - I once watched a morbidly-obese old man smash his cane through the front window of 540. I would habit the bar simply for the chance to see something like that again.
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One of the few places I can get a bottle of Delirium and watch two dogs fight besides my house. Also, the bar staff are very knowledgeable about birds. So if you ever need to know about eagles, just ask around...
Seriously though, the best Quiz night in town, yeah yeah yeah, i've been to a lot. This one is great.
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I'm the kinda girl who likes to be able to sit down and hang ot with some friends while she enjoys some drinks. This place is totally rad for doing that.
Sometimes it gets a little crowded but there is a small patio infornt to escape and smoke in.
They have a trivia night for those who love those.
They constantly chnage the art on the walls and at Christmas have a HUGE christmas tree you can put ornaments on!
They have a night were you cna bring records in to listen to!
Usually the music is great.
Its CHEAP. hell yeah PAPS!
Sometimes, one of the cute bartenders will swing dance with some people. ADORABLE
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540 Club is a agreat dive-y neighborhood bar with cheap drinks and a good crowd. It's a block away from the 38 and the 1...and it's right on Clement so you can take the unreliable 2...so it's easy to get to.
P.S. why are there always animals roaming the place when I go in there?
Sheesh, I'm lame. How can I live 2 blocks away and not talk about 540? Idiot! Loud drunk people in a loud dark bar in a loud neighborhood on a busy street in a great city. I'm going for the most prepositional phrases in one sentence in a yelp review on the internet in the US from around the world.
Seriously, low key and chill.
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When I am out in the Richmond, and I'm chilling, on my own time, it's almost guaranteed that I'm going to try and eat at Burma Super Star. And when they tell me it's 45 minutes to get a table, it's all cool, because you can get a shot or two at the 540 and then your phone will buzz in your pocket, and your head will buzz with delight because now you're a little drunk, still just as hungry, and here comes the tea leaf salad...
A nice bar with friendly bartenders and bearable music and atmosphere. My kind of place.
Solid, chill bar. At first I thought, this bar would be perfect in the Mission and then I realized how cheap my drink was and how attitude-free the bar staff and clientele were, and decided 540 is just where it should be.
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Cool little neighborhood bar that is a solid chill spot. Really like their outdoor section as an alternative seating spot. High Celings give it a non-crowded feel. And they have HAPPY HOURS! Very Important in my book. Another thing I noticed was that they have quite a bit of specialized beers.
HAPPY HOUR DEETS: M - Fr 4p-7p
$3 Select Beers
$3 Wells
I've come to finally realize that I actually like dive bars.... my mom would be so proud!
Anyway, this is a cool bar, and they make a good Pineapple Malibu which is currently my drink of choice by which I measure the quality of every bar in the city. If you leave a comment calling me prissy or girly, I will beat your A$$. Yes I know I'm supposed to get beer at a dive bar, and I'm sure that's good here too, but isn't beer good everywhere?? Pineapple Malibu is hit-or-miss, and a great bartender can make it taste like no alcohol has been added, and yet you are buzzed from just one. Or maybe that's just me.
The atmosphere here is nice and open, even though it is grungy and divey. At least it's not cramped/ sweaty/ smelly/ all of the above. Some very good dart players were having a dart league tournament in the back, and all the random guys watching were really friendly and talkative. I made friends in 2 minutes flat. From what I've read in other reviews of 540, it seems that the crowd as well as the bartenders are very friendly. It's a good place to bring a large crowd because there's plenty of space, and everyone's chill.
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The only place where you can dress up like a Catholic Schoolgirl and have a not so nasty conversation.
Hot damn!
look at these women reliving the dream!
Including myself.
That was probably the shortest skirt I have EVAR worn.
But the top of the evening was singing
Highway to Hell at the end of the night .
Now all I need is another straight up bourbon and a fake cigarette because i don't smoke and someday i will be a poser, but not today!
Thanks to the bouncer who bounced out the ass monkey who stalked me TWICE to the bathroom. You're my fucking hero.
