San Francisco
We’ve compiled the best of the best in San Francisco - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Bourbon & Branch
TenderloinAlthough this spot reeks of Prohibition-era speakeasy cool, it's not exclusive (though it's highly recommended to book a reservation). The place has sex appeal, with...
Although this spot reeks of Prohibition-era speakeasy cool, it's not exclusive (though it's highly recommended to book a reservation). The place has sex appeal, with tin ceilings, bordello-red silk wallpaper, intimate booths, and low lighting; loud conversations and cell phones are not allowed. The menu of spirit-forward cocktails and quality bourbon and whiskey is substantial. A speakeasy within the speakeasy called Wilson & Wilson is more exclusive but just as funky.
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2. Cliff House
Richmond | Bars/PubsSure, it's the site of many high-school prom dates, and you could argue that the food and drinks are overpriced, but this is our pick if you...
Sure, it's the site of many high-school prom dates, and you could argue that the food and drinks are overpriced, but this is our pick if you must choose just one oceanfront restaurant/bar—its historical value is undeniable, and the views are terrific. The best window seats are reserved for diners, but there's a small upstairs lounge where you can watch gulls sail high above the vast blue Pacific.
View Tours and Activities1090 Point Lobos, at Great Hwy., San Francisco, California, 94121, USA415-386–3330 -
3. Elixir
The cocktails are well crafted and affordable at the city's second-oldest saloon location—various watering holes have operated on this site since 1858. It's San Francisco's...
The cocktails are well crafted and affordable at the city's second-oldest saloon location—various watering holes have operated on this site since 1858. It's San Francisco's best example of a vintage neighborhood favorite with the finest elements of a modern, ingredient-focused cocktail bar. Cocktail geeks and sports fans mingle in the same room. Don't miss the holiday cocktails in December.
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4. Smuggler's Cove
Hayes ValleyWith the decor of a pirate ship and a slew of rum-based cocktails, you half expect Captain Jack Sparrow to sidle up next to you...
With the decor of a pirate ship and a slew of rum-based cocktails, you half expect Captain Jack Sparrow to sidle up next to you at this offbeat, Disney-esque hangout. But the folks at Smuggler's Cove take rum so seriously they've even had it made for them from distillers around the world, which you can sample along with more than 550 other offerings.
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5. The Buena Vista
At the end of the Hyde Street cable-car line, the Buena Vista packs 'em in for its famous Irish coffee—which, according to owners, was the...
At the end of the Hyde Street cable-car line, the Buena Vista packs 'em in for its famous Irish coffee—which, according to owners, was the first served stateside (in 1952). The place oozes nostalgia with its white-jacketed bartenders and timeless atmosphere, drawing devoted locals as well as out-of-towners relaxing after a day of sightseeing. It's narrow and can get crowded, but this spot is a sip of history and provides a fine alternative to the overpriced tourist joints nearby.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. The Pied Piper
SoMaThe Palace Hotel's clubby, wood-paneled watering hole takes its name from the 1909 Maxfield Parrish mural The Pied Piper of Hamelin, which covers most of...
The Palace Hotel's clubby, wood-paneled watering hole takes its name from the 1909 Maxfield Parrish mural The Pied Piper of Hamelin, which covers most of the wall behind the bar. The Pied Piper lures an upscale clientele for two-olive martinis, Manhattans, and other trad libations.
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7. Toronado Pub
HaightYou come to one of the city's most popular dive bars for one thing and one thing only: the reasonably priced beers, about four dozen...
You come to one of the city's most popular dive bars for one thing and one thing only: the reasonably priced beers, about four dozen of them on tap. The Toronado opens in the late morning and has a good-size crowd by early afternoon, so show up early to sit at one of the highly coveted tables. Just make sure to bring cash, as they don't accept credit cards.
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8. Trick Dog
At San Francisco's most talked about (and arguably most innovative) craft cocktail bar, every drink has at least one "huh?" ingredient. But no worries, you're...
At San Francisco's most talked about (and arguably most innovative) craft cocktail bar, every drink has at least one "huh?" ingredient. But no worries, you're in the hands of some of the most capable bartenders that you'll ever have the honor of enjoying a drink from. It gets very crowded, both for the drinks and for the outstanding hot dog–shaped burger and beloved kale salad.
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9. Vesuvio
If you're hitting only one bar in North Beach, it should be this one. The low-ceilinged second floor of this raucous boho saloon hangout, little...
If you're hitting only one bar in North Beach, it should be this one. The low-ceilinged second floor of this raucous boho saloon hangout, little altered since its 1960s heyday (when Jack Kerouac frequented the place), is a fine vantage point for watching the colorful Broadway and Columbus Avenue intersection. Another part of Vesuvio's appeal is its diverse clientele, from older neighborhood regulars and young couples to bacchanalian posses.
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10. West Coast Wine & Cheese
Cow HollowWhether you’re in the mood for a Paso Robles Grenache Blanc or an Oregon Pinot Noir, you'll find it at this narrow, sleek locals’ favorite....
