Buddha Lounge

This was a really nice small intimate hang out to drop in on while in Chinatown. Staff is extremely friendly, I was told it is a 3rd generation family operated bar that originally opened in the 60s.

We wanted to go to a bar after our dinner in North Beach. This was a 5 minute walk. It had seats available so we grabbed it quickly. Good thing that we did as it got crowded quickly. They didn’t have beer on tap and the white wine selection was only a Sauvignon Blanc. No rose or Chardonnay. If you go, you need to try the Buddha beer. (Tastes like a Tsingtao.) Update: Came here on a Sunday. They normally close at 6pm but we stayed a bit longer as the bartender was closing up.

Great old bar remodeled in the past few years. The bartender has been there nearly 30 years and is beloved on the block. Do yourself a favor and descend into the bathroom... A great place to lay like a rock on the bottom of the river and let the current flow over you.

If you want a place that's super real and totally upfront, look no further! It's cleaner than your Instagram feed after you've unfollowed your ex. The service is so fast it's like your Wi-Fi on a sugar rush. The music is lit, and I even copped a hoodie – perfect for flexing in unpredictable weather and surviving the freezing office chills. 😍🔥

I asked a bartender for a mineral water. He refused to sell it to me. I was very confused, until I realized he was either drunk or high. He thought I am asking for free water, which he actually also supposed to give to customers. Never coming to this place again.

This place is great. It was very clean. It was the cleanest around the whole block. I think the countertop was made of some kind of stone, but it felt very clean and the vibe was good.

Great little place. Really small with a lovely bartender. Great sake and "herbs" to drink. It's not marijuana just some fermented herbs. Ask about it. Great place to rest your feet while having an afternoon drink.

Friendly staff who are happy to give reccomendations for the area (both for food, bars etc as well as "cultural" advice). Reasonably priced. Nice vibe. Music, but not too loud. Cool rural on the floor you enter in.

In a world awash with fleeting trends and ephemeral establishments, the Buddha Lounge emerges as a timeless sanctuary of authenticity and warmth. For the past twenty years, I have sought refuge within its unassuming walls, and with each visit, I am reminded that there is no better bar in the world than my beloved Buddha Lounge. The ambiance is a masterclass in understated elegance--a simple, classic bar layout that eschews pretense for genuine comfort. The jukebox, a nostalgic nod to days gone by, effortlessly curates the soundtrack of your evening, playing all the songs you didn't know you needed to hear. Yet, the true essence of the Buddha Lounge is not found in its bricks and mortar, nor solely in its eclectic libations--from the enigmatic allure of the rare Three Penis Wine shot to the soothing familiarity of the Lucky Buddha Beer. No, the soul of this establishment resides in one man: Mark, the bartender. Mark is not merely a dispenser of drinks; he is the maestro orchestrating the symphony of conviviality that defines the Buddha Lounge. A man of mythic stature and legendary charm, he infuses life into every corner of the bar. His humor ripples through the room, creating a reverberation of laughter that binds strangers into friends. His unparalleled hospitality and deft mixology have not only earned the establishment numerous awards but have also woven a tapestry of unforgettable experiences for all who cross its threshold. In an era where genuine connection is often lost in the din of modernity, Mark stands as a beacon of what hospitality truly means. He is the life of the party, the confidant to the weary, and the catalyst for countless memories etched into the hearts of patrons. With a warm smile, a well-crafted drink, and a jest that leaves the whole room in laughter, he transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. There is, indeed, no better bar in America than the Buddha Lounge, and it is because of one man--Mark, the bartender. To step into his world is to be reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on our lives, turning a simple night out into a cherished memory.

Still my favorite bar in the city. The nighttime bartender is a pure pro, quick service, good drinks, he knows how to work the crowd so it's always a good time. The bartender doesn't miss a thing, drinking here solo and female, I always feel safe. Warning: He doesn't put up with assholes, so be respectful, and you will have a great time.

One of my favorite dive bars in SF. I love going through Chinatown bar, eating and bar hopping. This is one of the spots I always stop by. Small bar but the lighting and decor on the walls provide a great vibe once you walk in.

Fantastic bar in Chinatown. No frills but great ambience and fresh cocktails! Never disappoints!

Cool little intimate bar in china town! We stumbled across from it since it was near our stay! Service was good. The bartender was attentive and quick! Prices were amazing! I don't think they sell food.

wandered in here on a first night in SF and they were all out of ice due to a machine problem from the day before. The place was still packed and everyone just started ordering beers and shots. The bartender was so friendly we actually doubled back to order a mai tai after their ice was replenished and I'm glad we did because that drink was excellent.

