What San Francisco’s nightlife scene lacks in clubs and dance floors, it makes up for in cocktails that are as innovative as the city itself. From new age classics to transportive tiki bars, reinvented Barbary Coast tipples, even healthy(ish) cocktails, there’s a spot here for every kind of drinker to imbibe. And it’s not just the drinks, but the feel of these best bars in San Francisco that make them so different. In some, you can drink a world class cocktail in a t-shirt and sandals; in others, you wouldn’t be out of place in tails. Here are our picks for the best bars in San Francisco, from the Mission District to Chinatown.
Read our complete San Francisco travel guide here.
Every bar on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.