Whether you’re in the mood for a Paso Robles Grenache Blanc or an Oregon Pinot Noir, you'll find it at this narrow, sleek locals’ favorite. The kitchen isn’t much more than a stovetop but does some pretty impressive work beyond cheese and charcuterie. Take advantage of the ability to order half pours and sample more wines.
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11. Zeitgeist
It's a dive but one of the city's best beer bars—there are almost 50 on tap—and a great place to relax with a cold one...
It's a dive but one of the city's best beer bars—there are almost 50 on tap—and a great place to relax with a cold one or an ever-popular Bloody Mary in the large "garden" (there's not much greenery) on a sunny day. Burgers and brats are available, and if you own a trucker hat, a pair of Vans, and a Pabst Blue Ribbon T-shirt, you'll fit right in.
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12. 15 Romolo
Easy to miss on an alley and overshadowed by neighboring adult-entertainment venues that are parallel along the Columbus strip, this craft cocktail den with a...
Easy to miss on an alley and overshadowed by neighboring adult-entertainment venues that are parallel along the Columbus strip, this craft cocktail den with a Basque theme serves up tipples of sherry, a few thoughtful wine picks, and creative cocktails. Pair your drink with tasty, Spanish-driven bistro snacks, such as pressed tuna baguette sandos, house-made pickles, pintxos (Basque tapas with bread), and croquetas (a fried snack). With a non-Internet jukebox and a photo booth, this place oozes vintage hipster vibes but with old-world sensibilities.
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13. Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
Hayes ValleyThe popular restaurant's nearly two dozen specialty cocktails make a trip just to the bar worthwhile. The classic but modern French cuisine, California and French...
The popular restaurant's nearly two dozen specialty cocktails make a trip just to the bar worthwhile. The classic but modern French cuisine, California and French wines, and vintage bistro decor are terrific, too, so pair a cocktail with a few bites before or after a show.
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14. ABV
One of the city's top cocktail bars offers elevated small plates (the burger has a devoted following) late into the night to pair with the...
One of the city's top cocktail bars offers elevated small plates (the burger has a devoted following) late into the night to pair with the excellent cocktail menu, which includes such favorites as a Mumbai Mule with saffron vodka. A knowledgeable and friendly staff serves a diverse, energetic crowd in a smart modern setting.
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15. Amelie
Polk GulchA slice of modern French life, this cozy and romantic wine bar is an ideal spot for oenophiles, with a list strong in French selections....
A slice of modern French life, this cozy and romantic wine bar is an ideal spot for oenophiles, with a list strong in French selections. Vintage-theater seating is available up front—perfect for mingling with strangers. The prices are reasonable, the pours handsome. Sit at the red-lacquer bar to learn about wine and pick up a French phrase or two.
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16. Anina
Hayes ValleyThis floral-and-tropics-themed bar boasts one of the prime patios in San Francisco, plus excellent, non-fussy craft cocktails....
This floral-and-tropics-themed bar boasts one of the prime patios in San Francisco, plus excellent, non-fussy craft cocktails.
482 Hayes St., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA -
17. AsiaSF
SoMaSaucy, sexy, and fun, this is one of the best places in town for dinner with a show. The entertainment, as well as the gracious...
Saucy, sexy, and fun, this is one of the best places in town for dinner with a show. The entertainment, as well as the gracious food service, is provided by some of the city's most gorgeous transgender women, who strut in impossibly high heels on top of the catwalk bar, vamping to tunes like "Cabaret" and "Big Spender." The creative Asian-influenced cuisine is surprisingly good. Make reservations, and go on a weekday to avoid the bachelorette parties.
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18. Badlands
Castro | Bars/PubsShirts off! If a sweaty muscle sandwich sounds like your idea of a good time, head to Badlands, where serious party boys come to grind to throbbing...
Shirts off! If a sweaty muscle sandwich sounds like your idea of a good time, head to Badlands, where serious party boys come to grind to throbbing music on a packed dance floor. The lines can be ridiculous on weekends; those in the know go on Wednesday or Thursday. Tight-teed patrons range from twenties to forties.
4121 18th St., between Castro and Collingwood Sts., San Francisco, California, 94114, USA415-626–9320 -
19. Balboa Cafe
Cow HollowHere you'll spy young (thirtysomething) and upwardly mobile former frat boys and sorority girls sipping on powerful espresso martinis and munching on tasty burgers served...
Here you'll spy young (thirtysomething) and upwardly mobile former frat boys and sorority girls sipping on powerful espresso martinis and munching on tasty burgers served sandwich-style on a baguette—considered by some to be the best in town. Classic cocktails are proper and stiff, bartenders always have something witty to say, and the wine list is one of the neighborhood's best.
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20. BATS Improv
MarinaIn addition to teaching workshops on improvisation, this group based in a renovated warehouse stages performances such as "Guilty Pleasures: Improvised Soaps" and "Spontaneous Broadway."...
In addition to teaching workshops on improvisation, this group based in a renovated warehouse stages performances such as "Guilty Pleasures: Improvised Soaps" and "Spontaneous Broadway." As is always the case for improv, the quality varies, but it's reliably fun. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door and have a suggested price range of $5 to $50 depending on what each patron feels comfortable paying.
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