If you're looking for a cocktail garnished with artisanal moss and existential dread, keep walking. But if you want to get functionally over-served in a place that no longer smells like a damp basement from the Truman administration, welcome to the "new" Trad'r Sam. The Glow-Up The "grandfather of tiki" finally went to rehab--and by rehab, I mean it actually got a scrub-down. The legendary grime has been replaced by bright floors, refreshed bamboo, and a bar top so clean you can actually see your pupils dilating after the second round. It's still a dive, but now it's a dive you can bring a date to without needing a tetanus shot. The Heavy Artillery The drinks are still served in bowls large enough to sustain a small village during a drought. Whether it's a Scorpion or a Mai Tai, the ratio of rum-to-juice remains aggressively in favor of the rum. It's tropical, it's blue, and it will have you reconsidering your career at the bank by 10:00 PM. The MVP Bartenders The real reason to crawl out to the Richmond? The bartenders. These absolute legends navigate the chaos with the speed of a high-frequency trader and the patience of a saint. They handle a room full of "one more bowl!" requests without breaking a sweat or losing their wit. The Verdict: It's the oldest tiki bar in SF, and it's finally stopped looking its age. Go for the booze, stay for the bartenders who actually know what they're doing. read more

Trad'r Sam - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Trad'r Sam's is not a fancy tiki bar, and that is honestly part of the charm. The space is casual and unpretentious, but the drinks seriously deliver. Everything I tried was really tasty and thoughtfully presented, especially for the price. You get fun tiki vibes and colorful, well-made cocktails without paying downtown cocktail bar prices. If you are looking for a low-key spot with solid drinks that look good and taste even better, this place is a great move. Perfect for a relaxed night out when you want something fun, affordable, and not try-hard. read more

Trad'r Sam - Bar area - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Probably racist. Overlooked us when we were at the counter and then only talked to when we paid. Assuming for tip$ Ordered two drinks one was watery the other was just juice. read more

Dude. This place sucks now.. The vibe has completely changed and now it's just a regular ass dive bar. The NEW OWNERS did something so bad to the spot. The punch bowl was fire tho.. but this place needs life read more

10/25: I first came here in 1993. It has not changed. They've dusted the cobwebs recently and added others. This is a vintage divey tiki bar that has been a work in progress since reopening. Drinks: They are fun. They are priced like Trader Vic's, they at not Trader Vic's. Homework: Need to take a bartender class or at least consult the internet on what, say, a tequila sunrise is. It's kind of a homey bar. Dogs allowed, off leash, on bar stools. Homework: Cute but Consult the Environmental Health code. Sorry, I am sentimental about this place. Continue the come back please. read more

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Trad'r Sam's is a local neighborhood tiki bar that has been around for decades. With their speciality punch bowl drinks, Jell-O shots, and tiki bar decor, for a moment, you're transported to another place entirely. The drinks are good and strong, and clientele seem to mostly be from the local area. Service was quick, and staff attentive and friendly. read more

Trad'r Sam - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I lived in Singapore for 7 years. Tonight I dropped in for a drink with my son. Cass made us the second best Singapore Sling I've ever had. Top two including the legendary Long Bar in the CBD. IYKYK. read more

Trad'r Sam - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Good ol dive bar with tiki drinks. Can't go wrong haha! Had a mai tai and my husband had the zombie I think. People dressed in costumes when we were there. read more

A fun little tiki-themed dive bar in sleepy Outer Richmond! Definitely feels like a lot of locals hang out here. I came here with a group of friends on a Friday night and it was packed. We got a bowl and some individual drinks, and the price was cheap but the drinks ranged from decent to pretty awful tasting lol. My pina colada really was just sugar milk. All drinks were very sugary and I feel designed to get you druuunk. The bowl was enjoyable though! read more

Trad'r Sam - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cleaned up since before COVID, without losing its gritty charm. Cheerful service, which was not always the case. If you want an excellent tiki cocktail, hit the Trader in Emeryville; If you want a great tiki dive bar, hit this Trad'r. read more

Trad'r Sam - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came for the Super Bowl show and ordered a blended drink that was so good! Leo was the bartender and he was so nice to me which was great since I came by myself. I felt so welcomed and there were ample seats for everyone to watch at the bar. Great time!! read more

