Lounges in San Francisco, CA

“Great spot for pre show dinner, easy parking and walk to all main venues. Our fixed menus had three great choices, we had the citrus salad (light and perfectly balanced), clam chowder (generous portion and tasty). Main was petrole sole and it was perfectly grilled! And don't miss the flat bread, 100% worth the up charge. We will definitely make this our go to from now on!“

“Excellent Sunday vibe good music and good food“

“great place and the prices are even better. The owner is so nice. This is our new go to bar when we come to San Francisco. They rhave happy hour prices all the time. love the drink he made me“

“Marianne's was absolutely amazing!! I went with a couple friends for my birthday and our bartender/waiter Chris made the night so special. The food was absolutely delicious, drinks were perfect, and got the cutest photos ever. Would 100% come again.“

“The lounge is nice and warmly lit with football games playing on TVs near the bar counter. We had a few bar snacks to go with our Presidio Fall Spritz and Affogato. The drinks were excellent all around. They were, however, very expensive with the spritz coming in at $30. I suppose that is to be expected when you have a drink at the Ritz so I won’t hold it against them.“

“Old world ambiance meets current SF vibe. We shared six small plates between four people and couldn't finish them all. Each was a vibrant taste experience. Especially notable were the Beef Pierogi Dumplings which were uniquely savory. For a light meal, before the theater, the Cheesy Roasted Potatoes and Roasted Beet Salad would satisfy two. Edward, the owner, served one hit after the other, knowing how to serve encore after encore of deliciousness.“

“Craft Cocktails are creative, balanced, and leaving you wanting more. The food: Duck Salad, Buns, Veg Fried Rice, Sea Bass were all fresh, flavorful, and amazing. This restaurant takes Asian Pacific Cuisine and elevates it to the heavens… The staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, accommodating, and very friendly.“

“Great people, great cocktails and great music all in a relaxed and rustic environment.“

“I hit this bar anytime I’m in the area. Quirky, friendly, funny… perfect! It’s a full bar so you can get all sorts of cocktails made, or just have a bottle of Buddha beer in the green bottle. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.“

“I came for the Silent Book Club. It seems to be a nice place. I didn't order anything at this visit. We were in a room in the back and were given water and small snacks. The bar seems to be a place with a bit of an intellectual vibe and seems inviting. Maybe it would be nice to return for some of its offerings.“

“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! 👍🏿“

“The View Lounge is an absolute must-visit when in San Francisco and easily one of the most memorable bar experiences in the city.

Perched high above the skyline on the 39th floor, the panoramic views are simply breathtaking—especially as the sun sets and the city lights begin to sparkle. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you that “wow” moment the second you walk in, and it’s easy to see why this spot is so popular with both visitors and locals.

The cocktails are just as impressive. The margaritas in particular are outstanding—beautifully balanced, expertly made, and definitely on the stronger side. If you’re not a big drinker, one is more than enough to enjoy the experience, which actually adds to the value given the quality and strength.

The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated and relaxed, making it ideal for everything from a special night out to simply soaking in the view with friends. It’s not just about having a drink—it’s about the entire experience.

Yes, it’s a little on the pricier side, but between the stunning outlook, quality cocktails, and unique setting, it’s absolutely worth it. A standout destination that truly lives up to its name.

The The View Lounge sits on the top floor of the San Francisco Marriott Marquis.

It’s located on the 39th floor, which is why you get those incredible panoramic views over San Francisco. The hotel itself is that distinctive tall building with a curved, modern design in the SoMa district—hard to miss.

If you go, try to time it just before sunset so you can enjoy both daylight views and the city lights coming on!!

There staff are friendly. It does get busy around 5pm especially on Fridays and weekends but they seem to cope. It’s worth going for the view. Surprisingly, regular visitors, visitors who are there weekly, don’t seek to know about this bar 😱. I’m okay with that! I always get the best seat!!! Lovely place!“

“What could be better than a gay martini bar with a piano lounge? I was born to play here!“

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

“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.“

“Nice lounge and not too busy, at least on a Friday morning when I visited. Some alcoholic drinks are charged but there are decent options for free as well. They seem to have special meals from time to time and they had a bagel bar on the day I visited, which was quite nice. There’s a business area with printer which is quite convenient and the lounge is separated with the food area and the relaxing area, making it less noisy. The service was great and the staff super friendly.“

“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.“

“We stopped in post show and were greeted warmly by the bartender Chris. We asked for a Hugo Spritz and he was up for the challenge. Delicious!!! The ambiance is warm and inviting, fireplace gives a nice vibe. We will definitely be coming here again.“

