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Argus Lounge - CLOSED
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Thao V. said: "I like this place! Lots of food items to choose from on the menu and different kinds of soju to try. The little soju teapot actually fits more soju in there than you think it would! It pours enough to fill 14-15 of the soju shot…" read more »
133 reviews for Argus Lounge
Review Highlights
"Bartenders are very nice and friendly."
(in 33 reviews)
"...recent reviews, it will be a seasonal hot buttered rum stop."
(in 3 reviews)
"...decorated with jesus last supper scenes, cow skulls and..."
(in 7 reviews)
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132 reviews in English
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Review from Ivan L.
10/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Such a solid little place. Firstly, it's cheap: 4 dollar drafts of good beer, amazing cocktails for 6 bucks. Weekday and game day specials for 2 bucks and under.
Showed up around 10 on a Friday and ere was still plenty of seating. We snagged the 'last supper booth' under a half dozen different interpretations of the work. People were coming buy all night to check out the paintings and climb into our both.
Service is helpful and friendly but there's this weird thing about the bathroom doors not having locks and everybody walking in on everybody else. -
Review from Brian D.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2011
Came in on Saturday September 10th, 2011 around 11 PM - and found this place off of Mission. Dimly lit - nearly dark, - the place had a small crowd with a DJ working turntables in the dront.
I was warmly greeted by the bartender, John, who was one of the nicest bartenders I have met in San Francisco so far. He made a few different cocktails from their board - all reasonably priced between $5 to $8 as well a white linen which was quite tasty as well.
Beer prices were about $2 to $5 with an Olympia 12oz can only being $2. I will definitely be going again. Everyone seemed friendly - not too many females in the place though is my only complaint. -
Review from Stephy L.
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have a crapload of businesses waiting on me to bust out!! I would love to review something that isn't alcohol-related, bot that im an alcoholic..ahem. But since I mention in my last review about the bar hop trip on Mission, I will have to finish telling you about my night!
2nd Stop!
We left El Rio feeling great, but nothing close to tipsy. So according to the Yelp app, Argus was only less than .5 miles away, so we walked down and hit Argus. Honestly, if I remember right, there is no cover charge at this spot. But bars on mission definitely check IDs. This bar was quite something. Very classy, with dim lighting and hipsterish. Bartenders are very nice and friendly. Tall tables and high chairs, YAY! Place is loud, but at least the music is good.
Their cocktails are pretty cheap. Strong drinks and just right. The atmosphere is very chill and relaxing. Crowd is of all ages and everyone is there to enjoy themselves. Cocktails around $ 5-8. They have multiple beers for around $3 during happy hour. However, their happy hour ends at 7pm! All i remember was I had multiple cocktails and had a good time!Listed in: Drink Up!
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Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
This place remains another solid spot for cocktails. It's dark, divey and at times very hipsterish, but don't let that deter you from the charm of the Argus Lounge.
There is often music, but no dancing. It goes from empty to full in mere hours, but there is always a table or chair at the bar.
I come here for fine cocktails and typically stick to the Manhattans. I also had their Bourbon cocktail special recently, well worth your $6.Listed in: Cocktails, Dahling?, Dives
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/5/2010
I have no idea how long Argus has been at this location, but I decided to stop in with a friend to… Read more »
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Review from Todd C.
8/2/2011
In all honesty, I'm giving this place 4 stars instead of 3 purely because of the Jon Benet, for which I, my friend Dan, and a quiverful of punny, altogether ignoble variations on ordering it have this lovely bar to thank.
Other than that, it's pretty standard in its handsome attributes: dim, but not closed-closet dark; generally showing a classy movie (or christ am I mixing it up with Dalva now?); quiet(ish) and empty(ish) in the early(ish) part of the week; and the coup de grace, staff who don't sneer. -
Review from Duff R.
Oakland, CA
9/23/2011
Oh Argus how far you've fallen. The Argus used to be one of my favorite bars. The bartenders crafted great cocktails, they had pool, it was full of weird decor, it had candles. The new owners took ALL of that out. Now it's just another bar with a TV.
