What do we have to be thankful for in 2025? Every year it seems like more and more of a trick question.
At least here in the city, however, we have a long list of bars that will be open on Thanksgiving — providing you with an alternative to your family, a respite from your family or, in the best of circumstances, a place to go with your family.
Please use Mission Local’s annual list of Thanksgiving Day bars in or near the Mission District responsibly.
Happy Thanksgiving and Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias.
El Farolito Bar, 2777 Mission St. at 24th Street: Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mission Local: Anything special going on?
Bartender: “Don’t know.”
Elixir, 3200 16th St. at Guerrero Street: Open from 6 p.m. to midnight.
“We’re doing pot luck. The bartender can close if there’s no one at the bar. Unfortunately, the bartender who made the famous pickle stew moved away. We’ll have a different bartender, but I’m not sure what he’ll be making … It’s the same concept.”
“It was successful last year. People brought all kinds of stuff. It was a good day! Busy. Always busier later after people have what they’re having.”
500 Club, 500 Guerrero St. at 17th Street: Open from noon to 2 a.m.
“We’re having a big spread for our regulars.”
Clooney’s, 1401 Valencia St. at 25th Street: Open from 6 a.m. until it “gets slow.”
“We’ll have a turkey dinner, come. I’d love to make my bar some money.”
A customer named Nichole yells from across the bar: “We’re like the pit bull of bars. We got a bad reputation, but everyone’s so nice here. We’re a big family.”
Phone Booth, 1398 South Van Ness Ave. at 25th Street: Open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Nothing special. People bring the bartender food.”
The Napper Tandy, 3200 24th St. at South Van Ness Avenue: Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“We’re having Thanksgiving dinner. A la carte dinner for $36.95 with all trimmings, stuffing and yams. Or, a three-course meal for $42.95 with soup or salad, turkey dinner with all trimmings — stuffing, yams, mashed potatoes and gravy, or dessert — apple pie, pumpkin pie, cheesecake. We’ll serve until 8 p.m.” Reservation recommended at thenappertandysf.com.
“It’s a good day, a busy day with all the games.”
“You’re not going to get a three-course dinner in San Francisco for $43. So we keep it at a good price point affordable for people who don’t have a lot of income to come and spend the day, locals and out-of-towners. So: Everybody.”
Pop’s Bar, 2800 24th St. at York Street: Open from 3 p.m. to late.
“Potluck available.”
Ruth’s at Treat Street, 3050 24th St. at Treat Street: Open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“We’re not having anything special, but our sister bar, Clooney’s, is having a full spread.”
El Trebol #2, 3090 24th St. between Folsom and Treat streets: Open from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“We’re cooking hens … not too sure how, but that’s what I’ve heard.”
Dovre Club, 1498 Valencia St. at 26th Street: Open from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Mission Local: “Anything interesting going on on Thanksgiving?”
Bartender: “Sorry, but you’re calling in the middle of my shift.”
Delirium, 3139 16th St. at Albion Street: Open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
“Regular hours. I think there’s going to be pot luck and DJs. We have the football games on and music later.”
Casanova Lounge, 527 Valencia St. between 16th and 17th streets: Open from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Normal hours 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. the rest of the week.”
Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St. at Albion Street: Open from 4 p.m. to midnight.
“We’re doing a Thanksgiving orphan-style potluck. We do it every year. We usually have a really good turnout. We’ll have football games on the projector, music and pool tables open. If you’ve got no place to go or you’re sick and tired of where you’re supposed to be, let’s go!”
Gestalt, 3159 16th St. between Albion and Guerrero streets: Open from 6 p.m to 2 a.m. depending on traffic.
“We’re gonna barbecue. We’ll have bacon-wrapped jalapeño shrimp. We’re like an orphanage for adults who don’t have a family on holidays. A lot of regulars are counting on us.”
The Knockout: 3223 Mission St. at Valencia Street: Open from 8 p.m. to midnight.
“The annual Turkeyoke Krazy for Karaoke Holiday Extravaganza! Unload the fam, and grab the mic! We’re ready to party! Join us and let’s have a natural ball!”
Sycamore, 2140 Mission St. at Sycamore Street: Open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Standard bar and working hours. We’ll have wine and some seasonal drinks, nothing too extra … we just want it open for the people.”
Mission Bar, 2696 Mission St. at 22nd Street: Open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Nothing special, just regular hours.”
Chac Mool Sports Bar Y Botanas, 2199 Mission: Open from 4 p.m. until late.
San Francisco’s only sports bar named for a Mesoamerican sculpture style will be open on Thanksgiving day.
Mother, 3079 16th St. at Rondel Place: Open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“The Sapphics need a place to go.”
El Trebol, 3149 22nd Street at Capp Street: Open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Usually the boss brings something to share with the customers, but I haven’t heard anything yet.”
The Bar on Dolores, 1600 Dolores St. at 29th Street: Open 6 p.m. until everyone leaves.
“We’ve got a shuffleboard table, a pool table that we can change into a ping-pong table if they’re in mood, a dart room, and pinball. If you can’t have fun here … ?”
The Lucky Horseshoe, 453 Cortland Ave. at Andover Street: Open from 4 p.m. onwards.
“We’ll have food and drink specials, football and merriment.”
Wild Side West, 424 Cortland Ave. at Wool Street: Open from 3 p.m to 10 p.m.
“We’ll have a potluck and also provide some food. Ham, turkey … classic and traditional Thanksgiving stuff.”
St. Mary’s Pub, 3845 Mission St. at Crescent Avenue: Open 6 p.m. to midnight.
“We will be open from six to midnight on Thanksgiving. We’re doing our baked potato bar thing on Wednesday night. A bunch of baked potatoes and a table full of condiments.”
I’m just stuck trying to envision what pickle stew is.