So SUE ME. I may be what you consider the sin of sins a "Pac Heights/Marina" chick. But goddammit I like beer. I enjoy its frothy, earth, wheat laden tones and the nice little buzz that goes with it. So, upon hearing that Torondao was THE place to go for beer from a co-worker of mine (who by the way thinks I'm the shit even if I do own a LV bag) I dragged a few of my girlfriends who are also beer appreciating wenches down to the lower Haight to experience this lovely dive bar. I was very excited. Umm..yeeeeeah. Not so much kids. First off, we come in, smile at the patrons and make our way to the back. Now, I am all about being polite, and saying "excuse me" or "thank you" when someone does something for you. Apparently my manners are offensive to this crowd. I wait. Aaaaaaand wait for about 10 minutes before the bartender (who by the way was not serving anyone and saw me as I waved and smiled to lean and and ask for a recommendation) deigned to swagger on over to ask what I wanted. NICE. Thanks a lot bartender. You're an ASS. Luckily a kind patron who happened to be next to me suggested the Cider and a nice Wheat based on my likes. Thank you kind sir! After practically drowning ourselves to drink our beers, we didn't even bother to ask eachother for a second round. We caught a cab, and made our way back to our motherland, where the girls are shallow and cheap, but at least the bartenders serve you like a queen. 4 stars for the beer 0 stars for service which averages out to 2 stars read more

Toronado is my favorite area bar next to CJ's in Pleasant Hill. I searched on Yelp for Pliny the Elder and the query brought me here. They had 3 Russian River offerings on tap along with a bunch of other quality west coast brews. Pliny drafts were $6. It is one of my favorite IPA's but I do think that Heady Topper and Hop Slam have it beat. Just another case of another over-hyped coastal phenom. Some more phenomenology for you, like Cru said "Now, this ain't funny so don't you dare laugh. Just another case about the wrong path!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol0Y1rlMoto) read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Perhaps I just came in on a wrong day but on a Saturday afternoon this place was bananas. It was super crowded, loud, and just not my scene after walking more than a few miles that day. That atmosphere is definitely pretty divey but that doesn't bother me. You know what does, though? Super loud music with the treble turned up to 10. Oh God, I think my ears are still ringing. You know it's bad when it takes my super huge AC/DC fan boyfriend a few minutes before he identifies the sounds of Angus Young on the stereo. The beer list is fantastic, to be sure. I had a great pomegranate cider while the rest of my party enjoyed more beer based beverages off their MASSIVE list. The beer list alone is worth 5 stars, indeed. But for me I just couldn't get over the sensory overload around me. My fella went back on his own later in the week during the day and he said it was much calmer and it was relatively easy to speak to the bartenders and get some schooling on beer. He was raving about it. So perhaps that's the key. Go on an off day or night. Next time, SF. Next time. read more

This is an incredible beer bar but at the same time I can't help but consider that it's cash only and it's like, hey cmon bro I'm broke too but I still figure out a way to make it look like I pay my taxes. What's with this cash-only stuff? I guess it weeds out those bougie 'on the books' people, so there's that. But maaaan do I love the convenience of not having to handle paper. P good number of beers on tap and they had Pliny and a ton of other not necessarily things you'd consider rarities, but not super basic stuff either. One thing to note, as a lady, lots of dick in here. Almost exclusively. Do what you will with that information. I did nothing with it. So there's my hot take on that. read more

I think I might just get my mail forwarded here since I'm here more than I'm at home most of the time.

Moonlight Brewing features in their tap selection, so that should be the one of the main reasons for coming to this bar. Death and Taxes black lager is brilliant, just brilliant. Another fave of mine, Deschutes, is also on offer. I'm pleased to say that they've both Obsidian stout and Black Butte porter on draught. The dudes behind the bar expect you to not dilly-dally, so scan the massive beer list before catching their eye. Oh, and, I had a dippy ex-boyfriend who used to try and get a sample of whatever it was he might have been interested in drinking. You try it, you buy it. There is to be no sampling of beers here. Loud-ass, metal-ish music circa when-I-had-feathered-hair is on the juke (iPod?) to make your ears bleed. A good pint should drown that crap out! read more

