Elixir
Elixir is a easy on the wallet historic, dive, and neighborhood bar in Mission. SF's second-oldest saloon location (1858 — only Old Ship Saloon is older) and officially plaqued by E. Clampus Vitus (the wacky historical/drinking club) set the tone.
3200 16th St, San Francisco, CA · (415) 552-1633
Hours
| Mon–Wed | 4 PM–10 PM |
| Thu–Fri | 4 PM–2 AM |
| Sat | 12 PM–2 AM |
| Sun | 2 PM–10 PM |
Hours via OpenStreetMap — double-check before a special trip.
Historic, dive, neighborhood, and cocktail — easy on the wallet.
Small friend group, established date, dog walkers, solo, and whiskey nerd friend.
Whiskey flights, darts, sports on TV, and owner sometimes BBQs on the sidewalk.
What makes Elixir worth it
- SF's second-oldest saloon location (1858 — only Old Ship Saloon is older)
- officially plaqued by E. Clampus Vitus (the wacky historical/drinking club)
- original mahogany back bar, restored
- burned in 1906 and rebuilt; was a soda fountain during Prohibition
- 450+ whiskies
- current owner H. Joseph Ehrmann ('H') took over in 2003
- afternoon dog-walker crowd is a regular fixture
- H occasionally hauls a barbecue out front and invites passers-by to a burger
- lived-in dive feel despite the heritage and cocktail program
Good to know
- Where is Elixir?
- Elixir is in Mission, San Francisco, at 3200 16th St, San Francisco, CA.
- What kind of bar is Elixir?
- It's a easy on the wallet Mission spot that leans historic, dive, and neighborhood.
- What is Elixir known for?
- SF's second-oldest saloon location (1858 — only Old Ship Saloon is older), officially plaqued by E. Clampus Vitus (the wacky historical/drinking club), and original mahogany back bar, restored.
- Who is Elixir good for?
- It's a solid pick for small friend group, established date, and dog walkers.
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Ruth's at Treat Street Cocktails
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Fat Cat & The Mantis
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El Trebol Bar
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If you like Elixir, try
Red's Place
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Mauna Loa Club
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Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe
walls covered in decades of oddities and memorabilia, down a tiny alley
Cinch Saloon
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