Pop’s Bar on 24th st. in the Mission is an SF classic.  It’s old school, gritty, fun, and typically clad with a lots of local characters at all hours.  Pop’s is everything from an early morning drinking spot for SF General nurses getting off their night shifts, to a sweaty late night dance floor, to an excellent day drinking option deep in the Mission.  Pop’s is turning 80 years old this year, and they are throwing a free bash with DJ’s, BBQ, & margerita specials to celebrate, this
Wednesday, October 25 at 6 PM – 2 AM to celebrate (Event Page here).  Bellow is an amazingly reconstructed history of the bar’s humble and nefarious beginnings in 1937, sent to us by Kristin Graff.

The History of Pop’s

Pop’s Clubhouse 2830-32, 24^th Street.  San Francisco, CA.

By Kristin Graff

It was first thought that Pops was opened in 1947 by World War II gunner Jack O’Connor returning home from the South Pacific. The story was that his father helped him open the bar, hence the name Pop’s. This date was eventually proved wrong by the finding of a published photograph from the SF historical center dated March, 27^th 1941. However very little was known about Pops prior to 1947 until one day, the grand–son (Brian Saxsenmier) of the original owner came in and told us that his Grandfather AKA POPS was the real POPS.  Through a records search this story was proved correct, however the actual start date still remains in question and has not been proven

Prior to 1937

Rumor has it that Pops ran the Clubhouse, during Prohibition where alcohol was served but the exact date can’t be confirmed. However we do have confirmation of him as a bootlegger

1937-1941

Carl Joseph Saxsenmeier AKA: POPS

1941-1947

POPS sold to Jack Pryal

1947-1951

Jerry (POPS) & Jack (Son) O’Connor,

Got married sold the bar. Got divorced opened up the New Hearth on Geary “High Balls and High Times.” He was married five times and liked to gamble.

1951-1957

Charlie Leahy

Sold the bar when he married the daughter of the owners of St. Francis Fountian.

1958-67  

Buff “Red” Volkmeir , Walt Brennan & Albert Beurgelson

1967-82

Bob & Connie Griffin & Jacqueline Griffin

1971 moved to 2800 24th

1982-1985

The Castillo Family

1985- 1994

Bradlee J Fitzgerald

Changed the name to Pop’s Bar

1994-2003

Frances Prieto

2003-2014

Malia Spanyol & Harmony Urmston

2014-Present

Michael Spike Krouse & Tom Tierney