HiDive

Located on the Embarcadero near Bryant Street close to AT&T Ballpark is a small waterfront bar and restaurant that has been a happy hour staple for the past 15 years.
HiDive is an establishment with the perfect blend of seasoned locals and cool tourists. I wouldn’t exclusively call this a dive bar but… its close. The decor is reminiscent of a bygone era and the prices are beyond reasonable (by San Francisco standards). The HiDive's name is a play on words, it’s a dive bar, but it’s a fancier one.* The perfect euphemism for the atmosphere of this establishment.
I’ve found myself walking to the Embarcadero almost daily. Now that I don’t have a traditional job I’ve realized how much physical labor I used to exert daily and how little I was doing now.
It was a generously warm day. The start of San Francisco’s notoriously late summer.
I was able to wear light clothing without a jacket, leading me to recall times of warmer occasions; Mexico, the pool, any beach vacation where I was hot, sweaty and had a cool drink in my hand. Sensory memories I always want to get back to. That afternoon I passed by it on my way home from walking a friend to the Ferry Building and had to use the facilities. Possibly… Mostly...It was generally true. Upon seeing a prominently displayed sign on the door that read “RESTROOMS FOR CUSTOMERS ONLY” I was forced, for my bladder’s sake to make a purchase.  I knew they had happy hour 4-7 Mon-Friday except for game days, and it was a game day. I conceded to myself that I would be paying full price at my favorite cheapo spot. There are worse things that could happen. Surprisingly when I got my bill I was still incredibly pleased. It was two dollars more than the already ridiculously reasonable price.
 If you were born in the 80’s or 90’s this place rings of nostalgia. I honestly don’t know how to explain it but it’s the same decor you would see in a restaurant scene of Pretty Woman or Blues Brothers. Lots of walnut wood and lots of on display glassware minus any stuffy, over the top uniforms. The staff are friendly, fun, and appropriately sassy. They are quick, efficient and generally flexible. Everyone’s out to have a good time both customers and workers alike. The HiDive has a patio that overlooks the bay, Wednesday onward its packed, as is the dining room with people looking to get a bite to eat. Unfortunately, I’ve never actually had the food there. By the time I’m in this neighborhood I’ve either just eaten or have plans to eat, reservation style, later. Each time I do come, however, people are devouring the food as well as singing its praises. I’ll have to go specifically for lunch one day and I’ll update this post to reflect my stomach’s experience.
Ultimately, as far as dive bars go this one gets 3 out of 5 Lost Phones.📱📱📱** Would highly recommend.

                                                                           
*My opinion that was confirmed by a very good looking, and unfortunately married, tall Australian bartender.
** The chance of you having too much fun and getting into the good kind of trouble.