Emperor Norton's BoozeLand

I got kicked out immediately. I'm usually a very calm and friendly person but I got into an argument with the bartender right away. He threw my ID in the garbage by accident, but helped me find it afterward. He was pretty mean, but ultimately I know I deserved it. I'm leaving this review in the hopes that that bartender sees it and forgives me. He seems like a good guy.

Place is cute cant do much in terms of cocktails. But i like the layout of the place. Bartender was nice enough. Definately a calm neighborhood bar feel. Has pool table and shuffleboard.

The bar is just as insane as emperor Norton was and the bartenders will get you hammered. In a good way. Back patio is awesome and the pool table is solid. 10/10 dive

Really great space with games and outdoor area. Drinks and bartender are great as well! Will definitely be back soon.

Neighborhood gem!!! Friendly, low key, dive bar with awesome staff and set in a beautiful art deco building. A gorgeous piece of SF history. You wanna find a chill spot in the TL this is the one. Has pool. Outdoor seating and smoking patio in the back

Me and my buddy went here because he had to use the restroom. He got a beer. I didn't get one. It was grimey. Which I like. But it's in the tenderloin, so it's hard not to be

The women's restroom is great. Partner said that the men's was just normal. Patio in the back. There is a lot on tap

Fun venue with games and patio. I wouldn’t call it a cocktail place though— best to stick to beer and drinks with a few ingredients. Of course that depends on who the bartender is ☺️

As an SF native, I've been coming to Emperor Norton's on and off for years, but I didn't really become a regular until I met Alicia who quickly became one of my favorite bartenders in the entire city...I was having a really bad day and I was glad I came in when I did because I needed someone to talk to, and she's treated me like an old friend ever since...

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.

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

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.

This is a calm casual place mostly for community and locals, our office groups looking for a place to gather. Most days it's very chill, nice selection of drinks and good conversation. Service is fast and attentive. They also have good music, a pool table and photo booth for entertainment.

Really kind owner and bartenders. People were friendly too. Owner went out of his way to help me GPS my phone after losing it the night prior. Thank you.

I was 20 minutes early for my barber appointment next door, and I usually stop in here to use the atm. I figured I actually chill for a drink with the extra time I have. It was around 2pm there were about five people at the bar chatting, I was instantly warmly greeted by the bartender (whom I suspect might be the owner) it was a classic local bar feel, friendly, inviting and gives a sense of authenticity. Overall it was just a stupendous vibe!

I love this bar and go there frequently, as it is near my partner's office. The staff at this place are outstanding people. They're friendly, kind, welcoming and accommodating. The ambiance is amazing as well. There's even an outdoor patio, as well as an indoor area. The place is never too loud or too quiet. You meet people from all over the world and it's just a great place to feel at home, have a drink and meet folks. I highly recommend Emperor Norton's Boozeland!

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'm not one to write reviews online, but after what happened at Emperor Norton's BoozeLand, I feel like I have to speak up. On Thursday February 8th, 2024, I went in there just to meet up with some friends. upon arriving I headed straight to use the bathroom, and things took a terrifying turn. A staff member followed me into the stall, grabbed me by the arm and neck, and assaulted me. I've been to this place many times, and NEVER had any trouble before. But this incident was shocking and completely unacceptable. It's clear to me now that Emperor Norton's BoozeLand isn't a safe spot for Black women. To make matters worse, another staff member (women) joined in, making it a double violation. she also put her hands on me, and called me a bunch of derogatory terms. BLACK WOMEN ARE NOT SAFE AT EMPEROR NORTON'S BOOZELAND. At some point during this ongoing assault a security guard entered the restroom and the tempers of the staff members escalated. Me being all of 5'2 and a 120lbs now being surrounded and attacked by three people while being trapped in a stall feared for my personal safety. BLACK women are not safe at Emperor Norton's Booze Land. At no point in time did I raise my voice or yell at any of the employees. I have seen too many events online where black women are labeled the aggressor or killed when we defend ourselves vocally. I repeatedly asked the staff members not to touch me, even pleading with them to let me out! This was ignored, with two men and one woman blocking the only exit I was grabbed and obscenities were hurled at me. One of the men was the bartender, I told this man that he was violating me, while his hand was on the back of my neck, he stated that he did not care! I urge anyone considering going there to think twice, especially if you're a woman of color. This kind of behavior can't be tolerated. Management needs to step up and make sure this doesn't happen again. I'm appalled by what went down. Emperor Norton's BoozeLand needs to take a hard look at their staff and policies. Nobody should have to go through what I did, especially in a place where you're just trying to do your business. BLACK WOMEN ARE NOT SAFE AT EMPEROR NORTON'S BOOZELAND!!!

