Madrone Art Bar

3.5 star rating
573 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Lounges, Music Venues  [Edit]

500 Divisadero St
(between Fell St & Hayes St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
(415) 241-0202
$2 Tuesdays

We make $2 holla
$2 Tecate $2 for live music with Steppin
Jazz, Boogaloo, Funk, Badness!
$2 x 2 = $4 Jameson
Dynomite!

Hours:

Mon, Sun 6 pm - 2 am

Tue, Fri 4 pm - 2 am

Wed-Thu, Sat 5 pm - 2 am

Good for Kids:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Outdoor Seating:
No
Music:
DJ
Best Nights:
Tue, Fri, Sat
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Very Loud
Good For Dancing:
Yes
Ambience:
Hipster, Trendy
Has TV:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"And they have a ton of infused vodkas." (in 54 reviews)
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"Weeknights are great, and happy hour is even better." (in 64 reviews)
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"If you like Motown, go to Motown Mondays." (in 7 reviews)
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573 reviews in English

  • Review from Brandon R.

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    • 11 friends
    • 93 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    Came here on a Sunday night and there were a fair number of people. From the other reviews, sounds like it gets packed. Anyways, it seemed like a lot of locals go there, but they are all really friendly, and talkative. A couple of times they would just start a conversation, really made me feel like I want to go back. We mostly went for the live music, who were really a mix of jazz and latin than pure jazz. They were still really good and played for 1.5hrs, took a break, then came back on.

    And I am not sure if the bar is dog friendly, or if that was the owner, but there was a 6 month old mastiffe sniffing around lol.

  • Review from Gina R.

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    • 25 friends
    • 37 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/15/2012

    Love, love, love Madrone!! Small bar/lounge, but what I love the most is the vibe and free atmosphere. Dance floor is NEVER empty (although it is small), and no one gives a f*ck about how they look. It's just good, fun-lovin vibes all around.

    Minus one star just because it gets sooo packed sometimes and really hot. But I still love it!

    Drinks are also really tasty. Love the "Lola" just because it's name after my Lola :) And it's delicious!  Will definitely continue coming back here for good dance nights in the city.

  • Review from Danielle P.

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    • 33 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Redwood City, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/2/2012 1 photo

    I started visiting Madrone monthly back in 2008 when I came across a Facebook ad advertising Prince vs. Michael.  Since I am a huge fan of both musicians, I rounded up some friends and we went to check it out.  

    We came.  We drank.  We danced.  We laughed so hard we cried.  We found the bathroom, waited ten minutes, and peed so we could comfortably laugh some more.  We found the fan.  We danced a lot more.

    There are tons of regulars at the PvM (I believe it was renamed Prince and Michael after Michael Jackson's death in 2009) events and the staff likes to invent creative artist-inspired drinks to celebrate Prince and MJ.  I remember being served a drink with a single white (latex) glove once in honor of MJ.  The art displayed in the place rotates and is consistently creative and certainly adds character to the venue.  If you arrive early enough, you can grab a laser printer print-out of Prince or MJ's face glued to a popsicle stick.  Many people dress up as Prince or Michael, but it is not required.  Once you get inside, there are music videos and live performances projected onto the walls of Prince, MJ, Jackson 5, and Janet Jackson performances.  If you're anything like me, you will know every song that comes on.  The DJs will mute out music to make sure you're singing along from time to time (You may find yourself enthusiastically screaming "HEAD!!" from the Prince song around bunch of people who are unfamiliar with the lyrics when the DJ mutes the music).  Sometimes the DJs will put on some freakishly realistic masks.

    My only complaint is this event started to get super popular and I found myself getting more and more smooshed by the excessive crowds inside enjoying the music and zany Prince and Michael Jackson fans.  Between that and the excessively difficult parking situation, I rarely come here anymore, but PvM will always hold a special place in my heart.  :)

  • Review from Amanda C.

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    • 4 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    1/29/2012

    I do not recommend this bar.  It is way too packed, drinks are too expensive, and the owner Mike is really rude.  Go down the block to the Page instead!  Free entry, cheaper drinks.

  • Review from Cat N.

    Milpitas, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here

    We went for the Fringe indie dance party, and got there before the $5 cover kicked in at 10 pm. Parking isn't easy, but then again, where in San Francisco is it? It's not a seedy area or anything, so we didn't mind walking a few blocks.