Once bitten, twice shy, come on baby it's do or die singing Karaoke.
Live bitches, Live!
ROCK N ROLL!
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Four stars for the bar, 5 stars for Catholic School Karaoke!
I rarely go to the inner Richmond to hang out...oh alright, I NEVER go to the inner Richmond to hang out. Other than buying a mattress, getting a new car battery and my eyebrows waxed, I've spent very little time in a neighborhood that is relatively close to me!
But when I heard of Catholic School Karaoke I was in! This bar seems like a local hang out...great (but small) outdoor patio, plenty of tables inside (well, for a small bar) and a long bar area. The bartenders were friendly and relatively quick considering how many people were there. And to be honest, you can't go wrong with a bar that serves Stella in a proper Stella glass (that is until they run out of them!) ;-)
I'd definitely consider coming here again for a night where you just want to chill and hang out with friends...no pretention and seems and not a frat bar.
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Bartenders learn your name after two drinks, buy you shots after five.
You curious about Chartreuse? I asked about it, and after a 30-second spiel, was offered a shot.
The Hoegarden here goes down like lemonade. Best Bloody Marys in town on Sundays. They give you free food once a month.
And it's cultish: the bartenders all have pink elephant tattoos, which they will show you if you ask. Or even if you don't.
The only time this place sucks is when it's too crowded. So why the fuck did I write this? Shit. 540 sucks! Go away?
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Other than Molotovs, 540 is the only other bar I like. Dollar drink Mondays, cool owner, the sweetest teddy-bear of a security guard, bartenders who buy you shots/drinks, smoking patio right outside, amazing art that changes just about every week. It's definitely one of those places where everybody begins to know everybody, and the crowd can get a bit scenestery, but hell, they're everywhere. It's inescapable.
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Not the worst bar I've ever been to, not the greatest either. Oddly, I popped in here one Saturday night and realize I have been in here before, years ago. Man, I can't believe I've lived in San Francisco for 5 years now. God I'm old...
Anyway, I digress. This bar has great art, and I have to admit, the clientele was nice to look at, but other than that, I can't say I'm the biggest fan, mostly because there are about a half dozen bars near my house with the same atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, if I lived near the 540 I'm sure I'd be here all the time, but I don't so I'm not. But the jukebox is one of those fancy eCast jobs which is cool, but it's a little loud in here. The leather on the seats against the wall are torn and a little beat up, which make for a good dive bar I suppose.
What made it for me the last time I was in here, I randomly ran into my coworker Jae and the bartender was super wasted. A couple of good ingredients for a good random night. It would have only been topped if I was a little more drunk and stole a car with some girl I went to high school with or something like that...
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This place is a bit trendy, but if it's your crowd, it's all good.
Monday's are SWEET. $1 drinks from 10-12? Are you kidding me? It may not always be the best night to go out, but at $1, how can you pass it up? Never gets too crowded, and on nights other than Mondays, you usually have a lot of space, and plenty of dart boards available. Everything you'd hope for in a dive bar.
i live down the street and have nothing to complain about with this place. i've shown my face here so many times in the year i've been in the 'hood that the door guy (who taught me some darts pointers last time i was there) finally waves me in without the ID-check! score.
it's likely you will see some dogs in here, which puts a fun neighborhood-feel in the air.
they have rotating art shows- which often rock.
they have a catholic school girl karaoke night and a trivia night- - neither of which i've actually been to but it's nice to know it's an option.
their smoking patio is rad and you can take your drink out there as long as it's pre-midnight.
hoegarden on tap! yesss. i also do enjoy the Fernet.
they serve that new, legal, psuedo-real Absinthe here which for me is le danger. last time i ended up cursing out a good friend of mine, after an absinthe-champagne cocktail. ouch.
recently they re-vamped the scary ladies toilet room (as in, the ladies toilet room was scary, not the... nevermind) and it now looks like a silver-plated twilight zone, but a semi-clean one at least.
