My husband and I sat at the bar and watched The Boston Celtics. The bartender was so nice and fun! He made excellent cocktails.

Just on their Xmas decor is a 5/5. Very chill and festive neighborhood bar. Service was good. Staff were very knowledgeable and get our orders quickly. read more

See all

What a fun spot! The Summer Place is a bar I've passed numerous time during my trips to the city, yet somehow never made my way in. I've now been twice in the past few months and consider this part of my regular bar rotation in SF. My favorite thing about The Summer Place is the way they deck the halls for holidays. I'm a sucker for a good themed bar, or a bar that isn't afraid to dress itself up for holidays or special occasions (we have plenty of speakeasies and upscale cocktail lounges, y'all - bring back some of the kitsch!). And The Summer Place definitely hits that mark. For Halloween, they had a ton of Nightmare Before Christmas decor adorning every square inch of the interior real estate. It's a relatively small bar, so seating or standing areas may be tough to come by on crowded nights, but if you hang around, something seems to usually open up. The drinks are all fun and pretty good too - nothing too crazy, but consistently enjoyable and creative, with prices that won't break the bank. We tried just about every drink on their Halloween menu, from Oogie Boogie's Bog Water to Worm Wort, and found them all quite good. The servers have all been very kind and really contribute to the fun atmosphere. This is one of those bars that feels like a true neighborhood haunt, where everyone is a regular and knows each other. So if you're looking for a fun, mildly chaotic, quintessential neighborhood bar experience with good drinks and a great energy in the Tendernob area, The Summer Place is your place! read more

On the eve before a big family event, I popped into this little neighborhood bar in Nob Hill, San Francisco. The Summer Place came from a local's recommendation, and had great bartenders, kitschy movies from TCM on screen, and a great vibe. I was introduced to Fernet, and thank you, no. One of my family members liked it though, and kept drinking it. read more

The Summer Place - Exterior sign - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

First, lived our drinks. Second, this place is DECKED THE HALLS out for the for holidays! It could only be better if the music playing was a pop Christmas carols station. Our bartender was friendly and the service fast. read more

The Summer Place - Wonder what the door looks like at other times of the year?? - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Great ambiance and their smoked Manhattan was fantastic - nice job. Will definitely be coming back to this place while out in SFO for work. read more

The Summer Place - Smoked Manhattan - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

If you're a befuddled tourist who managed to get lost somewhere between Chinatown and Union Square, this appears to be the casual watering hole for you. That's because the young bartender here loves to chat and share everything he knows about the local attractions to needy visitors. That leaves befuddled locals like me waiting patiently for the young pup to take my much needed drink order. Smacking my lips wasn't getting me any attention. During the summer, I managed to get the bartender to put some mileage on their eternally grinding slushie machine and ordered the $15 Hibiscus Margarita Slushie (photo: https://yelp.to/OSjYyordzl). It was quite a refreshing refreshment even if the margarita aspect was somewhat diluted. When I returned several months later, there was no evidence of the slushie machine. That was understandable given the chill in the air. This time it was more fitting to have a $15 Espresso Martini. It was a pleasantly lush cocktail which you may have figured out is in my regular rotation. They place specialty designs on the foamy topping, and for some reason, I got the Cheers TV series logo (photo: https://yelp.to/VYgmit57G_). Probably because I look like someone who would remember who Shelley Long was. DRINKS - 3 stars...impactful enough but honestly middling AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars..tourist-friendly spot SERVICE - 3 stars...well, I just wanted to order a drink TOTAL - 3 stars...casual Tendernob spot serves its purpose RELATED - Exploring Nob Hill? Here's my collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2IfTVOB read more

See all

Good vibe, solid drinks. Very attentive bartender who held down a bar of 20+ people easily. Highly recommended if you're in the area.

