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R Bar
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 pm - 2 am
Sat 11 am - 2 am
Sun 10 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
322 reviews for R Bar
Review Highlights
"Great drinks, nice people and lots of Fernet."
(in 39 reviews)
"They keep their jukebox filled with classics."
(in 47 reviews)
"LOL I ALWAYS have a great time here."
(in 12 reviews)
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322 reviews in English
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Review from April F.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
BEST CLEVELAND BROWNS BACKERS BAR IN SAN FRANCISCO!!
I moved to SF Bay area almost a month ago & spent the last 4 weeks searching for a Cleveland Browns bars. My only requirement is that I wanted to spend my time with at least more than one backers fan.
All the bars I went to on the SF Backer's list were a bust... up until now!
What I mean is - you go to a sports bar out here & you're stuck listening to another game while being pushed into a corner with one other fan.
The raiders & the 49ers always take the center stage - which I completely understand- I'm in their town, but sorry, I'm a die hard & want to see & hear & enjoy my game!
I heard that the first game of the season at this bar, there were more than 40 browns backers hanging out, but I suppose as the season went on, as always, fans became sparse.
I also read that last review about the browns game from Sept, and I think they might have been one of the 40 who never returned. All is good here now - cozy browns game watching - no spazzy televisions that I found.
Well, I'm posting this review so that other browns fans can come and join in on the fun with all of us. We're here - and it's not worth your time going anywhere else in the bay area - I checked!
This bar did play other games (cincinatti, baltimore, detroit, carolina were just a few that I remember), but because it is a smaller bar, it caters to your needs more than the other big sports bars in the area -
Review from Slim P.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2011
The typical clientele at this bar is over 30 and adds Is and Zs to words, for example "Let's get a drink-izzle." --Jay-Z quit doing that years ago izzles.
People who live over the hill wander in here when they're broke to take shots and feel a little rough because they're hanging out in the Tenderloin. It has a neighborhood reputation for being a great place to pick up wasted bottle blondes at the end of a Saturday night when you have your beer goggles securely fastened, although, I've never stayed there until the end of the night to test it's reputation.
The staff seems cool, it has alcohol, and if you're into sports you can catch the game. -
Review from Deb B.
San Francisco, CA
12/2/2011
Want to talk about my favorite bar in the city.... This is the place! Nothing like having a neighborhood joint with the best bartenders in the City! Ed, Wills, Ethan, Chris, Tod, And Eric you are awesome! Some of my greatest friends I have met while hanging out at R.
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Review from Connie Y.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We came on a Saturday night for some cheap drinks as our first stop for barhopping. We came here around 9:30pm and stayed until about 11pm. The bartender was great! He chilled our drinks for us and was very friendly. We were talking about the movie that was playing on the TV. It was some 80s movie I've never heard about but it was funny. We're guessing it's the movie where "peeping Tom" originated from. Haha. There were some $5 "dude" vodka shots that night and they were okay. We just wanted to give it a try. There was an adequate amount of space to sit at the bar and also some tables on the side. Everyone looked like they were having a good time.
Well, somewhat funny story about the bathroom. I couldn't tell which bathroom was male or female because there were just two pictures outside the doors that you can't really see in the dark. I just went into either one since they were basically just normal toilets with stalls. Haha, oh well. But for future reference, females, your bathroom is to the left and for the males, yours is to the right.
$15 minimum to pay with card, otherwise bring cash. -
Review from Lizzie F.
San Francisco, CA
11/14/2011
Perfect for watching the Duck games!!! 2nd best place to watch a duck game after Auzten... UO Alumni Publication.
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Review from C Q.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2011
What can I say, R-Bar is the place to be:
My gal friends and I have deemed this our favorite bar, it's in the heart of the Tendernizzle and we've even had total fun on a Sunday.
