We recently concluded our visit to the establishment. Initially, the first round of drinks amounted to $13 for both. However, we observed an unexpected increase in price for the second round, despite ordering the same drinks. Despite this minor setback on New Year's Day, we opted to focus on enjoying the exceptional music. Additionally, there was an incident with one of the bartenders, a stout individual, who exhibited rudeness when I attempted to capture a photo of the bar, stating firmly not to consider taking any photographs. so be prepare for that if you’re planning to visit.
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Blue
Wheelchair accessibility
Easy access with wheelchair.

Unfortunately I have to update my review. I used to call this my favorite bar in the city and every time I had visitors or new friends I always brought them here. But my last visit was disappointing. The male bartender was rude and truly RACIST with me and my friends. It's so sad that an amazing place like this, lost its magic because the bartender created a non welcoming environment for foreigners. I never thought I was going to be discriminated at The Saloon.
Service: 1

Revisited after great first visit the barlady was brilliant, but on 2nd visit the barman was very rude basically he was demanding a tip on every visit to the bar and when I was explaining lack of cash he directed me to ATM and told me don't come back on my shift. The bars loss we intended to spend all night listening to the music, so we went to Foleys Irish bar brilliant barman there.
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 4

This dark and murky little neighborhood bar has a very unique vibe. A regular crowd of interesting characters from the neighborhood. A space in the back for a live van to set up, they feature bands every weekend. The signage in the place is very interesting and clearly has been here of very long time. I highly recommend this bar but don't come expecting a fancy list of cocktails. Beer and old fashioned booze! #SanFrancisco #NorthBeach

The Saloon was awesome! Oldest bar in San Francisco w/ Live Blues music, this place doesn't disappoint! You can tell the place hasn't changed much outside of a new coat of paint (probably because paint was invented after it was established, that's how old it is). Paint was probably invented before but come on..... I'd highly recommend checking this bar out in the North Beach neighborhood. It is CASH ONLY and they don't have an ATM.

Good music and good service. They play live music very late at night. Is this world's greatest blues bar? Well, it could be true, as it's the oldest bar in San Francisco and boasts the best of the blues in the Bay Area, not only in terms of the incredibly good music with almost unbelievably small crowds of a mid-week evening, but because of the impressive array of CDs recorded on the premises and released by proprietor Myron Mu.

Coolest place ever. Tons of history here. One of the oldest bars in the area although many make that claim. Every single time I have been here has been amazing. You walk in. Its packed with people of all ages getting down in a blues bar like its an EDM club. For real dancing here folks. Just a good ole bar no snacks just drinks and music all day and night almost if not every day of the week. Check Schedule online Cash only!

My friend and I specifically came to this bar off a recommendation from another bartender elsewhere. When we walked in I needed to use the restroom and before we had the chance to even order a drink or do anything at all the bartender yelled at me “the restroom is for customers only”. Why is the bartender assuming were not customers?! Seemed racist to me. I definitely wouldn’t be a customer there! Smells bad too.

Such an amazing place! Time seems not running. We heard a band on sunday, great musicians and a singer with a powerful and beautiful voice. I fell in love with a guy but I couldn't talk to him (I'm too shy)... It's the atmosphere, everyone is happy, enjoying music. I will come back in my next visit to San Francisco for sure! Tysm.
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I have never been so put off by a bartender… My friend ordered a Shirley Timple with vodka and the older lady working the bar started screaming at her for ordering such a stupid drink. Said she wishes she could shoot her for being so stupid. She kept going on about it afterwards so we left.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

One of the oldest bars in SF and can almost tell that from the nice lady behind the counter haha, honestly. Cash only bar with a one drink minimum, but what you come here for is the interactive and up close live blues/jazz. No cover charge EVER here, but the band will occasionally come around with a tip jar during the "collection" song.

What a great find! Called in on a Tuesday evening so it was fairly quiet but the blues trio playing were amazing. No cover as it was midweek but we came back at the weekend and there was a $5 cover on Saturday night.
Price per person
$30–50
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sierra Nevada

You love it or you hate it! I am not a big fan of this place, but I can understand that other people do. Nice whiskey and bourbon collection, but remember to bring enough cash, since they do not take plastic money And I forgot the most important reason to go to this place, namely the live jazz performances. …

Oldest un-rebuilt bar in San Francisco, with tons of character. This place is a deep SF dive, and worth a visit. Live music multiple times a week. The crusty North Beach regulars may give you side-eye, but the bar staff is always friendly and attentive, even to tourists.
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

In a city as old as San Francisco you want there to be a few bars that have withstood the test of time. The Saloon is one of them. It’s not fancy. They don’t make craft cocktails It’s not you, it smells funky But it’s awesome!! Get there late, leave later hopefully you catch a set.