Great spot- awesome atmosphere, fantastic friendly bartenders and just a really good time!!

I usually tend to steer clear of the Tenderloin, and after a revisit there recently for Norton's, I remember why. However, don't let that be your deciding factor to visit Emporer Norton's Boozeland! Like many other's have mentioned, this is a gem in the loin for sure. People and staff are all very friendly, and despite it feeling semi-divey, it still gives a safe and homey feeling. What brought us here in the first place was actually a giveaway prize for a pair of tickets to the comedy show (thank you @yelpbayarea and @dopeshowcomedy)! I would highly recommend looking up DOPESHOW Comedy and go to one of their shows if you can! Tickets are cheap and the comedians were actually pretty good! Not gonna lie, we showed up with low expectations, but was thankfully proven wrong. The host, Murahd, was probably the best of the bunch and was a wonderful host. There's a 1 drink minimum for the show, but that was no problem, as they have a pretty good selection at the bar! We definitely had plenty of the Duchesse de Bourgogne - one of the best tasting sours we've had in awhile!

Standard dive bar. Don't come here for a fancy cocktail. Do come here if you want a relatively cheap drink. If the weather is good head out to the hidden outside area in the back.

I've been in a few times before and it was ok. I'm knocking off a star for the service on Friday, 8/26. I went in around 10 pm and was the only person sitting at the bar. I bought a beer with a ten dollar bill and got three dollars in change. I left it on the bar in front of me as I've done all my life. I was planning to have another round or two. At some point the bartender lady scooped it up and said Thanks as she walked away with it. I was a little too surprised to say anything. And when I finished my beer she was too busy texting on her phone to pay me any notice. At that point I was just tired of the whole scene so I left.

As good as it gets when you are looking for a dive bar that you might have caught the late Anthony Bourdain in when visiting. That is what led us to the bar in the first place. It was not the speak easy we had intended but I think we landed where we were supposed to. My sister, husband and I wanted to grab a few drinks to top off a visit to the City. With the Warriors win on Friday, taking home a 3rd ring and officially becoming a dynasty, to the passing of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain all in the same week to suicide there was something in us that just wanted to etch some family time in just to check in. This place is in walking distance of my mother's place and it definitely did what we needed it to. This place is right on Larkin before you get to Eddy if you are coming from City Hall. To get there you of course side step random homeless people that are either yelling at you or having a deep conversation with a graffiti ridden wall, possible street walkers and you know how on the Vegas strip the ground is littered with stripper advertisement well here in the Loin it's needles, so watch your step! Once you can shake all that off the Loin is what it is..has been for years and at least their consistent with it..ha! There's a signage outside the bar that the words "BoozeLand" catches your eye before the actual name of the joint which I think may be a ploy and what they wanted you to see to coerce you for your patronage. You walk into a dimly lit place, smell of cigarette in the air, music blaring, the bar to the left and a tall, bearded middle aged man comin in hot at you to the right flashlight in hand ready to look at your ID's. The bar wasn't crowded, there was a birthday gathering in one corner and I offered my sister and husband to find seating while they ordered our drinks. I found seating for 3 around the corner on the back end of the bar. Which was funny because as I sat there the bartender's came over to me twice to take drink orders. So both my hubby and sister had beers and I wanted to try an Old Fashioned. That bartender was trying to lay a girl out with that drink...oooooooooowwwwwwiieeeee! I asked him to add some more maraschino cherries to cut some of the edge off and he diligently obliged. The ambiance is what you would expect of a dive bar. There was a big screen on the wall playing Bettlejuice and the juke box playing an array of genre's to appease the masses regardless of preference, but wasn't so overpoweringly loud that you couldn't have a conversation. Prices are decent for being in SF. We didn't venture off into the back area wherein I was told there was a patio are as well as a pool table. Nor did I have a need to check out their restroom to be able to include in this review but this won't be our last visit I am sure.

