Rickshaw Stop

I went in for Yin Yin, they were amazing but the venue is not good. Sound system was OVERLY loud and also had random drops during a performance which is terrible. I will probably avoid this venue in future, though luck for whoever ends up performing here. Your true potential is capped due to a bad venue.

Fantastic, intimate venue with phenomenal sound. Less than 10 minutes walking from Civic Center BART. Full bar.

Favorite venue in SF! I have seen 15+ shows here, some of my favorites of all time. Whoever does the booking is killing it! You can kind of go there any day and know you'll get something interesting and excellent.

played here. good sound good crowd good vibes, there was condensation on the ceiling dripping on me a bit cause it got humid from everyone turning up

Way fun. Standing room only as the balcony was closed. Go to music place and with Bottkm of Hill closing end of year and Thee Parkside gone, fewer venues of the size and reasonable cover charge around.

The venue is great for an intimate set and indie performers, however; I can’t say I truly had a good experience. The AC system (or worse, a roof leak) was constantly dripping down on anyone in the crowd to stage left throughout the entirety of the performance at random intervals. Being a standing-room only and the crowd being tight is by no means the venues fault, but just 5 minutes of randomly inconsistent drips felt like Chinese water torture. None of this even covers how unsanitary it felt having random roof water drip all over my head, face, and body for 2 hours. Would rather miss out on seeing my favorite indie artist make their only Bay Area stop than subject myself to that again. Major repairs needed.

Came to this venue for a Nerd Nite talk. I liked the cozy vibe with eclectic furniture and flyers for related events, but the balcony level was really poorly managed. There were a scant few couches laid out weirdly, and everyone else was forced to stand -- by squeezing themselves to the sides of the couches, because no one could stand directly in front of the people sitting in them. But 90% of the floor space was directly in front of the couches, so most of the floor space was wasted while other areas were extremely cramped. And then in the front of the balcony there was a large obstruction sitting on the left side table, so the people sitting in the couch behind it couldn't see the performers either. It was also really warm inside the venue with no recourse except a single non-rotating fan sitting on a table.

This spot is rad. Caught some incredible shows here. Great sound and lights! It is run pretty loud, heads up. They have comfortable chairs and couches upstairs. Overall very welcoming, great acts, and I'll definitely stop in again next time I'm in town!

The Rickshaw Stop is a great little club to listen to music. Good acoustics, cozy bar, and a nice vibe. I like the homey touches like the yellow rickshaw, posters, and funky mural. A gem of a place to hang out.

This has been my favorite venue in San Francisco for the last 15 years!!! The drinks are affordable and always creative, the bartenders are sweetie pies, the vibe is always right with the kinds of musical acts they book as well as their themed nights! I highly recommend seeing anyone here to truly understand the magic of this place! Bring back skee ball!!!

A first rate, intimate music/performance venue that's a tad larger than Brick & Mortar just down the road and with a mezzanine level that's located directly up from the lower level bar area. the sound system is more than sufficient to handle several performances in an evening and the stagelighting isn't too intrusive nor distracting. I've seen sublimely good indie bands like Say Sue Me (S Korea) and most recently, shoe-gazers Lucid Express take center stage here. a decent selection of craft beers and mixed drinks await at the bar. parking around the area isn't too bad if one knows this part of town but it's less than a 20-25 min walk from either 16th St or Civic Center Bart stations. Gough, Fell & its surrounding streets would be an ideal to park if one insists on driving but there's also quieter, lesser known one way parking possibilities a block away on Oak, just off of Van Ness Avenue.

Back at Rickshaw Stop venue near Van Ness...it's smaller...maybe it was a rehearsal space for students..maybe it's near the conservatory of music..who knows(mystery venue)...says it has been open for 20 years as Rickshaw Stop since 2004. Oh. I had visited after 10 years and now 20. Seems like a rehearsal space for students in a community. I don't feel going very often. It's a venue. "Rickshaw" is from Asia. haha. Noise Pop festival held Mercury Rev here. Wonderful outing in SF last night.

