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Supposedly the oldest bar in Chinatown, but open an hour before others is a win. I had the two specials: kumquat dragon and lychee martin; as well as a yoju Vietnamese coffee. Nice place to take a break in a decent dive bar, which most of the time, has character. Didn't think any of my drinks were too strong but not watered down. The bartender was really friendly and prompt.
One of my coworkers' favorite places to stop in for a game of liar's dice. It's a dark little dive bar that seems to have its loyal regulars and has been a pretty quiet stop on our weeknight visits (in terms of busyness - there's music playing!). We've always had a good time there, and though we've not done it, I understand you can bring in outside food which is nice given all the places to pick up snacks nearby.
Super divey bar that turns into an absolutely happening karaoke bar! Came here last year while hopping around Chinatown and enjoyed a quick and very strong drink. It was just our group and we sat at the bar, got quick service and then headed out. On our most recent visit, we stopped in right as karaoke was about to start, and what was supposed to be a quick drink on a bar crawl, turned into hours here singing our hearts out. The crowd was amazing, everyone was super into karaoke and took turns singing and getting into eachothers performances, it was such a blast! Definitely one of, if not my favorite karaoke experiences I've had. Highly recommend if you're looking for a dive bar with strong drinks, or you want to belt out some jams!
Chill ass bar in Chinatown. It apparently has been here a long time and looks like it certainly has. Red's Place is one of the cheapest places to get cocktails around here surely. Even though it's not as cheap as it was it's not bad. This seems laid back compared to the commotion that goes on outside. Apparently it's Chinatown's oldest bar. It's been around here since 1937 and looking at it you can believe it. This is certainly a bar for the neighborhood. Has that classic dive bar interior. Lots of wood. Clientele seems to be mostly Chinese, as expected. There's lots of local beers, mostly in bottles in the refrigerator. It's about $8 for a basic cocktail. They can make fancier ones like martinis. Has a lot of history. It's one of the oldest bars around, and has that family owned feel to it. There's no food, but people often bring in something.
If you come to Chinatown for a drink, there are several choices, but to me, the focus always seems to stay on Buddha Lounge (review: https://yelp.to/FWFpZOyKcy) and Li Po Cocktail Lounge (review: https://yelp.to/ga8MGK8BIK) since they both have prime locations on Grant Avenue and serve their own signature Chinese Mai Tais. This one happens to be Chinatown's oldest bar, so you'd think I would've been here before. However, despite passing by it dozens of times, nope, I had not been here until I decided to drop by on a random Thursday afternoon. Pretty quiet in here. First things first, there was nothing inside that would make you think you're in Chinatown except the greasy container of chicken chow mein a regular customer was eating at the bar. It was definitely the kind of place that attracts regulars regularly. No tourist magnet for sure, and that was a major plus. No Chinese Mai Tai either, but I'm not a huge fan of them anyway. I had a $10 Tequila Sunrise that the bartender mixed quite meticulously (photo: https://yelp.to/5rxRldeLir). Her name was Amy, and she was chatty and friendly. The regulars not so much as they just talked just to each other despite Amy's best efforts to engage everyone. Well, Norm and Cliff weren't that friendly to everyone either. DRINKS - 4 stars...Amy made a fine Tequila Sunrise AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...oh yes, it's a dive but with character and the smell of takeout SERVICE - 5 stars...giving it up for Amy TOTAL - 4 stars...the place to get a stiff drink in Chinatown RELATED - Exploring Chinatown? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2WoF1Z2
Great divey place w in door and outdoor seating nestled in china town. Love coming here for that truly 'institutional' and local SF feel before all the tech money swooped in! w/ 4 beers on tap & lots of cocktails catering to your mood - this little joint is a great beginning (or end) to your SF extracurricular weekend or weekday itinerary. Cheers
