0 STARS DUE TO THE RUDEST BARTENDING STAFF IN SF. It's always a great time partying at El Rio -- the energy, music, and vibe are unmatched. Unfortunately, my most recent experience at the bar left a sour taste. My friend ordered two mixed drinks and was served in plastic cups with no ice. When I asked a different bartender for just a scoop of ice and explained that my friend hadn't received any, the response from his co-worker -- loud enough for us to hear -- was, "NO TIP, NO ICE." The other bartender simply shrugged and apologized before moving on without offering any ice. As someone who has worked in the service industry and bartended for 5 years, I understand bar etiquette, customer flow, and the tipping culture. Tipping is appreciated, but it's never guaranteed -- and it should never determine whether a customer receives a properly made drink. Serving a room-temperature cocktail without ice out of spite is unprofessional, unnecessary, and frankly spiteful. To be clear: tips are a bonus, not a requirement -- they're not taxes. Respect, quality service, and basic hospitality should be the standard, not something customers have to earn. I hope management takes this seriously. A place as legendary as El Rio deserves bartenders who contribute to the good vibes, not tear them down. read more

When I walked up to El Rio on Saturday, 3/7/26 around 10:30pm, the person at the door told my group they assumed was "straight" to walk away. As a group of seven queer people arriving together, the comment immediately made us feel unsafe and unwelcome. I tried to speak with them privately about how the comment made us feel, and their response was simply "sleep well." It was dismissive and honestly the most unwelcome I've ever felt in a space that's supposed to be openly queer and inclusive. I will never go here again. read more

I'm not sure why I've been so lackadaisical about writing my personal appraisal of El Rio. I've been just a handful of times in the past year, and honestly not been disappointed with my experiences here. The only times that dishearten me was when they decided to close the bar for private events, often leaving me disgruntled to find another place to wet my whistle. I can think of worse things in life like JD Vance becoming VP. Now that would be a tragedy. I usually find myself here when they open at 5PM during the week. Jasmine has been my bartender of choice, and she makes a mean cocktail whether it be a rollicking $8 Tequila Sunrise (photo: https://yelp.to/zp4Bw0t2Cx) or one of the house specialties, the smoothly spiky $12 Margarita Silencio Mezcal (photo: https://yelp.to/NJiZldM8EI). More often than not, I find myself sauntering over to the expansive back patio where one part was usually being decorated for an imminent group event, while the remainder was free for solitary drinkers looking for a moment of reflection while imbibing a libation or three. I've yet to have a problem of overstaying my welcome, but then again, that's part of the inclusive nature of El Rio. Indeed I belong here. DRINKS - 4 stars...not lethal but potent enough to make me think the Carmen Miranda cutout actually moved AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...it may have the only vibe in SF close in spirit to WeHo spots like The Abbey SERVICE - 4 stars...usually greeted with genuine enthusiasm...Jasmine is a gem of a bartender TOTAL - 4 stars...if you need space for your cavorting, this be it RELATED - Exploring Bernal Heights? Here's my collection of places I've tried and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2CaaWFe read more

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Was asked as soon as we came up to the bar if we were gay. They told us that we aren't welcome to this establishment because we aren't gay and we came on a party bus. Front door also states welcomes all people and genders, sexualities and races. read more

El Rio - Thanks - Music Venues Near Me - San Francisco, California

I came for the Take A Dance On Me event on Feb. 20th, 2026. I can't lie, the DJ didn't disappoint with the ABBA music. I even heard songs such as The Winner Takes It All, Under Attack, When All Is Said and Done, Slipping Through My Fingers, Don't Shut Me Down (new album 2021). However, the last 1.5 was dedicated to EDM and House music which ruined the mood for me. I left earlier than I had expected. The staff was very friendly and it got super-crowded in the room where the event was taking place. If they ever do another one, I plan to return. read more

This past week we visited El Rio. This is a dive bar located in the mission district. Surprisingly this was my first time ever visiting, as I have lived within the neighborhood for almost 30 yrs. We met friends at El Rio for drinks as KQED hosted trivia night. The bar does not serve any food, it's strictly for drinks. There is a back patio that makes you feel at home. The patio has tables to sit at and a small stage area where the DJ does their thang. If you put together the awesome vibe and the back patio along with friends to hang and have good drinks I can honestly say it was a pretty fun night. Our group "Los Enamorados" won 2nd place during trivia, we ended up grabbing a free KQED grocery bag and a tequila shot. After trivia, the DJ started throwing some good jams out and the crowd started dancing. Fun, relaxing night filled with laughs. read more

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Big ups for the outdoor patio area; it's big, now with awnings to protect you from the rain, and a stage for the DJ. When a party is going on with an outdoor DJ, this is the place to be. El Rio hosts various fun queer parties; check out their IG for event details. Mango is a fun one for the female-leaning peeps. For some events they have food, but otherwise you can only get snacks at the bar, like popcorn. Their cocktails and beer options are nothing special. read more

