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Lion Pub
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 4:30 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Conveniently a block away from the The Portsmouth Parking Garage and within minutes of some of San Francsico's best restaurants, EZ5 is open Monday thru… read more »
519 reviews for Lion Pub
Review Highlights
"I recommend the strawberry mango mojito."
(in 24 reviews)
"There's a fireplace and table of cheese and crackers."
(in 70 reviews)
"They've got a nightly special always with fresh fruit."
(in 79 reviews)
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519 reviews in English
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Review from Yvonne B.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2012
Lion's Pub can be a hard place to find if you've never been before. It doesn't really have any signs to let you know ,"Hey come inside for a good drink!"
This a good place that you can get a variety of fresh fruit mojitos made. Plenty of fruit and no holding off on the alcohol either. It also helps that there's a good cheese spread in the back with crackers. As for regular mixed drinks, not weak here at all either. It's a good place to go if you have a group of people, just make sure you get there before it gets too crowded or you'll be left with standing room near the bar.
A good place to stop off, unwind and have a good time. =) -
Review from Jeanne C.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2012
3.5 stars.
Not sure why I keep thinking this place is called Lion's Den. Pub. Pub. Lion PUB.
Anyhow, I stumbled here on a Friday evening after a work HH with some co-workers. It was packed by the time we got there. Very interestingly narrow space. If it were shaped more like a square you could probably socialize with people better without feeling too crammed.
The price of the drinks are decent -- around $9 for a strawberry mojito. Lots of young people hang here. Overall it's fun, good music. -
Review from Simone G.
New York, NY
1/15/2012
Let the bartender make whatever they want, you'll get a better drink.
Get there early enough to set up by the fire.
Really mellow vibe with a distinct, snug ambiance. -
Review from Anthony M.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012
Attitude from bartenders, weak drinks, dirty everything and bad music makes this place perfect for knuckle heads. I think Pacific Heights deserves a little better.
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Review from Lucas S.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2012
This is a great place to take a date during the early part of the week. There is a fireplace, and plenty of tables to sit at. The drinks aren't cheap, but they are tasty and have a nice amount of booze in them. There is also a drink special on Tuesday, the night I was there, and I think Monday as well.
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Review from Jack P.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012
It was a toss up btwn 3-4 stars, mostly I really like this place, but a few weeks ago we were in there and I swear, it took the bartender a crazy amount of time to make a drink... Seriously, how much time does it take to make a greyhound and to pour a beer... Maybe he was new... That's why I'm still giving it 4 stars!
It's in the hood so we usually hit this spot a couple of times a month.
The fresh squeezed greyhounds are really a step above the usual! -
Review from jennifer l.
San Francisco, CA
12/4/2011
I could see myself liking this place a lot if the crowd here was different. I've just decided that the people in San Francisco are really weird in general, though.
Anyway, I don't really get it. The place is set up with a a bunch of smaller tables to sit at, dim lighting for relaxing and having a good time with close friends. I don't really see it as a kind of place where you go meet people... more of a place where you go and catch up with an old friend... which is what I was doing.
But for some reason, some guys still think it's okay to grind up behind me when I'm hugging my friend after not seeing her for a long time.
And then later when I'm VERY CLEARLY having a serious / private conversation with her, some other guys think it's okay to join in on our conversation that was, again, very clearly a private conversation.
Maybe I'm being a little tough because I was sober, but come on. If I wanted to be hit on, I would've probably worn something more revealing and smiled more. And probably go to a trashier place.
In light of all this, I really liked the staff and the bouncer. They were all really sweet, and got my one drink pretty fast. I ordered the Moscow Mule, which I thought was overpriced for the size and taste of it (a bit too sweet for me), but I would have liked to try some other drinks.
This place reminds me of a trashier version of Starlite in San Diego.
I think this place would be great on a less busier night when people aren't so trashed or trashy. The drinks / ambiance / set up here just don't really match with some of the crowd. If you're going to get trashed, why are you getting trashed off of nice drinks? Go take shots at a dive bar. -
Review from Joe M.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2012
Hate to admit it but the strawberry mojito is damn good. Even worse, it might be my favorite drink.....of all-time...yes, it is unmanly....but...once it hit your lips...