Super cool spot - chill, cozy vibe; friendly and cool bartender slaying delicious cocktails; great music (old country). Would come back! read more

The Summer Place - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This used to be a real dive and the exterior has been included in two Marvel movies! Now she is cleaned up with an IG ready corner and a bathroom that isn't ghastly. The costumers are a mix of familiar locals and others. The bartenders are gregarious types who appear to be down for a good time. I've had their custom cocktails and wasn't convinced it was the best reason to come here. Come for the fun vibe. read more

The Summer Place - You think you're a party animal? You got nothing on this beast! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

If Studio 54 and a unicorn had a lovechild and raised it in San Francisco, The Summer Place would be it. This is not just a bar--it's a high-camp, high-octane choose-your-own-adventure where every path leads to laughter, wild dance moves, and shots you didn't ask for (but definitely needed). Let's start with Gay Tony and Gay Rachel. The chemistry between these two? It's like Lucy and Ethel got reincarnated with better outfits and a fully stocked bar. Watching them behind the counter is like watching a live-action sitcom--except instead of commercials, you get Jell-O shots and glitter. They are a TEAM. A duo for the ages. A bartending power couple without the romance, but all the sass and sparkle. And then, just when you think it can't get any better, here comes the dance routine with Tony and Laney. I am not exaggerating when I say I briefly left my body. It was camp. It was drama. It was synchronized magic on a sticky dive bar floor--and I will never be the same. Brett, the owner, is the calm, kind heart at the center of this beautiful cyclone. A true hospitality hero who knows how to build a space that feels like home--if your home were full of screaming drag queens, shirtless men, and strangers who instantly become your best friends. And don't even think about ordering something fancy without chatting up Dan, the bar's unofficial alcohol librarian. This man knows everything--EVERYTHING--about every bottle on that shelf. Ask him about tequila, whiskey, mezcal, gin... and suddenly you're in a TED Talk you didn't know you needed. The Summer Place isn't just a bar. It's a community. It's chaos. It's home for the beautifully unhinged, the gloriously tipsy, and the disco-hearted. If you're not here, darling, you're simply not living. Long live The Summer Place. read more

The Summer Place - Tony the bartender doing what he does best. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Ohhh, I love all holidays decorations. Drinks were on point and bartender is super friendly.

As always, the summer place does not disappoint! Refreshing 'dealers choice ' gin cocktails. Perfection! Great vibe, great selection. Stop by! read more

See all

Only bar I have been to into the city. Not sure I need to go to another. Great jams, awesome bartender. Good drinks. Good people. If you are looking for a small close knight bar this is the spot. Thanks for having us for drinks: read more

See all

The decorations are so beautiful and cozy!! I would absolutely recommend coming here. read more

The Summer Place - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Imma start and say this is one of my absolutely favorite bars I stumbled upon while visiting San Fran. The bartender so sweet and funny, forgot her name but she has a scorpion tattoo on her neck. My favorite game is to tell the bartender to surprise me, and dang did she. She made me the best drink I had on the entire trip(and I drank a lot lol). I known it's listed as a dive bar but definitely has a more lounge vibe and I loved it. The people and energy was perfect San Fran. Absolutely fantastic bar to stop in. Affordable prices for what is delivered, oh and no menu which is fun! read more

The Summer Place - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

What a disappointing experience. We went to the bar because their signage said they served "spooky drinks" for the Halloween season. The venue had no AC and was filled with cheap inflatable yard blow-up decorations for a sweltering Party City vibe. When we entered no one greeted us, and we sat at a table for a while before going up to the bar to order since we eventually figured out no one would serve us without being at the counter. The bartender said they didn't have spooky drinks despite their advertisements, so we asked what the house cocktails were. She said she didn't have those either. I asked for a Blue Hawaiian, but they don't have curaçao either. At that point I asked her to make me something sweet and tropical so she'd have more leeway in being able to make something, since there seemed to only be roadblocks with trying to get a drink made. Despite asking for something sweet, the drink was both bitter and tart, since she had oddly added bitters to it. Each member of our three-person party had a drink that was made either wrong (for two of them - a dark and story, then a Moscow mule), or tasted bad (all three). When it came time to close the tabs the bartender gave one of my companions the wrong card. She didn't seem to care about the patron's experiences or be concerned they were advertising things they didn't have. All three of us agreed we wouldn't return. read more

See all

I came to this establishment late night last year with my fellow OCA Morris B., Philly (see his review from 12/10/22). We were on the hunt for a neighborhood hangout where we could have a few cocktails and meet the locals, and this bar came to mind. The last time I was in the bar was about 20 years ago. This is not the same bar I remembered with a jukebox and smoke filled air. Instead, it is now reminiscent of a new take on a classic bar motif. The service at first was a bit "off," in that the bartender wasn't welcoming. However, as the bartender began to interact with us, he seemed to be more personable. The drink consistency could use some work as the first drink's ratios were off ( I guess that was in line with the attitude of the bartender..see what I did there). Whether bar goers are interested in a cold bottle of beer or top-shelf spirits, they would be able to find it here. This windowless dive bar is definitely not what you would call summery, but it is a place where you can get a drink. read more