The je ne sais quois of R Bar:
You never know what crowd you're going to get, and it's between either extreme of being very chill or brushing elbows crowded. Either way, it's cool and definitely order a Jamba Juice shot, my fave. Or their famous Fernet which is on the list of bucket things to try in SF.
It may be a place to find someone great:
My good friend met her bf there and after about a year, they are engaged!
************************************************** **************************
They're always on the up and up on holidays/events and it's a cool place to throw a party which I've done twice, once for my birthday and a pre-Halloweenie thing last year. The owners are also Mighty Ducks and Giants fans and when they're not tuning into sports on their flatscreens there's always a good indy/oldie movie playing.
If you happen to stroll in, don't forget to pass by the jukebox and play my fave - 2006!
The crew is awesome, owners are laid back and cool, and you'll feel at home. It's the modern day Cheers where they will remember you and know your name.
************************************************** *************************
They also just opened up the Wreck Room Bar a few weeks ago. Bigger venue with pool table, videogames and hoops. I've only been there once, the crowd was very random when I went. Hyde and California, can't miss it with the big sign on the side of the building. Something new to try!
xo reecey cup -
Review from ruggy j.
1/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
After arriving at R Bar at 10:30pm on the Monday after the Oregon Ducks were contenders in the BCS National Championship game and seeing nothing but empty bar stools and long faces, there was no need to turn on ESPN to determine the outcome of the biggest college football game of the year. Since R Bar is the official Oregon Ducks bar here in SF (not to mention the official Fernet bar!), the place would be rocking well into the wee hours had the outcome been different. Oh well, they'll get 'em next year.
When it's not football season, R Bar is one of those old standbys that's sure to do the trick when you're bumming around the Tenderloin and looking for an efficient way to attain a tasty buzz. Tall cans of Bud Light are a mere $3, Fernet will run you $5, and I'm sure there are a whole host of other drink specials I'm not quite privy to. But rest assured - you'll get in-and-out without spending too much coin. Always a good thing.
It can be a royal clusterfuck on the weekends, though. So like any true alcoholic, try doing your best damage on a Monday or Tuesday night. Otherwise, high tide might sweep you into an ocean of douche. Beat the beat, bro. -
Review from Rimb Q.
San Francisco, CA
8/2/2011
This bar is fun the young kids has to have the music so loud and I have problem hearing that well. It fun to watch how loud people have to talk so they could understand each other. I like this bar
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Review from Jenny L.
3/11/2011
10.22.10
Always a good time on Polk Street.
Just don't end up at R Bar at the end of the night with Fernet. That stuff is disgusting. Why do people like it?
I remembered the first time I tried it at Sens. It looked like jaeger, but tasted worse than any Chinese herbal medicine concoction I have ever sipped. Barf, please.
That said, R Bar still maintains a chill atmosphere despite being packed most of the time. -
Review from Daniel C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/4/2011
Best Jukebox Ever!
Good bar for warming up the night. -
Review from Eric M.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2010
Came here on a Saturday night after going to a post-Yom Kippur break-the-fast, so I was still in my suit. Nonetheless, the vibe was good and the crowd was entertaining. Incredibly nice and attentive bartenders. Drinks were decently priced (there was a special on Newcastle that night, $3, plus you got a free glass!). I was especially happy with how happy and willing the bartenders were to constantly refill my glass of water (between paid drinks, of course). At the end of the night, as a cherry on the cake, my friend and I were poured a complimentary Fernet shot and ginger ale chaser, I guess for being good patrons and fair tippers.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience, I'd certainly come back! -
Review from Andy B.
San Francisco, CA
9/5/2010
The last two times I've been to R Bar, Animal House has been playing on the TV's mute with the closed captioning on. I love it. Kudos to the management.
The scene here leans a little bit more preppy than its Lower Polk Street neighbors like Hemlock or McTeague's. There's a good range of drink choices from dive bar beer cans to top-shelf cocktails. Prices are reasonable. Service is good. The girls are pretty. It's a fine bar in every respect and definitely a place worth dropping by if you're in the neighborhood. -
Review from Troy L.