Great bar tender. On an action-packed corner in China town. Great place to pop in for a quick one on the way to and/or from dinner (we did both).

As a native San Franciscan this is definitely one of my favorites. You come for drinks and stay for the show. Mok the bartender is a legend. I've never seen a bartender work the crowd better. The drinks are amazing and you always need to drink a lucky Buddah beer. If you've never been your missing out. I wish I could give a 6th star.

As a local resident on the verge of fossilization, I'm embarrassed to admit that I had not patronized this longtime Grant Avenue bar until quite recently. I've passed by it a multitude of times but always assumed it was for loud tourists. However, the atmospheric rivers in January led me to the Chinese Mai Tai at Li Po Lounge across Grant (review: https://bit.ly/3PDtdRE), so naturally... It was a matter of time before I tried this spot to make the inevitable comparison. I stopped by at around 5PM on a Thursday, and there was just one young guy at the bar finishing a beer. The daytime bartender was Annie, and she told me business has been really slow since the pandemic despite the renovation they've done recently. As I listened to her, I ordered the $10 Chinese Mai Tai (photo: https://bit.ly/3XonJfs). It was more straightforward than the foamy version Li Po produced and also two bucks cheaper. I asked Annie what made it uniquely Chinese, and in response, she gave me a complimentary shot of an herbal liquor called Tzepao Sanpien Jiu (photo: https://bit.ly/42STdvu). Tasty with a kick. Time Out mentioned a splash of Three Penis Whiskey imported from China, but with that name, I'd rather not know if that was in there. COCKTAILS - 4 stars...a solid mai tai with a unique twist AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...the bar is looking good and modern now SERVICE - 4 stars...Annie was great company...no one else came in though :-( TOTAL - 4 stars...you need to stop by when you're in Chinatown RELATED - Exploring Chinatown? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2WoF1Z2

Funny. When I walked by the Buddha last evening, it was open. I'll ask around but I don't think that you're being honest.

This review is specifically for our bartender - Savannah. The bar itself is clean and pretty welcoming but she was really the best part. She was welcoming - full of insight and gave us some great recommendations for food around the city. She was quick to serve us - answered our questions efficiently- and was very nice. The bar ambiance is pretty chill (pretty sure we went right as they opened) Anyway, thank you Savannah! You give San Francisco a good name.

Located in Chinatown I came here for a quick drink during Chinese New Year festivities Bar is clean, nice decor and well stocked and was playing good music. Bar is relatively small but it wasn't an issue. I ordered my go to...margarita Drink was good. Cool spot to chill for a quick minute.

Had a blast! That's all I gotta say! The bartender was amazing the music was awesome and the atmosphere was just fun. Brand new feeling bar. Awesome

Not sure how I've never been here, or maybe I've been and forgotten because I was on a chinatown bar crawl and those are always difficult to recall. Anyways, this place is surprisingly clean for what is essentially a dive bar and it's a weird combo. It's dive-y but clean? That's like looking right and left at the same time. Great spot.

San Francisco, Chinatown. August 2022 Grant Ave in Chinatown has two designated San Francisco Legacy Business dive bars right across each other on the corner of Washington St. Buddha Lounge is the more inviting and friendly of the two. The first thing you'll note is the place is brighter and cleaner than you might expect. The televisions and digital jukebox, plus a few regular customers at the bar give it a more inviting normal atmosphere. You have to get buzzed for access through the gated door leading downstairs to the restrooms. The bartenders pay attention to you and they and the regulars are friendly enough that they'll know your name before you leave. The Chinese Mai Tai here is Hong Kong's Wing Lee Wai liquor in a glass filled chimney glass, topped pineapple juice and a float of Meyer's Dark Rum. Strong and tasty, but safely, not as lethal as the one across the street.

Such a fun spot to spend a night or stop by before/after going out to dinner. Quiet enough that you can chat and Mark, the bartender, is so fun and funny and plays great music. He always cracks us up with his jokes and makes sure we are having a good night. 10/10 every time!

So we stopped in here before a show at the Great Star Theater around the corner. This place just called to us. This bar is so freaking clean. From floor to ceiling spotless. Everyone was so nice. We chatted with everyone at the bar. But the best part is Delicious, the bartender, the legend, the myth, the man! My face hurt from smiling and laughing so much. He is freaking hilarious. And he is a really good bartender. His drinks are spot on, keeps the bar clean, entertains everyone. After our show we went back to the bar just to be in his prescence. I wrote him a little love letter before we left cause he is really special. A special human being. Great bar. Great time. Great people. Enjoy.

Got quick drinks, nice bartender lady, sat around the stools to catch up with my coworkers. I haven't came up with any drink recommendation for y'all though, I got the lemon drop and a cranberry vodka which was ok. Central location close to bus stops.