Trad'r Sam - Chi-Chi - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

One of the best priced bars I've been to in a looooong time. We came in on a Saturday afternoon with a big group and were able to take over a whole section of the bar. Since it was the middle of the day, the tiki vibes were felt a little less, but the tiki drinks were flowing. There was only one bartender working, and he was such a trooper. The menu is huge and didn't come with descriptions of each drink, so we had loads of questions for him. He was also happy to make us off menu cocktails that we requested from showing him the recipes. They had football playing, but were also happy to turn the music on for us since it wasn't that important of a game (no one local). I don't love super sugary drinks and since the ingredients weren't listed I went off menu, but did taste a few of the tiki drinks and will definitely be ordering one of those banana ones next time. It was dessert in a glass without the intense sugar flavor. read more

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This is a classic in San Francisco's Richmond district! Used to come here a lot with my roommate, it became one of our local go-to's. You want a real tiki drink, you sure will get one here! Worth all the money cuz they'll make that punch strong! Always a good time here, crowd was decent too. Friendly service. Though i remember it was cash only, but that was years ago. Don't miss out if you're in this part of SF - one of the classics to experience! read more

Travis makes the best drinks!!!!!! Accommodating and friendly! Brings the good, aloha vibes (: Very happy we stopped by :D read more

Trad'r Sam - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I must admit I dropped by only cause I was in the neighbourhood and the prices caught my eye but I'm so glad I did. We came by on a Friday around 5pm and ordered 3 drinks - White Russian, Pina Colada and a Boozy Banana-Chocolate ice cream shake! They were all delicious and spiked appropriately to make you wanna go for another round. The place is pretty small but has great tiki bar vibes. It had around 5-6 people when we got there but I would imagine a whole lot of people at night so might wanna get here early if you are looking for tables. It's a cash only place but they do have an ATM inside. The menu is extensive and has a whole lot of interesting things with no explanation so I would suggest you go with whatever you heart is calling out on that particular day ;) Fantastic prices, great cocktails and fun little tiki vibes - definitely coming back with more friends. read more

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After a brief stint of being closed, Trad'r Sam has reopened with a remodel and refresh, and probably some of the most affordable drinks the city has to offer. They're famous for their scorpion bowl and other booze filled bowls that are all around $20. For $20, after drinking one of these, hopefully shared with someone, will do the trick. They are all blended to order, and come with long straws to sip out of. We got the tidal wave, and it lived up to its name. Other spots I've gotten bowls at in the city charge $45-65 and sometimes even more, and none of them compare to the flavor of Trad'r Sam. So for a third of the price, it's really hard to beat. Most beers and shots were under $10. Most of their cocktails are around that price as well, so value here is real good. There's plenty of TVs and self seating so good for small to medium sized groups. It is cash-only, so make sure to hit the ATM beforehand or use the one they have there. read more

Trad'r Sam - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I was 86ed for yelling at another customer, who, nevertheless, slapped me hard on the back of the head. Granted that I created an uncomfortable atmosphere, but the manager, TJ, I think, did not care how the incident started. Btw, that same regular manhandled a female bartender in the restroom, but he allowed to return. I think that TJ has an ear out for loud customers, but he tolerates sexist behavior in his business. read more

Right in the nick of time came my 6,800th Yelp review milestone, and I'm handing it to this legendary vintage tiki bar out in the Richmond that I just tried yesterday. The Chronicle reported its demise a few weeks back due to a family legal dispute. I just figured that meant it was permanently shuttered. However, I read an update a week ago that it had reopened, so I decided to take the trek. Make no mistake. It's still a dive but in a good, unpretentious way. The rusted neon sign is still the same with the lightbox on top advertising "Polynesian Drinks" (photo: https://yelp.to/yZSAjqYcRC). Dominated by the horseshoe bar, it's not a big place with a few tables around the perimeter. The decor was surprisingly somewhat muted for such an old-time tiki bar with the palm tree lights the loudest feature inside (photo: https://yelp.to/NwHySuSg7N). The most impressive element was the huge cocktail list, three menu pages worth with reasonable prices. Jeff was manning the bar, and I ordered the $10 Pina Colada (photo: https://yelp.to/823PPinGsA). It was quite a delightful mix of rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut, perfectly blended. I was chatting away with a couple of local guys around my age. Not gay, just funny. They kept asking me about restaurants and bars I could recommend in their neighborhood. As you can imagine, I couldn't shut up. I think I kept them entertained, and all of a sudden, I ordered a second libation, the $10 Mango Madness, which featured mango purée mixed with tequila (photo: https://yelp.to/hpCG86g9KA). Quite delicious. What was I saying again? OK, I gotta run, but I'll be back. 6,800 reviews, baby. COCKTAILS - 5 stars...the tiki drinks were delicious, voluminous and relatively cheap AMBIANCE - 4 stars...not quite there decor-wise but improvements are planned SERVICE - 4.5 stars...Jeff knew how to mix and blend TOTAL - 5 stars...welcome back, Sam RELATED - Interested in tiki bars here and everywhere? Here's a collection of bars I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3SpoS3c read more

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Great bar! !! I always love coming here as my "go to" place on my way home from work. Cass is the best bartender!

