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    Polkcha

    4.6 (240 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
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    Polkcha Photos

    POLKCHA ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Polkcha

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    Linda H.

    This bar is sooo cute ! If I lived in the area I'd totally be a regular. The decor, the Asian vibe I really felt like I was transported to a really cool bar in Asia. I went with the divisadora bc it had Ube. Anything Ube.. count me in. It wasn't overly sweet and the Ube and coconut taste was pretty strong. Def going back to get that and the pandan drink looked interesting as well!!

    Ambiance
    Lillian Z.

    Such a fun spot for some drinks. Creative asian-inspired cocktails with decor to make you feel like you're having asian street food. Melona cocktail is so delicious and fun! It can get pretty packed but there are tables farther back in the bar.

    Linda Y.

    Such a fun bar on Polk! First off, decor is beautiful with neon signs and red lights like a night market in Asia. I sat at the bar and deliberated over cocktails with friends before getting Ajumma's Choice and letting the bartender whip something up for me. My friends got the Gwangchang and another whiskey based cocktail I can't remember the name of. The melona one was really good. My drink was also tasty and fruity -- only small downside was it was supposed to have egg foam but there was an egg shortage at the time lol :) The vibes in here were also very lively-- it was packed on a Friday night and there were a lot of groups just chatting. Menu is small but well curated. Can't wait to come back again!

    Everett L.

    Very crowded on a Saturday night. Good tasting drinks. For an Asian bar they didn't play any Asian music but the melona drink was delicious really amazing bartenders to. Good place to pregame

    athena z.

    We came here on a Wednesday night and it was not crowded at all and had a lot of seating. There was one bartender so we ordered at the counter. Their drinks are sooo unique and we had to get the drink with the melona bar! It was so sweet and such a great addition to the drink. The bartender was super nice and I complimented him on his ability to bartend cause the drinks were delicious. Especially since I hate bitter cocktails these were perfect.

    Interior
    Victoria V.

    We came here on a Saturday night around 9pm and there was already a crowd waiting for seats so we were lucky to get two at the bar. I can immediately see why this place is so popular! They have a very unique drink offering, and a vibrant ambiance inside. The bartenders were all really friendly and helpful when ordering too. We got the ube cocktail which was a fun creamy creative drink which wasn't too sweet. The pandan reposado cocktail was very strong and the Campari overpowering. I asked for the bartenders choice and they gave me a mint lemon drop which was super refreshing and not too sweet, it ended up being my favorite drink of the night. This place is great as a cocktail bar but it does not have a lot of standing room so prepare yourself if you come because it gets packed!!

    Back Bay ($14), Fresh Press ($7)
    Elena N.

    Date: Thursday, August 14th, 2025 Time: around 8:30pm Party of: 2 *Back Bay ($14) *Fresh Press ($7) After dinner, drinks were in order. After looking around, we decided to stop by Polkcha. Parking wasn't too bad that day. We found a spot about a block away. Atmosphere here is fun a lively. Very interactive as I think they were also doing a trivia night. It was packed, so no seats avail. We used the little rail like table along the wall by the opposite side of the bar. Kinda in the way of people going in and out, but we were only here for a round, so it wasn't too bad. My drink was good. Not conventional in any way, but reminiscent of an old fashioned / manhattan which are two of my fav cocktails. My friend got a no abv beverage as he was the driver that night. Honestly, I probably would have loved this spot in my younger years, but as an old grandma, I found it too loud and uncomfortable. If you want something more chill, this is probably not the spot for you. But if you want a fun bustling atmosphere, this is a cool spot. REVIEW #3831

    Gwangjang and Melona popsicle
    Jacky H.

    Really fun spot on Polk. Came here with friends and loved how creative the drinks were. I got the Gwangjang and the Melona popsicle in the drink was such a fun surprise. Everyone's drinks looked super unique and tasted great too. The vibe is lively and the interior has a cool Asian street market feel. Staff were friendly and quick with service. Seating is a bit limited, so it can fill up fast, but it's worth the wait. Prices are on the higher side but fit the quality and presentation. Perfect place to start the night or grab drinks with friends. I'll definitely be back to try more.

    Duane L.

    Great cocktail spot. Very underrated. The wine bar next to it for some reason gets more attention than this spot. This spot gets a bit hidden with the crowd outside. Definitely drop into this spot. Decor is really nice. All the drinks my friends and I got were amazing. The one with the melona ice cream was like drinking a ramune soda. Their ube one was also amazing.

    Inside
    Tiffany T.

    Came for a Halloween hangout with around 10 people total. Don't be fooled by the name, it's not actually a pocha spot as they only have drinks. Decorations here were super cute! Not sure if it was just the night we came, but the drinks were so bad -- we got amfs and long islands and they tasted nothing like what they were supposed to. Overall probably wouldn't come back, though vibes are nice.

    Tiffany C.