The Summer Place - Cheers from OCA Morris B. (Philly) & Your favorite OCA! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Such a fun vibe! I don't know why anyone would give this place a sub-par review (looking at ya'll below). Staff is phenomenal, drinks are great, and sometimes a whole bar sing-a-long breaks out. Absolute magic. Everyone who gave 1-star is most likely a problem and a hater. Pro tip: order food from Jasmin's next door - you can eat in the bar read more

The Summer Place - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Visited on a Saturday night, it was hot like summer in there! A cozy space, but we found a table and seating right away when we arrived around 11pm, as we relaxed and cooled down. Random music playing, like Dancing Queen, In the End by Linkin Park, and Panic! At The Disco's I Write Sins Not Tragedies. The bartenders and crowd were really into it, everyone singing out loud... my kind of crowd. The drinks were of decent quality, not the best I've ever had, but better than many other places, plus they added "latte art" to the cocktail to make it look like summer. The place wasn't exactly unique in any way, it never got too crowded, people were just in and out, and everyone was friendly and respectful. It certainly had a welcoming atmosphere, and I can't really put my finger on it, but something about the vibe we got just makes me wanna return. read more

See all

What a fun spot, especially during the holidays! Came here on a Friday night and was instantly hit with the Christmas vibe. There were a ton of cool decorations, with Christmas movies playing in the background. Every time someone ordered a special shot, the staff would release a flurry of snowflakes to rain down across the entire bar. The drinks were good and very Christmas-themed. The hot-chocolate one came with a giant torched marshmallow which was really fun. There was no line, which made it a great alternative to the ever-crowded PCH, but you do have to walk up a pretty big hill so I'd recommend driving if you can! Highly recommend :) read more

Very friendly and welcoming place, with great drinks of course! Went on Thanksgiving day to grab a quick drink, and the bartender was very kind and welcoming when we arrived. Went grabbed some bar seats, had a drink for a bit with some good company, and went on our way! read more

This place was recommended by a friend and we all had a great time! Shout out to the amazing bartender Rachel who took great care of us. She was super friendly and asked what we would like, and made custom drinks for us! Honestly don't remember what she made for us first, but I asked for a fruity vodka cocktail and it did not disappoint! I also asked for a Green Tea Shot, which she promptly whipped up in no time! The Amaretto Sour she made for my friend had a cute little design on the top as well. Overall, I'd 100% come back for the vibes, the great service and tasty drinks :) read more

See all

I loved the vibes! The Summer Place is a smaller bar with somewhat limited seating but luckily it wasn't too crowded when we went on a Tuesday night. Everyone inside was just chatting over a drink and I felt welcomed as soon as I walked in. As for the drinks, we weren't sure what to get so we requested a fruity drink and the bartender was able to mix something up that exceeded our expectations! She also told us she makes the best Amaretto sours and she was not joking! I tried my friend's and it was so good and nicely presented with a bumblebee on top! She was super friendly and catered to our requests for what we were looking for in a drink and it honestly was a huge part in what made the whole experience very enjoyable for us. Would 10/10 come back again! read more

The Summer Place - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing holiday decorated Nightmare Before Christmas theme bar a few blocks north of Union square! Great vibes and lighting. The drinks were great as well for the nightmare before Christmas cocktails. The service was fast. Definitely come here for Halloween! read more

See all

We stopped by for holiday-themed drinks after catching a show downtown. It wasn't too crowded at 4 pm on a Sunday, which was nice -- there are only a few tables, and we had a party of six. Their holiday menu was cute, and moderately priced ($17/cocktail.) We tried the Christmas Eggnog, Espresso Martini, Santa's Grog (mulled wine), and spiked hot chocolate. The eggnog and martini were solid choices, but we didn't love the mulled wine/grog and the hot chocolate. The spices in the mulled wine were really overpowering, and the hot chocolate could've been a bit sweeter! read more

The Summer Place - Good: espresso martini, Grandma Cozie's Egg Nog (eggnog). Not our favorites: Santa's Grog (mulled wine), spiked hot chocolate. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

We walked by The Summer Place and it looked fun from the outside so we decided to grab a drink. It's super cute - a great place for an intimate date or a group. Dan was behind the bar and so attentive and friendly! They don't have a menu but I told him what I liked and he knocked it out of the park with a delicious drink. The bar got crowded the later it got, but he was on top of it. I highly recommend stopping by and staying for awhile! read more

The bartenders Rachel and Tony are so much fun. Super cool atmosphere where locals and tourists can have a great cocktail.