I generally like dive bars, especially ones that go out of their way to make a creative use of their space, like this one. However, the bartender charged me five dollars for a bitters and soda, a drink I've never been charged anything for in three decades of drinking in bars. The dearth of seating is also a problem. One star, and it's well-deserved.

Actually such a gorgeous venue. Located right beside City Hall. It's a small and intimate venue with a bar and a second floor. The staff were really patient and kind. I went to see Olivia Dean earlier this year and atleast when I went the venue and staff had an organized process going and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Cute small venue with friendly staff and bartenders. I love that you actually get a good view of the artist, and there's a tiered balcony upstairs. Bathrooms were super clean. $10 card minimum. Affordable drinks for the area! About $9-12 for cocktails. Just docking a star because the sangria was pretty gross -- it tasted really vinegary and sour, as if the wine had spoiled.

The bathrooms are clean, the vibes are immaculate, and the music is ABSOLUTELY BANGIN

Small and fun environment. Saw Being Dead and The Husbands here. They were great. Easy to park nearby at night.

Very aggressive staff that openly use drugs in the back room. I would avoid booking shows due to unprofessionalism. They are well known to get physical with patrons. Small venue that seems to only be open when they do book shows. It does smell like puke around the upstairs and bathroom entrances. If you are underage tho it may be the spot for you since they seem to serve anyone without ID. Besides staff on substances would be cool hole in the wall spot. Recommend bottom of the hill or killowat for similar vibe but safer atmosphere. Many people have complained about the same issues but unfortunately that is the type of service you get if you are paying teenagers minimum wages. Doesn't seem like anyone cares about the business these days but this has become common around SF event scenes such as this.

Probably the best music venue in SF for up and coming local and international artists!

This bar serves drinks with no alcohol, they opened multiple tabs under my name, they offered me a free shot but it was water cocktail shook with lemonade. Talked to a random in the bathroom and it seems to be a common thing either the bar here. It you must come here pregame hard and skip the drinks, worst case they ll charge me for an extra beer or teo big woop. I didnt tip because the first cocktail they made for me had no alchohol and when I confronted them about it they said i was being an asshole

Two-Story Venue. Affordable Drinks for SF. No Tax on Drinks if Paid Cash. Doors Open One Hour Before Show. COVID-19 Vaccination Checked. Free, Street Parking After 6PM Around Venue in Hayes Valley & Civic Center.

Pretty nice venue! Went here to see The Breathing Room on Aug. 25, 2023 around 8pm (amazing!) with some friends and the audience that it attracted was great. However, the bouncer was very rude. I, unfortunately, didn't have an online ticket and they only accepted cash for walk-ins. Thankfully, there was ATM inside past the bouncer. When I tried to walk toward the ATM to get my cash, he forcefully yanked me away and told me I need cash to pay for a ticket to do so. How am I gonna get cash to pay for a ticket if you won't let me walk towards the ATM? I had to ask others to go to the ATM for me just like this other girl next to me while we waited. Understandable that they want to ensure no one sneaks in, but invading my personal space with unwarranted physical contact was rude and unnecessary; a simple verbal warning or compromise/agreement would have been much more appreciated. Visuals were great and the venue was pretty packed but it was nice to have different levels to watch the performers! Bouncer overstepping boundaries definitely hurt my experience here.

Cheap drinks. Staff seem genuinely happy. The acoustics and sound system are quite good for such a small venue. I like how they have an upper balcony area (get there early to score those couches though!).

Came here for a show last week, the energy and decorations (minimal decor but love a disco ball) were great. Bar was fully stocked and drinks were reasonable. My only critique is that it seemed like this place was well over capacity, people were packed in like sardines on both floors and on the first floor the crowd made it all the past the bar (and was crowding the bar). Curious what capacity actually is and how many people attended the show...

10/10 super fun night. Good show. Good music. Cheap drinks. Good service. Definitely a fun place to see live DJ or music

One star for programming + location only. I've been to so many shows here and the sound mix is always awful. I much prefer the audio at Bottom of the Hill or Thee Parkside for a dive-y concert venue vibe. Better yet, go to the Independent or Cafe du Nord. Shows at Rickshaw that come to mind for having the most heinous mixes - Biig Piig (5/1/23) and Saya Gray (5/30/24.) It's too bad because so many great bands play there.

