50 Best Cocktail Bars in San Francisco

“The food in this restaurant is delicious, I hope you have time to try it.“

“Amazing food and wine, great view“

“One of the essential bars to visit in SF.
I have been to trick dog several times for their amazing rotating cocktails and the fun ambience. Last night I booked a table to try the food and it was delicious. I had the chicken sandwich and the kale salad which I enjoyed greatly.
Will definitely grab food next time Im visiting.
The service was great, they even made us a drink from previous menus upon our request.“

“The drinks are fine and the food is ok. We took a spice bag to go as we wanted to enjoy it later. We heard a lot of hype around it as it's the only place in the bay area that has one. Unfortunately it was just so salty and the spice blend wasn't it compared to the real thing. It's great to even see a spice bag on a menu anywhere in California but I just wasn't a fan. Stick to the pints and you'll be fine.“

“Great environment, lively, and tasty food!“

“Had such a great experience at Kona's! 🌺 The vibe is fun and relaxed, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a long day. The drinks were refreshing and well-made, and the food hit the spot with great flavors. Service was friendly and welcoming, which made the visit even more enjoyable. Definitely a 5-star place I’d happily come back to!“

“Beautiful and intimately small location to hear some great jazz music! The musicians were all very into the music, bumping along with each other and having a great time making some great music. The food was great as well, definitely recommend the bao! The cocktails were all very diverse, something really for anyone's taste, and were really quite tasty. There is a 90 min limit at a table before they move you to a bar, which makes sense. I also loved how the smaller location and unique entrance made the location feel welcoming but secluded. Would definitely visit again!“

“Lavay Smith sings there on Sunday evenings“

“Really cool local bar…..the first time I ever tried Flor de Caña was from here…..all the proofs! Nice crowd, service, atmosphere, good drinks, vibe & bar bites! 👍🏿“

“We applaud all those who help PCH become Miracle @ PCH, it’s amazing!“

“Excellent experience from start to finish. Service was attentive without hovering. Never a long wait between courses.

We started with the bean dip, muhamara with flatbread, octopus, olives, and cauliflower. The octopus was the standout: smoky, sweet, tangy, and briny all on one plate. The dips were generous and flavorful.

We split the whole branzino for mains. Perfectly cooked and portioned well.

The atmosphere is casual but elevated. The value is better than comparable restaurants at this tier. You get real portions here, which matters when the check arrives.

Highly recommend for special occasions or a nice dinner out.“

“Bring on the funny 😁 happy anniversary Lisa good times great atmosphere!!!“

“We walked in on NYE without a reservation and they graciously found us a spot in the bar area. Service was on point and staff were festively dressed! I love a crafty cocktail but most are too sweet. I had the Smokey mezcal cocktail 🍹. Perfection. Appetizers were delish as well. Perfect way to start our NYE celebrations.“

“Johnathan who was clearing glassware was very friendly and on top of his job and the bartender whose name I believe is Jake was great and very helpful with helping us choose cocktails we enjoyed! The live music was phenomenal, lively without being overwhelming. Shoutout to the guys at @magicschoolbusk on instagram. Definitely a must stop when your in SF.“

“Tiki Bar with a definite 50’s vibe. Love the rum selection!“

“Nice bar and really like the roof fan“

“Had a lovely time both times I went. The speakeasy has very chill vibes and the board game room is really nice. Drinks were immaculate. Can't wait to try the escape room.“

“We visited Blind Pig last night as a group of four and had a fantastic time. The concept of the bar is refreshingly original and gives the whole place a special vibe right from the start.

The drinks were outstanding - beautifully crafted and presented in a real special way. A big shoutout to the bartender, who did an excellent job!

