fun neighborhood bar, great Irish coffees! A lot of regulars .and a friendly atmosphere. Old school bar that's been around a long time. I will be back. read more

Exploring North Beach for the first time, La Rocca's caught our eye with the sign for the $8 Irish Coffee. Although not quite unfriendly, the bartender did not seem super keen to acknowledge we had entered but did greet me and was friendly enough when I ordered the coffees. For $8, the Irish Coffees are quite the steal. Having not had an Irish Coffee made in a bar before (just terrible teenage connections), I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised at how strong the drink was. The whisky flavor was super strong, but slightly hidden under the also strong coffee flavor. The whipped cream did provide some creaminess to offset the whisky flavor also. Overall, we were happy with the drinks and thought they were a good value, but didn't feel super welcomed. read more

La Rocca's Corner - Irish Coffees - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Stopped by here before Cobbs next door. Not a very big spot, but I did love the huge TV screen. Very friendly staff. My go to drink is an old fashioned. Unfortunately they missed the mark on that one, hence the missing star. I gotta say it's the perfect spot if you need a place to get drinks right before a comedy show next door read more

See all

Stopped in for a Bloody Mary and it was delicious! Nice sports bar, would go again. The bartender was nice too. read more

La Rocca's Corner - Bloody Mary half full - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Robbie, the bartender, and Sil the client. Guys, you give this bar all the character and charm to keep me coming back. Do they kiss ass? No. Do they provide personality? Yes. For 13 years... This is my favorite bar on this spinning blue planet. Don't like a dive bar? Don't go to a dive bar. Can't wait to see you guys, again, in January. read more

Had a really awful time a few weeks ago. Visited with a friend and the bar smelled yucky, kinda like a park bathroom. Bartender and regulars kept saying slurs and talking disparagingly about trans women, making jokes about Thailand/Thai people, and played pro-Trump music. Not a chill vibe at all. read more

Awesome neighborhood dive bar. It's such a cozy spot for the locals and you can tell there are a TON of regulars. Drinks are very well priced and the bartenders are pretty dope. Would def come back to watch a football game on the huge screen read more

Owner is incredibly rude. As someone who doesn't drink and was just catching up with friends (who had all bought multiple drinks) he said we needed to buy more drinks or get out just at a random moment right after they has JUST finished a round. read more

This place was a shame. I got one Irish coffee for $10.30, left the bartender (an older guy) $2 tip. Coffee was average if you're into Irish coffee. Later on, when I was going over my transactions, I found out that they charged me $44 for the tip. Unbelievable! Who does that? Tried calling them numerous times, no answer whatsoever. Had to go through transaction disputes through my card. Bottom line: average drink and a fraudulent transaction. One very sad place in San Francisco. read more

Great, historic, fantastic old school dive bar. No food, but good drinks...bloody Mary's and Irish coffees. Many different beers on tap. But the best thing about it are the bartenders and the locals. But don't get the bartenders started on politics. One of them is a real Trumper! read more

A real corner bar on Columbus Ave - not a long walk from the Aquatic Cove where we watched the Blue Angels (with Alcatraz in the background). The bartender was friendly and efficient and there was a baseball game on the TV. The clientele all seemed to be locals - always a good sign and the food that we saw looked amazing (not sure if they ordered it in or if the bar had a kitchen). We were waiting for a bus but they were not stopping as they were packed to capacity due to the air show. The bartender was nice enough to point out the fact that the cable car had a stop only a block away. Nice people, good prices - we will visit again. read more

La Rocca's is our home away from home, our living room but bigger, our third place. Whether we're coming here after a kickball win (more likely loss) or to close out a night out somewhere we can walk home from, this is the spot to be. Gabe, the weekend night bartender, is the absolute best. He'll make a quick drink or pour a quick beer while chatting with you about his dogs or the day as long as it's not too crowded. Dan on Wednesdays can also be known for his swiftness in beer pouring. Robbie is similarly personable and has stories to share. With a great selection of beers on tap as well as hard alcohol, I can't wait to return as soon as dry January concludes. read more

