Starlite

What you need to know

A cocktail lounge 21 floors above Union Square

Starlite sits on the 21st floor of the Beacon Grand Hotel on Powell Street, and the view alone would be enough to fill seats. But what keeps people coming back is the cocktail program, run by Scott Baird, one of the bartenders behind Trick Dog. The drinks here are playful and precise, each one served in a uniquely chosen glass that matches the drink’s personality.

The space was reimagined in 2024 with French-inspired design touches, blending vintage details with a modern lounge feel. There’s also a smaller room called Napoleon, filled with curated artifacts and a more intimate vibe for smaller groups.

What to drink

The cocktail menu leans into San Francisco references. Expect drinks inspired by the city’s icons (cable cars, fog, Chinatown) with ingredients that actually back up the theme rather than just name-dropping it. Cocktails run $16 to $22. If you’re not sure what to order, tell your bartender what flavors you like. They’re good at reading the room.

Food worth ordering

Chef Johnny Spero (Michelin-starred) put together a small plates menu that pulls from Bay Area and Chinatown flavors. These aren’t afterthought bar snacks. The portions are small but thoughtful, running $10 to $24 per plate.

The vibe

DJ Nina Tarr curates the vinyl selections, so the music skews toward well-chosen records rather than a generic playlist. The crowd trends toward people who dressed up a little for the evening. Thursday through Saturday nights get busy, especially after 9pm. Sunday is the quietest night if you want a more relaxed experience with the same views.

Getting there

The hotel is right on Powell Street near Union Square, so the Powell Street BART/Muni station is about a two-minute walk. The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable car lines stop right outside. Don’t bother driving; parking around Union Square on weekend nights is expensive and scarce.

📍 Location: This bar is in The Tenderloin. Explore the neighborhood →