50 Best Cocktail Bars in San Francisco

“So excellent food! The food didn't disappoint me and it was really fantastic. The overall quality was so good. Came here for dinner with my husband. Can't remember the name of the food we ordered but we actually have some pasta, salads, and meat too. Dessert was so superb and well-done. The appetizers were really delicious. They lots cocktails. The wines were taste so amazing. The service was so nice. The place has classy vibe inside. Great interior setting with a nice decor. Nice service.“

“One of the best bars for cocktails in SF. The menu is extensive and they change it up regularly so you always get something new. There is always a creative new theme and the drinks showcase their excellent mixology. They also always have several non-alcoholic mixed drinks using quality alcohol alternatives! My only complaint is that I would love more (and more elevated) options for food, but it's good quality. Even the salad is quite good.“

“Great environment, lively, and tasty food!“

“Was seated surprisingly super quickly on a sunny Saturday lunch on the sidewalk. Took about 15 minutes for a party of 4. The menu is small, but everything that we ordered was big portioned and fantastic. From the grilled cheese to the mushroom toast to the scone (with cream!) to the veggie grain bowl, everything was hearty, flavorful, and delicious.“

“We started with the crispy sticky rice salad with sour pork sausage and ginger. Spicy! Good tasting, but a tiny bit over salted. The chili lime grilled squid and pork jaw was absolutely fantastic. We also had the crispy chicken with spicy curry paste and pole beans. The lemon zest on top was delicious. Highly recommend this place in the iconic hotel kabuki in Japan town.“

“I had a great time during my last visit to The Progress while my parents were in town visiting. We tried: dumplings, artichoke toast, seaweed noodles, lamb and the classic duck. The dumplings were our least favorite - it was a bit heavy and not as flavorful at the same time. I'm generally just okay on artichoke, but I surprisingly really enjoyed the artichoke toast. The lamb was tender and flavorful. I also loved the umami flavors in the seaweed noodles and thought the springy texture of the noodles were just right! Our duck was great as well, which is their signature dish - highly recommended! For drinks we tried the one punch man and spiritual state. We like both drinks! I am a sucker for trying milk washed cocktails and am also a sucker for pandan, so I loved my one punch man drink - the pandan was strong as well! We accidentally spilled the whole one punch man when we were first trying out the drink and our server was so kind to replace our drink. Lastly, because we were celebrating an occasion, we were each given a shot of complimentary peanut milk! It was a bit sweet though - not something I would order on my own. Anyway, a great experience overall!“

“Amazing food and wine, great view“

“One of the best tasting pizza I’ve tasted I highly recommend this place.“

“Aziza is one of our top three restaurants to go to. The food is always incredible and delicious. The cornbread is to DIED for. We also loved the kefta. Though not a fan of them changing the presentation of it from these little balls to a single log. It's hard to order it as a shared dish. #bringbackthekeftaballs. Besides that, two thumbs up.“

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

“What a night... the server Johnny, was amazing. I couldn't have asked for anyone better. He was attentive, and came with a great sense of humor. Great hire and it would be a shame if y'all ever gave him up. Keep in mind this was my first time here and what an impression he left on my family, will be back soon again. Thank you Johnny and thank you Sorella.“

“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.“

“Grade A bar I've been to numerous bars around the bay and this one takes the cake. The drinks were delicious though a bit pricey. The menu changed depending on the season of ingredients which is a testament to its quality. The food was surprisingly good! The pate and mushrooms were to die for. That, or i had the drunchies. Great service! Kind people! And the embodiment of what an sf bar looks like Big Mitch“

“As a vegetarian, I was disappointed by the food. The tangine was odd in flavour, while the vegetarian pasta was super bland, with lots of sweet peas and very little pasta and sauce. The artichokes and cauliflower were also surprisingly bland. I was looking forward to trying this institution and left nonplussed.“

“Nice restaurant with bar. Mexican cuisine inspired menu, but be prepared to be surprised in a good way if the chef pulls out something that is a fusion of Mexican and another cuisine from a totally far off part of the world. I visited with some business associates and they were extremely delighted by the food, the staff and the environment. Great place to go for a casual lunch or dinner. Highly recommended.“