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Review from alison r.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2011
Good cocktails, beer selection is solid. Dangerously close to home.
Great bartenders--thanks for all the strong drinks, Andrew.
No attitude or scene here. -
Review from Tom R.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Look for the peacock feather sign and you know you've found Argus.
This is another standard neighborhood bar. Let's just say that it get's the job done.
The front can be a little crowded so I prefer the back. -
Review from sierra h.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2010
Fuck this place.
The bartender on Wednesday night may have been the biggest asshole I have ever met. It seemed like a decent dive bar, somewhere I might otherwise like to hang out at, not busy at all. Here's the rundown of my encounter:
I walk up to the bar and the guy just stares at me so I say, "Can I get two Tacates please?"
He asks for my ID then walks away. 3 or 4 minutes later after he's done chatting with some other people at the bar he walks back over and when I go to hand him my ID, he turns around and fiddles with the cash register. Then he turns around and says, "I'll take a look at that ID now if you wanna hand it to me."
I look at him for a second to see if he's joking, he's not. I hand it to him, he looks it over then glares at me and says, "Ahh, a Gemini. That explains the love."
He opens the cans and says it's $4. I hand him $5 because asshole or not, I always tip the bartender. So I went back to the table and sat down and as I'm explaining to my friends how big of a jerk this guy is, he walks up to the table and slaps a dollar bill down on the table and walks back to the bar.
WTF?! What kind of douche bag bartender gives back a tip?
I can't speak for anyone else at that bar but the tall black guy with glasses has a stick up his ass (no, it doesn't matter that he's black, I'm just saying it so you know which one to avoid). Stay out of this place unless you know the secret hipster hand shake or something. -
Review from j m.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/20/2011
Havent been back since they took away the pool table and changed EVERYTHING. It used to be a really cool place. :(
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/20/2010
Vodka-Pool-Smoke
Vodka-Pool-
Vodka-Pool-
Smoke-
Vodka-Vodka-Pool?
Call Los Panchos to order Pupusas
Vodka… Read more »
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Review from Lauren S.
Stockton, CA
7/31/2010
I always wondered what the building with the pretty peacock feathers painted outside was...
A charming dive bar. I came here on the dusty vinyl dance night...there was no dancing but the music was really nice. It was a nice spot to sit with friends, listen to good tunes and drink good beer.Listed in: SF Bars
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Review from Christopher N.
New Orleans, LA
8/24/2010 3 Check-ins Here
The 'other' outer Mission bar. I enjoy two drinking parlors on Mission past Cesar Chavez- The Rio and The Argus. The Argus being the mellower of the two. truly a drinking mans bar/lounge. The Argus as a typical layout, a smallish rectangle with the bar on the left and tables and stools to the right. Past the bar are the two restrooms and a back room that houses the pool table. The prices are certainly on the cheaper side of the bars in the area. The bartenders are diverse, friendly and capable. They exhibit keen bar vision and ensure that you will not go thirsty waiting for your refill.
Occasional Dj's play on the set up in the front of the house. Otherwise it tends to be the bartenders Ipod or some such. The crowd is mostly locals and tends be young-ish and hip-ish. The place is cluttered with random brick-a-brack, on the dim side- and perfectly so. All in all simply a nice stop to quench your wants in a comfortable and cool atmosphere. -
Review from matthew r.
San Francisco, CA
5/4/2011
Do you have any paintings of the last supper lying around in your basement? You should donate them to the Argus Lounge, I'm sure they'd appreciate them. Also, I think even if you're catholic and you've given up beer for lent you're allowed to drink here once in a while, on account of all the paintings of the last supper. Having that many gets you an automatic papal dispensation, I'll bet.
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Review from Dana M.
Sacramento, CA
8/31/2010
First of All, if you can't take a good dirty joke, forget about coming here. I've been drinking here on the regular for a while, but only on Tuesday nights. Tuesday is mostly Punk Rock DJ night, and usually there's a good set. Beat the Wizard is fun if you're a hard drinker and have a deep passion for obscure music. My boyfriend has won a few drinks :) thanks to that game.