Heard about this place from a family member. That it was totally a dive bar that only sold beer but that they had a lot of great beers on tap. So of course I had to check this place out. It was packed, so we Decided to walk around and check out the other places around the area and hopefully later it would be easier to get in. We got came back about 2 hours later and it was still packed. So we went in anyways and made our way through the crazy crowd to the bar. They had Pliny the Elder on tap, Score! Only ever had it in bottle til this point. They also had Flying Pig! Which in my opinion was a better beer, I never had it before but fall in love with it. It's a must try!! Found out way it was so packed, they were doing a special release of Pliny the Younger. Score again! Never had it before. So we waited the 1 1/2 til the release. It was a good beer, a little stronger then the Elder. They had one younger staff member that delivered fast and friendly service and another one, an older staff member that was just out right Mean, Rude and had No customer service. He was even screaming at other customers. I have never seen such bad customer service at this level before. I asked around and guess they are known for that kind of service or lack of service. You definitely come here for the selection of beer and not for service. Unless you get the younger guy. He was good. read more

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I don't get to this part of town often, but I had the chance to stop into Toronado right before Christmas. They had no fewer than 16 different winter/holiday/christmas beers on tap. Toronado is simple: if you really, really like beer, trying different beers, then this place is heaven. Ambiance, service, tourists - nothing else really matters if you're here for the beer. PS - the really gruff lady bartender is actually a sweetheart once you get to know her, but don't tell her I wrote this or she'll kick my butt next I'm in. read more

Toronado - Even dogs know this place has the best beer selection in the city. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Im 51 years old, have been to Toronado occasionally over many years, as well as tons of other bars and restaurants in my decades. I am not exaggerating when I say I have never been treated so rudely as I was by the woman server at 1:20 pm Sunday, 2-9-20. It was busy but not mobbed. I tried to order Pliny the Younger with a credit card, she said they r cash only and maybe said they were out of Younger. She brusquely walked away to serve others. I did not know their rules by heart, nor what kegs were kicked. How would I? It was loud and I couldnt quite hear her. She came back a while later and I had out a $20 and asked, Did u day no Younger? She said, Yes! Then stomped off to others. She came back a 3d time and I asked for another beer and gave her a $20. She could see I was irritated and said "Dont be mad at me." Not sure who else was responsible for her attitude. But I said, Im a lil hard of hearing and Im sorry but I couldnt hear before. Others nearby saw all this and obviously did not like the negative vibe happening. But I was still in and not writing this review. But - She gives me change and puts the beer down, I go to pick it up, was about to put a tip down, but I guess I was not fast enough. She grabbed my beer, slappped my $ back on the counter and yelled something like, Its customary to give a tip, and then started serving others. Unbelievable. It was really angering, embarrassing, humiliating. And just mean. I didnt know tips had to b put down immediately. Nor that they were mandatory. Nor that rudeness and disrespect was a business model. And it seems like she's picking on me bc Im a little older and hard of hearing. Im really sorry. When ur hearing gets worse I hope people dont treat u with such meanness. All I wanted was to enjoy a beer. Obviously they are very successful and have been around a long time, but Ive seen many good businesses over the years who eventually went out of business for taking their customers for granted, and poor customer service. Was she having a bad day? Dunno, but maybe Im having a bad day too and went to Toronado to simply have a beer. But I also get the idea thats just the way she is and represents Toronado "We r a big deal" attitude. This was the rudest, meanest most disrespect Ive ever seen. In 51 years. Congratulations Toronado, you and she must be proud. I have about 8 friends pretty into beer. None of us will ever go again. read more

Best. Beer. Bar. Ever. Nothing more to say. No nonsense, cash only, be ready to order when you get to the bar, because the staff is busy and doesn't really have time to dis us the finer points of the multiple beers they have on tap. read more

Came here with two friends for a beer after dinner. The bartender was incredibly rude for no apparent reason. We tried to make casual friendly conversation, but obviously he was really rubbed the wrong way by that so we completely left him alone. Totally fine- it's a dive and he wanted to play the part of douchey bar bro, we get it. But the clincher was as we left, he screamed across the bar "drink the rest of your water- were in a drought crisis". And he did this with zero joke in his voice or smile on his face- absolutely dead serious and pissed off. I almost laughed it reminded of the South Park episode of people in SF having way too much smug and smelling their own farts. Would come back for a beer but not when that douche is working- get a grip "bro". read more