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Review from Anna P.
Oakland, CA
12/17/2011
Crowded but chill environment. Great place to grab drinks, sit around in a cozy space & catch up with friends.
Easy to find seating and tables. -
Review from Sandy L.
San Francisco, CA
11/27/2011
5 stars worthy because they make their drinks with fresh fruits and serve cheese and crackers for free! The noise level is pretty loud and it gets pretty crowded on the weekends. The drinks are very reasonable, but it is cash only.
Best greyhounds in town!Listed in: Happy Hour! Woo-hoo!, Cheap Eats and Drinks
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Review from d b.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2012
The ambiance is very nice with the fireplace going. It was pretty dead on Wednesday (bring a date if you got one). The bartenders are pretty cool though and the bar is nice. They specialize in mixed drinks (especially ones that have citrus -- Greyhound, bloodhound, bunch of others). They have a $5 special on Wednesdays that should draw in the ladies.
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Review from edward k.
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I think of pubs, I usually think of the UK version of a pub but I guess that is not the case here. Regardless, Lion Pub has a nice atmosphere. There are plenty of places to sit (assuming its not packed) and music is entertaining as well. Bar is only cash which is kinda of a pain and funny enough they price drinks at like $4.50 as to $4 or $5. Not a big deal to me but I'd think bartender would wanna stop messing w/ coins with a bar full of people. On the other hand, if you are parked in meter parking, you know the register has a bevvy of quarters to change out.
i keep seeing people say 'fresh' drinks and I have no idea what that means. Alcohol doesn't exactly get 'old' aside from beer get skunky and not using real fruit or something in there mixed drinks. I feel like that's like saying 'fresh preserved food'. Kind of an oxymoron wouldn't you say? Anyways, great establishment. -
Review from Julia K.
11/2/2011
The FRESHEST alcoholic drinks that you'll find are located right here at Lion Pub. There are only 3-4 bartenders at one time and considering how crowded this pub can get, they do a fantastic job at getting drinks for everyone in a timely manner. This place is definitely a unique find because they have these old school iron casted juicers that they use to squeeze fresh lime/orange/grapefruit/lemon into your drink which makes everything taste exponentially better.
My favorite drink of the night was a strawberry mojito - probably the best mojito I've ever had solely because the strawberries and lime were super fresh - definitely hides how strong the drink actually is. I loved it when I found strawberry chunks at the bottom of the glass - a little bite of fruit is always a good thing.
Another great drink was the watermelon vodka. In each drink is a handful of fresh watermelon crushed into the glass and topped off with a probably not so healthy helping of vodka. Can't say that I liked the grapefruit vodka only because I don't like grapefruit - it's too sour.
Anyway, LOVE the old school juicers, love the environment and I LOVE the fact that I'll definitely be back! -
Review from Robyn S.
San Francisco, CA
12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
This bar is a great neighborhood spot that often gets overrun by bridge and tunnelers. It gets a little hot and crowded at times but is still one of my favorite bars in the city. The owner is a sweet man who is often there for a drink and the bartenders and really sweet too.
The big downside is it is cash only, but they do have an ATM in the back., -
Review from Erin L.
Mill Valley, CA
1/9/2012
I'd heard this place was known for great specialty cocktails but I'm 0-for-2 and will not be attempting a third time's a charm.
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Review from Alison M.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fresh yummy drinks, but it's cash only :-/
Also, what happened to the cheese plate?
Be aware it gets super crowded and HOT on the weekends. -
Review from Elizabeth G.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2011
Bold statement: probably my favorite bar in SF for delicious drinks.
This place is essentially unmarked except for the fact that it looks like a hidden jungle overgrown with plants and a tiny engraved door with windows on the side covered in plants. I think there is a lion's head on the door which is how you know...
The drinks are UNREAL. They legit take handfuls of FRESH fruit and mash it into each glass one at a time to mix these delicious (and strong) concoctions. You really cannot go wrong. Each drink is about $8-$10 and it is cash only... but I swear it's worth it.
The bartenders are usually pretty friendly too. They are willing to chat with you about the drinks while they work if you're feeling chatty.
