Li Po Cocktail Lounge

916 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
+1 415-982-0072
$$$ Cocktail bar
(976 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Li Po Cocktail Lounge, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Chinatown, San Francisco. This intimate cocktail bar is not just a place to grab a drink; it’s an experience steeped in character and charm. With its retro vibe and a delightful menu of signature cocktails, Li Po invites you to indulge in a moment of leisure and nostalgia.

What sets Li Po apart is its unique Asian-inspired offerings, with the Chinese Mai Tai standing out as the bar's crown jewel. This delightful concoction is smooth and tasty, serving as the perfect refreshment whether you’re unwinding after a long day or gearing up for a fun night out. Beyond the Mai Tai, you can sip on enticing selections such as the Electric Lemonade or the long-standing favorite, the Long Island Iced Tea, both priced reasonably at $8.00 and $11.00 respectively. Each drink is crafted with care, ensuring you relish every sip and are transported by the vibrant flavors.

Walking into Li Po, you’re greeted by a warm atmosphere that's both casual and inviting. The bar's slightly worn interior is a testament to its rich history and draws you in with its charm. This is a place where friends gather, laughter flows, and conversations spark. As Michael Magnus noted in his review, it’s perfect for a quick, refreshing drink before heading deeper into the city. However, with its bar-only seating, enjoying a longer conversation can sometimes be a challenge, making it better suited for lively interactions rather than extended sit-downs.

Customer experience is often enhanced by the bar's vivacious bartender, Miss Connie, who is celebrated for her quick wit and exceptional service. As described by Tracy Scott and Natalie, the thrill of enjoying a drink in the same spot where Anthony Bourdain once sipped is an unforgettable part of the Li Po allure. Whether you’re mingling with locals or fellow travelers, the friendly international crowd adds to the unique, social vibe of the bar. Alison M C appreciated the atmosphere, noting it was a great space for a social environment, especially for those looking to connect with interesting people.

Though the service can be a bit on the quirky side, as Paul highlighted, the overall experience of visiting Li Po is one for the books. The bar embraces its dive bar identity, offering a fun escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With every night at Li Po feeling like a mini celebration, whether sipping on a refreshing melon cocktail or enjoying the company of new friends, it's clear that this cocktail lounge is a must-visit for anyone exploring the diverse landscape of Chinatown.

So next time you're in San Francisco, take a break from the usual tourist spots and pop into Li Po Cocktail Lounge for a drink. It promises a unique experience filled with flavor, laughter, and the charm of old San Francisco.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
No delivery
No takeaway
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

2:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Tuesday

2:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Wednesday

2:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Thursday

2:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Friday

2:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Saturday

2:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Sunday

2:00 PM - 1:00 AM

976 Reviews
Michael Magnus

14 Sep 2025

A charming hole in the wall with delicious Mai Tais. The drinks were really good, but (at least for us) it was the kind of place to just grab one drink or two for the novelty and then move on to where you wanted to actually spend time. The bar only seating made it difficult for three people to have a conversation, but we all agreed it that we were glad we went.

Tracy Scott

26 Jul 2025

Sometimes you get very lucky while traveling. My sons and I decided to get a drink, randomly at Li Po. We sat next to a man that frequents Li Po when he is in town. He made us aware of Anthony Bourdain featuring it on his show. I could tell right away why he was taken by this bar. You get a retro vibe right away. The kind of bar that makes you feel comfortable. And MISS CONNIE!! Her quick wit, style, and no-nonsense bar management made me her biggest fan. She will hit you with a sense of humor that is honestly missing in so many modern bars. Of course the Chinese Mai Tai is amazing. Go for the drinks, stay for the experience!

Natalie

24 Jul 2025

Connie is one hell of a bartender (in the best way possible). I enjoyed my time at Li Po. I had the Buddha beer that was $8 a pop. The best part, having a drink at the same place that Anthony Bourdain did, will never not be cool.

Peter Farejowicz

22 Jul 2025

Li Po Cocktail Lounge is exactly what you would expect from a dive bar in Chinatown, and that is part of its charm. The interior is a little worn but it works perfectly for a casual, laid back drink with friends. The Chinese Mai Tai is the signature drink here and definitely worth ordering. It is popular for a reason, with a smooth and tasty flavor, though for me personally it was not too strong as some other reviews mentioned. Service was quick and the atmosphere was easygoing. It is a fun stop if you are in the area and want something low key.

Alison M C

25 Jun 2025

Crazy night here. Met some friendly people. I recommend the beer deals. I didn't love my purple rain cocktail but honestly I had such a good time at this bar. It's a great, social environment. International crowd, not too young (I'm 40).

Paul

14 Jun 2025

Okay, so this is a Chinese dive bar at its fullest, super fun unique experience, but also the service is a little weak. They sequestered us to a corner and were oddly strict about it. I would 100% go back just because of its uniqueness and to show friends something unique but alone I don’t know if I would come back

Geri Ray

14 Jun 2025

Great Mai tai in Chinatown! Must visit when in the area. We also had the melon cocktail (at like 2 in the afternoon) and i must say its very refreshing!

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