Lion Pub
San Francisco, CA 94115-2113
Phone: (415) 567-6565
- Cross Street:
- California Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Exotic Drinks 2006
- Hours:
- Daily 4pm-2am
Editorial Review for Lion Pub – by Daniel Liszt
The Scene
There's no sign outside this corner bar, only an abundance of foliage. Dim track lighting helps cast an orange glow over the mirror-backed bar, which advertises daily specials. On the left, plants and a couple of lion statues surround marble-topped tables. Adding to the casual, romantic vibe is a faux fireplace and candles atop each table. A wall of mirrors makes this place seem bigger than it is; the clubby music is at a decent level--so much so that boisterous conversation can often be overheard from nearby tables.
The Draw
Everyone from neighborhood 20-somethings to groups of 50-somethings come here for free food and specialty drinks. Selections vary from season to season, but it's always fun to see bartenders juicing grapefruits or grinding cantaloupes after an order is placed.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasUnder the TV (showing sports on "mute"), a complimentary plate of cheese, crackers and olives is set out nightly.
Know Before You GoThis is a cash-only bar. No green? There's an ATM near the bathrooms in back.
Where to SitThe tables in front of the fireplace are coveted during chilly nights. For larger groups, there's a big table in back next to the ATM.
Look GoodIf the free cheese doesn't fill you up, head to nearby Solstice, which has a late-night dinner menu.
User Reviews for Lion Pub
11/01/2007 Posted by danbee1
What a shame. Once a nice gay bar, it's been invaded by (ugh) heterosexuals -- the fratboy and sorority element, at that. Don't these people have enough places to go without dragging our institutions down to their disgusting levels?
Pros: It's been in business a long time
Cons: Heterosexual fratboy pigs
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
08/04/2007 Posted by bristow1
I'm a gay, high end, professional businessman from Las Vegas, and I've been coming to the Lion Pub for about ten years, every time I'm in the City. I certainly regret that the gay character (mostly gay, professional males who live in the area) has beem deminished over the recent years, but at the same time, I'm fascinated to see this "discovery" of a great bar by the apparently straight, female professional class (and there boyfriends), as if it was all something brand new. The Lion Pub was a great bar ten years ago, and I'm sure will remain so (under present ownership) for many years to come. It's fun to hear the Ladies rave about fresh ingredients (ambience, etc.), when many bars have been using fresh lemons,limes & pineapples for an awfully long time. Gee, Gals, you really do need to get out more. Fortunately for the Pub, the Ladies are so together & professional that they would never think to stay in a bar beyoud nine o'clock, thus giving room for the decadent fellas. I've little doubt, that if we get a female president (much to be wished for ), you girls will discover a whole new San Francisco openning up to you. The bottom line is, the Lion Pub is a small gem, and now that gem is known throughout San Francisco. We who love her, give to the City, the Lion Pub as a gift. Who knew?
Pros: Ambience, Bartenders, Service, Location
Cons: Happy Hour Often Too Popular
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