50 Best Bars near El Cerrito

“Super chill place that’s cozy and serves amazing nibbles and wine without being pretentious or exclusive. Can’t speak to mingling possibilities (whether you’ll go home with someone new) but it is a hangout stand-out, with stellar service. My new fav place north of Gourmet Ghetto“

“This is a relaxing place to enjoy stimulating conversation and a great cocktail after work. The atmosphere is inviting and plus the bartenders are friendly and make excellent drinks.“

“Lama Bar in El Cerrito is a gem! Exceptional service, great DJ vibes, and a cozy patio – it’s the perfect spot to unwind. Plus, the added bonus of billiards adds to the fun. Big thanks for the wonderful service; it’s definitely the go-to place for hanging out with friends!“

“Retro classy neighborhood bar with fun regulars and great music!!!😎👍👍“

“Good whiskey sours. Biggest and best cocktail cherries I’ve ever had 🍒 Nice bartenders, hardcore karaoke aficionados“

“Wide variety of Peruvian treats especially fried plantains and pisco chilcanos“

“Liholiho is a fantastic restaurant! The space is modern and beautifully designed, with an open kitchen where you can watch everything being prepared, which adds a lot of energy and transparency to the dining experience.

The service was very friendly, attentive, and quick. The cocktails were excellent, and even the non-alcoholic one I ordered was made with care and tasted great.

The food was outstanding. The bun with beef tongue was extraordinary, the tuna tartare and ceviche were perfectly balanced and fresh, and the shrimps with crispy rice were especially memorable. All dishes showed creativity, originality, and were prepared with high quality ingredients.

For three people, including first and main courses, drinks, and one dessert, the bill came to $260, which I found fair for this level of quality. The only minus point is that the restaurant does not offer coffee, which would have been a nice way to finish the meal.

Overall, I really enjoyed everything at Liholiho. Highly recommended, and I hope I will get to return again!“

“If you’re into tiki, this place is a must. If you’re not, it’s still going to be a very good time. Drinks are strong and expertly crafted. I love Smuggler’s Cove’s cocktail book but don’t always have all the necessary ingredients at home, so was glad to be able to experience the recipes where they can be properly executed.“

“Awesome Tiki Bar and a must visit if your into Tiki or themed bars“

“Wonderful Bar tender Alec and staff 😄. Loved it!“

“Amazing staff. Lovely owners out of this work drinks and mock tails and the plants !!!!“

“Trashy clientele, inconsistent and overpriced drinks, broken games, and early closing because the staff is lazy. This place is a joke, a disgrace to the Emporium name.“

“Quirky little pub in a nice neighborhood. We stumbled upon it by chance and felt at home right away 👍😀 Unforgettable atmosphere and wonderful people, including the owner, staff and patrons! 🥳🍻👍😀“

“Fab bar with a great range of booze and really friendly and helpful staff. Took the time to discuss UK vs USA measures and jiggers with me - fascinating!“

“Really great spot with delicious and healthy options. I went for the mixed grill, and the portions were generous and satisfying. The Seedlip non-alcoholic drinks were an unexpected and delightful surprise!“

“What a fantastic spot in the financial district! We were staying in town for a wedding, and this was such a great spot close to our hotel. Patrick (the owner) and his team were all a 10/10! Can’t wait to return.“

“😃🥰nice place for cocktails“

“I thought this would be a dime a dozen dive bar type spot, but thankfully I was wrong. It was pretty poppin for a Monday evening, but not enough to where it was overwhelming. The trees are fantastic, and the cocktails were actually good! We even got a nifty NA cocktail as a nightcap. I'll be coming back next time I'm in the area.“

“If I'm in San Francisco, it's a mandatory stop for me for an evening or late-night bite!“

“I've never been to a bar I've liked more. Everything about my experience was top shelf. The service was impeccable - attentive, engaging, and helpful. The listening experience was divine. The interior decor was a perfectly executed intersection of mid-century modern and industrial. What isn't to love? A gem.“

“I love performing their can't wait to go back“

“Amazing place, a bit unexpected when you drive by. Ihad great moments and made best friends. Cocktails are best in region! Try!“

“Best bar in the state of California. Bar tenders are angels sent from heaven.

If Heaven had a dive bar, it would be the Wreck Room.

This place is less of a bar and more of a spiritual experience where alcohol meets emotional healing and excellent music. I came in for one drink. I left with a new lease on life, 3 new best friends, and possibly a tattoo (jury’s still out).

Let’s talk about the bartenders.
These legends aren’t just slinging drinks—they’re alchemists. They mix cocktails like wizards with rent due. One of them made me a drink so good I texted my ex just to say I’ve moved on. Another handed me a shot with the kind of gay eye contact that made me believe in myself again.

Special shoutout to Ev, Philly, Mario! Watching them work is like watching a symphony of chaos—shakers flying, beers cracking, garnishes tossed like they’re auditioning for Top Chef: Bar Edition. At one point I swear I saw one of them pour six drinks with two hands and a third-eye chakra.

Vibes? Immaculate.
Bathroom graffiti? Philosophical.
Jukebox selection? So good I briefly considered proposing to it.
Clientele? A beautiful mix of people who all look like they could either give you great life advice or help you move a couch.

I’ve cried here. I’ve danced here. I once won a heated debate about the best Nicolas Cage movie here.

Wreck Room isn’t just a bar. It’s therapy with tequila.
10/10. Will be buried here.“

“Thriller Social Club is a go-to spot in SF for an unforgettable night out with friends! It’s more than just a barcade, it has a welcoming vibe that feels polished and fun, striking a unique balance between entertainment and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

The two-story layout has something for everyone: plenty of games across both floors and a cozy lounge area upstairs for those wanting to unwind. Special recognition to Devon, Matt, and the amazing staff who bring great energy and make sure everyone has a fantastic time.