I was led here by the Bachelor party in the late afternoon. I'm not sure if Boozeland is in a good or bad neighborhood of San Francisco, but Boozeland itself seems to be a classy sanctuary of an island safely away from the homeless. Inside its clean casual yet upscale at the same time. There's a pool table, in the back, and even an outside patio for you cancer loving smokers. I love my whiskeys, and I know Red Breast 12 year Irish Whiskey runs about $60 a bottle. So I was shocked and happy that it was only $9 for a very heavy pour of this tasty whiskey. The barman was extremely friendly and generous. Not sure when I'll ever come back here, but if this was in walking distance of my SF flat, I'd probably be a regular.

This spot has been a go-to for me since the late 90s - Jezebel's, Deco, and now Emperor Norton's - you have to visit. Their beer selection has something for everyone, the bartenders can basically make anything, the outdoor patio is a favorite spot of mine too. The Corona parklet is worth checking out too, they keep it really clean. One of my favorite things to do on a nice day is walk up to L&G for a BahnMi and then head over to Emperor Nortons for a Duvel, you can't go wrong.

Solid dive bar in the rough. Cheap canned Tecate and PBRs. Bartender was a friendly lady who also spoke Spanish. She kept the drinks flowing and was very attentive even when it was busy. The bar itself is dark but nice. Plenty of seats and tables. Pool table as well. Even the bathrooms are in decent shape, especially for a SF bar. The area is a little rough but well worth the walk here. One of my new favorite bars in SF. Will be definitely coming back when I'm the area.

The bar itself was really cool, however the service was terrible. The bartender was very rude and was actually the reason why we didn't stay and get drinks. She made 3 passive aggressive and rude comments in the 10 minutes we were there.

Best bar in town! The happy hour bartender is funny cute and queer! Highly recommended from the hours 1-7 if you wanna listen to awesome music and a good time! Wednesday Friday Saturday and Sunday's!!!

I used to come here all the time, and then COVID. For a while, you couldn't play your own music when they came back, but then the jukebox came back and life became 100 again! Please keep that music going!

Amanda was super cool! Me and a close friend came to celebrate moving into the neighborhood and they really charmed us both. Excellent personality and very welcoming. The night was slow, but it was a Monday, so it was totally to be expected. Can't wait to see Amanda again some time!

Great dive bar with pool table, strong drinks, and reasonable prices. Cash only but there's an ATM and bartenders are super sweet and friendly. Very welcoming space and not at all pretentious. Will definitely be back!

Reopened with a nice parklette out front. Great no-nonsense dive bar atmosphere to meet friends and have a few, especially before a show at Bill Graham (during non-plague times). Always have Pliny on tap and nice selection of beer/shot specials. Plus pool table in the back.

Best dive bar left in the Tenderloin. Great bartenders as long as you keep things on the up-and-up. They only turn surly when you get out of hand. Full bar. Strong drinks. Great happy hour. Open late. Pool table and shuffleboard motherfukers. And the coup de gras an outdoor space downstairs in back with picnic benches where you can smoke whatever you want. Now that's what I call San Francisco!

Summary: Cheap booze and had a lot of seats for our large group. Super divey. A lot of locals in the area just getting a drink, playing pool, and chillin'. Booze was not expensive. $7 for a shot of tequila, a lime, and a can of Modelo. When we arrived at 7:30pm, our group just chilled in the back lounge corner area. Bartenders were really nice. Would come back again if I was in the area. ProTip: They take card now.

Had a f'g good time at this place. Went w the wife's coworkers whose company is way more fun than mine. Got off way too early and saw the seedier sites of tenderloin but got to the bar and enjoyed the drinks. Met Nick the bouncer dude who guessed my age (which is an amazing frat) and kept my word and paid the Beto made to guess my age. But he reciprocated and bought me a beer. Cool! They have a tiny outdoor patio where you can smoke n have a good time. Bartenders are way f'g cool n chill. No attitude. Would love to come back and hang w these guys and the crew at this very awesomely named bar!

Great bar to check out in San Francisco. The area isn't the best but it was a small walk from our hotel. Once you're inside you're in a whole other place. The drinks are cheap and heavy poured. $10 for a well Margarita.. great atmosphere. We had an incident with one guy that was way tooo drunk but that happens. Nothing to do with the bar. Shuffle board and A pool table. And outside area. It was great. Only complaint is that the Juke Box didn't have ABBA in it lol but definitely a place you need to see in the area.

