Your go-to spot to hang out, play, and actually connect
Whether you're shaking off a slow week or showing up for game night with friends, The Detour gives you a real reason to get out of the house — drinks, arcade games, live events, and a crowd that's here for it.
Why customers choose us
What makes The Detour stand out
01
Social Fun Without the Pressure
Customers hire The Detour when they want to connect with friends or meet new people without having to dress up or perform. The relaxed atmosphere and built-in activities like arcade games and trivia remove the awkwardness of forced socializing.
“Feeling bored at home and making new friends but don't feel like dressing up or putting on a show...the detour is a nice mix of 'i could care less' being alone in a crowd or hanging with friends while making new ones.”
02
Recurring Community Events to Return To
Customers hire The Detour as their regular weekly or monthly destination, anchored by structured events like drag bingo, trivia nights, and skeeball league. The live hosting and organized programming give people a reliable reason to keep coming back.
“Always happening with community events like board game night, drag bingo. Full bar and kitchen. Enjoying going weekly for skeeball league.”
03
Lively Group Night Out
Customers hire The Detour to host a fun, energetic group outing where everyone stays engaged through games, screens, and events. The large open space, big screens, and variety of arcade options mean different people in the group can all find something to enjoy.
“It's a large open space, great for game nights or other events - they have big screens around the bar that people can play video games on (there's usually a Super Smash Bros or Mario Kart game going on).”
What customers love most
Consistently praised by reviewers
Live-hosted Drag Race nights
“We love their Drag Race nights, and appreciate that they have a live host for them as opposed to just playing the episode, really elevates the vibe!”
Big screens viewable from anywhere in the bar
“the TVs can be viewed from pretty much everywhere though which is nice if you wanna move around and check out the games”
Reasonably priced drinks for San Francisco
“Waited to pick up our drinks which were reasonably priced for the city and decent.”
Arcade games that aren't sticky
“Arcade games were not sticky and they had something for each of us.”
Recurring community events like board game night and drag bingo
“Always happening with community events like board game night, drag bingo.”
Lively trivia nights in a large, open space
“We came to Detour on a Thursday night and the place was packed for a trivia night - super fun and lively. It's a large open space, great for game nights or other events”
Multiplayer video games on big screens
“they have big screens around the bar that people can play video games on (there's usually a Super Smash Bros or Mario Kart game going on)”
A welcoming spot for meeting new people without pressure
“Feeling bored at home and making new friends but don't feel like dressing up or putting on a show...the detour is a nice mix of 'i could care less' being alone in a crowd or hanging with friends while making new ones.”
The little things that matter
Beyond expectations
Live Hosts for Themed Nights
Rather than simply playing episodes or running events on autopilot, The Detour brings in live hosts for nights like Drag Race, adding a layer of energy and personality that transforms a standard screening into a genuine shared experience.
Screens Visible From Everywhere
The TVs are positioned so that no matter where you are in the room — seated, standing, or wandering — you never lose sight of the action, giving guests the freedom to move around without missing a moment.
Something in the Arcade for Everyone
The arcade selection is deliberately varied, ensuring that groups with different tastes can all find something that clicks, rather than catering to just one type of gamer.
Servers Who Go Off-Script
Staff like TC take the time to craft personalised "surprise" cocktails for guests, turning a drink order into a small, memorable moment that feels genuinely attentive rather than transactional.
A Rotating Calendar of Community Events
From trivia nights and drag bingo to board game nights and skeeball leagues, The Detour maintains a steady rhythm of programming that gives regulars a reason to return week after week and newcomers an easy way to plug in.
Arcade Games Kept Clean and Functional
Guests specifically notice that the arcade machines are well-maintained — a small but telling sign that the venue pays attention to the details that affect how comfortable and enjoyable the experience actually feels.
A Space That Welcomes Solo Visitors and Groups Alike
The atmosphere is deliberately low-pressure, making it just as comfortable to show up alone and settle into the crowd as it is to arrive with a group, without anyone feeling out of place.
Fairly Priced Drinks for the City
Multiple guests independently flag the pricing as reasonable for San Francisco, signalling that The Detour has made a conscious choice to keep the bar accessible rather than capitalising on its popularity.
Tips for your first visit
Make the most of your visit
Arrive Early for Tables
If you want a guaranteed seat, head in early — though the TVs are visible from nearly everywhere so you can enjoy the action while moving around.
Order Drinks at the Bar
Once you've looked over the menu at your table, head to the bar to place your drink order directly.
Watch for a Food Buzzer
When you order food, you'll be given a buzzer to let you know when it's ready for pickup.
Check the Events Calendar
Nights like trivia, drag bingo, board game night, and Drag Race viewing parties make for a lively, packed atmosphere worth planning around.
Come Evenings for 21+
Daytime visits may include families with children, so stick to evening hours if you're looking for the adult bar atmosphere.
Try the Arcade Games
Beyond arcade machines, there are big screens around the bar running multiplayer video games, so there's something for everyone in the group.
More reasons to visit
There's always more to love
A Full Kitchen with an Inventive Menu
“Their food selection is an interesting take on bar food. Yes all the common items you can find like burgers and pizza but we tried their adobo bowl...and yes their okonomiyaki bowl is actually rather good and tasty.”
Skeeball League for Regular Regulars
“Enjoying going weekly for skeeball league.”
Servers Who Go the Extra Mile
“Our server, TC, was a delight as well and made my friend a "surprise" cocktail that was great.”
Food Ordered with a Buzzer System — No Table Waiting Around
“Got a buzzer for the food.”