Omg, there is no weak pour here! Usually with blended drinks or drinks with several ingredients, you feel like you're paying for juice. The waitress was super sweet and we loved Xena the dog!!! Such a great vibe! Get a bowl to share, you won't regret it! read more

12/2/23 is this still the same tradr Sam's?! I'm Joking the interior looks very much updated, drink menu is still the same. I got the Pina colada today read more

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I was this many days old when I finally stepped into the oldest tiki bar in SF... only lived here for six years. Ha. read more

Trad'r Sam - Bloody Maria, Mai tai and a dude. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

To me, I'ts good not great. The clientele is bifurcated, (1) locals at the bar and (2) the Youngs coming later in the night to drink communally from a tiki bowl. Feels like the kind of place where people are known to each other but not especially welcoming if you're not in that crowd. Could just be me, but when you open the door, all the heads turn to see who it is, if they don't know you they return to their conversations. They had outdoor seating / parklet for a while but it's on Geary Blvd so heavy traffic and a lot of fog and wind, I can see why they let it go. read more

I was out on a LONG walk with a friend on a Sunday and we were hiking back from the ocean - it was about 4pm and she suggested getting a teat cocktail after our trek. For some reason recently I have had a pina colada on my mind. I maybe have had 10 of these in my lifetime, but it just has been sounding so good to me. This one did not disappoint. The bartender said it was a "special recipe". It was foamy and un-separated right to the end. Sweet, but not too sweet with enough coconut, but not cloying. AND I think it was only $10 - which is a CHEAP drink in SF! My friend said that this place is recently re-opened and she was impressed that they made it nicer - but keep the same vibe. I am keeping this place on my radar! read more

Trad'r Sam - The best pina colada and a mai tai. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

A classic San Francisco Dive. An old acquaintance from Florida was in town so we played tour guides for the day. We headed up 25th after crossing the bridge and decided to stop. I lived down the street in the 80's, and although the sign is the same, the interior has had quite face lift. The bar stools were filled with usual suspects watching the game-- was quite busy for 4 o'clock on a Saturday. They are still working out the kinks after reopening, but I still recommend stopping in. Check it out read more

Trad'r Sam - Miriam - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I came in for a quick drink before dinner nearby (before they updated their interior). They had a small bar but plenty of booth seating when I went. It's a dive bar with strong tiki drinks that weren't overly sugary from what I recall. If you're looking for more affordable, strong tiki drinks and are fans of a dive bar vibe, this is the place for you! read more

I love this place every time. It has the full array of classic tiki drinks, and zero pretentiousness. It feels like a friendly locals' dive, but weirder in the best ways. We accidentally came here during the Super Bowl. I randomly picked the Black Magic off the menu. The bartender, in her lovely husky voice, warned me about its sweetness so I asked for a good old Navy Grog ("I make a great Navy Grog!" she says) and dealer's choice for my bf. It WAS a great Navy Grog and her Mai Tai was surprisingly not too sweet. I'd highly recommend both! We hung out in the Guam corner for more drinks including a stiff hot toddy, and had some chili (!!) courtesy of our bartender. As soon as the game ended, she hops over to the jukebox with some dollars and says "I hate football!" Seriously, she's cool and the drinks are fun. read more

Trad'r Sam - The Navy Grog with a side of Super Bowl. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Maybe I shouldn't give it five stars I don't want it to be filled with tourist. It's a dive tiki bar in the outskirts of the avenues in San Francisco. Not many tourists go here. It's more locals. I used to hang out in this bar all the time because I lived down the street and my best friend was also the bartender, we had a great time there and I still go back every once they have a big tiki bar drink with a lot of rum type cocktails, and addition to all the normal beers and liquor that most bars have read more

Don't fire Leo, he's okay at best. Great drinks medium service, and a best friend forever

This place is great. is it worth the two hour plus wait that some people take? I'm not sure about that. It's definitely something you should experience once. Drinks are fantastic. It's an amazing experience and just all around fun place. read more

First time checking into trad'r sam and Travis is the man! Drinks were really good customer service is top notch!