I have been a patron here for years but I have to say my latest experience here my night was ruined by the short female bartender with curly hair. I wish I got her name she was so rude! I've been working in the service industry for years and have never been met with such hostility as a customer. It honestly made me not want to ever return. Rickshaw you will continue to lose loyal patrons if you continue to employ people like her!

Great place love the drinks and prices. They sure bring in some great entertainment too. The crowd is awesome. I mean yknow even if you're in your own zone you still want cool people around you. I saw raye in concert here. I also saw a band I am now a fan of that I haven't even heard of before. Rock on Rickshaw!

TL;DR - I love this venue The acts are always super affordable. I've seen bands like XYLO and Emo Nite here, it's always a good time. The venue isn't super big though. There's an upstairs as well - balcony that lets you have a great view! Drinks are affordable $10 min for card.

Went here for a comedy show, definitely enjoyed myself but was surprised with the $10 card minimum because my cider didn't hit it - got charged $3 for a soda water I didn't drink to hit the minimum. Ah well, pretty cool spot for a grungy opera house!

Super cool venue in a pretty decent area. Only about a block away from market st. Felt and looked clean. Bar had a pretty good selection. Definitely want to return!

I'm not sure they are booking or doing concerts? I haven't heard anything this in the way of an update from management. Hopefully they engage soon!

Great venue and atmosphere. Bar staff I have no complaints. All helpful. Not enough surface or trash cans options. I saw a huge soul say before show started and the building wasn't even 1/3 full. Kinda wish staff did a walk through they would've seen a huge spill on even floor. Bathrooms are decent. Overall good time and experience.

A smaller venue that doesn't feel claustrophobic. We came by when doors opened for Emo Nite but we were told that they weren't quite ready and to circle back later. When we did come back, there was a small line but it moved by pretty quickly. Once in we were stamped to indicate that our tickets were checked and we had wristbands placed on us for being 21+. Once you're inside you can pretty much see to the end of the venue with the main stage at the back. To the right as you walk in are the restrooms and there is a bar on this floor as well. There are a set of stairs to the left and there was a sign indicating that there was a bar upstairs that was open and that coat check was also located up there. When we got up there the bar was definitely not functional. There was a rack where you could hang up your jackets and take a ticket but there were no staff monitoring that so someone could in theory take your jacket. The upstairs area has some couches and has a lower level where you can watch from upstairs. I didn't drink that night but they did have a spout with water to the left of the main bar so you could help yourself. All in all it was a pretty intimate venue. The event didn't seem too packed so maybe that's why there was still a decent amount of room to move around. I think some of the hiccups may have had to do with the event organizers rather than the venue.

Terrible experience. Poor communication from the venue to the customers. Flew out to San Fran, spent well over $1000 in travel costs to see my favorite band, showed up with my vaccine card (as required) and was denied entry due to my vaccine not being the preferred dosage/type of vaccine. Ridiculous, staff was unable to provide help besides contacting the ticket service. That can be understandable, but there was no sincerity in the miscommunication and lack of communication. I wish I would have known and been informed of the expectations before spending my saved travel money to come here. Not worth it and really wished for better service.

Been here a few times for several different shows, so it's finally time to write a review. Rickshaw is definitely one of my favorite venues considering how intimate it is. Since it's a smaller venue, you'll be close and cozy with other folks. The bartenders are chill and the drinks and strong(and reasonably priced). This place has a divey and gurngy vibe, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Waited 20 minutes for doors to open, discovered it was cash only cover, their ATM was broken, flat out refused our $20 bill because the end was torn, told us to go to bank and get a new bill. Very unprofessional and unpleasant interaction.

