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- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 2 am
- Music:
- Live
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Touristy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
452 reviews for Gold Dust Lounge
Review Highlights
"Awesome Irish coffee to put a spring in your step."
(in 52 reviews)
"I love how the live music inspires a sing-a-long atmosphere."
(in 41 reviews)
"It's become one of my favorite spots for happy hour."
(in 63 reviews)
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452 reviews in English
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Review from K P.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fun little bar! I can't believe I have lives in the bay area for 5 years and only just discovered this place.
I heard it was super touristy, and perhaps at the weekends it is, but it was a good flow for a Monday happy hour.
We were able to get a big table at the back and the cocktail waitress was round regularly.
Good place for a HH! -
Review from Jessica M.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
I came here with a couple of friends and although it was packed tighter than a sardine can, we had a lot of fun (or at least I did.) The drink prices can't be beat at $3 for a margarita and the people are all pretty nice considering you are jammed up against everyone else.
It's too bad they are closing, I hope I can make it back before that happens! -
Review from Katie M.
Berkeley, CA
2/2/2012
I wanted to get a review in before (and if) they actually close down. My friend and I came in for a quick drink on Dec 23 (we had just come from SFMOMA and were en route to the Union Square skating rink).
The place was crowded but it was fairly easy to get a drink (the bar was well staffed). I don't really remember what I ordered off the cocktail menu (a sure sign of a good night, right?) but I remember it was a little on the sweet side for me. We found seats next to a group of friends who were maybe in their mid-40's. They told us how it was their tradition to meet up at the Gold Dust Lounge every Christmas Eve Eve to grab a few drinks and catch up - how cute!
It's a little cramped inside, especially since you'd expect a bigger place given the grandeur of their front entrance. It's kind of like a long, very shiny hallway. Everyone looked super happy and I really enjoyed the live band - I should probably go out to dive bars more often because I love the atmosphere of these places. Anyway, the Gold Dust Lounge is definitely for an older, more mature crowd but that doesn't mean us younglings won't enjoy ourselves here. The one major downside is that it's cash only (there's an ATM inside, of course), which can be annoying if you're barhopping and running low on cash. -
Review from Krystal H.
Berkeley, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I heart the Gold Dust. It's the perfect cheap, touristy dive bar you just have to pop into when you're nearby. $3.00 irish coffees, glasses of bubbles, and margaritas?! I'm sold. And although I've never dabbled in the extensive collection of "layered shots" they offer -- they look like fun and you can be sure next time I'm with a gaggle of girlfriends, that's where I'll take them. The bartenders are all cutie pies -- even if they're not necessarily straight and are fun to make small talk with. Better to go early to get a good seat and keep an eye out for the live music. So. Much. Fun.
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Review from V B.
Burlingame, CA
1/28/2012
Is this place really closing?
Please, if it were my birthday month (which it isn't) I would wish that for more than anything that the 'Dust remain. -
Review from Andy T.
Seattle, WA
1/27/2012
Save this gem.
A family favorite for 3 generations, The Gold Dust is one of the only bright lights of culture still ablaze in the L.A.-ified Union Square.
Attention Regulars, Beer-&-Shot Types, Suits, Serial Song-Requesters, Thirsty Travelers, Street Performers, After-Shifters, Pre-Symphony Shooters, Geeks, Greeks, Wall Flowers, Mayors, Celebs, Cavorters, Mormons, Invisible Friends, Beyonce & All My Single Ladies:
This is your call to action.
Phone, Fax, Smoke Signal or Write a letter to Handlery Hotels reminding them why you love the Gold Dust. Be respectful, open and honest. Exactly as Dusters demand of Dusters.
Handlery Union Square Hotel
351 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415.781.7800
Toll Free: 800.995.4874
Fax: 415.781.0216
handlerysf@handlery.com
President and General Manager:
Jon Handlery
jon@handlery.com
Godspeed, Gold Dust, god damn it. -
Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Updated - 1/12/2012 1 photo
From their Facebook Page:
" The Gold Dust Lounge opened in 1933 and has been a San Francisco institution ever since. But now the historic Union Square watering hole may be forced to close its doors after receiving a lease cancellation notice from its landlord...
