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Dalva
Categories: Nightlife Bars Nightlife Dance Clubs Bars, Dance Clubs [Edit]
3121 16th StSan Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 252-7740
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 4 pm - 2 am
- Music:
- DJ
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ages Allowed:
- 21+
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
362 reviews for Dalva
Review Highlights
"Get here early because their Happy Hour is legendary."
(in 24 reviews)
"This has to be one of the best dive bars around."
(in 46 reviews)
"...Dalva is still a great place to grab a drink with friends."
(in 3 reviews)
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362 reviews in English
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Review from Sofia R.
Updated - 2/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I stopped by here with some friends to grab drinks and just chill. I've been to Dalva before and I liked it so I suggested this place.
The place has not changed since my last visit. For a Sunday night, it was pretty packed. This may or may not have something to do with the Karaoke they had going on. I never asked but I'm assuming this means that Sundays are karaoke nights. I've never really cared for karaoke, but when you're at a bar listening to other people go up and possibly going up for yourself....it's the best thing EVER. Especially when alcohol is involved.
I ordered a Black & Tan while my friends got a whiskey/coke and a cider drink respectively. I originally wanted a white Russian but they didn't have milk. That's the only downside to this bar....they run out of things a lot. Or don't have it in stock.
Didn't really faze me though. I enjoyed my drink although I admit that I've had better/prettier versions of the same drink. Plus side to this bar is that the drinks are much cheaper. We all paid around $4 I believe.
Anyway, the best part of this place at the time was karaoke. It's just too damn fun!
I like Dalva.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/16/2011
I stopped by here with a friend to catch up over drinks.
The place itself looks pretty dive-y when… Read more »
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Review from Raina B.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2012
Dalva itself is a chill bar... Strange movie projected on the wall provides natural conversation if the alcohol isn't enough.
The higher ratings is attributed to the little gem located at the back of Dalva. Hideout makes pretty good drinks and had a bunch of seating available (which post-dancing is much needed). -
Review from Joanne G.
1/23/2012
Liked Dalva, but loved the secret bar in the back, Hideout, even more. The latter boasts some serious cocktails- the type that involves citrus rinds, bitters you've never heard of, and impeccably square ice cubes; all measured out and shaken to perfection. Spendy, but quite delicious.
For a date-night in the Mission, I say class it up with a couple of drinks at Hideout, and then head up front for the cheaper but still tasty, easier-on-the-wallet stuff.
Fun times at Dalva. -
Review from Edrian D.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'll keep it plain and simple, it's like a party in a closet. But a fun party none-the-less. There's a hidden treasure in the back. Me likey the Dalva
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Review from Lorrayne L.
Oakland, CA
1/5/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Zomg, how have I not reviewed this place yet??
This review is really for The Hideout, which I adore and am going through withdrawals right now. But all that shall be remedied this weekend!
My first intro was for a wonderful pahtay put on by the lovely and fabulous MK moons ago. I brought the Boss with me since he lived quite close. Others couldn't make it. That night, I was introduced to their house whiskey cocktails. It was love at first sip.
They only open up at seven each night, but it's so totally worth it. The place is small and gets super crowded, so beware of elbow pushing and waiting your turn to order at the bar. But these guys are pros. Every minute wait is worth it in the end. -
Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
When we set out to plan our Mad Men and Manhattans party, we wanted to pick a bar that can mix a pretty classy cocktail and Dalva fit the bill. Costumes, cocktails and great company. This is not only a fun bar, but a great place to throw a little party.
The Lovely Ms. MK "The Hotness" and I put on the unofficial yelp event, but she made all the arrangements, booking the top room in the Hideout. The room is small, but fit our group of almost 25 people. It is a bit hot up there, but the space was all ours.
We ordered drinks from the bar, Black Manhattans, while watching the Bartenders mix them up. I was impressed by the huge collection of bitters, booze and items in which to make old school and custom cocktails.
