While Saloon claims to be the oldest bar in San Francisco and one of the best live blues venues, it's still done a good job of keeping itself relatively secret. The small … crowds are mostly due to the fact that it only holds about 50 people. When a band's playing, you may have to knock hard to get let in.[link]

Cigar bar has managed to exploit their outdoor patio and lack of doors or windows to blur the line between smoking and nonsmoking sections. (Did you not notice the name … of the place?) But anyone who goes there doesn't care, because the live music makes the difference -- Latin and jazz from bands you have never heard of, but they'll keep you dancing all night.[link]

Way down the hill in a quiet street, you'll get free pool, strange artwork, and a place that feels like (and probably was) someone's lounge room. It's far enough off the … beaten path to be hard to find, and despite the map, we're not going to make it any easier. You'll have the figure it out yourself. When you get there, be sure to check out both secret art galleries.[link]

Up a back street, behind the strip clubs, and up some stairs at the Basque Hotel is a cozy place with good drinks, big booths, and, well, not many people. Everyone says … it's hard to find, but it could just be the walk up the hill. Don't trip on the stairs on the way out ... it's a long way back down to Broadway.[link]

Graffiti on the walls, bare floors, a noncommittal paint job, and mojitos by the pitcher -- they've managed to cultivate the "hanging out in a club in South … America" kind of feel. Live music on many nights. Besides, who can go past a bar whose address is 1337 Grant Avenue.[link]

This place should be overrun, but it has a 'blink and you'll miss it" magic. Tosca is dripping in old-school godfather action with antique espresso machines, red leather … booths, and opera on the juke. Just the place to warm up before sending the boys around for some kneecap work. Don't believe the hype; no one famous ever goes there.[link]

When you first walk in, you'll assume you're in just another Irish pub with Guinness-soaked floorboards and recalcitrant drunks. That's before you've been … downstairs. Go there. Kells has all the grunge of an Irish bar plus the added bonus of a subterranean speakeasy. Yes, go downstairs, as the couches are more comfortable.[link]

"Dive" is about the only way you can describe Mr. Bing's, but the regulars here like it that way. It's also small -- very small -- as the horseshoe (well, triangular) bar … takes up most of the space. Again, the "no-smoking" law seems to be ignored here. Don't try and order more than three drinks at a time.[link]

This watering hole used to significantly divier and dirtier, but the tiki theme is still the same. Expect cheap drinks in an especially laid back setting.[link]