I've been here once but it was an epic experience. After ordering food next door at Eat Box, I took a seat at the bar and immediately noticed the $5 special of whiskey & a beer....bam! Money be tight these days so happy points for that. You can bring the food in from next door and eat it in the bar. They are owned by the same folks. One of the owners was pouring that night and he turned out to be a pretty awesome dude. He was friendly, attentive, and welcoming. After exchanging some life stories I felt very comfortable in an otherwise janky ass 'hood. Now, I've been coming to this part of town since I was about 5. My Pops used to take me to watch horror & action flicks at the old St. Francis Theater on Market (yes, my Dad was an amazing guy). So even with drunkards & crackies about, I am not the least bit uncomfortable walking around. But be warned outlanders, it might seem unpleasant so just focus on getting to the Tempest and/or Eat Box and you will enjoy yourself immensely. It was super-crowded by 8 on a Friday night so be prepared to wait a little bit for a seat to open up. read more

Low on money but need to get your drank on? Tempest welcomes you in. One of the cheapest dives in the area, with so much character. Pool tables, great music, good people (if my coworkers are there, which is 99% of the time.) The bar crowd is a trip, from motorcycle guys to men in suits to construction workers- Tempest has a little something for everyone. Especially if that little something is called booze. read more

I only recently discovered that the restaurant, where I sometimes grab a meatloaf sandwich or fried chicken for lunch, moonlights as a really cool hole-in-the-wall bar. I'm into it. The bartenders are super cool, and they make a really good, strong cocktail. Plus, I always like a place that let's you smoke inside...it's the principal of the thing, really. The best news is: since it's just a few blocks from my office, I think I can make it my new favorite happy hour spot. Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll get to check out the occasional local band too, like I did the other night. Good stuff. I've had nothing but good experiences there - and always meet really interesting people when I go. Cool place, indeed. If you're cool, you should check it out... But, really, only if you're cool. It's a somewhat obscure spot, and I hope it stays that way. read more

I think I'm coming to the sudden realization that the way I feel about a place can easily come down to my experience waiting for the bathroom. There is one men's and one ladies' room (both well lit and clearly marked) outside of which becomes quite a nice place to chat up some folks and see wonderful displays or kindness and chivalry (i.e. "why don't you go next?" "No, please, by all means, you go ahead..") It was such a beautiful experience. There were remnants of free food by the time I got there, but it seemed to be the kind of place where no one would mind if you rolled in with your own bucket of chicken (or burrito bar). Drinks are priced to keep you there as long as possible, and the vibe is chill and holds you in like a not-too-floppy beanbag. I wouldn't be surprised if there are a lot of babies being made as a result of this place. There is THAT much love in here. It's fertile and potent. read more

I came in on a Friday night around 6 and the place was packed. I like the mixed crowd here. A lot of fun and interesting people to meet. 5 dollar Jameson will turn your night from "Just one drink..." to 3 maybe 5. Next thing you know you're drunk texting all your friends how much you love them and spending 30 minutes in the bathroom taking a shit...a shit load of selfies. Don't sit next to the pool table. You'll get hit with the cue stick several times. Ouch! read more

Tempest - A bathroom selfie is a must here... - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Tempest is one of my most favorite places in the city. Great drink specials, friendly bartenders, and it's been a good crowd every time I've gone. Also - the owner has been there when I was there before and he was just as cool as everyone else DEFINITELY RECOMMEND read more

4 stars for a solid dive bar. There's a couple of things I liked about Tempest: + It was only a block and a half away from the hotel my colleagues and I were staying at, so we frequented this bar at the end of our evenings. + Ridiculously, cheap drinks. After starting our nights at the hotel bar, which was triple the price, I really appreciated the cheap drink prices here. + Spot on service. Seems like my colleagues had mixed experiences, but the bartenders were nothing but nice to me. When I asked for recommendations, they happily suggested a few different beers. And they were quick to serve us. + On all the nights we were there, it just never seemed overly crowded. Nothing worse than feeling like sardines in a can at a bar. + Food window right outside serving up some delicious snacks. Pretty sure I got taquitos here one night. That memory is a bit fuzzy though. + They have a pool table. I did not play once. But, they have one, if that's your thing. One thing I don't like about Tempest: + The dirty, dirty, dirty, bathrooms. As a lady, it was really hard to use the bathroom when there was pee (or other questionable liquids) allllllll over the seat. No matter how drunk I am, I ain't peeing on that kinda toilet. Only pointing this out because this happened on all 3 nights I came here. Overall, solid experience the few nights I did spend here. High chance that I'll be back here again when I'm in SF next year. Until then, Tempest. read more