Things to Note:
Bathroom, lock the door, don't sit on the seat.
Bartenders: Friendly and funny.
Get there early for good seats, the bar fills up really fast.
Great Mexican food across the street.
Try not to get too offended by the JBR :)
It's definitely my favorite dive bar.Listed in: My Fav Dives
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Review from Andrew T.
El Cerrito, CA
1/5/2010
I was having a great time here. A 4-star night. What was not to like? $2 Tecate's. Hot buttered rum, which was a hot/butterscotch tasting drink that had to be one of the best drinks I've ever had. We had the backroom(w/pool table) for our group. Cute dogs running around. Found parking right outside. And, most importantly, hanging out with great people.
So why 1-star? A certain drink, posted right above the bar, made me sick to my stomach. It was called a "Jon Benet Ramsey" and one of the ingredients(which was underlined to emphasize how sick these people are) was "CRUSHED cherries". I don't know what world these people are living in to think that a raped and murdered 5-year old is funny.
After this, we stopped giving our money to this place and just waited for our carpool to be ready to get the fuck out of there. For those that saw how my mood changed drastically, this was why. We tried to just pass the time by walking around the area, but my back was too fucked up.
Fuck this place, Fuck anyone that thinks this is funny, and Fuck whoever came up with this drink. -
Review from Genaro R.
San Francisco, CA
7/5/2011
Went here to get some beers. Happy hr til 9pm. =) Nice local place to get your drink on any day of the week.
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Review from Drue C.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2007
Where can you see all of the following under one roof;
21 year olds
60 year olds
peacocks
cow skulls
a hookah
Christmas lights
an unsupervised, out of sight, out of mind backroom
a DJ
ample seating
a pool table
a coat rack
lots of alcohol
helium balloons
a jukebox
live bands
community meetings
fake plants
bad artwork
good artwork
vintage signs and posters
Why, at Argus Lounge, of course. But first you have to find it, because the one thing they are missing is a sign out front with their name.Listed in: Almost a dive bar
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Review from gwynnie p.
San Francisco, CA
12/31/2009
5 shiny stars for allowing 20 yelpish miscreants who were supposed to be a-partying @ El Rio (um, hello, ER, closed on 12/30, porque?) to take over the "pool room", serving us well and putting up with our semi-ruly behavior including birthday cake, pupusas and a wily half coyote half dog.
Props for good beer selection and I don't care much for fancy cocktails but they did have a whole bunch of very fresh looking mint hanging out at the bar so they must take all that seriously. The music was great but don't ask me what it was.
-1 star for their signature house cocktail, the "Jon Benet Ramsey" (vanilla Stoli, ginger ale and a crushed cherry). There's just nothing right about that. Mister T. pointed out that they miiiiiiiiiight get away with a Nabokov Cocktail (12 year old scotch and a crushed cherry), but the bartender was not motivated enough by his suggestion to whip one up. Why that's funny but not JBR I don't know. -
Review from Maria D.
5/7/2007
The Argus has a specialty drink called the Jon Benet Ramsey, which given its incredibly poor taste, I knew was my destiny to consume (the twist is a crushed cherry). The drink was similar to having sex with someone younger and much less experienced than yourself: a little overwhelming at first but once it settles in, it is decent and on occasion outright enjoyable.
A solid bar, but way too loud and cramped on a Friday evening. -
Review from Miika m.
3/5/2009 1 photo
Classic Dive
The one problem with cafes on the West Coast as opposed to the East Coast is that they all close so darn early. So despite my lovely evening at Socha, was shooed out of there right on the clock at 11:00 pm. My Irish date volunteered that we walk on over to Argus, located just down the street.
Loud. Packed. Hipster central. As we walked through the human jigsaw and wondering aloud between us about the recent fashion trends echoing the 80's return: tight pegged jeans and floppy hair. I've never worn acid washed, thank you very much. Regardless, walking into this place felt like walking into a room filled with friends. Every body there facing the entrance was smiling.