This is definitely a place we’d happily come back to.“

“Such a fantastic spot! I originally wanted to stop by The Rabbit Hole to try the beers on tap from Sugoi Brewing (which we're both fantastic by the way), but was blown away by the entire experience. The vibe, the staff, the food, and the prices all exceeded my expectations. We can't wait to come back and try some other dishes. Also, perfect date spot!“

“After unfriendly service at side a, we tried true laurel instead and we were blown away by how accommodating and welcoming the staff were to us and our child. Service is great, drinks and food are phenomenal. Do not skip the mushrooms! 10/10“

“Historical significance with Jack Kerouac and very cool looking. Great location.“

“The seafood here is absolutely superb in both flavour and service, with exceptionally fresh ingredients. It ranks among the finest seafood I've ever tasted😃😋“

“Fantastic concept, fantastic cocktails“

“We stopped by this pub to find an incredibly welcoming bartender and amazing drinks!
The food did look really good, but alas we came after dinner.
I'm not kidding, when I say, these were some of the best cocktails we've ever had!!
Definitely recommend if you are interested in artisinal cocktails made with care (go somewhere else if you want cheap shots ;))“

“The food was delicious, especially the veggie dumplings and the vegetable dragon roll. And our server was incredibly nice! Also, the cute fish cup they served us in was for sale, so of course I had to buy it. Overall a great gem in the city.“

“An amazing bar. Significant list of drinks, all unique and intriguing. A significant number can be made non-alcoholic and are delicious in that form as well. The staff is incredible (Paolo was great, as were everyone else whose names I forgot).

The atmosphere is wonderful, as is the food. Even the bottle list is fantastic if you're looking for something neat.“

“This is a classic Italian restaurant with a lively atmosphere and excellent service. The portions are generous and the food is delicious. We ordered the classic pepperoni pizza, the classic cheese and bacon pizza, as well as the lasagna and carbonara. The pizzas were cooked to perfection, with a crispy and delicious crust. The pasta was cheesy and filling.“

“Delicious drinks with amazing service. Michael was able to create a fantastic cocktail for my spouse. Between Michael and the cocktails, there is no reason to go anywhere else.“

“I was there last Monday with a friend. We were not drinking and we had a couple of sales and sides. Food was just okay, nothing special. But probably because we didn’t order anything special. Service was quite slow after they dropped the food. It took us a while just to get their attention for follow ups, and for the check it took quite a bit, then they made a mistake with our cards. The atmosphere is nice, and in a good location, and they seemed to have a lot of good cocktail options, but we were just not drinking that night. It felt slightly expensive for what we had.“

“I honestly don’t even know where to begin. From start to finish, it was the most mind-blowing experience I’ve ever had.

We met this beautiful, joyful woman named Luka, who was so kind. She sat us down at the bar, where we enjoyed some lovely drinks. They also gave us happy hour oysters, which were, of course, delicious.

Then we were seated at our table, where we got to meet the whole team. Each person individually welcomed us and attended to all our needs. Even the head chef came out personally, greeted us, and offered us items from the menu as a gesture of kindness—which, honestly, I don’t feel we even deserved.

The food was absolutely amazing. Everything was so delicious, and the flavors never clashed. I truly don’t have a single bad word to say. I can’t wait for them to receive their first Michelin star—they all deserve it.

I will definitely be coming back. Thank you to all the wonderful people for the hard work they put in—not just in bringing the food out quickly, but in doing so with love and care.

Thank you again.“

“The Korner Store is a private event space now. I sent an inquiry in for a Saturday night booking, and received prompt response with a quote and some options. There's a minimum food and drink amount. I coordinated a walk through of the space and made a deposit!

The hosts and owners (Ina and Nick) are incredibly helpful throughout the booking and night of the event. My ~40 guests enjoyed the Korean food and full bar. We had a fantastic time in the private space. The venue has tv screens, music inputs, DJ and dance area, karaoke, and an optional photobooth. I highly recommend considering The Korner Store for your next event.“

“This place is absolutely fantastic! It’s the quintessential neighborhood pub, radiating warmth and charm. The fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere that wraps around you like a soft blanket, making it the perfect spot to unwind. Meanwhile, the talented barkeeps expertly keep the drinks flowing, ensuring the good times never stop. Whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet evening, this pub is a true gem that captures the heart and spirit of the community!“

“Overall a great spot to chill w/ friends or on your own!! 👍 My BF & I have visited quite a number of times, and we love this place!“

“I visited here with some friends earlier this week and had such an incredible time exploring the cocktail menu. There are lots of interesting drink options -- some of them not for the faint of heart! -- and the vibe of the place is private-feeling, but welcoming and really beautiful. I think I talked the ear off the bartender, August, who was incredibly kind and super knowledgeable about the menu and beyond. Thank you so much for letting me try my first taste of zubrowka and for the excellent service and drinks, August! I'll def check it out again when I'm back in the bay area.“