There's this whole platter of cheeses and crackers... Um awesome? Yes. I think I thought it was an illusion when I first saw it but I went over and took about 4 different kinds of delicious cheeses to snack on.
Great music is always blasting and I hear it gets pretty crowded on weekend nights. Unfortunately it's kind of a hassle to get too and there isn't always easy parking, but if you're in the neighborhood it's DEFINITELY worth it.
Overall, the inside is pretty dark and mysterious - it legit feels like you're in some kind of a jungle because the windows are covered in vines and there's just barely a glow from the fireplace and dimmed ceiling lights. Fun vibe if you want to really impress someone with a unique bar. -
Review from Paola L.
San Mateo, CA
9/26/2011
If you're not with Mojito in hand you are missing out. This place seems quiet because it's in an obscure, hidden off the the chestnut & fillmore st foot traffic, area but damn it's pretty bumpin...really crowded on typical fri/sat nights but must say it's a great crowd. Non douchey, non hipster over load, just ppl there to have a good time. Parking isn't that bad if you look more residential not on Divis and don't mind walking like 3-4 blocks.
If you don't want to have an extreme night out but don't want to be lame at home... LIONS PUB is one of my solid spots of choice. don't mess it up! -
Review from Denise W.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2011
I like how this place uses fresh fruit and has an extensive list specialty drinks. I ordered the strawberry and mango mojito with actual pieces of the fruit. It was good, but really strong..can't really complain about too much alcohol though. Drinks here are pretty good, like the fresh squeezed grapefruit vodka, but everything else...not so much.
The not so good part includes having no food on the menu, the bitchy bartender, and being way too dark inside. I came around dinner time hoping for food to munch on only to find out they don't serve any and they don't do "free cheese and crackers" anymore. Next, the bartender accidentally sprayed water in my face and didn't have the decency to say anything. He looked pretty angry all night too. Lastly, I really don't like how dark it is in there. It makes me uncomfortable to be unable to see where I'm going or who I'm talking to.
I'll come back, but only because they use real fruits in their drinks and the place is close to work. Aside from that, I hope there's a new bartender next time -
Review from Aneliese R.
Santa Rosa, CA
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is fun and really busy on a Friday night. They have really yummy drinks I must say! I had the raspberry mojito and it was fresh and really good- kinda dangerous.
The feel of the place is kinda tikki room at Disneyland. And there is a distinct smell to the place, kinda pine treeish.
Great bouncer he was such a sweet guy! -
Review from Theron L.
San Francisco, CA
6/1/2011
Love this place during the week when it's not crowded. They have some great drinks on the menu and squeeze their own oranges, blood oranges and grapefruits.
During the weekend this place is "A hella ghetto douche bag hell" as Tatyana K has quoted me saying which I probably did the first time I walked through the door on a Friday or Saturday night. You've been warned!
Thanks Tatyana and Daniel for showing me this great neighborhood bar! -
Review from Josie M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/25/2011 35 Check-ins Here
congratulations kelly on making it onto the 1st sfeater DRINK LIST! xoxo
http://sf.eater.com/ar...Listed in: Belgian White Beers (my beer…, My Neighborhood
4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/7/2011
they've taken away the free cheese platters and replaced them with...
SWEET TUESDAYS!
NAKED… Read more »
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Review from Jeanne L.
8/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great happy hour.
Drink had smooth vodka and fruit...
Watermelon chunks -
Review from Carolyn K.
San Jose, CA
7/19/2011
Two words: Watermelon Vodka.
They shove huge slices of watermelon into a glass, mash the shit out of it with a big stick, then pour a copious (sh*t load) amount of vodka to top it off.
It tastes like the sweetest, most delectable watermelon juice you've ever had in your life. Plus, you get bonus watermelon pulp goodies in your mouth too!
Lion Pub has giant lion and tiger statues sprinkled around its cozy establishment. Cocktails are made from freshly squeezed juices and range from $6-$10, for those of you who are concerned about your wallets. Shots are also available (Chocolate Cake!!), as well as some creatively named drinks (which I can't remember right now, due to drunkeness).
Also try: Greyhound (Grapefruit + Vodka) and Mojitos
Note: Cash Only
Must come back soon to try everything else! -
Review from Ashley A.
