The Saloon

Address
1232 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133 United States Get Directions
Website https://thesaloonsf.com/
Vibe: Old‑School Barbary Coast | Authentic Blues Dive | North Beach Time Machine
The Saloon is widely regarded as San Francisco’s oldest continuously operating bar, with roots in the 1860s Barbary Coast era and a reputation as a cornerstone of North Beach nightlife. It famously survived the 1906 earthquake and fire—legend says thanks to stout timbers and a determined fire brigade—and still revolves around its original wooden back bar, carved overseas and shipped to San Francisco in the 19th century.
Live music & atmosphere  
The Saloon is a world‑renowned blues sanctuary with live music seven nights a week,  two bands per day: afternoon sessions around 4:00–8:00pm and evening sets from 9:30pm–1:30am. Expect blistering electric blues, gritty R&B, and raw rock and roll. The small stage and tight dance floor turn every set into multi-generational standing‑room‑only party. You come here to be in the middle of it, not to sit back and observe.
Drinks
This is a straight‑ahead bar: cold beer, strong well drinks, and not much in the way of mixology—two ingredients max. Come for a stiff pour and a proper shot of blues, not a craft cocktail list.
Details that define the room
• Old‑school cash‑only establishment.
• Stools are limited and go fast; arrive early between the afternoon and evening sets if you want a seat.
• A diverse, come‑as‑you‑are crowd, from neighborhood regulars to visiting blues obsessives, all crammed into a room that feels like you’ve gone back in time.
Categories: North Beach

Events at this venue

Today

  • Jose Simioni Trio

    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Jose Simioni Trio's improvisational jazz performance at the Saloon from 4:30pm to 6:30pm with Dylan Garrison on drums and Ron Estrada on vocals and guitar.

    Free

  • Lucky Strike

    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Lucky Strike, led by guitarist and bandleader Joe Lococo, appears at The Saloon in North Beach with a set that draws on blues, jazz, and rock & roll. The band features Richard McDonough on drums and vocals, Derek Evans on vocals, Joe Lococo on guitar and vocals. The group reflects Lococo’s long experience in the...

    Free

  • GG Amos

    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    GG Amos brings her west coast blues sound to the Saloon, drawing on more than 35 years as a blues guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and arranger. A riveting performer who has played everywhere from concert halls and festivals to roadhouses, wineries, and neighborhood bars, she blends blues, jazz, funk, Latin elements, and soul jazz into a...

    Free

  • Stan Erhart

    Stan Erhart
    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Stan Erhart leads a guitar-driven trio at The Saloon in North Beach with a mix of roots rock, blues, and funk. The band features Marc Levine on bass and vocals, Stan Erhart on guitar and vocals, and Randy Hayes on drums and vocals.  

    $5

  • Peter Lindman

    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Peter Lindman and Roger Rocha turn Monday afternoons at The Saloon into a 4–8 pm time warp of classic rock and sixties-era favorites, delivered with the easy swagger of true North Beach regulars. Armed with Peter’s ringing 12‑string acoustic and Roger’s soulful electric guitar and vocals, the duo leans into songs you know by heart—Dylan,...

    Free

  • Hank Maniger and the Jukebox Charlies

    Hank Maniger
    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Hank Maninger is a guitarist and vocalist appearing at The Saloon in San Francisco with his band the Jukebox Charlies, whose sound draws on Americana and roots influences. The lineup features Hank Maninger on guitar and vocals, Tim Orr on drums, and Tim Wagar on bass; Maninger is also known for his work with the...

    Free

  • Blues Power

    Blues Power
    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Catch Blues Power at the Sunday afternoon residency at the Saloon. Blues Power is a San Francisco blues project led by Mark Naftalin, known as a legendary pianist, producer, and blues advocate. The core band members typically include Mark Naftalin on keyboards, along with a rotating lineup of top Bay Area blues musicians such as...

    Free

  • Delta Wires

    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Delta Wires bring their powerhouse blues to the stage at the Saloon. Inducted into the California Blues Hall of Fame and voted “Best Live Band” by the East Bay Express, they draw on their long Bay Area history and festival appearances, including the San Francisco Blues Festival, to present a set rooted in their established...

    $5

  • Mari Mack & Livin’ Like Kings

    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Mari Mack & Livin’ Like Kings bring a blues-focused set to The Saloon in North Beach. Today’s lineup features Mari Mack on vocals with Arne Frager on bass, Richard Wood on keys, Dave Powell on guitar, and Martin Cunningham on drums.  

    Free

  • Shad Harris

    Shad Harris
    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Shad Harris is a California-based multi-instrumentalist and blues vocalist appearing at The Saloon in San Francisco. A bandleader known for his keytar work with The Groovenators, he blends West Coast blues with funk and has been active since the mid-1960s, including performances with artists such as Etta James and Charlie Musselwhite. He performs regularly at...

    $5

  • Mike Henderson

    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Mike Henderson, dubbed “the Blues Professor” by John Lee Hooker, is a veteran blues guitarist, singer, and bandleader who holds a monthly afternoon slot at The Saloon, San Francisco’s oldest bar. His sets lean into electric Chicago and West Coast blues, with lived‑in vocals and sharp guitar work. It’s barroom blues at close range.  

    $5

  • Eugene Huggins

    Eugene Huggins
    The Saloon 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Eugene Huggins brings harmonica-led blues to The Saloon in North Beach with his band featuring Steve Hazlewood on bass, Felix Bannon on guitar, and Robi Bean on drums. The group draws on Huggins’ long Bay Area experience, including his early work fronting The Casuals and backing blues figures such as Buddy Guy and Junior Wells...

    Free
Event details are subject to change. Please confirm dates, times and cover charges directly with the venue before attending.