Whittier, CA
9/13/2011
Place claims to be a Cleveland Browns Backers bar, so went to watch the game. Only 1 of the 7 TVs worked. I could forgive this, since it seemed to be Direct TVs fault (although not changing the TVs until 5 minutes before kickoff is pretty dumb). But even when TVs were back up and running, they only gave the Browns fans - which was about 45 of the 50 people in the bar - the back 3 TVs. And they have the ability to play audio thru the speakers, but were planning on doing audio for some other game that like 2 other people watched. Its enough that most of the country assumes Clevelanders are second class citizens, but it shouldnt be happening at a bar that is claimed to be a Cleveland Browns bar for 3 hours on a Sunday morning.
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Review from Lisa G.
San Francisco, CA
2/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have been coming here for years and it is a great place to come to. I love to come here on wednesday and saturdays to see Eric the most.
This bar is also great when it is not packed to the brim -
Review from Ben H.
San Francisco, CA
3/22/2011
First off, I want to note that they list themselves in the "dive bar" category. I have to say that is why I sent out to find this place. I absolutely love this place. One of my favorite parts is the cooly cups you get. I got one a few years ago that said something along the lines of "R Bar, keeping chest hair cool since 1995" or something very close to it. Great bar for people who don't want to join in the "club" scene. Possibly my favorite watering hole in SF.
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Review from Pani P.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2011
Great place to just let loose, and try not to lose your top!
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Review from Alexa B.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Cool place, nothing spectacular.
I did like the room in the back with some breathing room and a place to sit and relax. I guess I'm not in love with standing in a crowded room getting knocked, trying to drink and socialize at the same time. That's why I prefer the back room where it's a little quieter.
There is a random video game in the back, kind of entertaining.
The bathroom is not good for the claustrophobia folk. The actual bathroom is small, the area to wait in line is small and only fits a few so if the line is longer than 3, you get to wait outside awkwardly (especially if your friends don't need to tinkle) . -
Review from Devon F.
Updated - 10/24/2008 1 Check-in Here
I think I was too harsh on R Bar back in January. It's a little unfair to generalize an entire establishment following my run in with a pushy 38 year old. Really, there is so much more.
- 37 year olds
- Cute 38 year olds
- 38 year old Oregon fans
- tall maybe attractive but who knows because it's dark twenty somethings
- short 38 year olds
- 38 year old Irish men on holiday who tell me that a "falling tree is easier to claim" and then offer to buy me another drink
- "hey we went to the same high school!" "what year did you graduate?" "1988" "Oh"
- 36 year olds
- 34 year olds with Prada phones and who think Abercrombie is for peons
- "I'm the male equivalent of a cougar. How YOU doin?"
Bottom line: this is the bar that I find myself winding up at on a regular basis these days. Super strong drinks (love the absolut ruby red & ginger ale), fun crowd, good movies on TV, and a small dance floor in the back. And an overabundance of men in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Buffet time!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/26/2008
Nice joint with good beer on tap and tons of gentleman folk. Dance floor in the back with a jukebox… Read more »
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Review from Jaime C.
6/10/2008
When the bartender knows just how shitty you're feeling and gives you a new glass of rum & coke immediately after your last sip...
you know you're in the right place.
Oh, and they played "Damn It Feels Good to be a Gangsta"
HOW THE FUCK CAN YOU GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT?! -
Review from David B.
5/31/2009
Uh ok...let's see what I remember.
My friend lost her wallet, some woman tried to take my GF's seat, the bar was sticky, had drinks spilled on my shoes, crowded, loud, oh and it was hard to get a drink.
In spite of all that I have been here a few times...why you ask? Well, sometimes in life to know what are the finer things you have to venture to the less finer establishments that the "commoners" go to. Yes people...it is a typical dive bar in the tender-nob. I might even consider it in the tenderloin.