“Good food, great location on the roof outdoor dining“

“I always forget to take pictures of the food here because we did in so quickly. I love the food here, the restaurant is lovely and comfortable, and the staff are very kind. I love their rotating menu and delicious cocktails. I look forward to the next special occasion that we choose to spend at The Morris.“

“Amazing food!! Great service !! Old fashioned Portuguese food. The owner is such a classic as he treats all his guests like family!!“

“Such a cute spot to grab yummy drinks. We went on a Friday at around 9 PM, wasn't busy so we were able to be seated right away. There's a good amount of seating. The ambiance is cozy. The bartenders are very nice and friendly. I love playing pool, and there's one pool table. 3 games for $5. I ordered the Hot Gurl Summer it was flavored with a good amount of spices. My friend ordered the Blushing Dragon, and that was DELICIOUS! I loved the passion fruit flavor. The Save Me a Piece of That Corn was a good, mixed tequila drink. Highly recommend Kona's!“

“Excellent espresso coffee, friendly service and a lovely brunch menu. I look forward to returning sometime for dinner. The chef’s were prepping a range of fresh looking ingredients and the smells emanating from the kitchen were beautiful!“

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

“I have never been inside for a drink , but I absolutely love their choice of music which is piped into the parklet ; they play songs by Natural Milk Hotel, and The Sundays; and for this I thank them. I shall visit soon.I am also impressed with murals on their parklet.“

“This place is awesome. Come visit us for brunch!“

“Both bartenders in Friday night were extremely excellent. Matt was great with patron interactions and I unfortunately forget the name of the other bartender on shift, but he made an excellent drink reccomendation that was an instant favourite.“

“Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco is an absolute must-see for anyone looking to step back in time and dive into the cool vibes of Caribbean pirates and barrels of rum. This unique bar transports you to an era of swashbuckling adventures and hidden treasures the moment you walk through the door.The decor is straight out of a pirate’s dream, with dim lighting, wooden barrels, nautical artifacts, and maritime memorabilia adorning every corner. It’s like setting sail on a pirate ship without leaving the city. The atmosphere is electric, filled with the sounds of sea shanties and the clinking of glasses, creating an immersive experience that's both fun and unforgettable.For rum lovers, Smuggler’s Cove is paradise. The extensive menu boasts an impressive selection of over 400 rums from around the world, each with its own story and unique flavor profile. The bartenders are true mixologists, crafting exquisite cocktails that showcase the rich and diverse world of rum. Whether you’re indulging in a classic Mai Tai or exploring one of their signature creations, every sip is a voyage of discovery.In summary, if you find yourself in San Francisco, don’t miss the chance to visit Smuggler’s Cove. It’s a rollicking good time where you can enjoy amazing drinks, soak in the pirate-themed ambiance, and experience a slice of the Caribbean right in the heart of the city. It’s a rum lover’s dream and a unique adventure that you won’t want to miss!“

“Every drink is handled with care.“

“Good vibe and great service especially Yonos and Eric!“

“The ambiance of the space was delightful, characterized by high ceilings and generously sized tables that provided ample comfort and space to savor our meal. Offering both indoor and outdoor dining options, the outdoor area featured a portion shielded by plastic, ensuring protection from the elements. Additionally, a second-floor dining room overlooking the main indoor area seemed reserved for private functions. The cuisine impressed with its excellence and visually appealing presentation. Service was both friendly and attentive, and portion sizes were fitting for a fine dining experience. An added charm was the outdoor movie screenings against the establishment's wall, which lent its name. Highly recommended.“

“Hidden gem, best sopes ever. Warm and friendly staff, beautiful flatware, very tasty food across many dishes. I love this place and you will too.If you are a visitor and receive good service, please remember to tip generously. The San Francisco Bay Area has an extremely high cost of living and compensation is very tight for servers, they are literally counting on your tips to be able to stay in the area.“

“When I step into The Royal Cuckoo in the Mission, SF, it feels like I've entered a time capsule of cozy charm. The retro decor and dim lighting instantly make me feel at home, like I've stumbled upon a hidden gem in the city. And when the live music starts, the atmosphere becomes electric thanks to those one of a kind very professional jazz musicians. Whether I'm catching up with friends or simply enjoying a quiet drink, The Royal Cuckoo never fails to make me feel welcome and right at home in the heart of San Francisco's Mission district.“

