On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

Dalva

4 star rating
based on 212 reviews

Category: Bars  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Mission
3121 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 252-7740
  • Hours:
    Mon-Sun 4:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
  • Price Range: $
  • Accepts Credit Cards: No
  • Parking: Street
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Music: DJ
  • Best Nights: Wed, Thu, Fri
  • Happy Hour: Yes
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • Smoking: Yes
  • Coat Check: No
Sponsored Result You Might Also Consider
Blur

3.5 star rating 121 reviews

Neighborhood: Nob Hill

"The best moments in San Francisco are quiet and cozy - warmly drenched by the lazy afternoon sun - especially when combined with friendly…" read more »

212 Reviews for Dalva

Sort by: Recent + Votes | Time | Rating
Photo of Tiffany P.

 

2

18

Tiffany P.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
06/11/2008

Third Eye Blind.

enough said.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Rosie F.

 

52

47

Rosie F.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
06/15/2008

Whoa...it's dark in this bar.  But I kinda love that about it.  Once my eyes adjusted, I realized that this bar is AWESOME. After a quick scan of the draught beers, I had a hankering for Hefeweizen.  Back in my college days in the good ol' midwest, I drank A LOT of Hefeweizen.  

More recently, I visited my bff from college in Minneapolis where I delighted her with my knowledge of Hangar One (they do sell it there, it's just not as easy to find).  However, the best times I had there were not bragging about our California fruit infused vodkas but drinking beers at a dive bar on the outskirts of the city.  I have a special place in my heart for midwestern dive bars and sippin' on that Hefeweizen at Dalva took me back.

Also, it is super cool that they serve the Hefeweizen in such a huge glass.  My drinking companion was upset that theirs wasn't so grand.  After dinner, we decided to go back to Dalva and since it was a little darker, my eyes didn't need to adjust.  Not that I would have minded...just sayin'.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of stephy s.

Elite '08

2291

1927

stephy s.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
07/03/2008

I almost got in a fight here. And I know what you're thinking, "Stephy?! Sweet, innocent, demure, waif-like (yeah right) little Stephy?" *Gasp!* "Never!"

Well, it's true. I have been in a scrap or three in my years and the night it almost happened here, would have been justifiable because a girl violated....

The Bathroom Door Rule.

Allow me to explain. It's a bar. There are chicks. This means that the drink to bladder ratio gets challenging. There is the magical thing called the "seal" but once that is broken, well, you are as they say in some countries, "screwed." Well, on my first weekend as a SF resident, we came here for drinks and my seal was definitely annihilated. And so, I did what any lady would do and excused myself and went to the ladies room. It was towards the end of the night and as seals go, many were in similar states as mine, but here's where the line was crossed.

As I walked over to the door, I reached for the handle and saw that it was locked. Cool, no worries, I will wait for the young lady to finish. I did, she came out and then I walked in and closed the door behind me. Then not 3 seconds. Count them. 1,2,3 seconds later, someone starts pounding on the door. I'm not talking, "Helloooo, is anyone in there, may I borrow some sugar" knocking, but more like a "Bitch Betta Have My Monaaaay. )(@#&#%)(&!!!" pound. That, my dear friends, is totally un#@&!ingacceptable.

And so I did my business for all of 45 seconds. Did the pounding end? Newp. Did it dull in its rudeness and volume? Newp. Did it piss me the hell off. Oh you bet, and so when I opened the door, I practically hit the broad with the door (intentionally of course) and got right up in her face and said, "45 seconds! Really. You can't wait 45 fucking seconds!" To which she responded some gibberish about kicking my keester. Yeah, yeah, yeah, suck it. I was new to town and wasn't all that interested in destroying the girl on a Saturday night and an arrest may have affected my first day at work, so I opted out. But believe me, the temptation was there to knock Impatient Patty the fuck out!

Anyhoo, I came here again last night and definitely had a much nicer experience. There weren't any drunk and unruly broads, just nice, friendly faces and some great nipple art on the wall. I know that sounds weird, but go in and look, this artist is awesome. I had the wine and I will say, it's not the best, but who orders wine at a bar anyway? No biggie and I will definitely be back again :)

People thought this was:

Useful  (15)

Funny  (22)

Cool  (17)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Adrienne G.

