Li Po Cocktail Lounge
(415) 982-0072
916 Grant Ave
San Francisco,
CA
94108
37.7954
-122.4062
Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Northeast
Last updated 7.01.09
What People Are Saying About Li Po Cocktail Lounge
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
During slow evenings, a couple on a date may be engaging in dice games at the bar, while the barkeep plays cards with regulars at the far end of the snaking counter. Beneath a giant hanging lantern, a Buddha statue sits in contrast to the souvenir shop-quality photo of San Francisco's skyline. On busier nights, the red booths in back host boisterous barhoppers.
User Reviews
anyikui
December 29, 2008
This little bar is a great place to drink and chat with cool strangers of every stripe. Like the poet the place is named after, it's all about drinking, rubbing elbows, and enjoying life. Check out the poem on the wall near the back, and if you can handle it try a shot of ng ga py (pronounced nn-gah-bay), the South Chinese moonshine with a touch of wormwood and a helluva kick. This drink is featured in Steinbeck's East of Eden--Lee recommends swirling it around the roots of your tongue.
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charmaineinator
September 03, 2005
this is the best bar ever. you will get a lot of value for your money. my friend and i were attracted to the bar by the fact that it looked like a cave from the outside. if you love dive bars and happen t be in the vicinity of chinaown, definitely check this out. the bartenders are very gracious and they have a lovely tabletop pacman arcade game. the drinks are great!!!! one tip: take public transportation!!! you will be sloshed and parking's not easy to come by. and another: watch out... the stairs down to the restroom are quite steep, so hold on to the rails
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Anonymous
July 04, 2005
This is a classic dive bar. It has all the ambience, or lack there of , of one including regulars who have been coming to there for many years, and perhaps have never left. Great kitsch on the walls and chinatown location make it a must. PROS: Fun place to meet some neighborhhood folk CONS: Not exactly upscale drinking experience
read full reviewThe Details on Li Po Cocktail Lounge
Know Before You Go:
Bring cash; this bar does not accept credit cards.
Parking:
Spots are typically easy to come by in this 'hood.
The Extras:
There is a photo booth on-site but don't get ready for a photo-op as it has been broken for years.
What to Drink:
The house specialty is the mai tai, but patrons typically stick with stiff mix drinks or a limited selection of bottled beer.
Category:
Lounges, Bars & Pubs, Neighborhood Bars, Dive Bars
