Madrone Art Bar
Approval Rate: 75%
Reviews 16
by nopanut13f17b
Mon Apr 19 2010I've lived in the neighborhood for years and Madrone used to be a weird mix of art lounge / free wireless location with with a total mash of "interesting" art. But the place totally changed when they got new ownership last Spring. They totally revamped the bar selection too, with dozens of new rare alcohols, and local beers on tap like Watermelon Wheat. In the last year I've been here to see live piano players, jazz bands, hiphop & reggae dj's, and even a video-mixing mashup party. It's one of the only spots in the area where people get their dance on with a pretty mixed crowd. Def worth a look.
by xcuses
Wed Jul 29 2009A crowded, lively club in Hayes Valley. They played salsa the entire time I was here. The drinks are strong, and the bartenders make tasty Amaretto Sours. The male members of the crowd can be aggressive, so if you’re female, make sure you come with at least one friend.
by mnkys123
Wed Jun 24 2009I am very wishy washy towards Madrone. Positives: great bartenders and on occasion good DJs. I love the videos that are played behind the DJ booth. It is also fun to watch people dance like fools.....then again I am sure I have been one of those people at some place in this city. I prefer the place when it isn't over crowded and doesn't smell like a bunch of cheese balls.....or isn't filled with a bunch of cheese balls. But I love cheese, just not in ball form. Is that contradictory of me? I stumble upon Madrone to chill with a few people and drink the well made beverages. Plus, it is close to work. Three stars.
by natsnow167fe3
Wed Nov 28 2007Have you ever been to a poor town in Mexico and you walk by a bar and say to your friend "Hey, let's stop in. This place seems jumpin'" just to find a bored bartender and a couple of bruised up prostitutes leaning against the ear-damaging, blown out, all bass speakers? Oh and of course a group of shady coke heads piling out of the bathroom. SAVE YOUR MONEY!
by saracrown12bbe_b
Thu Oct 04 2007So I went there with a friend of mine the other night and this place is disgusting. My friend kept getting touched and groped by a bunch of thugged out dudes that seemed like regulars that OWN the bar. Turns out the actual owner was there (an acquaintance pointed her out) and she was either friends with them or trying to go home with them. We paid our 16 bucks for two glasses of "infused" Seagrams vodka (how cheap is that). On top of all of that some idiot stole my jacket. I have no idea why anyone would support such an awful place when there are so many other great places in the neighborhood.
by gagne1216c359
Tue Jul 10 2007I'm sorry, this neighborhood needs a good local bar, and Madrone just ain't cuttin' it. Niether is Waziema or the Page. Madrone is the worst of the lot. No neighborhood vibe, overpriced and way too crowded.
by killadelphia15_7502
Mon Nov 20 2006This is the most disappointing bar that I have been to in SF. You cannot see the inside from the outside. You just have to pay the cover and find out. I had heard good things. I found it to be the exact opposite. There are a handful of chairs on the side, a lot of open space, and really loud music. It's very, very, much like an extremely lame college party. Except pricier.
by misslaurat
Fri Nov 10 2006i don't know who y'all are, the folks who populate the small but crazy cool dance floor here, but you're all super. and you djs, you're great too - i can't remember the last time i went to a club and loved the eclectic but awesome music the way i do here. every time i've been here i have a great time and don't even mind that the drinks are a little on the pricey side. sometimes i mind having to pay a cover, but since it's never much and it goes to the DJs i'll consider it a donation.
by sfreviews10947_b
Thu Aug 03 2006I really like this place, in theory and otherwise. Interesting and unique decor and drinks, and usually good music. Neighborhood place. I did have a bad experience with a VERY rude bartender though who gave my friends and I some serious attitude, as she attended to her friends who came by to visit. The rest of the bartenders were cool though.
by contributor1df_6f9
Tue May 09 2006The Scene Casually stylish 20-somethings pack this place on any given night, relaxing on mismatched furniture (lining the right wall) or bellying up to the dark wood bar. In the center of the rectangular room, snaking wood chandeliers cast a dim glow over the tiled dance floor and blue-ish walls adorned with art. The Draw Most evenings feature live music, from electronica to bossa nova, or a DJ. The makeshift stage is located at the far end of the room and it's on the same level as the dance floor, creating a sense of coziness. Madrone can get crowded midweek (in addition to the weekends), but there is plenty of bar staff and drink choices to keep everyone happy--from 11 infused vodkas illuminated behind the bar to 24-ounce cans of Bud ($4). Menus have the look of handmade photo albums and feature dozens of cocktails with kitschy names like Rollerskating on the Highway.
by uhleesha16c2a5
Mon Mar 20 2006Although extremely crowded on the weekends with a stiff cover charge to listen to someone play records this place is worth checking out. A rare and unique find is the attentive and dare i say friendly bar staff. The snacks they offer are also a nice plus and the ever changing local art makes for a interesting atmosphere. If nothing else stop in on the weekend and have Adrian mix up a cocktail for you. He's easy on the eyes....and pours a mean drink.
by dezpair10880e
Mon Feb 20 2006Get there early if you have or are expecting a large group to grab many of their funky couches and chairs
by citysearchuser_15d64c
Tue Aug 16 2005This place is usually hopping with trendy and happening people who are there to have a good time. They have great infused vodka cocktails a...
by citysearchuser_105e69_531511096
Tue Jul 05 2005I've been to Madrone five times now, and every time I leave with the same feeling: Wow, I met a lot of cool people here tonight, but this is...
by sfbarspider150_4c1
Thu Mar 24 2005Almost cool peeps at this place with super lame attitudes, cocky behavior and lots of frontin' is what I found at Madrone. The decor and venue itself is properly done- actually one of the better designed bar in SF. Perhaps it was just an off night but I experienced some lame vibes from lame people.
by panhandle21188_a31
Wed Jan 05 2005I was so excited to visit this new hip club opening in my neighborhood...I couldn't have been more disappointed! First of all, they were charging a cover for a below average DJ. There were 4 shaggy looking guys (one without his front teeth) drinking 24-cans of Budweiser to "welcome" you at the door with insults and nasty humor. What's with that!? Real quality joint, huh? Then, inside it was very weak atmosphere with EXPENSIVE DRINKS. ($7 plus) I was so disappointed that I will NEVER set foot inside again, and will not reccomend this club ton anyone.