Perfect spot for post dinner cocktails! Love the atmosphere. Highly recommend The Secratariat cocktail! read more

Dalva - The Secretariat - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This little bar was recommended by a bartender at another establishment. We were out on the town and hopping around from place to place. Entering the door, this little bar seemed pretty chill. We ended up heading to the back room area called the Hideout. We are into speakeasy and this spot was very dim, dark, and red. We had to order from the bartender, they didn't have table service. This is quite an intimate little spot with a staircase leading up to another space. Drinks were good and everyone seemed to be enjoying their company. We decided to head out the larger room and finish up our drinks. Based on feedback from people, this a fun little bar that locals like to frequent. If we'd had more time, we would have tried some of the other craft drinks. read more

Dalva - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

i like this bar a lot, it's not too loud, has good cocktails, great selection of tequila and mezcal, and service is good. it is a little pricey imho, $16 for a standard cocktail is pretty steep but i guess that's just inflation. i can definitely see myself coming back here but it'll probably just be a one or drink place before heading to the next one. read more

Great cocktails, nice staff and the music was great. Recommend for good vibes for sure read more

Dalva - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

We came here hoping to check out their bar in the back --Hideout. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived, so we stayed at Dalva anyways. We had two rounds of the Gold Rush, which was essentially a mix of whiskey and honey. Soon enough, we realized Hideout was open, so we ventured over to the little speakeasy bar in the back. I had the bartender surprise me with a drink since the menu was too extensive and I was too indecisive, but he made a solid drink whatever it was. We ended up upstairs where there's more seating in a very intimate and dim-lit room. The place eluded with a dark and mysterious atmosphere --very fitting for a date night. read more

When we set out to plan our Mad Men and Manhattans party, we wanted to pick a bar that can mix a pretty classy cocktail and Dalva fit the bill. Costumes, cocktails and great company. This is not only a fun bar, but a great place to throw a little party. The Lovely Ms. MK "The Hotness" and I put on the unofficial yelp event, but she made all the arrangements, booking the top room in the Hideout. The room is small, but fit our group of almost 25 people. It is a bit hot up there, but the space was all ours. We ordered drinks from the bar, Black Manhattans, while watching the Bartenders mix them up. I was impressed by the huge collection of bitters, booze and items in which to make old school and custom cocktails. Dalva will always be a favorite of mine, for the cocktails I've had and the ones I have yet to try. read more

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We were looking to have a nice drink and stumbled upon Dalva. Wasn't crowded at all around 8pm on Saturday and we actually ducked behind to the Hideout. Which is basically the equivalent to the Varnish behind Cole's in LA. I had the Pineapple Unicorn, which has pineapple rum, strawberry brandy, blood orange, lemon, puppies and rainbows. It was exactly as described and I'm sure if you have enough of these you will feel like you're with puppies and rainbows. It was delicious, and seriously what's not to love about this combination. My husband had some sort of gin drink which I support whole heartedly, they had a cheeky comment printed on their menu about if you order a drink with vodka they'll just give you gin or brandy. It's worth a dip into, I promise and please order a pineappe unicorn. Parking I guess is horrendous, I walked. read more

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Not sure if this is 1 star for Yelp or 1 for Dalva. No hours on Dalva's website. Yelp says 4pm open on Friday. No hours posted on bar/building/out front. And now my friend and I are out in the cold on this Friday afternoon Oh well, we'll catch up some other time. We will find another spot nearby in the meantime! read more

The only bad thing about this place is there are so many delicious drinks you would be floored if you tried them all. Top favorites? (1) Moscow Mule (2) Manhattan (3) Sangria I personally love the hideout upstairs but the people watching is better in the front. if you are skillful enough to nab a seat under the stairs, that's my favorite. only negative part of this place, people here more than anywhere else I go in the mission try to claim entire tables and extra chairs with the "my friends will be right back" line. ... yet no one ever shows up. I guess we all know why you don't have any friends. ..so fifth grade. read more

