Hobson's Choice

Oh man, I didn't know... I just read an Eater article from May 7 stating that owner Chris Dickerson plans to close this rum bar imminently after over a quarter-century in business. I was just here earlier today because I just happened to be in the mood for rum punch. I had been here six months prior but had not come back because I just don't hang out in the Haight much.

I guess that's the problem Chris was facing with his customers. It was rather quiet in here with just 4-5 regulars at the end of the bar. There was an occasional foreign tourist. Actually the concept of a rum bar was foreign to me as well, but I liked the idea. I just wasn't expecting the rum punch to be served from large crystal punch bowls.

There are three of them each holding a different punch. Over two visits, I've tried all three, and they were refreshing with just enough kick. My favorite was the $8 Victorian Punch with silver, coconut, and pineapple rums mixed with cranberry and pineapple juices (photo: https://yelp.to/ChuKfyTOXT). It must be my penchant for Pina Coladas, but I liked the coconut accent to the drink.

The lighter $8 Gogo Punch was a raspberry ginger lemonade with raspberry, citrus and silver rums mixed with lemonade and "a splash of ginger" (photo: https://yelp.to/1jGPtz8zS4). The $7 House Punch was like a lighter Brass Monkey with silver rum mixed with mango, orange and pineapple juices (photo: https://yelp.to/Qi-A3FHK2Z). I'm really sorry to see this rum bar go because there isn't another one like it.

DRINKS - 4 stars...smooth rum punch for a good price
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...very chill, vintage Victorian
SERVICE - 4.5 stars...Chris is still very present
TOTAL - 4 stars...a shame there will be one less rum bar in this city

RELATED - Exploring the Haight? Here's my collection of the places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2YK1e99

Hobson's Choice has always felt right.

I have spent many nights here at one of their front tables, looking out onto Haight Street - catching up with local or visiting friends.

Hobson's Choice is special.

From their big punch bowls, to their laid back vibe, to their big glass windows that invite you in for a mellow night.

It's the kind of bar that you could wander into - by yourself (which I used to do regularly when I first moved back to SF,) - and never feel out of place. It's the kind of bar - where I've always felt safe. The staff have always been personable and fun (the owner Chris is fantastic), and the crowd is a great mixture of neighborhood regulars and interesting tourists.

I'm a firm believer that you need to support and visit the businesses that you enjoy visiting. A couple of weeks ago - I was walking down Haight Street and I meant to stop into Hobson's Choice. I don't really drink - and I had an armful of groceries - so I decided not to in the end. I wish I had now.

There are recent rumors that Hobson's Choice may be closing. I sincerely hope that is not the case. It's too special of a place, and it carries too many memories for so many.

If you have not yet had a chance to step into this low key spot - please do. Grab a friend, loved one, or co-worker and make your way over to Haight Street.

Trust.

This is a cute little bar that has a very welcoming, local hang out kinda feel. The drinks are also good and moderately priced. Took my dad here when he was visiting from out of town and he loved chilling here with a beer.

Damn. Never Forget Hobson's Choice!
When I'm strolling Haight, I always stopped by Hobson's Choice. Owned and operated by a great dude.

Came for "Bloody Mary Sundays"
Stayed for the punch(es) of the day. RUM punch lovers dream come true. Delicious Victorian and House. Excellent for a chill, no hassle drinking establishment. Rum for days.

Great spot to chill and have some drinks.

Was walking and we decided to come in to have a drink. Lots on their menu including all sorts of rum.

The bartender was solid and was the only one tending to about 6 at the bar and then a couple other tables.

They also had a few rum punch. Reminded me of jungle juice. Was a bit hesitant since it was sitting out. I'm sure it was still good though.

This bar is wonderful, the people here are great and it is an all around good vibe! In my opinion the best drink I had was the gogo punch, it has a great berry taste! Lost a little bit of aura for using chicken wire to hold the toilet paper but I'll look past that.

Hobson's Choice seems like a friendly neighborhood pub, two levels to accommodate visitors, and a bar full of awesome drink options, especially since they are known for their rum and punch. I don't think they sell food here, but it looks like they allow you to bring outside food, because I saw people eating takeout food at the bar while enjoying their drinks.

We arrived parched on a warm, sunny day, and opted to try their Gogo Punch and House Punch. Both were sooo refreshing and delicious, the latter the better of the two. Alcohol content was not strong, but flavorwise, these were exactly what we needed, served ice cold. The bartender was friendly and provided satisfactory service. 

We enjoyed our beverages upstairs, which was empty, so we had the whole space to ourselves. There's a TV up there (it was not turned on), and a few wooden tables and chairs. One thing we noticed was that the surfaces of all of the tables were sticky. Not too big of a deal for our short stay, but still worth noting. Besides the sticky tables, I think Hobson's Choice is a great spot overall. There are a couple of TV's for enjoying sports or other entertainment, they have a jukebox to select your favorite tunes, service was great, and the drinks were satisfying.

When you think of The Haight district a few things come to mind...actually I am kidding, weed comes to mind. But after that Hobson's choice is a close second. This free spirited Haight mainstay has warmed plenty of bellies since 1962. The Greatfull Dead played here back in the day and rumor has it Jerry Garcias ghost walks the halls every other Tuesday. Again I kid, but let's be honest, i am posting a review of a bar on yelp while drinking beer so feeling need to add some spice. This place does rock, I lived on Hayes street back during the dot com bust in 2003. Tech dudes drinking away their severances was entertaining yet sad. Overall, I come back here when in the city and have a beer, talk some football, and watch the weed dealers (who are now Molly dealers since weed is legal) harassing people on the street. You need to come here..oh, and buy a T-shirt ya knuckleheads!

Hobson's is the best bar on Haight! Chris (I believe the owner) could not be nicer! My fiancé and I were visiting from out of town and we felt right at home here!