Hemlock Tavern
Permanently Closed

Hemlock Tavern

Permanently Closed

Private event space for up to 268 guests, tech-forward

live music
dive bar
craft cocktails
friendly bartenders
affordable drinks
good music
great ambience
people watching
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null
Hemlock Tavern by null

Information

1131 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109 Get directions

$

Accepts reservations
LGBTQ friendly
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails

Information

Static Map

1131 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109 Get directions

@thehemlocksf

$

Features

•Accepts reservations
•LGBTQ friendly
•Alcohol
•Beer
•Cocktails
•Seating

Last updated

Jan 14, 2026

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@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Whiskey Thieves Closes After 15 Years in the Tenderloin - Eater SF

"Polk Street’s Hemlock Tavern, which had to clear out for new housing." - Janelle Bitker

https://sf.eater.com/2019/1/24/18196102/whiskey-thieves-dive-barclosing-tenderloin-san-francisco
Hemlock Tavern
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Hemlock Tavern Will Close on Polk Street in Early October - Eater SF

"Polk Street bar and backroom music venue Hemlock Tavern has been sold and will close in early October before its building is demolished to make way for new housing. The business announced the news, which will be difficult for fans to swallow, in a Facebook post today. The writing’s been on the wall for the entire 1145 Polk Street block, which includes 1131 Polk and the Hemlock Tavern: The city began reviewing developer Dolmen Property Group’s plans to raze the property in December 2017. The latest development there is that the bar decided to take an offer for sale. 'The Hemlock Tavern and its liquor license have recently been sold to the same real estate developers that purchased our property back in 2015,' a representative for the bar writes. 'The new owners of the Hemlock Tavern will be moving forward with their plans to demolish the building... and construct a 54-unit mixed-use condominium building in its place.' 'The Hemlock Tavern, in its current physical and metaphysical configurations, will cease to exist after the first week of October 2018. We will be operating as usual and featuring a full schedule of live music from now through Sept. 30th, 2018. We will close for good following our 17th anniversary party on Saturday, October 6th.' As of March, area supervisor Aaron Peskin sought to add a planning code amendment that would make it possible for liquor store and bars displaced by building demolition to return after construction, a move tailored to help Hemlock. That won’t bring it back to life, now that it’s sold, but with a liquor license and retail space to fill in the mixed use building, it’s possible a bar will return to the space. But with residential above, a music venue is less likely to resurface. In parting, Hemlock Tavern thanked fans for their patronage." - Caleb Pershan

https://sf.eater.com/2018/8/14/17689222/hemlock-tavern-closing-october-polk-street-bar-sf
Hemlock Tavern

D B

Google
I've been here a few times and have had decent experiences every time. Laid back, no frills with a good selection of signature cocktails and draft beers. My only beef with Hemlock is the service which can be slow at times.

Waleska T.

Google
Good vibe, friendly bartender. They created great ambience singing along with the crowd. Drinks are not too expensive. I had an "Irish Mole" was nice, I'll recommend it if you like whisky and spice since it has ginger. Cheers!

PD S.

Google
Seeing CCR Headcleaner was a great live experience, loved the whole atmosphere and vibe of the place. The bar service sucked though with not so nice bartenders. They also didn't have any Guinness.

Ben R.

Google
It's a great dive bar full of 9 to 5 workers and those waiting to be famous. Be prepared for a toilet of extreme...ugh. Staff are chatty but not all that attentive or efficient. Live music room separates the bar so you can talk that's good. Good music.

Shane T.

Google
Great little dive in the heart of Polk Gulch. Cheap drinks, friendly bartenders, and a relaxing, low-key setting. There's also a *tiny* concert venue in the back where they book really good, mostly local acts for an $8 or $10 cover. A fun place to kick back with a brew or cocktail and take in some tunes.

Colin Y.

Google
Affordable drinks and the place is welcoming to all people. On the nights that they have live music, they have some very talented performers. I highly recommend. Parking can be a pain but look around the side streets.

Skippy

Google
I discovered this place way too late. For a first bar to have a drink at, it was a great induction into dive bar atmosphere. It was nice to people-watch, have a drink, and stare blankly at the nature documentary being projected and the wall. The bartenders seemed really cool. They were prompt and brief with words, quick at making drinks, and weren't afraid to be themselves behind the counter. I wish I lived in the area, otherwise I would be here a lot more often. Definitely squeeze in a visit if you can before it closes.

Ryan P.

Google
This bar and general area is a good place for some fun. It is known as Polk St. You can literally walk and up down the street going to bar after bar and restaurant. Hemlock stands out a bit from this street of bars. It is very roomy inside with a cool indoor smoking patio. They also have a music venue in the back. I haven't been back there. Yet. This place seems to be a mixed crowd, but seems to attract more punk and metal type of crowd. They make good drinks and serve tall cans! Drop by and grab a beer and listen to some tunes.