Dalva - Yes, only nice boys and girls, just like Santa.... If Santa doled out amazing Moscow Mules instead of just reindeer. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Before spending money at the newly-renovated, explicitly we're-no-longer-a-dive-bar Dalva, I asked the staff if dogs were okay. "Yes" you can bring your dog in. The bartenders were very welcoming. I enter and sit near the entrance, but off to the left side with my super chill greyhound. He's sleeping and out of the way completely, interfering with nobody. After spending a decent amount of money patronizing the establishment, I see that the bar is getting full with people. I close my tab and am ready to call it a night. Then, probably the owner / manager, comes over to me. Here's what he *should* have done : (1) Ask the bartenders if I closed my tab. I did. (2) Recognize how much is remaining in my glass. It's less that half an inch, almost empty. (3) Come over and say, "Hey, we're getting busier and we need to free up this space for customers." No problem. As it turns out, I'm only 1 minute from leaving. I get it. I know how capacity works at a crowded bar. Instead he says, "It's time for you and your dog to leave." And then walks away, shaking his head in that classic disgusted, annoyed manner. Welcome back Dalva ? Maybe not. I'm sure you'll do fine without me. read more

Hidden gem in the Mission! They just opened a month ago. Great service, great playlist and delicious cocktails! You can't go wrong with Dalva! read more

I love you Dalva. I miss you and hope to see you soon. Such a great bar. Nice, dark atmosphere, no attitude. Nice bartenders, great drinks. No sports on screens!!!! And I love the hideaway! read more

Such a rad experience. Very cozy and intimate setting with an amazing drink selection. Altered State might just be the best mixed drink I have ever had. I went with a party of 4 and was able to find a table in the back almost instantly after a few mins of checking out the bottles they keep behind the bar. All the staff were very helpful and kind. Lastly, shout out to the kid reading at the door who had very cool shoes. read more

I love you Dalva. I miss you and hope to see you soon. Such a great bar. Nice, dark atmosphere, no attitude. Nice bartenders, great drinks. No sports on screens!!!! And I love the hideaway! read more

Another solid round of drinks from the Hideout. Came around 8:30 or 9pm on a Friday and was still able to snag a table in the main front room. Liked the creepy stop motion movie that was playing. Our Hideout cocktails, each $10: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/dalva-san-francisco?select=JbS2ITV8vOaLa0pwdUVpTQ#JbS2ITV8vOaLa0pwdUVpTQ Hideout cocktail menu: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/dalva-san-francisco?select=JbS2ITV8vOaLa0pwdUVpTQ#MuroSofGr21g9zhWtKdDZA * Disparaging remark - 3.5 stars (gin, lemon, apricot, egg white & bitter lemon. $10) Pretty good flavor, a little on the strong side for me (I prefer drinks where the alcohol flavor is more covered - hence not getting this one). * Oaxacan - 3 stars (mezcal, etc) Even stronger, heavier, and a good smoky flavor! Not the fave at the table, but also not quite my style. * 16th Street Swizzle - 4 stars (Jamaican rum, lime, honey, orgeat & ginger shrub) Refreshing, strong ginger - definitely a surprising little kick in flavor. A little on the strong side but still worked well. I do have to say the bartender wasn't super helpful - I did my usual "I like something light & refreshing, maybe spicy or with ginger is good," and said I was between the Gin & Celbry Tonic and the 16th Street Swizzle. He said I wouldn't be able to taste the gin in the first one (a plus for me), then started talking about making me a strong ginger-flavored Dark & Stormy, but I wanted a cocktail from their menu and he just shrugged and asked what I wanted, so I just went with the 16th Street (felt like something ginger-y). I just personally prefer a bartender who can give me a little more direction within the cocktail menu. read more

Dalva - Friday night 2013-08-23: Disparaging remark (gin - 3.5 stars), Oaxacan (mezcal - 3 stars), 16th Street Swizzle (rum - 4 stars) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It's a good bar. Nice and cozy. More chill than some of its neighbors (I'm looking at you Bond, Delirium, and Skylark). I only had bourbon so I can't really comment on their cocktails but I enjoyed myself. Also, I can't confirm it but apparently this was the bar where the dudes from Third Eye Blind used to hang out. So that's neat? TEB is kinda underrated TBH. read more

I've been to Dalva and the Hideout - truthfully, Dalva isn't THAT impressive but the Hideout is pretty neat. It's a little bit more intimate and private. Good variety of drinks to satisfy your palette. They have pretty high end stuff stocked in the back and the bartenders encourage you to try something new. Service here is top-notch -- best I've had in SF. The bartender was great to us that night! Thanks for the nice celery G&T! read more