Spacious bar that has a pool table and a shuffle board in the back room! That was already a win in my handbook for bars! Their restrooms are contemporary and clean, which was unexpected for the location that it is in! 5 bucks for a round of beer. The norm, more or less. Loud music and they have side tables. You had me at the shuffle!

And the winner for "Best Named Bar in San Francisco" goes to: ...Emperor Norton's Boozeland. Every time I tell people I was here, they seem intrigued by the name. Granted, about three out of four times I have to clarify that this is the old location of Deco, which occupied the spot a few years back. And, truly, Emperor Norton, you built a solid empire of booze for fun-loving Civic Loiners to enjoy their libations. There are four distinctly different areas to the bar, and there's a little something for everyone. Want to go smoke on the back-patio? Check. Want to play some pool or shuffleboard? Great game room/area. Have a big group from work (hi, after-work lawyers)? Big common area with TV's. Just want to sit at the bar? Heck, you can do that too. Good beer selection, and reasonable HH specials until 7pm. They open fairly early during the week (noon), so you can get a head-start if you wish. I think it's a really good mix of clientele. The space is really well decorated - they've done a great job.

Emperor Norton's Boozeland is that kind of bar that you think will be a dive but walking in this place is perfect. The whole bar is so meticulously maintained. Yes, this is in the heat of the 'loin, but hey - only a few blocks from my house so I don't mind walking over to grab a good affordable beer. The bar is very spacious, seating all around, a couple high tops scattered around, pool tables in the back and even an outdoor patio! Oh also, these are by far some of the cleanest bathrooms at any bar in SF, bravo. The bartenders here are always so friendly and attentive. Most draft beers are $5 with a good selection craft IPAs and lagers. I also had the bloody mary on a recent visit and it was fantastic, nice and spicy for a filling booze breakfast. Speaking of breakfast - no food is served here but you can bring your own (I suggest grabbing some food at The Chairman down the street, Bao's and Beers anyone?) Ah, a great homage to Emperor Norton, cheers.

Lots of fun for a TL kinda Divey Bar! Good people Good Drinks Bartenders downright Awesome!

#32 Recently, I visited Emperor Norton's Boozeland for a UYE with a few friends. UYE's are always fun and I was up to try a new bar in the city. UYE + Emperor Norton's Boozeland = good times I found parking fairly easy about one block away and walked up the block to the bar. I passed the "Sup Bro 50" sign at the Civic Center and I knew I wanted to revisit that spot after a few drinks. But for now, back to Boozeland. I walked up to the door and a couple guys were sitting outside, one was a bouncer for sure, and I am not sure who the other guy was, but both were friendly. I showed my ID and went inside. The place is small, dark, loud--a typical bar. I found the group in the corner and grabbed a seat. There were tiny little round high top tables littered throughout the bar with stools and candles. There is a small set of steps up to an area that houses a pool table and the bathrooms. There are several TVs around the bar as well to watch the game. It seemed as if there were three separate areas: 1) the dark and tiny place as you walk in; 2) the billiards area; 3) a larger area on the other side of the bar with bigger tables, more chairs and better lighting (at least it was somewhat better lighting). The bar is in the middle of the room and facilitates drinks to every side of the tiny space. Boozeland is a cash only bar; however, none to worry, there is an ATM right there in the corner by the door for all of us people who never carry cash. I cannot even remember the last time I had cash in my purse on purpose. It is so cumbersome. I ordered a martini with a twist, it came out dirty, but that is okay. I knew I would have another; therefore, the bartender would make my drink right on the next go-round. I never send back drinks--that is a simple form of alcohol abuse in my book. The drinks were delicious, strong and priced typical of the area. There is a jukebox replete with wonderful music. We had fun talking, listening to tunes and greeting other friends as they showed up to the UYE at Boozeland. At one point, someone suggested that we go to the Sup Bro sign and take pics. YES--I knew that was how I wanted to end my night. I met a couple new friends, saw some old friends and had several laughs with everyone. I really like Emperor Norton's and will be back in the future. Stephani Smiles for Emperor Norton's Boozeland ;) #bringcash

Nice back patio to keep out of the wind!!! Had plenty of beers on draft and some good pizza!

Cute little bar around the corner from Chambers. Stopped in with a group of friends to shoot pool and have drinks after my birthday dinner. The bouncer and bartender were amazingly rude. The bouncer yelled at us twice while we were playing/shooting pool, saying "We're a small bar and you guys are annoying the people sitting at the bar. You're too loud." I will never go back here nor ever recommend anyone else go here. For a small bar I'd think they'd be appreciative that we came to spend money... I was WRONG. Screw this place and all the people in it.