The bar runs the first half through the dark front room, flanked with small tables and stools. There was absolutely no room here but towards the back, a pool table and lo and behold, bench seating.
Music was pretty cool. A good mix of 80's with a little foreign flair thrown in (French alternative, merci beaucoup) a little too loudly from the speakers positioned above. We were practically yelling at each other between watching a couple play pool.
Otherwise, a good location, right off the strip, and packed with friendly people and comfortable/casual enough to catch up with a cute blue-eyed lad with an Irish accent :pListed in: Locations of Failed Dates
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Review from Joe C.
San Francisco, CA
7/13/2008
My single favorite quality in a bar is that it is chock full of my friends. Every time I go to Argus, that is the case. Other nice qualities:
+ Trumer on tap. Yum (brewed in Berkeley, baby - think globally, drink locally!);
+ easy to get to by car or bus;
+ easy to get a taxi home;
+ pool table with no sharps;
+ about seven thousand taquerias within walking distance.
How awesome is all that?? Five stars worth of awesome, that's how.Listed in: Bars At Which I've Never Puked
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Review from T A.
Alameda, CA
1/4/2010
I have 3 words for you.
Hot. Buttered. Rum.
Good lord in heaven, hallowed be thy name n shit. That drink made me wanna get religious on a mother fucker and start stabbing bitches with a crucifix from the pure pleasure of it all.
I love the layout of The Argus. It was a perfect spot for me and my friends to congregate in the back near the pool table and basically have our own little private New Years Eve Eve party. The bartenders were all hella cool and accommodating and the drinks were reasonably prices at around $7 each.
In the end, I lost a perfectly good joint that was given to me by someone special here so, if you find it, please return it to me ASAP. ThanksListed in: I'm not an alci, I just drink…
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Review from Steve L.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2011
This is the darker, more hipsterish sister of The Knockout -- another great spot down the block.
Less about the music, more about the drinking. -
Review from Lauren F.
Oakland, CA
5/9/2007
Never leave the house without the address to this bar if you have never been here before. I don't recommend it. The pretty peacock looking sign outside without the words Argus Lounge on it, will not help you find your destination without walking ten blocks in circles before you notice the small little sandwich board outside. Once you get in however, you will know that the journey was worth it.
The first thing I did of course, after my harrowing adventure to the location, was trek right up to the bar. I saw they had a special that sounded great, Vanilla Stoli and ginger ale with a crushed cherry for $4.50. But really, the drink was named the Jon Benet Ramsey....isn't that sacrilege? I ordered this delicious beverage a few times by name....but then i felt weird about it. So i ordered a Vanilla Stoli and ginger ale, they charged me $5 and i didn't get the cherry! Goes to show...order a drink by the name they give it, (ie, Jon Benet, Irish Car Bomb) or you wont get what you are asking for.
Also, you know you are in for a treat at an establishment when the first convo you have is with two dudes at the bar and they ask you how you feel about male on male vs female on female porn. Tell them they question it because they are afraid of sex. A wise yelper told me to answer that way.
Pool table in the back i didn't use. Arcade game i didn't touch. DJ i didn't really hear because the company I was with was enough entertainment. Awesome doubly protected bathroom that i just used as a bathroom and not in any illicit way. Stink bombs that I didn't drop. But I'll tell you what....many more people are now knowledgeable as to the beauty that is the shocker...I teach, if people want to learn. (not the actual...just the visual)Listed in: My Life as a Yelper
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Review from Valeria R.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2010
There have been several bars in this space since I started dropping in about 8 years ago, and I've liked them all. Perhaps the room is haunted by a benevolent, beer-drinking ghost?
I serendipitously ended up at Argus last Wednesday evening after the group I was with found El Rio closed. It couldn't have worked out better; there was a lively crowd but still plenty of space for our group to spread out in the back pool room.