“This is the old Palette restaurant space on Folsom. Logistically not sure how they got a Michelin star so quickly. They are on par with Californios. Sat at chef counter and had the 13 course prefix (~$450 for 2 people). Space was warm (2 hearth and open wood fired ovens) w great ambiance. Service was exceptional. Meal was fantastic - all seafood based and no pork / beef. Dishes were creative and rich / flavorful. Drinks were all $20-25 for cocktails and were probably weakest part of their experience. I would maybe get a bottle of wine next time. Out the door paid $750 for 2 people (4 drinks total) which included tax and gratuity which they include on bill. Definitely an expensive meal and night out, good for specialoccasion. Overall would definitely recommend. Great addition to neighborhood for sure, would recommend.“

“Love the aesthetic of this bar, visiting from LA and this is the perfect bar that I’d be a regular at. Rochelle is an amazing bartender, friendly and warm, has the best music choices, and makes the most perfect handcrafted specialty cocktails. Highly recommend.“

“Loved out experience, super knowledgeable waiter/mixologist and the amazing cocktails!“

“We went here for dinner yesterday, the food and service was absolutely incredible! I can’t believe how each dish had so many great flavors. We ordered several dishes ranging from vegetarian to meats, all were spectacular! Thank you for introducing Burma food to us!“

“Went here on a Wednesday evening, so probably not the best judge of the "vibes" people are taking about, it was pretty dead. Regardless, orders the spicy pork belly ($23) and the monster tater tots ($13). The pork belly was so good, though the helping wasn't *too much* given the price. The tater tots were such a large amount, and they were so great at first. After a while though, the sauce they put on them (some garlic aioli) started to become heavy and difficult to get down. Had to leave some for them to take away which I never do! Overall, was charged $39 +20% tip. Decent place but given the area, a little pricey.“

“Our favorite bar in the Bay Area by far, and our go-to spot for celebrating special occasions and bringing out of town friends! With Michelin level drinks, food, ambience, and service - all of which have impeccable attention to detail - it's no wonder they're always packed. Drinks - Great selection of cocktails and sake. Cocktails uniquely showcase asian ingredients (e.g. japanese yam, calamansi, yuzu), and they change the cocktail menu from time to time so there's always something new to try. They have a wide variety of sakes, including a number of rare sakes that you can't find anywhere else. Timofei, the bar manager, is an encyclopedia of knowledge, and if you ever get the chance to talk to him, you'll learn a ton about each and every drink! Food - Standouts include the Kaisen-don (w/ uni, roe, hamachi, and squid) - so good I'm still dreaming about it a week later - and the Mochi-age (vegetarian fried mochi). We love what they've done with the interiors since their recent remodel. Service is always so attentive, accommodating, and timely. I'm already looking for excuses to visit again soon - always such a treat!“

“The friendliest staff in the city work here. Also, a killer cocktail menu and the food was superb, we had a proper Guinness with a beef stew and fresh soda bread and it was absolutely delicious, one of our favorite date night spots in the city!“

“We always have a great time at Fiorella. The octopus pasta and almond cake were definitely the highlights of my meal, but everything came out promptly and was so delicious. Excellent service, food, and ambiance. We'll definitely be back!“

“Really warm and welcoming service and a mule kick of a great margarita, what's not to like? We enjoyed all the plates especially the pozole Roja and Baja fish tacos, both dishes so flavorful ($18/$16). I thought the prices were a little steep for two small street tacos and also the two chocolate chip cookie dessert. They were both very good - but priced too high ($8 for two cookies?) Buttermilk churros with a dark chocolate sauce were dreamy. Definitely order those to split, delicious. Great decor, you could spend time meditating on the beautiful, fluttery ceiling in a gorgeous color of ocean blue.“