...unless we do something to help! Please, help us save one of the Bay Area's most beloved bars by liking this page, posting your support, and most importantly, sharing your favorite Gold Dust stories and pictures from over the years.
Save the Gold Dust Lounge!"
Like them on Facebook!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/9/2007
The Gold Dust Lounge is a historic piano bar and is steps away from Union Square in heart of the… Read more »
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Review from Roy N.
Updated - 1/7/2012
This is so sad! Just heard that despite having three years left on the lease, the owner of the Gold Dust Lounge has just been hit with an eviction and lease cancellation notice. Apparently, the notice is for three months and the owner plans to fight it, but it appears as though the place will close later this year. Open since 1933, this long-time San Francisco landmark has been owned by the current owner's family since 1965. The reason for this forced eviction? To make way for a big Chicago-based clothing company. As if we don't have enough of those downtown already. Why can't they just build in the huge (and empty!) former Borders books location instead of killing another historic establishment?
Far from a hot spot, but one of the last of the authentic old school San Francisco saloons in which to grab a drink, the Gold Dust Lounge has a loyal following and is a place that oozes San Francisco charm. Drinking in those old world surroundings with the clang of a cable car going by is just so San Francisco! A ton of history here...generations of San Franciscans will truly be saddened when it closes.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/28/2010
Popped in here in the daytime after shopping at Tiffany's last weekend. Needed a drink after those… Read more »
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Review from O. S.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012
One of, if not my favorite bars in SF!!
I've going here for over 12 years now.
Always love to take out of towners here.
It is a true San Francisco experience!
I hope it doesn't get torn down cause of the stupid landlords greed!
Go here sign the petition to help save it-
http://www.change.org/... -
Review from Mazzy M.
Berkeley, CA
1/11/2012
The Gold Dust Lounge is one of the few remaining local watering holes that goes back years.... with regulars that have been coming for years. I am SO SAD to know that some corporate greed is forcing them out. It is a wonderful establishment that the people of San Francisco need to stand up and fight to save.
I have seen so many great venues like this go down for some corporate store/retailer... and those same places sit empty with For Lease signs today... what a shame. And in this economy some lame clothing store is going to come in? I will boycott The Limited for sure, and make sure the word gets out to SF folks to do the same. -
Review from Donna H.
1/8/2012
Such sad news! :( Gold Dust Lounge is facing eviction. See more: http://insidescoopsf.s...
Cheap champagne, irish coffee or margaritas, local charm, live music, usually packed with tourists and natives alike, this bar has been a part of San Francisco for almost 80 years.
Help save it.. Write to the paper, the city.. Check out this fb group: https://www.facebook.c... -
Review from Greg H.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
Simply put, the Gold Dust is a living, breathing artifact that must be preserved. Standing literally inches away from house band Johnny Z and the Camaros as they rock through every familiar tune from the last 70 years is a unique, pure delight. While its location appeals to the out-of-towner, its vibe is a joy to the tourist in all of us.
The movement to keep the Gold Dust in its current location is gaining momentum. With so much homogeneous fodder enveloping the Union Square area, the Gold Dust Lounge should be protected for cultural, historical, and community rationale.
As a citizen, you owe it to yourself to take your next night out gathering directly to the 'Dust. Do not look back. -
Review from Melody L.
Irvine, CA
12/26/2011
A fancy looking tiny dive bar haha. Came here on Christmas Eve Eve, and the place was CROWDED. Went up to the bar to try and get a drink, but unfortunately found that the waitresses get their own station at the bar and we were in that spot. We shuffled over to the end of the bar and I ordered a Orange Creamsicle (?) drink and... I don't quite remember what my friend ordered, but we were a bit surprised to find out that this was a cash only place. Good thing they keep an ATM machine near the bar then.