I'm not going to lie, I like cigarettes. Well at least I love the thought of them and occasionalyl I do indulge simply b/c I can. You can smoke @ The Tempest. I don't mean outside in the cold just to get your fix, I mean indoors while chatting it up with your friends and enjoying a PBR and a shot of Jim Beam for $5. (that was an all night and all day special FYI) I appreciate The Tempest because it has random objects hanging from the ceiling. For example, I think I saw the largest disco ball ever in full effect while an old bicycle hung two feet away. All I'm saying is The Tempest is not where I want to be when an Earthquake hits. I just know that that disco ball will find a way to kill me. I think I had a dream last night about that scene in Indiana Jones where the boulder was chasing him, except replace the boulder with the disco ball and Indy with me. In the end the Tempest is a great place. Divey for all intensive purposes but big as hell. Which says that I can easily get tanked and still have enough room to pass out with out inconveniencing anyone. read more

In December i took a road trip to SF with my buddy Being from San Diego, we look for good craft beers, but we also like dives. And this is a dive The bar had a mystery bottle shot that was super cheap (i dont remember, but i do remember getting a few shots) The drinks were cheap The food at the little place next door was bomb We had some amazing convo with the locals We met a guy named Alpine Joe from our nexk of the woods who gave everyone (not me...i dont do this thing) some of the green right outside THe pool table patrons were white drunk chicks This bar pretty much had everyone that doesnt wear suits for a living drinking together Probably my favorite dive that i went to Oh and some guy outside gave us a riddle. IF we solved it, he would give us a dollar. IF not, we buy hims a drink No one solved it It was an easy answer We were drunk read more

Tempest is the archetypal SF dive bar: it looks as though it's been around since the beginning of time, it has a pool table inside and thirty bikes chained up outside, and will serve whatever you want for reasonable prices. They always have a couple Recession Specials (pint of something cheap and a shot of something cheap) going on -- I was very pleasantly surprised by the pear-cider-and-vodka-for-$7 combo I got the other day. The place is reasonably spacious by SF standards and has a bunch of tables scattered around for you to enjoy your food from the hole-in-the-wall kitchen next door. Dunno if the guys at Eat Box are actually affiliated with Tempest, but they might as well be because $6 chicken wings and $4 beer is a match made in heaven. Protip: if you come here for, say, a "Twelve Drinking Days of Christmas" night after your company's fancy-dress holiday party (because you might work with some people who are jerks and would pick a place like this for that day), expect to feel awkward when you're the only one in a suit. Come on any other day when you're wearing jeans and a t-shirt and you will be right at home. read more

Dive bars? yes please... And this one lives up to all my expectations... Pool table that is sometimes free? Check. A possessed jukebox that is always free? Check. PBR on tap? Check. Jim Beam shot and a PBR for 5$? Check. Old men always drinking at the bar with a random assortment of young, old, and interesting thrown in? Check. Bathrooms that you could have sex in and also are a decent place to pee? Check. Cool, no-nonsense bartenders who will also play poker with you and win your money from you without batting an eye? Check. TV's that play sports and old Twilight Zone episodes? Check. A bar that's always a sure thing? Check. Yup, I love me the Tempest. read more