Outside you have the guy trying to sell you drugs and the few hoodlums that are stealing purses and taking off running, knowing good and well drunk people can't run.
My advice...go here if you like all of this or if you don't care about standards in a bar. Oh, and their bathroom is the size of a broom closet. Even the broom closet might be bigger.
I had a grrrrrreat time!!! -
Review from Amanda C.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2008
Friend that just got dumped: "It sucks! All I wanted to do was have sex!"
Me: "Have you met my friend Alex?"
R Bar Bartender: "Hey, I'm Ethan"
Everyone: HAHHAHHAHAHAHHA
Friendly and funny bartenders, cheap drinks, cool art on the wall (my favorite piece reading "If you haven't thought about murder you've never been in love"), not too crowded, and a jukebox with some of the most interesting music I've ever heard.
Bonus star for having the walls being lined with Fernet bottles! -
Review from jason g.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2008
I've been hibernating the last couple of days but what a way to come out of hibernation by coming for the canned food drive. I always love going to support a good cause. The drinks are stiff, the bartenders are cool, their is a juke box and a dance floor and the decor is a mix between a lounge and a dive bar.
I haven't been here for over a year and todd, the part owner/bartender was very nice and still remembered me. Came here with a group of us. Although I only stayed here for an hour or so, we all had a great time. Will definitely come back. -
Review from Bianca L.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2009
I give R bar 2 stars because they allowed hundreds of snuggies to invade their friday night, and gave us cheap drinks. I'm not really a dive bar kinda gal, maybe it's because I like going out and getting dolled up, and when you do that for a dive bar, people look at you funny.
Anyways, if you are looking for that dark, dingy, almost illegal feel, R Bar fits the bill.
I can't judge the crowd, because we were all in snuggies, but I will say the bouncer was awesome...I'm pretty sure he knew I had my drink in my snuggie sleeve every time I went in and out...he just laughed.... -
Review from Rachel G.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2007
I lost my bra here once and ended up with a fake monkey tattoo on my forearm.
4 triumphant stars for class. -
Review from Leif N.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2010
Supposedly no other establishment in the U.S. sells more Fernet than R Bar. It could be a rat infested, single wide trailer in the middle of a skin head enclave...I'd still love it anyways.
Lucky for me, and everyone else in SF, it's actually a pretty spiffy spot.
Kinda douchey on the weekends.
But a fave during the week. -
Review from Thomas B.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2007
In answer to Patrick G.'s estimation regarding 22 year olds and the discovery of "alcohol", I have to say to him that, yes, he is correct in his outside assessment of this establishment. I remember back in 2002 when this place used to be called "An Sibin", a laid-back Irish DJ bar that encouraged local DJ's to come on in and practice their spinning in a leisurely, friendly and grown-up pub atmosphere with paintings of little sprites and gnomes and faeries adorning the walls with a low-ceilinged back room with black-painted walls and some great freaking music. Whatta spot it was.
What is it now, exactly? I have no freaking idea. I've been there four times in the last two years (all under some kind of duress: "Where you going?" "R Bar." "Oh, really?" "Yep." (under breath)"Fuck."), and I just don't understand the appeal of this claustrophobic clusterfuck that is festering in the Polk Gulch neighborhood.
It's packed. It's hot. It's nearly impossible to get from Point A to Point B. It's full of Marina-types who, as stated above, seem to have just discovered that alcohol will make you feel all giddy and funny and loud and pretty obnoxious. Their jukebox is OK, but frankly I don't trust the taste of the clientele here.
Marina in the Tenderloin. *shudder* Just shouldn't happen. Just shouldn't happen. Sorry, R Bar. I knew An Sibin. I've served some time with An Sibin. And YOU, sir, are no An Sibin. -
Review from Richard R.
San Francisco, CA
11/7/2007
Be nice to the Todd.
Don't yell at the Todd.