    This was much much tinier than I expected! The music was great, with a good sound system and it was nice that they projected the videos. It was awkward that the dance area was in front of the bathrooms and beside the front door, so there was always someone pushing past you.

    The drinks aren't terribly expensive, but I was annoyed that it was cash only. The bartenders were nice and gave us lots of water though, and the door guys didn't mind that we kept going in and out so much. If you do go outside, you can skip the line and go through the back door with your stamp.

  • Review from Nick K.

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    • 67 friends
    • 65 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/28/2011

    ***Good***
    Fun to dance. Good music. Good crowd, minimal creepers.

    ***Bad***
    Crowded. Loud. Bar is average.

    ***Recommendation***
    Check this place out on one of there "Michael Jackson vs. Prince" nights..

  • Review from Gigi M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/11/2012

    I'm a Hard Core Prince Freak and can never get enough Prince Music in my Life and the Monthly Prince and Michael Experience gives me my FIX and then some!  I've been enjoying DJ's Dave Paul and Jeff Harris for over 9 yrs now and eventhough I moved back to San Jose a couple years ago I still try and make it to Madrone as often as I'm able to.  I dance HARD from the moment I walk in to the moment the lights come up and I'm drenched in sweat!

    Madrone is the quintessential SF Bar with a multi-diverse crowd of super friendly people!  From Security to the bartenders to the fabulous Prince and MJ DJ's to the insatiable crowd, it's like NEW YEARS EVE every party!

  • Review from Lisa N.

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    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    On my quest to find free live music in San Francisco, I went to The Madrone Art Bar on a Tuesday.  Every Tuesday, this funky artsy place offers free live music that starts early and goes late, plus drink specials.   The Crow Eaters began the night pumping out tunes and the place was filled by the time the second band began.  Tons of people dancing.  For more details on my experience at the Madrone Art Bar and other places to see free live music in SF check out my article, "Free (or super cheap) Live Music Every Night of The Week in San Francisco" at http://questforzest.or....  Hope this helps music lovers!!

  • Review from Kim B.

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    • 9 friends
    • 34 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/20/2011

    I dragged my crew here in the rainy weather for the indie music night. Waiting in line for ~20 minutes in the rain wasn't exactly a great start, but I was happy to pay a $5 cover for the tunes. And then dance dance dance! Loved the weird decor (disco bomb, I want you for my apartment), loved the bumpin jams, loved the super strong cranberry vodka (was there ANY cranberry in that? not complaining!).

    Even though it was super crowded, we found that the very back of the bar usually had more room to breathe and was a few degrees cooler. The crowd was pretty diverse, it seemed like there was a good variety of unique drinks, and it's always a plus to be able to throw your coat onto the huge coat pile on top of the piano and it's still there at the end of the night!

    I want to/must/will come back!

  • Review from Star C.

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    • 3 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Hayward, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/12/2012

    For a tiny place, Madrone has a big heart!  

    Even when the place is super-crowded, the bartenders are quick but still friendly.  I also like quirky, artsy vibe. This is definitely the place to be for the monthly Prince and Michael Experience.  If you like good music, good people, good drinks, and BIG FUN - get yourself to the Madrone every 1st Saturday of the month!

    :-)

  • Review from Queen B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    10/13/2011

    So besides the absolute boring-ness about this place ( ie; the dark and ugly colors and decor) the people there are straight up snobbbbbs!!! The Art is very drab and simple ( a 4 year old child could have made better pieces)!!! I would have liked to see a lot more color considering it's an ART BAR!!!

    And whats up with the chalk menu??????? That's classy!!! (NOT)            At least learn how to spell and write nicer!!!

    Trust me.... spend your hard earned money some place else!!

    Not worth it at all!!!!

  • Review from M K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/30/2012

    I really wanted to like this bar because I did love the decor and the weirdly grabbing video shorts playing on the projector; however, the amount of the people stuffed into this smallish bar.  Luckily I didn't have to wait in the crazy long line outside (there for a birthday party, the birthday boy knew a guy) but if I did I'm pretty sure I'd take off another star.

  • Review from Shad B.

