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Welcome to Bender's Bar & Grill

At Bender's Bar & Grill, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District, you'll find a lively dive bar brimming with character. Known for its punk rock vibe and a welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for late-night gatherings. The kitchen surprises with mouthwatering dishes like smash burgers and schnitzel, proving that dive bars can have excellent fare. Enjoy outdoor seating and live music while sipping on a carefully curated selection of craft beers. With options for everyone—including vegan and vegetarian selections—Bender's is not just a bar; it’s a community hub where good times and great food collide.

Bender's Bar & Grill: Reviews & Ratings

Jessica P.
Jessica P.

The service here was great! Even when the bar was crowded- the bartender was efficient and served us with a smile!

Andre W.
Andre W.

Pretty cool dive joint in Mission that me and the work crew stopped in after all day workshopping. Pretty much a metal joint and it was what we needed. We ate before we got there so no food but we had some good drinks. While in line for drinks, I looked and saw they had Weller in which I was shocked that this place would have it. It consumed me for the rest of the night as thats all I dranked...neat of course. Good vibes, atmosphere and crowd...would definitely come back

Logan S.
Logan S.

Metalhead dive bar with a shockingly good kitchen and competitive billiards scene. Counter service kitchen with sufficient table seating inside and out. Just be prepared for cigarette smoke if you want to eat outside. Highly recommend the schnizz sandwich! But be prepared to come with an empty stomach. Their full bar has a solid range of beers and IPAs to choose from both on tap and bottled. Some non Alc options too. This is my go to spot for any friends visiting the city who appreciate a great dive scene.

Johan S.
Johan S.

Great place if you enjoy punk rock + pool + beer. Low key and good is delicious! I plan to go back!

Sarah J.
Sarah J.

This is a perfect dive bar. Smash burgers and schnitzel and tots are delicious and reasonably priced in these times of inflation. Kitchen is open until 11PM. They pretty much always have Pliny the Elder. Bike parking and pool tables. Bring your cash obviously. Lots of seating.

Misha T.
Misha T.

Great dive bar, decent food, solid beer selection, and immaculate vibes. Reminds me of Lucky 13 (RIP). It's pretty huge inside so it's a good place for larger groups. The portions with the food are very generous.

Alisha H.
Alisha H.

LoVE this bar! The patio is small and quaint despite the bar being big inside. The kitchen wasn't open but I heard great things about it! The service was great and the drinks were cheap!

Becca H.
Becca H.

Such a great dive bar + really good food! They have pretty diverse menu here and I love it. I got the noodles with Schnitzel and wow was it good! It was spicy but I liked the kick with the schnitzel. They also have burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads and more! They bartenders and food team were also awesome and welcoming. Definitely will return!

Dave W.
Dave W.

Came in for a couple of drinks while cruising the neighborhood with our son (the best tour guide in SF!). We have been here before when visiting SF and the place does not disappoint. Viewing it from the outside, you are not actually anxious to enter, but this is a nice little dive bar with a terrific vibe. Great beer selection and their kitchen is actually a vendor that rents space. The food selection is pretty eclectic and one of our party thoroughly enjoyed their burger and tater tots. I liked the table tops with drivers licenses laminated for all to see. Classic Dive Bar and a place you must visit!

Allie P.
Allie P.

Came here on a Wednesday night when a couple friends were around - one was visiting in town and our other friend has been here every now and then with their bike riding crew. The bar is way bigger than I had thought it was going to be. The initial images I saw made me think it was going to be a small grungy dive bar, but it was actually quite nice inside! Got dropped off by an Uber as a precautionary to the other people speaking about the parking situation, but I think it could be okay if you drove over and left your car on street parking... I just didn't want to take the chance of it getting a smashed window for no reason... we weren't there for too long. I would probably need to take another look at the area though cause I only remember the bar itself. Our Uber driver told us we might see some prostitutes around the area - don't be surprised - we actually saw one wandering the sidewalk. There are two pool tables, a juke box, a Photo Booth, a place to hang / post your bicycles by, tables for large groups, the kitchen area is where you're able to walk up and order food - this is separate from the bar itself - Overkill Grill rents this space out inside of the bar which I think is genius. They do close a little earlier than the bar itself - food I believe closes at around 11pm (I placed my order maybe 10 minutes after 11, but the guy still happily took my order). A nice selection of things they have on their menu, you're bound to see something you'd want to try - from tater tots, to burgers, to salads, and noodles, ranging from $.50 to $15 (the lower end are add on pieces I think). Food recommended by the guy: - Bent Burg (grilled onions, bacon, cheddar, picked jalapeños, shredduce, and OKG sauce) *this is what I ended up getting and it wasn't bad at all and its a good sized burger - Chill Schnitzz (fried chicken with shredduce, tomato, and lemon mayo) *almost got this - DinDin Noodz [w/ sichuan schnitzz or tofu] (spicy noodles with peanuts, bell peppers, and herbs) *a popular amongst the crowd - was actually sold out The bar had 1 bartender working when we went to order some drinks. There was semi-short line when we first walked in at the bar. We were busy chatting so we ordered when there was no line. Beers on draft and by the bottle, along with I think a full bar. We took up maybe half of the seating where there were tables, yet there was still a TON of space for other parties and empty high tables and bar seating available. I liked the decor - there is a lot to look at and no, Bender's Bar and Grill was not named after Bender from *Futurama*, its just pure coincidence even though you might notice Bender memorabilia hanging about. They have actual $$$ bills posted to their ceiling (I took it as a form of art) and decorated their bar tables with collages of Photo Booth film from visiting patrons which I thought was cool and they're all pretty interesting to look at. The lighting is dim, but not too dim where you cannot see. Would recommend anyone who is looking for a new place to check out.

Location

Welcome to Bender's Bar & Grill, a vibrant dive bar nestled in the heart of the Mission District at 806 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco. This unique establishment is a celebration of American comfort food and craft cocktails, inviting you to unwind in a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly balances lively energy and cozy charm.

Bender's is not just your run-of-the-mill bar; it’s a culinary hotspot where the kitchen serves up delightful dishes long into the night. The standout highlight is their schnitzel sandwich, which has quickly become a fan favorite among locals and visitors alike. Alongside this must-try plate, enjoy their delicious smash burgers and a variety of vegetarian options, making it a go-to for both meat-lovers and herbivores.

  • What to Expect:
    • A friendly and efficient staff ready to serve even in the bustling rush.
    • A lively crowd enriched by weekly live music performances.
    • Diverse drink options, including an impressively stocked full bar featuring local brews and even Weller bourbon for discerning palates.
  • Atmosphere:
    • A divey yet inviting space, great for late-night hangouts with friends.
    • Wheelchair accessibility and outdoor seating options ensure all patrons feel welcome.
    • Enjoy the lively buzz of conversation and laughter, complemented by a pool table scene that encourages friendly competition.

The energy is palpable, particularly on weekends, making it a popular spot for gathering with friends or winding down after a long day. Customers rave about the great service and inviting atmosphere, with many citing it as the perfect respite after work or a celebration of a weekend well spent. Whether you’re savoring a late-night snack or catching up with friends over drinks, Bender's proves to be adaptable and accommodating to diverse needs—from vegan choices to kid-friendly options.

So, if you're in San Francisco and want to experience a bar that embodies the spirit of the Mission District with delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere, Bender's Bar & Grill is the place to be. Don’t forget to take advantage of their happy hour specials, and remember—this place is not just for food; it's about the good vibes and community. See you there!