I have been living in SF overtone Year now but this place never showed up on my radar even thought it is pretty close to my crib. Never the less, yesterday "The Make Up" die a show there and it was super rad. The venue itself is just the right size, got a nice Balkony and a good cheap(for SF) full Bar, they accept all kind of cards but it will be cheaper if you pay cash. The whole interior is very chilled and feels just right burning you want something posh, this is the wrong place! I will devinetly check what bands are playing there in the future, cause I definitely come back. Ohh one word of advise, the cocktails are strong like really strong !

Saw Lewis Del Mar here and they were amazing. I think the tickets were $15 after fees which is unheard of. This venue is a gem for shows, it's small so it's very intimate. There's an upstairs that has seats but I didn't venture up there. There's a bar on the first floor and they take cards, and there's a $20 minimum. We got there around 8:30 and we were right up against the stage. Chill venue with very friendly staff, I can't wait to see someone else there.

This review is for NERD NITE Only at Rickshaw stop: THIS IS A quintessential SF event . A hip yet unpretentious, dive-esque bar packed with a lot of character sets the stage for 3 'talks' roughly 20 minute each about interesting and exciting topics. Talks- they are funny, they have character, they are animated speakers giving a run down of their respective field with purpose. This night we got the history of SF's Trans culture, 20 math mysteries with graphics and dancing in 20 minutes, and how a physicist is working to understand dark matter. Each was beyond entertaining, captivating, and educational without feeling talked down to or watering down the content to much. And you walking away learning some really cool stuff. This happens the 3rd Wednesday of each month and this was the 92 hosting. Great date night, or solo event, don't bring a crew this thing fills up. Get there real early if you want to have a chair or a couch space, otherwise we did the floor up front and it was pretty nice. Cash only

While I was waiting in line, the staff got into a fight with another customer behind me after the other customer made a comment about their ID/alcohol policy. He was not rude; just asked if he really needed to have X's sharpied on both hands to show that he was not allowed to buy alcohol. He was taken out of the line to the side. After my friends and I entered the first floor was packed, and there was no order. People were constantly pushing each other to get to the front. Then, half way through the show, a fight erupted on the floor where a man smashed his glass against a woman's head (I think because she spilled beer on him). Chaos ensued. The fight went on until the performer actually stopped and asked if something could be done. Then finally the security guard came to break up the fight.... Police cars parked outside the venue as I left. Disgusting management from start to finish. I will never come back again.

The grungier the better! I dig small intimate venues. It can get packed like sardines on the main floor so if you're short like me, head to the second floor for the best view of the stage! Also there's a few lounge chairs upstairs if you're into sitting. Saw one of my favorite artist here and it was lit!! LOVE YOU LOLO ZOUAI!! She is a Bay Area native and a rising star so don't sleep on her!!

Nicest security and cheapest drinks. Been to a ton of shows here but specifically this was italo disco night. Everyone was in a good mood and really dressed up they were even selling records and clothes upstairs.

This place is low key and decent for comedy shows and a place to hang out. Due to poor acoustics and the fan at full blast, it's loud and cold. The saving graces are the exceptionally helpful and friendly staff as well as their amazing grilled cheese sandwiches with a selection of your favorite toppings (e.g., basil, bacon, onions). Parking can be tough on the street. However, it's a few blocks from MUNI at Van Ness.

Is there a direct number to talk to someone at the venue? Need to contact their lost and found but no one ever answers the number listed on here.

This venue had pretty good acoustics and a really chill vibe. We went to see Badfish, a Sublime cover band. This place has a full bar, and I found the bartender to be pretty friendly. They had ADA seating for us, but it wasn't very comfortable. I appreciate that they gave us a good view of the stage. Overall I liked this place, but didn't like what people were doing inside of it. I hate to sound like a weenie but smoking of all kind should be outside. Some of us are really sensitive to smoke and wish ordinances would be followed. Otherwise, the casual seating was really cool and the bathroom was really nice compared to other divey places. There is room for improvement with the decor, but I understand it's supposed to have a certain look. I'd go back if it weren't for a stoner band!

