The Best Cocktail Bars in San Francisco

There ’s a lot to love about San Francisco , but perhaps our favorite aspect of the city is the abundance of lawfully enceinte watering gob . Of course , all legal community are not created equal . And as much aswe love a good dive bar , could n’t subsist withoutSF ’s best craft - brewage oasis , and have even been fuck tohang out in a wine-coloured barfrom time to clock time , we would be wholly and dead bereft without San Francisco ’s good cocktail bars . Specifically , we ’re capture of these spots , which bid a combination of unbelievable cocktails and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay for a second ( or third ) bout .

Note : We focalize exclusively on places where the supporter is the cocktail . This means certain stone like Absinthe , Beretta , Pabu , Bix , and so many others were n’t up for the role … only because their delightful food slip the spot .

True Laurel

A cocktail - focused watering hole come true from the folks behind Lazy BearThe cocktails at this mid - hundred - inspired bar ( that also has some of our favorite prevention bites in townsfolk ) feature strange ingredients , like redwood tips , black sudachi salt , and candy capital mushroom – things you in all probability wo n’t see on most drink menus around town , but when used by bar wizard Nicolas Torres make an astounding amount of sense . These are the kind of drinks you want to sip lento and make the most of , but , prevent in judgement that the bill of fare changes oftentimes , also require to try as many of as possible while the chance is still there . It ’s a bit of a challenge , but we ’re indisputable you ’ll cipher it out .

Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant

The best margaritas in all of San FranciscoPeople love to complain about a trek to the Outer Richmond ( despite the fact that this city is only 7 stat mi by 7 land mile , so it ’s hard for anywhere to truly be a trek ) , but we forebode that after your first margarita at Tommy ’s , you wo n’t care about the 20 instant parkway or your rideshare menu or anything else except the fact that you ’re now sipping the best margarita the metropolis has to extend . If you’re able to , grab a seat at the bar where the gregarious bartenders are usually well-chosen to talk you through several types of tequila ( Tommy ’s also has the best tequila section in SF ) and allow you taste test to unwrap which one you like best .

Aub Zam Zam

You ca n’t call yourself a San Franciscan until you ’ve had a martini at Aub Zam ZamAub Zam Zam was once known for its cantankerous ( yet dear ) proprietor , Bruno Mooshei , who had very specific rules about stripe etiquette and was not afraid to ask someone to allow for who did not last up to his monetary standard , but since his loss , thing at the indistinctly light watering trap with a center Eastern ambience have mellowed out a small bit . Yes , you ’ll still call for to have hard cash , but you do n’t necessitate to have it straightaway ready to localize on the horseshoe - mould streak , and you may certainly ask what the mixologist recommends though the only real resolution is a dry martini made the way Bruno liked , which is the same way his male parent made them when the bar first spread in 1941 .

Tony Nik’s

This North Beach classic attracts locals and holidaymaker , just like it did in when it open up in 1933Despite being on Stockton Street and right in the center of all of the North Beach katzenjammer , it ’s gentle to miss Tony Nik ’s ; the atomic number 10 sign does n’t reflect as brightly as it once did , but if you make your style in spite of appearance , you ’ll find a favorable group of topical anaesthetic sitting at the bar , and dates and groups of friends conglomerate around the candlelit table in the back . It ’s the kind of situation you’re able to enjoin a shot of fernet and a beer or a perfectly made old forge , which is why it ’s one of those Greco-Roman bars we find ourselves end up at time and prison term again .

The Saratoga

A swank bar for those looking to enjoy a selection of emotional state not readily useable elsewhereThis two - story stripe in the historical Saratoga hotel building is so sexy and glamorous , it almost feel a footling out of place in the TL . The vibration is pure swank and elegance , in a way that feels very not San Francisco , but is a welcome addition . See : brass - studded leather seats , a Carrera marble legal profession , vintage fine art , and a multi - tiered ice chandelier that hang above the stairwell . But even with such stunning design elements , the cocktails are really in the public eye at The Saratoga . The programme focus on “ lost and leave ” sprightliness , like Chartreuse , Pimm ’s , Benedictine , and Fernet ( though we have to argue the latter was never forgotten in San Francisco ) . And there are over 800 booze from which to choose .

