Rounding up the best bars in San Francisco is no easy task, so we turned to our Instagram and Facebook followers for help. We received several hundred responses to the question, “In your opinion, what’s the best bar in San Francisco?” and picked out the most popular answers to create this list. We love this mix of cocktail bars, dive bars, neighborhood haunts, and more… scroll to the bottom for a handy map to see which one’s closest to you.
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1. LiPo Cocktail Lounge
Chinatown’s LiPo Lounge first opened in 1937 and was an integral part of the neighborhood’s bustling nightclub scene from the ’30s through the ’60s. Not much has changed about Li Po, from the faux rock facade to the red lacquered doors. The famous Chinese Mai Tai is by far the most popular drink, made with a Chinese spirit called baijiu which gives a distinctive fruity and umami flavor.
đź“Ť916 Grant Ave.
2. Comstock Saloon
Comstock Saloon is an old-school, turn-of-the-century bar specializing in classic SF cocktails. Everything from the decor to the menu is a dutiful ode to the past, and the live jazz nights bring a lively charm to the space. Try the famed Pisco Punch with pisco and pineapple; the Martinez with sweet vermouth and maraschino liqueur; or of course the San Francisco with sloe gin, vermouths, and orange bitters.
đź“Ť155 Columbus Ave.
3. Smuggler’s Cove
This pirate-themed bar is totally eclectic, but made even more impressive with its award-winning rum selection, which boasts upwards of 550 rums. They claim to be one of the world’s top destinations for rum and exotic cocktails, and even have a book to prove it! Don’t be put off by the unassuming façade, marked only by a red lightbulb, because inside you’ll be blown away by the awesome tiki-pirate décor and exciting cocktail menu.
đź“Ť650 Gough St.
4. Dogpatch Saloon
This historic neighborhood bar is a beloved institution dating back to 1912 with a charming divey vibe. Antique details like the vintage fireplace, dark wooden bar, and black-and-white tiled floors make for a homey environment to enjoy well-made cocktails. Doggy companions are more than welcome.
đź“Ť2496 3rd St.
5. Pied Piper
This gorgeous bar in the Palace Hotel is another historic SF staple with beautiful vintage decor, plush sofas and chairs, and a fun mix of traditional and more inventive cocktails. Signatures include the Charlie Chaplin with rye whiskey and absinthe, and the Mestiza with pisco and passion fruit. It also has a solid dinner meal with American dishes including crispy fried chicken and jumbo crab cakes.
đź“ŤPalace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery St.
6. Pacific Cocktail Haven
Union Square’s restaurant and bar scene is somewhat hit-or-miss, so it’s worth putting Pacific Cocktail Haven on your radar during your next visit to this part of the city. PCH was named “Best American Cocktail Bar” at the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail Awards, and founder Kevin Diedrich was named “Best American Bartender” in 2020. Visit during hi-ball hour every day before 7pm, or bring a group to indulge in a dangerously delicious punch bowl.
đź“Ť550 Sutter St.
7. Top of the Mark
For eight decades, this absolutely iconic bar has offered unparalleled 360° views of the SF skyline from the 19th floor of the Mark Hopkins Hotel. The penthouse suite-turned-cocktail bar is a legendary place to enjoy delicious food and drink while taking in the city views stretching in all directions. During WWII, it was customary for servicemen to buy and leave a bottle with the bartender so the next member of their squadron could enjoy a drink, and guests with valid military ID can still enjoy a free “squadron shot.”
đź“ŤMark Hopkins Hotel, 999 California St.
8. Madrone Art Bar
This unique event space in Alamo Square defines itself as a “site-specific installation art environment” where you’ll find rotating art exhibits interspersed amongst the weekly dance parties. The space itself is always changing depending on the featured artists’ work, and its musical lineup is just as eclectic with a range of jam sessions, DJs, and live music.
500 Divisadero St.
9. Vesuvio
This North Beach saloon is a historical monument to the Beat Generation, as it served generations of artists including Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Neal Cassady, and more. Take a seat on the second story to enjoy the view of Columbus Street, and don’t forget to check out City Lights Bookstore and Jack Kerouac Alley next door.
255 Columbus Ave.
10. The Riptide
This Sunset hotspot has also been around since 1941 and is beloved for its small town lodge feel, draft beers a-flowin’. Listen to some fun local music acts while cozying up by the open brick fireplace and be sure to go for a walk on the beach, as it’s only a block away.
3639 Taraval St.
11. Tempest
Tempest is a friendly dive bar with great food, cheap drinks, a pool table, and a no-frills atmosphere. There’s a box kitchen with to-go comfort food like chicken and waffles, burgers, nuggets and more; and the accompanying bar is right next door. Come for a game of pool and stay for the chill neighborhood atmosphere and solid beer menu.
431 Natoma St.
12. ABV
ABV is a popular bar in the Mission with great drinks and late-night eats. Last year they ranked #39 in the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Bars Awards. Craft cocktails center around highballs, whiskey, agave, rum/brandy, and gin/vodka. Even better, their kitchen is open until midnight so you can stay up enjoying their creative bar fare late into the evening.
3174 16th St.
13. Hi-Lo Club
This eclectic cocktail bar on Polk Street describes itself as a place “where Hi-brow meets Lo-brow.” The bar is always stocked with rotating California beers and wines on tap, as well as specialty cocktails at $12 apiece. Enjoy a divey, casual ambience with a charming classic bar setup that’s neither too fancy nor too simple.
1423 Polk St