Madrone Art Bar

Recommends

StephanM

Joined 3 years ago

fun place when its not overcrowded. came to the place a while back when it was still pretty new. they used to give locals a discount based on their zip of their credit card.

got really really poplular so we ran for the hills.

went back not so long ago and although its not what it was its pretty cool. still good tunes and a alot of people watching but when it gets crowded jam. it will not clear out so dont hold out hope that it will.

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NOPAnut

Joined 3 years ago

New ownership, look, and vibe. I've lived in the neighborhood for years and Madrone used to be a weird mix of art lounge / free wireless location with with a total mash of "interesting" art. But the place totally changed when they got new ownership last Spring. They totally revamped the bar selection too, with dozens of new rare alcohols, and local beers on tap like Watermelon Wheat.

In the last year I've been here to see live piano players, jazz bands, hiphop & reggae dj's, and even a video-mixing mashup party. It's one of the only spots in the area where people get their dance on with a pretty mixed crowd. Def worth a look.

Doesn't Recommend

natsnow

Joined 6 years ago

What you'll get for your cover charge. Have you ever been to a poor town in Mexico and you walk by a bar and say to your friend "Hey, let's stop in. This place seems jumpin'" just to find a bored bartender and a couple of bruised up prostitutes leaning against the ear-damaging, blown out, all bass speakers? Oh and of course a group of shady coke heads piling out of the bathroom. SAVE YOUR MONEY!

Doesn't Recommend

saracrown

Joined 6 years ago

Disgusting!!!. So I went there with a friend of mine the other night and this place is disgusting. My friend kept getting touched and groped by a bunch of thugged out dudes that seemed like regulars that OWN the bar. Turns out the actual owner was there (an acquaintance pointed her out) and she was either friends with them or trying to go home with them. We paid our 16 bucks for two glasses of "infused" Seagrams vodka (how cheap is that). On top of all of that some idiot stole my jacket. I have no idea why anyone would support such an awful place when there are so many other great places in the neighborhood.

Doesn't Recommend

gagne12

Joined 6 years ago

Overpriced, underwhelmed. I'm sorry, this neighborhood needs a good local bar, and Madrone just ain't cuttin' it. Niether is Waziema or the Page. Madrone is the worst of the lot. No neighborhood vibe, overpriced and way too crowded.

Doesn't Recommend

killadelphia

Joined 7 years ago

Lame. This is the most disappointing bar that I have been to in SF.

You cannot see the inside from the outside. You just have to pay the cover and find out. I had heard good things. I found it to be the exact opposite. There are a handful of chairs on the side, a lot of open space, and really loud music. It's very, very, much like an extremely lame college party. Except pricier.

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misslaurat

Joined 7 years ago

best dance party in SF. i don't know who y'all are, the folks who populate the small but crazy cool dance floor here, but you're all super. and you djs, you're great too - i can't remember the last time i went to a club and loved the eclectic but awesome music the way i do here. every time i've been here i have a great time and don't even mind that the drinks are a little on the pricey side. sometimes i mind having to pay a cover, but since it's never much and it goes to the DJs i'll consider it a donation.

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sfreviews

Joined 7 years ago

Great place, but watch out for attitude. I really like this place, in theory and otherwise. Interesting and unique decor and drinks, and usually good music. Neighborhood place. I did have a bad experience with a VERY rude bartender though who gave my friends and I some serious attitude, as she attended to her friends who came by to visit. The rest of the bartenders were cool though.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A north Panhandle lounge replete with live music and original artwork.. The Scene
Casually stylish 20-somethings pack this place on any given night, relaxing on mismatched furniture (lining the right wall) or bellying up to the dark wood bar. In the center of the rectangular room, snaking wood chandeliers cast a dim glow over the tiled dance floor and blue-ish walls adorned with art.

The Draw
Most evenings feature live music, from electronica to bossa nova, or a DJ. The makeshift stage is located at the far end of the room and it's on the same level as the dance floor, creating a sense of coziness. Madrone can get crowded midweek (in addition to the weekends), but there is plenty of bar staff and drink choices to keep everyone happy--from 11 infused vodkas illuminated behind the bar to 24-ounce cans of Bud ($4). Menus have the look of handmade photo albums and feature dozens of cocktails with kitschy names like Rollerskating on the Highway.

Recommends

uhleesha

Joined 7 years ago

TRY IT, U MIGHT LIKE IT. Although extremely crowded on the weekends with a stiff cover charge to listen to someone play records this place is worth checking out. A rare and unique find is the attentive and dare i say friendly bar staff. The snacks they offer are also a nice plus and the ever changing local art makes for a interesting atmosphere. If nothing else stop in on the weekend and have Adrian mix up a cocktail for you. He's easy on the eyes....and pours a mean drink.