Amazing dive bar in SF. Always packed full (but not too full) and the drinks are top notch. Great energy and friendly staff. :)

One of my favorite dives in SF! Always a good time, good music and I love that they have food, the Jell-O shots are nostalgic and a get you where you need to be! Lol bartenders are chill and very friendly. Love this place! read more

See all

Came here on a Saturday night and got my phone stolen. Went to open my purse to grab my phone to see that someone had already unzipped my purse and stolen my phone. That night 4 other girl's phones got stolen. I asked the bartender for help. He directed me to the bouncer. He directed me back to the bartender. So I asked another bartender who just directed me back to the bouncer. An employee later approached me to tell me that this "never happens" (my friend's purse got stolen here two months ago, and there are multiple reviews of people's phones getting stolen here). The next day my phone was in Riverside, California at 10am (my phone was stolen at 1am). There are definitely consistent operations going on here, and the employees are highly aware and don't care. read more

I had the best time at Butter! I'll admit I had absolutely no clue what to expect, I went with coworkers and each had a slightly different description based on who I asked and their level of enthusiasm for our group to head there. What I will say is even the people who weren't as enthusiastic ended up there, and some of them stayed the longest- maybe it's their hangovers that are trying to warn them... From the outside it doesn't look like much, but inside there are lights, projectors, decorations and plenty of drinks and music to make for a great night. The jello shots were uniquely in cheap paper cups, and I think that will be my preferred delivery method from now on- squeeze the bottom of the cup and it's an easy delivery method. Did I mention they add whipped cream to the top? FANCY! When I was there the DJ was playing a variety of music, some I knew and plenty I didn't, but my coworkers and I were feeling the vibe and dancing all around the bar. There's no real dance floor, but that didn't matter. There's a food vendor area in the back, but I didn't get anything. I also didn't notice the unique decorations hanging from the ceiling until someone else pointed them out to me... from the stories my coworkers were telling me they must be mementos of some great times over the years. I was probably here from 10-ish to around 1am and it didn't feel that long at all. Miraculously, the next day I not only didn't have a hangover, but I was bright eyed and ready to explore more before we all went our separate ways. I know why this is an annual tradition now and I hope it continues for years to come. read more

See all

I love Butter! The first time my bf and I went here was last year. We went for some drinks before 10pm (no cover charge before 10pm) and danced a bit before going to an event. After the event, we were waiting for our Lyft in front of Butter and the bouncer said he noticed us earlier having a good time and he would let us in again if we wanted. He was chatting with us and was so friendly, just like everyone else who works at the bar. We had just a good experience the first time around that we went again last Friday night at 10:40 pm (cover charge is $5 cash only with reentry). The bartenders are very attentive to everyone, making sure we all got our drinks. The place does get packed, lots of people dancing around, sitting at the high top chairs, or standing, but the crowd always seems very respectful and fun. The Cherry Bomb is my favorite drink on the menu--like a spiked Shirley Temple-- and taking the Jell-O shots is always a fun time. Bathrooms: The stalls don't have any locks on the door, it's just a swinging door that you'll have to hold onto while you go. read more

What. A. Time. With a name like Butter, I knew this place couldn't be too good for my health, but definitely good for the soul. After a week of work and fun, I ended up at Butter with friends and had a blast. A great dive bar is worth its weight in gold... or at least jell-o shots. I had heard legendary stories of fun at Butter and I'm so happy that I finally got to experience it for myself. We ventured in on a Thursday night to a warm welcome from the Butter team. The music was pumped up, the bartenders were friendly and all I could smell was popcorn and trouble in the air. I don't go out much anymore, but this was my kinda place. I'm so glad that I changed into sneakers from my high heels because I feel like I danced my life away after only being in the bar for 5 min! Moving with wisdom, I opted for jell-o shots over cocktails/beers after enjoying a number of Espresso Martinis before visiting Butter. I wish someone would have warned me because those jell-o shots were HUGE. Like, what kinda massive dixie cup was that? LOL. They were so good though. The first few came with whipped cream but I guess at some point, we used it up. Oopsies. The Butter team was amazing. From the DJs, the bouncer, the bartenders, the boss making goodies in the back - stellar. I wish I had more to say but you really have to go and experience it for yourself. Until we meet again! read more

I've been visiting this place for over 10 years when I lived in SF. I came this weekend to relive the nostalgia, and I was surprised to find it's even more enjoyable and fun than before. Everyone is very friendly, and the music is always great! Thank you for my best memories! read more

butter nightclub is amazing for events at night. i came to see Maculate, who is a regular DJs there. when he play the place is packed. Definitely pop in whenever mac on the decks! This place has proper food options too. Its a one stop nightlife joint. read more