Dalva will always be a favorite of mine, for the cocktails I've had and the ones I have yet to try.Listed in: Cocktails, Dahling?, Dives
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/18/2011
Since being introduced to the Mission's best cocktails at a Dive bar, Dalva has become my favorite… Read more »
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Review from Anthony Y.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2011
This might be the worst bar I have ever been to in SF. Actually I know it is the worst bar I have been to in SF. I can break it down.
I went to Dalva for MK's Madmen event so I was in a suit. It was also a weekend. I think that I was pretty much the only guy in a suit, at least a full blown suit. I am not sure if that had anything to do with my experience or not.
First of all the prior reviews are right on. The bartenders measure all drinks in measuring cups. Think about when you were a kid and your mom measured out you medicine by the tablespoon so accurately, that's pretty much how they treat their liquor. I hate places like that. There have been numerous studies done that if you pour with a heavy hand you make more money. Now some will say that that the bloodhound for example does the same thing; not true. Most of the concoctions that they make that require measurements have more than one alcoholic ingredient. A manhattan does not, unless you count vermouth and bitters...
So basically what I am saying is that they skimp on the juice i.e. alcohol. They skimped on the juice all night; yet all night I continued to tip well, throwing 1 or 2 bucks down per drink. And the drinks are not cheap...
So towards the end of the night I ordered another manhattan and they gave it to me on the rocks. I asked the bartender if he could serve it "up" and with more alcohol stating that I had been tipping well all night and he yelled at me. I immediately turned around and walked away. Didn't bother me at all. In fact, for me, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. I left. Vowed never to return. Don't think that will have any impact whatsoever on their business but it is my quiet protest.
So if you like hipster bartenders with a bad attitude, that measure your drinks by the tablespoon in the mission then this is definitely the place for you. If you want a good value for your money I suggest going somewhere else. -
Review from Christina L.
Berkeley, CA
11/24/2011
This was my first experience at a dive bar. A couple of locals that lived in the neighborhood took us to this place. They highly recommended it, and I thought it was pretty cool. We went here on Halloween, although very few people were dressed up, there were some that came in.
The place was crowded, and there weren't many places to sit. I liked that there was sort of a ledge where people could stand on the stairs and below the wooden divider. It made the bar seem bigger than it actually was, and allowed our group to split up and mingle with different people that we came with.
Crowd: I'm not sure about the crowd, I mostly stuck with my group of people.
Drink: I had the Moscow Mule. It was quite delicious. :)
I would come back again, but would also like to explore other places in the area. -
Review from Laura P.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been on a search for a great hot toddy ever since Ti Couz closed, and I finally found one I like here at Dalva! I should have gotten the bar tenders name, but he made a delicious one with Lipton tea, brandy and cinnamon. The bar tender was really nice and they have some very interesting decorations up.. great conversation starters.
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Review from SisterMable S.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2011
Dalva is a really wonderful bar. The bartenders are so friendly (especially Breezy - hi Breezy!), they have a great selection of beers, and the basic cocktails are prepared stiff and proper.
I love going on Sunday nights when KJ Paul is hosting karaoke. The whole place gets packed around 11pm, so be sure to get there by 9 or 10 for a table! The crowd rocks along with the singers, so it's a whole bar experience.
For a real treat, head to the back and check out the fancy cocktails at The Hideout. My favorite bartender David knows his way around a shaker and serves up some of the most delicious cocktails I've ever tasted. He even made me love gin! What a feat :)
So Dalva. And Sunday karaoke with @KJPaul. And The Hideout. Go get some. -
Review from Jon L.
11/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A fun, low key bar to chill out in the Mission, Dalva is a wonderful place to catch up with friends over many libations.
The charm of the bar isn't just confined to the decor or crowd. I love the random 70s movies that play in the background. There are few things more fun than filling in your own dialog to the action.
Dalva has a great variety of beers on tap and at pretty fair prices too. I really liked the Reality Czech that they had on tap. It's a really easy to drink Pilsner and while hard to find, was one of Dalva's numerous taps.
