Authentic Blues Dive | SF’s Oldest Blues Bar | High Energy
The History
Stepping into The Saloon is like stepping back into the Barbary Coast era of the 1860s. As the oldest continuously operating bar in San Francisco, it famously survived the 1906 Earthquake and Fire—legend says because of its unusually stout timbers and the fire brigade’s determination to save the building (and the “colorful” business happening upstairs at the time). The centerpiece of the room is the original wooden bar, which was carved overseas and shipped to the city in the 1860s.
The Vibe
The Saloon is the beating heart of North Beach’s musical heritage. It is a no-frills, gritty, and unapologetic dive bar where the “old San Francisco” spirit remains untouchable. The atmosphere is thick with history, cheap beer, and the smell of a room that has seen over 160 years of late-night dancing. You’ll find a diverse crowd here: neighborhood regulars who have been coming for decades, young rockers, and travelers looking for an authentic slice of the city.
Live Music & Dancing
The Saloon is world-renowned as a blues sanctuary. Unlike many modern venues, it hosts live music seven nights a week, typically featuring two distinct sets:
Afternoon Sessions: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Evening Sets: 9:30 PM – 1:30 AM
Expect to hear blistering electric blues, soulful R&B, and raw rock & roll. When the music starts, the small, crowded floor turns into one of the most vibrant dance scenes in the city. Legendary Bay Area blues musicians like Johnny Nitro and Tommy Castro cut their teeth on this stage, and that tradition of high-level musicianship continues today.
Know Before You Go
Cash is King: This is a strictly cash-only establishment for both the bar and the cover charge.
No Frills: Don’t come looking for a craft cocktail or a food menu; come for a cold beer, a stiff pour, and a proper shot of blues.
Seating: Stools are limited and go fast. If you want a seat for the evening set, arrive early during the break between the afternoon and night shows. There are no hooks for hanging jackets.
Age Limit: 21+ only.
Jake Sampson is a blues singer, songwriter, and bassist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, originally from Detroit. Since moving to California in the early 1980s, he has been known for his dedication to exploring the diverse and rich shades of blues music rather than sticking to clichés or covers. Influenced profoundly by Motown...
Jose Simioni Trio's improvisational jazz performance at The Saloon from 4:30pm to 6:30pm with Dylan Garrison on drums and Tony Stead on the organ.
My Blue Soul is a vibrant San Francisco band specializing in soul, blues, and funk. Formed in 2010, they gained a strong local following with energetic live shows and an eight-year residency at the renowned Condor Club. The band features Carmin D’Leto on vocals and guitar, Brandon Jackson on trumpet, Ron Estrada on guitar, Willie...
The 3rd Thursday Band is a San Francisco-based blues and rock group known for lively performances at The Saloon. Led by Mike Dingle on guitar and vocals, with Mike McKevit on lead guitar and vocals, they deliver classic rock and blues covers alongside original tunes, energizing audiences with their tight, soulful sound. Mark Yee -...
Saxy Susan, aka Susan Copperman, is a multi-talented musician from San Francisco known for playing saxophone, keyboards, and dancing with the Poyntlyss Sistars Rockin' Show Band. She began playing sax at age 9 and combines classical training with vibrant live performances, often playing at The Saloon and other local venues.Her style reflects a mix of...
David M’Ore is a high-energy blues-rock guitarist and vocalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for his virtuosic guitar style, raspy vocals, and explosive performances. Born in Argentina, he blends traditional blues with British neoclassical hard rock influences. His acclaimed album "Holy Sinners & Sinful Saints" showcases his instrumental mastery and passionate sound.
Jon Lawton is one of the best Folk, Blues, Americana singer/songwriters you’ve never heard of. He has been writing, recording and performing for decades. Jon plays an always interesting blend of original and traditional blues, country and folk music. Big Bill Broonzy, Brownie McGhee, John Lee Hooker, Hank Snow, Steve Earle, Pete Seeger, and Merle...
This San Franciscan blueswoman is a forerunner for female musicians who write their own rules. She is an inimitable performer with her virtuosic guitar skills, husky contralto, and powerful stage presence. Pat Wilder is a renowned San Francisco blues, gospel, and soulful jazz guitarist and vocalist known for her dynamic performances and virtuosic guitar skills....
Craig Caffall is a seasoned singer, songwriter, and guitarist with a rich musical career spanning over five decades. Born in the Bay Area and raised between the U.S. and Mexico, he captivates audiences with his bilingual performances blending blues, swamp rock, Latin, and funk influences. He has toured extensively with legendary artists like Maria Muldaur...
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 bassist Dave McDaniel and drummer Sam Chapman. Blues Power is celebrated...
Experience the raw, unadulterated sound of San Francisco’s "Barbary Coast" as Kit Ruscoe takes center stage at The Saloon. A fixture of the North Beach music scene and a key architect of the G-Riders sound, Ruscoe is known for a guitar style that balances melodic elegance with the high-voltage energy required to fill the city’s...
Peter Lindman is a San Francisco-based musician known for his acoustic performances featuring covers from the glorious sixties along with some original songs. He plays solo or with electric guitar accompaniment, delivering soulful, nostalgic Americana tunes in intimate local venues.