(Tony Leung Chiu-Wai voiceover) The vibe is dive bar right smack in the middle of Chinatown! Never been. First time for a lot of things. Jenny warmly greeted me. I'm here tonight to listen to the very best Taylor Swift Karaoke contest in San Francisco! Met the host, Hayley, who reigns from Vancouver. Not only does she have exquisite taste in cinema and music; her drive is even more admirable! Ordered the usual Red Bulls to mellow me out for the evening festivities! My gosh, the energy was stratospheric and seismic! And yes I, Tony Leung, just like my bestie (who I sometimes sound like) Ryan Reynolds are Swifties. And yes like Ryan, I've been to 2 of her concerts at Levi & Sofi. Let me tell you, Swifties know how to rock and will save the world! In my less-than-humble-because-I'm-over-qualified opinion (as well as the audience-wide gasps and unbridled raucous applause), the clear winner for the contest was the rendition of Taylor Swift's Beautiful Ghosts. The audience fit the clinical definition of slack-jawed! Yes, we were in awe! Wait...was this even karaoke? What was Whitney Houston doing in the house?! That was an absolutely amazing performance! My oh my. That was a witnessed objective truth! Objective truth does exist! Fabulous vocals! Music, mirth, wine, conversation, and places like Red's is how we will achieve world peace, a prosperous economy for all, defeat the lies of depopulationist globalist tyrants, and find meaning! Jenny also recommended a Bulleit which was absolutely fab! Would order everything again! And will be back to try some of the exotics I saw on the top shelf (especially on a Saturday to see Jenny)! Duì! Xiè xiè, Jenny & Hayley! Zài jiàn! Woohoo!
Such a fun place! My friends and I were walking around the area and came across Red's Place. It's a small karaoke bar with the nicest staff and adorable Christmas decorations. It has classic bar drinks at a reasonable price. There is no karaoke book, and you can sing literally anything. My friends and I went up and sang so many times (sorry to everyone who had to listen to us!). A few other groups were doing the same thing and everyone was having a great time together. A fun, friendly vibe with a bar full of great people! Will definitely be back many times.
This small lil bar tucked away in Chinatown is always such a good time. The times I've gone, the crowds were pretty small, but the patrons consisted of locals and regulars which gives this place a nice homey feel. Their bartender Jenny is super nice, attentive, and really adds to fun and casual vibe this place has. This is a no frills bar, just drinks and good company. If you're looking to escape some of the more crowded bars in Chinatown, try taking a peek here and see what the situation looks like. Overall, I give this place a 9/10.
Love the vibe here nice go to spot for a drink they have everything you need. Amy the bartender drinks on Point. Music box for the drinks yes please
Had a good time enjoying some drinks in a festive atmosphere during the week of Chinese and Lunar New Year. Watching football playoffs outside at the parklets. This place is fun to enjoy San Francisco Chinatown on a weekend. Cheers!
Possibly the oldest bar in the city expect cozy, well-worn, a little gritty. Bar-tender is a firey straight-shooter Like she'd give you shit for arriving by scooter. Stacks of boxes lined a wall mostly Tsingtao (it's Chinatown after all) Sticky tables, peeling vinyl chairs a place to disappear and forget your cares. This place has an overall welcoming tone, be noisy, by quiet, in a group or alone. Thanks for the shelter from the rare rain you can bet we'll be back to Red's again.
I've been intrigued by this dive bar during my last few visits to Chinatown. Finally went in and it didn't disappoint. Elysian Space Dust on tap! It's also dark with TV's if you want to watch sports. I also love the option to sit in the parklet and enjoy a beer in the sun. Docked you a star for a super sketchy bathroom situation. Going down the stairs felt like a horror movie, and the two huge concrete steps up to the toilet could be problematic if you've had a few too many...
