Some people come to Buddha Lounge for the nightlife. I came for a speedrun. Walked in, grabbed a Chinese Mai Tai ($15), watched the bartender absolutely clean up on the presentation, and I thought, "Respect." Smooth, balanced, dangerously drinkable. Then came the only financial decision I'm actually proud of that night. Drink: $15. Tip: $5. Twenty bucks. Fair trade for good service. I thanked the bartender, chugged the entire Mai Tai in one glorious pull, nodded like we had just completed a business transaction between professionals, and walked straight back out the door without looking back. No second drink. No lingering. No bad decisions. Just in. Drink. Tip well. Exit. It's less of a bar review and more of a reminder that sometimes the coolest move is knowing exactly when to leave. Highly recommend with my utmost respectful regards. read more

Was walking around Chinatown looking for a bar and came across Buddha Lounge. It's super cute, tucked into the streets of Chinatown. I liked the decor and it was very clean. Unfortunately it took a long time for my order to arrive. This was because the bartender, the only bartender, forgot about our drinks as soon as we ordered. The place is very small, and it was obvious that we were sitting there for a good 10 minutes with no drinks, waiting for our order. I knew the bartender forgot because he served everyone else instead of us. We had to remind him of our order. Also, it's hard to catch a vibe in there because they have the music system where you can pay for whatever song you want to be played. Too many different songs. Just stick to a cool playlist. read more

Stopped by for a beer and to eat some dim sum from close by. It was not busy and had plenty of seats. Nice bartender, delicious beer. Definitely would stop by for a beer or a mai tai when in the area again. read more

Buddha Lounge - Buddha beer - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Walking through China Town and stumbled inside this cute spot around 2pm bc the hubs needed the bathroom real bad. LOVED the bartender, the patrons, and the vibe. The drinks were strong and it was a great place to just stop and relax as we made are way from China town to Little Italy. read more

Buddha Lounge is a hidden bar nestled on the corner of San Francisco's Chinatown. It's right across the street from Li Po Cocktail Lounge which is a bar that people will usually hit up together because they're so close. They both also serve "Chinese mai tais" which is a mai tai with rums and some baijiu (Chinese liquor). I ordered the Chinese mai tai here after just having had one at Li Po. While the one at Li Po was on the sweeter side, the one here was a lot stronger. I watched the bartender as he made the drink and I could tell the percentage of alcohol in the glass was way higher. I knew it would be potent and it definitely tasted so. This bar serves "Lucky Buddha" which is essentially beer in a unique Buddha bottle. When we came here on a Saturday night the music was playing loudly and it had more of a loungey and clubby vibe compared to Li Po. It had a more modern interior and had bar counter space where people congregated. If you're looking for a lively vibe with a cool history this is a great spot to go. read more

Buddha Lounge - Chinese mai tai - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

I've always liked this place but now it's even better. Apparently, they remodeled a few years ago and they did a very nice job. We popped in here to get a round of drinks while our kids got ice cream across the street. The service was really friendly just like every time I've ever sucked in here for a drink over the years. read more

See all

When in Chinatown souvenir shopping stop at this little hole in the wall bar that serves really good martinis !! Small space but cozy (some might call it divey) but clean! The bartender engaged in fun banter and he had a good diverse playlist. There are 3 TVs playing football with 4Niner fans cheering and repping the bay! Too bad they lost to the Seahawks! We then proceeded down to the other fun spots! read more

fun lil bar in the midst of Chinatown chaos we hit up before hitting Li Po then an R&G Lounge dinner res. Bartender was cool as was their chatty center stage hype man. Believe we hadda shot of fernet-branca then a couple martinis. read more

Buddha Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

I don't drink but some of the people I was with do, so I dropped them off and went with another friend to walk around. I have always known about Buddha Lounge but this was the first time I actually visited it. By the time we came back, our friends were 3-4 drinks in and were having a great time :) The bar itself was very nicely decorated (they renovated a few years ago) and seemed like a great place to hang out. My friends would have stayed longer but we had dinner reservations so we had to go. This is a great place to pregame or have a drink after dinner in the area. read more

Great bar in Chinatown. Great atmosphere and good service. Wish hours were longer/earlier but I highly recommend read more

Buddha Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Yassss love this dive bar! Super quick, no fuss situation here. Vibes are great and surprisingly the space felt pretty clean LOL. Definitely a great add to anyone's bar hop itinerary. read more

Buddha Lounge - Inside - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Cool little intimate bar in china town! We stumbled across from it since it was near our stay! Service was good. The bartender was attentive and quick! Prices were amazing! I don't think they sell food. read more

Buddha Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I was really disappointed with my experience. The bartender was rude from the beginning and repeatedly ignored us when we tried to order drinks. I asked him at least three times, and each time he ignored my request. Later, someone took my seat. I politely asked if I could have it back, and we were having a calm, respectful conversation. Somehow, the bartender assumed we were arguing and made a huge scene, threatening to kick everyone out--including us. It was completely unnecessary and incredibly embarrassing. I brought my family, who are visiting from out of town, hoping they would have a great experience, but instead the bartender ruined the evening and embarrassed us in front of everyone. I hope management addresses this situation and provides better customer service training for this employee. read more

