For a Thursday night, Kilowatt was poppin!! My daughter and I decided to start our night here for some drinks, but we were pleasantly surprised to find a kick-ass band on stage. After the I.D. check, instead of making our way to the bar, we headed straight for the stage. With strong, glowing red lights and a giant disco ball overhead, the mood was set. The vibe was screaming, "Get up to the stage and rock out!" This is where we were introduced to the band Ockham. They played hard, and Britt's voice was badass! It's melodic but still has that raw rock quality that makes it stand out. The guitar has such a cool sound, while the bass and drums really drive the songs without overpowering the vocals. We only got to hear a few songs, but the crowd was hyped and completely mesmerized by their performance. I will definitely be watching for them to come to Sacramento! @ockhamofficial on Instagram After they were done playing, they did a quick meet and greet. My daughter bought one of their shirts and talked with Britt while I made my way over to the crazy busy bar to try to get us some drinks. Ordering took a little while, but once we finally had our drinks and had met half of Ockham, we decided to head out and explore more of Mission Street. What a fun, crazy night! We will definitely be back! read more

See all

Went to see some local bands play at the Kilowatt for the first time and loved it! I love all of the decorations and even the bathroom was fun. There's bar seating and a couple of booths. They sell $1 ear plugs at the bar if the music gets too loud. Hoping to see more shows at the Kilowatt soon! read more

Kilowatt - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Just walking by heard the music so I came back to check it out. A very lively bar they claim to have cheap drinks and music. I don't know anymore what is a cheap drink . I have my place where it is cheap. Anyways I ordered a wine the only white they had I could not drink it so I just left it. I ordered a margarita watched it made shock by head inside myself. I drank it when I work I make margarita quietly so I don't get a run on them they are good. So I don't know music was great for a while it was live an switched over to d j. This is a happy place with a mixed crowd and as they say " cheap drinks" . The bartenders are quick and pleasant. I really enjoyed the music and the crowd. Always wondered about the place and now I know maybe I 'll be back. read more

See all

Came in by accident, loved the vibes and performance. It's such an old SF joint, very nostalgic and 80s.drinks here are reasonable yet could use more of the liquor when it comes to mixing. People here are cool and quick. read more

Kilowatt - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Awesome venue ...first time ..offered fun free shows with an indie alternative spirit. .punky and spunky ..hope to visit again ..different shows all the time ..Valencia read more

Kilowatt - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

An interesting space. The employees own the place after almost being shut down. There's lots to look at in the space from people to decor. The live music here brings a good vibe. It was a huge plus that they sold ear plugs for $1! read more

Did you know a kilowatt is a unit of power that measures the amount of electricity an appliance needs to function? Then you're clearly smarter than I am. I'm just sharing useless trivia that doesn't have anything to do with my excessive alcoholic consumption at this friendly dive bar. However, it feels like a word that reflects the comfy retro vibe that evokes what this bar captures in spades during Happy Hour. It's relaxing and pretty spacious in here at least when there isn't a show on the stage in the back. Jeff was a solid bartender during my first visit. We traded travel stories about Japan, and he made a potent $6 Tequila Sunrise (photo: https://yelp.to/ITqL_KavXK). On a more recent visit, I learned they were not limited in their repertoire, and I had a particularly smooth $13 Espresso Martini (photo: https://yelp.to/g_7rDTMOaN). It definitely generated kilowatts for my otherwise nonconductive nature. DRINKS - 4 stars...the libations satisfy here AMBIANCE - 4 stars...feel at home in this retro-vintage sanctuary SERVICE - 3.5 stars...I'm not a regular but still friendly TOTAL - 4 stars...managed to generate a kilowatt or two RELATED - Exploring the Mission? Here's my collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2NHtst6 read more

See all

Great spot for local music. Rock it! Good drinks and nice folks. Karaoke too. Fantastic local spot. Please support the scene.

I have been coming here for the past 20 years and I can't tell you what a wonderful homestead this establishment is! With the change of ownership a few years back, the space has only become more magical! They have revamped the space, host incredible shows, and continue to serve the community of San Francisco. You can really see the pride ownership takes in their space. Don't miss out; come to this oasis for a drink, a show, a reunion with old friends, or simply to enjoy the spirit of a truly cool spot! You wont be bummed when you do. read more

A great bar with great music events -- so fun for dancing! The staff are relatively easy to flag down and are fast with getting drinks. Bathroom in the back can be crowded but is decent. I wish it was open even later to keep the party going -- can't wait to be back! read more

Kilowatt - Bathroom door decorated with stickers - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Just saw some amazing bands at the matinee show today!! Oh my god. Everything sounded great. Daizy the last band was our favorite, but everyone put on a hell of a show. Thanks Kilowatt for a great afternoon. read more

Kilowatt is a wonderful dive bar in the Mission District...No food here but you can bring in your own if you wish. Nice drink menu. Reasonable prices. Unfortunately, We were there before the bands started and have heard they have great musicians that perform here. They can get crowded so arrive early. We did shoot some darts which was a lot of fun Rick was very friendly and informative. My son frequents this spot. We would too if we lived closer! Highly reccomend read more