ABV

This neighborhood bar remains as voguish now as it was when it first opened in 2014We often find ourselves at ABV because it serves delicious “ bite ” ( chicken tacos , falafel lamb dogs , and a large Warren Burger ) until 1 am every undivided night of the week . But as tasty as the food coming out of the kitchen is , none of that would matter if the drinks being dream up behind the saloon were n’t equally as delectable – if not even more so . The menu is organized by spirit ( whisky , rum / brandy , agave , gin / vodka ) , which helps minute thing down when you ’re not quite sure what you ’re in the mood for , and most of the cocktails have three or four element , which turns out to be just enough to take a simple cocktail to a whole new level … without a super - farsighted waiting .

Blackbird

This vicinity barroom serve character cocktail and has happy hour weekdays until 8pmBlackbird send for itself a neighborhood bar , but if there were neighborhood bars like this all over SF , we ’d never hazard more than a few auction block from home . Luckily , Blackbird is in a somewhat central locating , so you’re able to probably find an apology to finish into the countryfied / modern bar and enjoy a drink or two . Check out their belated artwork show , play a game of puddle , and , most importantly , sip on cocktails from the seasonal computer menu that always impresses .

Bar Agricole

achiever of the James Beard Award for “ Outstanding Bar Program”If you genuinely enjoy cocktails , Bar Agricole is a must - add to your cocktail ginmill bucket listing . The handcrafted libations are known for being some of the best in the country ( the eating place has been a James Beard Foundation Award nominee for “ Outstanding Bar Program ” every year since 2012 and at long last won in 2019 ) thanks to saucy ingredients and techniques , and the fact that you could enjoy them at the silklike , stylish bar , or in the plush ( heated ) garden only makes them taste that much better . At first glance , it may seem that these are all cocktails you ’ve seen before ( Tequila Daisy , Rye Gin Old Fashioned , Scotch Sour ) , but at first sip , you ’ll gain they ’re anything but .

Pacific Cocktail Haven

fantastically creative cocktails in an retiring , but welcome spaceP.C.H. is another one of those bar that was intended to be a passing neighbourhood stick for local anaesthetic , but churns out such amazing drinks that it ’s constantly packed with people from all parts of the city , if not country . The vibe is moderately relaxed during the hebdomad , which is our recommend time to go since there ’s a good chance you ’ll be capable to get a seat at the Browning automatic rifle to observe the magic happen ( go at your own risk of exposure on a Saturday dark ) . There are closely 20 innovational cocktails on the menu , separate by spirit , with a couple of humble - ABV options and decidedly non - low ABV punches ( which serve five to eight people ) as well .

Smuggler’s Cove

In a metropolis that ’s oversaturated with tiki bars , this remains the one to go to fourth dimension and clock time againSmuggler ’s Cove is three levels of sensory overburden – in the best room . From the décor ( the integral bar is draped in vintage tiki artifacts , historic nautical pieces , and colorful lights ) and the exotic and sapid rum and tiki drinks ( there are over 80 cocktails on the menu and over 550 rums on the ledge ) to the coziness of it all ( the bar only holds 49 people and when we say “ cozy , ” we ’re not exaggerating ) , this bar is insanely popular for good reason , and is the perfect choice for when you need an escape valve . Just be inclined to wait in line on the weekends ; do n’t care , it will surely make the first cocktail taste that much just . That ’s simple math .

15 Romolo

A back - alleyway bar with gravid cocktail and favorable service15 Romolo is sort of like the Room of Requirement in Harry Potter – it becomes whatever you need it to be , whether that ’s a cosy blot for a first escort , a place to go with out - of - town ally , or just a vicinity prevention that attend damn good handcrafted cocktail . Go during felicitous hour ( everyday from 5 Prime Minister to 7:30pm ) for the $ 9 Pimm ’s Cup ( or $ 45 Pimm ’s pitcher ) , but do n’t be surprised when you ’re still there hours later , feed dollar bills to the jukebox and still sipping exquisitely execute drinks .

Alembic

One of SF ’s original craft cocktails terminus that still persist a worthy landing place when in need of a undecomposed drinkWhen Alembic opened on Haight Street in 2006 , the bar program was one of the most imaginative and exciting in all of San Francisco . It may have even been the first time many of us used the word “ mixologist ” when refer to the person behind the bar make such compelling cocktail . A lot can happen in near 15 years , but when it comes to Alembic , it ’s only been expert affair . The space has expanded and the potable menu , with a mix of family and seasonal cocktails is as delicious as ever .

Benjamin Cooper

Excellent cocktail and fresh oysters ; what more does anyone need?Even though navigate your way to this spot can be a scrap confusing ( here ’s how it ’s done ) , it ’s deserving the effort once you ’re settled into this cocktail den , where bartenders help up a rotating carte of adventuresome drinks with creative ingredients – and three types of oysters with which to savor them .

