Located in Hayes Valley, Biergarten is a popular outdoor watering hole. Sister to the German restaurant, Suppenküche, this traditional beer garden features sleek wooden picnic tables, mood lighting strung between the trees and fence, and a corrugated metal bar serving liter sized mugs of German beer. The cuisine is typical Bavarian, with bratwurst, a cabbage, carrots and beet salad and the ever popular soft pretzel with sauerkraut gracing the menu. Be sure to dress warm if you plan to come in the evening, the garden does not have heating lamps and San Francisco nights are notoriously foggy and cold.
Zeitgeist is a popular bar in the Mission. They make a mean drink here, and you will fit in easily with the crowd, just don't let the profusion of leather and Harleys intimidate you. You do not have to be a biker to feel at home. An outdoor patio with barbecue and live music are all part of the experience. Best of all, you can wake up in the morning and start all over again with one of their famous Bloody Mary's.
Chambers Eat + Drink located inside San Francisco's prestigious Phoenix Hotel, is an ultra-luxe and modern dining room, reminiscent of a palatial study den of an avid record collector. The gorgeous wooden interiors exude an understated elegance and warmth, complemented by the plush couches, leather booths, chandeliers and the record library that must hold endless vinyls. The bar area and patio are so inviting that you instantly want to lean back in one of the chairs and revel in the charm. The food will certainly leave you impressed whether you order tidbits like Chicken Liver Pâte or sumptuous dishes like the Zabuton Steak. Selection of drinks includes beers, wines and special cocktails that perfectly sets off the whole dining experience.
Mars Bar & Restaurant is definitely the place for the hard-working crowd in SoMa. Do not be fooled by the stern doorman; once you get past him, it's all smiles and hospitality. Drinks are tall, strong, and served fast, even when the place is jammed. The back patio is perfect for relaxing in the shade, but don't expect to get too much personal space. Settle down in an overstuffed booth, order a basket of French fries, and groove to the Motown tunes while you people-watch. Later, shoot some pool or throw some darts. This is the kind of bar you can visit alone because you will not stay that way for long. Live music of various kinds is thoroughly enjoyable at the bar. Only the bar area is open on Saturdays.
A chic evening spot, Jones features trendy decor, plenty of outdoor seating, and a lovely rooftop setting, perfect for a warm summer evening out. The roof deck is especially lovely, with its wooden tables and potted trees. Don't worry about the chill on windy evenings, as the heated lamps will keep your toes toasty. The bar has a lively ambiance and is a good place to enjoy a sophisticated after-work cocktail or a light meal with friends. The menu features a good selection of drinks, from well-prepared cocktails to whiskeys, craft beers, and wines. Looking for a more substantial meal? The food menu has plenty of options, like panninis, pizzas, pastas, salads, and sides. For information on private events and parties, visit the website.
Dirty Habit, a bar inspired by film-noir and located on the fifth floor of Hotel Zelos, features craft cocktails and seasonal bites with a modern twist. The small portions of New American cuisine perfectly complement their handcrafted drinks, like the Ellwood Shandy, which features Rye, Eucalyptus, Amaro and Witbier. Their take on Japanese fusion cuisine is very innovative. Their food- and drink-centric staff sport chic red and black uniforms designed by a former Project Runway star. The rooftop space makes for a great dining spot during balmy SF evenings and is the big draw here. Their neatly decorated rooftop patio is a remarkable sight. It’s like celebrating life itself. With this being a popular after-work spot in SoMa, making reservations is advised.
B Restaurant & Bar enjoys a prime location perched on the roof of Yerba Buena Gardens. They serve up delicious New American fare with a nice view of the gardens, especially from the amazing patio. B Restaurant is a great spot to enjoy happy hour with oysters and delicious cocktails to brighten up your day.
Billed as "San Francisco's Premier Dive Venue," Thee Parkside lives up to its claim by recreating the classic American dive bar in San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighborhood. For years the club has come to be known as the Bay Area's go-to venue for metal, 60s soul, country, indie and punk rock. It regularly hosts a wide range of special events such as the "Free Twang Sunday" where you can go and see the Bay Area's finest country and bluegrass bands for free. Thee Parkside's kitchen serves up dishes by a rotating roster of talented guest chefs. If you're tired of rock clubs that replace comfort with tribute bands, head down to Thee Parkside for a tall can of PBR and great music.
Cocktail in hand, soak up the sun at this delightful rooftop offspring of the popular Lolinda. Sheer glass walls skirt the expansive space while a gazebo shields you against the unpredictable weather only to open when it gets bright and comfy. Little wooden tables and wicker chairs complete the minimalist look of the floor space. The vibrant bar dons bright green hues and serves a range of Latin-inspired cocktails, from classic margaritas and caipirinhas to their own signature concoctions. The food follows in the same vein as Lolinda downstairs with an emphasis on small plates and light bites. It seems the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree after all. Enjoy food and drinks here in the city's Mission District with stunning views of the city.
Housed in an old Irish hostelry, this authentic pub is popular with all the city's drinkers, local and visiting alike. The brick walls are covered in photos, antiques and many other things Irish and there is a wide selection of beers and spirits. The food is an interesting Celtic-California combo, served while UK rock plays in the background. Enjoy a burger & fries or Grilled Salmon and a pint. If you are looking for a fun night, then Irish Bank won’t let you down.
Rumor has it that this bar and restaurant was built to accommodate the crowds generated by the baseball stadium across the street. If this is true, there is only one question. Where will they fit? The bar and patio are packed every night with sports fans at MoMo's. Escape to the dining room, where you can enjoy hearty American favorites. The restaurant also serves as a private dining room where you can throw a lavish party for loved ones.
Tucked into the Mission, El Rio is a beloved neighborhood institution. Locals enjoy a margarita or a pint at the bar or on the spacious patio out back. El Rio features entertainment every weeknight, from DJs, and live bands to salsa dancing and movie nights. See website for detailed calendar. Adding to the bar's allure are "Dollar Day" Mondays, a lengthy happy hour, and free oysters on Fridays.