Another addition to the long list of SF bars at which I have never puked: I met my friend Lulu at Elixir last Friday to watch NCAA hoops. She was rooting for Michigan State (they won); I was rooting for UNC (they won) . . . so all around, I have to say it was a great evening. In addition, as if that weren't enough, (1) the juke box is slammin' (ok - well, it is one of those MP3/internet juke boxes, so theoretically it has every song ever recorded . . .); (2) I didn't have to wait long at all for a stool to sit on (impressive in the middle of 2 sweet-16 games); (3) the grapefruit juice in the greyhounds is fresh squeezed and unbelievably tasty; (4) I hear they have a good bloody mary; (5) the crowd is neither so young or so douchy for an aging hipster such as myself needs to feel uncomfortable. Elixir: -1 because their only local brew on tap is Anchor (think globally, drink locally!); +1 because Lulu is friends with the staff and gets her drinks cheap in exchange for bussing all the tables. UPDATE: Both UNC and Michigan State won their games in the Elite Eight today in order to move on to the FINAL FOUR! We're just a week away from the possibility of a UNC-Michigan State NCAA FINALS (which, of course, UNC would win). I give Elixir all the credit for this. read more

Everyone's got an opinion, which is why this site works. But in reading reviews, remember that everyone's tastes are different and you should evaluate a place based on what YOU like. There are some comments here that are just plane wrong, some that are purely based on one person's taste and other's that are spot-on. I, for one, don't like techno, but I don't go trashing the techno bars. I don't want anyone to have an unpleasant experience, but the reality of this business is that you can't please everyone, and sometimes you do screw up. If you've had a bad experience at my bar, send me a note and I'll do what I can to correct it. If you've enjoyed it, then I've done my job. Whether you loved or hated Jack's, everything changes. There has been a saloon on our corner since 1858 and the current one was built in 1907 by PJ McGinnis, the owner of the one that burned down in 1906. I'm the 9th Proprietor on this location that has run under 8 different names. I hope you enjoy what I've done with it and continue to do with it. I'm open to feedback, suggestions and comments. And feel free to contact me directly...or just come down and have a drink with me. I'm in there working on it everyday. Cheers! read more

I'm a huge fan of all the bars in the 16th & mission area, but there's a time and a place for all of them. Kilowatt is just awesome, and definitely where I get all my dart playing on. Gestault is where I go to drink liters of beer the size of my head and to play pool with others who are as laughably bad as me. Dalva's is cool for chilling at, in a lights dimmed smoking inside dive bar kinda way, but if I'm going out to just hang out with my buddies, meet some new friends, and have some good drinks, then Elixir is the spot I go to. I'm actually new to the Elixir scene although I've lived in the area for awhile. So far it seems like a good spot with great people (on both sides of the bar). Prices are on par for the area and they have a nice selection of beer and booze. Although one note!!! I noticed on my receipt after last time I was there that there were three shots of Jameson on there that I (and my friends) swear I didn't order, receive, or drink. This would be MAJOR points off, except that particular night I can't actually remember if I ordered (or drank) them or not. So, in fairness to Elixir I'm going to assume that I DID order AND drink said shots of Jameson. but watch your tab! read more

I am the doorman at the Elixir that was working 2 weeks ago. I have been working there since 2018 without any problems or complaints. You and your entire group had been drinking. Your wife appeared intoxicated and I refused to let her in. I on the other hand had not been drinking at all that evening. I never put my hands on your wife and you both should be ashamed of yourself for saying that. Rather than be accountable for your actions you make false statements about me. The bottom line is you and your wife were upset because I did my job. Next time don't show up drunk. I will not let you attack my character and my reputation. You have offended me. Again I wasn't drinking at all that night. Come by sober I will buy you and your wife a drink. Let's talk. I'm even willing to accept an apology from both of you...you definitely owe me one. Reggie. read more

We came out here after the movie and since I saw a sign that said the Elixir was established like in 1854, I had to have a look. It's a nice corner neighborhood bar on 16th street, This place has a nice selection of beers as well as mixed drinks. The bartender was very helpful and apologized when he could not fulfill my order for beer requests but made great recommendations for replacements. He also hunted down the last diet coke they had in the bar for my non drinking friend as well. Very hipster though cuz it got crowded with a lot of young people in a hurry. They have TV screens and a juke box so it can get loud especially when it is situated on a busy large street. Enjoyed this bar as well, love the experience of being with old friends trying new places to enjoy a beer or two. read more

Formerly Jack's Elixir Bar and now just Elixir is an atmospheric bar that has been around since early 1900s when bars were called saloons. So...If you like dark saloons. A great atmosphere. If you live in the vicinity of Valencia street. If you like great Maker's Mark Manhattans. There is no doubt you must take a walk down to the saloon that is going to become your new favorite - Elixir. There is no requirement to wear a cowboy hat on entry. Parking your horse on the street near this place on Saturday evenings may pose a problem. read more

The most ignorant bar service I have ever experienced. There is a bar man with a long ginger/red beard who is the most ignorant person I've met (he also works at the door at another bar which I have been to and caused issues) He changed prices of drinks and when I asked him about it he said that because we didn't tip him enough last round he 'had enough'. You can't change prices of drinks because you think someone didn't tip enough? Wouldn't recommend going. Poor service poor experience poor beard. read more

One of my favorite dive bars in the Mission! It's small but has a good atmosphere that is neither too snobby nor too dirty. It's just right. The bar tender with brown hair slicked back is a character. He mixes a fine cocktail (pick your poison he does it) and engages with the customers in somewhat lewd but witty banter. It's a fine little place but it can occasionally get a bit crowded. read more

Absolutely loved my experience at Elixir! After catching a film at the Roxie, I decided to swing by for a post-movie cocktail for the homey vibe on a cloudy day. The eggnog here lives up to its fame - the addition of orange peel brought a refreshing twist to the richness, and the festive spices made it a perfect December indulgence. Highly recommend! read more

Gave a $60 tip and was called "a predator" ........................................................,...,,..........yeah...........................like dateline's to catch a predator..............................and I was like..................... didn't I just hand you $60?!?!?! read more

You have a really nice place here. This is one of the oldest, original small neighborhood bars in SF. It's dark, and wood filled, with gorgeous antique lighting, period art posters, great bar tending skills and a nice mix of cool people. read more

Over priced. Very rude staff and full of frat kids. Not too mention I saw a bouncer yell out homophobic slurs to a customer this past weekend. With so many bars and good drinks in the area, skip this one all together. read more

Denied service for a party of 3 30yr olds because a buddy's ID had a "crack" on the surface of his picture? Typical SF liberal fueled bullsh*t. Never coming back. read more

I love going to Elixar to watch NFL games on Sunday. They show all the games, but are very low key about it. The bloody mary's are also great. read more

Love this better-than-a-dive dive. Went there years ago when it was Jack's and it was good then, but it's great now.

Tasty cocktails at a good price, with a slightly rustic atmosphere. Worth a stop in if drinking around the area.

Good prices and delicious drinks. Plesant atmosphere. Worth a stop in if drinking around the area. Great placce.

The most amazing friendly bar in the city! great cocktails and the clients are all very cool and friendly!

Great spot for a drink. Really good selection of beer and drinks. Staff is always friendly and helpful.