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    • 124 friends
    • 62 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/25/2011 9 Check-ins Here

    I will have to say, Madrone is one of my favorite bars in the City.  Everyday, there is a different theme.  If you like Motown, go to Motown Mondays.  You like 80s? Check them out on Friday nights.  You like Funk, head there on Tuesdays.  They have Prince and MJ cuts on Saturday nights on some weekends.  They even have live bands that play on select nights and this guy that rocks out on the piano from 6 - 9 on some days.  

    The Bar has good beer and unique mixed drinks.  They change the art on the walls every so often.  This is my default bar to hit up during the week.

  • Review from Jamie B.

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    • 14 friends
    • 27 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/16/2011

    Madrone's MJ vs. Prince night was so fun, I didn't even mind the crowd.  And with the minimal $5 cover, reasonably priced and extensive drink selection, I can see why people pack themselves in!

    The crowd was like someone gathered people from every neighborhood in the city, shook them up, and poured them all into Madrone.  We had your too-cool-for-school hipsters, "I'm just here to dance" kid, serious hip hoppers, and a few "diving" from the upscale neighborhoods-- just to name a few.

    What did we all have in common?  Michael Jackson!!  Okay, that's not quite true.  But hey, it's a night of MJ vs. Prince, and you can guess who I rooted for...

  • Review from Rachel M.

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    • 14 friends
    • 70 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/3/2011

    Funky drinks, a delightful variety of DJs and events, awesome decor, low $5 cover, a diverse crowd, art on the walls and in the front of the bar before you go in -  all in all, a damn fine location for fun.  Probably what you'd expect in a city like San Francisco, pretty much.  I like that it's an artsy dive bar that's a few steps above what you went to in college (oh, the video projection screens - that brings back memories).  I also like that the crowd loved the music on the night I went to, and as I was on the dance floor looking around at the scene and the fact everyone was enjoying themselves on a Saturday night dancing to wicked tunes, well, I said to myself, "yup, gotta Yelp this place".  Since I tend to get into dancing, the fact that I stopped to say, "yup, gotta Yelp it" should be an indication that it's worth checking out.

    The only downside and the reason for not getting a 5 star is that it was incredibly crowded - which isn't in itself a reason not to go, but yes, a little claustrophobic and hot when dancing. I don't mind a crowded dance floor at all, but the whole damn space is crowded (ordering drinks, only one bathroom, not too much seating).   This is definitely not the spacious Mega One Named Dance Club (Poison? Sin? Beats? Ozone? Zen? etc.) you're used to downtown.  Not much the bar can do about the narrowness of the size, although I'm glad they had both front and back doors so if I'm there when the Big One hits at least I won't be trampled.  Just a word to the wise for those who care about those things.   However, that's a First World Problem to have - and that the place was packed is an indication that people (at least these smart folks) know a good thing when they see it.  Still worth a visit for a great SF experience.

  • Review from Joshua W.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/29/2011 10 Check-ins Here

    I'm ashamed to admit that I lived within a few blocks of Madrone for years and never went until a few months before I left the neighborhood.  DJ's/clubs aren't my scene, and that's the impression that I had of the place due to the lines/cover charges.  What it actually is, is a great local bar with an awesome cocktail selection and a good beer selection as well.  Just come here early and you'll have a great low key evening with some tasty beverages.  Later on though they bring in DJ's and charge a cover, so that's your signal to move down the street to the Page.  This place is also a great place to have a few cocktails while you wait for your table at Nopa down the street.

    In short
    Madrone Happy Hour - Chill and awesome
    Madrone Evening - Too cool for school crowd/clubby/hipster.

  • Review from Emily D.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/25/2011

    I loved the inside. $5 per vodka soda/GnT. Good stuff.

    I came on 90s night, expecting 90s pop but got 90s rap. Still fun.

    I want an Ike Turner. Something about getting bitch slapped there seems appealing.

  • Review from Aasim K.

    Santa Monica, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/12/2011

    Live band. Cheap. Nice Crowd of different backgrounds and ages. It was nice to get away from the Polk Gulch which I have become too familiar with.

    Bottom Line: Come with some friends and expect to have a great night  full of great music and fun.

  • Review from Mariya K.

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    • 4 friends
    • 20 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/20/2011

    I live a few blocks away from this place and it's a good Friday night spot. They don't have too many places to sit and it's kind of dingy inside, but never the less, with the right company, this place is fun!

