Raging, Fernet-centric industry bar in the Polk Golch.

by Patrick Heig

The two veteran bartenders/owners of this Polk Gulch "industry" spot invest quality time in customer conversation, with neighborhood locals or after-work regulars, and often join them for a shot of Fernet. That bitter appertif, served SF-style with a ginger ale chaser, is the poison of choice among the city's bar and restaurant workers, who make up a large part of the clientele here. Besides the art deco mahogany bar, there's nothing special about the place itself, yet virtually every night of the week there's a jostling crowd of giddy, attractive and tipsy twenty-somethings three deep at the art deco mahogany bar, eager to hand over their just-earned tips for a after-work drink and the comraderie that comes with it.

06/18/08

R - Bar

by VonSalzman

A must stop when I am in town. Miles of smiles and friendly locals - sports friendly, or not - best bartenders and a real place, not artificial in any way.

11/08/07

Perfect during the week bar!

by patricescott

Great bartenders, atmosphere and people(before the 12th drink!). Don't let the outside appareance fool you, you have a lot of regulars and a great jukebox. Can get a bit crowed on the weekends, it's a perfect during the week bar to get your drinks on! Big time Oregon Ducks bar!

• Pros: prices, service, attitude of people, jukebox
• Cons: space, amatuers,

Impeccable service and expertly mixed drinks make this more than just another Polk Gulch hangout.

by Contributor

In Short
The two veteran bartenders/owners invest quality time in customer conversation, regardless of whether they're a neighborhood or after-work regular. Fellow bar and restaurant workers also make up a large part of the clientele, as can be seen by the long shelf lined with empty bottles of Fernet, their favorite poison. Past the art deco mahogany bar and cream-colored, embossed walls, a small open space features casual seating with vinyl cube stools.

08/10/05

i love this frat scene!

by jwlee113

the crowd usually consists of a lot of guys in button down stripe shirts (ladies, read the stripe shirt guy article in the bathroom!) and i always kick and scream when i get dragged there by friends. but every single time, i end up getting drunk and having a great time! must be something in the drinks...

• Pros: friendly crowd

05/10/04

Great Find

by hlittle1908

As a San Francisco native it was really nice to come across a place where so many other natives come to hang out. You are likely to run into all your favorite bartenders from other spots throughout the city here. They all tend to hang out at the R Bar. Very diverse crowd and lots of fun. They also have a wide variety of different cocktails. You'll love it!

• Pros: Inexpensive

03/18/04

Great Bar

by hubbell

The bartenders make everyone feel special, men and women, and they get your drinks fast. They put on a show somewhat reminiscent of the movie "Cocktail". Oh, and they aren't shy about pouring a great, strong drink. Love this place!!

• Pros: Fast Service, Excellent Drinks, Handsome Bartenders

03/01/04

Great place...

by mcgnsf

This bar is great. Friendly bar tender, great drinks and so far a really mellow crowd. Ill keep coming back.

01/03/04

#1 on my list!

by diamondkim

Went to R Bar on its "unofficial" opening night, and we' ve been going back ever since. The bartenders & owners are cute, friendly and always ready to strike up a conversation. The drinks are amazing, the vibe is great, and they're always playing good movies at night. You'll always get great smiles and great drinks here. R Bar is #1 on R list. ;-) Thanks, boys!

• Pros: Great Drinks, Great Bartenders, Great Service

12/16/03

Best Bar in Town!

by sflemondrop

Ok, maybe not THE best, but the R Bar has the most friendly and down to earth bartenders in the city! Why do you think every bartender and waiter/waitress is IN the R Bar on Sunday nights?!! Great, friendly crowd.

• Cons: Hard to park