People in the bar are pretty nice - we were just standing around, and got offered seats and assimilated into a group. There's also a live band hiding in the corner behind some other tables.
I'm giving this place 3 stars instead of 4 because it just seems like such a touristy trap and I don't think I'm likely to come back here. -
Review from Penelope F.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012
Yay! Happy Hour @ my favorite place ;)
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Review from David B.
11/8/2011
Its rough around the edges...
It has multiple screens with sports on...
Happy Hour Margaritas for $3.50! Granted we aren't talking top shelf but if you are looking for a start to the evening then you can get it here.
Want to people watch, then step outside for some air and see the city passing you by along the busiest sections of Powell Street.
Random conversations that I am almost certain no one cares what was said since most in here are tourist anyways! Whatever was said in whatever volume will fall on ears that will leave the next day to another city...
Yep, then this is your place.
Love Union Square!Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Janice C.
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
The saloon type atmosphere has an interesting mural on the ceiling, old wood bar and red velvet booths that have seen many a patrons -- both locals and tourists alike -- throwing back very, very cheap drinks (sometimes taste like it too). Where else in Union Square can you find $3.50 margaritas, champagne and Irish Coffee? it is INDEED happy hour from when they open until 8pm! There's also live music here every night from 8:30pm onwards.
Gold Dust lounge is in no way fancy, but it does offer top shelf liquor. (several whiskies including Maccallan 18, Absolut vodka, etc) They even have Absinthe served traditionally: with a sugar cube and iced water. Pretty impressive for a bar that bills itself a "dive bar".
I think the single stall for the ladies room is kinda gross, but the graffiti is at least entertaining.
When you find yourself $$$ poorer after a whole day of shopping around Union Square, it's nice to know that your bar tab here won't cost as much.Listed in: Blame it on the booze
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Review from Michelle H.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2012
Noo! Don't close this place!
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Review from Jenn M.
Los Angeles, CA
Small, crowded, and loud. But it's a nice and lively place. :) They had a live band playing that night (the eve of NYE). CASH ONLY btw! Bf ordered the Irish Coffee and it was strong but good! I ordered the Tiramisu which had Bailey's in it which I love. It was also strong! Decently priced, walkable from Union Square.
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Review from Jenefer R.
Santa Clara, CA
Went here for Christmas eve with my best friend definitely not what I expected. It was really small and they only did cash but the drinks were strong and they had a live band. It was a bit of a whole in the wall but to my surprise both my friend and I enjoyed this little bar. Probably go back if I was in the neighborhood.
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Review from Vikki J.
Houston, TX
11/25/2011 13 photos
Cheap drinks!
After walking past the Gold Dust Lounge several times during our yearly trip to San Francisco we decided to finally walk in and get a drink. The place is small but stocked, the bar itself is old and so is the furniture, which gives it a nice old saloon vibe.
The drinks are strong, cheap and darn good! During happy hour you see a nice mixture of people.
The Gold Dust Lounge isn't pretentious, what you see is what you get and if you are expecting some fancy ass bar then you are in the wrong place.
It's okay for what it is, a cheap ass lounge with a filthy ladies room that needs a good cleaning but hey did I mention the drinks are strong, cheap and good! -
Review from MikeandKrista W.
Orange, CA
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good place for a stiff drink...other than that, be aware it is a total dive and smells like one too! Bartenders were nice and very attentive to your drinks. Enjoy!
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Review from David S.
12/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bah...came during happy hour and it was overly crowded with no seats and filled with annoying people. Skip.
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Review from Veronica C.
San Jose, CA
10/11/2011
A friend of mine and I used to say "Always good times at the Gold Dust." What happened to that? I was bar hopping with the bestie on Sunday night (I'm a banker- had Monday off for the holiday) and I suggested we have some drinks at the Gold Dust since she had never been. So here I am talking about how fun it is and what not, totally hyping the place up...