One of my favorite dive bars in SF. I love going through Chinatown bar, eating and bar hopping. This is one of the spots I always stop by. Small bar but the lighting and decor on the walls provide a great vibe once you walk in. read more

See all

As a local resident on the verge of fossilization, I'm embarrassed to admit that I had not patronized this longtime Grant Avenue bar until quite recently. I've passed by it a multitude of times but always assumed it was for loud tourists. However, the atmospheric rivers in January led me to the Chinese Mai Tai at Li Po Lounge across Grant (review: https://bit.ly/3PDtdRE), so naturally... It was a matter of time before I tried this spot to make the inevitable comparison. I stopped by at around 5PM on a Thursday, and there was just one young guy at the bar finishing a beer. The daytime bartender was Annie, and she told me business has been really slow since the pandemic despite the renovation they've done recently. As I listened to her, I ordered the $10 Chinese Mai Tai (photo: https://bit.ly/3XonJfs). It was more straightforward than the foamy version Li Po produced and also two bucks cheaper. I asked Annie what made it uniquely Chinese, and in response, she gave me a complimentary shot of an herbal liquor called Tzepao Sanpien Jiu (photo: https://bit.ly/42STdvu). Tasty with a kick. Time Out mentioned a splash of Three Penis Whiskey imported from China, but with that name, I'd rather not know if that was in there. COCKTAILS - 4 stars...a solid mai tai with a unique twist AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...the bar is looking good and modern now SERVICE - 4 stars...Annie was great company...no one else came in though :-( TOTAL - 4 stars...you need to stop by when you're in Chinatown RELATED - Exploring Chinatown? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2WoF1Z2 read more

See all

I've spent over 20 on the jukebox and the bartender skipped my songs and turned off the jukebox

This place screams China Town, bar keep was awesome, they have little Buddha Beer there, the place was slow at first on a Saturday night but then as the night grew older the people poured into the small space. Great times great spot to check off the list if you're visiting. read more

Buddha Lounge - Little Buddha Beer! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Located in Chinatown I came here for a quick drink during Chinese New Year festivities Bar is clean, nice decor and well stocked and was playing good music. Bar is relatively small but it wasn't an issue. I ordered my go to...margarita Drink was good. Cool spot to chill for a quick minute. read more

Buddha Lounge - Inside - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

This place had a relaxed vibe, but the bartender was very odd. I heard it was busy earlier, which is understandable, but I don't see why she needed to complain about previous customers asking basic questions like what they could order or what the bar offered, especially since there was no menu. And no, I wasn't being nosy; she was complaining right in front of me out loud to another customer. Such conversations should be saved for when you're off the clock. I understand bartending can be hard when you're the only one, but you should be more welcoming and patient with customers when they ask simple questions. Honestly just made me feel uncomfortable after one drink and just left. read more

Buddha Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

wandered in here on a first night in SF and they were all out of ice due to a machine problem from the day before. The place was still packed and everyone just started ordering beers and shots. The bartender was so friendly we actually doubled back to order a mai tai after their ice was replenished and I'm glad we did because that drink was excellent. read more

San Francisco, Chinatown. August 2022 Grant Ave in Chinatown has two designated San Francisco Legacy Business dive bars right across each other on the corner of Washington St. Buddha Lounge is the more inviting and friendly of the two. The first thing you'll note is the place is brighter and cleaner than you might expect. The televisions and digital jukebox, plus a few regular customers at the bar give it a more inviting normal atmosphere. You have to get buzzed for access through the gated door leading downstairs to the restrooms. The bartenders pay attention to you and they and the regulars are friendly enough that they'll know your name before you leave. The Chinese Mai Tai here is Hong Kong's Wing Lee Wai liquor in a glass filled chimney glass, topped pineapple juice and a float of Meyer's Dark Rum. Strong and tasty, but safely, not as lethal as the one across the street. read more

Buddha Lounge - Buddha Lounge Mai Tai made w Wing Lee Wai - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Best cocktails and prices in Chinatown. If you're lucky enough to have Savannah serve you, then you've made it. Fun, professional, good vibes all around. read more

Our waitress was AMAZING. She was super sweet, made a great drink and ran that bar by herself! What a great bar!

So we stopped in here before a show at the Great Star Theater around the corner. This place just called to us. This bar is so freaking clean. From floor to ceiling spotless. Everyone was so nice. We chatted with everyone at the bar. But the best part is Delicious, the bartender, the legend, the myth, the man! My face hurt from smiling and laughing so much. He is freaking hilarious. And he is a really good bartender. His drinks are spot on, keeps the bar clean, entertains everyone. After our show we went back to the bar just to be in his prescence. I wrote him a little love letter before we left cause he is really special. A special human being. Great bar. Great time. Great people. Enjoy. read more

See all

Terrible experience. We had a group of 10 waiting to get our IDs checked and while we were waiting for the bouncer, he told us we should leave and "f*** around somewhere else". So rude we left because of him. Would give 0 stars read more