2 months ago
Dive bar with friendly service fabulous female bartenders were on the night we went. DJ spinning music was fun and drinks were cheap and strong. read more
4 months ago
I was told this is the oldest bar in Chinatown, so naturally I had to check it out. It's a decent size, the majority is bar with a few high tops scattered in the coners. I started with vodka tonic, nothing special but the service was prompt. Then I noticed someone with a coffee drink and let my curiosity take over. Highly recommend the Yoju Vietnamese Coffee, slightly sweet with a interesting aftertaste. It was very smooth and I would try it again. read more
Supposedly the oldest bar in Chinatown, but open an hour before others is a win. I had the two specials: kumquat dragon and lychee martin; as well as a yoju Vietnamese coffee. Nice place to take a break in a decent dive bar, which most of the time, has character. Didn't think any of my drinks were too strong but not watered down. The bartender was really friendly and prompt. read more
One of my coworkers' favorite places to stop in for a game of liar's dice. It's a dark little dive bar that seems to have its loyal regulars and has been a pretty quiet stop on our weeknight visits (in terms of busyness - there's music playing!). We've always had a good time there, and though we've not done it, I understand you can bring in outside food which is nice given all the places to pick up snacks nearby. read more
Super divey bar that turns into an absolutely happening karaoke bar! Came here last year while hopping around Chinatown and enjoyed a quick and very strong drink. It was just our group and we sat at the bar, got quick service and then headed out. On our most recent visit, we stopped in right as karaoke was about to start, and what was supposed to be a quick drink on a bar crawl, turned into hours here singing our hearts out. The crowd was amazing, everyone was super into karaoke and took turns singing and getting into eachothers performances, it was such a blast! Definitely one of, if not my favorite karaoke experiences I've had. Highly recommend if you're looking for a dive bar with strong drinks, or you want to belt out some jams! read more
Chill ass bar in Chinatown. It apparently has been here a long time and looks like it certainly has. Red's Place is one of the cheapest places to get cocktails around here surely. Even though it's not as cheap as it was it's not bad. This seems laid back compared to the commotion that goes on outside. Apparently it's Chinatown's oldest bar. It's been around here since 1937 and looking at it you can believe it. This is certainly a bar for the neighborhood. Has that classic dive bar interior. Lots of wood. Clientele seems to be mostly Chinese, as expected. There's lots of local beers, mostly in bottles in the refrigerator. It's about $8 for a basic cocktail. They can make fancier ones like martinis. Has a lot of history. It's one of the oldest bars around, and has that family owned feel to it. There's no food, but people often bring in something. read more
If you come to Chinatown for a drink, there are several choices, but to me, the focus always seems to stay on Buddha Lounge (review: https://yelp.to/FWFpZOyKcy) and Li Po Cocktail Lounge (review: https://yelp.to/ga8MGK8BIK) since they both have prime locations on Grant Avenue and serve their own signature Chinese Mai Tais. This one happens to be Chinatown's oldest bar, so you'd think I would've been here before. However, despite passing by it dozens of times, nope, I had not been here until I decided to drop by on a random Thursday afternoon. Pretty quiet in here. First things first, there was nothing inside that would make you think you're in Chinatown except the greasy container of chicken chow mein a regular customer was eating at the bar. It was definitely the kind of place that attracts regulars regularly. No tourist magnet for sure, and that was a major plus. No Chinese Mai Tai either, but I'm not a huge fan of them anyway. I had a $10 Tequila Sunrise that the bartender mixed quite meticulously (photo: https://yelp.to/5rxRldeLir). Her name was Amy, and she was chatty and friendly. The regulars not so much as they just talked just to each other despite Amy's best efforts to engage everyone. Well, Norm and Cliff weren't that friendly to everyone either. DRINKS - 4 stars...Amy made a fine Tequila Sunrise AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...oh yes, it's a dive but with character and the smell of takeout SERVICE - 5 stars...giving it up for Amy TOTAL - 4 stars...the place to get a stiff drink in Chinatown RELATED - Exploring Chinatown? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2WoF1Z2 read more
7 months ago
1 year ago