I hadn't been since mid-2003 so it was a treat to be back, particularly since THIS time I was able to enjoy plenty of tasty adult beverages; back then I was pregnant and could only watch forlornly as everyone else boozed it up. Happy hour was a GREAT deal...I got my favorite combo of a tequila shot (GOOD tequila) with a Mexican beer back and it only cost me $9.
Argus is dog-friendly. So friendly, in fact, that I witnessed a particular pooch who shall remain nameless (Matilda) stealing beer right out of her papa's glass. I hope this anonymous dog (Matilda) is at least 21 in dog years. -
Review from Gabriel D.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2007
One of the funnier things I've seen recently happened at the Argus. There could not have been more than 10 people in the bar, all sitting at the bar. All of a sudden this one guy's cell phone rings. He sticks has hands up in the air and says: "Everybody, quiet, please. I have a cellular telephone call!"
Everyone quiets down. He talks for 30 seconds, hangs up. Life returns to normal. Hilarious...
Also, they don't have PBR because the bartender's dad drank PBR and she swore she'd never bring anyone another PBR as long she lived.
Good times.Listed in: Funniest Reviews I could come…
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Review from Bucky W.
San Francisco, CA
6/1/2007
I actually looked up this bar on yelp for the first time last night. and went to check it out. My Friend and I sat at the bar in front of the dj. I counted at least 7 people being served while we were there. We sat for about 15 mins and even the DJ got a drink. the bartender did everything he could think of doing including leaving the bar for a few minutes, toying with the jukebox and serving people who did not even ask for a drink while my friend and I sat there.
By the way we were the only people of color and the bartender had a Mentors shirt on. Make of it what you will.
I spoke to the bar manager and she suggested not going there on a Thursday night and that she would speak to the bartender. Not pulling the race card but it sure was suspicious.
We went to Naps instead where we got great service. -
Review from Julian M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/18/2011
What happened to the pool table? New fireplace? Mood lighting? Where's Visa? Awe man, I've seen this happen a million times now at half of the bars I've liked. (see earlier review) .Take out the old elements and hire a designer. As the rents go up and the influx creeps up from Valencia, I guess owners have no choice but to cater to the new wealthier clientele, and most cave. I guess this has been happening for some time now so I better learn to roll with the punches. At least the drinks have not gone up too much.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/4/2010
I just moved up the street from this place, and was looking forward to going to Naps and El Rio. I… Read more »
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Review from Brigid B.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2009
Come here on Monday for Happy Hour and get a dollar off your Tickle & Pee if you have a moustache. No moustache? Draw one on.
This bar has it all, in my book. Great music (whether it be what the bartender is playing, the juke box, or a DJ), interesting and tasty drinks, cheap beer, amusing atmosphere, and amazing barkeeps.
Also, if you're a parent, it's evidently kosher to bring your baby to this bar. Just, you know, if you want to get the kid started young. -
Review from Liz S.
11/19/2006
Arrrrrrgus. How I love ya.
I decided that my bar list would never be complete without a review of one of our favorite bars.
The Outer Mission location is perfect - not too far from our house, and very close to the emerging underground restaurant mecca which includes Blue Plate, Emmy's Spaghetti Shack, Mitchell's Ice Cream, and now the Front Porch.
The drinks are strong and good and they should definitely win "Best Drink Name" for the Jonbenet Ramsay. It's sweetened with 7Up and has a crushed cherry. If you find this funny and not offensive, Argus people are your people. Bartenders are quick and efficient.
The juke box is great, and occasionally they have a DJ. We're partial to Visa because we know him - great sets!
Years ago, they had this little Boston Terrier which would run around the bar, which I loved. I love bars with dogs. I love dogs with bars. I miss that dog.
They have a pool table in the back, which to me means you can hang out for hours. We've had many great gatherings at this bar, and have always had a great time. There are enough cheap burrito joints nearby to stumble into after a night of overindulgence, too.
The crowd is real, cool, mixed, attitude-free, and usually people who have been going there for a long time. It can get loud at times, which I usually hate, but because I love Argus so much, I tolerate it.
