San Francisco is a city steeped in history, and few places capture that spirit like The Ha-Ra Club. This legendary watering hole has been serving drinks and stories since the 1940s, and now it’s home to a piece of history we’re excited to share—a 1940s wooden phone booth that we at Photomatica have lovingly converted into a one-of-a-kind photo booth.

The Ha-Ra Club’s rich history is carried forward by its current owner, Wizz Wentworth, who has been in the bar business for over 30 years. After running his own bar for 15 years, Wizz teamed up with longtime friends Tom Whalen and Scott Broccoli to take over Ha-Ra. Tom and Scott also co-own the club’s sister bar, Aces. With this crew at the helm, The Ha-Ra Club remains an iconic spot where every bar stool and corner whispers tales of yesteryear, making it the perfect home for our vintage photo booth.

In this unique setting, guests can now step into the past and capture memories in true analog style. It’s more than just a photo booth—it’s a time machine blending San Francisco’s storied past with today’s moments. We had the chance to sit down with the club’s general manager, Drew Pedersen, to talk about all things Ha-Ra Club and the special place it holds in his life.

What first drew you to the Ha-Ra Club, and how did you end up becoming its general manager?

My wife and I moved from Charleston, SC, in 2012 and found Ace’s, our neighborhood bar. It quickly became our community, and I was working in the Marina when the owners, Tommy and Wizz, would stop by to see me. I’ve worked everywhere—from fine dining to Irish pubs—so when they approached me about helping them with a bar they were investing in, I was all in. Ha-Ra was already part of my neighborhood, and being able to work here felt like home. We’ve since created our own version of 'Cheers,' where everyone’s part of the family.

What does the Ha-Ra Club mean to you personally, and how has your connection to the bar evolved over the years?

In the beginning, it was just an exciting new project. But over time, it’s become much more than a job. The Ha-Ra has a rich history; the original owners built it as a place for people to unwind, and it still has that magic. Wizz and Tommy had a clear vision, and I was happy to help shape it. The bar has grown into a true neighborhood spot, thanks to our regulars—they’re what make Ha-Ra special.

Can you share a moment when you felt particularly proud of the community that the Ha-Ra has fostered?

One of our bartenders, Paul, hosted an event where we raised money and awareness for a local dog rescue. We focused on senior dogs, and it was heartwarming to see our community come together for such a great cause.

How do you unwind after a busy night at the bar?

No big rituals—I usually just grab a beer, sit down with my friends, and share a few laughs. Simple as that.

Running a dive bar is often about the people. Who are some of the most memorable regulars or staff members you’ve met, and how have they impacted your experience at the Ha-Ra?

For me, Ha-Ra is all about community and friendship. The regulars here have brought me so much joy, and it’s their presence that makes working here so rewarding. Shoutout to everyone who makes the place what it is!

What’s one thing about you that your regulars would be surprised to learn?

They might be surprised to learn that I used to own my own photography business and that I’m an avid surfer.

The Ha-Ra Club has a long history in San Francisco. How do you maintain the bar's unique charm while keeping it relevant for new generations?

It’s all about balance. We’ve kept the old-school vibe intact while adapting to new trends. One of the things I’ve introduced is Vinyl Night, where a DJ spins both old and new records. It’s a fun way to bridge the gap between generations.

The Ha-Ra Club is known for its distinctive features like the velvet wallpaper and the converted photo booth. How did you decide to add a photo booth to the mix?

At first, we used the phone booth as a phone charging station, but no one really used it. Then the idea of a photo booth started floating around. After trying out one company and not being sold on it, Doug and Matt from Photomatica came by with a fresh idea to reimagine the phone booth—and it’s been a hit ever since.

How has the role of dive bars like the Ha-Ra changed in San Francisco’s evolving bar scene?

Dive bars are still the heartbeat of the neighborhoods, but younger crowds seem less inclined to embrace the idea of community and striking up conversations with strangers. The bar scene is changing, but to me, a great bar is all about the people and the connections made.

What’s your favorite drink on the menu, and is there a story behind it?

My go-to is a Miller High Life and a shot of Jameson—simple and classic. We do offer cocktails, but most of our customers stick to the basics: beer and shots, just like me.

Behind The Booth | The Ha-Ra Club