Soooo. I came with 6 friends :) ordered a drink and chilled at the bar, I wanted the same bartender that I had my drink first ordered from bc I like when people take care of me bc I tip FAT. Both the guys were really rude I don't know what their issue was but I was letting it roll off my shoulders. My friend ordered a drink and there was a minimum to use a card.. No big deal so she said ok ill order two he said that still wouldn't be enough, so she asked me what I wanted and I asked for my drink. We got the drinks she paid but realized she didn't get her other drink just mine and hers so I asked where is her other cran vodka he said my drink and hers were $15 and I was explained that he had said it was 3.. Totally miscommunication ... He threw his hands up to make fun of me, my jaw dropped I couldn't believe it... It was so out of pocket dude had a serious issue with me for no reason... So I did what any girl would do ;) I poured my drink out on his bar , I got kicked out and it was great bc in the end he still had to clean up the mess.. Who's laughing now prick! The place is chill tho , bartenders had something wrong w then and took it out on me.. Hey you give and you take right? read more

Came here recently with a few friends and we ordered some Mai Tai's. It wasn't bad, had better but it was decent here. The atmosphere wasn't bad, actually quite a friendly crowd. SERVICE: SUPERB PRICK BARTENDER. My friend and I barely go to bars so she asked the bartender if signing the receipt meant the tab was closed, he looked at her with a smirk and said rudely, "yeah its obviously closed when you give this back to me". He immediately looked at another customer then said "the fuck?!" outloud. The guy was worth $0.00. Save your money and go elsewhere. read more

The owner/bartender/chef (renaissance!) teaches his son chess at the bar before it gets busy and there are only a few patrons. How CUTE is that? I'll do a SCOTCH game and a RUSSIAN defense, no skip the vodka and straight for the scotch. The bar is not for the prissier side of me (what?! Queen's gambit declined?!), but if you need some grease, libations, and chess tips, the Tempest is your place. read more

The tempest is a proper dive bar and not your wanky little pretend dive bar, the people are gritty, the drinks are strong, and the PBR/Jim Beam special for $5 will sort out a wide selection of ills. Unfortunately this place is so gritty they still smoke in there which makes for a very uncomfortable night if you are a non-smoker. I think the bar tender might be going a bit senile, when I ordered my PBR/Jim Beam special he set me up with the requisite pint of PBR and an empty shot glass (which I assumed would soon be filled with the appropriate spirit). I waited politely for a few minutes and saw the bartender had moved on to other patrons, so i asked if there was supposed to be a shot in my glass, to which he replied that there had been a shot. Well I begged to differ and one of the locals sitting beside me backed me up that the shot glass had been delivered empty, and he filled it up while still eying me suspiciously. read more

Tempest is definitely a hidden gem. You have to literally walk through a couple of alley ways to get to this place. Once you finally get there, you'll be so glad! They have really great deals on drinks, and if you're looking for PBR on tap for just $2, you're in luck. Also...they have food, and it's around the corner. Try the burger with a side of fried pickles. You will not regret this choice. The bartenders there are also great! Eric is the coolest guy ever. I love coming here after a hard day at work, away from the standard touristy bars around Union Square. At times it can be really chill, other times it's crazy and packed! No lie. Come here and you won't regret it! read more

Now, I'm not a regular bar goer. But when I do venture out, I want a place where I can sit, drink beer and talk to my friends, and dive bars tend to be my jam. If that place has good food or good music, bonus points. The Tempest hits on all of those points. Their beer list is diverse and affordable (and they even have PBR for lightweights like myself), and the Box Kitchen, which is next door, has killer gourmet food. This place doesn't act like it is too cool for you, which I love. A fun crowd to drink with, and just a great bar. read more

This place was a title loud for my taste but this dive bar has a lot of character. There is plenty of seating, pool table, TVs etc. 3.5 Stars Drinks are affordable. My female friend ordered us Midori Sours, and let's just say that they were the strongest Midori Sours I ever had. My male friend later ordered us a rum & coke and although he said he watched the bar tender pour a lot of liquor in it, it was pretty weak. Maybe the bartender liked my female friend and loaded up our drinks ;] . TIP: To order food you have to go to the window outside. THE GARLIC FRIES were so yummy! I would have liked to try everything else but I don't have the metabolism of a 14 year old boy. read more