If you want to go to a bar with NO scene, check out Argus. Look for the Giant Peacock Feather sign, 'cause that's the only clue you get.Listed in: DrinkOlympics
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Review from Michael E.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2005
UPDATE 10.03.05: A word to the wise... We were just down at the Argus for some birthday celebrating, and what we thought would be a relaxing night of drinking. I was annoyed with this bar for the atmosphere of us not wanting to be here. There was this intoxicated, grey, curly haired asshole named Adam in there who looked like a regular. Seriously, if you see this guy, DO NOT play pool with him. He will cheat, antagonize and pick fights with you if you do. He almost started swinging with me and a couple of my friends in the bar. He's a dipshit, don't waste your time with him, just be wary of him when you go in...
Pretty sweet bar, it's just the distance, man, the distance... Just too far for me to go and hang out unless I'm meeting people here. That's my only complaint however - it's got the old school Centipede, dogs roaming around, cool back room with pool, great decor and Dickel Whiskey! The Jean Benet Ramsey drink is a little messed up as well, and I'm not going to tell you why, it's just so wrong. Go find out for yourself, sicko. -
Review from Christine M.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2009
I don't get the hipster movement.
No one can express my sentiments better than the #79 issue of 'Adbusters,' but this is not a review about a left-leaning political/social publication.
Argus caters to the hip crowd. The cookie-cutter skinny jeans, ironic t-shirts, thick non-prescription glasses, handlebar mustaches, and other endemically pertinent accessories - including Grandma's purse circa 1960 - abound here.
'Tis true that the friendly yet tacit competition of who can be the most esoterically nostalgic of previous generations - or who can cock a J-Crew wearer's head to the greatest degree (ear to shoulder = consummation) - thrives at this spot.
But.
Argus presents an all-inclusive environment without judgment. Entering in my perhaps passe non-skinny/non-baggy jeans, sneakers designed in this decade and intended only for podiatric dexterity, a nondescript laundered shirt - as well as no bangs or tattoos - I felt welcome.
They have a great pool table, occasional weeknight cheese and crackers, fantastic drinks and nice bartenders. The space is fun and the vibe is friendly.
So, you - yea you - with the tallboy PBR and unnecessary comb-over: let's hang out. You can tell me about my unenlightened music preferences, my stagnated ability for self-expression, and my tragic lack of artistic promiscuity -- and I can ask you about any potential concern over blood clots due to increasingly shrinking skinny jeans, as well as your clever social commentary via lo-fi photographs.
It's OK - we're both fans of Argus - let's see what else we have in common before one of us departs on a fixed-gear bike and the other on unfashionable Asics sneakers. -
Review from Thadd L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/1/2011
I really like the ownership change. The bartenders are nice now and the shitty pool table is out. Rad. Lets party!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/6/2007
I would normally give a bar that is this typical only 3 stars if it wasn't for the "Jon Benet… Read more »
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Review from Teresa A.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2009
Wow, a lot of people really expect a lot of a neighborhood dive bar. If you are one of those people who has deemed this spot "unworthy" due to an "offensive" ironic drink special, too much Jesus, shaggy Bernal patrons, general lack of patrons (what kind of complaint is that?), short (but actually totally normal) happy hour, or less than the complete riveted attention of the bar staff, I have a secret to share: Argus's lack of humorless people like you is one of the things that keeps it great! Pretty please don't go back on your promise to never return now. :)
This place is fantastic. It's a classic SF establishment, with a pool table, a long narrow bar, a weirdly-filled juke box, odd, slightly inappropriate drink specials, a giant tv featuring either Giants games or bizarre foreign films, peacocks, a bartender with an eyepatch.. WTF people? What's not to love? -
Review from Mari C.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2008
The only thing that was keeping me awake was my moderate interest in the yellow lab sitting up front.
This place has all the ingredients of a good dive bar: good beers on tap and a decent happy hour, a juke box, and a pool table. But each of these elements was muffed up. Allow me to expound:
-Happy hour ends at 7. That's pretty early, especially considering it's only Wednesday.