We get there, sat at the bar and ordered our drinks. I don't remember the name of the drink I got but it had peach flavored vodka, lime and soda water. I was hoping it would taste a little like peach and it didn't. It tasted like pure vodka (maybe they ran out and didn't tell me?). Anyhow, I guess I can't complain since they weren't skimpy on the vodka.
The bartender wasn't too friendly, but whatevs. The thing that ticked my friend off and made us leave was how rude one of the cocktail waitresses were. She was going to set up a small station at the bar and instead of being polite, rudely says "YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO MOVE DOWN A STOOL OR TWO. I AM GOING TO SET UP HERE!" My bff is very outspoken and I am surprised she didn't snap back at her, I guess it was because she was in shock at how rude the girl was. So she moved over a stool and didn't say anything.
Without any hesitation, the waitress starts putting her stuff in front of my friend (not even waiting for her to move). Her purse handle that was on the purse hook at the bar got stuck and the girl didn't even say sorry. Just had the look of not wanting to be at work and bitchiness written all over her face. We finished our drinks and the bestie said "Let's get outta here. I honestly didn't see what all the hype was all about."
**The bar is CASH ONLY
Lame for someone like me who never carries cash and only uses plastic. -
Review from Ranjani S.
Dublin, CA
I've frequented this place enough to write a review for one of their waitresses.
Dear bespectacled waitress with short hair and tattoo'd hands, yes, you know who you are,
You need to stop being snooty and probably put a smile on your face. I don't care if you hate your job or hate the tips that come your way. You are downright rude. And we HEAR you when you say "You have to pay as you drink" just the one time. Or we'd care to HEAR you when you say the same exact line with a little smile and a polite disposition.
Gold dust Lounge management, I hope you read Yelp reviews.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/27/2011
I'm going to reserve my 100th review for one of the best bars I've been to in the city!
Yes, Gold… Read more »
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Review from Johanna W.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This place is solid. Yes it is in Union Square. Yes it is full of tourists. But, I really like this place. Crowd is always fun. Minus one star because the carpet needs a cleaning.
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Review from Kristin M.
Fresno, CA
1/23/2012
i stop in multiple times when visiting!!! so sad their trying to close this place down?!?!? i love the inexpensive champagne, and mixed drinks... bartenders are always really cool. mike makes the best drinks!!!
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Review from Amy D.
San Jose, CA
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gold dust... looks like an old western saloon. Straight up old school western saloon!
Went to nite tours in SF for their bar crawl, and this was the first stop. We were rolling with 24 people, and let me tell you... Gold dust was not ready for us.
We ended up crowding up around the piano bar area, next to customers that were in the age range of 50+. It was a bit awkward at first since we were all standing there in our skimpy clubbing outfits, but it worked out since their drinks are SUPER CHEAP!
Margaritas $3.50 and Cocktails $4, on a FRIDAY NIGHT?! YES PLEASE! This is the epitome of pre-gaming before heading over to the clubs. The area was small, hot, and crowded which resulted in everyone getting drunk fast. There is also a pizza spot next door, great for hungry drunks (me)! By the end of our stay at gold dust, we ended up partying with little ladies that are the age of my grandmother. They sure know how to get downnnnn!
I would definitely go back for clubbing pre-game or strictly cheap drinks. -
Review from C D.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
not bad, we met her prior to a holiday party, was busy but not packed on a sunday night. Has a old tymey SF feel.
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Review from malocks P.
Los Angeles, CA
12/26/2011
Good spot for cheap drinks and great live music by real musicians. A real treat to see and enjoy. Its a dive but a must see. Make sure you tip the musicians. They can play whatever you want.
It's an older historic place with lots of charm. -
Review from Natalie M.
San Francisco, CA
11/23/2011
This place brings back fond memories of day drinking with my best friend, night drinking with my best friend, once even spilling a lemon drop on her leather jacket as we sat at the round table at the front of the restaurant and we're still friends despite the mishap. Gold Dust is a great place for cheap margaritas, cheap champagne, people watching, I once even studied for my CSET here and yes, I passed. Gold Dust will most definitely be the setting for many more memories.
