50 Best Cocktail Bars near South San Francisco

“Very impressed and Edgar was awesome and super friendly.“

“The best Shabu in San Jose and located in the perfect part of San Jose in Japantown, we love coming here to eat Shabu, it is so delicious. I highly recommend it *****five stars the owner Richard treat’s us great with so much hospitality, we just feel so welcomed and will continue to frequent his establishment.“

“Super cute rooftop. Pizza one is one of the best pizza I've ever ate. The rooftop smash cocktail is now my favorite drink. I took a picture of the ingredients and made it at home ‍ that's how good it was. Definitely coming back. The customer service was outstanding. I will for sure come back with all my girls so we can day drink haha“

“A perfect site for relax a have a good time with your friends or just drinks!!!“

“We had dinner here after work event. We were the only ones in the restaurant, but it was early. The food was fantastic, the presentation was excellent, and the employees were very kind. I would definitely go here again, I had the ceviche it was superior. I also had a mango drink which was delicious. Parking can be a little tricky but we lucked out and pulled in right as somebody pulled out and were able to park right in front of the restaurant.“

“The hangar is a fairly new food Hall and is quite beautiful inside. Many who work nearby come here for lunch. The options include coffee, Mexican food, breakfast and burgers as well as a salad and sandwich shop. With soaring ceilings and subtle lighting, the atmosphere is very pleasant. I had had a carne asada burrito that was delicious. We also had guacamole and chips and the guacamole was very good. Overall everything smells delicious inside it should be a great spot to grab a relaxing lunch. There are a few booths as well as tables for four in the front section. There is a larger section in the rear of the building with lots of tables.“

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

“Amazing food and wine, great view“

“Aziza was an amazing experience! The atmosphere is beautiful, serene, and upscale. We were able to get a same-day reservation. The staff was even kind enough to move us to an earlier seating time.

Our waiter was attentive, knowledgeable, and did a great job explaining the menu, particularly food allergies for our daughter. The main dishes took a little while to arrive, but our waiter explained that the cornbread is prepared that way to make it extra moist—and it was totally worth the wait! Every dish was unique and delicious. Ordered the roasted cauliflower, grilled octopus, short ribs, and buttered cornbread. The wines were perfectly chilled and crisp. Great food, excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere. We'll definitely be back!“

“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.“

“I've been here several times for cocktails. My favorite is the Chinatown pretty. I had no idea that the food was so good! The kale salad was massive and delicious. The avocado flavor in the salad was so good. The pork buns were also super flavorful. Overall the food really exceeded my expectations :)“

“I threw my partner a birthday party here and the staff went out of their way to make everything easy and fun. They were incredibly busy because of an event in the Mission and yet still checked in on our party and provided whatever we needed. In addition to their huge awesome patio, they have good food (not just good for a bar) and really good cocktails. They have free live music on the weekends. Always a good time. Highly recommended. I’ve never had a bad time here.“

“Exceeded expectations. Extensive menu. Highly recommended!“

“Great environment, lively, and tasty food!“

“Kat was a chill bartender and served me a delicious cocktail with rum (something I normally don't like!). The atmosphere was chill for a Wednesday evening, and the music was good to beat. Felt divey yet classy, home but far away. Chill spot, lots of seating, clean, and a great place to wind down after work. Would recommend.
EDIT: Pictured is the Milk Grog (it's phenomenal and sweet!) Also try the Reviver as well, very delicious!“

“We had the most wonderful dinner at Sorella. The food was amazing, but the best part was our server Luca. She was absolutely incredible - so kind, so fun, so caring, so funny! @whoever is reading this, please give her a raise and promote her. Luca is the best!!!!“

“Lavay Smith sings there on Sunday evenings“

“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!“

“Nice bar and really like the roof fan“

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

“Really good pizzas! Loved the crusts and the sauce.“

“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.“

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

“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! 👍🏿“

“I absolutely love this place. I read some of the low reviews because I couldn’t believe there were some. Yes, the price is high but that’s most bars in the city. And yes, it can take a while to order but that’s because every drink is crafted and presented with care. This place has some of the most unique drinks I’ve ever had. They are always changing up the menu and doing some fun pop up’s and themes. Customer service is exceptional, especially Leo. I love that it is not easy to find and that you have to know the password.“

“I would recommend.

We caught Happy Hour at Persona. HH consists of $3 off house cocktails, beer, wine.

We had 2 drinks each, shared popcorn ($7). The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable about the cocktails.