If you’re looking for a place to play, chill, and enjoy some of the best hospitality in SF, Thriller Social Club is a must-visit!“

“Beautiful ambiance, attentive service, delicious food and drinks, and VERY memorable tiramisu. An all around excellent choice when dining out for a special occasion! Would highly recommend.“

“Best place ever. Real humans being real beautiful weirdos. Music sometimes. Eye candy always. Specs’ is one of my favorite places on earth.“

“Love eating on the Sun porch and the refills on the ice tea!“

“An incredible spot to enjoy some top quality draft ciders. I'm not an expert on ciders by any means, but I've had some incredible stuff here (I've particularly loved anything I've had from Yonder). The vibes here are great, the bartenders are lovely, and they have some great merch for sale! My mom who visits from out of state has bought a tote bag, hat, and sweatshirt from Redfield just so she can flex to her friends back home how awesome this bar is. If you enjoy cider, or even if you just want to stop in for a quick beer, this is a great and classy place to come to. Love Redfield!“

“This was my 1st visit to San Francisco on my birthday! Hidive was welcoming, with great staff, good drinks, and a great bar top food menu! Started the day out there with margaritas, and stopped back in for some wings and a nightcap at the end of the day. It was great!“

“I don’t know how long this will last, but right now there’s a lunch deal where you get a free martini with lunch. I got the burger which was great, and the martini was modest sized but packed a punch! It was perfectly made and really hit the spot. I can’t wait to come back and try the other cocktails on the menu 🍸“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

“I had a great drink here and will be back — good conversation and playful banter with the bartender. Local spot on Chestnut with a pool table in the back. I stopped in solo just to check the vibe, since I live in the neighborhood and had never been in. Everyone was welcoming, and the staff was happy to chat.“

“Yummy selection and really friendly service.“

“I have found a new favorite bar. Wandered in because I was curious, and was pleasantly surprised. It's a historic bar with GORGEOUS interiors, friendly service, fun historical anecdotes, and there was live music when I was there. I will definitely be back, and hopefully in time to catch the sandos!“

“What an intimate special dinning experience !“

“We stopped in because this place is located across the street from the Fox Theater and we were seeing a concert. What a terrific find. Fantastic cocktails, wonderful bartenders, and you can order food from a Japanese restaurant next door and they deliver it to you at the bar. Enjoyed a wonderful bento box with gyoza, seaweed salad, and fried chicken.“

“I found this bar on a recent trip to San Francisco that was one block from my hotel.
The service is really friendly and welcoming and the beers on tap are all American, I loved the easy drinking Truckee Blonde Ale from Fifty Fifty.
The atmosphere is relaxed and sophisticated without being uptight. Soft lighting and rustic decor makes you feel at home and I felt really comfortable sat at the bar.
It's a great place to meet people and enjoy some drinks. Being from England I was glad to meet a bunch of super friendly local people that gave me a lot of information about the area and places to see.
I'm looking to come back to SF next June and will definitely be dropping in for a few beers. Cheers!“

“They're always so nice to me here! Mama loves the craft cocktails and the book curations. We live nearby so it's a favorite neighborhood hang, and we appreciate all the thought that went into the menus.“

“Totally worth the drive to fish and see Barbara when they open for lunch.. Barbara is totally awesome. Cash only don't worry. There is ATM in the back. Large food and alcohol selection. We had no problems finding a seat on a Saturday afternoon. Plenty of amazing outside seating looking at the lake. Side note my friend comes here occasionally and fishes on the straight. He took me here today and we almost caught a Sturgeon together.“

“Great little cocktail bar. Fun drinks menu $11-14. Bartender was friendly and quick in general but also with the help of some pre-made batch drinks. The siesta (mezcal and grapefruit) was my favorite. The bee's knees with agave instead of honey was missing that round flavor. Moscow mule had nice fresh ginger flavor. Solid.“

“Fabulous spot to try amari new and old. Excellent selection, drinks and staff.“

“Best pub in SF! Shout out to my favorite Canucks fan 🤙🍻“

“Awesome location, enjoy the view SFO skyline, good food & drinks...“

“Great bartenders, so welcoming& makes an awesome Old Fashion, makes you feel like a family“

“Popped in for lunch to check out the newly opened H&T and loved it. The brisket was delicious with a side of Vaquero beans that packed plenty of flavor as well. I could see the bar is well stocked with a great selection of spirits as well as a bunch of quality local beers on tap. Points as well for having a quality N/A offering. I received fast and very friendly service. Looking fwd to visiting again soon and wish this new business the best of luck as it was obvious that plenty of heart & soul is invested at heads & tails.“

“Nice place & the best bartenders!“

“The atmosphere and bar itself was so much fun, the bar staff was incredibly friendly and kind. However, we paid for a private party and the DJ refused to take requests. I understand it is under his discretion to play what he wants, but he refused to play the songs the private party requested. I personally asked him to play a song and he told me he would, I never heard the song so I went back to him to ask about it playing and he told me it was going to be played soon. I never heard the song and when I asked him one more time, he said it’s no longer within your parties time frame and I can play whatever I want. I said that’s disappointing because I asked him to play the song during our private party event at this bar and he told me that’s not longer his problem and he was extremely rude. Very disappointing because this bar and the rest of the staff were amazing, but this DJ was rude and a real let down. Especially for how much money we spent for this bar for a birthday party. Do not suggest the bar hires this DJ again based on how he talked to customers.“

“Best view of city and iconic Golden Gate Bridge“