Great divey place w in door and outdoor seating nestled in china town. Love coming here for that truly 'institutional' and local SF feel before all the tech money swooped in! w/ 4 beers on tap & lots of cocktails catering to your mood - this little joint is a great beginning (or end) to your SF extracurricular weekend or weekday itinerary. Cheers read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
(Tony Leung Chiu-Wai voiceover) The vibe is dive bar right smack in the middle of Chinatown! Never been. First time for a lot of things. Jenny warmly greeted me. I'm here tonight to listen to the very best Taylor Swift Karaoke contest in San Francisco! Met the host, Hayley, who reigns from Vancouver. Not only does she have exquisite taste in cinema and music; her drive is even more admirable! Ordered the usual Red Bulls to mellow me out for the evening festivities! My gosh, the energy was stratospheric and seismic! And yes I, Tony Leung, just like my bestie (who I sometimes sound like) Ryan Reynolds are Swifties. And yes like Ryan, I've been to 2 of her concerts at Levi & Sofi. Let me tell you, Swifties know how to rock and will save the world! In my less-than-humble-because-I'm-over-qualified opinion (as well as the audience-wide gasps and unbridled raucous applause), the clear winner for the contest was the rendition of Taylor Swift's Beautiful Ghosts. The audience fit the clinical definition of slack-jawed! Yes, we were in awe! Wait...was this even karaoke? What was Whitney Houston doing in the house?! That was an absolutely amazing performance! My oh my. That was a witnessed objective truth! Objective truth does exist! Fabulous vocals! Music, mirth, wine, conversation, and places like Red's is how we will achieve world peace, a prosperous economy for all, defeat the lies of depopulationist globalist tyrants, and find meaning! Jenny also recommended a Bulleit which was absolutely fab! Would order everything again! And will be back to try some of the exotics I saw on the top shelf (especially on a Saturday to see Jenny)! Duì! Xiè xiè, Jenny & Hayley! Zài jiàn! Woohoo! read more
Such a fun place! My friends and I were walking around the area and came across Red's Place. It's a small karaoke bar with the nicest staff and adorable Christmas decorations. It has classic bar drinks at a reasonable price. There is no karaoke book, and you can sing literally anything. My friends and I went up and sang so many times (sorry to everyone who had to listen to us!). A few other groups were doing the same thing and everyone was having a great time together. A fun, friendly vibe with a bar full of great people! Will definitely be back many times. read more
3 years ago
This small lil bar tucked away in Chinatown is always such a good time. The times I've gone, the crowds were pretty small, but the patrons consisted of locals and regulars which gives this place a nice homey feel. Their bartender Jenny is super nice, attentive, and really adds to fun and casual vibe this place has. This is a no frills bar, just drinks and good company. If you're looking to escape some of the more crowded bars in Chinatown, try taking a peek here and see what the situation looks like. Overall, I give this place a 9/10. read more
2 years ago
Love the vibe here nice go to spot for a drink they have everything you need. Amy the bartender drinks on Point. Music box for the drinks yes please read more
Had a good time enjoying some drinks in a festive atmosphere during the week of Chinese and Lunar New Year. Watching football playoffs outside at the parklets. This place is fun to enjoy San Francisco Chinatown on a weekend. Cheers! read more
Possibly the oldest bar in the city expect cozy, well-worn, a little gritty. Bar-tender is a firey straight-shooter Like she'd give you shit for arriving by scooter. Stacks of boxes lined a wall mostly Tsingtao (it's Chinatown after all) Sticky tables, peeling vinyl chairs a place to disappear and forget your cares. This place has an overall welcoming tone, be noisy, by quiet, in a group or alone. Thanks for the shelter from the rare rain you can bet we'll be back to Red's again. read more
I've been intrigued by this dive bar during my last few visits to Chinatown. Finally went in and it didn't disappoint. Elysian Space Dust on tap! It's also dark with TV's if you want to watch sports. I also love the option to sit in the parklet and enjoy a beer in the sun. Docked you a star for a super sketchy bathroom situation. Going down the stairs felt like a horror movie, and the two huge concrete steps up to the toilet could be problematic if you've had a few too many... read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