Take care of the Todd.
If you give the Todd crap, be prepared to get a mouth full of crap to eat in return.
Todd is one of the owners of this drinking establishment. He does a great job of keeping the atmosphere positive, lively and fun. The drinks are affordable. There is always a good mix of folks to socialize with regardless of the day of the week. There is a bit too much of the Marina influx on Fridays and Saturdays but don't hold that against the bar. If nothing good sports-wise is on TV, then they will throw in a movie to keep things interesting. When the destination is Polk street this is a mandatory stop.
So do us a favor and don't piss off the Todd. Thanks. -
Review from Mike K.
10/29/2008
Hey, R Bar, how about turning the music down JUST a bit.
This is a great place to grab a drink and the crowd is really fun, but the music is just so damn loud. I wish I could stand the high decibels of a frat house as I once did, but I guess my ears are just not up to par. I can stand loud music, but for some reason, it sounds particularly loud in this bar.
The bar itself is great, located off of Polk, and the bartenders get to you pretty quickly which is always a plus. A very mixed crowd with the jeans and shirts, mingled in with the coats and ties. But I guess that's what makes SF, SF. -
Review from Braden B.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2008
This is an extension of Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, a.k.a. the football stadium of the University of Oregon Ducks, and/or, depending on the season, an extension of MacArthur Court during basketball season.
The owners are kind of keen on the Oregon Ducks. They "fancy" the Ducks.
For that- 5 STARS!!!! :o) -
Review from Lara L.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2006
I'm sad to see people raggin on this place. The bartenders--Rick and Chris are the ones I've befriended--are wonderful and attentive. And if you're there often enough you may get a free drink or two, especially if it's a slow night. Also, they typically keep a pack of cigarettes open for patrons behind the bar for those occasional only-smoke-when-I-drink-smokers. The jukebox is stocked with a great selection of modern and classic songs, and if it's a slow night, the bartender will let you pick out songs.
But of course, the weekend comes and the place turns to a Marina sausage fest ...it's true. But i'm not holding two nights a week against my bar. If you want to get a real feel for this place, go on a Wednesday night. They open at 6. -
Review from Justin N.
6/5/2009
This is my 2nd favorite bar in my hood. The booze is reasonably priced and the bar tenders are all super friendly. That's a rarity to not at least have one pain in the ass bartender, I'm impressed!
My first night there after I moved to the hood I chatted with Chris (bartender and I think part owner?) and he effortlessly pulled me into a conversation with some other regulars and I ended up there much later than I intended. Partially thanks to the "welcome to the neighborhood" free Jameson he hooked me up with.
The space is moderate in size but beware: If you go on a Friday or Saturday night the place is a'gonna be crazy packed. We're talkin' wall to wall people environment where you have to squish through people for 5 minutes just to make it 15 feet.
This is all good though, I mean there are a ton of people there for a reason right? The crowd is eclectic and generally pretty drunk. Good times, good times.Listed in: SF: The Loin son, check it
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Review from margie b.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2007
HEY WHAT'S UP??
NOT MUCH, WHAT'S UP WITH YOU?
HUM, NOTHING, ...
....
WHAT'S YOUR NAME??
WHAT??
WHAT'S YOUR NAME??
WHAT???
that pretty much summarize it...this bar is FREAKING LOUD!!! hard to keep up with any conversations. if a conversation is worth it, at all. it's cool if you're with your friend, but people i met there seemed to always be quite of snob-ish and interested in empty talks. however, there is a mixed crowd hangin at the R. some young upper class professional light headed mingle with some more down to earth kids.
friendly staff, and even if the music will lead to hearing loss, it is good muzak.
and it's within a block of like 5 other 'hipster' bars, so good location for a cheesy pub crawl on thursday nites. thus the xtra star.Listed in: places we might bump into each…
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Review from gabe r.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2006
2 Dollar Olympia's in the can.
Constantly give out R Bar Coozies to keep your beer cold.