My go-to bar in SF. Perfect for whatever you're looking for. Trying to catch up / get to know someone over a drink and need privacy? There's room for that. Got a group ready to get after it? Pool, shuffle board and the back patio is where you want to be. Plus, they've got Pliny

I love a good dive bar. Cheap drinks, kind staff, amusing clientele. I'm particularly fond of this place because it's big. It's a spacious place to meet a big group with plenty of seating and an outdoor patio. Our friends frequently go for outings 12+ deep, and finding places that can accommodate us all can be a challenge. Norton's fits the bill (and it's walking distance from my house, so maybe I'm a little biased. Or maybe not). The back room has pool and shuffleboard, and there's enough space to comfortably stand and watch. And they allow doggies! I've met some cool furry friends there.

Do you ever feel like you're in a need of a cold beer in the middle of the day... well, they open at noon daily. I adore this spot. It's kitty corner to the Phillip Burton Federal court house and they have great drink/beer happy hour prices. Looks can be deceiving, from the outside it looks like a smelly dirty dive bar. However, on the inside it's clean, the staff's very friendly and for all you dog lovers, they let you bring your pup inside. There's four sections of the bar. There's the main bar area as you walk-in. Then there's a seating area immediately behind the bar with several high tables that can be combined for groups. There's an area near the back with a pool and shuffle board table. And finally, there's an outside seating area with several park benches for smoking or just chillin. They only accept cash so stop by your credit union before arriving or, use their ATM machine for a $3 fee.

Dive bar vibes, friendly staff. Cash only, make it rain. Shots on shots on shots, just a beer. Outdoor patio, birthday shout out! Pool shark, #Winning. Push ups, Losers with a capital L. Great company, fun times. There's always drama when we go out but this time, I actually stayed the whole night. No personality clashes, no drama; just a mellow chill night with lots of laughter = the best kind of nights. We were somewhat skeptical walking in but the outdoor patio and pool table was a great addition for our wild not so wild group.

Fantastic. Hit up Emperor Norton's before a recent concert at the nearby GAMH. Cozy interior, comfy back patio, gracious staff, reasonably priced....I loved it.

I went into this quaint establishment and introduced myself to everyone in the bar. No one said a word. Ok. Cool. We sat down and for five minutes still no one said a word. I decided to leave. And finally the bar tender mocks my intentionally exaggerated southern accent bidding me a good night. My interpretation is that every white man in that bar did not want my black ass or my black money, and I left. I would love to believe that race was not a factor, but it was the only factor. If you are a POC of color or an ally stay away!!

Don't be fooled by the neighborhood. Boozeland has a surprisingly wide selection of drinks for a dive bar in the Tenderloin. You'll find a number of domestic and imported beers, ciders, prosecco, and cocktails on the menu. Service is typically prompt and friendly. Generous seatings and the cleanest bathrooms in the 'Loin clinch the selling points.

One of my favorite dive bars in the city. Straight to the point, no BS bartenders, affordable no BS drinks, great space outdoors, lots of little nooks to hang out in.

Very cool bar but WATCH OUT for their ATM. They are cash only so I tried to use it to buy drinks for my myself and my friends. It didn't give me the $60 I requested but still took the money from my bank account - not okay! Luckily the bartender/owner is helping me deal with this ridiculous, sneaky ATM. The bar has Photohunt, a pool table, shuffle board, and reasonably priced drinks. I'll come back but will get my cash elsewhere (and I'll save ATM receipts in the future if money does not come out!).

A solid local bar / divebar. Check out the upstairs on Friday nights only for a more cozy cabin feel, and you get the magnificent bartender Gia -- Good pours, good company. Cash only, but hey, support your local bar.

Overall fun, down to earth bar. We didn't get to experience the patio, games (pool, shuffleboard, etc.) because by the time we got there it was late and we just wanted a couple more drinks before heading back to our hotel. The bartenders were very friendly and knowledgeable of where/what we should do while visiting. I'd like to go back and experience it before closing hours.

Really cheap drinks, good, friendly staff and they have a nice outdoor patio. Top notch as far as dives go. I rarely see people get out of hand and the bathrooms are always clean. Lots of good food close by as well.