San Francisco boasts over 3,000 bars and restaurants, offering a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene. From historic speakeasies to trendy cocktail lounges, the city has something for every type of bar hopper. Whether you’re looking to sample local craft brews, dance the night away, or enjoy a sophisticated evening out, San Francisco’s bar scene delivers.
In This Article
Key Points
- San Francisco offers a diverse array of bars and nightlife venues to suit any taste or occasion.
- The city is known for its innovative cocktail bars, historic pubs, craft breweries, and inclusive LGBTQ spaces.
- Many neighborhoods boast their own bar hopping circuits, from the dive bars of the Mission to the swanky lounges of Pacific Heights.
Cocktail Bars
San Francisco is renowned for its innovative cocktail culture. Some top spots for creative libations include:
- Trick Dog: Known for its inventive, rotating cocktail menus presented in various themes like a children’s book or Pantone color guide.
- Bourbon & Branch: A speakeasy-style bar with a hidden entrance, serving up classic cocktails in a 1920s atmosphere.
- Smuggler’s Cove: A tiki bar extraordinaire with over 200 rums and tropical drinks served in elaborate vessels.
Local Brews
The city is also a mecca for craft beer enthusiasts. Don’t miss these beloved brewpubs:
- Toronado: Boasting 40+ taps of local and international craft beers in a no-frills dive bar setting.
- Magnolia Brewing: A Haight-Ashbury staple serving up English-style ales brewed on-site, plus hearty pub fare.
- 21st Amendment: Named after the amendment that repealed Prohibition, this brewpub offers a rotating selection of house beers and pub grub.
Dive Bars
For a more low-key vibe, check out San Francisco’s legendary dive bars:
- Zeitgeist: A biker bar known for its bloody marys, tamale lady, and expansive beer garden.
- Vesuvio Cafe: A Beat Generation hangout where Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg used to imbibe.
- Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe: An eccentric watering hole filled with quirky artifacts, stiff drinks, and colorful locals.
Dance Clubs
If you’re looking to dance, San Francisco’s club scene offers plenty of options:
- DNA Lounge: A sprawling, multi-level venue hosting themed dance parties and live music.
- The Great Northern: Housed in a former 1920s movie palace, this club features state-of-the-art sound and international DJs.
- Monarch: An upscale lounge and nightclub with aerial performances, burlesque shows, and house music.
LGBTQ-Friendly Venues
As a historically LGBTQ-friendly city, San Francisco has no shortage of inclusive bars and clubs:
- Twin Peaks Tavern: The first gay bar in the country to feature full-length plate glass windows, rather than blacked-out windows.
- Jolene’s: A queer bar for every walk of life with dancing, drag shows, and community events.
- The Stud: The city’s oldest LGBTQ venue, now collectively owned and operated.
Sports Bars
Sports fans can catch the game at one of these lively pubs:
- Kezar Pub: An Irish pub across from Golden Gate Park, popular among European soccer fans.
- Greens Sports Bar: A classic sports bar with plenty of screens, beer, and wings.
- Hi Tops: The city’s first gay sports bar, complete with bleacher seating and corn dogs.
Historic Venues
Drink in some history at these landmark bars:
- The Saloon: San Francisco’s oldest bar, established in 1861, featuring live blues music nightly.
- Tosca Cafe: A 100-year-old North Beach icon revamped by star chef April Bloomfield.
- Comstock Saloon: An early 20th century saloon restored to its Barbary Coast glory, with classic cocktails and live jazz.
FAQs
Q: What are some of the best neighborhoods for bar hopping in San Francisco?
A: The Mission, Castro, SoMa, and Polk Street are all popular bar hopping destinations, each with their own unique character and variety of bars.
Q: Are there any good rooftop bars in the city?
A: Yes, some great rooftop bars include El Techo in the Mission, Charmaine’s atop the Proper Hotel, and Everdene at the Virgin Hotel.
Q: What’s the best way to get around while bar hopping?
A: Walking is often the easiest way, as many neighborhoods have a high concentration of bars. Rideshares and taxis are also readily available. You can even plan a bar crawl along a single Muni line.
Q: Are there any bars that serve food late at night?
A: Absolutely – Nopa serves its full menu until 1am, Ryoko’s Japanese Restaurant & Bar has sushi until 1:30am, and Toyose is a Korean spot open until 2am.
Q: What are some good options for beer gardens?
A: Zeitgeist has one of the most popular beer gardens in the Mission. Standard Deviant Brewing and Fermentation Lab also have great outdoor spaces to enjoy a brew.
From the historic pubs of North Beach to the hipster haunts of the Mission, San Francisco’s bar scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a craft beer buff, or just looking for a good time, the city’s diverse array of drinking establishments is sure to satisfy. So grab some friends and embark on a bar hopping adventure through the City by the Bay.
