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"I loved my experience here. Came on a Mon. night, the place was half fun - live sultry jazz singer, great ambience. It did take the…" read more »
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Good bar, but like many others have said it gets really packed on the weekends.It gets loud and stuffy also. I wouldn't expect warm and friendly service but these guys and gals get the job done (minus a smile).
I would stick to early evening hours to avoid too much of a crowd.
They have a 3 paintings of the same girl topless.
Great hipster bar with affordable beers - went from quiet to packed from 9pm to 10pm Friday.
Pros: Fast, efficient bartenders, who make pretty good cocktails. Full bar with a decent selection of Scotch (considering you're in the Mission). Decent prices and they take credit cards (again, not always a given in the Mission). Relatively high ratio of cute girls. Cool paintings of nude women on the walls.
Cons: Sparse seating. Poor ventilation (it got really hot in there). No barbacks picking up empties or wiping up spills. High noise level when it's a full house.
I was there on a Saturday night and it was pretty crowded. Irritatingly crowed, as a matter of fact. They had someone at the door checking IDs, but they weren't regulating the crowd so I had lots of people bumping into my drink or pushing me to get through. It's a cool bar and I'd love to go back on a night that's not so crowded.
This bar has mentionable charm that's why I lurve it so. There is also a neat back room that a friend had rented out one of the nights I was there. A veddy fun place to dig in ze winter...so cozy. Friendly bartenders are also a plus and from what I can remember the beer is cheap and the drinks are strong. The place can come off as pretentious but it's far from it.
Love it! Cheap drinks, good crowd and great bartenders. They have free peanuts and you can throw the shells on the floor. I was here this past Saturday night and I hate crowded bars on the weekends. I avoid them like the plague. This place was not bad though. Crowded and a little warm, but I still had a great time. The bartenders are on it!
Not much for a beer selection but the bartenders know how to mix a good, stiff drink. This place is great for hanging out with a drink and eavesdropping on high school teachers. Listening to teachers bitch about their students after a couple is highly entertaining.
You and me, doll--we're swell. Settled into seats with our buckles pressed into flesh, jeans hanging loose. I lean over, whispering into your ear, "What'll it be, honey bee?" Slapping your thigh with a spare arm, you insist on a wheat beer, light on the lemon and in a glass fit for melons. I throw you that knowing wink, stepping away and up to the bar, hands laid across the countertop in a stretch for service. This is my fourth time here, a habitual haunt in my dating scene--it starts with an ice-cream, wets itself with a beer, and ends with her plastered over my sheets, yelling, "Oh daddy, won't you please." Yeah, I enjoy the joint, it gets the job done. The room itself is a cheap thrill, complete with beefy women and effeminate men, usually together. Always dogs about too. Some lady has her mutt lashed to the bottom rung of a bar stool tonight; she gives me a firm look as it gets a whiff of my crotch and goes digging.
"Bitch must be in heat," I blurt back, staring at her as the words let fly.
Dropped in with a good friend of mine to catch up and get a bit of a slur on.
The place was packed but we managed to snag a couple of stools at the bar.
The clientele was fine. Your typical white Mission locals and bridge and tunnel that are expected everywhere now.
I almost bolted when I saw a Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence member (or wannabe?) - that shit bugs the hell out of me. Sorry. You ever seen "Shakes the Clown"? I've got a problem with mimes and the like.
But, whatever. Being able to get your freak on is also one of the things that I love about SF... so, rock on.
Peanuts on the ground.
Some coked out chick hitting on me near the bathroom.
Nice bartenders. Beautiful spot.
I'm sure I could have a lot of fun here if the sun was out and the crowd was less.
But busy? Not really my cup of tea but fine for the the one drink and then we moseyed onward.
Who can tell me the name of this bar b4 it became the Homestead? (my memory fails me, it prolly had a couple names), Anyhow, I do like the look and feel to this place and that it's not on the other two main drags of streets. I like the fact that there weren't any teeny-boppers in here. I also witnessed a guy selling frozen steaks out of a box. How cool is that?
I went to Homestead on a Friday night. The vibe was very Williamsburg, which I do like, even though it is becoming a little too common. It was very crowded and the music sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher was on the mic, I could not even tell what kind of music it was. I just heard the sound of people. People were very nice and polite...trading all F you's for please and thank you's.
Stumbled upon this place on my way home from a show at A.Muse Gallery to Mission St to catch the 49, and was lured in by the fantastic old-timey folk music and warm lighting emanating from within. Walked inside to find one of the most gorgeous old bars I've ever step foot in.