Buddha Lounge was always the "cool kids" dive bar in Chinatown since my first days in SF nearly two decades ago. I'm sure it held that distinction even before that. I hadn't visited in a while, though I always meant to, so I made it a goal to stop in for a drink while wandering solo last night. First thing I noticed was the place was much nicer than my last visit. The friendly bartender explained that they had renovated two years prior. The bar counter is pristine, though the rest of the place still holds that comfy dive bar aesthetic we all know and love. Ordered a well whiskey on the rocks. It was $8, which is relatively cheap compared to many of the other places in SF. Granted it was a whiskey I had never heard of, but I'm no stranger to dive bar well whiskies and this one was perfectly enjoyable. The crowd was young and chill. Very nice vibe. I enjoyed my brief revisit and am pleased to add Buddha Lounge back on my favorite dive bars list.

This place had a relaxed vibe, but the bartender was very odd. I heard it was busy earlier, which is understandable, but I don't see why she needed to complain about previous customers asking basic questions like what they could order or what the bar offered, especially since there was no menu. And no, I wasn't being nosy; she was complaining right in front of me out loud to another customer. Such conversations should be saved for when you're off the clock. I understand bartending can be hard when you're the only one, but you should be more welcoming and patient with customers when they ask simple questions. Honestly just made me feel uncomfortable after one drink and just left.

Coming from a night of bar hopping, this was a slow and tame bar that felt a little off. Things from the pandemic might have changed some things. Had some positive expectations since this is listed as one of the legacy bars in sf. They did not have a menu which is fine but no specials either which was strange since they usually have the Chinese mai tais. The buddha beer is no longer in a custom bottle and has been toned down to a regular green one and tastes like a typical lager like tsingtao. The only bartender there seemed annoyed and not very interested in serving anyone and went on a smoke break. I will have to give it another go to see if things are different.

Don't come here if you're trying to drink responsibly, asked for water and beer and he didn't want to serve AT ALL. Literal quote " we don't serve Asians"

Worst place ever! Don't even go there!! I order a glass of wine and she gave me half way and she is like $10 dollars?? Trust me dont do it, the place across the street, you get awesome MaiThai for $10 dollar and even thete my wine is $8 dollar.I used to love tne buddha back in the day but , this place' changed so much its sad. Trust me go the place acrossed the street with the mai thais , you won't be disappointed.

Stopped by with some friends on a Saturday after the lunar new year parade, friends had ordered drinks but I only wanted water. The man serving at the bar rudely refused to serve me water because I had not boughten an alcoholic drink. I feel like this was such a let down considering that we were trying to enjoy our time. A friend then went up to a female bartender and requested waters, she didn't hesitate to provide us with a glass. I would not recommend this bar due to this rudeness to deny water just because you didn't order an alcoholic drink.

love me a small little bar! i really like the vibe here and think their buddha beer (the signature drink!) is super delicious. it's refreshing, tasty, and the price point is perfect. my only gripe is sometimes they close earlier than advertised without warning. but i get it, sometimes days can get slow. i love that they have the touchtunes in here--it's actually something i REALLY enjoy about this place. can't wait to go back!

Bartender Annie is a great host. sad to say I haven't caught the Buddha lounge open my past few visits to Chinatown. I hope they open Again soon. Ones of my regular spots in town.

If you visit Chinatown and are a fan of dives, you MUST check out Buddha Lounge! This is a charming little spot with good energy, cheap and strong drinks, and the occasional snack bowl. Very small space, make sure to bring cash and proper expectations. I've only had Rum & Cokes and similar simple cocktails here, but I've always had a good time each time I've been there. Do yourself a favor and make a point to stop by!

Hands down the best Chinese Mai Thai ever! The service was amazing. The ambience equally as amazing. And the Mai Thais even better!!! They weren't too sweet and the rum flavor was amazing. This will definitely be my go-to bar for whenever I'm in China Town!

Lou ge is clean. Bartender Annie is very friendly. Chines margarita is one to try! I recommend!

CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS! I got drinks for me and my friend here and the bartender sneakily added tip. We were not a party of 6 or more. This was not gratuity. I gave him a cash tip on top of this. Very sketchy and dishonest. If you wanted more tips, be a better bartender.