Elite '08

413

242

Adrienne G.

Pacifica, CA

4 star rating
06/03/2008

Racer 5 is a hell of a drug.

Fuck you, Poochie and Emily for breaking my Racer 5 cherry at the Hemlock after that bitch ass Polk St DYL...

So at this point I would like to say something all wordy and rad about this spot, I'd like to tell some stupid story about hitting up the bars on 16th with my native Wisconsin homie and then point out via elaborate metaphor how ironic it is that (insert snarky commentary on Mission St hipsters/crackheads/old Latin abuelas here)...

But shit, I'm still fucking ripped off the Racer 5.

You get nothin' from me except that they've got Racer 5. That's it. Seriously.

I owe you a proper review, Dalva, but you got me so God damn twisted last night I can't even make something up.

Pass the Advil, motherfucker, it's gonna be a long day...

And where did this grape Swisher come from?!

People thought this was:

Useful  (14)

Funny  (17)

Cool  (17)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Tomo B.

 

0

3

Tomo B.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
07/01/2008

Dear Dalva,

Do you know how thin those walls are? I know you have music to play, people to entertain. BUT there are some people who are trying to enjoy independent films at Roxie Cinema next door as well.

I was watching a Japanese indie film in the theatre - very emotional and beautifully shot film - and all I could hear was "thump, thump, thump, thump," the silly repetitious beats from the bar. It ruined my mood and movie experience.

Be nice to neighborhood businesses, please.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of santiago g.

 

22

82

santiago g.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
06/26/2008

Last night I went to Dalva because a friend of a friend told me that the DJ from Mr. Smiths was going to be there cuttin it up.  I got there around 10 and Toph (old school s.f. dj) was spinnin some nice downtempo selections. A little while later Jah Rocker (just learned his name) came on and played a set that in short  finger banged my brain. This dude was playin some jams that sounded like they should've come from a taco truck parked in outer space. Electro organic riddims real rich and thick.These were some of the baddest Cumbias and Reggae in Spanish jams being thrown down this side of the border. I was expecting to hear the rock hip hop thing he does on the weekend but when I heard Manu Chao mixed with The Luniz " I got 5 on it"  I was like" GAD DAMN this Vato (with dreads) iz the LICKS". The bartender was super friendly and poured my drinks like he owed me some money.SHEEEET SON. Rum with a splash of coke for color and lots o' lime. HMM HMM B!TCH. IT'LL GIT CHA DRUNK!! I hadn't been there for a couple of years so going back for the Red Wine Social and getting to hear two of S.F.'s more original DJ's was like getting my ears LAID for the very first time.

PS. They were playin actual VYNYL. You know, like pullin each record out of its sleeve to play it. AWWW LAWD.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Joe C.

Elite '08

113

105

Joe C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
06/03/2008

So you've probably noticed if you take the time to read any of the stuff I bother to write with the narcissistic delusion that strangers in the world give a shit about what I think about anything, or everything, as the case may be . . . that I give a lot of 5-star reviews. Here's the thing - there are places I hate, but why pollute the internets with vitriol unless someone really does me wrong, or someplace is so horrible that I feel the need to warn others off?  So I don't write a lot of 1 and 2 star reviews - a few, but not many.

Likewise, I am disinclined to write a review of a mediocre place at all - mediocrity does not warrant my commentary.

That leaves lots of 5-star enthusiasm for the places I really like.

I really like Dalva.  I like the beers on tap.  I like the DJ spinning stuff I've never heard.  I like the lighting.  I like the old wooden bar.  I like the room in the back.  I like that they'll accommodate a big party.  I like that it's just a little grungy, but mostly kinda nice in there.

I like Dalva - get it?  Any questions?

People thought this was:

Useful  (3)

Funny  (3)

Cool  (4)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Gurdeep J.

 

3

15

Gurdeep J.

Fremont, CA

4 star rating
06/05/2008

One of my Old Favorite places to end the night in the City.  Great Music either from the Juke Box or being spun by the DJ.

This has to be one of the best dive bars around.  Great drinks at a very cheap price.  Definitely recommended for groups.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Jocelyn C.

