When it comes to getting wasted on as little money as possible, there are two viable options. The first one requires a struggling neighborhood liquor store and the comfort of one's own apartment; the second, a little more cash and an adventurous soul. And there is great news for those who prefer the latter. In the hip chaos of San Francisco's nightlife, there are still a few drinking establishments where a company of good friends can ensure a hangover for about $20 per head. They might be shady in appearance and lack proper ventilation, but they are the perfect places to get a great deal of entertainment without a major blow to one's bank account.
Silver Spur, 1914 Irving Street
Virtually a hole in the wall, the Spur is an oasis that has been serving wallet-friendly cocktails to the Outer Sunset population for more than thirty-five years. Filled with sour-smelling darkness, outdated posters, stools held together by duct tape, and other signs of decay, this tiny bar is probably the best deal for an alcohol-deprived student. The domestics go for $3 a bottle here, and the imported stuff sells for $3.50 a pop. The price for a mixed drink depends on the size, costing $4.50 on average (no charge for a mixer, mind you). The Spur compensates for the absence of tap beer with surprisingly clean bathrooms, an occasional live band, two ancient pool tables, a jukebox, and a ridiculously cute bartender named Eddie.
Pittsburgh's Pub, 4207 Judah Street
Due to its inconvenient location, Pittsburgh's is one of the city's rare places where the possibility of running into a rich, uncool Marina kid or Mission hipster practically equalz zero. Located next to the N-Judah line, and just a block from the end of America, this bar is a real dive classic favored by the flannel-wearing, working-class retirees and one or two confused-looking surfers who fancy the $3.50 pints and a chance to engage in indoor chain smoking accompanied by the joke-cracking Irish bartender working the morning shift. The dueling pool tables, dartboard, and close proximity to awesome late night munchies at Java Beach Café makes Pittsburgh's an all-time favorite.
Portal's Tavern, 179 West Portal Avenue
The overall coziness and cleanliness of Portal's Tavern almost disqualifies it from being a dive, but the lack of napkins, beer mugs reeking of swamp refuse, and airborne darts that endanger the bathroom-goers shatter this illusion like a cheap champagne glass. Featuring a friendly bartender, $4 beers (although the price mysteriously went up $1 in under forty minutes), and $5 cocktails that make you forget your mama's name, the Tavern is big enough to hold an event for a few dozens of people and has long been the bar of choice for special occasions such as birthdays and football after-parties.
Randy's Place, 1101 Ocean Avenue
At Randy's, time has stopped indefinitely. $2 MGDs? Check. Cheap pool? Uh-huh. A jukebox filled with oldies and a well-mannered sixty-something bartender serving $3 jack and cokes? You bet! There's even free finger grab for those who are brave enough to eat it. A mixed crowd of older gentlemen and City College students tired from their statistics classes creates a unique ambience, perfect for an overactive city dweller desiring a stiff one in an atmosphere of calm and tranquility.
contact: dashkin@sfsu.edu | Having failed as a nuclear physicist, Dani Gomez decided to pursue a career in journalism. Now the journalism is pursuing her.