I was enjoying a nice cocktail after a stressful day, at La Rocca's Corner. The bartender started hurling Antisemitism rhetoric. I looked at the bartender and I stated I do not like your jokes they are offensive and yet he continued. For the record, these are some of the harassment jokes, the bartender was telling. "Do you know why Jews nose are so big, it's free air." "Germany made a new microwave. It's six seats 6 million Jews." That's when I asked him to stop. He continued with other antisemitism rhetoric. Upon my departure " "the bartender said Salam," this is Arabic for goodbye. I turned to looked at him and stated I speak Arabic. I know what you said and you're still not funny. I guess some people can't keep their personal feelings out of the workplace. The definition of harassment is when you ask somebody to stop and they continue. I had a meeting with my attorney and on Monday morning I shall be filing a civil harassment lawsuit against this establishment. I guess you can enjoy cocktails at this establishment, as long as you're not Jewish and you support antisemitism. read more

Came to La Rocca's for a friends birthday as a stop along our evening bar crawl and discovered that it was a really cool and casual bar to hang out. The vibes were really positive and the bartenders were very kind. One of the things that stuck out most to me was the pricing of their drinks, which was relatively well priced compared to a lot of other San Francisco venues. I believe they had Irish Coffees available for $8 which to me is a total steal! All around, a great neighborhood bar that i definitely wouldn't mind visiting again if in the area read more

Paul the bartender refused to serve our friend because he said his license was fake he doesn't know that you can have a vertical drivers license if you just turned 21. Drivers licenses have expiration dates on them too bad he can't read. read more

Mediocre Irish coffee and the bartender did not acknowledge us until 15 mins after we had arrived at the bar. The bar was not busy.

This is a classic San Francisco watering hole where mobsters used to get together to figure out who should be wearing a cement overcoat and thrown into the bay. Apparently Joltin' Joe DiMaggio used to come here thus answering Simon & Garfunkel's age-old question in "Mrs. Robinson", "Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?" This corner spot has that old school vibe like Bogey came in looking for the Maltese Falcon, and the vintage feeling was made complete by the veteran bartender who takes no prisoners when he's hurling insults at every customer who walks in (photo: http://bit.ly/2C4tW9z). Regulars take it in stride, while others, mostly foreign tourists, were confused or scared off much to the amusement of the bartender. It looked like he bused the tables only when he felt like it, which likely explains why nobody sat at them. Everybody was crowded around the bar (photo: http://bit.ly/2o9wkmU) including us who ordered a couple of refreshing pints of Guinness (photo: http://bit.ly/2BAsbQo) before heading to Fior d'Italia for dinner. Do I recommend La Rocca's Corner for your patronage? If you want to go where people know, where people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name. But not ours. Norm! BEER - 5 stars...cheap and when is Guinness not 5 stars? AMBIANCE - 3 stars...old-timey but not really charming SERVICE - 3 stars...he instills fear TOTAL - 3 stars...how do you like your cement overcoat? read more

See all

Low key little "neighborhood" (?) place. Stopped in a couple times while in the area on a business trip. Could be fun spot for a game, etc. No food, but bartender says you can bring in whatever you'd like. Grab a beer here! read more

I need to get something out of the way right now. Ana S, you should not threaten people on Yelp. I believe I can have your review removed for that if I so desire so you might either want to retract or modify on your own accord. Im going to lead my loyal followers on a fun journey. I used to have some friends. Jesse and LeAnne. They were fine folks but they ended up being influenced by someone and now they dont want anything to do with Effin anymore and thats real sad because thats a very long, intimate friendship down the drain. Previous to LeAnne marrying Jesse her last name was La Rocca. Word on the street is that someone in her direct lineage opened this bar. His name is Vince. I visited this bar long ago with Jesse and LeAnne but I did not give it the proper appreciation as I was not of the right frame of mind. I returned today and I think I might be a changed man. Killa B and I went by and they were barely open. i asked if we could go in and we were greeted by Mikey and Paulie. Man, I hope you guys read this and get some recognition. I have been to alot of bars in my life and I have never, ever been happier to have returned to a bar in my life than I was today. It wasnt only the presence of Mikey and Paulie....I told them that I used to have friends that were in direct lineage and they put Vince on the jukebox for me. They made me feel like effing family. They gave me facts. The place has been open for 101 years. Some of the countertops have been there for 101 years. I asked Paulie for a good Italian place I could get some food to go and he went right to work telling me the best, writing them down. Mikey, coming in and checking in between stocking....Killa B and I were the only people in there and it was just like, i never wanted to leave. Unfortunately we had to and Paulie and Mikey not only bid us a fine adouis, Mikey comes to me and tells me im family and any time we come by and see someone in there, just knock on the door and we can come in. I mean come on folks. I cant guarantee everyone gets the same treatment but the experience that I had here was VIP x 10000000 and there is only 1 reason I would ever go back to the city and it would be to see Mikey and Paulie at La Roccas Corner. I almost did not do this review because I didnt want to bust them out. They have been in business for 101 years so they dont need the help but seriously, go see Mikey and Paulie. These cats are totally worth being super famous! read more