What a great place to get a beer or two! Vast selection, knowledge bartender and great old school atmosphere. The location is great with lots of eating establishments around. I'll be back! read more

Great selection of beers, but I heard the bartenders here are snobs, so my friend with the beer knowledge ordered for us. The plus side is it's located right next to Rosamunde Sausage and a pizza place :D read more

Only in San Francisco you can find a place that's a dive, cash only, has great beer, where bartender doesn't give a crap and metal music is blaring from the speakers; practically preventing anyone from having a conversation at all. But yea, somehow this crazy concept actually works. Must be from all the good beer that's poured here. Even though this is surely not my type of a place, and even if I lived in SF I can not see myself being a regular, I can appreciate one of the best beer cards I have seen ever. Russian River is always on tap and the chances are you will find at least couple of brews from the region that are virtually impossible to find elsewhere. As for the service it has all been said before so not worth repeating but I can add that the bartender left his post couple of times to have a cigarette outside, leaving no one behind the bar. Go here if you like beer, bring cash, get a sausage from next door, and enjoy the weirdness. Like I said...only in San Francisco. read more

So many beers to choose from. Dive bar vibes. Very chill and laidback. Great spot to cool off with a tasty beer

I'm strongly tempted to write something scathing so you will all go somewhere else and it won't be so d----ed crowded when I feel like walking down the street for a pint. :-) But the truth is that the Toronado is hard to beat if you love beer. They have dozens on tap, all types and from everyplace from Belgium to Berkeley, including 3 or 4 cask ales at any given time. If you can't manage to spot something you like on the long list of draught beers (look up as you come in), or on the list of specials and non-alcoholic choices on the chalkboard (look behind the bar near the front), ask to see the bottle list. They've got quite a few interesting items. Just don't ask for one of those ubiquitous domestic lagers or attempt to pay with plastic. You will be frowned down. (There's an ATM in the back.) If you lack much experience with beers other than the aforesaid lagers, you can ask the bartender or any of the regulars. Most will be happy to offer advice on the various beers and ales on offer. Toronado doesn't serve food, but until 10 pm you can get sausages from Rosamunde Sausage Grill next door (q.v.) and bring them in to eat with your beer. Just tell the person at the grill "it's for next door" and come back for it in a few minutes. Several times a year there are special events, such as the Barleywine Festival. If you're a beer snob, you won't want to miss these. Caveats: Street parking in this neighborhood is hellaciously difficult. The duration of vacancy of a legal parking space is measured in seconds. Take a cab or the Muni or spend half an hour cruising for parking. As the Toronado's reputation has grown, so have the crowds. Since the bar opens at midday, the afternoons or Sunday evenings are best for a less crowded experience. You'll feel like a sardine on Friday or Saturday nights. When it's crowded, it can take a while to be served. Be patient and stand your ground. Eventually someone will see you and wait on you. The better you tip, the sooner you'll get your second round. IDs are scrupulously checked here, either by the bartenders during the day or the person at the door after 9pm. Have it out. read more

5 stars for the beer selection. 5 stars for all the awesome taps and decorations on the wall. 1 star for service and friendliness. 1 star for cleanliness. Overall, I will be nice and give this place 4 stars. If you love craft beer, you will love this place. They have over 40 quality beers on tap. If you are bar hoping in SF, I would recommend you stop by, have a good beer, and then go on your way to the next destination. As some people have commented, the bouncer and bartenders are not very nice. I came on a Friday night, and it must have been 90% dudes in this place. Also, it seems like the bar caters and is visited by a specific type of clientele. I prefer more eclectic bars, the only thing I liked about this place was the beer and decorations. read more