Beautiful wallpaper, ceiling, light fixtures, and bar. It looked as though it hasn't changed since it opened in 1904, aside from the clientele, which seemed to be mix of Mission hipsters and neighborhood folk.
Super chill vibe, friendly and quick bartender, large and cheap drinks.
If I ever owned a bar, this is almost exactly what I'd want it to be like.
We only had one drink, then had to be on our way to get some food, and the bartender actually seemed sad to see us go.
Can't wait to go back next time I'm in the neighborhood, and stay for many more drinks.
Victorian saloon meets hipster dive bar. Fuzzy wallpaper lines the walls and peanuts cover the floor. Drinks are cheap and there's no credit card minimum.
If you're looking for an unpretentious after-work drink, this is a great spot.
I really, really liked it.
Both times I went the bar was pretty empty. Dog to my left and peanut shells on the floor. It feels like an old saloon and looks like one too. It is a good thing I don't live nearby or this would be my second home. Bonus points for still having the mini millers. I am sure it would be a different experience if the bar was really jammed up, but it wasn't. Prices were avg. with plenty of cheap options. The cool little details are what make this place a true gem, too many to list.
The Homestead is totally adorable!
I always dig a place with sexy wallpaper.
Great place for a birthday party. You can rent the back room for ONLY $25 and it all goes to charity! What's more, there is no minimum bar tab.
Other than one surly lady who cleared the tables, the employees are super nice and prices are reasonable.
Only 2 bad things about the back room - there is no ventilation, so it gets hot. Also, the music from the jukebox doesn't reach back there, so aside from your boisterous friends, it's quiet - no tunes.
Peanuts, beer and fuzzy wallpaper. Well then!
Here's what you'll find at Homestead:
- Beer you like, whether it's $2 Tecate or $6 Chimay you're craving. Liquor instead? No problem.
- Bartenders that take credit cards and serve snacks. Above and beyond the call for hospitality in the Mission.
- Dogs with friendly owners.
- A padded room. Highly recommended for birthday engagements... as other have mentioned, the $25 rental fee is donated to charity.
- A Mission-esque crowd. The good kind.
Ok, here's the thing.
This place is entirely way too white. And not even in the m]Mission "I am a bohemian white". But in the Marina cheap designer/post college kind of way.
I order the 7th drink and I didn't even slur my words. The drinks were weak and watered down. I blame the bartender and wanted another but she was the only one. I use to be a bartender and that was no 4 count she was pouring. I don't need to have a roofie in a glass (although I might like it) but I would like to walk home with a good buzz.
Not all was bad. I did appreciate the old saloon style bar and throwing peanut shells on the ground.
but, not my cup of roofie..
I came here last week... or this week? Anyway, I came here on a Tuesday. I loved the decor and the history behind the bar. I've only recently been living in San Francisco but I would highly recommend to take out-of-town friends here for a piece of non-touristy SF history. The place has been around for over 100 years!
I only had a beer there, Lagunitas.. must go back and try something else. I'm not sure if they have any signature drinks but that would be neat. Oh and they have peanuts for $1! And you can throw the shells all over the ground - yay for being messy!
i just remembered ive been here. how i ended up here is a blur, and living in the mission for years I never ever knew of it's existence until the night I ended up there. I even made out with my now ex boyfriend there.but i digress.
this place is nice. upscaleish without losing it's Mission bar charm.i should go back here. drinks are reasonable price wise
I loooooove it here... definitely a bar of choice for me... and I lllooove the dogs!
"Don't go gently into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
When visiting a drinking establishment what apt words of Dylan Thomas to be emblazoned above the bar, hmm? Especially one that's been going strong since 1905.
Situated in an area I only walk through en route to Mission Cliffs, the warm glow and bowed heads coaxed me in. With its turn-of-the-century dark mouldings, tin ceilings, wood burning stove and peanut shells chucked onto the floor, the atmosphere feels old-timey and comfortable. What really captivated was the shelves of suberb whiskey and slow sweet smiles of the barkeep.
Though it's a short dash from the 16th St BART, the blocks deter the hipster crowds making it a relaxed spot for a swirl or pint. Another century to the Homestead!
I was cool until a bunch of hippie freaks took over half the bar and started doing their hipppie freak shit all up in my space...I like it classy (clearly) and this sort of ruined the whole thing for me.
On the upside, this bar is awesome when there aren't hippie freaks doing impromptu a cappella tribal music/dance performances in the back half of the bar, where the lady's restroom happens to be. I am the Princess and the Pee and need to make frequent trips, especially when (lots of) vodka sodas are involved. Minus one star for not asking those fools to quit it.