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Review from Jeanne C.
San Francisco, CA
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very cheap cocktails, beware! Great place to hang out with friends and not worry too much about a crazy bill. The furniture and ambiance is a bit strip club-ish, but who cares!
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Review from Maria M.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2011
If you're looking for a good time, definitely go here. It's a great atmosphere if you like a vintage feel; one of the cocktail servers told me all the decor is from 1933, and the building itself was built in the 1880s. It has a large, long bar and small tables lining the longer walls of the "lounge" (I'd call it more of a bar than a lounge, it's too lively and upbeat to be called a lounge), and basically it's a long & skinny venue, so you'll have to squeeze through some bodies to get to the music in the back, but it's heard very audibly throughout and the few TVs scattered around the bar stream a live feed of the band.
The bartenders are very friendly and efficient, and one of them gave me a free shot since he accidentally sprayed me with a drink, but he was so nice about it, the whole thing was funny after all. The place also attracts a friendly crowd, and given that I was there by myself I actually had a good time.
I was a bit disappointed to find that during my time there (10pm-1am) the peak hour was about 11:30, 12, and after that the crowd started dying down. It confused me because 1) it was a Saturday night, and 2) the place was so much fun! Everyone was singing along to the popular tunes the band played and there were good vibes, but maybe the crowd was bar-hopping, idunno.
In any case, *definitely* a spot worth stopping by! And like the other reviews said, the $3.50 irish coffee is so good :] -
Review from Alice L.
11/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is right in downtown and so cheap! The atmosphere is a bit shady, but the drinks are stiff and the bartender friendly. Probably one of the best place to grab a drink downtown.
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Review from Sanjay A.
Columbus, OH
8/30/2011
I decided to enjoy my last day on vacation in San Francisco by walking and bar hopping around the city. One of my final stops was the Gold Dust Lounge in a busy, tourist area.
First, let me start off by addressing what I'm sure you are thinking. No, the bar is not devoted to the WWE wrestler Goldust. I was very disappointed when I did not find that the walls were covered in his photos or at least some reference to his father, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. Ooooohhhh, Goldust!
However, that didn't stop Gold Dust Lounge from being an "American Dream" of its own. I parked myself down at one of the bar stools in the weird cove kind of area close to the restrooms. A number of users have addressed their concerns that the place smells like urine. If it does, I sure didn't smell it that day. Then again, I was quite intoxicated. Plus, at these prices in San Francisco, it could have smelled like the type of defecation that Goldust has to face in the WWE. Come on, this guy is still a top-level wrestler! Ooooohhhh, Goldust!
I ordered a reasonably priced Stella Artois from the attractive server, and did some fine people watching. There was a couple near me that appeared to be on a first date, so that was enjoyable to observe the awkwardness. At times, it felt like the dude was pursuing Razor Ramon. Ooooohhhh, Goldust!
I asked the server if she could change the channel on the TV near me to the Indians-Red Sox game. She happily did not do that. But, the place was busy and there were far uglier men than me hitting on her, so I can't fault her. Sometimes a far less attractive guy ends up with a sultry vixen. Dare I say it? Ooooohhhh, Goldust!
In the end, I found the Gold Dust Lounge to be a solid spot whether you may be a visitor to a city or looking for a cheap spot to have a drink and talk with some friends or even just people watch as I did. It's a good spot for any time of the day. I wouldn't expect a place named Gold Dust to not have such versatility. Oooohhhh, Goldust! -
Review from Jeremy B.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2011
Well, I am really hesitating between two and three stars....
Let me explain: The place smells bad, really bad, a mix of mold, beer, old cigarette and (wait for it) dust. I don't really mind that much when a bar does not smell like in a Febreze commercial, but I have my limits, and here, its two drinks.