El Rio - Big Gay Sports Sunday - Music Venues Near Me - San Francisco, California

We were next door at Mothership's patio when we heard 90s music jammin' from El Rio's patio. Closed our tab and scurried over to El Rio.  Except when we got there, the bartender told us Bingo Night is starting in several minutes (so the music will be cut). *WHOMP WHOMP WHOMP* "SO, that one time I gave my taxi cab driver a BJ...."  - Bingo Caller  Dayam, this ain't your grandparent's bingo...and I'm here for it! So, we stayed... I got so excited for the storytelling that I spilled my Hendrick's in the process and nearly fell... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Even though we didn't come for bingo night, the storytelling did NOT disappoint. Neither did the friendly bartender, chill [small and distanced] crowd, and awesome dog-friendly patio with secluded nooks...SO much better than Zeitgeist! OTHER NOTES: * El Rio has been open for nearly 44 years! * Super nice masked bartender (he was by himself). * It's a dive bar so PBRs and wells, though they do have some top-shelf selections. They're known for their bloody mary.  * One hella generous pour of Hendrick's, one Fernet neat, and one soda = ~$25 (pre-tip). * Crowd: On a Wednesday evening, it was a mixed crowd of 20-30 somethings. * EVENTS:  --Bingo nights are every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 7 PM - 9 PM.  --Live music on weekends; sometimes there's a cover charge. --Salsa Sundays. * Rotating local food vendors. On the night I visited, Tex's BBQ was selling link plates ($10) and rib plates ($12).  * Photo booth in the patio. * Clean restrooms with TP for daaaays.  * $10 min. for cc's.   * Very difficult metered and residential parking so Uber/Lyft there. read more

El Rio - Hella generous pour of Hendricks...until I spilled the entire glass. = / ($10 cc minimum + dog-friendly patio) - Music Venues Near Me - San Francisco, California

WORST BARTENDERS IN SAN FRANCISCO. Good luck getting a drink and don't expect good customer services. read more

We hurried from Carnaval festive to see the live salsa band since I follow El Rio on the gram. Should of said in the posting. DJ at 3 and live salsa band starts whenever they feel like it close to 5. Normally they have a food vendor but this time they didn't so we left after 1 song since we were hungry. Do better read more

Came here after dinner to celebrate my birthday and they were having a brat drag show! Was a little sad that the show was so short, but other than that i had such an awesome time here! VERY spacious and an overall great time! cant wait to come back! read more

The women working the front door on 10/10 was the most inappropriate and threatening employee I have ever interacted with. She followed me into a different bar (not the bar she was working the front door for) to tell me I wasn't welcome and I needed to get out. Regardless of the initial incident, no one deserves to be continually threatened after leaving the premises. This employee should have no interaction with patrons. The owner of this establishment needs to know that this incident happened and the employee should be reprimanded. read more

Heard so many good things about this place on social media so I HAD to come here to see for myself!!! We went here for the Queer as Fourth day party. El Rio EXCEEDED my expectations! I was expecting a regular degular experience but omg this quickly rose to the top of my list for places to party! I've never felt so safe in a venue! Bartenders and the crowd were super friendly! The music? 12/10!!! I can't wait to come back and this is definitely gonna become a staple for me and the homies ;) read more

El Rio - Music Venues Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This place is a good bar with good drink selections. There is also lots of room in the back of this bar. A cool place to go. read more

El Rio - Music Venues Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've been going to El Rio on and off for over 40 years. I wanted to write this review while it was still fresh In my mind since it literally happened just a few hours ago. I went to El Rio today to meet a friend for drinks. He'd already advised me since the last time I was there the admission fee was now $20 after 4 o'clock rather than $10 as it was before. I was fine with that. I got there shortly after 5 o'clock paid the $20 admission fee and proceeded to the bar to get a drink. I ordered a margarita from the young lady attending the bar. She proceeded to make my drink, she and brought it to me. I gave her $20 bill. She went to the register to ring it up, I could see her making the change for the $20 bill. She turns around and took whatever change she had in her hand and appears to throw it in a tip can or a jar behind the bar. As I stood there waiting for my change, she didn't return. She proceeded to wait on someone else ,so I got no change from my $20 bill. I stood there a little perplexed and thought wow, the price of drinks must've gone up along with the admissions fee and margaritas and are now $20 which I thought was entirely too much but (certainly my fault that I didn't question it). When my friend showed up about 30 minutes later, I mentioned to him how much the price of drinks had gone up and told him about the $20 I just paid for margarita, like me he couldn't believe it. He got curious and went to the bar and asked a bartender (not sure if it's the same person that waited on me) how much margaritas were, he was was told a margarita is $12. He suggested I go back to the bar and confront the bartender however, I felt a little uncomfortable since 30 minutes had already passed and I really didn't want a confrontation in a crowded bar. Also, it would've been my word against hers. I was a little disappointed that this happened after all the wonderful times I've had at El Rio. I will definitely go back as I still enjoy the people and the music however, I will definitely think twice before ordering drinks there again. I will gladly take the loss on this but I wanted everyone to be aware that they have at least one shady bartender. read more