Comstock Saloon

Go back in time at this classic SF lacrimation hole that ’s been attend to supporter since 1907Comstock is another home where you immediately feel like you ’ve step back in time when you take the air through the front door . The 20 foot mahogany streak from 1907 is original to the blank , as are the roofing tile base . And the wallpaper , old-fashioned lover , and hardwood booths line the walls only add to the Barbary Coast ambiance . But the drinks and the smell lean are the real hero of this lachrymation cakehole : the cocktail list has all of the pre - Prohibition classics you love , include a Blood & Sand , Sazerac , and Pisco Punch , but you do n’t want to miss out on the celebrated Cherry Bounce ( bourbon , cherry brandy , lemon , Angostura , Champagne ) nor , for that subject , the free live euphony every dark of the calendar week .

Bourbon & Branch

Go back in time to the 1920s at this swanky bar with an bona fide speakeasy vibeSure , Bourbon & Branch no longer has that occult speakeasy appeal it did when it first open up , but just because this place is now much easier to get into does n’t intend its value has declined . After all , the only thing that ’s changed is its accessibility , and we ’ll contend that ’s a good thing . When you walk inside , it feels like you ’re going to an era when alcohol was outlawed ( the space was a real speakeasy during the prohibition era , and the secret tunnels and passages still exist to show it ) . Make a booking at the independent bar if you’re able to , but if not , block by the library , where you do n’t need one ( ring the buzzer and utilise the watchword " books " to be admit ) . Leave your cadre phone in your pocket , and do n’t even think about Instagramming your cocktail , gorgeous though they are . The " House Rules " prohibit both . Oh , and be prepared to wait for your drink : the cocktails are complicated . But you ’ll find out that ’s a adept matter .

The Interval at Long Now

Expand your apparent horizon in all variety of agency at this bar - sports meeting - museumIt ’s worth the trek to Fort Mason to experience The Interval at Long Now , which is part bar , part café , and part museum , but has one of the most encompassing cocktail menus you ’ll find , including potable from around the reality and some of the former cocktails ever pour . While you sip , explore the outer space , which date to the thirties , when it was a forge and machine shop , and be sure to ensure out prototypes of Long Now ’s 10,000 year clock and The Chime Generator , a mechanical computer that generates a unique bell sequence every solar day for 10,000 years .

Rickhouse

Downtown and craving whisky ? This is the spot to hit up . It can be intemperate to find a seat at Rickhouse – specially justly after work when everyone crowd the bar – but that ’s not a reason to pass up the probability to drink some of the most superior beverages in the city . The heart selection is so extensive that a rolling ladder is call for to hand the bottle on the highest shelves , but whiskey takes the spotlight here .

Trick Dog

This very well might be SF ’s most popular cocktail bar , but it ’s deserving hanging with the masses to experience the drinksThanks to a fun and originative rotate carte with different composition ( previous looping have included the Pantone gloss wheel , SF tourist map , Chinese eatery , and a calendar of dogs ) , it ’s somewhat much imperative that you bring down Trick Dog at least once every six months to check out what the hombre behind the bar are pouring . This place gets packed , and it can be hard to find a fanny ( despite the fact that there are two levels ) but that ’s all part of the playfulness , as it ’s one of the few places in SF where the great unwashed seem to confab with strangers ; everyone ’s always curious to know what you ’re drinking , and if they should order that next .

Wildhawk

A bohemian bar with a dash for vermouth - inspired cocktailsIf you ’re await for a bar with glamour and sexual activity charm , seem no further than Wildhawk . The prevention is sensational , with tin ceiling , original floors , and lots of vividness and texture , and is the kind of station where you’re able to get ensconced in a comfy chair and stay a while . The menu has a heavy focus on vermouth , but there are also specialty cocktails , including a Cocoa Puffs - infuse Breakfast Negroni and a star sign martini ( that ’s $ 25 , but also a self-coloured two servings ) . Basically , you ’ll get something to love here .

Whitechapel

If you ’re looking for the big gin selection in all of North America , this is where you ’ll find itYou do n’t have to be intimate gin to revalue the ambiance and drinks at this arresting prudish - era / forsake London Underground post - themed bar , but it will certainly help , study that this position offers over 400 type of the spirit on the menu , and over 120 cocktail that boast or include it . Do n’t care though ; this is n’t like the gin drinks you tope in college that turn you into a fleck of a moonstruck ( no ? Just us ? ) , this is the kind of noose experience you could bask in graceful surroundings , and not even regret a trivial bit the next day .

Smuggler’s Cove