Charmaine’s
The Verdict
"Get there at opening on Saturday for a fire pit seat without a wait. Weeknight visits are calmer and just as good. Bring a layer even in summer because the wind picks up after sunset at this height."
What you need to know
San Francisco’s best rooftop, 120 feet above Market Street
Charmaine’s is the rooftop bar at the San Francisco Proper Hotel, perched 120 feet above the intersection of Market and 7th. The space mixes fire pits, lush greenery, and open-air seating with a European terrace feel that somehow works despite being on top of a building in one of the windier parts of the city. They’ve figured out the heat situation with fire pits and heaters, so even on a cool San Francisco evening you’re comfortable enough to stay for a second round.
What to drink
The cocktail menu is well-crafted and changes seasonally. The Big Cat (Ron Zacapa 23yr rum, passion fruit, vanilla, velvet falernum, $20) is a crowd favorite for good reason. The Salem Saberhagen (Ford’s gin, orange muscat, pineapple, honey, lime, $20) is a solid pick if you lean toward gin drinks. They also have zero-proof cocktail options that don’t feel like an afterthought.
Food
Small plates and bar bites keep the menu focused. French fries ($13), deviled eggs ($5), and lemongrass chicken wings ($22) are the most popular orders. The crispy fish tacos ($22) and Proper sliders ($21) are filling enough to call dinner if you’re not looking for a full sit-down meal.
The scene
Conde Nast Traveler and Thrillist have both named it among the country’s best bars, so it draws a mix of hotel guests, locals celebrating something, and tourists who did their research. Friday and Saturday nights get packed after 7pm. If you want a fire pit seat, arrive right when they open on Saturday (4pm) or come on a weeknight.
Getting there
The hotel entrance is at 1100 Market Street, with a secondary entrance on McAllister. Civic Center BART is a five-minute walk. Van Ness Muni is nearby too. Don’t bother driving; parking around here on weekend nights is expensive and scarce.
📍 Location: This bar is in Haight-Ashbury. Explore the neighborhood →