Oregon Duck Football.
This place is a Win. -
Review from Rhonda G.
4/26/2011
This place is so random but such a good time. Drinks are strong, bartenders are attentive and the crowd is very diverse and friendly! We made instant friends with a ton of people that night, which can be a bad thing if you just want to be left alone I guess. It was pretty crowded but not overcrowded to the point of feeling like you were ass to elbows or anything. Located in a slightly seedy area but once inside you'll forget all about that.
Listed in: Frisco!
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Review from Quinn S.
4/30/2009
I could give a damn about the game on TV, but nobody seemed to mind me sullenly drinking and writing at the bar. Apparently I looked like I needed to drink last night because after buying three rounds, the bartender dropped off a 4th on the house.
Good prices, good beer selection and a bartender who knew the percent alcohol by volume of each off the top of his head make this the sort of place where I could brood again. -
Review from Tom K.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2008
Wow, I am blown away that I have never reviewed R Bar. I live a few blocks away and have been many times. A cool place to come and check out. The people who own the place work there much of the time and are always really cool. On the weekends R Bar can become super crowded (sometimes w/ a large male %) and ridiculously hot during summer with no ventilation of any kind, i don't even think they have a fan in that bitch. If you are a Oregon Duck fan they usually have the flag hanging out there on football game days, and the place is packed. They also the have the MLB package too and is a great option for me to come down and catch the Cubs.
R Bar can have a very different scene from one day to the next.Listed in: My hood
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Review from Adam M.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2009
It's amazing, you can smell the stale and bitter stench of beer from across the street. It's small dark and packed with meathead douchehbags all fighting over the few hammered chicks in the corner.
I am sorry to be a hater, but it is not my scene. Two stars because it may not be my scene but for some of you it is. So, enjoy the STD's and have shot of Jagermeister for me.
Again, I am not a hater I guess I just have my own reasons for not liking this place.
After a night at R Bar make sure to yelp about your local Planned Parenthood. -
Review from Liz S.
5/21/2006
I so wish I could take the weekend crowd that comes to this bar and move it to another location!
Because this is a really GREAT bar with the BEST bartenders, who are fun, funny, friendly, and really good at what they do. The kind of guys who remember you, your name, your drink, and the (self-described) funny annecdote you amused them with during your last visit.
I just learned (after coming here for 5 years) that while they don't offer food, you can order in such neigboorhood treats as nachos and sub sandwiches. Or you can be highbrow like me and spring for a tube of Pizza-liscious Pringles from the corner store. They don't mind.
The drinks are strong and plentiful. The decor is not trendy at all (although they do have "art" now - that's new) - but this is a bar, not trying to be a lounge or a club, it's about the drinkin'.
Yes, sometimes it reminds me of bars I went to in college. But...I liked the bars I went to in college! So is that bad?Listed in: DrinkOlympics
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Review from Nelson W.
San Francisco, CA
3/16/2006 1 photo
Should be a 2.5, but unable to split a star from here.
The bartenders are some of my favorite in the city. Great service!
The pictures in the men's room are the other reason to go there.
However, the Marina factor in this place makes it into the kind of place I don't go to often. On the rare occasion that I do, I remember why I haven't been in a while about 30 seconds into my visit. When this place falls out of style it will be OUTSTANDING.Listed in: Watering Holes
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Review from Ryan G.
San Francisco, CA
7/28/2008
Always have a good time at R Bar. Good selection of music to keep your head nodding, vocal chords blaring or body wriggling. Crowd gets packed in near the door, just push on through and find some space in the back. And find video games and refuge in the super secret vip room to the right of the bathrooms. Can actually find a place to sit and not yell talk.
Drinks are inexpensive ($15 minimum on using plastic) and strong. High brow with some top ish hangar one shelf vodka or knock back cans of Olympia beer. Bartenders will drink up with you too if you ask nicely.
