Sight
The Saloon
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The Saloon is a historic bar and music venue located at 1232 Grant Avenue in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, earning a stellar 4.5/5 rating from 214 reviews and ranking #14 of 325 nightlife spots in the city. Claiming to be the oldest bar in San Francisco, it dates back to the Gold Rush era and retains a rustic, old-west charm with wooden floors, vintage mirrors, and a worn-in ambiance. The Saloon is famous for its live blues and rock music, featuring local bands almost every night, drawing a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. The atmosphere is gritty and authentic, with dim lighting and a no-frills vibe that contrasts with more polished venues. Patrons enjoy classic drinks like whiskey and beer, often standing at the bar or on the small dance floor. It's a must-visit for those seeking a genuine slice of San Francisco history and a great night out.
Don't miss
- Enjoy live blues and rock music nightly
- Soak in the historic Gold Rush-era decor
- Sip a classic whiskey or local beer
- Dance to energetic bands in a small space
- Chat with friendly locals and bartenders
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit The Saloon
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine The Saloon with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inSan Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour4.6★ · 307 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →
Best full dayMuir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry)4.4★ · 5,182 travelers5–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$80 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleGoCar San Francisco Tour4.5★ · 914 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$99 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Live music starts around 9 PM; check schedule for bands.
- Cash only at the bar; there's an ATM nearby.
- Dress casually; it's a dive bar, not a club.
- Photos are fine, but be respectful of performers.
A bit of history
The Saloon opened in 1861 and survived the 1906 earthquake and fire, making it one of the oldest surviving bars in San Francisco. It has hosted countless musicians and remains a landmark of the city's Barbary Coast era.
Common questions
Is it really the oldest bar in San Francisco?
It claims to be, dating to 1861, and is one of the oldest surviving bars.
What kind of music is played?
Mostly live blues and rock, with local bands performing nightly.
Is there a cover charge?
No, entry is free.
Do they serve food?
No, only drinks; but nearby restaurants offer food.
Can I bring kids?
It's a bar, so 21+ only.
What's the best night to go?
Weekends have the best music and crowd, but any night is good.
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