I totally forgot to write a review about one of the most epic dive bars in the City. I actually used to live on Steiner and McAllister, so whenever I had friends visiting from outside of the City we'd walk down to the corner of Filmore/Haight and start our bar crawl from Knoc-Knoc and hit up every bar until we got to Hobson's Choice in Haight-Ashbury. As I wasn't a beer nerd back then I remember trying to avoid Toronado whenever we had our pub crawls because for one it was an overly-crowded dive bar, and back when I had no idea what good beer tasted like, this bar was just filled with beers I'd never even heard of and charging way too much for a pint. Fast-forward a few years and a couple thousand beers later, I visited Toronado during the daytime around four after having drinks earlier that day at City Beer and Cellarmaker. Whereas they didn't have anything too impressive pouring on tap that day (they had a sign up that said "Pliny the Elder is not on tap today") I did see a myriad of rare bottles (including the previously mentioned Pliny) on the bottle list, and then it struck me that a week ago was Cable Car week. Whereas I had heard rumors that Toronado was cracking open verticals of Cable Car during their event, it didn't cross my mind until I was about two beers in, that they could probably still have some bottles left. $40 and about 45 minutes later, I left happy having hogged a bottle of Lost Abbey's Cable Car Ale all to myself. Personal anecdotes and bragging aside, Toronado has a huge rotating tap selection and an even bigger bottle menu; whereas they don't serve food you can always bring in food from either Rosamunde next door or Ali Baba's. The service is what you expect from a dive bar, but the bartender was nice enough to humor me and my questions about the place while I was drinking. Cash only isn't all that bad as they do have an ATM machine on premises. read more

Toronado - If I've learned anything from Toronado, it's that it never hurts to ask around. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Really cool divey beer bar. Good variety of beers on tap. Cool, divey ambiance. Low key bartenders. Definitely worth checking out.

Do you like beer? Do you like a very mixed crowd of fellow beer lovers ranging from young to old? Do you like prompt service and having your beer poured correctly? Do you like the smell of hops and dirty bathrooms? Then this is your place. Toronado has a major reputation in the beer world for having an average of 50 beers on tap and has held it down in the lower Haight for 22 years. Still they keep it very relaxed, unassuming and comfortable. Feel free to bring in your food from one of the neighboring eateries, bring in your bike, bring in your dog, bring in your book; these are the kinds of things you will see on any given day/night of the week. Oh, and bring cash- both for your beer and the jukebox. read more

Toronado - The board of beers - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I sure wish we had someplace like this in Stockton. It kills me that I can't visit this place more often. If I lived close by I would definitely be a regular. Two of my friends and I stopped by for memorial weekend and found some great beer here that are hard to find. The first beer we had to try was the 2010 Lost Abbey Cable Car. I never had Pliny the Elder on tap, so I had to have one to compare it from the bottled ones. They even had Dogfish Head Worldwide which is impossible to find. We ended up buying all 7 bottles that they had left. We ended up trying and buying other beers because it was just too hard to find anywhere else. The people and staff were great here and I couldn't ask for anything more. There was no trouble from customers as all were just there to have a good time. The workers kept our table clean and kept us entertained and never had us waiting long even though it was jam packed. The beer selection here alone is amazing. They don't sell food here, but they do let you take in food from Rosamunde Sausage Grill from next door. read more

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Part of the American beer bar pantheon A Haight institution Beer and attitude vie for the title on a minute-by-minute basis Pros: You're here for great beer, and great beer they do in spades One of Michael Jackson's "three most important bars in America" Beeraphernalia and punk attitude tacked up everywhere Long distinguished bar and tables along the wall Bring your own food as long as you clean up after yourself Better to know your beers going in, but if you know just a bit and ask nicely, the bartenders will help you through a choice that suits you Taps kick and rotate constantly, so the choices remain fresh They maintain a couple hand-pull cask options too Don't forget that, while there are taps galore, their bottle list is substantial AND you can get those to go Crisp tv up front with the local teams on Robin is helpful and enthusiastic Cons: Cash only (but there's an ATM) Acrid smell of dishwashing tub Paul is damn cranky; happy to hold court, but not really happy to be there It was well worth a visit for this out-of-town beer fan, and a fine little stop in the Haight to drink in some vibe. Not exactly pilgrimage worthy (as with Delilah's in Chicago), but I'm glad I've experienced it. read more