Door person was nasty, my girlfriend and I went to hug a friend in line and she yelled at us to "get to the back of the line NOW". No one was trying to cut, way to ruin pride weekend. read more

I was tipsy but I wanna say the workers name is Kristen I hope that's right, she was so sweet! She helped me from this weird guy trying to get at me, such a girls girls move she clearly seen I was uncomfortable and came to the rescue. 10/10 thank you so much! read more

If I could give 0 stars I would. I came in to visit my sister for her bachelorette party. Most of us are gay or bi which normally wouldn't be relevant but when we got off our party bus they asked if we were gay and then said we don't let people in with party buses. Then they proceeded to tell us that it was normally a $15 cover but for us specifically it will be $30. When we asked if there was someone we could speak to they were all very rude and disrespectful. Never in my life. Don't come here. They're discriminatory. Because apparently if you don't look gay enough you aren't allowed in. Didn't realize that, even in this climate you had to write, "I'm gay" on your shirt for you to be let in. read more

Fun venue indoors and outdoors catered to lgbt but everyone is welcome. Great latin events.

Came here yesterday for the RnB and Ribs event and had an amazing time! The drinks are well priced but I'd have to come back to try their cocktails as we only had beers. The back patio is huge and they had great djs playing on the outdoor deck. As an added bonus, there are several restrooms throughout the bar! read more

El Rio - a street corner with a colorful sign - Music Venues Near Me - San Francisco, California

El Rio has always been one of my go to's. It's nice having a queer space where people can be themselves without feeling judgement that you get in a lot of other bars in the city. Whether you're going solo and going with friends and family, it's always a good time. read more

Large back patio is still festive during the pandemic. Drinks are cheap with a mix of cocktails, beer and wine. One of my favorite places to hang out after a good dinner. read more

El Rio - Music Venues Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Visited El Rio for the first time ever during pride weekend. Cover charge was $35 per person due to the drag show/performances happening that night. In my opinion, all the bartenders were really quick at making the drinks. They were all very nice especially the girl bartending the smaller bar next to the additional restrooms. Oh did I forget to mention that 420 is legal in their patio!??! Also, their drinks are not too overpriced; average $12-15 per cocktail and $4-7 per beer. Overall, I would recommend this place to a non SF native. The vibes were immaculate! P.s cash or Venmo only for paying cover charge at the entrance read more

Came here while celebrating pride this last Saturday, was pretty busy but not too overwhelming. Ambiance was nice and the DJ had some great tracks playing! Not a lot of seating but understandable especially during the last week of pride. Don't really agree with other reviews in regard to the bartenders; they got around to us pretty quickly and actually listened to me when I asked for a "light pour" which I really appreciate! That night I was feeling pretty generous so I'd been giving out bigger bills as tips to staff and one of the bartenders was nice enough to not charge me for my first drink! Highly recommend for anyone wanting to bar hop at queer friendly establishments. read more

WORST BARTENDERS ever. I have been in clubs all around, never ever encountered ignorants and angry bartenders such as these. It bothers them to serve the public. They must have to be underpaid, guaranteed!!!! read more

One of the few queer bars in SF that is welcoming to all queer people and not transphobic or misogynistic like some places in the Castro. Super yummy drinks, friendly staff, very cute vibe, and great events! One of my favorite bars in SF! read more

Karaoke but a band is playing the music and you have backup singers and everyone is dancing and you're the main character and it's so awesome read more

El Rio - Karaoke w live band - Music Venues Near Me - San Francisco, California

The bartenders are really hit and miss. Can you for the love of humanity please remind your bartenders that TRANS PEOPLE are part of "LGBT" although I've really always felt shunned out of it. This is the second time I've had an uncomfortable experience with this bar, the first time being completely ignored (assuming it was because I look cis and straight, although I'm trans and she is lesbian) until someone told the bartender to help us they completely ignored us for at least 15 minutes...... but tonight!! Really upset me, if some one can tell you their last name and spell out the first, that alone should be enough (ask for ID I don't care) I should never be asked to "SAY IT OUT LOUD" (my dead name!!!) at the bar for everyone to hear. Most bars in SF really only cater to gay cis men/ non-binary/ Or lesbians and it's really frustrating since this is such a good spot other wise. As and LGBT establishment please please pleaseeeee be an ally (these times are already though for us, being threatened to take away our health care, and being shunned by "our own people" is though enough as it is) I don't feel comfortable being out as trans where I live/ work and even more so don't feel comfortable in the bay cause I have to be automatically gay to be accepted... read more

