Buccaneer Dive Bar

Russian Hill, San Francisco –

Anchored among a slew of Polk Street bars, the Buccaneer is a tiny watering hole that’s as casual as they come during the week and packed as a powder keg come Fridays.

It doesn’t take long for patrons to notice the inspiration for the venue’s name, as the walls and ceiling resemble the cabin of a colonial-era pirate ship.

Themes aside, the flat-screen above the bar is more likely tuned to TV Land than Pirates of the Caribbean, although the Buc is also an unofficial New England bar, so Bruins, Sox, Pats, and Celtics fans fare well despite the lack of any obvious sports trappings.

Casual locals drop in after work to catch a game or rehash Adult Swim over $2.50 Happy Hour beers, while low-key college kids with their dogs in tow chill beneath the glow of antique lanterns and admire the vintage memorabilia hung on the opposite wall.

Fog-frozen tourists, meanwhile, huddle around the wood-burning stove in back, as music fans get their rock fix from the jukebox and wannabe felt sharks bust a move on the worn pool table.

Weekends see the preppier Marina crowd piling in as they barhop down Polk – something they do in most bars along this stretch – but Sundays see a quick return to calmer waters.

A cozy port in which to take shelter and grab a pint, the Buccaneer makes it easy to kick back with friends or kick off a rowdy night.