“Delicious food and friendly staff“

“Went for Spring restaurant week. Got the steak and salmon option. Started off with their salad - yummy. Next is the pea soup - also yummy. Not as grainy as some pea soups can be. Steak made well with the aoili dipping sauce. Salmon also nicely made. Kids meal has a salt & pepper option. Dessert was a lemon pound cake which was a bit disappointing. Was dense and a bit too tart for me. Rustic setting. Definitely prefer the back near the fire place.Parking: There is a parking lot on 8th - if it is city operated, it is free after 6pm-otherwise metered. Street parking is free after 6PM and Sundays.Kid-friendliness: Has a kids menu option-more then chicken tenders and burgers which was nice. Salmon was an option with fries and seasonal veggies (currently peas).“

“Shockingly delicious food. Like, the best food I've eaten at a place that still feels very much like a bar. Good drinks, comfortable seating. It's a great place to hang out with others. I recently had the roasted cabbage salad and it was outstanding.“

“i came here on a friday evening with a friend around 5:45 pm. there was no line so we were seated immediately. when we left an hour later, there was a line. we came during restaurant week and they were doing a $45/person dinner menu, but i opted to just order from the regular menu since i wasn't a big fan of the appetizer options and really wanted to try the bucatini, which wasn't on the restaurant week menu. when our food arrived, the portions seemed slightly on the smaller side so in retrospect i felt like it would've been nice to get an appetizer to share, but none of the appetizer options were that appealing to me. i like burrata but it came with mushrooms and i don't like mushrooms (this is just a personal preference, though). even though the portions were small, i wasn't hungry but i also wasn't full, which left plenty of room for dessert. we ordered the nutella sundae - it felt a bit much for 2 people (3 is probably a better number), and there was a LOT of syrup. as for the ambiance, the biggest impression i got was that the music was pretty loud. this made the atmosphere not conducive to intimate conversations, so i would mostly go here if i wanted a fast dinner at an early time. otherwise, i feel that the atmosphere is not worth the wait.“

“Was a tad skeptical at first because this restaurant was located in the lobby of the Hyatt and because I sat in the lounge instead of the main dining room, but could not be more impressed. Service was fantastic, atmosphere was incredible with live piano performance, the cocktails were deep, complex, interesting, and innovative, and the food was astounding.Of all things at a French restaurant I chose to have the burger as my main entree and it very well may have actually been the best burger I’ve ever had. Would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone staying at the Hyatt or close by!“

“What a warm and inviting ambience. Soft lights, mahogany and leather, very masculine vibe, but welcoming to all. The bartenders are knowledgeable and patient. I asked for a mid priced bourbon or rye and I got to try several before making my decision. The carousel shelves of liquor are definitely a flex, very cool. The prices are reasonable. They offer a small selection of food that looks pretty good. The music is perfectly volumed, seating is ample but cozy. Nothing but good things to say!“

“Lovely place. Delicious food and great, interesting cocktails in a warm, inviting environment. We had a very nice brunch and I can't wait to come back. Finally got to try Shakshuka (which I saw on the Real Housewives of NY, haha). It was very tasty! ?“

“Gorgeous decor. Amazing cocktails. Thanks AP“

“Had tickets for a show across the street from the Madrigal and decided I would check out the restaurant. The staff at the bar was attentive especially when I let them know that I was going to the theatre and only had a short amount of time to eat. I took a recommendation from another customer who was sitting at the bar for my entree which I throughly enjoyed. The staff let the kitchen know I was on a short timeline and regularly checked in with me to see that I was enjoying my meal. Good food and great service will result in me coming back again.“

“Great vibe and service! Outdoor seating is cozy and clean, lovely place to stop by for the midday bites, drinks and some casual chitchat. Loved the burrata crostini, calamari and salami pizza. Would love to go again and try out their dinner and lunch menu some time.“

“Exactly what millennials want and need: reasonable volume music, reasonable priced food and drink, and a classy but fun VIBE.Quality: 4.5Value: 5 (for SF)Service: 4Ambience: 5This place has great happy hour deals and a really great set of decor and music.You can head yourself talk! But the music is also good. What a concept!Service was a little mid; one of the servers wasn't in a great mood/was struggs but the rest were nice, and stuff came out eventually.The cocktails were GREAT! Really delightful choices and prices.Their happy hour deal on oysters is also pretty unheard of: $1.50 each and they were wonderful, briny and creamy.French fries were also great, as was the ceviche.Also, the ceviche we had was one of the best I've ever had.“