Saloon

03/09/2008 Posted by TexasTBone

I love the Saloon. I've been traveling to San Francisco on business for over a year, and I always make it a point to experience a city's local flavor, searching out restaurants, clubs, working out, etc. from a "local perspective." My favorite cab driver, Jeff, recommended the Saloon after I had gone to a great sushi bar at 9th and Irving. There were no regrets with this recommendation, and I always try to go back, particularly when Johnny Nitro is playing on Friday nights. His wife plays the sax, and she's a high energy, working the crowd kinda lady. Their lead singer who plays keyboards (Susan) is from Nebraska, but belts out songs like she was born and raised in New Orleans. I always dance my socks off, and it doesn't seem to matter whether I have a chair or not as I spend most of my time on the dance floor. It's not a pick-up joint, and the patrons are diverse - like SF. The age group is from 45 - 80. There are many regulars that I recognize, and always a few chaps from the other side of the pond, who dance badly, but are fun to listen to. I went to the Saloon last Friday as a going away party for myself with a few friends (I've been transferred to a new territory). I've ended my work in SF with many good friends and experiences, and great memories. The Saloon is one of them. To Doc... you're a great dancer... don't stop kicking up your heels.

Pros: Great atmosphere, energetic music, fun dancing, and local flavor

Cons: Parking, can get crowded, restrooms are so-so.

07/22/2007 Posted by audreyjl

Ok, so this place is a total dive and always smells bad BUT it's always a great time! They've had live music every night I've been there and it's so much fun to just hang out with friends, listen to fun super loud music and dance like crazy. We usually end up here on our way home so it's a last stop of the night and we always love it.

Pros: live music

Cons: smelly

05/04/2006 Posted by bijouxb

The Saloon is the oldest saloon in SF that said it isn't a fancy fern bar, but it delivers the best, blues and inexpensive drinks. I have gone there for years, the bartenders are part of the atmosphere. They are all fun JoAnn, Huck, Auggie, Mary Ann and their doorman Greg. It is a blast, my favorite musicians are Steve Freund, Cathy Lemon-Johnny Ace, and Ron Hacker.oh yes and then there is RJ Mischo.If you go to SF you should go to the Saloon and see the real deal!!!

Pros: no food, good music, interesting people

Cons: parking

12/04/2005 Posted by boogiechile

Plan on seeing great bluas at the Saloon.The artists are real, the drinks are great . .I saw Ron Hacker and the Hacksaws do a great show (featuring bay area bassist Artis Joyce). Out front on the sidewalk my girl was entertained by a seventy something old. tap dancing, blues harp wailing old gentleman. Tommy Castro used to play there often, so you never know how deep into it your gonna get.

Pros: Great Blues, Good Booze, Small

Cons: Smalll

11/15/2005 Posted by chefbum

this place is an SF institution. If you love the blues, down and dirty style with some grit and a lot of history, look no further. It's hard to park in North Beach, though. This place is on the other end of the spectrum from Biscuits and Blues, which is slicker and fancier.

Pros: great blues, johnny nitro, history/atmosphere

Cons: parking, parking, parking

05/09/2005 Posted by sabina_z

We've been to Saloon several times, the music is good, but it's just a type of place where you go in, hear a piece or 2 and go somewhere else where you can relax and have a nice cocktail. This place only serves very basic drinks and has very uncomfortable seating. The crowd is mostly in their 60's, there is nothing remotely cool about this place.

Pros: Good blues

Cons: No Ambiance, No parking, Too Crowded

10/21/2003 Posted by japellegrino

I visit the Saloon every time I'm in the city. It smells like old beer, but the people are great and the music is rockin'. Watch out for the steps in the men's room.

07/01/2002 Posted by bhageman

This is my favorite spot when I want to hear live blues and have a nice, stiff Jack & Coke. Draws a wide crowd from toothless down and out to cute chicks that want to dance. No matter who, always a very friendly crowd.

Pros: Great live blues, Fun, friendly crowd