San Francisco help--where can I go for pre-dinner drinks?
 

I'm staying between Chinatown and North Beach and will be eating in the Embarcadaro section (at Boulevard) any recommendations for drinks in a great atmosphere beforehand?
I'm looking for a place with a view or a cute outdoor area, or just a charming place I can't find elsewhere. Any recommendations in either of these areas--or in Union Square area?

Thanks in advance!

Go to Americana in the Hotel Vitale right across the street from the restaurant.

It is right on the Embarcadero with views of the Bay Bridge and if by chance the weather is nice there is outdoor seating with heat lamps.

that sounds great, thank you!!

Hi JES, I had a thought..and saps posted it! I think you would enjoying having a drink at the Hotel Vitale also. Enjoy your time in San Francisco!

It may be too far from where you want to be but now that it gets dark earlier the view from Top of the Mark is wonderful. There is no cover charge before 9:00

Thanks all! Hotel Vitale was a great choice--perfect!
We also stopped by Slanted Door and were able to get a drink at the bar and bring it outdoors for an unobstructed view of the bridge.
Top of the Mark would have been great, but we ran out of time. Thanks again!

If you like wine and your are on a weekday, London Wine Bar.

Ditto The Vitale.

The Market Bar at the Ferry Bldg has outdoor seating and a view back at the city and it's near your destination.

The Tonga Room! I believe it is in the Fairmont Hotel? on Nob hill.
It is up the hill from chinatown. It is a fun tiki type bar that has a rain storm every 15 minutes while a band plays.
Fun place!

Hi JES, I am glad you enjoyed the drink at the Hotel Vitale and also a drink from the Slanted Door while enjoying the Bay Bridge and the SF Bay. Good times!!

Gee, we never thought about getting a drink at Slanted Door and going outside. The bar itself seems to be reserved for diners rather than drinkers.

After many years, we finally made it to the Tonga Room for drinks this summer. It was like something out of the 1960's. The drinks were expensive and not very good. The rainstorm was very hokey, as was the overall decor. Yea, it was kinda fun in a nostalgic way. I won't be going back though.

If you're into good wines, then go to the Wine Store in the Ferry building, a 5 minute walk from Boulevard, They are open until 8 or 9, depending on the day of the week, and they offer tastings on some good boutique wines, including some cult Cali cabs.

As suggested earlier, the MarketBar along the side of the building has seatings with a good view of the Bay.

I just realized that you already had your pre-dinner drink(s). Well, my suggestion is there for your consideration on your next visit.

Patrick, I also experienced the Tonga Room a couple of weeks ago and had the same reaction...I think next time we will go back to Trader Vic's for happy hour for a tiki experience...Tonga Room was like a bad wedding reception..and although I love the tiki theme, the drinks were overpriced and we found them to be very sugary and weak. We spent more time crashing a 40th high school reunion down the hall, now those folks knew how to party, and were very interesting, and had much better music ! LOL

We went to the Tonga Room two years ago. I agree it is a cheesy place, but it was fun for us. (And very unique.)There is not a Tonga Room in every city.