I can't say that I'm still a fan of the Rickshaw Stop. I like the small intimate size. And I like that the restrooms are by the door and there's hardly ever a wait. Drinks are pretty cheap and I like that the water is self-service at the end of the bar. But the shows start late and go really long. The doors don't open until 8 o'clock, and the first act doesn't usually go on until 8:45. And don't expect the main act until well after 10. At the last show, there was a half hour wait between the two. The place was full, the stage was set, and everyone was antsy and ready to go. Is it a ploy to sell more drinks? It might not bother me if it a was the weekend but on a weeknight when I still need to take public transportation home and get up at 6:30 the next morning to go back to work, I'd like to wrap up at a reasonable hour. Subsequently. every time I've been here, I've had to leave before the main act was over which sucks. Another thing is that sound system isn't very good. I didn't realize how bad until I saw a couple of shows at The Independent for a few dollars more on the ticket price. I could hear every word the singers were singing. At the Rickshaw, the bass is really low and throbbing sometimes to the point of ridiculousness. Even in the intimate moments of songs, when the artist is playing the keyboard and singing, the sound is muddy and distorted. Not OK! They do have a balcony with a few seats but they'll be taken early by people who know they're in it for a long haul.

Awful place, the venue is small and suffocating. Not to mention the staff and manager are rude and get physical with their patrons, would recommend that anyone who wants to have a good time avoid this place at all costs.

Attended the Mahalia show fri 8/31. STAFF: not quite the horror show that they are reputed to be, just the typical gruff venue employee types INSIDE: stage in back of room, bar off to side. there is a small upstairs balcony. it's a small space but didn't feel overly crowded. good set lighting. BATHROOMS????: YES. there are men+women bathrooms. women's had 2 stalls, decently clean for a hole in the wall venue. PARKING: we were able to get street parking on franklin very easily-and bc it was so late we didn't have to pay! Mahalia and Kiah both put on great sets, and it so cool to see them in such an intimate setting. I would come back to Rickshaw again. *one thing I will note is that if you're a person that has any type of issue w/ smoke or asthma or just breathing, a lot of people were smoking/vaping. and in such a small space, it was kind of heavy-so that wasn't too fun.

The warm packed nights at Rickshaw stop have scared me off checking out Rickshaw Stop for intimate concerts for awhile now. I'm glad I finally decided to give Rickshaw Stop another chance - cause if you do it right - it's definitely what's up. All you gotta do - is show up early. Make a mad dash to the top floor. Find a big padded soft couch right by the balcony railing. Plop down. Kick back. Take off shoes. And don't move for the entire night. Unless you have someone to save your spot for you. Where else in the city can you relax and lie down on a soft lovely couch, with a killer view of the stage, while listening to seriously on point music? huh? Trust.

UMMMMM.... :X Ok, honesty is the best policy right? Rickshaw Stop is just NOT my scene. I didn't even know this place existed much less was located 1.5 blocks from the office. In theory, it would be the perfect spot to Party Like A Rockstar then crawl underneath my desk, wake up the next morning, and hope no one remembers what I wore the previous day. Ok, maybe not because I'm a lady after all. Rickshaw Stop is a club that has live band performances specifically Indie music. They also have Bhangra nights which is some sort of Indian folk dancing. When we ended up here last night (not by choice) for a Popscene party, I pretty much sobered up after seeing shirtless men doing interpretive dances. A guy next to us then started throwing up all over himself while no one even seemed to care. That pretty much sealed the deal for me. Now that I got that out of the way, I'll keep this to a venue only review. COVER $15-$20 (Depending on the performers, tickets can be bought online fro $5-$15) DRESS CODE None CROWD Very mixed but mainly hippies and hipsters. MUSIC Indie. I don't even know what this is so not even going to elaborate on this. BAR 2 bars DRINKS $9-$10 for top shelf liquor. $20 minimum for CC's AMBIANCE/DÉCOR Small, grey, and sweaty. Huge ceiling-to-floor red curtains added a splash of color along with the tv projection scene playing psychedelic images. The main level has the dance floor and stage. The upper balcony level has a couches, food bar, and a smoking lounge. There were also two rickshaw carts which I really wanted to crawl into to sleep but it probably would have broken into pieces. PARKING Plenty of street parking. Beware of street cleaning though so make sure to check the signs. That is all... P.S. - This is a generous 3 STAR review because security aren't douchebags which most SF clubs employ.