If you're looking for a place to go and listen to some great music, dance a little, and drink a lot go to The Saloon in North Beach you will not be disappointed.
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Difficult to find parking

Awesome little place. Heard it blasting blues from down the street. Stayed to watch the band and a couple beers. Awesome little bar!
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sierra Nevada

Well been here many times over the years at night for the music or randomly for a beer during the afternoon. Great place and as of yet no difficulties whatsoever.
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Oldest bar in San Francisco. Free live music tonight. Cash only. Great time! (Get an Anchor Steam to enjoy a beer from the oldest brewery in San Fran in there oldest bar in San Fran. Then ride a cable car for the full 1800s experience!)

This is my favorite place!! They have the most talented amazing musicians there!! It’s the diviest of dive bars in the best way possible. The bartenders pour heavy. Guaranteed to have a good time. Every time.

Still Rocking! Classic SF bar. Nice staff (chat up Shane , he's really cool). Great music at night as well. Still Great!
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

It was very good music. Unfortunately, bartender was rude and kinda racist w me and all my friends. She was making us go while all we were doing was waiting for the show to order some drinks.

Went there after a wedding and the bartender picked a fight with a black women and refused to serve people of color. Gross. The whole party left! Disappointing for a SF bar!
Service: 1

What a flashback, a good old fashioned blues bar! $5 entry, live music, $5 drinks, everybody happy and dancing, go experience this locals favorite.
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

They trash out my new drink when I was at the restroom, not even an apologize. I don't think they love tourists.
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4

Great history, strong drinks, fabulous music. You need to go to The Saloon. Check out the historical marker in the door frame.
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Erika, the bartender, handled a full solo with ease. Cool live music courtesy of Mr Dinkle and Wendy De Witt
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Blues Power rules! It’s such a nice band!! The best jazz bar in SFO if you love live music!! Love the music and the bar atmosphere❤️ Not pricy bar. Great bartender! …

Enjoy good live music in San Francisco Chinatown. They have only a limited amount of beers, most of them light
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

We had to leave due to racist and xenophobic comments by the bartender. Just don't go there. This is not acceptable, specially in the Bay area.
Service: 1

An amazing bar with a long history. Great live music on the Friday night that we visited. Very friendly atmosphere. We loved the motherly bartenders!

The Saloon is the Best Live Music venue in America. There is no doubt about it.
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Favorite bar in SF, nothing better than live music, drinks and the people.
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

It’s an Old Timey Saloon. Feel with excellent live music. Seems like a local hangout. Lots of excellent eating places up and down these streets.

Oldest bar in SF, live blues music, dance floor, people of all ages. I felt transported to a different decade! Small cover and cash only!

This was a wonderful place to stop in, enjoy great live music, a drink and take a load off your feet! Cheers to "The Power Blues Band"!

Great spot to grab a one drink minimum, if you knowhatimsayin….
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Pretty standard dive bar full of old white dudes. They had live music on the Thursday that I went, which is always nice. Cash only.

Such a wonderful atmosphere and energy! Dont miss this place when you’re in San Francisco.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great showcase for the region's blues with 2 bands doing 4 hour shows every day! Oldest bar in San Francisco, a must see.

Awesome place to have a drink listen old good music or live music, you can feel the vibe on this place, you have to go

Great Dive Bar!! with great live music. It is definitely worth going for an evening of Drinks and Music.

Sweet jazz/rock live show! Great atmosphere!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Charming spot featuring balanced drinks, live band, and all the nostalgia one can handle.

Omg. Best live blues and jazz venue in town. Real folks jamming and dancing.

Great music, fair prices, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4

Authentic bar with awesome live shows, chill mood and local history.

I love it!!!! Excellent vibe ! Excellent music ! Cheers!

Atmospheric saloon. Good booze, live American music.

Great live music and incredible bar!