Bartenders here are SO rude and awful. They treated me with so much disrespect when I asked for a drink. DO NOT RECOMMEND. Just a bunch of transplants who think they're better than you. read more

I wasn't expecting much of a crowd on an early Tuesday evening. Probably about 10 people at most. Sometimes I just need a chill place to get a drink after a long day so I don't mind it being somewhat empty. They do have a nice cocktail menu and I found my new favorite drink at this bar. I was feeling adventurous and I've never tried brandy before but I ordered a Side Car anyway. It tasted so refreshing and just a little sour which is fine with me. read more

As a Latino I don't recommend. I went to this bar alone and this is my experience. The bartenders don't pay attention to single patrons and they'll add drinks to your tab without asking. The patrons WILL harasse other patrons while using the restroom (I wasn't in the bathroom longer than a minute before I was threatened with the bartenders coming in, just for using the bathroom). At least this bar cuts off drinks for customers, but while I was sober they served people who were more inebriated. This place cares more about profits than it's customers. If you don't mind a terrible crowd, and a team that doesn't help customers that are alone I recommend this place! read more

Chill spot for drinks. After stopping by ABV down the street for a couple hours, my group and I wandered over to Dalva which was a bit less packed. There's a great little spot that they call the "Hideout" upstairs where there were a bunch of available tables. The wait at the bar didn't take too long for 11pm on a Saturday. read more

The hideout was a super awesome speakeasy bar in the back of Dalva. I loved it! The bartender made me a delicious drink called the Gold Tooth. It was sweet and hit the spot! I took it upstairs to this cool intimate lounge area with sofas and candles. Loved this place. read more

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Great bar! I went here for a date and we ordered drinks off the beer menu in the back "hideout" room. Service was quick and the beer was delicious - a sour beer they had on the menu really hit the spot, which was exciting since it was my time trying sour beer! Cool vibe here, lots of seating, and great selection of drinks. This is an excellent spot to hit up in SF if you're on a bar crawl in the neighborhood. read more

I ask for a grapefruit drink here. Aren't grapes purple? This drink was pink. No sweet All sour Welcome me back and I'll step on step on Sing it loud and proud the ping pong papa Bests Ian was a great bartender read more

This is a fun and friendly bar. I had an event here and I'd like to personally thank the staff in general as well as Erik and Craig in particular for making this happen. They have a separate room in the back past the restrooms that you can reserve. I didn't know this and thought I'd reserved the area at the end of the bar. I started getting a little put off by the interlopers until I got a few beers into me and then found out that my group was in the wrong place. I didn't see the back room but I liked the spot we were in so much that I didn't care. One last thing; these guys know how to treat a person that brings in business. read more

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One of my favorite cocktail bars in the city. plz take me with you if you go ;___; The front is Dalva, a dive bar that has happy hour every day from 4 - 7 PM with $4 well drinks and $2 off drafts beers. But the back is where the party is at (interpret that as you will): HIDEOUT, a cocktail bar where they don't believe in vodka. Once 7 PM hits, shimmy over to the back and seek out a bartender called Jason, who will make you a clean mean drink of whatever the heck you want. Their cocktails menu seems to change monthly, which includes new renditions of a varying "classic." Each cocktail will cost you $10, CASH ONLY, but be worth way more. But really, those cocktails are worth every dollar and then some. I have never enjoyed drinking as much as with the drinks I had that night (this is obv the start of a great relationship). My first was the BOURBON MULE involving my favorites of mint and ginger (Jason overheard my conversation with my drinking partner...given how loud I am, that's not too difficult hahaha). It was the pinnacle trifecta: light, delicious, and inebriating. My next two drinks came from previous Yelpers' recommendations--I literally gave Jason my phone so he could see the ingredients. The SWITCHEL, made with Venezuelan rum, apple (which they ran out of), lime, ginger, and cinnamon, was another home run. Then came the 16TH STREET SWIZZLE, a fave of Jason's. Don't confuse this with the listed Hideout Swizzle #2 (gin, genepy, lime, pineapple, and orange bitters), as the 16th Street Swizzle is made with Jamaican rum, lime, honey, orgeat, and ginger shrub (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/dalva-san-francisco?select=o-ojEQ19lp2A-xdNGn960w#waNr1XmkUqJg0eiYf6kPPQ). It's like a sweet liquid ginger. It's kinda awesome. My drinking partner started off with an Old Fashioned, later ordering the Clover Club, which they swapped out the grenadine for raspberry puree. Another good drink. Sometimes Jason had to run to the back room to grab ingredients, which is when I got to chat a bit with the other bartender, David, who has been with Dalva for 16 years. Epic, right!? Srsly, they care about the drinks they make without the snotty pretentious 'tude of some other mixologists (that's Mission versus FiDi for you, I guess), and it makes all the difference. HIDEOUT = $10 CASH-ONLY COCKTAILS, THE BEST YOU'LL EVER HAVE read more