It's Thanksgiving and I'm still at the bar. Long a$$ wait at Z&Y so we came here for a drink to pass the time, but lo and behold Red's came through with football and a potluck. Ham, duck, chow mein, green bean casserole, AND a b? Are you kidding me--best Thanksgiving of my life. read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
Ducked in here to get out of the rain and so glad we did! Unpretentious bar, friendly locals, and attentive bartender who was a joy to chat with. We later tried another popular bar around the corner and we found it too touristy for our taste. My hubby wanted to come back here. read more
Divey, yes but super awesome bar with friendly and chill staff. We challenged Adam aka Boots on his first day here to make us rainbow shots and he delivered. Basically it was a variety of liquor topped off with 151 and he made one flaming. He's a connoisseur of cocktails and he can make you whatever you want. Super chill guy who will make your night. Def make a stop here on your Chinatown or SF bar hop. Superrrr affordable drinks too, you will get effed up here without breaking the wallet! read more
4 years ago
Best Bar in China Town. Most friendly locals. Owner BBQ'ed, great bartenders. Being from The OC. Made us feel very welcomed read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
All drinks are $5. Beers and cocktails alike. Right now they have a cranberry mule that's phenomenal. Asked for a margarita and the bartender made it just like back in home in Dallas. The bartender is good at making convo. The people there are regulars. It's the best hidden gem dive bar of Chinatown read more
5 years ago
Oldest bar in Chinatown. If you're into dive bars this is your spot. A local hangout, plenty of interesting characters to keep you busy people watching. This is the Cheers of Chinatown for sure. Hopefully you will be lucky enough to have Cindy behind the bar. She's an amazing bartender and has a great personality. Saturday's they close down the alley next to them and have entertainment. Good times with good people. Stop by and make new friends. read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
6 years ago
Red's is the perfect dive bar whether you are a SF local or you are visiting for a few hours. As the oldest bar in Chinatown, it is full of rich history and long time patrons that give this place a unique vibe. Jerry, the owner, greets just about everyone who enters the bar and seems to have a personal connection with most of his patrons. His hospitable attitude is shared by many of the regulars, making everyone feel welcome from the second they sit down. Red's is a cozy little spot, with only a few tables and stools, but there is a fair amount of standing room to consume your drink if all the seats are full. They have a standard bar selection and also feature some Chinese beers and liquors. A unique part of this bar that we learned during our time there is that regulars can purchase full bottles of liquor, and consume them at their own pace. Bottles are marked with the customer's name and date and are left on a separate shelf. read more
Be forewarned, this is a dive bar. In fact, it is a dive bar in Chinatown. That said, it's not so much that it's a Chinatown dive bar (like Li Po). It's really just a dive bar to get beer and cocktails, watch some sports and chill in an unpretentious spot. Here's why it gets 4-starts: $3 Bottle Beer from 4-8pm, every day. That might not sound like much, but some of those beers (as of March 2016) are Sculpin, 10 Barrel, Lagunitas, Anchor Steam, Sierra - all of which are a primo deal at $3. They do have a few drafts, including Denogginizer. I wouldn't anticipate fancy cocktails, but the bartenders are fun so they'll make fun drinks for your group. Bartenders are another step towards 4-stars. And, other than Li Po, the Chinatown Bar scene isn't particularly strong. This is a better option than Mr. Bing's, I say better than Buddha Lounge but I think that could be perfectly debatable based on taste. Counter-Argument: If you aren't a dive bar person, I wouldn't seek it out. It can have cool people, it can also have the 20-somethings who believe every word spoken by their crew is the FUNNIEST, THING, EVER. The ceilings are low, and the bar isn't that big, and the television views aren't perfect. And, the bathrooms are downstairs and while I don't have to touch much while in a bathroom, if I did I don't know I would want to. So, don't necessarily bookmark this place. But if you're passing by from 4-8pm, like good beer, and like a deal - you could do a lot worse. read more
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More info about Red's Place
672 Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94133
Chinatown
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(415) 956-4490
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http://www.redsplacesf.com
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