10 of Our Favorite Cocktail Bars in San Francisco

 

As a landmark California destination, San Francisco boasts a variety of activities for visitors to take in the city’s rich culture and thriving population. For those with a taste for a quality cocktail, the bar scene is sure to impress with plenty of unique options for sipping your way to a good time. From local favorites to welcome newcomers, we’ve put together our favorite cocktail bars in San Francisco that are sure to become a go-to for anyone visiting the Golden Gate City.

This ‘50s and ‘60s newspaper business-themed bar is a hot spot hidden beneath Market St. where you can lounge with friends in the historical Hearst building.  The bar features sleek décor alongside vintage SF press clippings to transport you back to the nostalgic era.

Get aboard the contemporary Tiki trend with this spirited bar in the Financial District. The tropical theme draws in Tiki lovers from all around to experience the playful, island-inspired design along with tasting their delectable cocktails.

This secretive spot requires a password upon entrance, but once inside, guests are treated to one-of-a-kind cocktails created just for you by the bar’s knowledgeable staff. Your experience will be uninterrupted with their ‘no phones or cameras’ policy allowing for a fully immersive adventure.

What used to be an old warehouse was turned into a trendy Mission District watering hole with a rotating cocktail menu that keeps locals coming back for more. The murals and rustic décor make for a great space to toast drinks with friends and grab a bite of their Trick Dog Dog.

This tropical oasis has a vintage Polynesian design with an eclectic modern twist. The 1950s Beverly Hills-era comes alive mixing in a glamorous feel that complements the array of quality food and drinks, and earned the space a renowned James Beard Nomination for Best Restaurant Design.

This quality bar well-known for its friendly staff of talented bartenders is the perfect place to stop in for a unique creation in Mission Dolores. The sophisticated design utilizes recycled materials to create a unique, modern style to match the flavorful drinks.

You won’t be able to leave SF before stopping into the admired quality bar, a tucked away Union Square bar offering up drinks and oysters. The fresh, seasonal libations taste great within the sophisticated and intimate space.

An iconic SF destination, Tonga Room boasts a theatrical design that allows guests to be taken away by the island vibes and boozy, tropical drinks. The periodic indoor storms put a Disney-esque touch on the environment, making it a necessary stop on any San Francisco vacation.

This modern and unique space in an updated 1930s building functions as a café, museum, library, and cocktail bar all tied into one. Sip a drink with enlightenment sure to follow as you hang out in the futuristic yet still contemporary lounge.

Establishing itself as a staple in the SF bar scene, Smuggler’s Cove brings Tiki to a new level with quality drinks and an impressive rum collection of over 550 selections. The classic Tiki environment is brought to life with quirky, tropical décor and vintage accents.