The bar is warm and cozy, long and narrow, and will tolerate just about every kind of drunk yuppy or hipster or tech geek that SF has to offer. The bar itself is old and beautiful and they will give you free peanuts in a wooden bowl that your friends can repeatedly turn over, dumping all the peanuts on the table. Because they are raging drunks.
Go to this bar. Drink a lot. Spill some peanuts. Invite me along. Avoid hippies at all costs. They smell and they just might get tribal on your ass.
It's like having an old, favorite bar the first time you walk in the door. Try their dark n' stormies.
Awesome bar.
Everyone was super chill here, and the ambiance is pure radness.
It really does seem like a pretty great secret to me. One that's too good to keep.
Discovered this place walking from Mission Cliffs to Cellspace. A very long scooter was parked outside (wish I had gotten a picture of it. I described it as a scooter limo, but my friend described it as a scooter hearse), and the windows had a warm glow, perhaps from the people more than the lights. Had to take as step inside.
Classy saloon decor, without trying too hard to be hip like bourbon and branch. Staff was attentive and friendly. Wasn't hard to get a drink despite it being crowded. Good mixed crowd of people hanging out, and having a good time. Roasted peanuts are addictive. The drink prices are up to (or perhaps down to) Mission standards, which is a definite plus.
Good selection of whiskies! Enjoying Lagavulin with some friends on a rainy Friday near a wood burning stove at Homestead. What could be better?
The signage outside tells us that the Homestead has been here since 1905. The nightlife crowd is fickle in this town and if you last 103 years you're doing something right. Offering reasonably priced drinks, keeping historic features like tin stamped ceiling tiles and wainscoting intact without turning the place into a kitschy theme bar, and generally creating an inviting, unpretentious atmosphere are generally the right things to do.
Bear in mind that in 1905 I'm pretty sure this part of town was still a swamp, so people would routinely endure knee-deep mud and mosquitos and brigands to come drink here. These days there are still brigands but no mud or mosquitos and parking isn't even that hard. Don't forget how easy you've got it.
Weeelll, it is a nice crowd of mixed unemployed, unemployable and regulars. Hipster plus not. Over 40 and way NOT.
But my friend who is a bit of a connoisseur of tequila got a 1/2 for her first shot. Short shots only work in muggings, oy, sorry. Admittedly the very nice bartender overheard her and gave her a second shot for free (and yes we did pour it in the original glass and yes, it was a way short shot.) My marguerita was nicely fresh lime juiced per my request but if there was any tequila in there, I missed it. Both were $6/USD.
Ambiance is old western saloon. I say that with some authenticity bc my dad comes from Meeteetse, WY. I spent a couple of nights last summer in a saloon in Cody, WY and they had the same pressed tin ceiling. The Homestead has way more tasteful naked ladies on the wall. VEWY sexy.
I would give it a second chance, esp since parking is pretty easy on a weeknight.
Very laid back with a warm atmosphere. Drinks are pretty inexpensive and the bartenders are generally very quick and friendly.
i don't know, its pretty neat here. peanuts are cool to shell and shuck on the ground. the naked lady paintings everywhere were rad until i got all up in their girl grills and realized that they were just posters. people were running around saying they only paid 3 bucks for their hefeweizen. good deal, but i got myself a boddington's which was on tap!
so, yep, check it out! it san francisco history!
What's going to be my 400th review? Hmm . . . . anything I've missed from the past few weeks? Oh yeah, Homestead.
Wonderful little neighborhood bar. When I used to live near Bryant and 22nd, this was called "Dylan's Pub" and I bet you can't guess which Irish poet this was named after. Apparently Dylan's went not so gently into that good night. It was a decent little spot, but didn't offer the down-home neighborhood flavor that Homestead does. It's the kind of bar that makes you want to be unemployed in the Mission and have an excuse to hang out 'till all hours. Actually, I kind of wish they were here when this was my 'hood - all we had was a more divey, less friendly place on Shotwell, or you could risk 24th and Mission. But I'd rather not.
I had a Manhattan (a good one, and cheap!) and, I think, a Speakeasy IPA. And that's a good drink combo for a night in the Mission. Screw PBR, keep your money local . . .
But watch your head going into the bathroom. It's very easy to hit your head if you're over 6', and do you really want to be the guy half in and out of the bathroom, passed out? That won't be a good or gentle night. You'll surely end up on their Yelp or Myspace page, probably with a dog lapping your face . . .
Usually after several glasses of wine, it's not a wise idea to go for the hard liquor, but upon entering here, I had to. It was a Saturday night (I guess that makes it alright) and it was around 10pm--and there was a SEAT at the bar for myself and all my friends. I almost fell out of it when I realized the luck.