San Francisco, CA
5/26/2011
Neighborhood bar-- I like having it here, but I wouldn't go if I couldn't walk there.
Best thing: I ordered "chocolate cake" not knowing whether it was a dessert or a drink and got something that blew my mind. It was completely clear and transparent liquid (indistinguishable from water or vodka), yet the smell and taste were like I was eating a big brown slice of cake. It's crazy. What a fantastic drink! You've gotta try it. The other fruity drinks ordered were very good as well, fresh.
Worst thing: Crowded with people, couldn't get in the door at first because of people standing and smoking literally right in front of the door, couldn't get to the bar, couldn't find a place to stand (forget about sit).. which was awkward. The music was kinda fun but not good enough to dance to.
I got the distinct impression that everyone there was either still in college or trying to act like they were. A bit of a strange experience.
So, go, but only for drinks. Then spend your night somewhere else. -
Review from Rebecca S.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went to this bar last Friday night for a coworker's bday get together and was quickly reminded of why I don't go to bars. The crowd is YOUNG. Felt like I was back in college at a frat party. IT GETS HOT AS A MO FO IN THERE. Beckram yoga hot. Thanks for curling my hair up Lion's den. Loud as hell too. Get me the hella outta here.
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Review from Suzanne S.
Kentfield, CA
8/30/2011
The drinks here are great, moderately priced, but the atmosphere is definitely the best part. It's part pub, part trendy club. A little bit country, a little bit city. I agree with the others that say the place gets a little bit hot but it's popular, that happens.
I took away a star because one time when I was here I ordered a drink from a bartender, then watched him walk away and help other customers. After waiting for 10 minutes I decided he had no intention of getting to my drinks or he just forgot so I ordered from another bartender. I got my drinks, then 5 minutes later the first bartender walks up with my drinks and gives me attitude for double ordering. -
Review from diana r.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Thank you to the cute bartender who made my pear mojito.
Thank you to everyone I have met/talked to her for always being nice and not a rude asshole/douche.
Nice place, good music, good vibe, friendly ppl (still the annoying marina girl crowd though sometimes) but cute and relaxed.
Love this place. The End. -
Review from Derrick V.
San Francisco, CA
4/5/2011
Two words: Grey Hound! Fresh squeezed grapefruit, so this drink is their specialty.
I like the layout of this spot, with plenty of space and tables good for groups.
Nice to have in the 'hood. Cash only.Listed in: Pac Heights
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Review from L P.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2011
The drinks here are great! I love the strawberry mojitos. The bartender are nice and Kelly, the owner, is an interesting and sweet man.
If you go there on Friday and Saturday, be prepared for a younger crowd. That can be a good or bad thing depending what you're looking for -
Review from roland a.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
First time here tonight, fun times.
Cool bar, mellow decor, unpretentious and easy going barkeepers.
Sat at said bar, right next to - actually left of - the fruit press. Still smelling like grapefruit, basil and mint. Smelled definitely worse after bar nights.
A mighty speaker behind us made me feel as if I was sitting in the American Idol studio, on the "Club Evergreens" theme night.
Learnt how to shout into someone's ear without hurting said ear.
Did I mention the fun times?
I'll be back. -
Review from Tatyana K.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2011
To quote Theron L, this place is hella ghetto douchebag hell. That might be so but the cocktails are totally worth the bros and hair gel, just don't get the French Kiss because I don't know what's in it but it was not pleasant.
They have fresh fruit and a fruit press and aren't afraid to use it even on crowded weekend nights. Thus resulting in a juicy fresh selection of cocktails. Heck, they even serve jello shots. -
Review from Teri W.
5/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I LOVE Lion Pub. Everytime I visit SF I make my friend take me there. He lives just down the street, so it's really convenient as well. It gets REALLY crowded on weekends.
They have the best cocktails, since everything is made with fresh fruit, which is squeezed on giant juicers on the bar when you order your drink. The staff was very friendly, and there was some nice eye candy bartending as well. ;) -
Review from Brittany P.
San Bruno, CA
6/2/2011
One of my favorite spots. The drinks are so good! All bars should really use fresh fruit and fruit juices, but most don't. That's what makes their drinks great. The prices are standard for everything. We always get some strawberry mojitos to start, and have the bartenders mix us up whatever they want.
