Inner Richmond hangout entices a collegiate crowd with dirt-cheap drink specials.

by Contributor

Lots of seating is available on a black banquette beneath rotating art exhibits, which have included photos of musicians like Outkast and Sting. On any given night, however, the front dartboards may be obstructed by co-eds waiting to order drinks at the bar. Further back, a red-felt pool table sits below a large screen that might be projecting horror flicks, while an eclectic jukebox or DJ keeps the atmosphere upbeat and trendy with tunes ranging from hip-hop to drum-and-bass.

11/21/07

I don't know what bar these other reviewers are talking about

by mdeee

The bar was seedy, as well as the people inhabiting it. as relating to the review, "don't come here if you're stupid..." I am a very bright person a recommend people rethink their reviews -- No interesting conversation whatsoever from others, just creepy lurking men. The place smelled like urine, too, and there was no pool table as advertised. We left after the first round.

• Pros: In Inner richmond
• Cons: smells like urine

11/16/06

Best Bar in the City

by xvxbigredxvx

If you avoid the marnia and the north beach bars (including it's wannabe frat boys & stuck up girls) like the plague, then this is the place for you. The drinks are priced right, the music is always bumping, and the bartenders are super friendly. Check this place out on a week night when it's a little slower and your bartender with actually talk and drink with you. Ton of locals on the weekend and a super chill crowd make this my favorite bar.

• Pros: Bartenders, crowd, atmosphere

06/10/06

Home Away From Home

by nocorners

If you are stupid don't come to the 540 Club. This is a great place to listen to all sorts of music, watch a ballgame, and have geats conversations. The bartenders are the best in the city, Just ask anyone.

$2 PBR!

09/13/04

Hotspot on the "Clement Street Riviera"

by dixonio

Trendy spots come and go, but spaces that truly define cool are surprisingly rare in the renowned bohemian enclave of San Francisco. Blame it on "gentrification"-- long gone are the haunts of legends like Burroughs, Kerouac, Ginsberg, LaVey, and the proto-hippies. The good news is, there are still places that offer a salon-like atmosphere for the culturally eskew. The 540, with ever-changing original art exhibits adorning its Paris-brothel wallpaper, up-and-coming deejays, post-modern cinema on the big screen, a top-notch staff, and a jukebox with over 100,000 songs, supports a steady stream of colorful characters ranging from up-and-coming social critics to transient Bukowski wannabes. And did I mention the surrounding neighborhood is like a postcard from Shanghai?

• Pros: Homey, Eclectic, Funky

09/01/04

The Best Bar in S. F.

by popnfresh

What can I say? The 540 Club totally rocks. I love the jukebox, the DJs and the Sunday nite trivia contest. Not to mention Happy Hour. Behind the bar, Erin and Brooks also make the best mojitos this side of Havana. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Just a terrific neighborhood watering hole, although it tends to get a bit crowded weekends after 9 pm... as it should.

• Pros: Atmosphere, Decor, Music

08/24/04

Swanky and cozy? Rock and roll!

by jessiclair

The bar has several DJ nights, now, but the main draw is the place itself. Not even the French cafes downtown have such a genteel outdoors see and be seen scene. Go inside for jaw droppingly gorgeous wood and brass fixtures - the hooks under the bartop are capacious enough to hold a leather jacket and a backpack, or even one of those baguette purses the sorority girls love. But you won't see many of those here. It's a diverse crowd, good for making new friends or bumping into those you haven't seen in 10 years. And they have Chimay on tap.

• Pros: great bar selection, approachable staff, gorgeous interior
• Cons: , Clement = no parking

04/15/03

In a word, cool. In many words...

by cosmicdick

This place could revolutionize the Richmond. Have one conversation with the owner or staff and you'll see--they're all about creating a laid-back atmosphere for us non-pretentious city folk to put down a few. The drinks are potent, the jukebox rocks harder than anything you've ever seen, and the service is absolutely perfect. Do yourself a favor and go there. TONIGHT. The more money the 540 makes, the longer you'll be able to go to your new favorite San Francisco bar.

• Pros: Great music!, Great service!, Laid back atmosphere

04/10/03

540 Club

by atrixy

This bar is a great place to swish down a few (or more) cocktails at very reasonable prices, meet and mingle with cool people, play anything you want from the great jukebox and smoke on the patio for some people watching. Since it's changed owners the ambience has really improved - FINALLY a place in the inner richmond that has a very cool vibe and stands out from all the Irish bars that line clement street. Definitely stop by for the drink specials and special events, like trivia nite on sunday - drink and expand your mind at the same time - The parties are fabulous though it can get very packed. The fun, attentive and hot bartenders always help out! If you're lucky you'll catch the new owner serving them up himself - even bettah!

• Pros: great booze selection, outdoor patio, great crowd

04/09/03

Hands down the best bar in the Richmond!

by nawdyren

I had my birthday party at The 540 Club & it was great! The owner and staff are really attentive & friendly, the jukebox was top notch & the drinks were poured perfectly & priced right. Everyone had a blast!

The new owner (who is very cool, too) has made some vast improvements to the place - it is by far the best place to hang out in the 'hood. It has so much more to offer than all of the other places around there - good crowd, good music, good drinks, good atmosphere - it's all good!

Go check out how cool the new 540 Club is before the secret gets out!! You'll be so glad you did.

• Pros: great staff, great drinks, great atmosphere