50 Best Bars in San Francisco

“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!“

“Arrived solo while waiting for a mate and was instantly looked after by the lovely bartender & manager—genuinely great chat and brilliant drink recs. The “punch special” is chaos in a glass (a mix of whatever’s going—but cheap and fun if you’re brave). Music was random, the pool table was lively, and people were even sending drinks to strangers, which gave the whole place a buzzy, friendly feel. It’s the perfect mix of dive bar energy with proper service and solid drinks. Not polished, not trying to be—just effortlessly cool. Definitely worth a visit, and I’d happily go back.“

“Best dining experience I’ve had since I moved here. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. My new favorite restaurant 💚💚💚“

“I must say i had high hopes but the meal was tasteless but my friends had too much salt. I wanted to like it. Wont return, wont recommend. ☹“

“I quit drinking before the judge ordered me to—how is that for initiative? Since that last call, no bar has captured my attention. Nor have I returned to any of the bars I enjoyed around here. I’m from the east coast—a pub near a rail station which draws a crowd free of pretense is proper nurture. Glen Park Station is welcoming, comfortable, fun, and built for a night done right.

There are non-alcoholic brews for those who abstain, shot-and-a-beer specials for $12.00, wine by the glass, and an indoor smoking lounge. A pinball machine which takes dollar bills. Darts. Superior bar stools. Table seating up front. A rear patio. No Apple Pay.The bar has neighboring businesses which serve food. One can find Vietnamese, Thai, and Mexican fare within a block. The bodega sits across from BART, on the same side of Diamond St. A pizza place is in proximity. This area has a low-key dominance about it. A great spot for socializing, a walkable pocket of the city wherein small businesses sling good eats, and you have the option to get hammered.

Parking is available in the public library lot after 6, 7, 8PM during the week. Street parking on the northbound lane of Bosworth between Arlington & Diamond is free in the evenings. I am not sure when the meters stop accepting payment-I pulled up at 7:30PM on a Monday.

To those behind the wheel—be advised—residential streets intersect as sharp turns become sudden hills. At all hours there are pedestrians, cyclists, and coyotes. SFPD often posts a patrol vehicle on Bosworth (south of the Arlington intersection) to eyeball the I-280 south on-ramp.“

“Great place great food. Love it“

“Truly authentic Calabrese style Italian cuisine takes us back to Nonna’s kitchen“

“A bar! No food, no frills, just lots of beers, great drinks, and a great patio!“

“Rich dishes, very delicious“

“Great food and the best margaritas.“

“This review is particularly for the Ilna pop-up on Sunday nights. Maz, the chef, cooks with so much passion. He collects the best ingredients from local farmer's markets, even using his background as a wine maker to create special ferments, and shares his family's Lebanese origins with so much care in each dish. The meatball and prosciutto are not to be missed!“

“Smugglers cove is the cutest tiki bar! Beautiful decor

What a drink menu, it’s so good! Many cocktails to choose from and the bartenders are phenomenal. The drinks here are an art form and the presentation was excellent

Sat with our group in lower level it was pretty warm in there!

Must stop if you in the area!“

“Every drink is handled with care.“

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

“Great atmosphere! Bartenders were great and able to make a variety of unique drinks. The back patio was arranged to accommodate 2-4 at a small table, and benches or high tops for groups. There was also an option to sit under the covered or outside part of the patio.“

“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.“

“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! 🥳🍻👍😀“

“Great spot! Good bartenders, friendly crowd and laid back vibe. Dog friendly as one would expect. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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.“

“😃🥰nice place for cocktails“

“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.“

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

“Lively environment and customers. Really fun!“

“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 🍸“

“You must try the guava cider and fish and chips with the mushy peas! I dont know why I liked the peas so much, but I did. Pascal is a great bartender and makes sure youre taken care of and does it with such warmth. Definitely come here for free games of pool on Mondays and trivia on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!“

“Omg, they play DISCO music!!!! Yes!!! That, the bartenders and the atmosphere. I totally dig this place!“

“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!“

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

“Favourite neighbourhood bar!“

“Great drinks and space both outdoors and indoors.“

“My favorite bar in SF! I come here nearly every year on my birthday to celebrate another trip around the sun. I know that by removing the pool and foosball table from the lower level helped free up some space inside, but I miss playing a round. They have the friendliest bartenders in the city. I hope that the Page never changes, carpeted floors and all!!!“

“Spent a great evening a the Mad Dog in the Fog. Good food. Good trivia. Great people. Thanks to Killian for making our night sensational. Best Irish pub in San Fran.“

“Friendly crew. Verifying Covid vaccine status to enter. Clean bathrooms and nice outside space.“

“Watch out for the spicy drinks......they are SPICY!! It was very good. The staff were nice and fast. It's a bar so I don't expect a clean bathroom let's just say it needs a lil help and I was there early. Would go back with a different dj“

“What an intimate special dinning experience !“

“Had a great first visit to Toronado! Charlie was super friendly and took care of my group. I bought some merch that I wore the next day at a conference and got lots of compliments from the locals attending.

Will be back soon!“

“awesome. especially in the daylight!“

“Great place for a beer before a show at The Independent“

“awesome drinks! great rye and drinks“

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

“By day it's a cozy café, but by night it transforms into a modern Japanese-style bar with an intimate, almost hidden atmosphere. It's the kind of place where great drinks, soft lighting, and a touch of mystery make every moment special. Also really goood coffee ☕️“

“ABV Bar in San Francisco is a hidden gem for spirits lovers. They’ve got super cool, fairly priced selections across the board—food, wine, beer, mezcal, bourbon, Japanese whisky, and scotch. The owners are incredibly friendly and accommodating, which makes the vibe even better. If you’re a die-hard whisky nerd, I’d recommend bringing your own Glencairn glass, but otherwise, you’ll be thrilled—especially with the amazing old single cask Springbanks they pour at great prices.“

“Joe is great. After our Uber drive dropped us in the wrong place, Joe would tell us how to get there, he took us there. It was only at the end of the block, but meant the world to us. He wouldn’t accept a tip, so went back to have a beer after dinner. He remembered our name. He is the true meaning of customer service and I’ve told all of my friends to go see him at the Showdown. Thanks again, Joe“

“Friendly staff who are happy to give reccomendations for the area (both for food, bars etc as well as "cultural" advice).

Reasonably priced.

Nice vibe. Music, but not too loud. Cool rural on the floor you enter in.“

“Lavay Smith sings there on Sunday evenings“

“Great bar with awesome service and atmosphere“

“Hip decor….. Awesome staff!!“

“Had a luncheon @ Perbacco with my 9 coworkers and Manager to say “goodbye & farewell” to a retiring coworker and “welcome” to a new coworker. Started with a round of hors d'oeuvre’s. The thin sliced veal with a sauce and capers was delicious! The fried shrimp, veggies and olives/anchovies…also with a sauce was awesome as well. For my main, I had CRESTE DI GALLO - semolina pasta - wild mushroom ragu - spinach - ricotta salata. Our waiter was the best! I saved one of the sugar cookies from my deserts…Burnt Carmel Gelato. Mentioned it to our waiter and as we were leaving, I heard “Sir! Sir!” He brought me one of their meringue cookies to also share with my partner! I thought that was just awesome! Top notch food and customer service. We’ll be back!“