The bartender (I didn't catch his name), a heavier set guy, made us very uncomfortable. He kept staring at my girlfriend and appeared to be making inappropriate comments to the other staff, occasionally looking over at us after. We eventually left because she felt uneasy. This will be our last visit to this place. read more

A storied bar in a great location, patronized by real Bay Area locals who welcome everybody who walks through the doors. Good stuff on tap, diligent and friendly bartenders, hilarious bartop banter, really can't go wrong here if you come in with the right attitude. read more

Great location in North Beach, friendly folks, more of a clubhouse vibe and we loved watching all the World Rugby Cub matches read more

La Rocca's Corner - the front of the store - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great place but they were supposed to be open until 2 am and when we arrived at 10 pm got told first thing closing in an hour. Bought 10 people into an empty bar to give you business and they didnt want it. read more

As part of my staycation birthday weekend we ended up at La Rocca's by accident (thank you bar diagonally across the street for not having decent wine). What a great place to watch the Niners (or I would imagine any sporting event). Cool locals kind of bar with friendly service, colorful regulars and a good vibe. We'll definitely be back. read more

La Rocca's Corner - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

From Vegas and rolled in this cool bar asking for them to play the Golden Knights playoff game with sound on and they happily obliged. Great bar and good people! read more

La Rocca's Corner - We had a blast! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Old school bar showing its age, but still an A-OK place for a beer or cocktail. We've been here a couple times, and it appears La Rocca attracts mostly locals, with a few tourists coming through. Locals and bartender (Sil has served us every visit) have always been pleasant . . . Cheers! Rich read more

Amazing owner Rob was so welcoming to us firstimers from Chicago. Made a mean Bloody Mary and a Long Island and gave us the best conversation ever read more

All the bartenders are pros. Want the inside line on SF? Muscle up a seat and find out what's going on in North Beach and the rest of the city. read more

Classic North Beach standby. Hasn't changed much in the three decades I've been coming. Great refueling stop for any tourists traveling between the Wharf and North Beach. If you're lucky you can snag the little corner table and watch the cable cars go rattling by. read more

They swill their booze.... What you are paying for is not what you get. Reporting them to the ABC.

Great dive bar. Kinda picture perfect for north beach too. It's got a pleasingly weird shape, which I think is an underratedly important thing in a dive bar when possible. Prices are typical, vibe is good. Big window is even better for people watching. read more

This is It! I have seen that sign many times as I've walked by La Rocca's Corner. Maybe it's a North Beach institution? I've also been told that it was DiMaggio's old bar, the site of a mob hit, and a scene in a Bond movie. What La Rocca's is to me is a friendly and low-key neighbourhood bar that is good for a drink and maybe a story. Mine involves a drink with my parents at this cozy dive bar, with memories of Milwaukee and good times gone by and newly created. read more