I'd say like 80 or 90% of the time it's full of cute guys, and the guy to girl ratio is definitely in our favor. That being said, there have definitely been a few off nights, but the drinks are still good so who cares!
I haven't gone during the week, but I've been meaning to. I hear they have a decent happy hour. -
Review from Priti P.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2011
Great drinks and great staff. The guys who work here are generally good-looking and eye candy is always nice, right ladies? :) The drinks are great - made with fresh fruit! It can get really crowded, which is the only downside but it's usually a good ratio for women - more men than women. Fun place to hang out and meet people and the music is always great too!
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Review from Chelsey G.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2011
Went on a Tuesday night and the place was nearly empty, just the way I like a booze hole to be. The pub is EXTREMELY dark with some sweet red lighting. The darkness is both a plus and a minus. Could get you into some trouble after a few greyhounds.
I was impressed and delighted by the fireplace, friendly bartender and fresh fruit to accompany the drinks. Don't be a baby about the cash only, it is not that big of a deal.
Music was a great mix of hits and styles, kudos on Janet Jackson's "I want to rock with you" at the height of my buzz.
I usually do not venture out from booze n soda, but the pub has a really cool assortment of offerings.
Only reasons I could not give 4-5 stars was because the music was a bit loud and it was difficult to hear my gentlemen friend, and the bathrooms were so dark I could not peep my drunk face. -
Review from Rahul N.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2011
Wen't there last night with a few friends and loved the vibe. Very cool atmosphere and ambiance. Definitely a good place to bring a date and have a couple of drinks.
Try their drinks with fresh squeezed juices. Watermelon and Vodka was great and so was their Mojito.
The music was a mix of a bunch of cool jams. Mostly hiphop and pop. -
Review from Jennifer G.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2011
What happened to this place? OK, so in the past I would have given Lion's Pub a lot more stars because the decor is cool and the drinks used to be really good. But, my past few experiences have changed my mind. They do have a few really cute and friendly bartenders there, but somehow I ALWAYS get this one Latina guy who is really difficult to understand and clearly doesn't understand a drink order and is totally RUDE to boot! I ordered a strawberry mojito from the guy and it was beyond bad. Strawberry juice, a hint of armpit flavor and one solid mint leaf... I mean, aren't you supposed to crush the mint? I get that the place is overcrowded and a lot of other people are trying to order drinks but COME ON... The last time I was there will be the last time I ever go which is a bummer because it's one of the only bars within walking distance of my house.
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Review from David B.
Wow...
I had no idea. Bar is beautiful and long(http://www.yelp.com/bi...)! Polished wood.
Liquor bottles have a back light glow that just mesmorized me to no end.
Old school throw back jams caught me off guard and thinking back to the days...I'm all about kicking back and throwing some down even on a random weeknite.
Bartender made very well mixed drinks as I sat and enjoyed my Caipirinha(http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
To order a beer here is simply an injustice and insult to the skills of the 'tender manning the bar:) But, if beer is your thing then they have that on tap also.
Love Pacific Heights!Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Calvin H.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2011
After a few late nights at work, I needed a drink. My friend suggested this place because it's known for their drinks and it's something new for us to check out. When I walked in all I saw was polo shirts, sweater vest with collars, holy shit....... I blend in! Instead of having one, I ended up having four, It must be the fresh squeezed juices! Usually I'm strictly a Jack and coke type of guy, but this time I got adventurous.
My drinks:
-basil gimlet (excellent)
-mint julep (ok)
-some sort of passion fruit concoction (I'll admit it, I liked it)
-forgot the last one, but it gave me a bitter beer face.
After 2 drinks, I was fiending for another one, before heading up to the bar I asked my friend if she wanted a 3rd screw hound (orange/grapefruit juicd/vodka), her eyes lit up with a kiddish nod and a slight smile, she was super adorable..., she must of loved her juice boxes when she was little. As for my other friend, he ONLY drinks captain, but he caught me off guard and ordered a watermelon vodka, not 1 but 2....WTF!
Just what I needed on a Thursday night! Come here for the spiked juices and listen to some great tunes!