It's kind of like having a drink in that kid from high school's basement except there's a jukebox and choices beyond Budweiser and Miller Lite and no one has been in high school for at least 10 years.
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A great local place to get a reasonably priced drink. Friendly staff. Relaxed atmosphere. $3.50 well drinks.
My only complaint is that the music is so loud it's difficult to socialize. The tables are small but I still couldn't hear anyone unless they sat right next to me. Two feet away across the table is too far to hear anything.
Bike Parking: Luckily 540 Club has an awning and you can lock up to the posts.
Not bad at all. We went here on Tuesday not expecting much and didn't get much but it wasn't horrible. The bartenders were hella cool. Not much more I can say.
I had a previous review, but I'm starting a new after last night.
I've been here twice, once for my first DYL, and again after DYL last night. Overall, I think this is a good bar, with quality staff, a decent selection of beer on tap, and a welcoming vibe.
The first time I was here, there was some very incongruous art on the wall, but there was no art last night. Evidently they change it fairly often. Good.
However last night I got to experience the awesomeness of sitting in the patio while a drunk man came up and apologized to one of my friends. He then serenaded us with Auld Lang Syne and provided some genuine good times. Here's to you, Zheng! I hope you got home safely.
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Despite my love for Toronado, this bar is my all around favorite. Sure there was no door on the shitter for over a year, but they got one now and it looks great! Excellent selection of beers, excellent bartenders, and excellent regulars. One of the bartenders gave my buddy and I twenty bucks over the course of the afternoon to keep the jukebox rolling. The DJ who comes in on the weekends is pretty cool too. You can't go wrong here unless you're a snooty dance clubber type. Dogs welcome too.
The doorman is a giaganticus so for your safety have your ID ready and your attitude in check when approaching the entrance.
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Dear Yelp,
Rita C. loves 540. I think it's okay.
I give 540 Club a fantastic score of 3 out of 5 stars.
Love,
James
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I absolutely effing adore the 540. There is nothing I'd rather do on a Sunday afternoon (or morning) than head over to the 540, sit outside with an Irish Coffee or Gin & Tonic and chat with the sweet older gentlemen there about comic books, conspiracy theories or politics. Plus, it's right next to Green Apple and there's lots of good food in the area. Yarrr! I always have a good time when I go.
Their drinks are reasonably priced and every bartender there is awesome. Friendly, unpretentious, and often cute. And yes I like the "decor", although that seems like an unfitting word for a place like the 540. It has its own charm...
Also, their awning provides a nice little cove to sit and drink outside, and a place to store your bike if you rode over.
The bartender (an Asian girl) was really, really cool and nice. Good service. This is a total dive bar. I went with no make up, exercise gear, running shoes, and didn't feel out of place. One guy brought his cute dog, which brought a smile to my face. They have a digital jukebox, and we played some Sheryl Crow. A fun time was had by all. Oh, and they played Joe Dirt and Swingers on the big screen. Nice. They sell bags of chips for $1, too.
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Stopped by here with friends, because I heard it was THE place for this week's DYL.
Closed the place down.
Took multiple shots of multiple things. Including Frenet, which rhymes with my name, which makes it taste better.
Convinced myself I should kneel obnoxiously on the bar stools while waiting for drinks. Note to self: Maybe cute when I was smaller and younger, but not-so-much anymore.
Unfortunately, above acts led to me sleeping until noon. I woke up with my sparkly shoes still on and minus an earring.
It's now 5 pm, and I haven't eaten anything other than a bowl of chocolate ice cream.
Liver, mission accomplished: You've been destroyed.
-------------------------------------------------- --
Update: Neil C. pointed out that it's spelled Fernet and doesn't really rhyme with my name. So I ruined my liver for nothing. Great, just great.
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Memorable times at 540:
New Year's 2007
Rita C.'s B-Day Party
$1 drinks during the summer of '06
The Grand Rio
Ummm, and other unmentionable times involving good gin+tonics.
