Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: Navigate Dark Corners and Sip on Secrets

In Chinatown’s dark alleyways and lantern-lit streets, the secrets of this storied neighborhood come to life. On your journey through this historic district, we’ll make periodic stops at some of the city’s oldest and most beloved drinking holes, while exploring the dynamic evolution of Chinatown. This walking tour reveals the iconic district’s fascinating, and sometimes dark, and occasionally violent past.

The tour starts at Dragon Gate San Francisco, from where you’ll embark on a journey through the historical and cultural heart of Chinatown. As you walk down Grant Avenue, you’ll hear a few of this neighborhood’s secrets and lesser-known histories, while you pass iconic landmarks. You’ll learn about Chinatown’s origins, including its role in the Gold Rush and tales of violence and conflict from the Tong Wars. I’ll show you the blend of traditional and modern artworks that line the streets, and tell you the stories behind famous murals like the Monkey King and Bruce Lee. Finally, you’ll sway to a halt at the curious overhead artwork called Language of the Birds, where you'll find words of wisdom in different languages representing the diverse cultures of San Francisco.

On your bar crawl, you’ll indulge in some favorite local pastimes:

• Playing ‘liar’s dice’ while drinking an ice-cold beer at Buddha Lounge
• Sipping on a Mai Tai, a dangerous tropical cocktail, which once made Anthony Bourdain tipsy at Li Po Cocktail Lounge
• Rubbing elbows with locals while enjoying the deck at Red’s Place, a classic Chinatown haunt that was the first to serve draught beer
• Finding some Irish courage at Chinatown Bow Bow Cocktail Lounge, the oldest karaoke bar in San Francisco

Along the way, you’ll also have a chance to:

• Journey along the streets where the deadly gang fight known as the Battle of Waverly Place occurred
• Walk in the glow of the mesmerizing Ross Alley Lanterns
• Hear about the most powerful ‘madam’ (female brothel owner) in Chinatown
• Learn about the influence of vigilante justice in the district at Portsmouth Square

Some of these bars have been around since the early days of San Francisco, counting celebrities among their patrons. Each one is brimming with character and history, offering a glimpse into the soul of Chinatown. Immerse yourself in Chinatown on a tour that promises to be enlightening, enthralling, and lots of fun!