-Juke box: the bartendress set up a number of free plays, but somehow it still sucked. Mainly because all the music in there was crap or quasi-crap. Like Enya slash lullaby-jazz stuff. Almost acceptable for a cafe, terrible for a bar. You know its a bad situation when you can't decide what to play EVEN WHEN IT IS FREE.
-Pool table room smelled like bathroom deodorants, 'Nuff said.
Unsurprisingly, this place was cleared out. My three friends and I accounted for about half of the patrons, including the dog. This place was too far away from my life to warrant the trek. Maybe it was a bad night; I'll try anything twice. But honestly, I hope I don't go here again. As it stands currently, Argus Lounge is deemed unworthy.Listed in: Note to self - Avoid it like…, Hipster Dipster
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Review from Susy C.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2007
cheap drinks, woohooo! I am so there and you're not because you're on Yelp reading my review right now so you're square!
i enjoyed my experience here, although at one point i think someone let out a huge rancid stinkbomb fart because it cleared the bar out quick. People were pinching their noses and Carla D and I had to make a fast escape. Fast escapes, fast escapes! Fast escapes are my expertise!
Anyway, it smelled like either a toilet exploded after someone had ring of fire or what Joan Rivers' vagina would smell like with a Starbucks in it.
That was one baaaad mutha' of an odious stench, catch my drift?
One of the corners smelled really funky.. probably because someone puked in it before. Oh well!
I got carded, that was hilarious.
Hey look at the time! Happy birthday Miss Kristine J, you're a sweetheart. -
Review from Jay M.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2010
The Argus comes with a casual, but engaged atmosphere, a decent tap list and great prices on drinks.
There's a pool table in the back, a little stand up front where there's sometimes a DJ, and the bartender'll take care of you. -
Review from Sabine S.
Alexandria, VA
3/31/2008
I am by no means a dive-bar connoisseur, but this place seems to have all the right ingredients:
--located out of the trendier part of the Mission where the "cool" Marina crowd has drifted? check.
--dubious semi-shady neighborhood? check
--all hours restaurant next door that serves a mix of unpronounceable meals and/or burritos? check.
--bartender with attitude and strange name? check.
--pool table, jukebox, and stage space up front? check
--crowd consisting of random people ranging from extreme hipster in tight shirt and horn-rimmed glasses to regular joes coming by to grab a drink? check.
I found this place to be oddly comfortable considering how the hipster crowd has claimed most of the dive bars in the area. Sure, people gawked at me briefly when I walked in the door, but moments later, drink in hand, I soon became one of them. -
Review from Kate K.
Chicago, IL
5/5/2007
You waited for it and here it is... the actual review...
The Argus Lounge is a bar which epitomizes what a punky/dive bar should be... it is slightly shabby around the edges with glimmers of former beauty. It is a hodge-podge of cultures: hipster DJ spinning in the corner, shabby pool table in the back room, free-standing video game, cheapish drinks...
The only real problem with this bar (for me) were the weird and odoriferous smells which occurred sometime around 1am: As the Yelper formerly known as Enrico del Fuego W. (we like to call him "Edubs") pointed out: there is an issue of a spontaneous fart smell - we who smelt it (collectively) could not figure out the source which delt it... therefore we deemed it an oddity of the venue... have no idea if that happens a lot - but, be warned that it could.
I think if I lived in the Mission (which I may soon) that I would absolutely make the Argus Lounge one of my regular stops. -
Review from Alexis C.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2007
I love Argus. Here's why:
1. It's close to my house.
2. It's cheap.
3. It's not pretentious.
The bartenders are great and the drinks are stiff. I like hanging out in the corner with all the Jesus stuff. I once saw Kevin Rose (omg!!?$11) in there, and I was planning on punching him in the face so he'd have a black eye for the next Diggnation, but he was with a girl and I didn't want to hate on his game. Plus I don't dislike the guy, so why hit him.
I have yet to play pool in the back, however, because the tables are always taken. That's kind of a bummer. But it's near by to a lot of great late night food, so instead of playing pool you can go eat some Mexican food.Listed in: Around My 'Hood
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