We ARE in the Mission, right? Right.
I'm never in this particular nook and cranny of the woods, and was glad to have stumbled upon this place before a crazy Mission party. There were men in hats and Mr. Rogers sweaters. Puppies. People playing cards. Velvet boobie paintings on the walls and peanuts. Peanuts on the floor! On the bar! On the chairs by the door!
Did I mention the cheap drinks? Um, yeah. We had several.
Friendly service, neighborhood bar. Don't come here. I mean it.
there's not much around this location, but that's somewhat of the allure. i parked across the street and cruised right on in.
cool bartenders, great selection, big dogs walking around (like really big), and old school topless paintings hung on the very high walls.
this place captures the sf spirit, i like it.
Kind of a quasi saloon stylie bar. Kewt people - good for people watching.
When you think of the word "homestead", you have certain expectations and things that pop up in your mind when imagining such a place:
Comfort - The place is nice and spacious with barstools or a few tables and chairs.
Warmth - Yeah a beer blanket or whiskey is nice to keep warm, but how about a raging fire in the corner on a chilly December night while you enjoy your beer or whiskey?
A good drink - The bartenders here make 'em good and aren't scared of chatting it up a little. The beer selection is decent and depending on your budget you can load up on Tecate or throw back a few of the Christmas brews.
Awesomely enough this place feels kind of like an unused living room area somewhere in your grandpa's house. I've found homestead a consistently good place to come a have a relaxed drink.
I guess the only other thing that would make this truly home would be my mom taking a ham out of the oven after about 7 beers.
1 star for free peanuts that you can throw on the floor
1 star for the pre-tv era wallpaper
1 star for having tried my first glass of macallan whiskey.
3 solid stars with tax and hyper-inflation = 4 so-so stars.
Call your local senators to vote against the bailout bill! Either way I'll probably be here on Thursday next week to sulk about the state of the economy.
I went there for a fourth time last night and things went a lot smoother. The beer tasted fresh and the peanuts were flowing. The tamale lady even stopped by, and as I was hungry, her chicken tamale tasted great. Weekday nights are probably better for this place as you get to enjoy the charm a lot more. Get there around 9ish to grab a good bar seat and enjoy the ride!
Easy parking, excellent room. Began the evening with a Lagavulin 16-year as per another reviewer's… Read more »
San Francisco needs more bars like the Homestead.
You hear that, SF? Stop trying to be so freakin' COOL, and just be what you are!
An old town, full of old buildings, that were all built either in the second half of the 19th Century, or just after the 1906 earthquake. Celebrate your architecture for what it is. Victorian/Edwardian. Dark, and creaky, and wooden, and dusty.
The bar here is awesome. So's the ceiling. And the potbelly stove. And the wooden floor all covered with peanut shells... I feel like a gold-diggin' homesteader every time I walk in.
The Homestead makes me FEEL LIKE A 49'ER (and I never thought I'd say that).
And while you're at it, you're a small town, too. You have 700,000 people. New York has 8,000,000. You are not the "Manhattan of the West." People in NYC can be "hip," pompous, assholes. But you, my fellow San Franciscans -- you have to be nice to each other. You're going to keep RUNNING IN to each other.
So do like they do at the Homestead, and just be cool.
Now, drink your beer and eat your peanuts...
The Phone Booth will always be my first love, but Homestead is starting to win my heart as the kind of place I want to make my bar.
Off the beaten path enough to weed out the B&T crowd and obnoxious hipsters from the Valencia corridor? Love it.
Secret former-speakeasy or something-else-cool room with leather-padded walls where they keep the kegs? Nice touch.
Giant (seriously) dog that puts his paws on the bar and pretends he's people? Kinda scary, but okay.
Big enough to sit comfortably at a table with six friends but small enough to still be able to hear each other talk? Just what I'm looking for.
Gold-plated molding on the ceiling? Makes me feel so classy.
Makers and ginger for $5??!?!? Don't mind if I do. Do not mind at all.
homestead...
kitschy... nice bar back and lighting... adorable outside... worn floor. terrific horrible wallpaper and crappy retro tin ceiling.
OK, couldn't decide but I definitely think this is a 5-star place. Drinks are cheap ($5 for top-shelf liquors), service is fast, vibe is good. Plenty of places to sit - lots of stools by the bar and tables along the other side of the bar...and in the back.
I remember coming to this bar ages and ages ago when it was a different bar, and the decor is so much better. The decor is muted and understated but really nice.
There isn't much in the neighborhood which makes this place a destination for anybody who doesn't live in the area, but on a positive note, there was a ton of parking when we went on a Friday night!
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