The place has a nice vibe, and apparently the old fashioned are excellent. But I wouldn't know because I sat for 15 minutes at the bar and watched the bartenders serve shots to their friends while ignoring people at the bar. Maybe better time next visit. read more

The Summer Place - Bar Area - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Love the ambiance and decor of this spot! Check out the pic! Gorgeous bar, delish cocktails (I had a Golden State Cider and my bf had a IPA,) But the couple next to us had cocktails and they looked yummy! Bar service only. read more

See all

Great bar! I went before Punk in the Park, where there were great drinks and tunes and a lovely bartender. read more

The Summer Place - Bad Tony Bad - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

A great bar for chill vibes! When I walked through the door, I liked the friendly atmosphere and how cute the interior of the bar was. It isn't a big place, but I honestly liked that so it wasn't as crowded or noisy. I tried my friend's amaretto sour which came with a beautiful and intricate design of a butterfly on top! It was also probably one of my favorite amaretto sours because it tasted amazing and did not have an overwhelming alcohol taste. My friends thought their drinks were also really good, and thought the service was even better with the really nice bartender. So it looks like I will have to come back again in the future! read more

See all

What a cute hidden bar! I went during the holiday time during the Santa Con. The place was packed but they serve you right away. They had a cute holiday menu. I ordered the egg nog cocktail and I could taste the alcohol. I loved that every 10 minutes fake snow would fall. If you are looking for a cool bar with holiday theme and drinks check out this place. I plan to return soon. read more

See all

What a fun place! It's a divey bar on the corner, and my friends and I stumbled across this place after dinner one night. The staff was friendly, and the drinks were good. Casual vibes and would def come back. I recall the Christmas specials had spiked hot chocolate, egg nog, and a Christmas-style spritz. read more

The Summer Place - christmas themed bar during Dec. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

We stopped in The Summer Place on our way back to bart after a long day of walking around San Francisco. It had been mentioned to us from a few people at another bar. The atmosphere was cool and the bartender helpful and friendly. Also we found the rest of people at the bar were all super friendly. Can't wait to go back soon. read more

First, the service was good. The bar tender was great. But I have to dock three stars bc how could you be out of coke, napkins, and soap in the bathroom? read more

It's the cutest little spot with an amazing drink! IT WAS FIRE!! The service we received was so amazing and we will be back again. They made us feel welcomed and gave us an amazing experience. Check this place for drinks with your photo! Love it! read more

See all

Summer Place is the perfect spot to relax, grab a cold drink and blow off some steam after work. It's about 3 blocks from Union Square so if you need to escape the crowds and get yourself a craft cocktail or cold beer, this is your place. I have a real hard time remembering to charge my phone and this place is a life saver with power outlets with USB ports by every chair at the bar. Also comes in handy anytime I need to get some work done but need an espresso martini in hand while doing so. The bar staff are all very nice and will make you feel like a regular on your first visit. The regulars are mostly people from the neighborhood who are super friendly and happy to suggest a good bite to eat near by. Bar itself is comfy, with comfy seats and a couple of tvs perfectly placed so you can watch any game from any seat in the joint. The cocktails are craft style but amazingly don't take too long to come out. You can even take a picture and have it printed on the top of some of the cocktails/beers. They also have an amazing selection of liquors, beer and a few wines. Everything came out cold and refreshing. Place even had three types of ice (sonic style, cubed and giant cubes) so it's perfect for drinks on the rocks. Overall highly recommend making a visit here. Nice people, great drinks and overall a good time. read more

The Summer Place - Betty White on a cocktail? Yes please - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Atmosphere is really nice. Drinks taste great and bartender is so friendly. Plus restroom is super clean and look so gorgeous with all the tiles and automatic dispensers, faucet and hand dryer read more

See all

Cool little corner bar. Small seating area with 1 TV. Big selection of liquor. A bit pricey and definitely not a dive. Friendly staff. read more

See all