    Cute bar if you're in the area! My friend mentioned that I probably would enjoy Polkcha due to its Asian themed menu, and I very much enjoyed the Asian influence. This bar reminds me of some of the bars in Korea I visited last year; of course not as great though - bars in Asia are on another level. But this bar was similar enough to give me a nostalgic kick. I ordered the kuromon which is a popular drink on their menu. It honestly tasted like an Aperol spritz but less strong and more watered down. Overall though, not bad, but next time I'd definitely try something different and more unique. The bar isn't very big. It's narrow and long, and with a party of 4 the day we went, we were seated in the back. Not going to lie, the benches in the back against the wall were not comfortable, but we didn't stay super long so I didn't mind all too much. I'd come again if I find myself on Polk but would try to get a seat at the bar next time.

    Katherine T.

    Ambience is super nice! Bartenders are super nice and friendly and easy to talk to. I came for Halloween 2025, since this is my first time experience Halloween in San Francisco! We got a few drinks and they're expensive, but maybe it's because it's San Francisco! vibes are really nice and comfy! We came around 6-7pm on Friday so it wasn't busy. I would love to bring my friends here :D my go to are green tea shots and surprisingly they do white tea shots! Instead of Jameson it's going to be Vodka instead.

    Austin W.

    My wife and I stopped by Polkcha before our dinner reservation nearby and the bar was completely empty at 5:00 p.m. on a rainy Thursday evening. I ordered the "Back Bay" -- a spirit forward sesame-washed whiskey drink, while my wife ordered the "Divisoria" -- a sweet concoction of dark rum, banana, ube, coconut, and lime. We both thoroughly enjoyed the creativity, the presentation, and the Asian flavors infused in each of the cocktails. The cocktails are just as described on the menu, and no single element overwhelmed the others. In addition to the set drinks on the menu, you can also order the "Ajumma's Choice," where you work with the bartender to craft a custom cocktail. All you have to do is specify your preferred liquor and any flavors you're looking for in particular. Definitely a cool experience worth trying out if nothing strikes you on the main menu. If you find yourself on Polk street looking for a bar with great drinks, I would definitely recommend stopping by Polkcha.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Polkcha

    Can this accommodate big groups?

    it's not a large bar. They have a communal table in back and a small lounge area that accommodate about a dozen people.

    View All 3 Questions

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    Visiting from TX and found this place by accident. It reminded us of our hometown hang out spot…read more Everyone made us feel welcome as soon as we came in. Not just the bartender but the manager and the locals hanging out. The drinks were great and the company even better. They gave us some amazing recommendations for some local restaurants and they were all perfect! We will visit again if we ever make it back to San Fran.

    I recently came to this bar with a few friends. One friend was a bit intoxicated and wasn't allowed…read morein, which was fine and not an issue AT ALL. While we were outside, we made friendly conversation with a bartender. I overheard another bartender come out for a cigarette and call him by name, so I jokingly used his name while asking if we could come in. At that point, the bartender became extremely aggressive, got in my face, and said, "Say his name one more f*cking time," repeatedly. I was genuinely confused and asked what she meant. Shortly after, a friend who was already inside came out simply to check on us and see why we were still outside. The bartender then told her to "get the f*ck out of my face" and instructed staff not to let her or us in, even though my friend hadn't done anything wrong. It was so confusing and extremely inappropriate. The behavior was unnecessarily hostile and disrespectful. This bar does not treat its customers with basic courtesy, and that bartender showed zero professionalism or customer service skills.

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    4.6(16 reviews)
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    Just popped into The Lucky Spot in North Beach with some buddies for drinks to watch Sunday night…read morefootball, and it quickly became our new favorite hangout spot! This place has that perfect North Beach neighborhood bar chill and welcoming vibe, like a classy dive where you can watch the game or just chat for hours. The cocktails are next level: tried a few that tasted like grown-up root beer floats and Orange Julius vibes, super creative and balanced without being too sweet. They've got solid classics too if you're not feeling adventurous. Walls are covered in cool local SF photos and art that make it feel proudly San Franciscan. Only street parking available but there's plenty of bus lines that drop you off in ths neighborhood & there's no food served onsite, but they brought in complimentary Golden Boy pizza for the game watch party which quickly went into my stomach after downing a few cocktails. Staff was friendly and on point, and it's great for locals or anyone wanting elevated drinks without the pretension. Perfect pre-dinner spot in North Beach or for a full night out.

    LOVE THIS SPOT! From the cleanliness, location, ambience,…read moreand overall customer experience - this is now my go-to spot for watching sports, date night, night out with friends, and even a solo hang. I feel right at home when I step into this bar. Plenty of space and a huge bonus: dogs are allowed! Do yourself a favor and go visit one of the best bartenders in town, Ali. If it's your first time, it won't be your last.

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    This place is on the martini trail for a reason! Try the junipero martini! I get it without the…read moreolive juice as I don't like my martinis dirty but if you do, I've heard they are great! My absolute favorite thing is that you are welcomed with a glass of mumm bubbly. I hope they never get rid of this. It really makes this place stand apart from all the other options in north beach and makes you (me) feel special. Everyone who works there is also so nice. Everytime we've gone we've been so warmly welcomed and had great conversations.