See all

did their dating show and had a lot of fun! such a cool bar and the staff was great! Will definitely be back read more

Kilowatt - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

It's hard to write a review about a dive bar. The service was great but drinks were a little expensive. Although that might just be every bar now. The place was packed so I could find the bathroom without pushing my way to the back of the room. Great location. Although parking was mostly on side streets or small, expensive lots 5-6 blocks away. I would check it out again BUT BRING EARPLUGS. It also gets pretty steamy during live music. No fans for air and they close the doors. read more

I like that there's live music and you can listen to some unknown bands here. Drinks are reasonably priced for the city and the bartenders were very friendly. Security though was rude and unpleasant (and no we weren't being kicked out or in trouble for anything). Very off-putting when the vibes at the door are like that to start off with. read more

Such a fun dive bar! Went here during a Halloween weekend and the decorations were so cute and the vibes were great. I really appreciate how nice the workers were, inside and out the bar! The upstairs spot is also really nice if you want to chill. The prices were also very reasonable for the drinks. Would love to come back! read more

See all

Are Tuesdays are the new Fridays? Karaoki was a blast, the host was very charismatic. The bartender was awesome too, she has quite a presence. She runs that place fiercely! Very strong Margaritas! Had such a good time on my date and will definitely be back for a show! read more

everytime i go here they always charge double for drinks. tell me why i ordered 2 beers (it was 16 dollars and I tipped 4) and they charged me 20 extra dollars in gratuity after the fact. they do this every. single. time. they are SCAMMERS!! if you go here for a show get drinks before if you dont want to be ripped off. love the vibes here so its honestly disappointing. read more

Kilowatt - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cool bar but rude bouncers. When we entered, we asked if he had heard about San Diego's Kilowatt brewery and he made a comment that he "didn't care at all in the slightest." Probably racist as well. Drinks are cheap and there are some cool entertainment options such as pool tables and darts. Darts cost a $10 deposit and are half broken when they give them to you. Cash bar only I think? Wouldn't come back knowing how rude the staff is. I'll go to Elixir instead where the bouncers are the most welcoming and actually enjoy talking to customers. read more

Kilowatt - Darts! $10 deposit for them - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

To the middle aged white bartender working sat dec 14, you're a clown. A couple of females enjoying their Saturday after SantaCon and enjoying the vibe of this bar. Yet, you took it upon yourself to be the grinch. The yelling and attitude ? Seriously? You are miserable and insufferable. **** Nice reply to justify screaming profanities and disgusting behavior. We aren't bar owners and don't know what codes you have to conform to. Nobody was hostile and they would've listened to you the first time. We don't know your regulations and laws, you nerd. read more

One of my fave dive bars in the mission. My roommates and I go for karaoke every Tuesday and it's such a blast. They have a pool table too and nice staff! I def recommend for a dive bar. read more

Went to my first shows here last weekend and was blown away by the talent. Great ambiance as well. Looking forward to coming back.

Been coming to this dive bar when I lived in the city and recently had a chance to see a friends band there. I like the CRTs that spell out Killowatt above the bar and the atmosphere was just as I remembered. read more

Great place to see a show I saw L.A. Witch last night at Kilowatt and had a wonderful time. More than anything else the sound was what really impressed me. It might be because they have such a small stage and lack of a sound system, but it was the best sounding show I've been to in a long time. I had been at the New Parish in Oakland and the Great American Music Hall earlier in the week and the show at Kilowatt sounded much better than the other two. The show started at 9:30 a long time after the doors opened at 8 but I'm not sure if that was due to the venue or the bands. I'll give them a pass on that for now. Another great thing about the bar is they have their two bathrooms as one female and one all gender. I really love it when a venue acknowledges that women tend to get the short stick on bathroom facilities. The staff was helpful and friendly and the entry into the show went very smoothly. I was impressed that they had signs outdoors for where to line up for the show. Kilowatt is just over a couple of blocks from the 16th St BART station so it's easy to get to or leave from. There are plenty of restaurants in the area so it's easy to pick up all types of food before or after a show there. read more

Great time good vibes. Went with a group of friends and we enjoyed ourselves. Thanks. read more

Kilowatt - Erica's second birthday bar party - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Dive bar with live music. I don't drink in bars. Music may start past official time depending on how many ticket purchases there are. read more

Amazing bar, and the music was the best, good selection of bands and we had such a great time, we are definitely coming back for more rock shows there! read more

As all good bars do, they let you order food from other places or bring your own. That is how it should be. I get tired of the same menu all the time. Service is exactly what I like, when you ask for a drink, they get you one. They don't hover or ignore. Accomplished drinkers don't like to be rushed or parched. If it is slow they aren't opposed to enjoying a good chat. They have a cool video tape collection. The programmed music is enjoyably eclectic but the reason I'm going back, after more than a decade of avoiding it, is because of the live music and change in crowd. The staff I've met and a lot of the patrons seem genuine, and that is refreshing. Welcome back Kilowatt! Thanks goes to the staff and new management for helping make it happen. read more

Loud music plus a pool table (quarters only) and 5 dollar draft beers. I like the skateboards hanging on the walls!