Elite '08

99

200

Jocelyn C.

Cambridge, MA

4 star rating
04/25/2008

Stumbled upon this place a few weeks ago while in town visiting, and was pretty glad. Me and the bf were looking for a low-key bar to just chill at after walking up and down hills all day long, and this met our criteria just fine.

Cheap beer? Check.

Good music? Check.

Bartender making us shots from a random recipe my bf's friend texted him and not being annoyed by this? Check.

We had a good time hanging out here, and if I ever found myself in SF again, I would definitely come back.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (2)

Cool  (3)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Matthew G.

 

1

14

Matthew G.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
05/26/2008

An extremely rude bouncer never sets the right tone for a bar.  Even dive bars can't get away with offensive staff.  There are plenty of better bars in the Mission--I suggest you go to those.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Tracy H.

Elite '08

55

154

Tracy H.

Pleasanton, CA

1 star rating
04/21/2008

I think people only like this place because saying the Zsa-Zsa Gaborlike name of it makes them sound like a special snowflake:

Oh, we're going to DAHL-VAH, daaaaarling! Everybody knows it's so hip to go to DAHL-VAH! Let's go order drinks at DAHL-VAH.

Sorry guys, this place sucks. When the bouncer doesn't let half of my group of friends (read: male friends) in on my BIRTHDAY, well... shit son, pardon me if we all spend our cash elsewhere.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Chuck W.

 

12

77

Chuck W.

San Mateo, CA

4 star rating
04/21/2008

Dude, I totally forgot to write this up:  A few weeks ago I went here late-night with a buddy and while we were sipping our boutique beers in the corner of this semi-divey little hole in the wall, a guy came in with his girl, they sat down, got a couple drinks, and then the guy started dancing.  Not just jamming to the music either; the dancing resembled an odd mix between b-boying, techno head-banging, and the No-Rhythm dance.  This spectacle was so compelling that we had to order another round in order to keep observing.  And then the rest of their crew came in and they all left, so we left too.  But we'll be back.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Mary V.

Elite '08

19

82

Mary V.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
06/11/2008

ah, dalva. i've had celebrations, first dates, drunken birthday parties, my purse stolen, quiet happy hours.... and the beginnings of many long nights here. it's like a little institution in my san francisco life. i'm a big fan of toph's red wine social on wednesdays, although now that i'm all grown up and can't justify going out on a weds night, i rarely attend. i know, adulthood suxxx. good sangria and actually a good red wine list - they have a gnarly head zin that i really like! i love the dark, dimly lit candle ambiance. a mission tradition (i rhymed).

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Nancy R.

Elite '08

304

268

Nancy R.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
03/21/2008

Why is it that I've never written a review of this all-time favorite bar? Dalva feels like my living room should I actually have one with a full bar and jukebox. They project campy old horror movies like "Blacula" and "The Dagger Killers."

Dalva was my favorite bar when I first moved to the city in the mid-90s and has retained its distinct identity. It's cool without trying to be, which is more than I can say for 90% of the chodesters (hipster chodes) that troll its surrounding streets.

People thought this was:

Useful  (8)

Funny  (5)

Cool  (8)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of eugenia y.

 

33

49

eugenia y.

Irvine, CA

4 star rating
04/30/2008

Went here last week. Would've written a review a lot sooner but I totally forgot i went. Which is a good thing. It's all a blur.

But I do remember actually being able to just chill and let the music absorb into your buzzed out body.

It was a little too loud in there to talk... that's probably the only downside to this place. I didn't use the bathrooms, so I don' t know what they're like.  

Unfortunately, they only take cash which really sucks, but they have an ATM. That $2 charge hurts though. UPGRADE TO PLASTIC PLEASE.

You know, I just really like bars that aren't flooded, I mean FLOODED with people. I could actually move here.

The drinks were pretty good too... it's been a while since I've had a bubbly tom collins ;)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Haterade B.

 

35

233

Haterade B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/27/2008

Just about the only bar on 16th St. that I can stand.  Not insanely loud or crowded, the high ceilings help.  Unfortunately the bartenders can be completely retarded at times.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (2)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Leah S.

