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Sun / Jan 17
Party Earth Review Deep-fried Twinkies and half an aluminum trailer crammed in the corner are only the beginning at Butter, San Francisco’s most unapologetically white trash bar. The place looks like it was thrown together by an indecisive... ... read full review
354 11th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
MUNI F Line: Market Street & Van Ness Avenue
415-863-5964
Th–Sa 6pm–2am, Su 8pm–2am
SoMa, San Francisco –
Deep-fried Twinkies and half an aluminum trailer crammed in the corner are only the beginning at Butter, San Francisco’s most unapologetically white trash bar.
The place looks like it was thrown together by an indecisive designer – or perhaps the winds of a hurricane – with Elvis cutouts, bumper stickers, and random signs like “The consumption of alcohol may cause pregnancy” making up most of the décor.
Although rumors that the Red Bull and vodka was invented here remain unsubstantiated, the tattooed bartenders still pour untold gallons of the stuff for the pre-club crowd that flocks in for greasy fuel and cheap drinks before heading to the myriad dance spots nearby.
Frat types hang around one sticky table and mustachioed hipsters around another, all tearing into $1 Olympias and Spaghettios and watching whatever film/show/game is projected on the wall. As the night progresses and the Jell-o shots pile up, party girls forget they were ever headed someplace else and formerly conservative young professionals demand the DJ play their favorite hair band.
Once the crowd slings back a few too many trash-themed cocktails with names like Junkyard Dog and Bitchin’ Camaro, they’re ready to rush the Airstream kitchen for “the city’s freshest frozen food.”
This rowdy bar may not win any health awards, but in the Olympics of over-indulgence, the city’s best shot at winning gold is undeniably with Butter.
SoMa young professionals, pre-club crowd, grunge kids, blue-collar Joes, college types, and white trash wannabees, 20s to early 30s.
DJs spin a range of music from 60s hits to contemporary tunes, with an emphasis on 80s music on Fridays and Top 40 with old school mash-ups on Saturday.
Two projection screens feature sports and classic movies, usually muted. Karaoke on Sundays, doors open at 8pm singing starts at 9pm.
Free popcorn. Heart attack-inducing menu for the trailer-trash palate, including deep-fried Twinkies, mini corn dogs, deep-fried tater tots, cheeseburgers, and free popcorn. Happy Hour Th–Sa 6–9pm.
Grub $3–$5. Beer $2–$5, cocktails $5–$10.
Anything goes: basic t-shirts and jeans to club wear that’s probably going to get spilled on.
Any night for a packed scene, though showing up before 10pm is a good idea for those who want to avoid the club crowd. Sundays for karaoke and stellar drink specials.
Every Saturday night, DNA Lounge (375 11th Street) just down the street transforms into “Bootie SF,” one of the city’s most popular mash-up dance parties.
Butter User Reviews