    My friends and I totally stumbled upon Petit Lil's after a dinner nearby, and the holiday vibes…read morewere immaculate! With giant ornaments, Christmas tree foliage, pretty lights, and a movie projected onto the wall, the atmosphere was lively, fun, and cozy. As we briefly waited to be seated, I was pleasantly surprised when someone brought out glasses and poured us some complimentary champagne (and later refilled too!). We ordered cocktails at the bar and indulged in the oyster jubilee (buy 6, get 6 free from 10 pm to 1 am). The oysters were pretty fresh. The Pomegranate Nice with non-alcoholic gin instead of non-alcoholic tequila, Negroni Sbagliato, and Blood Orange Gimlet were solid. I didn't love the Aviation though because it was a bit heavy handed on the violet liqueur. But overall, I really loved my experience here!

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    4.3(343 reviews)
    0.8 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
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    Such a fun place to grab a few drinks and truly unwind after a long day. This was my first time…read morevisiting, and I can confidently say it will not be my last. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere immediately stood out. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, making it a great spot whether you're stopping by casually or planning to spend a few hours enjoying yourself. The overall energy of the place made it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening. Everything felt welcoming and well put together, from the ambiance to the music and crowd. It's the kind of spot where you can have great conversation, laugh, and completely decompress without feeling rushed. The service was excellent from start to finish. The staff was attentive, friendly, and consistently checked in without being overbearing. Drinks were made well and delivered promptly, which really added to the experience. Overall, this is a great place to relax, enjoy well made drinks, and soak in a fun atmosphere. I would absolutely return and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid spot to unwind and enjoy a great evening out.

    Tony Nik's isn't just a bar, it's basically a North Beach time machine. I first walked through its…read moredoors in the late 1990s after moving to San Francisco, but the bar itself dates back to 1933, opening right as Prohibition was ending. It was founded by Anton "Tony" Nikitovich and quickly became a gathering place for the neighborhood's Italian and Croatian communities, where people came to swap stories, argue politics, and enjoy a stiff drink after a long day. And honestly, that tradition carried on well into the years when many of us became regulars. I hadn't been back for a few years until recently, when I decided to stop in again. The bar wasn't overly busy, but a handful of neighborhood folks were sitting at the counter, trading stories over their drinks. It felt instantly familiar. Not much has changed since the early 2000s when I used to come here regularly, and that's exactly what makes Tony Nik's special. Step inside, and it still feels like a mid-century film set: tufted leather seating, a long wooden bar that's seen nearly a century of San Francisco history, and that iconic neon sign glowing outside. While much of the city has reinvented itself again and again, Tony Nik's somehow held onto its soul. It's a grown-up bar without being stuffy, no loud club music, no trendy gimmicks, just well-made cocktails, a classic jukebox, and an atmosphere that feels earned rather than manufactured. The bar stayed in the Nikitovich family for decades, and the current owners were wise enough to preserve both the name and the vintage character Tony originally created. It's one of those rare places that reminds you what North Beach used to be, and, thankfully, still is.

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    Legacy North Beach Bar - Fortaleza Blanco w/ club soda ($18) + Ginger Beer ($6)

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    3.8(22 reviews)
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    Apparently North Beach is the best 'hood in the city for nightlife...right now…read more IF I was still in my 20s, I would start the night off at Monroe for Battle of the Decades where drinks start at $1 at 5 pm and increase by $1 every hour until 10 pm. Nosh on zucchini fries at Original Joe's before bar hopping on Grant Ave. IF you like a diverse crowd with DJs spinning hip hop, a visit to Legacy is mandatory. We did a little weekend day drinking at Legacy and when we saw customers sporting their Frisco gear, we knew we were in the right place! Sorry but it's Frisco, The Sco, or The City, it's NEVER San Fran. For those who disagree, tell that to Mac Dre, Too $hort, and the Hells Angels. Plus, Herb Caen eventually took back his "Frisco" stance. Anyhow, after Legacy, I would move on to watch the midnight ballerinas on Broadway and end the night smashing faces with a Golden Boy! A slice of clam & garlic OFC. O T H E R N O T E S * Friendly staff. * Low-key, locals bar with lounge seating, vinyl lined walls, TVs, and projectors for game day. * No HH specials. * Crisp sound system with DJs spinning hip hop on Fridays and Saturdays. * Dog-friendly but obvs wouldn't bring my dogs here when it's crowded at night. * Clean restrooms. * Cc's accepted but there's a discount if you pay cash.

    BFF wanted to stop her after dinner for her 50th birthday…read more I mean I grew up in NB my entire childhood. Love it love it love it but after COVID-19. Nothing has been the same. People are a bit rude and raunchy and don't respect the area for what North Beach stands for. Being in your 40's, it ain't the place really to be. To let loose, gotta have some drinks and blend in. It was bedtime for me. Still had to get home to our kids on the other side of the town way South. Music was cool but wasn't all that. Just came to celebrate and have fun, we did just that.

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