 

8

37

Leah S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/22/2008

Dalva's pretty awesome, but I can't put my finger on why I think that. The room is kind of a shambles, it gets totally crowded, my friend had her purse stolen here once, the bathroom's a dive, and there's pretty frequently sketchy dealings going on right outside or in the back room.
Oh, wait; apparently I can put my finger on it. Those are all kind of awesome (aside from the purse-stealing bit) if you're into that scene.

Lately I've been ordering the sangria here, which seems odd I know, but is actually tasty and will get you totally hammered. And it'll get you part of your RDA of fruit. That's what I tell my nutritionist anyway.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Natalie G.

Elite '08

52

158

Natalie G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/23/2008

Dalva is a dark, loud little joint situated close to BART and lots of little cheap late night eats. My friend and I were amused by the menu, seeing as it is pieces of paper cut out and pasted on a wall behind the bar. Luckily for us they has Sierra Nevada on tap and we had a throw-back to our college days.

The dj was providing some enjoyable music and we lucked out on some seats along the wall. Perfect for people watching and seeing the drinkers wander in off the streets. I also loved the screen on the back wall with black and white pictures showing and the wild coasters with the barmaid on them.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (2)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Carla C.

 

23

75

Carla C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/31/2008

I blame Dalva for my getting 'sneak attack' drunk last Friday night.

You know the feeling - you're stone cold sober all night (though you've been drinking for hours and don't want to tell yourself that you're not drunk yet because, well, you may be an alcoholic and your tolerance is astronomical), until you walk in the door to your apartment and BLAM - you're hammered.

From what I can pinpoint, I'm going to blame the ridiculously strong makers & gingers I was throwing back at Dalva at the end of the night for my subsequent shower stumble and the remarkably deep scratch I imparted on my own ankle during said shower.

While sneak attack isn't the most fun of all varieties of drunk, at  least you'll probably make it home with all your belongings - always the mark of a good night.

FYI - Cash only!

People thought this was:

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of danny e.

 

12

159

danny e.

Daly City, CA

5 star rating
03/09/2008

When mission hipsters grow up they go to Dalva... I really like it here. No music really, but they play great movies on the screen. Bar tenders are pretty attentive.

I would much rather spend my night at Dalva then Double Dutch, Kilowat, Delerium, Elbow Room.... etc. etc. etc.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Nicole G.

Elite '08

770

209

Nicole G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/05/2008

Last night was a Nat Sherman kind of night, so of course we went to Dalva.  Where else can you go to laugh and cry over bullet manhattans and chain smoke?  

While the bar itself is nothing special, it has a warm, low lit back room worthy of conspiratorial conversation, make-out sessions and joint rolling shenanigans.

I recommend going on a weeknight when the flow is slow and steady.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (2)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Akkara S.

Elite '08

157

268

Akkara S.

Los Angeles, CA

2 star rating
03/21/2008

I don't know if Mission district or San Francisco bars in general are best suited for me.  I felt really awkward at all the ones I went to practically, but this was one of the better ones for me.  

The main room was very crowded.  I couldn't even get to the bar.  Good thing we were with big guys that could butt their way in.  But then there was no where to stand so we had to move towards the pool table.  And then we were in their way.  

Also, we had the misfortune of standing next to a group that had dropped their glasses twice and refused to pick it up or tell the bartender about it.  So there was just random glass on the floor.  

I also know that they let underage people in, which isn't a big deal, except that it was really crowded and it just made me crankier.  

We finally made our way into the second room where it turned into a weird prom scene.  People were seated in a huge circle along the wall talking but not dancing.  But that changed after about an hour so it wasn't sooo bad.  

The entertainment was a transgendered woman dancing very brazenly on a small ledge.  I was worried that due to her size she might lose her balance and take out a bunch of people.  But she did it like pro. :)

There was also a tiny arcade room to the side.  And people were smoking inside all the rooms.

The bathroom was small, but not bad.

I guess I just don't like crowds too much.  But I did enjoy watching the dancer.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Rachel F.

Elite '08

136

77

Rachel F.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
01/21/2008

Darkness, sangria, and good looking male bartenders. Why don't more women hang out here?

