The Top Bars of San Francisco:
1. 15 Romolo
A hidden haunt, 15 Romolo is a 20-something back-alley local dining hall with a watering hole. In its history, 15 Romolo has housed brothels, speakeasies, and of course The Basque Hotel which is the inspiration behind 15 Romolo’s candlelit appeal. All those seeking to find an adventure must definitely visit the bar for its quality sherries, wines, beers, and other cocktails. You can also pick up some of their intoxicating booze or have a bottle or two delivered, they are splurge-worthy. If you’re wondering what’s on the menu, here are some of the delectable items you can dig into – wings, skewers, burgers, sandwiches, poutine, and fries. And of course, for those free spirits who want to get a little footloose, there’s some jukebox music to make your evening groovy!
Location: The Basque Hotel, 15 Romolo Pl
Days and Timings: Tuesday-Saturday, 2 PM - 6 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Available from Tuesday to Saturday, for those orders placed before 2 PM delivery can be done on the same day within the city limits for a charge of $10.
2. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar
Located in the charming neighborhood of Hayes Valley, this bar in San Francisco is one of the most loved dining and drinking institutions in the city since 1998. With a classic French menu, the brasserie and bar provide a wide selection of house favorites like French onion soup, hand-cut fries, cheese and charcuterie, sandwiches, entrées, desserts, cocktails, and wine. It’s the perfect spot for seating yourself at one of their parklets with your friends.
Location: 398 Hayes St
Days and Timings: Wednesday-Thursday and Sunday, 12 PM - 8 PM
Friday to Saturday, 12 PM – 9 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Delivery and Takeout available from 12 PM - 8 PM (Wednesday-Sunday)
3. ABV
ABV is a bar with large-scale murals setting the stage. What’s better is that it has outdoor seating where you grab a couple of drinks/cocktails (whatever is your choice of poison) and some grub like tacos, hot dogs, and burgers to go with it. Apart from that, you can also pick up a bottle of Scotch or Japanese Whiskey along with other choices, to take back with you as memorabilia.
Location: 3174 16th St
Days and Timings: Tuesday-Thursday, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday and Saturday, 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Delivery and Takeout available from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Tuesday-Saturday)
4. The Alembic
With a name that derives from the amalgamation of the ancient Greek word “Ambix” (meaning – cup) and the Arabic word “Al-Ambiq” (meaning – early distillation vessel used in the 9th century in Persia), The Alembic refers to the entire apparatus used. Taking inspiration from its name, this Bar in San Francisco produces the finest distilled cocktails and crafted beers.
Location: 1725 Haight St
Days and Timings: Friday-Sunday, 1 PM – 6 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Curbside pickup or delivery from Friday-Sunday, between 1 PM – 6 PM
5. Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge
A cozy rooftop bar with lounge seating and views of the San Francisco skyline, Charmaine’s is great for a breakfast date or brunch with friends and family. They provide the perfect mix of sophisticated cocktails and elevated bar bites and we mentioned cozy but did we tell you about the fire pits and heat lamps that add to the vibe?
Location: Proper Hotel, 1100 Market Street Entrance, 45 McAllister St at
Days and Timings: Thursday-Friday-Saturday, 8 AM – 12 AM
Sunday-Wednesday, 8 AM – 10 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Order takeout through Caviar, 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM every day
6. The Interval at Long Now
The Interval is another hidden gem of San Francisco nestled inside Fort Mason. Home to the Long Now Foundation, this Bar in San Francisco features a floor-to-ceiling library along with a menu of time inspired crafted drinks. You can watch it transform from a museum and café during the day into a bar by night.
Location: Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, Landmark Building A, 2 Marina Boulevard
Days and Timings: Saturday-Sunday, 11 AM – 9 PM
Wednesday-Friday, 3 PM – 9 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Can only place to-go orders, Saturday-Sunday, 11 AM – 9 PM Wednesday-Friday, 3 PM – 9 PM
7. Horsefeather
With a wood-paneled indoor and atrium styled outdoor seating with lots of greenery, Horsefeather is what you would call a neighborhood favorite. Surrounded by a chilled-out crowd, you can kick back with some chilled spirits and munchies like a cheeseburger, fried chicken, duck fat fries, sandwich, and even a poke bowl for a healthier option.
Location: 528 Divisadero St
Days and Timings: Monday to Friday, 1 PM – 11 PM
Saturday, 11 AM – 11 PM
Sunday, 11 AM – 10 PM
Pick-up, Delivery, and Dine-In Options: Open for Dine-In and Takeaway available every day
8. Monk’s Kettle
Monk’s Kettle is your neighborhood restaurant, tavern, and bottle shop all-in-one. It was opened in 2007 just when the craft beer scene was booming and hence, offers a broad and balanced list of a variety of craft beers (Draft Beer, Belgian Brews, Local favorites, and more). This Bar in San Francisco also has the friendliest staff of bartenders and servers who will guide and help you pick the right brew.