Butter - Maculate: a regular DJ there. when he play the place is packed. Definitely pop in whenever he on the decks! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

say hi to papa bear at the door turn your phone off, make new friends and enter the best bar in SF if you know, you know read more

Having been to Butter twice now, I can confirm it's consistently a fun time. I'm not even a dive bar kind of girl (usually prefer a craft cocktail), but can appreciate a good vibe. Both times, we paid a $5 cover at the door. The interior was dimly lit with a ton of eclectic decor - bras hanging off the ceiling, lots of funny signage, neon signage, license plates, etc. The music selection was also fantastic - a mix of classics and newer stuff, but all songs that you can't help signing along to. The major downside is how common theft is at this bar. There are warnings about this posted on all the walls and the bouncer often walks around, reminding people to secure their belongings. However, my friend did get her phone stolen here last year. Would return though! read more

See all

Great vibes, atmosphere, staff, music, and decor. Be ready for the $5 cash cover charge per person! The theme is "trailer park" I think? It's cute! The food and drinks fit the theme, and there's a car and cool related decor. I loved my Tiki Trash drink, and the barstaff was great--it was so packed on a Saturday night after 11pm! read more

See all

Pros: Great music (mix of 2000s/2010s hits and older classics, like ABBA) and very interesting ambiance - a truck is parked at the entrance, there's tons of license plates, and bras hanging off the ceiling??? Very chaotic but has a great look! Cons: pushy bouncers (literally one pulled my friend by the collar???) and you're packed like sardines for the prime hours of the night you have to push through the crowd to find some space. There was a $5, cash only cover at midnight! read more

Great experience- great service- amazing music! The energy was awesome and everyone was so friendly!

I checked yelp about this dive bar before arriving with my two friends, and I had a mix of reviews.. HOWEVER my friends and I had the best time ever here and what made it so great was the staff. One of the bartenders talked to us for 2 hours before it got super busy, (we got there around 8pm and left before 12) but I loved seeing both the bar quiet and also loud. Two great experiences!! Will return soon. :) read more

Butter - Our friendly bartender he was great - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

tldr: College frat party meets trailer park in the most fun way possible. Bring your bras...? Came on a Friday night, and this place was SOOO crowded! There is a $5 cash fee to get into the place, and it takes a while to find a decent spot that doesn't have you back to back with anyone else. The prices are definitely a lot cheaper -- $6 chicken nuggets, and $3 jello shots. Loved the decor, especially the trailer head, the handing bras, and the drinks on skis. The night we went, the DJ popped off! The funniest moment was when he went from "All I want from christmas..... isss.. YOU", the "you" being from Soulja Boy. Genius. read more

Butter - Inside is bustling! And the DJ is insane :) - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This 5 star review is for Jay the bartender! My bf, some friends and I came here prior to seeing some friends + other bands perform at DNA lounge on a Friday night and I was STARVING! It's been awhile since I came out here and was looking forward to some tater tots and mini corn dogs for $6! Sadly, the guy preparing the food was running late and it would probably be 45 minutes until we got food. This was unfortunate because the show would have started! Have no fear because Jay to the rescue! He offered to go in the back in the next 10 minutes to prepare my food! Jay you were a lifesaver with preparing both items to a tasty and hot perfection! Sorry the tater tots were not the best photo but I was in a rush to eat. thanks for delivering great customer service Jay! read more

The ultimate dive bar and the celebration spot for our annual Yelp Community Manager week in SF. Confused why it's called butter? It's a big, bright yellow square building and I truly couldn't think of a better thing to call it. The inside is decked out in posters, neon signs, flags and paraphernalia galore. The ceiling has exposed plumbing with hundreds of bras hanging down from it. It's a wild place, but fun, approachable and super casual. The music is fun, the jello shots are constantly on deck, the beers are cheap, and the vibe is always energetic. There's also a good chance you won't feel your best the next day, but it's worth it. The bartenders are quick, friendly and so many great memories have been made here. Woohoo! read more

The cover was $5 cash only. They had great music, lots of throwbacks with a mix of rock, pop, hip hop. The drinks were good and are priced like any other clubs (around $15 per drink). read more