I always meet the most interesting people in the back room. And the chats are completely random but always memorable. A few years ago some guy back there told me to check out Koh Tao when I was traveling around Asia. I ended up living there for a year.

Good blind date meeting place because it's easy to get to (one block from 16th and Mission BART), the drinks are delicious and varied, and the lighting, or lack thereof, makes everyone look pretty.

People thought this was:

Useful  (6)

Funny  (3)

Cool  (7)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Coco D.

 

16

223

Coco D.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/28/2008

Dalva is a great place to catch up with your friend who is a total square and would take you somewhere totally lame if they could.  You would much rather be at the Kilowatt, but you know you totally can't talk in there, and besides it would only depress you that you can't get shitty drunk and have safaris anymore.

Dalva's that elusive middle ground between degenerate and douchebag.   Refreshingly mellow in the sea of irritation that is 16th street.

People thought this was:

Funny  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Leily P.

 

15

62

Leily P.

Oakland, CA

3 star rating
03/15/2008

Very laid back. Came a little earlier than 9pm on a Friday to catch a DJ and it was full already... The price was right on all the drinks. Had lots of yummy sangrias. I guess I'm used to paying $10+ on watered down gin and tonics at most clubs in SF. But then again this is a dive and paying $5 for gin coming from a plastic bottle isn't that great either. I recommend this place for hanging out if you're nearby already, but I don't think it's anything special. A big plus for the cool way they melt sugar to make an Absinthe! Also the bartenders are really cool and nice.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Catherine O.

Elite '08

117

231

Catherine O.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/26/2008

Ahhh Dalva, dark, daring, & definitely a cool hang out spot! Thumbs up for the dimly lit ambiance & old school B&W movies on the screen in the back.

Situated in the popular Valencia & 16th area, it was a nice little spot to stop by and have a drink. Lovely wall with a list of drinks to choose from...My friend & I were definitely amused by the drink names cut out in pieces of paper & taped to the board, nice touch! A good selection of beers, mixed drinks, & sangria! We were saved by indulging in some Sierra Nevada!

Bartender was nice, and helped us right away. I believe this place gets crowded on weekend nights. We luckily went early, and grabbed the tall table & chairs on the side wall. Bathroom was mediocre, and fairly clean.

A DJ was spinning some mixes up front, so if you like loud music to enjoy with some drinks...dive on over to Dalva!  Plus bart is only a couple blocks away.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Thomas L.

 

7

221

Thomas L.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
03/01/2008

Call me hipster, call me trendy, but this place was a bit alternative for me. They were playing random videos, no music. Nice place to just catch up with friends w/o all the background music. Good old Truman Pilsner beer. Affordable.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Christopher K.

Elite '08

259

101

Christopher K.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/01/2007

Dalva is a hecka moist bar, yo.  They have real bartenders who give you an approving look when you order an old fashioned and sneer at you when you order a whiskey sour.

People thought this was:

Useful  (7)

Funny  (11)

Cool  (9)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Darin E.

Elite '08

75

70

Darin E.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
12/03/2007

I love this bar and if it were a woman I would ask her out on a 2nd date.  Perfect proximity to Bart, a wells fargo ATM, cheap delicious happy hour drinks, great ambiance, and a cool crowd.  I can remember drinking here a few years ago and it was uncomfortably packed....for last Friday's DYL it wasn't as busy and I hardly recognized the place.  I liked the lighting and the employees were nice.

People thought this was:

Useful  (5)

Funny  (6)

Cool  (7)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of matthew r.

Elite '08

121

385

matthew r.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/01/2007

Dalva has a lot going for it when it's not too crowded. Nicely decorated but comfortable, and a respectable beer selection. A few things to keep in mind while there:

DO NOT GO IN THE DARK ROOM IN BACK where the kegs are; I just looked in there and I got a bad bad feeling about it. It's probably safe if you're a barback and you have business in there, but everyone else should stay out.

In fact, the whole back room seems like it would be used to store canned fruits and gardening tools if it wasn't full of people drinking.

There's a hole in the ceiling in the mens bathroom right above the toilet. It's best not to think about where it leads. If you get kicked out of heaven for asking too many questions I bet you'd fall through that hole.

Be patient. The bartender is a busy man and he marches to his own drummer.