  • Review from Cathy N.

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    • 262 friends
    • 52 reviews

    Redwood City, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/8/2011

    A friend ask me to meet them at a place called Madrone. Having a sense his artistic background I figure it was going to be a cozy spot to meet up.

    When I spot it from across the street, it looked like a small quiet bar. When I walked in a live band was playing on the small stage on my right. The bar was located in front of me.

    The walls were filled with artwork and paintings. The art displays composed from people's creative minds and even rolls over to the deep and dark meaning behind each work. Very interesting.

    The bar is a bit dark, but it creates a relaxing ambiance vibe. If they had low volume music I say it would feel like a speak easy feel. On a Tuesday evening however, they have a band call Steppin' which plays quite lively. It's been awhile since I heard funk and forgot how funky it sounds. After the first song, I found myself bobbing my head to the sound.

    The crowd filled with people with politeness, different, diverse people. It was pleasant.

    If you love art and paintings and live bands, this is definitely a spot for you to have to check out.

  • Review from Natasha R.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/30/2011

    I love to dance- but hate the majority of clubs.

    I don't like electronic music.
    I don't like the B&T crowd.
    I don't like leaving my neighborhood.
    I don't like paying $20 so I can spend $12 on vodka sodas once inside.

    Instead I come to Madrone.

    They have a long specialty drink list, which boarders on comical. For instance the "Ike Turner" a shot of Hennesy and a slap in the face. Not sure if the bartender actually slaps you....but I'm really curious. (But not curious enough to order one)

    Being far from cookie cutter in decor, the local artists rotate out on their wall space. Paul Madonna is currently featured, and one of my favorite pieces says, "We never change, we just become more of who we really are." And the swamp monster, that one made me giggle.

    But here is my favorite part- 90's night. I never understood why the music of your early teen years sticks. At 14 I recognized the phenomena repeatedly in adults and wondered if I would be doomed to listening to Third Eye Blind for the rest of my life. Another Paul Madonna piece asks the question, "In what generation will you get stuck?" I may not be stuck (yet) but I will ALWAYS hold a certain affection for the music of my era. So my whole point is, I love Madrone for their throwbacks plus the giant projector screen showing music videos (do they still make those?).

  • Review from Amber S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/16/2012

    Thats right the most cracking place to go on a MONDAY and even reaches capacity! You would think it was a friday night in the 60's because people are dancing to motown all night! It gets going around 10pm and works out perfectly to catch a $2 pint down the street at the burger spot then head in for a $3 well drink and $5 beer. The bouncers are awesome and will dance through the crowd with 20 glasses and they will pounce on anyone causing trouble! Mondays are officially called MOM (motwon on monday) and along with killer djs they offer a massage table to loosen up those dancing muscles! Cover is usually free sometimes can be $3 if the demand is high so get there early and be ready to get down!

  • Review from Ryan T.

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    • 43 friends
    • 21 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/21/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Definitely a legit bar. $5 cover, decent selection of beer, not too pricey, and a very cool artsy atmosphere.

    Coming from Wisconsin I always hope that bars here in SF will have a good selection of beer. The selection was pretty decent and they did have the Lunatic Lager which I found to be pretty delicious.

    As far as atmosphere goes I'd say this is where they really excelled. I came on an 80s night so they had old school 80s videoson big projectors with awesome dance/techno remixes of classic 80s songs. The music was pretty loud which made talking slightly difficult but definitely possible. Most people were standing closer to the bar and there was a DJ with a small dance floor going on towards the front of the bar. Also, the art all around the bar set a really cool artsy mood and also provided topics for conversation.

    Overall definitely a very cool bar, not somewhere I would go casually or very often because of the cover and music volume..but if I'm planning on a long night of debauchery...this is definitely an awesome place to stay.

  • Review from Erin M.

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    • 36 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Great bar - live music, great drinks, photobooth, good weird conversation starters on the walls...

  • Review from Denise S.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/26/2011

    Madrone is one of those places that you are so grateful to have stumbled upon.

    I was lucky enough to have wandered in on a Monday night, which is Motown on Mondays. I had so much fun dancing and listening to incredible music all night. It's a small place, so it get's kind of crowded and very hot. I must admit thought, with the sweaty dance floor and Motown jams, it was very Dirty Dancing.

