Li Po Cocktail Lounge — Restaurant in San Francisco

I am writing this review with deep disappointment and a sense of shock regarding the abysmal service I recently encountered at Li Po. As an Asian American, I actively seek to support businesses within my community, but the treatment I received from the bartender surpassed any negative experience I've had in both Asian and non-Asian establishments, even considering my upbringing in NYC Chinatown.

Accompanied by two friends, one seeking a Mai Tai, we were met with the bartender's insistence that every person must have a drink to occupy a seat. Despite our intent for a non-alcoholic experience with two sodas, we were informed that the bar only accepts cash. Politely acknowledging this, we decided to forgo the soda order.

What ensued was a shocking display of hostility. Within minutes, the bartender approached our table, berating us for allegedly making her pour the soda without payment, despite our clear communication about the card-only situation. Meanwhile, other patrons freely entered, seated themselves, and were not subjected to the same level of scrutiny.

Feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable, we decided to leave quickly, aiming to respect the establishment's apparent "policy." However, as we exited, the bartender audaciously shouted at us in front of all patrons, declaring that if we wanted soda next time, we should not return. This public humiliation was not only entirely disproportionate to our attempt to purchase soda but also seemed to be directed at us, patrons of Asian descent.

Our entire ordeal unfolded within a mere 15 minutes, leaving us bewildered and disgusted by the lack of professionalism. As an Asian American, it is particularly painful to acknowledge that I would not recommend this bar to anyone in my community. This experience tarnished what should have been a simple, pleasant visit to one of the few bars in Chinatown, betraying the expectation of cultural understanding and respect in this...

Super rude and greedy bartender. Short hair, older woman.

Literally tapped my shoulder after her shift while I'm enjoying a drink with my friend because she didn't get a tip. I tip usually but in this case I don't think she was entitled to one in the first place, she didn't do anything extravagant or out of this world to warrant one. In addition, she was very intense. I ordered two mai tais and that was it. She said because I paid with a "$100 bill" I should give her the change. I threw a couple ones on the table so she would leave me alone. She was super aggressive and killed the mood. We were both left stunned. Her approach was absolutely something I have never experienced in my life especially in a bar?? Who told her that was okay. Even afterwards, she was like "I hope you're not mad" when I was obviously pissed and told her Im done talking to her and would like to enjoy my drink with my friend.

So weird. Never coming back. Which kind of sucks because I was so excited to visit this place for years because of Anthony Bourdain. I would recommend any other bar than here and if you're an AB fan I promise there are so many other places in the city and Nor Cal you can visit to honor him.

To the owner: teach your bartenders basic etiquette and manners. I get this is a dive bar but the nasty attitude was so uncalled for. Yikes!! There's obviously negative reviews about this woman and they don't care, they just rely on tourists to fund this place. There's no integrity when it comes to customer service. BEWARE.

After a decade, they’re relying on their very short “No reservations” buzz.

I promise you the infamous Chinese mai tais aren't even good. I could've done this blind. Just alc watered down with cheap pineapple...

So the first thing you realize when you walk into this place is that it is an authentic dive bar! Everywhere you look there's some kind of interesting bric-a-brac or poster or some other thing to look at, most of it's pretty tacky but it's so interesting all the same! A tiny little bar with about 12 stools and 4 or 5 booths in the back, this place is small. I was there during the Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco which is a massive event and I was still able to get in. It was very crowded but everybody is pretty cool about it and we were able to order our drinks at the bar without any trouble. The bartender was very cool lady. Dressed all in black with rhinestones everywhere and a tiara! I watched her make probably 25 drinks and she is an amazing bartender! Their specialty is a Chinese Mai Tai. That drink involves no less than three different rums, pineapple juice and something they call Chinese liquor. Don't ask me what it is cuz I just don't know. What I will tell you is that during Chinese New Year they serve it in a paper Coca-Cola cup but that doesn't make the drink any less potent! Not a gigantic drink and not super sweet. Served on the rocks this thing will kick your butt! My friend did not want that much sugar so she ordered champagne and got her own little two serving Brut bottle. She was quite happy with it. Very dry! A very fun place to hang out, I will be back! #SanFrancisco #Chinatown...