There is a bartender I encountered today that looks like Buddha but DOES NOT act like Buddha what he needs is Buddha cause he was rude as f**. He should be retrained. Idk what kind of stick was up his little tight butt tonight but that was horrible service. All I asked was for a shot and he had so much attitude I have NEVER in my 10 years of living in SF encountered that kind of attitude. Disgusting person. He even had the audacity to seek approval from other customers of his attitude. read more

Got quick drinks, nice bartender lady, sat around the stools to catch up with my coworkers. I haven't came up with any drink recommendation for y'all though, I got the lemon drop and a cranberry vodka which was ok. Central location close to bus stops. read more

Buddha Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

As a native San Franciscan this is definitely one of my favorites. You come for drinks and stay for the show. Mok the bartender is a legend. I've never seen a bartender work the crowd better. The drinks are amazing and you always need to drink a lucky Buddah beer. If you've never been your missing out. I wish I could give a 6th star. read more

Buddha Lounge - Lucky Buddah beer - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Still my favorite bar in the city. The nighttime bartender is a pure pro, quick service, good drinks, he knows how to work the crowd so it's always a good time. The bartender doesn't miss a thing, drinking here solo and female, I always feel safe. Warning: He doesn't put up with assholes, so be respectful, and you will have a great time. read more

This review is specifically for our bartender - Savannah. The bar itself is clean and pretty welcoming but she was really the best part. She was welcoming - full of insight and gave us some great recommendations for food around the city. She was quick to serve us - answered our questions efficiently- and was very nice. The bar ambiance is pretty chill (pretty sure we went right as they opened) Anyway, thank you Savannah! You give San Francisco a good name. read more

Had a blast! That's all I gotta say! The bartender was amazing the music was awesome and the atmosphere was just fun. Brand new feeling bar. Awesome read more

Not sure how I've never been here, or maybe I've been and forgotten because I was on a chinatown bar crawl and those are always difficult to recall. Anyways, this place is surprisingly clean for what is essentially a dive bar and it's a weird combo. It's dive-y but clean? That's like looking right and left at the same time. Great spot. read more

Fantastic bar in Chinatown. No frills but great ambience and fresh cocktails! Never disappoints!

Great bar tender. On an action-packed corner in China town. Great place to pop in for a quick one on the way to and/or from dinner (we did both). read more

Buddha Lounge was always the "cool kids" dive bar in Chinatown since my first days in SF nearly two decades ago. I'm sure it held that distinction even before that. I hadn't visited in a while, though I always meant to, so I made it a goal to stop in for a drink while wandering solo last night. First thing I noticed was the place was much nicer than my last visit. The friendly bartender explained that they had renovated two years prior. The bar counter is pristine, though the rest of the place still holds that comfy dive bar aesthetic we all know and love. Ordered a well whiskey on the rocks. It was $8, which is relatively cheap compared to many of the other places in SF. Granted it was a whiskey I had never heard of, but I'm no stranger to dive bar well whiskies and this one was perfectly enjoyable. The crowd was young and chill. Very nice vibe. I enjoyed my brief revisit and am pleased to add Buddha Lounge back on my favorite dive bars list. read more

Coming from a night of bar hopping, this was a slow and tame bar that felt a little off. Things from the pandemic might have changed some things. Had some positive expectations since this is listed as one of the legacy bars in sf. They did not have a menu which is fine but no specials either which was strange since they usually have the Chinese mai tais. The buddha beer is no longer in a custom bottle and has been toned down to a regular green one and tastes like a typical lager like tsingtao. The only bartender there seemed annoyed and not very interested in serving anyone and went on a smoke break. I will have to give it another go to see if things are different. read more

Buddha Lounge - Front looks appealing - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such a fun spot to spend a night or stop by before/after going out to dinner. Quiet enough that you can chat and Mark, the bartender, is so fun and funny and plays great music. He always cracks us up with his jokes and makes sure we are having a good night. 10/10 every time! read more

Buddha Lounge - Tsing Tao, 805, Margarita - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

If you visit Chinatown and are a fan of dives, you MUST check out Buddha Lounge! This is a charming little spot with good energy, cheap and strong drinks, and the occasional snack bowl. Very small space, make sure to bring cash and proper expectations. I've only had Rum & Cokes and similar simple cocktails here, but I've always had a good time each time I've been there. Do yourself a favor and make a point to stop by! read more

Buddha Lounge - a hand holding a glass of iced coffee - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Hands down the best Chinese Mai Thai ever! The service was amazing. The ambience equally as amazing. And the Mai Thais even better!!! They weren't too sweet and the rum flavor was amazing. This will definitely be my go-to bar for whenever I'm in China Town! read more

Buddha Lounge - Chinese Mai Thai - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS! I got drinks for me and my friend here and the bartender sneakily added tip. We were not a party of 6 or more. This was not gratuity. I gave him a cash tip on top of this. Very sketchy and dishonest. If you wanted more tips, be a better bartender. read more

Buddha Lounge - Sneakily added tip. Do not give them an extra tip on top of this. Check your receipts!! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California