I asked the bartender to close my tab because we were only getting one punch bowl to share and he purposely kept it open.. when i verbally asked him to keep it closed. He took advantage of the fact that I was young and I assumed it was closed because i got my card back. Because he left it open without me knowing, he gave himself 20% gratuity without my consent. I feel super uncomfortable because i verbally asked to not start a tab but obviously he wanted to tip himself whatever he wanted so he kept it open. It was the middle aged white man with brown receding hair... beware and be firm with closing your tab. read more

Great everything -the intimate seating ozone you tore out. but for the love of Christ put exhaust fans in the bathrooms.

Trad'r Sam is a San Francisco gem, and it's pretty impossible to walk out of sober. Their cash only bar has an extensive menu, with wacky descriptions. Your best best is telling the bartender what you're in the mood for, and they'll make you something that will not disappoint. I especially liked their blended drinks, but everything I tried was delicious. Everything on the menu was around $10 or so, which is pretty unheard of in SF. Service was a little slow, but it was honestly for the best- that way we could pace ourselves. The interior decor and seatings are definitely tacky, but it adds to this place's charm. read more

Trad'r Sam - some kind of strawberry deliciousness - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

We got the lovers cup which was great. Superb prices and kind bartenders. Loved coming here and seeing the origins of tiki bars throughout California. Smells a bit of cigarettes but can be ignored considering the beauty here. read more

Trad'r Sam - Lover's Cup - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We had the chance to stop in for a few drinks the other day. I had not been in there since I was at the Presidio in 1989. It has not changed a bit. Still great. Cory the bartender- nice guy Angie- the owner-- on-site and a blast to talk with Drinks were a good riff on the classics plus a few of their own. Nice music in the background and a wonderful crowd. Great place to spend the afternoon and Uber to the hotel after. Can't wait to get back and try a few more off the menu. A++++++ read more

Trad'r Sam - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love it! Trad'r Sams takes me back to my college graduation year 1996 when I had a the "chocolate banana" drink, and yep I'm old. This bar is actually considered a bamboo bar from the decor but since tiki is the more common name for it, that's what it is to most and its the oldest in the world, wow believe it or not. What I always found interesting about this bar was that the ingredients in the drinks are never written, so you kind of have to go with your gut, but for sure it will have rum! Lol The place definitely needs a facelift in a lot of areas with the decor needed attention and a new speaker for music (although I did like the music -mix of 80/90). But no doubt, the service is good and the drinks are yummy with a great prices. It was slow for a Monday night and the bartenders tell me that it goes in waves sometimes they're packed. No food service there but seems like you can bring your own if you wish. I had a "mango mai tai,"a super classic add mango and 2nd drink, I wanted something a little more interesting, so I went with the Zombie. Um, Zombies all day to get you fk'd up hahaha, loved it! My friend had the Sabotage, which was a strawberry style Tikki drink. Missed this place! I'll be coming back for another Tiki night soon, yeays! read more

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Oldest operating tiki bar in the US, since 1937! Glad I walked in before reading the reviews. Everyone was super friendly, drinks were super cheap ($9-$10???) and not bad. There was a guy outside who suggested we try the banana cow, which as the name suggests, is banana with milk and sugar and rum. It was decent, but I liked the pina colada better. The bartender had a little extra liquid from my pina colada, so he made a tiny extra lava flow for me, too. Lots of dairy! Cash only, but they have an ATM inside. read more

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I haven't been to this place since 2016. It was good to be back with friends and order bowls again. I'm glad it wasn't as busy when we came, and we could get a table with our group. The bowls were good, and the price was reasonable. I had a good time! The bartenders were attentive and made the bowls quickly. FYI if you decide to come here, it's cash only, and there's an ATM inside, but there's a fee to withdraw. You are better off going to the bank in advance and withdrawing funds. read more

Trad'r Sam - Hurricane - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This place is awesome and only cost 10 bucks. The bartender is great. cash only bar but pretty awesome place and finally decent prices. It's dicey but I like it that way. Finally a reasonable price at a bar!!!! read more

Trad'r Sam - Banana cow, mai tai, butterscotch surprise. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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