Realizing that I hadn't eaten all day I rolled up to Tempest to give it a shot. Ordered the wings next door, sat down at the bar and got a boilermaker, and got out my notepad and pen to do some work. Within five minutes someone sat down next to me and started chatting about writing, technology, carpentry, and pool (all good topics for a Friday afternoon). I got my wings and continued to chat, enjoying the vaguely Boston feel of the place. After a bit the first guy left (not without buying me a beer!) and said goodbye, seeming to know the name of nearly everyone there. About two minutes passed before another stranger who works a vineyard sat down and began chatting to me about wine and the owner of the place and how they go way back. What was to be a quick late lunch turned into four or five hours of getting to know great people in a cozy atmosphere and watching a few real pool sharks. Everything was cheap, I spent less than $20 over the course of the afternoon and was perfectly happy with two boilermakers, wings, and a bottle of my favorite beer (weinstephaner for $4, are you serious?) All in all, you gotta go if you haven't been. Perfect if you're working late at TechShop. -Cd read more

Ended the night here. God bless the Tempest. Wouldn't make my best friends girlfriend a yuppie drink. Thank you...really, thank you. True dive, gotta love it. read more

Visiting from Los Angeles and found Tempest on Yelp. Friendly staff, made me feel at home. The food was delicious! I will definitely recommend Tempest to friends visiting SF. read more

Tempest - Awesome restroom graffiti! - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Tempest is a cool divey bar you should check out if you find yourself wandering through San Francisco late at night. When you first walk in the space is huge and if you go on a good night it will be packed with other patrons. Don't worry there was enough room available to actually make my way to the bar and order a drink. My friend and I immediately walked up to the bar and took in the specials that night. They have a ton of CHEAP drink prices if you're looking to not spend a lot of cash. They have anything from $2 - $7 listed, which is pretty damn good for a big city! Also, they have a ton of beer and shot combos for $5. Can you say #winning? The bartenders were pretty cool and friendly. I couldn't leave the place without trying the Box burger next door (literally) and garlic parmesan fries. That burger was just heavenly! I definitely recommend trying it before you leave or taking it to go with you to eat at home. I believe you can place an order and they'll take it to the bar for you, but don't quote me. It's about a 10-15 minute wait, but it's definitely worth it. Tips: - $10 minimum on credit/debit cards. - An endless amount of Uber/Lyft drivers are in the area if you're trying to get back home. read more

This is my favorite bar in SF. Properly divey, cheap, unpretentious. The staff are super friendly, and on top of their shit. The high ceilings make it feel open even when it is packed. I love the decor, bikes hanging from the ceiling and giant lamps. Special shout out to Box Kitchen, who are next door and make some of the best bar food I have had. Also super nice people. This place is a gem. read more

I love Tempest!! Been going here for many years and it is definitely a favorite watering hole. Cheap drinks, very divey environment and energetic crowds. Seating can be challenging, especially if you are looking for a table after buying some greasy spoon food from the kitchen next door (also delicious!). There is a pool table which is actively used if you're a fan. Only one however, so be prepared to wait and play with strangers (good way to make friends!) I was sad when they removed the old upright piano, but it opened up for some additional seating. read more

Dear Tempest, Sorry I was the dumbass who brought my food in from Tu Lan then thought better about eating it there once I realized Tempest has a kitchen, too. Thank you nice bartender lady for serving me really quickly despite it being three deep at the bar on a Wednesday and for the heavy pour. Thanks as well to nice waitress lady who didn't trip when she saw the take out bags on our table as she came to deliver my friend's meal. I realize I'm not always the sharpest knife in the drawer and you were really nice to my dumb ass. Everyone was nice, the bar was good 'n' divey the way I like it and the music playing took me back to high school. Me gusta. I will be back. xoxox ({}) Cootz OUT! read more