A lot of the drink prices end in .25, so you'll get quarters back. Dalva is a great place to come if you like playing pinball or reading the newspaper.

That is all.

People thought this was:

Useful  (5)

Funny  (6)

Cool  (7)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Joshua W.

Elite '08

56

150

Joshua W.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
12/10/2007

A pretty generic Mission bar really.  The back room can be nice when you get some friends together, but all in all there's not much that makes this bar stand out from the rest of the alternatives in the area.  The drink/beer selection is average, the prices are average, the crowd is average mission hipster types, the bar staff are average, and the jukebox selection sucks.  It doesn't help that Kilowatt is across the street either.  I can think of no real reason to avoid this place, but why you'd opt to come here instead of Kilowatt or even Cassanova is beyond me.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Kathleen G.

Elite '08

22

71

Kathleen G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/23/2007

Dr. G and I have many things in common: an antipathy toward holidays, a disdain for seasonal revelry, and a love of bars: the divier, the better.

This is how I know that Dalva is open on Thanksgiving. You guessed it, we ended up there.

Dalva would be a worthy drinking hole even if options were not limited. It's hipster without trying too hard; divey without being depressing; and the drinks are served up by a friendly, extremely competent bartender.

I started off with the hot toddy "du jour", a fresh-raspberry take on the lemon-brandy concoction, due to a persistent chesty cough I can't quite kick (Dr. G assures me it is not T.B.).  It was nice, although it was less hot toddy than hot jello (evoking not-so-fond memories of high school parties, but let's not digress).

After a well-priced beer or two, Dr. G had an extra dirty Grey Goose vodka martini on the rocks, served in a remarkably sturdy tumbler with heaps of ice and some skewered pickled olives. Heaven in a glass. Or at least a lot of vodka in a glass.

In keeping with the brandy theme, I had a v respectable sidecar. Then, too hammered to care about thematic consistency, I switched to wine (for those of you keeping track at home, this is where the night went wrong). Don't get me wrong: the pours were respectable, and the tastes were complimentary. But sweet baby Jesus, was this wine awful.  Each and every red they served was ghastly.

But you know, when the service is this sweet, and a bar is willing to open its doors and embrace you at 7 pm on Thanksgiving, and the D.J. obviously cut his turkey dinner short to come spin very cool old-school hip hop for us, I can't complain.

I really can't.

Happy holidays.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of KayJay ..

 

517

517

KayJay ..

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/09/2007

The Dude:  LOOK THEY HAVE FAT TIRE.

Me:  What?  LOOK WHEN YOU RETIRE?

The Dude:  NO, THEY HAVE FAT TIRE!

Me:  No.

The Dude:  WHAT?

Me:  NO, I'VE NEVER BEEN IN A FIRE.

The Dude:  YA, THAT IS COOL THEY'RE PLAYING THE TOWERING INFERNO.  

Me:  DID YOU JUST CALL ME A TOWERING CONCERNED HO?

The Dude:  OJ SIMPSON AND  PAUL NEWMAN!

Me:  JESSICA SIMPSON AND A NEW MAN?  WHO?  DIDN'T SHE JUST DUMP THAT JOHN MAYER?

The Dude:  LOOK UP AT THE MOVIE!

Me:  POLKA DOTS AND MOONBEAMS?  I LOVE THAT SONG!  ESPECIALLY THE SARAH VAUGHAN VERSION!

The Dude:  THE MUSIC IS AWFULLY LOUD IN HERE!

Me:  WHATDYA TALK?  THERE ISN'T AN AWFUL CROWD IN HERE!  IT'S NEAR EMPTY.

The Dude:  WHAT?

Me:  IT'S NEAR EMPTY!

The Dude:  NO, IT'S ONLY 12:30.

Me: WAIT?  WHAT?

The Dude:  YOU SAID IT'S NEAR THREE.  IT'S ONLY 12:30!  YOU CAN'T STAY IN A BAR AFTER TWO O'CLOCK.  YOU KNOW THAT!

Me: CAN WE STOP TALKING AND JUST GET DRUNK NOW?