So my buddy forgot his card here, as is like to happen after drinking 9-15 beers, but all was not woe! For this bit of forgetfulness allowed us an "excuse" to come to the bar again! Place was chill, and I had no issues with anything or anyone. I was rocking crutches, and everyone was very polite and went out of their way to GTFO my way, which was awesome. I'm pretty timid and sheepish when it comes to asking people for stuff, so if you don't see me, then I'll probably just stand behind you until ya do! At this point, you will probably say, "Oh shoot, I'm sorry, didn't see ya there lassie!! Lemme get outta yer way!" "I'm a man." "Whoa! By-golly ya are! Those luscious locks cooda fooled arny-one!" And then you let me pass and I am happy. You are drunk. I am also drunk. We are both happy. Let's get drunk!! :D read more

This is a cool bar. The bartender is friendly & willing to answer questions about the area. Surprisingly there was no one there but my friend & I on a Saturday night. We went to get drinks before a concert at the Filmore. Maybe it's because we got there early maybe? I always wanted to check this place out. I liked the decor, there was an R.V there along with beas hanging on the ceiling, lol. The drink names are funny too. We got complimentary jello shots which were nice. Everything was strong. read more

I was here for my gf's birthday and this bar was like a typical American Dive bar and the ambiance was so different. Located in the downtown area, people were not very friendly. The drinks were nice and strong. But did not like the fact that the stools were tied with chains and it was so uncomfortable to sit on the limited range and move them. Saw people have jello shots, so I believe it's their popular one. read more

Butter probably has one of the coolest interiors of any bar/club in the city. With two bars and a ton of quirky decorations, this place is great for a night out on the weekend. It does get really packed, but usually you can find a corner that has enough room to dance. The bar plays throwback music and 2000s era pop all night, so it's great for dancing. The drinks here are reasonably priced, and there's a $5 cash cover at the door. Definitely an SF classic that everyone should try at least once. read more

Butter - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

This place feels like a college frat party fever dream in the best way possible. Their cocktails are so cheap (and huge and strong and tasty), jell-o shots are so fun, and the themed food is also great. My favorite was the prom night punch, it basically takes like jungle juice lol. Also, the bartenders are super friendly and showed us a great time. I went on a weekday night and it was a very pleasant experience, not too crowded. Only heads up is I heard they charge $5 for cover on weekends (Fri-Sun?) and heard lines are pretty long. read more

See all

Always way too packed when I come here but I guess that's just the vibe. Love the DJ the plays here - great music choices usually. Drinks are yummy and stuff if you can get the guy's attention to make an order. I like this place better than most places on the block read more

I love butter!!! The vibes and service here are great. Had the white trashy driver and a bunch of Jell-O shots. Super nice people. Def recommend. Will come back, thank you again read more

Butter - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Absolutely love this bar. I have a good time every time I go. The people are great, the atmosphere is lively and the bartenders are professional. Never a dull moment. One of my top 5's in the city, easily. read more

Butter - When in [SOMA] - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Z had amazing service drinks are cheap too.highly reccomend his place Bartenders wre extremely nice line moved fast everything about this place was amazing i would recommend this place read more

Ended girls' nite with a nightcap here last Friday, our first time at Butter. We all loved the vibe, and the staff were super friendly and helpful!! There weren't any events going on that night, which was nice, as there were a number of patrons around the bar, but it was easy to find a place to sit comfortably since it wasn't packed. There was a DJ, so the place was still quite loud; we didn't mind the ol' whisper-yell, but I noticed when two of us were talking, the third in our group couldn't hear, so maybe pick another spot if you're trying to have full-length chats. Otherwise, Butter is great for a party! They have drinks, snacks, and Jell-O shots. I think there's picnic table seating outside also. In case you couldn't tell from the photos and other reviews, the ambiance is dive-y; there's a shadow dancer (projection?) in the upstairs window that you can see from the street, and inside is a bit industrial with the decorated front section of an auto as the centerpiece of the room. They project music videos on the wall. The room is dim and cheekily decorated. The bathroom stalls are full of sharpie'd gossip and phone numbers. There's a pipe running under the ceiling over the bar with brassieres hanging off it. It's fun! A bit more expensive than a typical dive, but it is San Francisco, so hey, not bad. read more

This bar is a lot of fun! The theme is trailer-park-trashy and it's hilarious. $5 cash cover at the door, fairly priced drinks and food :) this place is a dive, so if you go here, be aware that it's somewhat crowded and the crowd is young and sometimes belligerently drunk LOL. Also, make sure you keep track of your shit (friend's phone was stolen here) read more

Butter - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Decent place to end up at on the weekends, though it can get really packed and can be quite difficult to move around. No other reason to go there any other time. Drinks are good and reasonably priced. read more

