Emperor Norton's BoozeLand

I'm glad I waited a while to write my review of this Tenderloin tavern because my first impression of the place was that it wasn't all that friendly despite the fun historical reference to the self-proclaimed Emperor of These United States based in San Francisco. However, I eventually came back more than once because of its convenient location on Larkin and the fact that they're open at 1PM.Now it's grown to become one of my favorite watering holes in the neighborhood because the bartenders have been more proactive than others. That makes a difference to me because I'm usually alone and coming from somewhere else when I pop by. That's generally excuse enough to ignore me at other spots but not here. Because they don't make espresso martinis, I usually order my general default, the $7 Tequila Sunrise (photo: https://yelp.to/wnnxyqqQD2).One drink provides enough of a refresher for me, two would likely make me a problem even though day drinking could easily lead me on that path, especially if the inviting back patio isn't busy. The availability of shuffleboard and a pool table doesn't make much of a difference to me, but a clear and present bartender does. With that, Bea and the boys draw me back with some regularity indeed.DRINKS - 4 stars...potent mixesAMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...a bit dark and divey but friendly SERVICE - 4 stars...attentive bartenders hereTOTAL - 4 stars...this emperor still has his clothesRELATED - Exploring the Tenderloin? Here's my collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2NIQ0tw

I ventured here on a Wednesday, after work. It was quiet and I liked it. Three people at the bar and a full table outside the patio area. The bartenders were pleasant and friendly. Beer was nice and cold. I saw the patrons bringing in food, which was great. I ended up getting food and two more beers here. If I feel thirsty, I will be back!

Your walk to the bar may not be the most pleasant but once inside and you'll find yourself in a perfectly fine bar with some of the cleanest restrooms around. FYI, toilets in the ladies are higher than normal. A great spot for meet ups after work if you're around the Civic Center/Tenderloin area but it's BYOF (bring your own food) if you need a snack with drinks. I usually drink something on draught so I can't say anything bout the cocktails but the service is fine. I get carded from time to time (I'm almost 50!) but I like that they do check :)

This is a cool spot in the Tenderloin, and it's usually fun with a group of friends. The inside is fun with some pool tables. I have popped in by myself or with just one or two other people a few times since it's close to my school, and I've also been there in big groups, and I've noticed that I can have a wildly different experience depending on what time I go or who is working (hence only 4 stars).I've had some great experiences when I was there later in the evening and whenever I went with a group of people. It can be busy at times and really slow at other times, but the bartenders still keep it fun. However, some bartenders can be really mean for no reason, and a couple of times, I got the most watered down drinks I've ever had at this place. Other times, the drinks were fine. It's an interesting place.

What can I say about Boozeland that I haven't said before? Saying we were treated like close family members is an understatement. Popped in for a mid day drink and Caitlin served us up with a smile. Kevin, the owner, gave us the total VIP treatment and is a super cool guy. The ambiance is dark and mysterious but welcoming at the same time. The bathrooms are super nice and clean. Got a parking spot right in front to further enhance that VIP feeling. This is my happy place, it's hard to leave. Check them out, they have cool events and are able to host private and semi private parties. This is hands down, the greatest drinking establishment I've ever been privileged to be a patron of. Will be back any and every time we visit SF.

I got to a show at the Great American Music Hall a little early and someone out front told me that this would be a good place to grab a drink before the show. It was a great suggestion!This is a really cozy, friendly bar. It's so beautiful inside. I'd highly recommend to stop by if you're in the area.

I've had the pleasure of visiting Boozeland a few times. The vibes were good last visit. Bartender Alicia was a joy. The mix of tunes hit right. Industry folks at the bar were throwing them back. Perhaps a minor Spanish lesson was going on too? Other visits have been enjoyable as well. Lot of space for activities and a pool table too. Check it. Boozeland is a truly excellent place to unwind and have a drink. I'll be back for a High Life and well whiskey.

Best service and great upstairs area to rent. Highly recommend. Kevin the owner is very helpful as well as Kaitlin the bartender.

Visited on Saturday, August 21st, to grab a couple drinks and have some good conversation with my partner. The music playing was cool. And the ambiance of the place looked pretty decent, considering it's in the tenderloin. But our experience was kind of awkward. The place was pretty dead around 10pm when we arrived. Some guy checked our ID's and covid vaccination cards after we already entered and were walking around inside. We checked out the back area, there was a pool table, and some guy playing (probably a regular) told us the outdoor area closed at 10pm. That was fine, we sat at a small table inside. My partner ordered us a few drinks (cocktail, shots, beer), and that was all good. But the whole time we were there (about an hour) the bartender was super loud banging dishes, the table, etc. like he was doing it on purpose having a tantrum, or a bad day, or just has no business etiquette.At last call (which btw was hella early compared to hours posted online), my partner asked him a question and was ignored. On our way out, my partner told the bartender thanks and to have a nice night. And he didn't respond, then as we walked out he yelled out "whatever", again as if he was having a tantrum, sounded hella immature.I later realized that my partner had given a minimal tip because he ran out of cash. So yeah, I get it if someone's not happy about that. I can only imagine the bartender's horrible behavior was either due to that, or because he is racist. But any business shouldn't have workers that act like that regardless. It's rude to give off attitude like that to friendly customers, and it gives off a horrible impression, even if it's just one worker. There will be some good days some bad, some customers you like and some you don't. But to outright disrespect customers like that was uncalled for... and again super immature. I included a pic of the bartender... if that's the owner, even worse (for the business).

I love both the workers and patronage . They are welcoming ,knowledgeable, and friendly even in the most crowded and difficult times.