Location: 3141 16th St
Days and Timings: Friday-Saturday, 12 PM – 10 PM
Sunday-Thursday, 12 PM – 10 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Pick-up or delivery through ChowNow can be done, 12 PM – 10 PM (7 days a week)
9. Pacific Cocktail Haven
If you’re in the mood for an exceptional cocktail, you should head to Pacific Cocktail Haven. You’ll be able to see the bar from afar with its pineapple signage, instantly drawing you towards it. The watering hole serves up some affordable, approachable, and inventive drinks in festive barware.
Location: 580 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
Days and Timings: Tuesday-Saturday, 4 PM – 9 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: You can get your order to go anywhere between 4 PM - 9 PM from Tuesday to Saturday
10. The Snug
The Snug is a brainchild of 4 friends who share a passion for providing great food, the best beer in California, and strong drinks. Grab a friend or two and head to this Bar in San Francisco where you have the option to sit outside at booths where you can tuck into some burgers, sandwiches, or salads with a cocktail to accompany it.
Location: 2301 Fillmore St
Days and Timings: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 AM – 10 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: You can do a curbside pick up or get your food delivered through Caviar, DoorDash, UberEats, Postmates, or even GrubHub, anywhere between Tuesday to Saturday from 11 AM – 10 PM
11. Third Rail
A one-of-a-kind cocktail and jerky bar, Third Rail is located in the Dogpatch neighborhood. It offers some innovative cocktails with the freshest, seasonal ingredients with a variety of differently cured homemade Jerky (including a vegetarian Jerky). Although you must know that the cocktails are only available under the two formats – either bottled or to-go, so you could grab some for a picnic or a party at home!
Location: 628 20th St
Days and Timings: Saturday-Sunday, 12 PM – 3 PM
Friday, 5 PM – 9 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Order takeout or have it delivered between the above-mentioned days and times
12. Tommy's Mexican Restaurant
A Yucatecan and Mexican cuisine restaurant and bar, Tommy’s was started in 1965. This unique Bar in San Francisco has an extensive collection of the Bay Area’s finest and most premium Agave tequila and margaritas. As a rule, you do have to buy food here if you want to drink (it’s the law for all the bars!), so why not grab some yummy tacos, salsa, and chips, quesadillas, burritos, tortillas, fajitas with a serving of your choice to pair. You can also invest in a DIY margarita kit to make it a fun activity.
Location: 5929 Geary Blvd
Days and Timings: Wednesday-Monday, 12 PM – 11 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Order in person or call in advance for a curbside takeaway
13. Toronado
With 40 beers on tap at any given time, Toronado is known as the founding father of San Francisco’s beer scene. Just as you’ve got a wide variety of beers to choose from, you will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to the food menu (that offer’s different types of sausages!) that is provided by Berliner Berliner.
Location: 547 Haight St
Days and Timings: Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, 11:30 AM – 8 PM
Friday-Saturday, 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Order from Toronado’s parklet to get some food and beer-to-go from Tuesday to Sunday (Noon - 8 PM)
14. True Laurel
A destination worthy cocktail bar, True Laurel serves up the most thoughtful beverages with unique ingredients and liquors (like black lime, fermented tonic, pine tips). And with that, you will also get the opportunity to have some of your favorite comfort bar foods presented to you by a Michelin-star chef.
Location: 753 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
Days and Timings: Saturday-Sunday, 11 AM – 9 PM
Wednesday-Thursday-Friday, 4 PM – 9 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Both takeout and delivery options are available from the above-mentioned days and timings
15. Whitechapel
Whitechapel is every Gin lover’s paradise! But it's not only limited to Gin if that’s what you’re worried about. You can find a collection of remarkable cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. What’s better than a pairing of British street food like Fish and Chips amongst others to add to the mix. The place also offers brunch and an outdoor beer/cocktail garden with picnic tables called The Barbican.
Location: 600 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Days and Timings: Thursday-Friday, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Saturday, Noon - 7:30 PM (Brunch till 3:30 PM)
Sunday, Noon – 5 PM (Brunch all day)
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Both takeaway and delivery options are available
16. Zeitgeist
Founded in 1977, Zeitgeist is what you would call a historic bar and beer garden that is known for its biker-friendly crowd and legendary Bloody Marys, Margaritas, and 64 taps of craft beer. The rule here is that you have to order food to be able to get seated at a table (first come first serve basis) which can be a little troublesome in case there’s no space. To keep its customers busy, the place has some live music and darts. This Bar in San Francisco also prefers credit cards as the mode of payment.
Location: 199 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Days and Timings: Monday-Wednesday, 4 PM – 8 PM
Thursday, 10 PM – 9 PM
Friday, 3 PM – 10 PM
Saturday, 1 PM – 10 PM
Sunday, 1 PM – 6 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Only takeaway is available
17. Bon Voyage!
Bon Voyage! Provides an amalgamation between Chinese bites and colorful African themed cocktails. It thrives on the inspiration it received globally from Africa to Asia. Talking about drinks, the menu lists some tropical flavors, cordials, homemade bitters and tinctures, and other spirits. On the food front, you’ll find options from dumplings and buns to items straight from the wok.
