Not everyone loves shuffleboard, but the ones who do will have the one-two combo of both a place to dominate at shuffleboard and an alternate game, such as pool, for your friend who wants to redeem themself after taking an L. There is also a decent patio out back, plus hey, a bar that references Emperor Norton can never be too bad.

Sure, most locals reading this map would expect Thriller Social Club to make this list, given the plentiful number of activities available for patrons, but it is worth singing the praises of Thriller Social Club again for the folks in the back who don’t know. There are midway games, air hockey, Skee-Ball, a golf simulator, and more, as well as a selection of cocktails and food that will keep the group around when the game fever has run its course.

As Hockey Haven declared in 2018, they’re not so much a haven for hockey fans these days. But there are still a number of reasons to stop by this neighborhood dive — and one of those reasons is the pool table. Sure, it’s not a bevy of pool tables as one might find at a pool hall but it’s a place to get to know the neighborhood and vibe with the locals. (Although, if you need multiple reasons to come here, one other non-activity reason to love this bar is its patio.)

Sure, there are other mini golf places out there, such as the noteworthy Urban Putt, but Stagecoach Greens is worthy of an entry for two reasons: the bevy of excellent food trucks available at Spark Social, plus the added bonus of fire pits that can accommodate up ten people or more.

Yes, there’s the larger, more cavernous Emporium on Divisadero, dedicated to video game playing-slash-drinking (there’s also a location in Oakland), but if you’re looking for a somewhat more lowkey space to beat your friends at Super Smash Bros. or Killer Queen with a beer in hand, the Detour is perhaps the spot. If pinball is more your speed, they’ve got those machines, too, plus a late-ish night menu with snacks like popcorn laced with furikake and sesame oil, lumpia, or cauliflower tacos.

For those who prefer the danger of something sharp in their hand while drinking — yes, somehow axe-throwing bars are still a thing — perhaps a game of darts might sound enticing. Inner Sunset favorite Yancy’s has plenty of lanes to get throw-y at, putting prestige at your fingertips with your (inevitable?) bullseye. There are also TVs for watching sports, and the friendly establishment is kind enough to allow outside food, in case you’re feeling peckish.

Technically the Game Parlour isn’t a bar-bar — although for argument’s sake, it is part espresso bar — but there’s something charming about a space that earnestly wants groups to gather for the sake of gaming. Bring your Dungeons & Dragons group, or pick one of the board games on hand, while eating a mochi waffle or downing specialty drinks like Fury of Dracula, a drink made of strawberry puree, sparkling water, and strawberry jelly.

The line between whether this is more bar-with-bowling-alley or vice versa is blurred, but that doesn’t make Mission Bowling Club any less fun. The 21+ age limit after 6 p.m. helps make the space feel less suburban babysitting haven and more adult. Plus, the food and drinks are pretty decent — shoutout to the Mission Burger — so it’s hard to argue against Mission Bowling when it becomes a question of where to go out at night.