Overview: One of my favorite bars in SF. Definitely a dive bar with an eclectic mix of patrons. Here is my review in "sh*t sandwich" form: Praise: Awesome selection of beers and reasonable prices. I personally love that they have Pliny on tap for $5-6/pint Criticism: Cash only blows (because I never carry cash on me so I have to take a special trip to the ATM when I plan to go). Also the bartenders are rude. This does not bother me so much, but some of my out of town friends have been offended. Praise: Bathrooms are clean. Lots of seating. Location is great with Rosamunde is right next door. Get a sausage and then head over to Toronado to grab a beer. If you like dive bars, beer, and have some cash go check out Toronado. read more

Best beer bar in San Francisco. Maybe anywhere! Loads of great craft bees. Even have cask beers available.

The beer selection is probably the best I have ever seen. There are places that have a larger selection, but this is by far the highest quality EVER! I know a thing or two about beer, so take my word for it. And I swear they pour the fastest beer in the West, order, look down to count out money, BAM! Two beers are done. I also like the jukebox. If you are looking for Dave Matthews or Jack Johnson, I am sure you can find a wine bar or some other bland unoffensive place to go. You won't find any lame shit on this jukebox. read more

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Definitely the best beer bar in SF. They've got the best/hypest stuff on tap and something about the ambience just makes it very SF-like.

Great local dive bar. Owner is amazing. Super selection of draft beers. I think they have a small food menu but I didn't come to eat. Pliny on draft; nuff said. read more

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2 stars because of the beer selection. Zero stars for the staff who very rude, flipped me off for not closing a door, yelled at me for standing in a doorway. I like the concept of this place however will not be returning due to the disgruntled staff. read more

Usually frequent the Upper Haight (i.e. Kezar Pub) but this place is cool. If you like exotic unique beers, then this certainly a place to consider. Surprisingly, finding parking wasn't too bad. read more

awful service. lovely security guard. overly aggressive bartender. bartender threw two coasters at some dude sitting at the a bar top

i don't understand the yelp complaints about the bartenders. Mayeb if you don't act like an ass you won't get treated as one? I asked about a couple beers i hadn't heard of, and received answers and recommendations from the bartender! wow. imagine that. armed with some sausages from next door, we closed this placed down. 'cause that's how we live! well, when we are on vacation. usually i'm in bed by 10:30... for the beer selection and bartenders - 5 stars, haters. read more

Toronado - late in the evening.... - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Most number of beers on taps I ever see in a bar! Came here specifically for Russian River with a beer dork. There was seats available at the bar when we came at around 1 on a Friday night. The bar was pretty busy but not crowded. And oh I got freaked out the with what the TV was showing halfway. Some guy was dancing around with what looks like a corpse?! So it sobered me right up. Bartenders here are really nice! BIG PLUS. read more

Toronado - Russian River - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I am a brewery girl myself, I wavered between 3 and 4 stars here because the beer selection absolutely rocks, huge selection of winter seasonals which I haven't tried. However, bring your loud voice with you to talk over the whole bar, and I unfortunately had to use those bathrooms--bad,so very bad. (beware- of -seat- herpes bad) Luckily we had our tour guide buddy to warn us not to ask the bartenders anything except for your order. They bite need a beer, this is a good place need the rest: atmosphere, room, cleanliness. that is elsewhere (Magnolia?) read more

Toronado - the bathroom - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

EDIT: What I love about Yelp. When you read absent-minded and downright idiotic reviews from people like Danny G (above) you can always click on their profile and be vindicated that yep, this guy has no taste whatsoever. Everyone who lives near this block is lucky. I have to reserve half-days everytime I come up because I know I'll be spending maybe 3 hours sipping as many pints as I can and then another 1 hour going back and forth from Rosamunde's for sausages next door. Singlehandedly one of the best selections of beers both on tap and in bottles, in the entire bay area. Order something you haven't heard of. I recommend trying at least 2 beers on tap (make at least 1 from Russian River brewing) and ordering a bottle of some delicious Belgium ale. This is the kind of place where if I lived nearby, I'd be sporting MAJOR beer belly easily within a few weeks. And you know what? It'd be totally worth it. read more

Toronado - I want this as a poster in my room. *fanboy* - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