I was simply walking by when this man took my drink and said I couldn't have it. Wtf???? I wasnt even attending the event. I was simply passing by and talking to my friends. I surely hope there's some sort of compensation to be had because that was $3.25 down the drain. I have never frequented this place and after the treatment I had, I will never come back. You have no respect for people or their personal belongings. You are disrespectful. I will never give this place any sort of patronage. I can literally see my drink on the sidewalk from this rogue bouncer.

Recently came to Rickshaw Stop for the first time to see CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN & it was an interesting evening This venue is super small & reminds me a lot of Red Devil Lounge. It's skinny & narrow w/ a teeny upstairs Sound was a bit distorted on vocals but instruments were okay - the band kept saying they were getting feedback on their monitors but we couldn't hear it Sightlines are practically nonexistent - it's standing room only so you are a prisoner to fate & the short-people karma gods Since the venue was small (& sold out) we were standing literally shoulder to shoulder & there was lots of bumping & getting up close & personal w/ those around you....all thought of getting drinkys were thrown out the door since we knew for sure we'd have lost our place / view & it would have been too big a fight to get anywhere near the bar Note to self to pick up drinkys before the show starts & the crowd descends en masse towards the stage I liked the fact the show started nice & early even though it was a Sat night so those of us needing to take Muni home afterwards had plenty of time to catch the last train But in thinking about the question of would I come back? My answer at this point is maybe.....it'd have to be a really, really good band to tempt me. Didn't hate the place at all but wasn't completely in love w/ it - middle of the road

A great place for a smaller/ more intimate show! Came here for a concert and was able to get right at the front of the stage. You can either stand in the lower area or stand/ sit in the upper area--the lower area goes very far back so don't arrive too late otherwise you will be far from the stage. The lower area has a bar, where they have beers on tap and they also had a cocktail special named after one of the performer's songs. They also have an upper area which is a decent size--the regulars seem to go straight up there and grab a seat on the couches and chairs. The seats are good if you don't want to be down below where you will be tight standing next to people. I like that a Rickshaw Shop is walking distance from Civic Center bart! Maybe a 10 min walk. As always be careful walking at night and try not to walk alone. If you are looking for a dinner beforehand, Cala is right next door to Rickshaw. I have never been but I've heard good things (you should make a reservation beforehand). Enjoy!

Had an amazing time here for a Calum Scott concert, his first time in SF! Love that the rickshaw is such a small intimate space and can bring in artists like Calum Scott who are so talented and genuinely excited to be performing. Only downside for me is...It's basically standing room only....and I'm not as young as I used to be.

This and the Bottom of the Hill have become my two favorite spots to catch a concert in the city. The venue is located in Hayes Valley, which makes it super easy to get to from the Van Ness muni-metro and most buses. The location is also ideal for grabbing a bite before the show (try Rich Table or Chez Maman) and some cocktails after (try Absinthe or Brass Tacks). The space itself is large enough to get some great traveling bands, but small enough to feel very intimate. The stage isn't raised very high and there isn't any noticeable security or barriers set up so it's a great experience to watch the bands perform up close (just watch your head for any flying limbs from the circle pit at punk/metal shows). Btw, there's a mezzanine level with two levels of couches and benches if you want to stay out of the mix. Lastly, the shows are typically super cheap for SF standards ($10-20) as are the drinks. The bartenders are pretty fast and friendly as well, so that's a huge win.

This place has a nice atmosphere for such a small venue. Sound system is decent. I've seen Powers here twice and the venue made it easy to get close to the stage. It's such an intimate venue, it was pretty easy to meet the band after the show and chat for a bit. My biggest problems are that finding nearby parking is difficult and shows start soooo late. From my experience, the headliners often don't go on until after 11. Overall, a cute quirky place to see up & coming bands!