Starlite
The Verdict
"Sky-high cocktails near Union Square. Thursday through Sunday only."
What you need to know
The space was reimagined with French-inspired design touches. There is a smaller room called Napoleon with curated artifacts for smaller groups.
What to drink
The cocktail menu uses San Francisco references (cable cars, fog, Chinatown) as themes. Cocktails run $16 to $22.
Food worth ordering
Chef Johnny Spero (Michelin-starred) put together a small plates menu pulling from Bay Area and Chinatown flavors. Portions are small, running $10 to $24 per plate.
The vibe
DJ Nina Tarr curates the vinyl selections. Thursday through Saturday nights get busy after 9pm. Sunday is quieter.
Getting there
The hotel is on Powell Street near Union Square. Powell Street BART/Muni is about a two-minute walk. The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable car lines stop outside. Parking around Union Square on weekend nights is expensive and limited.
Explore Nearby
Bob’s Donuts
Famous donut shop
Chameleon Vintage
A Japantown vintage shop carrying Japanese designer labels (Comme des Garcons, Yohji...
Kabuki Springs & Spa
A Japanese-style bathhouse in Japantown's Japan Center with communal hot and cold...
The Rotunda
Lunch and afternoon tea under a 1909 stained-glass dome.