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I love this place. Very relaxed and the D.J. plays some wonderful music on Saturdays. You know a place is great when staff hang out there on their days off. Drinks are very reasonable and everyone was very friendly.
Really 4.5, but screw it, I haven't done a 5 star review in awhile.
The biggest problem with the 540 is that it is out in Bumblefuck. OK it's not really in bumblefuck, but that's what I say whenever I have to take Muni somewhere beyond the four block radius of my apartment.
They have an EXCELLENT selection of beer, and I didn't get charged more than 3.50 for anything, prime-time on a Friday night. There was a DJ who played music 80's through today, and he was awesome because he didn't pump up the music too loud.
It was crowded but comfortable.
Did I mention that my bus caught fire on the way over?
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540 isn't the same if Rita C. isn't there.
But luckily, she's there often!
$2 PBR all the time for my broke ass.
Play darts, and have free BBQ on some sunny Sundays. Have a shot of Fernet for good luck.
Go in before Christmas and check out the gigantic Christmas tree!
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This has quickly become my new favorite bar. It's dog friendly, has an awesome staff, and friendly patrons. Every time I come by, not only do I make a few new friends, but Casper the wonder pup finds new playmates as well. :)
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I like this place
The bartender = super friendly and attentive
Beer selection fantastic
small patio out front to sit on a nice sunny day
we were here sunday but left right before the BBQ began
Never been here when its busy, but I can imagine it filled with hot guys with lots of tattoos
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I've spent a lot of time here. More specifically, I've spent birthdays, holidays, Saturday mornings and Wednesday 1am's, happy hours, disaster hours, and probably $3000 at this bar. It's not perfect. None of us are. They don't take credit cards, they play a lot of Sugarhill Gang, the booths are so decayed the vinyl can literally draw blood. But I'm sort of an asshole, I order mean drinks like the JonBenet Ramsey and, not so unrecently, I've barfed in the sink here. Like I said, nobody's perfect.
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Dear 540 Club,
You should have probably sent me the memo that everyone in this bar dresses only in black, and that if I don't have some sort of tattoo I might just be too wholesome for these sorts of establishments.
Despite my fashion faux-pas of bright colors and a perky pony tail, I still had a great time at this bar. The clientele was friendly, even with their love of mourning, and the bartenders were great. Approachable, and funny, they served us numerous, and the cheapest, drinks I've found in the city so far. Mixed drinks started at $3.50, and PBR/cheap beers ran $2.00. Amen 540, amen.
Things to note at this bar: The men's bathroom is in an area one would commonly mistake for a co-ed bathroom. The women's bathroom is to the right in a hallway behind the bar. Not that I walked into the wrong bathroom or anything (many apologies to the guy in the striped shirt). The bathroom walls have many great personal achievements written on the walls, and make taking a pee quite educational.
People seem to pair up quickly at this bar, and there is no shortage of come-ons. Albeit strange ones.
The guy who controls the music at this bar, well, he just makes me happy. And that bouncer...I've never met a friendlier guy who's also managed to intimidate the crap outta me.
Don't worry 540 club- next time I'll wear more black. I ain't mad 'atcha.
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540 Club is a great neighborhood bar. The crowd here is always friendly as are the bartenders. They have an occassional Sunday barbecue which is a lot of fun. I enjoy their outdoor seating because I love people-watching on Clement St.
Also, I just discovered their Bloody Marys. I'm always looking for a good Bloody Mary and if you like 'em spicy, I would highly recommend trying one of 540's.
I've only been away from the City for less than two weeks but there already some things I am missing...and missing them in the most ridiculous ways. The 540 is one of those places...mostly because I met a guy from the Richmond at the Luxembourg Gardens the other day and we talked about the 540 for at least half an hour. I want a beer....make it cheap and American. Did you know in Paris a beer is 6 Euro? That's like $10. Enough...all I'm saying is that there are little things that are really important to me and most of those can be found at the 540 on most nights. All things cheap and American...most of my friends included.
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