On the plus side, they have crazy deals like 3.50$ champagne, Irish coffee and Margarita. The Margarita is not watered down and the Irish coffee is pretty good. Too bad all the other drinks are overpriced, beer on tap, bottled beer, everything is 1-2 dollars more expensive than most places around. If you want to drink anything else but the special, you might as well go to the Union Square Sports Bar.
Last time I went to the Gold Dust Lounge, all my friends got a drink except one who asked for a tea. Instead of saying "I'm sorry we don't have tea", the server said "It's a bar here" while rolling her eyes.
The rolling eyes cost you a star. -
Review from Kevin J.
San Francisco, CA
6/28/2011
Kind of an old-time San Francisco saloon. This place makes you feel as if you;re taken back to an older time, one with horse drawn carriages and old-western shootouts... right in the middle of San Francisco's Union Square. I recommend grabbing a late-night drink after work or after hours and see what kind of trouble you can get into while in the wild west.
Prices are good and drinks are made decently. Enjoy your time and save your energy. -
Review from Jon L.
This stretch of Powell might be the most touristy thoroughfare in Union Square with folks packed along the sidewalks and the consistent cling-clanging of the trolley bell. Yet, Gold Dust Lounge is remarkably untouristy and local in nature - a welcome defiance against the things immediately around.
Tourists do stumble in though and they are definitely most welcomed. I've walked by for years but always wrote off the entire stretch as tourist traps but coming in one morning for an Irish coffee (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) totally set me straight. First, it's a good deal at $3.50. Second, it's a nice way to start a lazy Sunday. Third, this place is absolutely charming with its old-school decor and witty bartenders.
Gold Dust Lounge has taught me never to judge a book by its .... well, location on the book shelf and it's a lesson well learned. I'll be back. -
Review from Rene C.
6/10/2011
Review #400
This is a big one. An achievement of monumental proportions. This is as big as the construction and completion of the Golden Gate Bridge. And those Mayan pyramids down in Central America pale in comparison to my 400th review.
Engineering feats be damned. My 400th review is about to become the 1st Wonder of the World.
Back in my college youth, my girlfriends roommates family were part of owners of this iconic San Francisco tacky dive bar. Being not of drinking age, this was my ace in the hole. I knew at some point she would bring us here and we would get all liquored up and soon after I would be making out with some hot sophisticated big city woman. My girlfriend would understand right?
Two big fails here. The first one being I did not have a girlfriend who liked to "share" and second, even though we had a connection to the bar. there was no way they were going to serve underage college kids.
Over the years I have come to respect them for that. No, not for preventing my childhood fantasy of a hot older woman hookup, but rather keeping us safe and not serving us alcohol. It's just not worth it kiddies.
The Gold Dust is a San Francisco institution. Located in the heart of Union Square, it's one of the coolest touristy spots in the City. This place houses years of memories. It's tacky 70's decor never tires and you made to feel like a regular even though you're not.
This bar is best enjoyed on a cool San Francisco evening sipping on a Bailey's and coffee. -
Review from Giorgio B.
Thousand Oaks, CA
12/5/2011
They have torpedo ipa on tap. That's really the only positive note! Msic is outdated, decor has never been changed since 1933, bar staff has a bit of an attitude. Wouldn't go back.
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Review from Ching T.
Whittier, CA
6/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Cool gold rush themed lounge near Union Square Shopping area. It's pretty crowded even on weekend afternoons, I can't imagine what it's like in the evening. I get the feeling this place attracts mainly tourists or maybe it's cuz of the time of day I've dropped in the few times I have.
I remember a few overhead tv's as I did catch one of the Laker games in here. Drinks are good and the service both at the bar and tables was excellent. Lol, I got a pretty good orientation on what absinthe is all about.
But goddamn...can the ladies room (NOTE: that be just ONE stall girls) BE any smaller? I've seen broom closets bigger than this! Jesus, you can barely see what the hell you're doing in there unless you're about the size of a tooth pick!Listed in: San Francisco Adventures, Bars & Lounges
