Elbo Room

Elbo room is a loud, bright, dusky, but still cheerful bar/​music spot. It’s a fun place for a small group to have a ‘people watching’ experience and/​or yelling conversation. You have to be quick to grab a table when guests leave if you ever want to sit. The cocktails (Manhattan in this case) are a tad overpriced for their quality. To be fair, it’s hard to make simple classics perfect in a fast-​paced bar, but their prices suggest they should be worth it. However, after sitting in the freezing Dolores Park after a movie screening, Elbo room is sure to warm you up, and maybe even spark some romance.

Pros: the dance parties here are great and the guys have fun (bc its all about guys having fun)
Cons: the fedora wearing bartender is the poster child for the entitled serviceman epidemic that unfortunately San Francisco put on the map.
He impatiently asked where his tip was and then booted my friend and I out after he agreed to receive some constructive feedback, «don’t ask for tips, bruh».
We talked to the manager about the deal and he channeled his inner Bruce Bochy and said «I gotta defend my guys». Give me a break, dude. He said the next round is on him and gave me two dollars to pay for the beer the bartender took back from me.
Also, the bartender cut off one friend without explanation and jabbed another friend about his tip.
Elbo Room, if you’re going for that look and you condone bad attitudes, you’re doing a great job. OR if you’re old fashioned and believe the customer is always right, I have some constructive feedback for ya ;)

A very average dive bar — there are definitely better places to go in SF and even within the Mission.
Drinks were pretty cheap, but I expect that in a dive. However, if took way to long to get one. They had two bartenders and it took about 10 – 15 minutes for me to get a drink on the four occasions I was ordering.
«Elbo Room» is an ironic name for this place because there’s barely any elbow room. It got really packed and hot.
A good spot to hit on a Valencia St. bar crawl, but definitely not a place I’d want to spend a whole night.
I also was watching them «wash» the glassware and it definitely wasn’t sanitary. The barback literally just dipped them into three full sinks under the bar. I saw one of the bartenders dip his hands in the same sinks a few times.

it’s a fine bar. they host bernie disco dancing upstairs, and that is good.

Elbo Room is a great little place to pop in with friends. The bar is CASH ONLY and they will break your bills so that you can play bunch of fun pinball machines in the back that are swapped out every so often. The music is generally gravitates toward top 40 type and the place gets pretty packed up and loud by 10pm-​ish.

This review is based on 12÷31÷15 NYE, I came here for the Hella Saucy Event. It is a «lesbian» lgbtq event that’s usually held at QBAR in the Castro every Tuesday. I don’t know why they put the event here but it was horrible. Rather than seeing a lot of queers/​lesbians/​gays and everything in between, I came across A LOT of cisgender heterosexual men. It annoyed me a bit because I specially PAID TICKETS to go to a LESBIAN EVENT. Anyway, the music was good until they had some performer who sucked. So I wanted to get a drink at the bar for me and my friend, disgusting piece of shit bartender was rude as fuck. I asked him for a Stella, and first a Midori Sour, he said they don’t have Midori, so I was like ‘okay fine’. I asked for Malibu and Pineapple, he said ‘we don’t have Malibu’. After that I just said «forget it, I just want the Stella». He could of offered something else for me, obviously if you’re a bartender you can tell what kind of drink I’m going for and that is «sweet», he could of offered to make me a sweet drink or tell me what they had, but of course not. AND he also told me the price of the Stella which was $ 5 then changed to $ 6 for some reason? I don’t know if he just got it wrong or if he was being a dick and wanted to charge me an extra $ 1 to be a fucking dick. He then has the audacity to reach over the counter and scream out SARCASTICALLY «HAPPY NEW YEAR» because he thought I wasn’t going to tip him, after that rude ass gesture? I fucking didn’t tip him! I was just turning around to hand my friend her drink but she disappeared. If he just waited a few seconds he would of got his stupid $ 2 tip. But fuck it after being treated like that, never coming here again.
And I’ve read other comments about bartenders giving horrible customer service, is this a thing? Why is the Elbo Room still an operating business? It shouldn’t be, I hope this place closes because it sucks. Don’t come here for an event. Don’t come here when they are open. Don’t come here at all!!!
UPDATE***
Finally figured out why the bartenders are so shitty… because the owner is shitty :/​Sad to say, and truly disappointing. I found out that the bartender that helped me is actually THE OWNER. For him to make a fake account and respond to me in that way is beyond unprofessional and really pathetic.