Dalva strikes a fine balance in the Mission - not too divey, not too classy, not too hipster, not too proper. All in all, just a pretty great bar. -
Review from Robert B.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2012
I have always loved this bar! First time i went there is loved the speak easy style bar and the bartender leslie was slinging great cocktails just like they do back home! Fabulous place to meet up with friends and great cocktails!
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Review from Jennifer C.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2011
I didn't know this place was also a club, but when it is NOT a club and only a bar, I think it's a pretty ideal location to bring a casual date, meet a couple friends for drinks, or kill time over cocktails and goldfish crackers (!!!!) while waiting for a table to open up at Monk's Kettle. The decor is pretty classy and the volume perfect for indoor voices.
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Review from Caitlin H.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
The music was too damn loud for a casual bar setting. As one of my friends said, music should only be this loud if there is a live band playing. Drinks were poorly made, and people were annoying.
I really find no reason to go here. What are you going to do, sit there and starre at each other? Its too loud to talk, and there is no dance area. What do they expect you to do!??! -
Review from Jim B.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
Good happy hour, cool layout. Kind of a mellower version of skylark down the street. Been here for happy hour several times, it is a good alternative to places downtown, where you can chill out, have a conversation, and relax.
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Review from Emily D.
10/1/2011
It's very un-missioney.
And I liked it.
Bartenders move quickly, always a plus.
$5 GnT also a plus.
They play 80's music. And when they aren't playing 80's music, they play something I call "Music That Doesn't Suck."
Gripe: Cash only
Highlight: D&T on tap, the vibe, the music. -
Review from Robert M.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2011
quite possibly one of the worst bars i've ever been to in my entire life. the people giving this place 5 stars must have some mild form of retardation. even for a dive bar it sucks.
we got there and it was dead, yet it still took the girl behind the bar 10 full minutes to acknowledge me, and that was after she poured herself a shot. she saw me standing there with my credit card yet failed to tell me "cash only" until AFTER she poured our drinks. at that point her attitude had been so sour that i simply told her "keep 'em" and walked to the back where our friends were sitting.
sitting in the back in "the hideout" was actually pretty decent, and the only reason this review gets 2 stars vs just 1. the bartender in the back was really nice and as i had run out to get some cash after the debacle with the girl up front i gladly bought a round. the Gin and Celery's are fantastic, i highly recommend.
would i go back? not a chance, not even if i was dying and the only way to get the cure was to deal with that horrible blonde up front.
avoid at all costs... -
Review from Jackson Q.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2011
Dalva has a nice, soft flood of early evening sunlight when you come in at just the right time. Nicely decked Dive, horrible bartender.
If there's one thing I despise, it's people talking to me like they know more than me (that's basically San Francisco in a nutshell) and this bartender was the worst.
He even asked (as my party got up to sit at a 4-top): "Am I that socially awkward?"
Me, in all my glorious honesty, responded with a brutal and resounding "Yes."Listed in: Hole In The Wall, Bars, Mission Impossible
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Review from Beatrice W.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2011
Review of the Hideout:
If I'm going to pay $10-11 for a cocktail, I certainly appreciate it if the bartender crafts it with care. When we ordered one of their specialty cocktails, the Bourbon Mule, our bartender made it, tasted it, decided it wasn't perfect, and immediately tossed it and started over again. When we ordered a standard cocktail, a Rob Roy, he asked if he could make something a bit more creative instead, and presented us with a similar and delicious drink using homemade coffee bitters. Hmm, I wonder if I can order off menu from now on... -
Review from Kevin W.
Mountain View, CA
9/20/2011
Sometimes a good cocktail is worth the wait. And I'm not talking about waiting in a sea of people because the bartender ignores everyone except for the hottest skirt at the bar. I'm talking about waiting at a lowly dive bar while a bartender carefully crafts a fine drink.
