Chinatown Part 3: Nightlife

How to immerse yourself in Chinatown: (1) examine the produce and live markets in Stockton Street on a Saturday afternoon (where the locals do their shopping). Be ready to see live turtles, clogged streets, shouting matches and bargains. (2) explore the side streets at night and run into something unforeseen. Dive bars in Chinatown are small, dark and moody, with locals playing dice and visitors wandering in with curious looks on their faces.

Buddha Lounge

What's Special About it: 
Though tourists sometimes end up here, Buddha remains more of a local hang. Patrons can sip their drinks in front of Buddha (watching from behind the bar). 

What Customers Say: 
"The dopest bar in the entire neighborhood and personally (on this side of the city) weekdays especially. Looking for a low key place to chill with friends. Have a date? Chilling with friends? This is the place. The place to have great talks and laughs. Enjoy the atmosphere and the Buddha beers." 

What Else to Order:
Buddha Beer

Location:
901 Grant Ave

San Francisco, CA 94108

Neighborhood:
at Washington St 

Chinatown

Li Po Cocktail Lounge

What's Special About it: 
Classic local haunt that, with its David Lynch-like ambience, has become famous with the tourists. The dark, red room in the back is the place to perch yourself and watch the night's characters go by. 916 Grant Ave., (415) 982-0072,website.

What Customers Say: 
"Their speciality drink is a Chinese Mai Tai for $9.  Chick drinks aren't usually my thing, but I have to say, I wasn't expecting it to be good or to like it.  But I did." 

What Else to Order:
Chinese Mai Tai, Chinese whiskey

Location:
916 Grant Ave

San Francisco, CA 94108

Neighborhood:
at Washington St 

Chinatown