This bar is a must if you are in the city and looking to be treated as family vs just a customer. It is the best atmosphere me and my friends experienced while visiting the city. You feel nothing but welcomed the whole staff is amazing and beyond friendly. The drinks and food are great and so are the prices. Will definitely be back next time we visit and would recommend stopping in and having a drink or two or many. read more

Butter - a disco ball hanging from the ceiling of a bar - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

THE BARTENDERS PREY ON YOUNG DRUNK WOMEN. We came to this bar on new year's eve and had a fantastic time. And then, at 2 am, the bartender started ushering everyone out of the bar. As we were ushered out of the bar, I noticed the bartender behind me had his hands all over and was making out with a VERY young and VERY drunk girl. I intervened because she looked unwell and he responded with "what, are you jealous?" This bartender was about 6 foot, ashy blond hair in a bun, and a short blonde beard. He was probably in his 30s. 5 minutes later, he had his hands around an even younger drunker girl. I will no longer be visiting this establishment and am warning all my girl friends to avoid it as well. To see it's bartenders over serving young women and then taking advantage of their position as bar staff to grope them on their way out is disgusting. I AM DISGUSTED. I can't believe I tried to intervene in what was most certainly sexual assault and this employee's response was to taunt me. Despicable. Please do something, Butter. EDIT: My friends don't recall him having a beard, I thought I remembered a short one though. Regardless he was the only bartender with blonde hair long enough for a ponytail/bun working that night, so I hope the owner, Vlad, is able to figure out who it was and take appropriate action. I will be calling the police today and reporting it as sexual assault as well. read more

Me encanta el ambiente Es agradable y acogedor, sobretodo muy buena atención Muy divertido el lugar read more

I come to butter when I want to have the best night of my life. The music is just right, the free popcorn is always delicious, the vodka redbulls get me feeling the way I need to, and overall service is bomb. read more

I've come to Butter many times over the years and their drinks & service never disappoint! Bar Tenders are friendly & quick! Jello Shots are strong! Drinks are made with perfect mixology! read more

See all

The ambiance was so fun and vibrant. At a first glance the space seems like it won't be enough but trust mee! You can definitely dance hard in the dj's corner. Service was outstanding on New Year's Eve, they provided hats and free popcorn. I had arrived early with a friend to grab some drinks and enjoyed the flashing lights and bras hanging on the ceiling. Going for the first time, I'd recommend the tangtini if you're down for some sunny D to start your night. read more

Butter - people sitting at a bar with neon lights - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

The absolute best time!! Amazing music, good vibes , friendly service .. We can't wait to go back!!! read more

Butter - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

The PBR at Butter is like the coke at McDonald's... It just hits different. (yelp says I need to add more characters so I wrote this)

It's really unfortunate that I have to write this about Butter because my friends and I have had really great memories and times here over the years. However, last night has soured us from going ever again. Our group was repeatedly sexually harassed by another patron throughout the night, which led to a confrontation at the end of the night by the girls in the group. The bar owner Vlad saw this, swooped in, and immediately started escalating the situation by aggressively grabbing and shoving us towards the exit. He continued to escalate the situation despite us asking him to calm down and to stop touching/pushing us. He refused to hear a word that came out of our mouths, calling us "belligerent drunks", even though we were all sober by that point and some of us barely drank. When a bouncer outside was asking us what the situation was and we tried to explain to him that we were harassed and that what Vlad was doing was unacceptable, he also started aggressing towards us and began yelling in our faces and even putting his hands on one of the girls to shove her out (despite her not showing any intention of aggression, drunkenness, etc). Another bouncer showed up and without a question, began waving his taser at us and buzzing it at us. While all this was happening, the patron who was sexually harassing us managed to slip away. Vlad continued to yell at our group while we were outside from inside the bar. He kept accusing us of being belligerent drunks and then slammed the door in our faces. From other reviews, it seems like the management and security here continue to let sexual harassers get away by dismissing the concerns of their female patrons and even throwing them out. It's really unfortunate that we had to experience this for ourselves last night. The excessive force we experienced last night was unacceptable. It is not safe place for patrons, especially female ones, so long as this management culture remains. I do want to insert a thank you here to the bartenders who served us the entire night, told us they believed us, and comforted us while all this was happening. Thank you, thank you, thank you. read more

Although the inside had great decoration.. It had the worst DJ who played lots of dad rock music (and the honky tonk!?) with small 10 second transitions of 2000's music Full of millennial and older aged men who all give off ex-frat energy If you're looking for a fun girls night this is not the place The security were quite rude as well ... not worth the $5 cover fee This place is definitely a hit for the millennial and older crowd though read more