I walked in for the first time with a friend and waited at the bar for the bartender to attend to us. After 10 mins, the bartender didn't even acknowledge us even though we were at the bar table right in front of him. We allowed him to continue to ignore us and go outside to smoke his cigarette and come back. A couple enters shortly after and he attending to them still completely ignoring us. When we asked him what we did wrong not to be served, he began yelling at us and threatened to kick us out with no explanation. We decided to leave once he started to become physical (still with no reason) and go to the bar next door. Four police men showed up shortly after and told us that he had made up a story that he's seen us before and that we waited there for 20 mins not asking for anything which was disproven by the other people at the bar who saw everything happen and also left due to him actions. I don't know if he was drinking on the job, having a bad day, or just racially profiling us but definitely wont be back if thats the service we receive.

Some reviews say this is a dive bar... lol not at all! (Dive bars smell like old carpet & beer, and don't serve Hennessy...if you think this is a dive bar you were maybe born after 1995?) Very clean and simple small bar, the bartender was silly fun. I was shocked at how inexpensive it was compared to other cities (Seattle, Madrid etc). We had a fun time, good music too!

This is always 1 of our pit stops in San Francisco.Centrally located in Chinatown. Super clean! Great hospitality and has class. Everything is updated and the murals alone are really nice. Our tenders are always cool and down to earth. The journey to the restroom is always an adventure! To The Dungeon you go! LOL! Pricing is also great!

Julien is the best bartender ever!! He is very accommodating and genuine. Best dive bar ever!

A must stop if you're in China Town. It is worth the stop to hang out and get a drink. Perfect location as outstanding staff. Locally owned and operated!

Greattttt dive bar... Nothing more nothing less.. They prefer cash but they take cards no problem. Had a great night in the christmas season during our fancy pub crawl

Lost my way during a SF trip and glad I did because I found this awesome bar. Asked the bartender for his specialty and it was delicious. Highly recommend this place on a Tuesday. Almost had this spot all to myself. Look forward to visiting again.

I have been to the Buddha so many times. Never changes. Great service in the Heart of Chinatown. This is so nice my haven stays true

Boring bar and the bartender was a jerk. Other places in Chinatown with much friendlier staff and better atmosphere.

Not a huge space...not a fancy place... but certainly a friendly place. Rather spartan decor but perfect for grabbing a quick Buddha beer or cocktail on the way to or from some other SF event or venue. Very dark and intimate. Funny and friendly bar keep, makes it easy to mingle with locals and tourist alike. The beer goes down way too easy and it's easy to have 3-4. Fortunately I didn't have to drink a six pack to get a set of Buddha beer bottles( the bar keep hooked me up! I don't know why but it's such a spirited happy place. But don't fight the feeling. Enjoy this cash only old school dive bar in the heart of Chinatown.

Awesome bar located in the Chinese District! Mok the Bartender is amazing! Funny, respectful, and a great time. The place is small so once you get a seat don't move! The drinks are cheap and they have local specials so make sure to ask for them. They take card or cash so you're good there as well. Great spot!

ZERO STARS. Came to this bar to grab a drink as were waiting I wanted to use the restroom, bartender extremely unpleasant stated "restrooms are for paying customer, either way I have customers" bartender gave a very sassy head and eye roll. Bartender very unprofessional having an entire conversation and drinking on the job with customers as my husband and I waited to be attended. Also this place is very sketch, considering I'm from LA. That says a lot. Didn't go to Restroom but what from I could see was located underneath the bar down a locked gated caged door. Couldn't get food or drinks because bartender having a full thrown conversation/drinking with customers.

Found this on a late night walk through Chinatown, so glad that we dropped in. The ambiance was very hip and fun, the bartender was a riot, the drinks were good. We will definitely be for night caps when we are back in town!

Surprisingly clean and modern. The bar was quite spacious and I love the dragon wallpaper, the modern jukebox, and that there is sake too. There are a number of bottled beers, they're all really affordable. I got my sake warmed up. We were drawn in by the fun neon lights. Good experience.

when in Chinatown, one must have a drink. so I tried the Buddha lounge this time. It was not busy at all, had a long island ice tea and was off to my next destination.

Simple pop by for a drink and a sports tv for entertainment! $5 bottle for a beer and they serve pretzels while at it. Nice gesture and divey bar in Chinatown! Bar stools and hole in the wall. Straightforward to easily grab a drink and get that going!

Friendly bartender and delicious cocktails. We didn't see a menu, but the bartender just asked what type of liquor we like and surprised us. I had a cocktail made with Tanqueray gin, chambord (raspberry liquor), lemon and club soda. Fun atmosphere, but it is a pretty small bar. They have awesome Buddha artwork on the back wall and bathrooms are in the basement. Highly recommend this fun bar in Chinatown.

I'm not sure of his name, but the bartender we had with a shaved head last night was incredible. Overall energy just fantastic.

amazing day drinking vibes. grab a lucky buddha beer and chat with everyone who pops in. will for sure be back