Drinks are generous and not too expensive! Most of the staff are very helpful, although it can get a bit crowded and noisy as the evening goes on. They have live music sometimes (check the website) that tends to be rather loud. Fortunately they have earplugs available at the bar. Very welcoming atmosphere to queer and trans people. Have gender neutral restrooms (+1) read more

Came here on a Friday night and it wasn't as busy as I thought. Super friendly bar. Just wish there was music playing or something. More like a bar to sit and chill at. read more

Venture farther down Mission Street and you'll stumble upon El Rio. On the border of Bernal Heights El Rio has a great location a few blocks from 24th and the rest of mission, but also other great spots in the other direction heading into Bernal. El Rio is LGBTQ friendly and doesn't start charging cover until 9PM ($5). + Cheap on tap/rotating beers starting at $6 + Outdoor patio area with some heat lamps + Taco vendor in the back serving up some baja fish tacos, etc. + Occasional drag show taking place in the other side of El Rio + Bay Area sports playing on the TV indoors + Shuffleboard and a pool table indoors ***CASH ONLY*** read more

I've had lots of fun Sunday afternoons here, the terrace is great on a sunny day. The layout is a tad chaotic but that kind of adds to its charm. It also has one of the best toilets in America, it was literally up for an award! You have to seek it out, it's right at the back. read more

The best queer bar. Mango is hosted every 4th Saturday and I look forward to it every month! They host other parties and events as well that look so fun on Instagram, I just haven't had the chance to attend yet. Drinks are strong an delicious. Cash only bar, tip your bartenders well! There are 2 bathrooms to the right when you get to the pool table and there are also two more bathrooms when you go outside and to the back room. I can't speak highly enough of El Rio and the folks there. read more

El Rio - Music Venues Near Me - San Francisco, California

Need a reliable dive bar with loud music, lots of people, a pool table, and also more intimate seating and tables? This is a reliable and solid dive bar with a great outdoor setup in the back. Definitely gives off backyard barbecue party vibes with a couch area or two where you can have more privacy and intimate conversations. It can get crowded and there's a nice dance floor too. The staff is helpful and good and yes prices are a bit steep but hey, it's San Francisco. read more

I must have cursed myself. I got ready to meet a friend for her birthday party here, and I saw some reviews about trans and non-binary patrons getting ignored or skipped. And the same thing happened to me. Maybe I look straight in this gay bar? I don't know. But it also happened to me. I'm more confused than upset. I just wish this wouldn't happen. The priority order for these bartenders is especially chaotic. read more

the bouncers are way too serious about ID's, if your ID is expired but you have a temporary print out and an email from the DMV they won't let you in and they won't even hear you out read more

Cool place for cocktails and the outside is amazing! I'll give them that, really nice place to visit! But wouldn't go back. But! The security I think or whoever monitors the bands playing, that ask to see your wrist for confirmation that you've paid to see the band, NEEDS TO KEEP HIS HANDS TO HIMSELF. I didn't know, I'll say that: I wasn't aware that you need to pay the fee for the band. As he approached me to explain that, I understood and left as requested. However, as I was leaving, he put his hands on my back and I totally did not appreciate that. It made me feel uncomfortable that an individual who works at this progressive bar doesn't know to keep his hands to himself. I'm already leaving, you don't need to touch me. Imagine how some people being touched without consent. So not cool. That bouncer or whoever monitors the music area needs to learn how to RESPECT SOMEONES PERSONAL SPACE. Great place for drinks overall! Wouldn't go there again after this experience, but it was a nice place! read more

Amazing versatile community club that or decades welcomes all and hosts quirky fun events from live bands to djs and more regularly 2 times daily. Great outdoor patio! Bloody Marys are delicious! read more

They have a decent sized back patio here. I was here for Zombie Prom. The drinks are reasonably priced. The back room isn't huge but it was big enough for a small event like Zombie Prom. They tend to have a wide variety of events here so it's pretty tough to grab a table. They also have shuffle board and a pool table. It's a hearty walk from 24th St BART but it's totally do-able. I'd probably stop in again, especially when the weather is nice. read more

El Rio - Music Venues Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wow, I came here for a how on Saturday Night (Destroyer (KISS cover band), Plan 9 (Misfits cover band) and White Wizzard (80's Metal cover band) and had a great time. The drinks were pretty in-expensive. I think I paid $3.50 the entire night, which made it really easy to buy drinks for all my friends too. My friends and I had a KILLER night. It was my first time at El Rio and I will definitely be back. Great Dive! read more