My favorite beer bar in SF. Gritty enough with great hardcore music and a huge selection of craft brews. Amongst other speciality brews, Pliny the Elder on tap and one of the few places that gets The a Younger when released. read more

Toronado - Pliney the Elder on tap! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

On my first visit to Toronado I couldn't get over the stench of spilled beer and. . .well, let me not spoil your appetite. But maybe that first time was a fluke because recently I returned and no stench. And really good Hefeweizen. And Hoegaarden too. I sense that I'm not quite rough and tumble enough to fit in here at night, but at lunchtime, I do okay. read more

I have been roaming the country recently in search of obscure IPAs. There is no getting around the fact that Toronado is the best there is. Yet, during the 15 years I lived half a block up the hill on Steiner below Page, I went to the T only occasionally and not a single time to tie off the day as would have been good and proper. The reason is simple. This place is TOO FUCKING LOUD. I've never had a problem with the "surly bartenders". I see people I know in there on occasion. But if I want to talk with them, how am I going to do this? The place is unbelievably live acoustically. Maybe they buy super reflective space shuttle tiles from NASA and put them on the ceiling. There is a side room which is also too loud, and a "hidden" room in front of that which is only opened during Belgian Beer days. So here is my proposal, and I would chip in for this as I bet would a lot of other IPA lovers. Open the Belgian room, combine it with the side room, and put in some soundproofing so folks can hear themselves drink. That is it. The 800 pound gorilla in the walk-in has spoken. read more

One of my co-workers recommended this place, since he is a beer enthusiast. Knowing nothing really about beer, I decided to trust his instinct. My coworker mentioned the beer tasting - you can ask to sample some beers here if you want, which is awesome IMO! They give you samples in a shot glass. My friends and I ended up getting the Chocolate Beer - so good. A dark beer, which I guess I'm not a fan of usually, but with chocolate it tasted so yummy and interesting. Best tip is that you can bring over hot dogs from next door (Rosamunde Grill) and eat them in the bar. Everyone does it. Gourmet hot dogs + beer = perfect Friday night. There is even some staff member that takes away your hot dog trays and brings them back next door!! Also, if you are not a fan of hot dogs, there was this lady with a cart that came into the bar, selling Epanadas. They were kinda small, but great if you don't wanna go next door for hot dogs/don't wanna wait for the hot dogs. Place gets kinda loud though, so you have to shout. Also, it's hard finding seats here since everyone seems to come at the same time and no one seems to have the courtesy to get up once they're done. Having too much fun socializing with friends on a Friday night. read more

I was in town for a conference and a co-worker was set on finding Pliny the Elder so we headed over to the Toronado. This is your quintessential dive bar (cash only, but ATM on site). The place was packed and we grabbed the last two barstools. Great selection of beers posted on the wall including three from Russian River - Pliny the Elder, Blind Pig IPA and Damnation. We tried all three and Blind Pig was my favorite. There was one bartender working while we were there and he wasn't messing around! It may come across as rudeness to some, but he was serious about the beer and serious about serving folks quickly. He wasn't about to waste time chatting up his customers, but he'll pour you a great beer! I talked to several locals so I know this place is well respected - it's a dive bar with great beer! read more

This is THE best beer craft beer bar in the city. If anyone says different, they don't know what they're talking about. Pliny the Elder on tap literally always, regular hard to find(and insanely cheap) beers from Almanac and Modern Times, nevermind the dozens of other ones. Oh: And they're mostly cheaper than buying them from the store(if you can even find them in the store). A lot of the negative reviews focus on "bad service". Screw those people. I can read their reviews and tell exactly what went wrong, and it's not on the staff. The rules to having a lovely Toronado experience are simple. 1) Have your money ready and not wadded up. If it's early in the day, the prices are $1 less than the menu says. 2) Know what you want to order, and say it clearly. Or at least the genre of the beer you want. 3) Do not order a Miller or a Cocktail or a shot. They don't have either. The guys behind the bar are awesome. The drinks are awesome and cheap. They don't give a crap if you bring food in. The only thing that's not awesome is the occasional music selection(metal, ugh) but get over it. This is your new home and you should just accept it. read more