    They have a fabulous bar and great cocktail menu, which is plastered all over the walls and categorized by the poison of your choice. Everyone was cool, the service was quick and the patrons were having fun. They also have a woman there giving massages - $1 a minute, which is kind of awkward, especially if you have to stand next to them.

    Bust most importantly, the art is pretty awesome. There are some pretty fantastic pieces displayed throughout the bar.

    What a great place.

  • Review from Amelia M.

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    • 39 friends
    • 302 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/16/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    I am a fan of Madrone.  I have gone to several of their different nights... salsa, 80's, Prince vs. Michael.  I have had a great time at all of them.  The place can get packed, but there is always a good time to be had.  The staff is friendly and the drinks are good too.  Parking can be a pain at times, but if you MUNI it, you should be fine.  I am still waiting to see the famous... or infamous Ike Turner drink ordered... it brings a surprise!

    PS - This place is cash only!

  • Review from Francisco S.

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    • 19 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Woodside, NY

    4.0 star rating
    11/29/2011

    Great place to hang out. The staff was super friendly the day I went there and the music was banging. I went there for the party TROPICANA, one of the best parties in the bay area hands down.

  • Review from jennifer l.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/15/2011

    $5 cover? not impressed.  it was crowded inside when i came here on a saturday night, but it was towards the end, so i was far from sober.  

    didn't end up buying drinks, and just kind of stood around with the 10 people we came in with.  

    the decorations were interesting, but not really my style.  this place just isn't my scene.  don't think i'll ever come here again.

    san francisco would have a place like this.  exactly as i envisioned.

  • Review from Erica L.

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    • 25 friends
    • 88 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/14/2011

    Madrone makes the BEST KAMIKAZE cocktails. Get the girl bartender to make it, she puts in generous splashes of fresh lime juice and for some reason it tastes the best when she makes it.

    Thursday free salsa dance classes night 9pm-10pm.

    4 stars is because the bathrooms are always dirty and a really huge line.

  • Review from Roxane W.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Love the music, love the atmosphere, love the crowd.  

    Although the staff could use a slight attitude adjustment, but I'll deal - with decently priced drinks, a nice space for a dance floor, funky themed parties almost every night of the week, and ceiling and walls adorned with art, you really can't go wrong here.  

    Minus one star for a $5 cover. Just up the drink prices by $1 or $2!

  • Review from Allison M.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    I JUST found out about Madrone Art Bar and I can not be happier with this discovery.

    My dream has always been to paint a wall in my house with chalk board paint so that I can write huge notes to myself and doodle and basically act like a little kid.  I have always been obsessed with writing on chalk boards.  My 5th grade teacher can attest to that, as she made me write my name on the board at least thrice weekly in attempt to shame me into being quiet while she was talking. HA! Joke's on YOU, Mrs. McComas.

    Madrone's chalkboard wall proudly displays drinks and specials, but also showcases the drunken idiots who have left their tabs open at the bar.  I find this hilarious- even better, since my name did NOT appear on the list. Phew! ;-)

    Look forward to returning her many times, especially since it's in my hood!

  • Review from Misha T.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/10/2011

    motown monday is pretty cool and though I won't say I get it, the art on the walls is pretty cool too.

    i forget the name of the drink but it was basically a vodka gimlet  but i really enjoyed it. Nice and refreshing cucumber and mint with a clean finish.

    cash only!

  • Review from Kori M.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    Friendly bouncers, great bartenders, awesome DJ. No douchebags in the crowd to be found. Madrone's I like you. I like you a lot.

  • Review from Anthony S.

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    • 28 friends
    • 106 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/5/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Been here just once and it happen to be on Salsa night .. great time, short lived, but the vibe was fun drinks were fine and its a cool atmosphere .. random art on the wall, fun to look at ... live dj and big screen in the back with seating ...  I hope to be back soon

  • Review from Mia M.

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    • 3 friends
    • 32 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/8/2011

    I came to this bar on a Friday 80s night and had a blast. I was a little skeptical at having to pay a cover, which I always hate doing. The crowd was chill, fun, and diverse. The bouncers were cool. Lots of people dancing. Great music. Great reasonably priced drinks. Everyone friendly and happy. The photo booth is a plus as well. I'll definitely be back. Worth the cover charge.