I would stand by the following statement: "Sil is either the best bartender in SF, or one of the best bartenders in SF." I have never had a bad time here. Whatever else you could say about this bar, the bartender IS this bar for much of the clientele. Certainly is for me. I've lived in SF for a few years. I came here early, but not often. I'm now realizing how good a spot this is. This is an old school kinda place. Good old North Beach. A lot of the folks around are from the neighborhood. I love coming to a place like this and seeing people who know each other. SF is great for that. This place should be a must for the type who want to hang out and drink and watch some good games in North Beach. I've met some SUPER cool people here. If you're down soaking up the SF tourist-culture near Fisherman's Wharf, do yourself a favor and take the trek up through North Beach. Lock, and get-Loaded. You start on this end of Columbus, and move up. Lots of cool spots along the way. And, you can get some great food after soaking up the fun at La Rocca's. read more

See all

Walking by this corner bar, I noticed the Giants game on the TV and peered into the window to check out the score and continued on my way. I then hear someone calling me. Turned around and saw that it was Ron aka "Sil", a classmate at Salesian since kindergarten, who I haven't seen in over 20 years. He invited me in for a drink. Though I've walked by many times, this was my first venture into this neighborhood bar. LaRocca's is a true classic old-school neighborhood watering hole. I come to find out that Sil is a bartender here, but was here watching the Giants game this evening on his off-night. The bartender got my drink order and Sil and I chatted about old times. The bar patrons appeared to be neighborhood regulars. We along with the bartender talked about the action on the screen. The bar has long tables and tables along the windows that face out to the busy Columbus Ave, great for people watching and seeing the cable cars rumbling by. This is not your hot, vibrant bar, but a classic neighborhood bar were "Hi Norm" comes to mind. read more

While exploring South Beach this past Friday afternoon wife and I dropped in to La Rocca's for one drink...two rounds later we left knowing we found a new must see for future trips to San Francisco. Fun atmosphere in a decades old location. Bar tender, shame on me for not getting his name, recommended Swan Oyster Depot for lunch...it was fantastic and worth the wait in line. He also recommended Ariake for sushi but didn't make it. See you next trip! read more

La Rocca's Corner - Available brews on tap - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

North Beach sports bar, emphasis on North Beach. The cappucinos are real North Beach cappucinos. The beer selection is the usual semi-eclectic, half dozen regional brews and imported taps. The decor is real old-man-bar stuff like Tug of War posters and photos signed by Willie Brown. I used to feel guilty heading to a dark bar at 9 AM on a sunny Fall SF Saturday to watch my beloved Spartans. But LaRocca's Corner is one of the unofficial homes of the Michigan State University Bay Area Alumni Club (Kezar Pub is another). For football they have a 42" plasma HD with all the games (mostly Big Ten) and bartenders who actually know how all the equipment works. And sound's not a problem since it's only busy if the alumni group is there. La Rocca's bright sunny windows, great neighborhood food, and views of passing cable cars mean you can have the best of both worlds: Get your college football fix and a cappucino and walk out with a W and still have the rest of the day to enjoy the city. read more

La Rocca's Corner - This is it! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Walking distance from The Marriott . Bartender was attentive and nice . Great pours for drinks . Felt welcomed. Look forward to going back

Great place, cheap drinks, awesome atmosphere. Right next to Cobbs Comedy Club... but their phone doesn't work. I actually can't call them. read more

A triangular room with windows along the hypotenuse makes for a sunlight rich environment. La Rocca bills itself as a place where "The tourists meet the locals". A lot of places make this claim....La Rocca's is the only one I know of that actually delivers on it. Regulars usually sit towards the entrance at the corner of Columbus & Chestnut. Feel free to join in, but be ready to scoot down if the locals want to make room for another regular. Well placed TV's and low-volume music help foster a sports-and-conversation friendly environment. The crowd consists of local retirees mixed with tourists. For reasons unbeknown to myself, something about La Rocca seems to elicit frequent conversations between the two groups. Both locals and the bartender are happy to give directions, advice, or tips on where to eat. Aging but well preserved wood covers the place, and an interesting collection of local photos graces the walls. I love this place. It's humble, it's friendly, and it's got local flair. And for all practical purposes, I can't think of any other reason for a local to walk this far up Columbus Street. read more

La Rocca's Corner - Where the tourists meet the locals - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came here after find our regular place closed down. Great service and tasty drinks. I got a Bloody Mary and my husband got a Manhattan. Go place to stop on the way to Washington square. read more

La Rocca's Corner - Great bloody Mary! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California