I came here on "fat tuesday" about 1am and the place was packed. I remember the old owner who was a major college ball fan (kansas) was on his way out. Im not sure if its new owners but since you cant smoke cigs inside anymore i'm thinking new owners have stepped in. They removed much of the shelves and exposed the rustic brick wall at the main bar. I wrote down on my phone over 6 beers on tap, but I just reset my phone lastnight and erases the names of the taps and the cool ass bartenders name along with it. I think his name was Eric, a shorter blond dude with thick black framed glasses, working solo that late night working as fast as he could and he didnt dissapoint. Edit 3/12/11 The bartender I was reffering was Nic and the beers they currently have on tap are White Lightening, Stella, Anchor, Oatmeal Stout, Dos XX, Pabst ($2 all day, everyday) Trumar, Nobel Pils, Pale Ale, Prohibition, IPA and Cider read more

Never mind the cliche bicycle frame from the ceiling. Forget the "hipsters" crowding outside. Pabst on tap? Yes this may sound like your typical dive bar in any up and coming district in SF, but Tempest will have me coming back here for more. $4 cocktails and decent prices on many beers on tap? Unique bars, stools and random furniture crowding a piano bench? Tempest is a great bar for happy hour, weekend nights or any time you want to have a good time. Oh, and the time is always 4:20 (literally, this is shown on the clock) and even smells like it too... I'll definitely be coming back to Tempest for more! read more

Yay, another cool dive bar in SF! Laid back dive bar with $2 PBRs and non-bar bar food. Does that make sense? They have your typical fries but garlic!! (yum) and such, along with decent black bean patties, chicken + waffles, and a salad option too. And yes, the salad was actually decent. It does get pretty crowded with little seating area and not very good ventilation (note: it's HOT), just fair warning. read more

Perfect way to spend a Monday after you just don't like anything anymore. Tempest is where I go when I want something quick and dirty after work so I don't do something bad to the people I'm riding the 5 Fulton with. I come in wanting one crappy shot of whiskey and a beer and before I know it, end up with multiples of the crappy shot of whiskey and beer combination, at least one fine glass of bourbon served neat, plus half the menu from the Box, and mini-corndog crumbs in my hair. Then I go home to my boyfriend too late in the night, lean in for a kiss and am told I smell like his dad. And it's okay because the nice people at Tempest kept me from going to jail and fed me mini-corndogs for dinner. And now I like everything just enough until next Monday. Thanks, Tempest. But -1 star for awkward seating, which is why I always want to make it a quick visit. read more

My favorite spot to watch the GIANTS WIN. Always stop at the Box Kitchen (next door) for the most amazing burger and garlic fries. If you like IPAs, the Heroine IPA is where you can get the most bang for your buck. Delicious AND only $5 for a 7% brew! This place can get rowdy during games, but only in the best way! read more

Tempest - Baseball, brew, burger. - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

God I love the Tempest but WHEN WILL THE WAFFLE IRON BE BACK. I work in the area and am obsessed with the chicken and waffles, but their waffle iron broke and has been "coming back soon" for couple of months. I will Amazon Prime buy you a waffle iron and you can pay me back forreal. Even without the delicious chicken and waffles though, the lunch menu is awesome. But come on you can get a waffle iron here, two day shipping yall: http://www.amazon.com/Waring-Commercial-WW250-Heavy-Duty-120-volt/dp/B004O2LUZ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1403130030&sr=8-2&keywords=waffle+iron+restaurant read more

Best.... Bar.... EVAR!!!! Seriously. Best bar ever. Definitely on friday's there is some really delicious complimentary grub... in the way of meatloaf and mashed potatoes or shepherd's pie or some other hearty "must have" because you've had too many shots in between 3 and 5 pm. The kitchen is really fantastic - definitely try the corn dogs (I order multiples of these for friends every time we go). This is our new fave and we're fans for life. read more

I don't know if it was my friend who provoked it, or if it was the bartender, but we did not end up leaving here on a good note. We caught the last hour of the night here and I heard the bartender shouting last call, which my drunk friend apparently couldn't hear, so he thought he could take his time finishing up his beer. The bartender come over and said they were closing up and my friend argued that he just ordered his beer 10 minutes ago and that he needed the time to finish his beer. Then the bartender claimed that he shouted last call 10 minutes ago, which my friend then claimed he didn't hear and long story short, there was a lot of shouting and ended up with us getting kicked out. Other than that, it seemed like a pretty chill place to hang out, it had a pool table, and plenty of seating. Though it is in a sketchy area and based on my last experience, I don't know if I'll be back anytime soon. read more