Skip the front main bar - the Hideout in the back is the place to be for drinks and a dark cozy corner to hang with friends. The bartenders take forever to make the drinks - looking for specific ingredients and running back to the stock room to get something that's missing. Needless to say, your top shelf drink won't have some cheap liquor or mixer substitute. The special cocktail menu drinks are a bit pricey, but be adventurous, and trust the bartender. -
Review from Mel s.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2011
After all my years living here why have I only gone into this place once?
Dave at the back bar makes it worth while. he makes the best drinks around and plays Motown allllll night. it is like a private little den of loving smooth Sam Cooke and cocktails to die for.
xoxo
will be back to dance it up. -
Review from Don H.
Updated - 6/24/2011
The atmosphere has improved noticeably from my previous review - they still tend to keep the lights very low, but it's got more of a cool vibe, with lots of small red lights and subtle inset-grille lights in the walls, which is pretty cool. Still quite minimalist in feel - it's certainly not over decorated by any stretch - and they still usually have a movie projected against the back wall.
The beer selection is good, and the bar is usually not too crowded, which is better. But the best part is the Hideout - basically a whole second bar in the back, tiny, intimate, even darker than the front, but with fantastic high-end cocktails on a revolving menu, and a rotating set of bartenders who get to ply their delicious trade to an appropriately attentive audience. Seriously - there are all of 6 seats at the mini-bar, with table/bench seating for maybe 10 more people, plus an additional upstairs space that tends to get too warm & stuffy.
The only down side to the Hideout is the volume level - such a small space, with nothing but hard wood surfaces, and as soon as there are more than about 5 people the conversations have to start fighting each other for space.
But other than that minor quibble, it's pretty fantastic. Plus, it may be the only place left in the city to get Todd Smith to make you cocktails. :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/12/2006
Dark, sorta divey in that it's very minimalist - everything looks basically black, and not much more… Read more »
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Review from Patrick S.
Oakland, CA
7/1/2011
Long time customer, but new fan. The Hideout backroom "secret" fancy bar is a real winner. The rest of the place is nice and a good normal bar, but cocktail nerds will love the back room.
It's small and you'll wait 10 min for a cocktail, but it's so worth it. And at similar high quality bars the time for prep is similar in my experience. If you just want a pint glass of gin and tonic, stick to the front room.
Put your trust in the bar tender, I started to say something about liking Bourbon in a savory preparation and he stopped me, said "savory, you have to try my celery cocktail" and then went into a flurry of activity.
The drink was incredible, maybe I'd call it a celery gin fizz? Not sure what it had in it, but I want another. -
Review from Leslie K.
San Francisco, CA
6/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Dalva, I'm pretty sure you're one of my favorite bars on the block.
Right when I walked in there was a couple making out at the bar. What a welcoming entrance! The good thing was that they left enough wiggle room for me to order a drink from the nice bartenders. The place is nice and intimate, almost like a cave of wonders type of lighting. The red candles spread throughout was a nice touch. There's also a screen up above playing obscure cinema for your conversation starting pleasure. Like, "What the...? Are they crucifying that guy? Oh no, it was some dude's crazy dream. Oh shit, no it's not a dream! What the fuck am I watching?" You know, that kind of stuff. A little visual stimulation along with drinks is always a good time. Also, they have a great beer selection. Any place that has Death and Taxes on tap is fine with me.
In the back there's The Hideout. At first we thought it was some sort of exclusive place and thought, "Whoa, a bar within a bar!" That is awesome. They have more of a liquor selection for your refined tastes, also it's a great spot to just hang out with your group of friends without having to move for a crowd of people every second, but that usually happens on the weekend.
This place is always a first stop on the Mission block when it comes to barhopping. Easily accessible by Muni and Bart and just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the other bars in the area. Or maybe you just want to unwind with a nice, cold drink after seeing a movie at the Roxie. Either way, good times are waiting to be had! -
Review from Max S.
