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    The Connection

    4.1 (25 reviews)
    InexpensiveDive Bars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    The Connection Photos

    Business Info

    THE CONNECTION ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Loud
    Happy hour specials
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Connection

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    The Connection
    Earl G.

    Stepped into the connection, because I wanted to connect my hand with a nice cold brew. Never been here before but my dad lived a block away back in the days so yeah, there's a child hood connection to this neighborhood. A dive bar in every sense of the word. The faithful patrons of The Connection truly make this otherwise quasi quiet watering hole come to life. Nothing fancy, nothing to neighborhoody or kitschy, nothing sketchy either. Just some middle aged - blue collar - highly entertaining city worker type folks. However, the fireplace gives this joint some panache. One guy at the bar, a real big dude - imagine if you will a 6'4", 266lb pregnant man. Like literally! He had the same physique as Kate from Jon & Kate plus 8, before her sextuplet delivery. Anyways, me and my homeboy Kris were in an intense game of 8 ball on their $1 pool table. We were simply enjoying our $3.25 Hefeweizens when the aforementioned bar patron pauses from random bar banter of F-bombs and Beyotches between himself and the KTVU news staff on the tv and challenges me to some pool. Pregnant man was a pool shark! He starts shooting my balls in while talking about Jeet Kune Do. I'm like WTF? Back to the game - he schools me and gets the 8 ball in on a 2 rail bank shot while I have 3 balls remaining on the table?!? I later find out he's a security guard - ohhh, that's why! The orange vest guy, who had a striking resemblance to Ned Flanders from the Simpson's, was GENUINELY happy that we came in. He starts introducing us to the bartendress and says they hardly have any customers during the weekdays even though they have $7 pitchers, but it's $8.50 for a pitcher of Hef. He also told us about The Connection's karaoke Fridays @ 9pm. These guy's vibe and energy was surreal. It's like in the movie Stepbrother's when the two brothers start making bunk beds after finally connecting and bonding for the first time. The patrons make you feel welcome. Karaoke Fridays at 9pm. I just might have to.

    The new sign at The Connection.
    Infodiva B.

    This is a chill little bar. I came here Saturday night for the karaoke. I am really starting to appreciate these small dive bars I can go to and not have to deal with the hipster/ trendy mentality. The recent makeover of the inside of the bar has that old school 1950's booths of red naugahyde feel. There is a lot of room with stools and tables in addition to the booths and a long bar. There is a pool table and dance floor. The prices are excellent. You can't beat pitchers of beer for $12.00. I can't wait to go back.

    This bar has a pay for play pool table. It costs 1 dollar a game. The table is a 4x8 table, usuall for most bars.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Highly recommend this authentic fun awesome business! People are caring and a fun place to stop by for a drink with friends!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    the service was nice and i totally understand why the wait time was a bit long because the food was to die for

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Streets of San Francisco season 3 episode 2 shot in this bar. Iconic. Crazy this bar has been around since 1974 and before.

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    4 years ago

    Great collage mural of San Francisco scenes behind the bar. It's a Clamper bar, and they generally know good bars.

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    17 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Great Neighbor"Hood" spot. Been there for years. A real neighborhood staple. Easy to get to. Great food..

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    12 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Great bar for people who live in the nieghborhood still has a home feeling to it.

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    11 years ago

    Luv this place. Great music, great patrons, and bartender super friendly. Nice chill place to hang out.

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    13 years ago

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    9 years ago

    I like this place. Clean and the pool is nice. People are nice too. It was my first time there but I enjoyed it! Will definitely come back!!

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    Ask the Community - The Connection

    Is this bar open as of 09/09/2020?

    Yes bar is open

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    Review Highlights - The Connection

    I am glad that i finally did - it is a cozy, clean, well organized bar.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    The Knockout SF - Bar

    The Knockout SF

    3.9(315 reviews)
    2.9 miBernal Heights, Mission
    $

    A True Mission Gem -- Gritty, Loud, and Full of Heart…read more Caught Star Belly Bug here recently and had an absolute blast. If you're looking for a venue with soul, personality, and a healthy dose of weird -- The Knockout is it. The Scene: This place screams underground SF in the best way. The walls are plastered with stickers from hundreds of bands, artists, and regulars that have come through -- it's like a living punk flyer wall. Dim neon lighting and vintage touches give it a divey charm, but not in a try-hard way. The Virgin Mary painting above the bar and eclectic photo strips tucked in every corner add a little extra mystique to the already vibrant decor. The Music: Star Belly Bug was killer -- great sound for a small venue, and the energy was contagious. The stage is super intimate, so you're right up close with the band, no matter where you're standing. The Knockout clearly supports local and underground talent, and it shows in the diverse lineup and passionate crowd. The Bar: Drinks were strong and reasonably priced (especially for SF), and the bartenders were cool and efficient even when things got packed. There's a solid cocktail list on the board, but also plenty of cheap beer and no-nonsense options. Vibe: Inclusive, weird in the best way, and 100% authentic. This is the kind of place where you can dance, lose yourself in the music, and just enjoy being part of the scene. Zero pretension. Lots of regulars. Great people-watching. Whether you're coming to catch a band, dance your face off on theme nights, or just grab a stiff drink, The Knockout delivers the goods. A Mission must-stop.

    Nice place to play - very cool people, sound man knew what he was doing, helpful and got a good…read moretone. small place - but 40 people feels like 100 so I don't mind. Place was clean, I don't drink alcohol but some folks loved the drinks and they had some new alcohol-free options which I appreciated. Than you guys! one thing to consider if your'e a band playing here, parking is tough and unloading becomes a little dicy when double parking. Ended up having to park 4 blocks away.... that said, would play it again. cheers!

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    The Knockout SF - Shoegazey photo of the excellent watermelon mezcal paloma

    Shoegazey photo of the excellent watermelon mezcal paloma

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    Philosopher's Club - The Philly Club while here in Philly- del-phia

    Philosopher's Club

    3.9(160 reviews)
    2.3 miWest Portal
    $

    Philosopher's Club is the kind of neighborhood bar that reminds you why people fall in love with…read moreWest Portal. It serves as a true hub for the community. The owners clearly care about both their establishment and the neighborhood. They regularly host fundraisers for the local elementary school and run a holiday toy drive in conjunction with SFFD, which says a lot about where their priorities sit. As for the bar itself, the spirit selection is excellent and the prices are refreshingly reasonable. Adena and Brett are two of the best bartenders in the city. They pour with skill, remember people, and set the tone that makes the place feel welcoming. There's also a charming little patio out back that many people miss. It's worth seeking out if you want a quieter spot to enjoy your drink. A standout of a neighborhood bar and an easy place to become a regular.

    Stopped by on Mother's Day while waiting for some Thai take out located around the corner and…read morewanted to cool my jets with a draft of Trumer Pils. Solid Austrian brew previously made in Berkeley but understand they moved the brewing and distribution to Paso Robles. Spotted the logo merchandise and purchased the cap pictured since I do a fair amount of traveling for work. Gotta mix up my merch since I seem to always promote Original Joes. Justin who I met previously when George was working greeted my son and I warmly and our 2 drafts were $7 each. This is definitely a "Neighborhood Bar" where like at Original Joes everyone will know your name.

    Photos
    Philosopher's Club
    Philosopher's Club
    Philosopher's Club

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    The Connection - divebars - Updated May 2026

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