Despite the incredibly loud music for the fifteen or so patrons inside, I dug Dalva.  I noticed the sign that read "To all DJ's.  The bartenders control the volume."  I kept eye-ing the bartender with my "could you turn that shit down please" crooky eye... to no avail.  Despite his oblivion to all things WAY TOO MOTHER FUCKING LOUD, I found him attentive and friendly.

If I were a designer, I would lie and say I designed this spot, because it's one of the chicest little bars I've ever encountered.

They have a pretty complete list of beers on tap, as well as bottled, so I can't complain too much.  

If I did, who would hear me up in that son of a bitch anyways?

People thought this was:

Useful  (13)

Funny  (19)

Cool  (14)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Scott A.

 

17

19

Scott A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/28/2007

Best house and soul DJs around, good mood lighting, an excellent back room for chilling out. One of the few places in the Mission where you don't have to feel like it's a rat race.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Bruce C.

 

3

9

Bruce C.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
04/24/2008

Great Bar Stools, Great Martini's , Great Bartender's.  A dive for grownups in the Mission

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Ricky G.

 

1

95

Ricky G.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
10/30/2007

Five stars or one star I can't decide. Back in the day I would close you down, Dalva, after many stupid drunken conversations with stupid drunken Mission-types. It all makes me kinda sick. I lived across the street. You were my bar. I met no one of value in that dump. I would just sit and stew and pickle my liver with my friends. We all hated you but you were so seductively convenient. I did enjoy your Mint Julep Tuesdays or whatever the hell it was. Its hard to find a Mint Julep around these parts. But you are a typical San Francisco bar, Dalva. All about lighting.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Funny  (3)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Lauren A.

 

3

17

Lauren A.

San Rafael, CA

3 star rating
11/26/2007

If you're looking for a sleazy, dark yet classy hole in the wall, Vulva is your place. I'd recommend going on an 'off' night- like anywhere in the Mission, its impossible to go out on the weekends without being smothered by hipsters.
1) Always sit at the bar.
2)Only order drinks from the chubby bartender guy- everyone else is lame.
3)Number 2 ESPECIALLY if you order the Mojito. No one can make a Mojito like Chubby McChubberson.
4)If you want to smoke and not freeze, go upstairs. Its this really dingy room where you can either smoke cigs or take prostitutes. No light except those cheesy red glass candles you find all over bad Italian restaurants.

Honestly, the only reason I go here is because my friend lives a block away, and its a good hangout on the weekdays.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of dusty d.

 

38

23

dusty d.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
03/14/2008

i like this place. not sure why. oh yea, they make one of the best tequila gimlets i've had in the city--with fresh lime juice and a little simple syrup (most places use rose's lime juice...bleh). crowd varies depending on the night, but overall i've had lots of good times here.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Melanie N.

Elite '08

132

208

Melanie N.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
09/11/2007

This place gets three stars only for the awesome B movie that was showing on Saturday night (which I found out later was Airport '77...aptly named after my birth year).

Dalva is convenient if you're in the area...but to be honest, it seems more of a happy hour place to me.  It's quite small and doesn't have much atmosphere other than the cliched moody darkness.

Drinks were alright and from what I could see of the crowd, they seemed 20's/30's...but it wouldn't be my first choice of bars to frequent in the Mission.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (2)

Cool  (3)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of BILL M.

Elite '08

301

92

BILL M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
09/13/2007

Hell's yeah...this is long running fav bar in the city.

-First time I had a Mojito
-Small room in the back. If your cool about it you might be able to have a smoke back there.
-They play Apocalypse Now, and Steve McQueen movies on a regular basis..or at least when I'm there.
-DJ Toph One and the Red Wine Wednesday nights
-Ticky Ricky is the best bartender
Good Juke

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

1 to 40 of 212 |  
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Write a review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

  • Photo of Elixir
    Elixir
    4 star rating 234 reviews
    Neighborhood: Mission
    Category: Dive Bars
  • Photo of Kilowatt
    Kilowatt
    4 star rating 189 reviews
    Neighborhood: Mission
    Category: Nightlife
  • Photo of Mission Bar
    Mission Bar
    4 star rating 102 reviews
    Neighborhood: Mission
    Category: Nightlife
  • Photo of Casanova Lounge