San Francisco, CA
7/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I can venture a guess as to why people love this place--they feel cool when they're in the "Hideout." I don't wanna get too Freudian up in here, but I think this claustrophobic cave feeds off our childhood desire to be in an exclusive area doing something really 'secretsy' (i.e. forts, treehouses, clubs, etc.).
Well now that I'm a grown-up, or something like that, I can feel the difference between being cool and elite and being cold and elitist. Big difference. It seems that Dalva, and their clientele, hasn't quite figured that out yet.
If I may return to the subject of adolescence--Yes, waiting 12 minutes for my Linkin Park song to download on Napster probably made me appreciate my music a little bit more, but waiting 12 minutes for my Manhattan doesn't make me appreciate my drink anymore than if I got it in 2 minutes.
Now that that's out of my system, the drinks were good. Just as good as going to any other place that habitually serves "craft cocktails" (I'm almost certain that's how they would describe their drinks).
I won't pretend to be hipster. I won't even pretend to be hipst. Maybe I caught some attitude because I forgot to wear my flannel out to 16th and Valencia again. Maybe I was just a little too buzzed for their liking. Either way, this is probably the hipstest bar in the Mission, and I'm just not sure how I feel about that.
I'm not usually one to bash any small business, so 3 stars for them. I would definitely go back (if Delirium, Kilowatt, Monk's Kettle, Elixir, Casanova, and even Double Dutch were all closed). -
Review from Anish B.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2011
A great spot somewhat hidden to the untrained mission eye. Sandwiched between the Roxie and another spot, its easy to miss this bar when just walking by.
Also located right next to Truly Med... grab a lamb shwarma and go to Dalva for a cold beer or a strong cocktail. There are 3 "places" to sit there.
One is the main bar area, the other is the "secret" room (not much of a secret really) which has seating downstairs next to a bar in back, and then there is the upstairs.
Its actually a really great spot to book the spot in the back/upstairs when you have a big party of people coming with you. I believe you need upto 13-ish people to book the upstairs. Grab grub with your big group, bring it upstairs, take over the area and order drinks like you're at a friend's house and chill. (well, except for the fact you're paying for these here drinks).
Its got personality and just the right amount of hipster nocturnal thing going on where its not annoying or obnoxious. Gets pretty crowded on good nights. -
Review from Zara-Maria S.
San Francisco, CA
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here with a bunch of yelpers for a MAD MEN party which was in the HIDEOUT upstairs. It was pretty crowded and there was bar specifically for the hidehout which was nice. It held maybe 5 seats but there was a sitting area next to it. The bartendars were really cool and attentive. Even though it was really busy they do acknowledge you. They had some delicious and creative drinks like the grapefruit fizz..which didn't even taste like a grapefruit soda. I am not a fan of grapefruit but this was delicious. The music was super loud in the main bar and they had a big screen with something playing. I didn't really pay much attention to see if it was a movie or music videos. They also have a juke box which is always a plus in my book! Drinks were a bit pricey but thats the price you pay to be different.
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Review from Tessa S.
Berkeley, CA
11/21/2011
LOVE this bar! The atmosphere is fantastic, the crowd is fun and the drinks are fantastic. Go to the back room for sure for the really good cocktails, even though the wait is a bit long sometimes. My friends and I usually get drinks and go upstairs to upper room, its quieter so we can have a real conversation, but you still get the Dalva vibe with the lighting and music. I can't imagine going out in the mission without going here.
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Review from Josie M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/3/2011
i love the friendly fun vibe here. the owner is super nice, helped me reserve the upstairs private room without a hitch and was uber responsive.
the only problem with the space is that because the layout of the bar is long and narrow, the hideout backroom gets hot when it's crowded or the weather is on the warmer side. and the upstairs, well it's pretty much a stifling oven by the time you fill it up with your friends. they need to get an industrial size fan (or two) up there and that would alleviate the problem.
other than that, drink selection can't be beat and the cocktails are legendary (gimlet is my fave). the bouncer with the super fro, i think his name is travis is so adorable!1 Previous Review:
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9/26/2011
extensive beer selection. and they have karaoke on sundays!
that.
is kinda
AWESOME
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Review from Betty N.