Location: 584 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
Days and Timings: Monday-Wednesday, 4 PM – 12 AM
Thursday, 4 PM – 2 AM
Saturday, 4 PM – 2 AM
Sunday, 3 PM – 12 AM
18. The Riddler
With a motto that states “Hello, old friend”, this Bar in San Francisco operates in a manner that makes you feel right at home. The best part about this wine bar is that they provide popcorn at any time of the day be it brunch or an evening of drinking and it’s a women-run show, so it’s the place always has a bubbly spirit (pun intended!). If you’re in the mood to relax you could pick a glass of wine or beer and some knick-knacks to munch on without feeling any guilt!
Location: 528 Laguna St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Days and Timings: Tuesday- Friday, 4 PM – 10 PM
Sat: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Sun: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
19. Anina
Location: 482 Hayes St
Days and Timings: On the Patio - Tuesday-Thursday, 4 PM – 8 PM
Friday-Saturday, 2 PM – 9 PM
Sunday,1 PM – 6 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: To-go - Tuesday-Thursday, 4 PM – 8 PM
Friday-Saturday, 2 PM – 9 PM
Sunday, 1 PM – 6 PM
20. Trick Dog
Location: 3010 20th St
Days and Timings: Wednesday-Sunday, 4 PM – 9 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Both the options are available
21. Verjus
Location: 528 Washington St
Days and Timings: Tuesday-Friday, 5 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, 12 PM – 9 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Only pick up is available between 12 pm – 9 PM
22. Pagan Idol
The Pagan Idol fulfills its name with its funky tiki décor; thatched huts, starlit ceilings, and a sunken wooden ship bar and is a transforming experience. The drinks menu has the most classic rum flavors and class drinks like mai tais and daiquiris. To elevate the experience and flavors of your drink, you can choose to have it in a coconut or pineapple.
Location: 375 Bush St
Days and Timings: Monday-Friday, 4 PM – 2 AM
Saturday, 6 PM – 2 AM
23. Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery
A big part of Haight’s drinking scene, Magnolia Gastropub and Brewery has produced almost 2,500 batches in the last 20 years which are majorly available onsite and at Smokestack - their sister location. It is said that the vibe at Haight Street is what keeps the crowd coming here for more.
Location: 1398 Haight St
Days and Timings: Monday-Friday, 3 PM – 8 PM
Saturday-Sunday, 12 PM – 8 PM
Saturday-Sunday (Brunch), 10 AM – 3 PM
24. Trademark & Copyright
Trademark and Copyright sound like a serious place right? But they are far from that, they are sister bars with a common outside patio and it also happens to be the neighborhood sports bar with big screens that everyone flocks to watch the important football matches! This Bar in San Francisco also has a very secret kitchen for craft cocktails and chef-created bar bites and BOOZY DESSERTS!
Location: 1123 Folsom St
Days and Timings: Wednesday-Saturday, 12 PM – 8 PM
Pick-up and Delivery Options: Both options are available
25. Laszlo
Laszlo is a very bohemian chic inspired entryway bar located inside Foreign Cinema. We say bohemian because its walls are lined with movie posters representing the Eastern European film culture. Apart from that the bar offers avant-garde cocktails and has vinyl DJs performing to keep its customers entertained.
Location: 2526 Mission St
Days and Timings: Wednesday-Thursday, 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Friday-Saturday, 5 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday, 11 AM – 3 PM
26. Peacekeeper
Located in Lower Nob Hill, Peacekeeper is a trendy and laid-back bar with bi-level seating. Spirits here feature gin, vodka, bourbon, tequila, and even agave-based spirits (and more) with a balance of the freshest ingredients available: berries, spices, and shrubs.
Location: 925 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
Days and Timings: Monday-Friday, 2 PM – 12 AM
Saturday-Sunday, 1 PM – 12 AM
27. Elements at One65
With a very flashy metropolitan vibe, Elements is a fourth-floor bar and bistro run by a Michelin-star chef who takes his cocktails seriously. Unlike the usual casual dive bars around the city, this particular bar reeks of passion and innovation. You will find cocktails with unconventional ingredients like hazelnut, egg white, carrot, and even thyme. Another interesting fact about the bar and bistro is that its menu is divided into different elements – air, earth, fire, and water).
Location: 165 O'Farrell St 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102, United StatesNow that we’ve told you all about the best Bars in San Francisco, don’t forget to grab a friend or two on your way because now you have no excuse to feel intimidated and miss out on any of the San Francisco fun! Let us know in the comments below which bar joint sounds like your next drinking adventure.
Days and Timings: Monday-Saturday, 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM