Buddha Lounge: A Chinatown Dive Bar with a Story

4.3 (433)

Experience a classic Chinatown dive bar with a colorful history, unique drinks, and a friendly atmosphere at the iconic Buddha Lounge.

Home
California
San Mateo
Buddha Lounge

The Buddha Lounge, established in 1951 in San Francisco's Chinatown, is a beloved dive bar known for its distinctive entrance, 'Lucky Buddha Beer,' dice games, and eclectic atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. Its history includes a unique incident where a mural of Buddha caused international protest.

A brief summary to Buddha Lounge

901 Grant Ave, San Francisco, Chinatown, California, 94108, US
Click to display

Tuesday 1 pm-2 am
Wednesday 1 pm-2 am
Thursday 1 pm-2 am
Friday 1 pm-2 am
Saturday 1 pm-2 am
Sunday 1 pm-2 am

Local tips

Try the 'Lucky Buddha Beer,' a unique import served in a Buddha-shaped bottle.
Challenge the bartender to a game of Liar's Dice for a fun and engaging experience.
Check out the historic mural of Buddha, which once caused an international incident.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Li Po Cocktail Lounge

Experience the Vibrant Atmosphere of Li Po Cocktail Lounge

Ross Alley Lanterns

Ross Alley Lanterns: A Chinatown Gem

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: A Sweet Slice of San Francisco

Getting There

Walking

From the Dragon's Gate at the southern entrance to Chinatown, walk north on Grant Avenue. The Buddha Lounge is located on the right side of the street at the corner of Grant Avenue and Washington Street. The walk is less than 5 minutes.
Public Transport

From downtown San Francisco, take the BART to the Montgomery Street Station. From there, walk north on Grant Avenue towards the Chinatown Gate. The Buddha Lounge will be on your right, at the corner of Grant and Washington Street. Alternatively, take the 30-Stockton bus, which runs through Chinatown, and get off at a stop between Broadway and Bush Street. The fare for BART is $1-$3 , and the bus is approximately $3.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From anywhere in San Francisco, a taxi or ride-share is a convenient option. A ride from Union Square to the Buddha Lounge typically costs $13-$17 and takes around 5 minutes, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the time of day and demand.
Parking

If driving, several parking garages are available in Chinatown, including the Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage (733 Kearny St), North Beach Garage (735 Vallejo St), and St. Mary's Square Garage (433 Kearny St). Hourly rates range from $4, with daily maximums between $30-$39. Street parking is also available, but limited to 2 hours unless you have a residential permit. Evening parking (after 5 PM) at Portsmouth Square Garage is $8. Be aware that parking can be challenging to find, especially during peak hours.

Discover more about Buddha Lounge

Located in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown at 901 Grant Avenue, the Buddha Lounge has been a neighborhood fixture since its establishment in 1951. This iconic dive bar, easily recognizable by its distinguished entrance and tile ceiling overhang, offers a glimpse into old San Francisco. Originally opened by five partners, the bar has changed hands over the years but has always maintained its friendly and inviting atmosphere. Today, it's co-owned by a mother and daughter, Arleen and Shannan Kwan. The Buddha Lounge is known as a place where patrons can enjoy entertainment, cocktails, and casual dice games with the bartenders. It's also famous for its distinctive 'Lucky Buddha Beer,' which is imported from China and comes in a glass Buddha-shaped bottle. The bar's history isn't without its interesting moments. In 1967, its mural of a cross-legged Buddha sparked international protest in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), leading to the American ambassador expressing 'deep regret'. Despite the controversy, the mural remains to this day, adding to the bar's unique character. The Buddha Lounge attracts a diverse crowd, including tourists, San Francisco residents, and hipsters from the Financial District. It's a place where friendships are enriched, and new ones are made.