2/25/2011
**MR. JACK ROSE GREETED ME GRACIOUSLY HERE**
Luckily, the Parking Gods were with us because we found a space right across the street.
Our birthday friend hosted a shindig at the *HIDEOUT* upstairs, but we were inclined to order a few drinks downstairs, especially with our 50% off SCOUT MOB coupon.
The bartender didn't know what a Blood and Sand cocktail was, so I told him to make me his favorite drink. He suggested the *JACK ROSE*.
With a few shake and bakes and a $4 price tag, the JACK ROSE drink was simply delicious. Tasted gourmet; like a true craft cocktail.
The JACK ROSE was so good, I ordered 4 more.
And I was truly BUZZING at the end of the evening.
Nice speakeasy feel to this bar. I liked.
RECOMMEND for the Mission.Listed in: LIVER DAMAGE: SAN FRANCISCO!
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Review from brian c.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2011
Dalva's a good place for good prices on drinks and a glowing orange ambiance. After an arduous search for parking I arrived and the place was packed with both folks just looking for a drink venue and others pre-gaming for the club.
It's a small narrow hangout with the bar running along one side and bar tables on the other with larger ones for groups toward the back. Located even in the further back is an area called "The Hideout" where i met with my group. The Hideout is a smaller area with elbow to elbow room that gets stuffy and oh so intimate. The atmosphere was friendly and lively with music playing in the background and some 70's "Shaft"-esque movie playing on a projector screen hanging high on their back wall.
Aside from hunting for parking Dalva is a great place for drinks and a friendly staff. Located in the Mission it's easily accessible using public transportation (the preferred mode is you're traveling here during prime happy drink hours). It's definitely one of the prime spots in the Mission area and worth at least a 2 drink visit if you're hopping around for the night. -
Review from kelly c.
5/23/2011
Sf Weekly highly recommended this place so I thought I give it a go when the time was right and that time was yesterday night when a bunch of us wanted to grab a drink. When I first walked in, nothing stood out to me. Just looked like a regular bar so we waited until "The Hideout" opened which was about 7pm. The Hideout, I would say, was pretty awesome. Cute cozy speak easy feel and the Farrah Faucett poster just made me smile. It was a total contrast from the rabbit with antlers decor they got next to it.
But it all boils down to drink selection and as a lover of whiskey, the selection blew my mind. It reminded me a bit of bourbon and branch (another bar I love). The posse ordered scotch related drinks and I ordered a whiskey, coffee, orangy taste concoction. One of those got me pretty tipsy. Top it off, with a 20% industry discount, and I am one jazzed up happy camper. Definitely, would come back to try the rest of the interesting cocktails.
o yeah, the music rocks too! -
Review from Jason B.
5/22/2011
Remembered and recommended for the premium tonic (i.e. none of that aspartame crap) they use in the namesake gin cocktail. Rare to see that. Nicely done.
There is plenty of space to relax, especially towards the back in The Hideout. Grab a drink and enjoy. -
Review from monica c.
5/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love the front area of Dalva for weeknight chillage, especially for the beer. Happy hour is never so crowded that you can't find a seat, and the variety of beers they have is pretty bomb.
Other yelpers are raving about the Hideout - but it didn't really cut it for me. The ambiance is great - suuuuuper relaxed and loungey without being smarmy. Just the good kind of loungey - like you're in a cute, dimly lit living room. I just wish their cocktails were more delicious (especially for $10-$11 each)...
The Brooklyn was fine, definitely the best of the three, but plenty of other bars can make this tastier. Their version was fairly sweet, so if you like that, then go for it.