This place is pretty great. It’s a little divey, but the drinks are the cheap and delicious and the scene is awesome. My friends and I came on a Friday night. I got some pomegranate fizz drink, something super sugary that was delicious. Tasted like cheap alcohol, and it was, but it did the trick. Great scene here — indie music, space for dancing, pinball machines, photobooths, it’s a little grimey and dark and grim looking, but actually a pretty fun place where it’s easy to have a good time while also getting really drunk without hemorrhaging your wallet. The place is cash only though, but when drinks are about $ 8/​drink and delicious, there’s not much you can complain for.
tldr; fun bar, would def recommend

Since when is it a thing to leave your drink covered up with a napkin while you walk around and shoot the shit with your other asshole friends ON A THURSDAY NIGHT in a crowded bar called Elbo Room? Sure, I know it’s «the universal sign» that you’re coming back, but seriously? This chick was actually trying to start a fight with my friend because she sat at «her stool» and the bartender backed her up and told us to leave. Her reason for telling us to leave? «Because we were being rude and moved people’s drinks.» Believe all the bad reviews on here, service is shit. It’s too bad their lease was renewed because condos would be a way better use of space.

I went here yesterday, on a Tuesday night; chill atmosphere, not too busy. I was shocked at how rude the bartender was to me! I politely asked to see a cocktail menu, and he looks at me like I’m dumb saying with attitude «we don’t have that, it’s not that kinda bar.» Knowing I’ve ordered plenty of cocktails in the past, I walked around to the front of the bar to take a look at their cocktail menu that is hung up in big chalk letters behind the bar. It was apparently too hard for him to refer me to this.
I think two of them sound pretty yummy, so I ask for his recommendation. He continues with this shitty attitude, and says «I’m not you, I don’t know what you like.» And I say I think they both sound great, just make me either one you feel is best. He still refuses, looking at me super seriously, saying «this is going into your body, not mine.» So I just decide on any one… the drink ended up being just eh, and I’m really not that hard to please. Like for real?! I was super turned off by his complete lack of customer service, this arrogant attitude was so uncalled for. Please don’t work in the service industry if you can’t even be the least bit pleasant. Maybe this guy was just having a bad day, but if this is how he treats paying customers on a nightly basis, I strongly recommend removing him from your staff.
However, before this incident, I was really excited to hear that Elbo Room would not be closing down. *stars for the awesome pinball machines!*

Bar downstairs, club/​venue upstairs. I’ve been here for a weekday concert and a Saturday night dance mess. I’d recommend a weekday visit because it’s a busy place and it gets stupid on the weekends with people and cover charges.
And so, may they forever forget the «w» in elbow.

update: SFist says the have renewed their lease until 2018!
Ah, the elbo room. The twisted, dark love affair that we share… dating back, what, 8 years now?
You’re never on my mind, but once I heard you’re closing down the once distant feelings became new again. Typical, right? We always want something when its one foot out the door.
Woe is us.
You’re dark, you’re grimy and you’re a little… rude. BUT, your beer selection and cocktails are not to be ignored and your service is what you put into it (does that even make sense?). After a few cocktails, whip around the corner for some pinball while rubbing shoulders (or… elbos AMIRITE!?) with locals. Feeling frisky? Depending on the night, the upstairs offers some of the best dance parties I have been to in the city from live bands, dark house and even reggae nights (with the ganja filling the room).
As with many wonderful establishments, you’re being leveled for some overpriced condos for an entitled twitter engineer in a north face vest; gentrification at its finest.
Tis a bitter sweet goodbye, old friend.