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**MR. JACK ROSE GREETED ME GRACIOUSLY HERE** Luckily, the Parking Gods were with us because we found a space right across the street. Our birthday friend hosted a shindig at the *HIDEOUT* upstairs, but we were inclined to order a few drinks downstairs, especially with our 50% off SCOUT MOB coupon. The bartender didn't know what a Blood and Sand cocktail was, so I told him to make me his favorite drink. He suggested the *JACK ROSE*. With a few shake and bakes and a $4 price tag, the JACK ROSE drink was simply delicious. Tasted gourmet; like a true craft cocktail. The JACK ROSE was so good, I ordered 4 more. And I was truly BUZZING at the end of the evening. Nice speakeasy feel to this bar. I liked. RECOMMEND for the Mission. read more

Me likey Dalva, it walks the line of a chill feel dive feel but classy staff and surroundings of a lounge. Good servers and beer like a dive, nice space with movies on the wall like a lounge. A good mix, get what I'm saying? Too many times, specifically in the Mission, it's one way or the other. I'm swanked out like a mofo or standing in urine at some dive bathroom. Dalva takes the best of both worlds and makes it happen. Next time you got a mix of friends with different preferences, keep Dalva out there as an option. Works for everyone. read more

My first thought upon entering the bar: Hmmm, stuffed ferrets and quails are interesting choices for wall decor. This funky bar is a long hallway that is more of a dive than anything else. It is unremarkable but for the cocktails (and dead animals), which are expertly done and delicious (the cocktails, not the dead animals). The bartender is a dead ringer for Mitch from Dazed and Confused, appropriately advanced in age. He's a serious mixologist and will help you decide what to drink if you get there early enough. The "speakeasy" in the back doesn't open until 7pm, post happy-hour, which is 5-7pm. So if you're in the mood to sit on a stool and drink a brew while Mission hipsters stroll by the window in tight pants, Dalva is as good a spot as any. read more

Lori C and I came in for a drink or two between movies at the Roxie and loved the David Lynch decor, very friendly and efficient bar staff and interesting beers. I winced when I ordered a bottle of Pliny only to see the Russian River Damnation on draft but that's on me. When we got there, it was pretty empty early on a Saturday night but filled up quickly. Good crowd. Recommended. read more

Best bar in San Fran. We walked in and immediately were greeted by the nicest girl behind the bar who gave us all the best suggestions for the city. 10/10 recommend. read more

Dalva - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Went to a friend's birthday at The Hideout which is the bar in the back of this place. It had such cool vibes, and I do love bars tucked in secretive places. The group had rented out the room upstairs for the private party, and it was such a cool place. I had the Gin and Celery Tonic, but I substituted soda water which was also just delicious. The cocktails here were definitely spot on. I will definitely be back to this place. read more

Dalva - Gin and Celery Soda (Instead of Tonic) and drink menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This review is about the hideout at dalva. Hidden in the back of dalva is the hideout with one guy that I can vouch for that's extremely talented at making craft drinks. I looked at the menu and nothing really popped at me so I got a boulevardier for me and a whiskey sour for my fiance. Let me start off by saying I wasn't that impressed by the whiskey sour, due to the fact that they didn't implement egg white. On the flip side however, they made me a great boulevardier. It seems as they have the drinks on the menu down so, I could tell just by watching the execution, however I'm sure they'd make a great old fashioned. They also have a cozy room upstairs to sip on your fancy cocktail you just grab and it's secluded so no one is really there to rush. read more