Whiskey in Church was just...bad. I know they said smokey scotch, but dang this was like drinking a liquid campfire. Where places like the Rickhouse succeed in balancing a crazy ass smokey scotch, the Hideout just failed. None of the amaro or pear flavors came through, and there was just a teeny tiny hint of maple.
Toast and Coffee I guess was alright. But after a couple sips the novelty of drinking it wears off, and I'd much rather be sitting there with actual toast and coffee. -
Review from Matt G.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2011
God, I love Dalva on Thursday night. Great whiskey selection, tasty chicharrones, homemade tinctures, and a cozy back bar. Other notables: they have a rotating bourbon/rye flight and Willett evidently stops by occasionally. If you want a chill place to sit and sip on something delicious, then you can't go wrong here.
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Review from Francisco H.
Astoria, NY
3/31/2011
I enjoyed a Moonlight Special here. I planned on only staying for one drink until my cousin showed up and we would go to dinner down the street. I stayed for a few more drinks than expected and I wished i could have gone back for more. If i lived in SF, this would be my drinking spot of choice. The bartender was friendly and he knows how to mix a damn fine gin and tonic.
Dalva loses a star because the jukebox wasn't working when I was there.
My cousin showed up and I gave her a big hug. I downed my beer, sad that I wouldn't be able to return to Dalva before my trip ended. If I ever go back to SF, I hope to return. -
Review from mary ann c.
San Francisco, CA
2/19/2011
ive avoided Dalva for over a year - and by avoided i mean ive gone to every single bar in a two mile radius except for Dalva because my ex used (maybe still does) DJ there
well Saturday i was finally persuaded to give it a go - and its fantastic
I love the regular dive bar in front - speak easy specialty drink in the back
the crowd was perfect as was the lighting
Im sad I waited so long to come here - esp over something so ridiculous ha ha
this will be added to my regular route when Im heading from theives over to 500 -
Review from Zamarise M.
Berkeley, CA
Came here with a friend on a Saturday evening. After hours and hours of shopping in the MIssion we needed a break.
Best way to relax? Grabbing a couple of Bloody Mary's at Dalva.
WTF. I don't even like Bloody Mary's.
These were so good though. MMM. -
Review from Cellina B.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2011
Dalva is a great place for when your date makes plans with you at 10, but then doesn't show up until nearly 11. Yep that was my experience.
Normally I wouldn't come to such a dive, but I was invited by a potential date. I dragged my friend along so I wouldn't have to wait alone. It was supposed to be poetry night in the back room, but apparently poetry night is a thing of the past.
We arrived and it was elbow to elbow with people. Opted for the Sangria at $5. My friend had a Stella served in a huge pilsner glass also for $5. We thought the bartender said $10 for each, but after her $10 was sitting on the bar counter for much too long we decided to ask the bartender how much our drinks were. No wonder he didn't take the $10 because our drinks were $5. Since I am so inclined to drinking $10 cocktails I gave him the money without hesitation proving my utter confusion.
Bartender was super friendly. DJ sets up in a tiny corner in the front. Music ranged from some barnyard two step..whatever that is..take it as you will. Music got better as the night progressed.
Whatever happened to my date you ask? Well after 2 glasses of Sangria I invited another friend as my girlfriend had to leave. By the 2nd round he ended up showing up.
This place is great for being stood up as the drinks are fairly cheap! You will be drunk by round 2. -
Review from Theron L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/7/2011
Oh boy was I in for a surprise when I finally made it to that back bar!
There are some mixology geniuses that work that back bar and I have tasted some rare adult libations from far reaches of the globe I never new existed before.
Their selection of scotch, ryes, bourbons, cognacs and armagnacs isn't encyclopedic but definitely well chosen and varied. I've had many a libacious thrill ride here since discovering the place for myself. Check it out!
I love that word. Libacious. Heh.
That should be in the dictionary.Listed in: Favorite libationaries
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/15/2010
I had a good Woodford Reserve manhattan here. How can you mess that up? You can but they didn't!… Read more »
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