“Amelie San Francisco is a charming and intimate wine bar that perfectly captures a cozy, relaxed San Francisco vibe. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dim lighting and a welcoming energy that makes it ideal for both date nights and casual hangouts.
The wine selection is thoughtfully curated, offering a great mix of familiar favorites and interesting discoveries. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations based on your taste, which really enhances the experience.
Small plates pair beautifully with the drinks and are simple yet flavorful, making it easy to settle in for a long, enjoyable evening. Service is friendly, attentive, and never rushed.
Overall, it’s a lovely neighborhood gem that consistently delivers a great experience—definitely worth visiting again and again.“

“Great service and breakfast!!“

“Deliciously vicious cocktails“

“Very nice, lots of seating, you can tuck into a quiet space, lots of food and beverage choice. Shower available to get a quick refresh. A bit of a find for the first time as it is tucked in the back behind another lounge. Just pay attention to the signs.“

“Fun time and great cocktails and food come here with your friends for sure.“

“Nice bar and really like the roof fan“

“Great bar and bartender! Arno was a pure gentleman! Great spot for a late night drink after the crowds have cleared North Beach. We were the only two people in there on NYD at midnight but the bartender made us feel welcome and happily gave us great service even though the streets were dead. He also pointed us to a premium sandwich shop for lunch the next day. $14 specialty cocktails and $5 beers too!“

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

“Me and my best friend came and were sold we had the best espresso martinis it was amazing service was top-tier shout out to Bryan because he was super nice super edgy super sweet I couldn’t have gotten any better we stayed longer than we should and longer than we could because it was just that amazing come again“

“Amazingly weird, a real gem. Strange and wonderful interior with a wildly good beer selection and the owner, Remat, is a genuine “only in SF” character. Go for the decor, stay for the sour beer, and support a neighborhood bar that could never be imitated.“

“absolfunutely !fun fun fun. leave your Troubles at bay,come sing it out💋😆👊🌟🎶🎶🎶🎶“

“😃🥰nice place for cocktails“

“Good music. That’s about it in terms of major pros. I usually come because the bar is empty at nights and I can bring a large group without worry of the place being too full but sometimes the bouncers will try to charge cover when the place is maybe at 5-10% capacity and I’m about to bring in 15 people all ready to buy shots. Not sure what kind of instruction they’re receiving but if Rockwell is empty and still charging cover there’s so many better bars nearby they’ll lose business to“

“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.“

“I could not have enjoyed my stay at the Hyatt Regency SF more than I did. Exceptional friendly staff and the room I had at the top of the world with a world class view of the Bay , stunning. . . . Not inexpensive but if you can afford a room here with a water view, , do not hesitate. Ferry building across the street is fun to browse and the boardwalk wonderfully walkable/runable.“

“This is a FABulous, family-owned and operated bar that absolutely does take credit cards, despite many reviews (connected to prior owners perhaps) saying they don't.

We were there for Thanksgiving and Sully was working non-stop behind the bar, his wife turned the pool table into a Thanksgiving day spread that could have competed with grandma's dinner!

All were invited to a California-style holiday, where you could bring the family you chose to spend the day with, while making new friends if you were interested in doing that. No shopping, cooking or cleaning up. And amazingly they didn't even charge visitors for the meal!

Everything was wonderful!

Another guest brought an addictive, spicy, NOLA influenced oyster stuffing that we must come back for next year! OMG

I don't know if there's any food normally, but we were very lucky to have discovered this bar, any day of the year!

And with Sully and his wife's decades in this business, they've created a very friendly, but also extremely professional , local neighborhood bar. They've also lined the walls with great, music-themed photos and Bay Area concert posters that add to the vibe!

And while their Irish coffee is as good as The Buena Vista, the price is much more palatable !“

“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! 📚🍸“

“This place couldn’t have kinder staff or a more cheers style family atmosphere. They know your name, your drink & your desires. Artsy & fab. Luv it here!“

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

“Great drinks and space both outdoors and indoors.“

“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.“

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

“Orafo is a hidden gem perched above San Francisco’s Financial District — a restaurant that blends California boldness with classic Italian soul, all wrapped in Four Seasons elegance. I came here for two breakfasts and one indulgent lunch, and each meal was a perfect mix of thoughtful preparation, fresh ingredients, and flawless service.

The space itself is stunning: airy and sunlit during the day, warm and intimate at night. Whether you're seated by the windows or tucked into a cozy banquette, it feels like a refined escape from the busy city below.

Must-orders: the seafood soup — rich, comforting, and full of depth — and the perfectly seared steak, which was easily one of the best I’ve had in SF. Everything from the plating to the pacing felt intentional and quietly luxurious.

Whether you're staying at the hotel or not, Orafo is absolutely worth a visit. It’s effortlessly chic, never pretentious, and ideal for anything from business meetings to slow, indulgent meals above the city.“

“First of all food in this context equals cocktails. Went with some friend to this place and had half the cocktails on the menu!! Amazing
I even timed Shawn how long it would take him to make 5 cocktails and it was between 5-10 minutes
Now if his country’s government would move the same speed we would be in such a better place!
Top picks for the cocktails: pink pussycat, the flirty, chocolate martini“