As much as I hate to admit, I like this place. It's so... for lack of a better word, "San Francisco?" Peppered with all kinds of people, and by that I mean hipsters and yuppies. There's graffiti all over the bathroom (think Double Dutch), and random ass chairs that look like they were found on the side of the road. But who cares, everyones friendly and drinks are how much they should be. I'm at the age where I'm like, you know what, fuck paying $12 for a drink, I've done that for far too long. Give me a beer and a shot of bourbon for the same price and I'm a happy camper. It's not that I'm cheap, it's about taking ownership and not getting ripped off. Sometimes you just can't avoid that though. Moving on.. They have a kitchen next door, not too sure if they're affiliated or not, but the garlic fries $7 and chicken wings $8 (?) are off the hook. There aren't many better things than eating garlic fries and chicken wings, while drinking a beer and watching football. -The bar and kitchen does indeed take credit card now, no minimum. -Last time I was here there was a fight between the bouncer and some skinny geeky looking patron who didn't seem to be inebriated; anyways geeky dude put up a good fight, so go you! -There is 12am street cleaning (same side) I believe on Thursday? So check signs! read more

I want to live here. It's everything I want in a bar. It's got great music, there's amazing good at the walk up counter (Box Kitchen) right next door and its easily walkable from all sorts of forms of transportation. To set expectations though, it's not a NICE bar, it's definitely a dive bar. BUT, it has good drink specials, I never really have to wait to get in, I usually can find a place to sit within a half hour max and all the bartenders are great. They also have interesting beers on tap that they switch in and out usually. Put in an order next door, grab a beer and then bring your food in here to eat! read more

This dive bar is what all dive bars should aspire to be. When you first walk up the place along Natoma, you're gonna wonder if it's any good considering its ugly ass street front. But remember, it's a dive. You're here for a hopefully cheap, solid drink and maybe some finger foods. Once you walk in, it's larger than expected and covered in graffiti. Here's what sets Tempest apart from all the other trillions of dives around town: stellar service. I've never had such a polite bartender in such a seedy place before. Drinks are also a 10/10, where else will I pay $6 for a big glass o' Kentucky mule with non-well whiskey? Tell me if you find a place, please. Until then, I'll be at Tempest. read more

As with most real dive-dives in SF, when I went to Tempest a few months ago it was FULL of tech bro's in their standard tech bro uniforms trying to act like they belong. Cool spot in and of itself, they had a great beer selection and their specialty drink board is good for a laugh. The food next door that you order and can bring in is what makes the spot. I tried the fried macaroni and cheese balls. Solid bar food, and everyone else around me seemed to agree. Service was a little slow, it was slammed on a Saturday and they needed some additional help behind the bar. read more

Tempest is the dive bar of all dive bars. In a city where well drinks can run you almost $18 for ONE drink, you can only imagine how happy I was to find a place that for $18 we can get a group of five people nicely intoxicated in no time. The vibe here is pretty chill and kicked back with a diverse group of clientele (we are in SF, after all). They played a variety of music: from country to old school hip hop and everything else in between. They got ONE pool table and a bunch of tables with mismatched chairs to sit in (it is a dive bar). If you're hungry, you can walk right next door to Box Kitchen and order food and bring it back to the bar to eat. Definitely a nice place to check out if you don't want to break the bank. read more

The first time I went here, I was shakin in my boots because it was down a creepy little side street, but once I had walked in, I wasn't so scared anymore. The bartender, who I think is the owner, and the people here are really great. He made some reallllly strong drinks and about 4-5 whiskey sours later, I found myself getting off the bus because I felt way too drunk to be on there and decided to take a taxi home. I've had a couple great times here! I'm not really in the area all too often, and I don't live by there, but this is a great bar. + I'm not a smoker, but if you are, you're in luck because you can smoke inside here. read more

Great spot to watch a game with an awesome food counter next door! The chicken sando was amazing. Not your typical chicken sandwich - it had a lot of unique flavors and textures. Tempest also has some pretty great beer specials. read more