"This is my neighborhood bar. Friendly staff, good prices, outdoor parklet, an all around good place."
"Doc's Clock is a San Francisco institution. It's dark, divey and is like a comfy living room for locals and tourists alike."
"My roommate and I were introduced to this karaoke bar from an old coworker and friend. Even when we were college students just working at Chipotle, this was one of our go-to spots. At first, this place was a little intimidating since it's located at the bottom of the stairs of a building at the intersection of Japantown. Sometimes there are homeless people sleeping by the stairs, but they have never bothered us anytime we have gone. Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, you walk into a multi-colored bar with maybe three tables across the bar. This place is one of three karaoke bars I have been to in the city but have heard they have the best deal since you don't have to pay for songs like neighboring bars (from what I've heard). The ladies working here have always been so friendly to us every time we've gone and always kept us stocked with snacks. We have made many acquaintances through the ladies working and even met a chef from a nearby restaurant who shared his bread with them who in return shared it with us. This place isn't necessarily the best looking, but the vibes and service have always been outstanding in my eyes. If you're looking for a good time, this bar is a good place to spend time listening to people sing their hearts out over a cocktail or five."
Joseph B.
Feb 19, 2024
Years of coming to R bar, I can't say enough about it. Nothing fancy or out of the ordinary, just well priced drinks, friendly staff, and a lot of chill regulars. The decor is like most dive bars, decent enough seating at the bar itself and on packed days the parklet is a huge savior. The small arcade in the back can be fun, still haven't played darts though. There's a food vendor on thursdays (previously tacos) but otherwise unless it's a big ordeal you're usually welcome to bring in your own food while you drink.
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Ed U.
May 11, 2024
How can you begrudge a bar as divey as Doc's? It's been around since 1951 and has somehow survived all the business traumas...relocation, unsupportive landlords, pandemic closure. Even their classic neon sign was threatened with demolition, but it's still here (photo: https://yelp.to/cmUOjnuMoX). And so am I. Truth be told, I'm a fairly recent customer but not the last call type that doesn't know when to go home.No, I'm the discount seeking Happy Hour type, and I get excited at the prospect of half-off drinks like the $5 Tequila Sunrise (photo: https://yelp.to/hq7Fg2QJJH). Hell, I get excited at the prospect of a $10 Paloma (photo: https://yelp.to/axyo_OROi5). There's a pinball machine and a long shuffleboard table, neither of which tempt me in the slightest. Lisa, however, is a great bartender who always engages me in stimulating conversation.DRINKS - 4 stars...cheap and effective AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...there's an odd charm to all the hoarding and vintage touchesSERVICE - 4 stars...Lisa is acesTOTAL - 4 stars...what's up, Doc? RELATED - Exploring the Mission? Here's my collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2NHtst6
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Mandy G.
Jun 22, 2024
This isn't your average karaoke bar. This place can be a fun time or not, depending on the vibes you're looking for. Pagoda has been around for awhile and surprisingly survived the pandemic while others nearby have shuttered their doors. Located directly across the street from the Peace Plaza/Japantown mall, you would go down these sketchy stairs to find Pagoda.Pagoda is an open-mic karaoke bar that can have amazing singers or bad singers. To request a song, you would review the 2-3 inch binders sitting on the tables and you write down the song # you want, then give it to the bartender. While you wait, I recommend ordering a drink. The "free sides" they offer here are mini bags of chips and great when you been singing your heart out and drinking. I wouldn't say Pagoda drinks are the best, as I think their cocktails are watered down, but it feels like a vibe just being here. 90% of the time, I always a fun time with my colleagues and friends. Definitely a fun place to be if you're in the area.
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Sahridaya N.
Jun 15, 2024
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.
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"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"