Dalva - Boulevardier - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

So very San Francisco. So very chill. So very great to hide out in. I have loved this bar for years, especially their back room and Friday night reminded me of that. The cocktails back there are *fab* if that's your thing - as are the bartenders. Cheers to Dalva - always a great night there. read more

Hideout, the craft cocktail bar in the back room of Dalva, is outstanding. The ambience is nicely precious-- Low benches, leather, and candlelight; one small bar, one master bartender, working like an artist with a messy mise en place. It was a little too loud for a group of five, and we took our cocktails to one of the many spacious tables in Dalva itself. The cocktails were the best I've had West of the Violet Hour in Chicago. The House Whiskey Cocktail, was some kind of surprisingly complex, easy-drinking boozy cocktail with bourbon, maraschino, bitters, etc.; the bourbon mule was pleasant and refreshing but a little safe; Autumn in Italy was a mix of apple brandy and bitter italian liqueurs that was quite complex, for an apple drink; a gin & amaro drink and a frothy gin sour were well done but a little safe. All in all it was an impressive array of solid cocktails with no true duds. But a cocktail bar is ultimately judged by its best work, and it was outstanding. Hideout has done the impossible, produce a delicious cocktail made with fernet branca (mixed with sweet vermouth and gran classico, apparently). It was astonishingly crisp and bracing, yet pleasant. But the hands-down winner of the night was a gin and celery cocktail that was fresh, herbal, clean, and addictive. Seriously, celery is the best thing to happen gin since tonic. read more

Tuesday: 12/192006 - 09:36p Arrival - 09:58p Departure My date and I decided to stop by Dalva first before meeting some friends at Delirium. This bar is cozy -- I like the chill atmosphere. There was an imbalance of sexes (way too many single men), but I was totally digging the music. We each enjoyed a bottle of PBR ($2.75/each) as we watched "Live and Let Die (Roger Moo7re)" on the big television screen. Dalva is great and I will be back again because even though there was a DJ spinning, the music wasn't too loud and I was still able to hear my date trying to sweet talk me :-)! read more

Enter Dalva on Albion St., go all the way to back of the bar, there's a little hallway leading to a smaller bar called the Hideout. I came here with a date last night and I was super excited because I love stumbling onto secret, unassuming bars-within-bars, speakeasy-type situations; so the concept here is on point, but sadly the execution not so great - it was cozy, but kinda musty. I would love it if they even put in a little more effort with lighting or candles, maybe even some more artwork? There also seems to be an upstairs area where we heard laughter but couldn't figure out if it's additional private seating or just the upstairs office. I had a moscow mule and it was diluted-ish, and my date had the Honey Badger which was actually really good and not too sweet. The bartender was a woman who was super friendly and gave tips on other bars. Also they take card, some reviews mention that it's cash only, not the case (anymore?) read more

EDIT: it's been brought to my attention that this isn't the Dalva bathroom, but another classy mission joint. Enough people talk about the bar part of this joint. But what about the bathroom? Well, good question. Check out that toliet pic... Does that count as a LOVE SEAT? I've never touched cheek with the dude next to me while I pee; this was almost a first. I'm going back! read more

Great place to grab a drink before and/or after your going to a movie at the Roxie (next door on both sides!) I love the drinks on their menu! My favorite is the one withcucumber jalapeno tequila! I can't think of the name, but it is a fantastic drink! I love tequila, but I am not so into sweat and sour and this drink is the answer! In the back of the bar there is a space called the Hideout, which is open Monday-Saturday. There is a second bar back there and that is where they make the ultra fancy drinks. Just ask for something special and you will get it. They make good drinks up front too, but the front bar is busier and louder than the back and Hideout bar specializes in more upscale drinking. So you get both in the SAME bar! Pretty fantastic. Sundays is a rocking karaoke night. There is an amazing list of songs and the sound is surprisingly good--the host brings in his own sound system that is tailored to karaoke. There are 4 microphones and screens everywhere you turn, including a big projection screen. read more

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Cute secret not so secret back room and I love the crushed ice gin drink! read more

Dalva - Gin cocktail love the ice - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California