Charmaine’s

📍 💰 $$$ 🍸 Rooftop Bar

The Verdict

"Get a fire-pit seat at sunset, on top of the Proper Hotel."

What you need to know

What to drink

The cocktail menu changes seasonally. The Big Cat (Ron Zacapa 23yr rum, passion fruit, vanilla, velvet falernum, $20) is one of the more-ordered drinks. The Salem Saberhagen (Ford’s gin, orange muscat, pineapple, honey, lime, $20) is the gin option. Zero-proof cocktails are on the menu.

Food

Small plates and bar bites. French fries ($13), deviled eggs ($5), and lemongrass chicken wings ($22) are the most-ordered. The crispy fish tacos ($22) and Proper sliders ($21) can serve as dinner.

The scene

Condé Nast Traveler and Thrillist have named Charmaine’s in their best-bars coverage. The crowd is a mix of hotel guests, locals, and visitors. Friday and Saturday nights fill after 7pm. For a fire pit seat, arrive at opening (4pm Saturday) or come on a weeknight.

Getting there

The hotel entrance is on Market Street, with a secondary entrance on McAllister. Civic Center BART is a five-minute walk. Van Ness Muni is also nearby. Parking on weekend nights is expensive and scarce.