San Francisco Bars - Where to Drink

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Country’s first gay sports bar, on Market Street in the Castro since 2012. Beer in big mugs, drag bingo, watch parties, and a welcoming room.

Mission cocktail bar from the Lazy Bear team. James Beard Outstanding Bar Program 2024. Cocktails built like wine pairings, around seasonal produce.

Three-story Hayes Valley tiki bar with over 700 rums and a menu of traditional Caribbean drinks. Owner Martin Cate wrote the book on tiki cocktails.

Sutter Street cocktail bar from Kevin Diedrich, on multiple World’s 50 Best Bars lists. Tropical drinks, walk-in only.

North Beach cocktail bar down an alley off Broadway. Industry-veteran bartenders, bartender’s choice as the move, dive-meets-craft vibe.

Speakeasy in the basement of the old San Francisco Examiner printing room. Original printing presses, newspaper-themed cocktails, live jazz.

Mission craft cocktail bar from Bourbon & Branch alumni. Serious drinks under $15, no speakeasy theatrics, walk-in only.

Mission cocktail bar that reinvents its menu every six months around a different concept. James Beard nominated. House-made everything.

The bar that brought Irish coffee to America in 1952. Pouring them by the dozen at Hyde and Beach.

Mission cocktail bar on a corner that’s held a saloon since 1858. Original mahogany back bar, serious craft cocktail program, neighborhood crowd.