If I could give zero stars I would. This place has the rudest people working here that I have ever experienced. The door people are such dicks. You guys SUCK

After living in The City for over 2 years, I figured it was time to check out the Elbow Room. To my surprise, it was much bigger than I expected (not to mention 2 levels!) There are a ton of booths and tables for you to sit at, and an arcade catty-​cornered in the back by the bathrooms. The bartenders are friendly enough and attentive. The drinks are cheap, but unfortunately not very proportionate in alcohol to mixer. I literally felt like I was drinking nothing but juice. I guess it’s the price to pay since the drinks are so cheap? A Moscow Mule and a beer on draft were only $ 11. The crowed was pretty eclectic and had everything from your after work techies to your dive bar fans. I would give this spot another chance to see if the drinks and music are any better.

Drinks aside, worst service I’ve seen in San Francisco. Bar none. Unilocal wants a longer review than the simple truth so here are some random sentences. They are terrible in the Friday night rush. Let me know how the other days are. They will probably have similar service any other day based on my friends experience.

Heard this place is closing down, so decided to drop in for a visit
From the outside it always looked so flashy, with it’s bright neon sign in the middle of valencia. Hard to walk by without noticing!
Inside, the place is actually pretty roomy, with a lot of couches where people sit and chill out. The bartenders are reasonably nice, and serve beer pretty quickly. It’s pretty dark inside so it’s hard to tell, but the clientele there seems like the typical mission folks, with some pretty hot girl customers that show up occasionally :)
Worth a stop if you’re in the area

Wow and obnoxious bar has an obnoxious bartender, you don’t say… beard-​and-​glasses bartender had a really smart mouth and attitude.
My delicate mid 30s ears are too sensitive for the music they blast inside. Such a fog of pretentiousness floats through the place. Blah.

«What will it be?»
*Takes a look at the draft selection*
Racer 5? hm. Stella? Nah… Wait what’s this?
— — — — — — — — — — — — –
| |
| $ 3 PBR |
| SPECIAL! |
| |
— — — — — — — — — — — — –
«Oh yes… perfect! 1 PBR please!»
*Bartenders unscrews a BOTTLE of PBR* Fancy.
I walk around the top floor waiting for my friend’s band to play. Everyone is in boots, jeans, flannel, or corduroy jackets. Everyone has a bottle of PBR in hand.
Fuck yeah. Welcome to the Mission. Good vibes. Good music (Is he playing a goddamn xylophone?!). Good atmosphere.
I’ll be back.

I have mixed up emotions for a mixed up kind of bar. In the last six months I have probably been here four times, including just a few days ago. I’ve never felt crazy about this bar… but with the right people I have occasionally had a good time.
The bottom floor is the better part. There are a bunch of epic pinball machines which give this place major brownie points in my opinion. Not to mention its location is pretty prime in the Mission. There is plenty of space to sit a mingle, the bar is huge, cash only per usual for the area. However, the drinks are overpriced. I’ve tried a few of their «specialty» cocktails and have really never been impressed.
The upstairs is where the live music is, and it is a 10 $ cover charge. I am NOT about cover charges. I will occasionally pay if I’m going to a new spot with friends, but for the most part there are so many great places you can go where you don’t have to pay a cover. And THEN pay for overpriced drinks on top of that. Despite my cover charge opinions, I did go to the upstairs once. It was foggy, sweaty and overall not a good time. It was like a club scene from hell. Never again.
If I’m strolling by and have the urge for Star Trek pinball, I may be back. Otherwise hasta la vista Elbo Room.

Dear Elbo Room:
I’ve been to your bar several times over the years, and it’s never really been my scene. The Soul Party in particular was a crowded, hot, airless room full of mostly white hipsters dancing awkwardly to music sung by POC, and it felt soulless to me… but I didn’t post a review then, because just because a bar isn’t my own personal scene isn’t a good enough reason to write a review dissing it, especially when the business is a neighbor of mine… usually…
And I’ve put up with the horrible crowd of overly-​drunk, super-​loud-​and-​obnoxious, cigarette smoking hipsters who crowd the sidewalk in front of your bar on any given night, blocking the way of anyone trying to use said sidewalk. Sure, sometimes you have that little tiny sign asking your guests not to block the sidewalk, but it’s not always there, and your bouncers don’t seem to enforce this request in any meaningful way. Still, I refrained from posting a negative review…
Except that you just hosted a NEO-​NAZI band, Death in June at your club the other night. Shame on you! There is no good excuse for opening up your club to known hate-​mongers who have gone on the record about supporting racial– and national-​purity in «Europa», actively denounce Islam, and who idolize Gregor Strasser and Ernst Röhm. Even the name of the group refers to Nazi history!
Seriously? It’s time for you to go. I’m looking forward to the new condos being built where your bar currently stands.
Sincerely,
A Neighbor Who Stands Up Against Fascism and White Supremacy