“This is a totally random accident. Wanted to go to karaoke but they were having a private show. Ended up over at Harlan records with a small group of friends. From the moment we walked in it was an amazing experience. Greeted by a very friendly bouncer walked into some dancers and had a Vibe all the way over to our chosen seats. The DJ was so amazing he kept putting mixes I never would have thought to put together and it was amazing shout out to Paul. Bartenders are great, the drinks were amazing and unique. Truly something for everybody.“

“Novela is an absolute standout in San Francisco! The book-themed concept is incredibly unique and beautifully executed, creating a cozy yet upscale atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out. Every detail—from the decor to the ambiance—feels thoughtfully curated.
The cocktails are exceptional, creative, and expertly crafted, with plenty of options to suit different tastes. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and provide top-notch service that really elevates the experience. Whether you’re a literature lover or just looking for a stylish spot with great drinks, Novela is a must-visit! 📚🍸“

“A must stop when in the area. Nothing fancy, dive bar feel, but always a good time.“

“Awesome karaoke bar in Chinatown, SF! Definitely a Chinatown feel with the dim red lights & decor. There's a huge karaoke book to choose a song to sing. If the bar is full, they'd likely limit you to 1 song at a time so others get a chance. Space is small so it can get crowded. Loved the energy & atmosphere.“

“This is one of my favorite restaurants in SF when I used to live here and I still come and dine here when I visit. First, the decor has a beautiful serene green lush wooden nature vibes. The patio has beautiful views of the bay bridge and ferry building.
I always had very friendly service here.

I always order the chicken skewers, the fries, and the carrots. This place is healthy and clean eating, so I can see why some people see it as “bland” in their reviews but as someone who suffers from digestive issues, I absolutely adore this place and thank them for using sustainable and healthy ingredients whenever possible.

My only issue is they removed my favorite drink La Flor de Jamaica which was a hibiscus margarita that tasted better than a margarita more elevated and refined. And it was so gorgeous! The way the big block ice cub was infused with ingredients for the drink and the tangy rim and the color wow so beautiful. I absolutely love hibiscus drinks but most places use a syrup and hibiscus drinks really should be a dark red pink color and have that rich flavor but most bars I go to are never made like that until I came here. I mean look how pretty it looks and next to their cucumber cocktail! I asked them why they removed it and they said something about seasonal but they had it for a few years until they stopped and they continue to have the cucumber drink. You can see how passionate I’m about this drink! Also, they should bring back the flatbread which was a favorite among my family and friends!“

“Thank you, Le Petit Paris 75, for welcoming the Richard Crook trio to your delightful club. Always a friendly atmosphere, amazing cocktails, and awesome music line ups!“

“I have been twice and so far everything has been delicious. I need to go back a few more times to try everything on the menu. Don't forget to save room for dessert. The cocktails are fantastic.“

“Tony is the fantastic bartender“

“The Food is good the service was great and the entrainment was awesome“

“We grabbed a drink at For The Record while waiting for our dinner reservation nearby. I really appreciated the casual yet still upscale vibe, tons of seating, and helpful bartenders. The dirty martini we got was inventive and strong, and the overall experience was top notch.“

“Great cocktails and service, not a massive venue so would be perfect to have a cocktail party“

“One great cocktail, one not as much. Can't remember the name but collins glass was very refreshing while the smaller one (smoked mezcal) was very smoky to the point where it was harsh. Went there around midnight, it was pretty damn hot in the bar.“

“Great views, great staff, great food, and great drinks. Loved the decor and atmosphere. Would recommend and will return. Enjoyed the DJ, my favorite drinks were the Love Cats and Mr. Jinks. We shared several plates and the pork belly skewers, the pretzels (the mustard and pimento stuff was delish) and the asparagus salad were all amazing.“

“fantastic drinks excellent atmosphere and realy cool people“

“Why wouldn’t you kick it here????“

“Amazing local bar/club venue for some really good DJs (all genres of house) to fun karaoke nights (Weds and Sun). Bartenders here are friendly and super nice and the decor/vibe of the place is really special. They curate a really diverse range of nights and rarely a cover, highly recommended. Sound system is top notch.“