Awesome dive bar. A relic of seedier (better?) times. Great craft beer selection and very reasonably priced. 20(ish) for a pitcher of Stone Pale. Decent pool tables. No pretentiousness. A place you can just have a drink and not overhear the SF tech talk BS. Could use a water station. read more

Came here a few weeks ago to play some pool with some friends. The service was good but cash only and the drink prices were reasonable. If you come to play pool, let it be known that there are a few rules you need to abide by. Basically, there are two tables and if you want to play, you have to put your name on the board and challenge the winner of the previous match. If you want to play with friends, you basically have to keep winning until you and your friend are matched up, and then you can play one game. If you're okay with these rules, this is a solid place to play pool, but if you want to just spend the night playing pool with your friends and not randos, you might be better off going somewhere else read more

Hi there!! Just wanted to inform Yelpers that new ownership took over in January 2023. We are still a dive bar. We still have sports on TV's. We have a pool table and FREE dart games. And as of February 2023... we are a music venue!! Please stop by and check out the new digs. Thank you!! -Kilowatt read more

For my 350th Four Star Review, I wanted to share a cool bar in SF. We were on a mission to party, meet some chicks, and finish at La Taqueria El Cumbre in the Mission. After walking around a bit, we decided to drop by Kilowatt located on 16th near Valencia in SF. BTW, this bar is cash only. Everything about this bar is chill. The customers are cool, and engaging. No one tries to slide by you at the bar, order drinks and stay to crowd you out, a la Tasting Kitchen in Venice. In addition, the bartenders are cool. They let you have a taste of beer, know their handles, and pour stiff drinks. Lastly, the ambiance is cool. There are a couple of pool tables, and darts in rear. The women are friendly too. I met Christine from SF, who was a very nice person, that could carry on an intelligent convo. All I can say is "Mission" accomplished! We warmed up here, took Christine and her friend to Elbo Room & Asia SF, and got a late lite snack. I can't wait to return and complete another mission! LMAO!!! read more

See all

Props to my homegirl Jaime H. for finding this little spot for watching Football on Sunday afternoons. They play all the football games, plus there was some baseball action going on this past weekend too. GO GIANTS! The drinks were between $4 and 6, they let you bring in outside food and the bartenders and patrons are friendly - even if they are rooting for the opposite team. The overall vibe was fun and positive, we had a blast and were there for awhile. Dive right in, the bar is fun.... read more

Typical dive bar in the mission With it's eye-catching sign, it's hard to miss this place when walking down one of the busiest streets in the mission! The inside is pretty divey, as expected. Packed with people on a saturday night, mostly because of it's location. The booths and chairs feel slimy, and the cups they use to serve the beer look a little disgusting, with a weird "moldy" smell. The clientele looks like they're ready to party, though. The atmosphere is pretty good--everyone's chatting, and you can feel the energy in the air. Overall, a good place to go if you're looking for a divey bar read more

Kilowatt - Inside - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

The bikers and hipsters which fill the space between the cute-dog-picture-covered walls of this fine establishment are going to have a West-Side-Story-esque Sharks and Jets rumble one of these days. And I hope to god I'm there for it... and that I've already give them my $10 and left my ID for one of the two sets of darts. Note: DO NOT FORGET ID and $10 when you return the darts. the drinks are strong. favorite sign above the bar I want to "borrow": "you're in the mission" read more

Kilowatt - Damn skippy you are - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Besides cash needed to order up drinks and maybe renting of the game supplies, I like this divey spot, which is a rarity these days in the Mission. If it is divey, it would be contemporary and not that old school vibe you get. Darts, pool tables and pinball machines for the most part on entertainment. Also, TV to watch sports' games. Casual and chill at its finest. read more

Uptight and racist. Despite hearing about others less than great experiences, we still went. Had to fight to get our belongings back, including our cards, after we were not let back in after going outside to check on a friend. The bouncer tried to tell us we didn't have tabs open when we did and gave us somebody else's jacket. read more

Cool enough place, but...braindead bounders. i mean, bounce someone for getting knocked down in the pit. really? smh

The aroma of musky beer drenched wood is strong with Kilowatt. As is the whiff of wet dog every once in a while. Or is that just a hippy? I can't tell. Regardless, any place that allows dog lovers to bring their beloved for a happy pat on the head is A-OK with me. I love Kilowatt for 2 pool tables, pinball machine, dart board, and nominally priced beverages. The crowd is mixed with punk rockers to blazer doners and from my experience, quite friendly. The best thing is Kilowatt is quieter than your typical Mission fare. This is a fantastic place to unwind the night or enjoy a dive bar night out and is conveniently located to the infamous danger dog stand. read more

See all