I know this review is probably blasphemous to the Elbo Room loyalist but there really is nothing I found redeeming about this place. I really don’t have an axe to grind, no bad service or horrid tales of dates gone bad here. Its just not a fun set up for night out in any way. The name as you may have gathered very much applies here as no matter what night you go it will likely be standing room only. At one time I had to find my date and it took 15 minutes and she was 20 feet away from me.
I can take crowded. I have weaved through the hot and sweaty crowds of McTeagues and Mayes but this is just absurd. At least in those places there is something worth staying for after exhausting every last bit of patience you have but here there is an even longer wait at the bar for a drink. Not exactly the best payoff.
When you enter you are greeted by a ton of people. There are vip type seats to your left for any of the unfortunate souls who decided to bring a group to this place. I don’t know why you would choose to meet more than two people here but people do it anyway. Directly in front you is the red sea of people all just standing there. No one is moving and no one seems to be aware that there is an ever trickling line of people entering. To your right is the only good thing about the place. There is some seating and cool retro arcade games scattered around the place.
Get your traffic and road rage mindset in gear and march right into that crowd. Elbo some people and get a small spot at the bar as people continue to stand in front of it for no reason even though they have their drinks because they are masochists that like watching others struggle. Once there you can wave around a 20 for about 20 minutes before you get a drink. The cocktails are really fun but by the time you get your drink you really don’t care what it is you are so hot and sweaty you just want to dump it all over you head to cool yourself.
At this point you have to make your way back through the crowd to meet your friends. 15 minutes late you end up toward the back of the place where there is more seating but it always taken. Then you are near the bathrooms. People are standing and scrunched together back here too. Some are waiting for the bathrooms, some just realize its the only place to catch your breathe for a few minutes.
Its just a terrible design for a bar and no hating I am glad they are popular enough to justify their name but I just know it is not my idea of a night of fun. This might totally be your thing but for anyone that is like me and this description sounds like a bad anxiety dream. You should do your best to avoid this place.
I heard there is a dance area somewhere upstairs but I never was not frustrated enough to even think about going up there. I’ve never touched so many people in my life. I felt like a doctor performing invasive exams after awhile.
Elbo Deep Room at your service.

Ohne Worte…
Ein Abend voller Freude endete leider hier. Ich habe lange nicht mehr so unfreundliche Bedienungen mitterlebt. Meine Freunde und ich wurden ziemlich unhöflich behandelt und außer, dass der Baileys wirklich nach Bailey schmeckte, gibt es leider nicht viel Positives zu berichten. Ich hatte so viele tolle Dinge über diese Location gehört und mich auf coole Mukke und ein bisschen Party gefreut. Als uns der Bartender dann aber «Amateuere» nannte, nur, weil ein paar Leute nicht sofort ihren Drink bestellten und er dann noch weiter fluchte, tranken wir unsere Drinks und gingen.
Wirklich schade, Potential hat der Laden. Aber Leute machen eben den Laden aus… und viel war hier nicht los.

Der Name ist Programm. Tatsächlich ist die Bar so eng, dass man sich bei gutgefülltem Haus buchstäblich die Ellbogen in die Rücken rammt. Es ist heiß, es muffelt. Aber es ist original. Immer wieder ein guter Platz für das erste Bier, aus dem oft ein fünftes und sechstes und auch das letzte werden kann. Im oberen Stockwerk gibt es immer wieder gute Liveacts, besonders der Salsaabend ist zu empfehlen.