Things to know:
- Some cocktails are batched and poured on draft (I am not a fan of this method, when yiure paying $15+ for a cocktail I want it hand crafted not on draft)
- Popcorn was a smidge too salty so we didnt have much
- No live music on Tuesdays
- By the stairs they have post cards which is a nice touch“

“Ok, ambiance 10/al gritty nyc rap vibes make be wanna work on my handles. Grandma pizzas are to die for the sausage and chopped cheese were amazing. The regular pies a little small but delicious the mauros molto meat was really good came out hot the volka martini was a little heavy on the olives“

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

“There are levels to this tiki thing and this place is without a doubt the best of the best. The drinks are all phenomenal, the bartenders are in tune with the drinks they sell, and there's a huge variety of drinks available. I cannot speak more highly of this place.“

“Really nice place with some great food. The charteruie board was great, the duck was fantastic and the drinks were great.

Unfortunately another guest got really drunk and started puking outside. I don't blame that on the restaurant or the staff, but just unlucky I guess.“

“My fiancé and I found your restaurant Saturday afternoon while sightseeing the city. We were so impressed with the atmosphere and hospitality. This place is the best for nice afternoon seafood lunch! Thank you so much for the delicious meal.“

“I recommend the “Tinga” tacos or sopes 👍🏼“

“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! 📚🍸“

“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!“

“🌟 NOPA San Francisco: A Bucket List Culinary Triumph! 🌟 Review by: The Bucket List Coach Webshow. I recently had the distinct pleasure of crossing a major culinary destination off my bucket list: NOPA San Francisco. My dining experience on December 12, 2025, was not just a meal; it was an absolute masterclass in hospitality and farm-to-table excellence. Exceptional Service: A Shoutout to Zach! From the moment we sat down, the experience was elevated by our server, Zach. He truly went above and beyond, anticipating needs and offering spot-on recommendations, making the dining experience feel incredibly special and seamless. A massive shoutout to Zach, as well as the entire Culinary team, Management team, and staff—the level of coordination and passion was palpable. Appetizers and Beverages: Instant Classics The meal kicked off with the Date and Pear appetizer, which was absolutely fantastic—a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and texture. And for the beer lovers out there, you must try the Honey Beer 🍺. I'm officially adding this to my personal "Beer Bucket List!" I will absolutely be recommending it to all my followers on my podcast and through my travel agency. Thanks to Woods Beer and Wine Company! The Entrée: Perfection on a Plate For the main course, I opted for the Duck, and it was cooked to perfection. Seriously, melt in the mouth- tender meat was phenomenal. The plate presentation was stunning, far exceeding my expectations—it was a true work of art. The side of Grapefruit and Vinaigrette Salad was the perfect accompaniment. It was one of the best salads I have ever had in San Francisco; the brightness of the grapefruit cut through the richness of the duck beautifully. Desserts: Celebrating National Cocoa Day! To celebrate National Cocoa Day Dec. 13th-I couldn't resist. I highly suggest partaking in the Hot Chocolate for a decadent dessert item—it was rich, velvety, and a perfect holiday treat. And if you still have room, the Cheesecake with Brown Sugar is another truly fantastic dessert that offers a wonderful, comforting finish to the meal. NOPA is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination. The ambiance, the incredible staff like Zach, and the impeccable, thoughtful food quality solidify NOPA as a must-visit spot in San Francisco. It earns its place on any serious foodie's bucket list Cindy Lee Podcast Host at Bucket List Coach Web Show & Founder of Bucket List Coach Travel Tours“

“Ottimo cibo, servizio veloce, locale molto carino.“

“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“

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

“Holy moly, this place was great! The food is tasty & beautifully served. The service was great & Hannah made terrific suggestions. Really well done!“

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

“June 2026:
Stopped by for drinks to watch the world cup. Sat at the end of the bar and had a good time.

Just ordered a beer 🍺. But this place has an extensive list of liquor. Great place for cocktails 😃.

Next time when I am in the area.“

“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.“

“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.“

“After many personal recommendations had to go check out bar Iris for myself. Incredibly crafted cocktails in an amazing bar and seating area. Not only were they delicious but the looked great too! Very fancy menu with very helpful star chart to explain how the flavors of the drink are balanced.“

“Best selection of non alcoholic drinks out there“

“Drinks are on par with the price. Great spot to get your evening started. When it gets crowded, it’s especially loud and the hifi acoustic setup amplify the chatter mixed with the music. It can be a little cacophonous for someone sensitive to sound or have a hard time tuning into one thing at a time.

TLDR: wonderful visit and I would recommend visiting at least once to see if it’s your cup of tea“

“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.“

“An enchanting and magical place.“

“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.“

“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!“