RESTAURANT GUIDE
5 of Our Favorite Cocktail Bars in San Francisco
Guide By Cole Bubenik
Whether you're meeting up with old friends, vacationing with new ones, or needing the perfect happy hour spot, finding a great cocktail bar can feel daunting.
The best cocktail bar has to have the perfect set of qualities. You'll want a spot that feels great to be at: not too crowded, not too empty. You'll also want a welcoming vibe, a great aesthetic, and of course plenty of delicious cocktails to choose from. There's a lot of room for variation though and the options can quickly add up, leaving even the most knowledgeable cocktail connoisseur overwhelmed.
In this guide to our favorite (and some of the best cocktail bars) in San Francisco, I focused on a few different criteria. With the help of the inKind team, we started by asking the obvious questions: do they serve the classics? Then, we expand from there: how does it feel to sit there? Do these spots have a good happy hour? What type of signature drinks do they have on the menu? How is their food: full menu, or just small plates?
All of the spaces featured in this guide are available on the inKind app and with inKind Pass.
In this guide to our favorite (and some of the best cocktail bars) in San Francisco, I focused on a few different criteria. With the help of the inKind team, we started by asking the obvious questions: do they serve the classics? Then, we expand from there: how does it feel to sit there? Do these spots have a good happy hour? What type of signature drinks do they have on the menu? How is their food: full menu, or just small plates?
All of the spaces featured in this guide are available on the inKind app and with inKind Pass.
Places Featured in This Guide:
Our Guide to the Best San Francisco Cocktail Bars
Wildseed
2000 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
We love Wildseed for its beautiful outdoor space and delicious seasonal vegan cuisine and cocktails. Wildseed serves a menu focused on "fresh, flavourful and hearty food" that puts beautiful vegetables at the center of all of its dishes. Enjoy their roasted garlic hummus, spicy cucumbers, or brussels sprouts while sipping on their Wildseed G&T or other signature cocktails. Wildseed's creative cocktails and delicious plant-based meals make it one of the best cocktail bars in San Francisco.
Our Cocktail Recommendation
The Wildseed G&T: butterfly pea tea infused gin, cucumber, aloe, tonic. If The Wildseed is about anything, it's showcasing the power of great plant-based meals. Their Wildseed G&T is no different, giving you a plant-based approach to a tried-and-true classic cocktail.
Starbelly
3583 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Starbelly is a casual and friendly spot that serves California comfort food supported by its great seasonal cocktail selection. Their outdoor and indoor spaces will make any diner feel right at home, making this the perfect spot for bringing friends, family, or coworkers after a long day. Visit on the weekends for a fantastic brunch menu featuring classics like chilaquiles and heavenly french toast.
Their signature cocktails are light and flavorful and change with the seasons giving you a new experience year-round.
Their signature cocktails are light and flavorful and change with the seasons giving you a new experience year-round.
Our Cocktail Recommendation
The Strawberry alarm clock: a house-infused strawberry vodka with Aperol and lemon. I'm a sucker for a fruit-based cocktail, especially if it's served at a beautiful space like Starbelly. This cocktail is perfect for anyone looking for both a hint of sour and sweet.
Fiorella - Sunset
Multiple locations
The first thing you'll notice about Fiorella is its beautiful indoor space, flush with natural light. Designed to be a neighborhood spot, Fiorella sells wood-fired pizzas, traditional pasta, and mouth-watering appetizers.
While wine might be the traditional go-to with a nice Italian meal, Fiorella offers up signature cocktails for both brunch and dinner. Whether you're enjoying a pitcher of the Golden Gate Sling with friends or a Negroni Rosa alone, you're sure to find something you love.
While wine might be the traditional go-to with a nice Italian meal, Fiorella offers up signature cocktails for both brunch and dinner. Whether you're enjoying a pitcher of the Golden Gate Sling with friends or a Negroni Rosa alone, you're sure to find something you love.
Our Cocktail Recommendation
The Pretty in Pink - Cocchi Americano Rosa, Mommenpop Meyer Lemon Aperitif, Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic, served tall. Sometimes what you crave is a cocktail that's beautiful to look at. The Pretty in Pink provides that while still giving you a sweet and floral cocktail that's the perfect entry to Fiorella's hearty mains.
Tacolicious
741 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110
Tacos take center stage at Tacolicious, with a menu full of both classic and innovative offerings. With multiple locations each offering a down-to-earth vibe, Tacolicious is one of the best spots to spend a happy hour or quick lunch with friends. Their cocktail menu highlights the flavors of agave and mezcal, with multiple margarita options and imaginative creations available by the glass or pitcher.
Their happy hour, from 3 PM - 6 PM on weekdays offers discounts on margaritas, sangrias, beers and wines, plus specials on chicken tacos, and made-to-order guacamole.
Their happy hour, from 3 PM - 6 PM on weekdays offers discounts on margaritas, sangrias, beers and wines, plus specials on chicken tacos, and made-to-order guacamole.
Our Cocktail Recommendation
Their Margarita De La Casa: campo Azul Blanco, lime juice and agave. Margaritas are must-orders at Tacolicious. Using a reliable recipe each one is crafted to go along perfectly with any of their delicious tacos.
El Techo
2516 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Nestled in the Mission, El Techo serves street food, rooftop views, and stunning cocktails year-round. Their rooftop stays open rain or shine and is highly coveted, with people lining up just to snag a spot. Visit if you're looking for great views paired with amazing Latin street food, small plates, and a fantastic brunch menu.
With a weekday happy hour from 4 - 6 PM and a cocktail menu centered around classics like Palomas, margaritas, sangria, and piña coladas, this spot is a great find any day of the week.
With a weekday happy hour from 4 - 6 PM and a cocktail menu centered around classics like Palomas, margaritas, sangria, and piña coladas, this spot is a great find any day of the week.
Our Cocktail Recommendation
The Margarita del Techo: Blanco tequila, mezcal, lemon, and agave. It might seem ordinary to order a margarita at a place like El Techo, but sometimes you have to lean into the basics. Served with Blanco tequila and mezcal, this gives you the notes of a classic margarita, with the extra El Techo twist.
Visit the Best San Francisco Cocktail Bars
What's the best way to try these cocktail bars in San Francisco? Try inKind Pass–the curated dining pass that comes with a spending bonus. With inKind Pass, you can dine and drink at any of the restaurants listed in this article or hundreds of other Michelin-star restaurants, cozy cafes, or restaurants throughout SF.
You'll also get bonuses when you load a balance into your inKind Pass account. That means you'll get extra drinks while exploring the very best cocktail bars in San Francisco.
We also want to see your best shots from these restaurants. Tag us on Instagram at @inkind_hospitality or use our hashtags #inkindeats and #inkindshares to show off your best Instagram shots!
You'll also get bonuses when you load a balance into your inKind Pass account. That means you'll get extra drinks while exploring the very best cocktail bars in San Francisco.
We also want to see your best shots from these restaurants. Tag us on Instagram at @inkind_hospitality or use our hashtags #inkindeats and #inkindshares to show off your best Instagram shots!
More Restaurant Guides
Read our guides to find top restaurants, bars, lounges, and cafes in San Francisco.