  • Review from Ashley W.

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    • 13 friends
    • 62 reviews

    Saratoga, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/29/2011

    I've only ever been to Madrone for the Prince and Michael Experience! First Saturday of every month :D
    I love this event and the bar itself isn't bad either. My only bone to pick is that it gets Hot. As. All. Hell. I have to make sure I'm wearing something airy and have my hair up, and even then I'm a sweaty mess when I walk out. Partly because we dance hard lol.. They've got a big fan running next to the door but it seems like they could do more for the temperature.

    Drink prices aren't cheap but they're not a ripoff either. I wish the line wasn't so long, but hey, you have to respect that they observe the fire codes. Clubs are no fun when you can barely move.. and the art on the walls is always cool to look at during the Prince songs (I'm there for Michael) :P

    The clientele are always nice young folks. No fights, no falling-down drunks, minimal slutty club girls.. and I always get compliments on my sequin glove :D

  • Review from Karena Q.

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    • 20 friends
    • 156 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Came here per a friend's recommendation and will definitely be back. Stopped in on a Thursday night and it was pretty empty except for the folks doing the free salsa lessons and a few dogs (still getting used to all the dog friendly places!). Delicious looking cocktail list (with entertaining names) and all NorCal brews on tap. Two thumbs up. Not super loud, even with the salsa folks. I like.

  • Review from Leana L.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/25/2011

    A Friday night in the city... I can't believe I haven't visited the Haight Street bar scene before! A friend took me here and after a $5 cover at the door, we got our hands stamped and in we went. At around 11pm, this place was pretty busy, but not overly crowded to the point where you can't move. We went to the bar to order some drinks and getting the bartender's attention wasn't an issue. The cost of drinks looked pretty average (they have a drink menu written all across the walls of the bar).

    There's a DJ who played a mix of great 80's music. If it's not top 40's stuff, I can be pretty picky about my music, but this DJ was awesome. Sure the music videos playing on the TV's didn't match the music, but I took it all in stride.

    The crowd is a mix, but does include a fair share of hipsters (but since you are super close to Haight Street, what else do you expect?).  At least they weren't snobby or overly cliquey. As far as their drinks go, I ordered my default, vodka and cranberry, and it came out pretty weak. I'm out of practice and even after two drinks, I barely felt like I had anything to drink. I tried a sip of my friend's Jack and Coke and I could definitely taste the Jack!

    Anyways, this is definitely on my list of places to go if I ever feel like going out for a night of dancing without the hassle of dressing up for those clubs out in SOMA.

  • Review from Billy D.

    Madison, WI

    4.0 star rating
    5/1/2011

    So many Tecate's.

    We popped in here after a friend's party, and it was busy and fun. Lots of dancing late at night.

    It's also weird to me that the bars close at 2am in San Francisco, but that's not their fault.

  • Review from Dan R.

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    3/3/2011 1 Check-in Here

    After another phenomenal dinner at NOPA with some old and new friends, we meandered over to Madrone for a drink or two. Our new friends mentioned it was just nearby and suggested it as a great spot. I was completely overstimulated by the sights in this place upon arrival ... and that was only the beginning.

    You have to go there to soak it all up, really. Just inside the door I noticed a photo booth which I thought would be great fun after a few more drinks, in a step further there was a massage chair with someone getting a massage in the middle of the bar, people dancing about, and the walls were strewn with very expressive and creative works of verbiage and visual arts.

    Two of my favorite visual pieces were the Burberry rifle and the Jesus bleeding tears. Some great music was playing throughout that didn't match the video montage of the Jackson Five that was playing on the far wall. The diversity of the crowd was great, except our group stood out a little. We were accepted, however.

    The scariest part of my whole experience was the conversation I had at the bar with a girl who I thought was going to kill me. She expressed her interest in me, then quickly insulted me. I unintentionally insulted her in return and I thought she was going to choke the life out of me. Instead, she invited me to chat more outside while she smoked and I choked, and she went on to tell me more about her interest and her hate for me because I somehow reminded her of her ex-husband even though she just set eyes on me five minutes earlier. She briefly offered to take me home, but I chose life and sharply declined.

    Good times! Cash only. Bring friends who will watch your back.

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