When you go into any new major city you probably have a pretty high standard for the bar scene. You expect great drinks, but you also expect a great atmosphere, fun people, and a few awesome memories. I live in the San Francisco area so in my opinion, the best bars in San Francisco offer all of the above. Every time I go out on a bar crawl I meet great people, have awesome drinks, and I couldn’t even tell you all of the memories I’ve made! Since I live in San Francisco people are always asking me which bars they should check out. These are the ones that I consider to be the best bars in San Francisco.
The Best Bars in San Francisco will give you a taste of the city. From the financial district to the mission district every bar offers something different.
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Keep in mind these are in no particular order! I’m basically just spouting these out and I have no preference of one over the other. If I did have a preference, I wouldn’t tell you because I want you to go to them all!
Smuggler’s Cove | Fillmore
Want to drink like a pirate minus the dirty clothes and people? Smuggler’s Cove has three levels, though they’re all pretty small. Still it’s a fun atmosphere and since you’ll be standing so close to other people, you’re sure to make a few new friends.
Photo Credit: Yelp
The View | SOMA
San Francisco has a booming economy right now; tech giants scattered all around and millionaires are living all over the place. This means that a night out in San Francisco is going to cost you! Since you know you’ll be spending money, why not do it right? The View is at the top of the Marriott Marquis and is a must try bar. Even if you pre-game at home and come here to enjoy the view you’ll have an awesome time.
Trick Dog | The Mission
While heavy themes and decor is awesome in San Francisco, sometimes plain and simple is the way to go. Trick Dog may not transport you to another world, or even another time, but the drinks will make you want to stay right where you are. Oh and the food! The food is delicious which makes it an awesome place to go for a night out!
Local Edition | Financial District
I have dreamed of being a writer but the goal required a pack of smokes, a whiskey neat, and a hat with a “Press” tag in the band. Those days have come and gone but I still feel some way about the Local Edition. This bar is decked out with vintage newspapers and feels like a lounge from the past. Also, there is plenty of space in this underground bar to stretch your legs and arms if you want.
Pagan Idol | Financial District
There are a few guys in the San Francisco area who are known for their bars. These guys are the ones who brought us Local Edition, Bourbon & Branch, and more. The team is known as FutureBars, and they’re known for the details they put into their bars. Pagan Idol is a tiki-style bar, complete with a “starry sky” overhead and a full on theme that you’ll love.
The Treasury | Financial District
When you’re in San Francisco you want a San Francisco style bar, easy as that. But then again, maybe you also want to go to New York City. The Treasury is brought to us by a team of bar/restaurant powerhouse owners in the city. The team has come together to create a New York City style bar, and the food is all gourmet!
Whitechapel | Financial District
Maybe San Francisco isn’t enough for you, perhaps New York City isn’t either, how about London in the 1890’s? Whitechapel is what you get when you design a room to be a train station in the 1890’s, then turn it into a bar. It’s a bar that will make you want to book a flight to London. The team behind the menu at Whitechapel also built the menu for the next bar I’m going to mention!
Novela | SoMa
Keep in mind that I’m a writer. Naturally, that means reading is something I love to do. Novela is a bar that makes me feel like I’m in the Beast’s library from Beauty and The Beast. The walls are lined with bookcases, filled with books and LED lighting that makes the place feel magical.
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