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, where you can earn 20% back when you pay for your meal using the app.
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, where you can earn 20% back when you pay for your meal using the app.
Places Featured in This Guide:
Our Guide to the Best San Francisco Cocktail Bars
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.
Yokai
545 Misson St., San Francisco, CA, 94105
Crafted by Chef Marc Zimmerman and accompanied by a robust cocktail program, Yokai is a Hi-Fi bar featuring Japanese whisky and gin.
In the food realm, they have a charcoal grill drawing inspiration from extensive travels throughout Japan. Their kitchen focuses on sourcing pristine Japanese and Northern Californian ingredients, skillfully prepared over live fire, and thoughtfully presented for
guests to share. Grab a drink and a bite and enjoy!
In the food realm, they have a charcoal grill drawing inspiration from extensive travels throughout Japan. Their kitchen focuses on sourcing pristine Japanese and Northern Californian ingredients, skillfully prepared over live fire, and thoughtfully presented for
guests to share. Grab a drink and a bite and enjoy!
Our Cocktail Recommendation
Shishir Dreams of Ducks: Just as it sounds, a duck-filled fantasy drink, this cocktail is as unique as Yokai itself. The creation includes duck fat-washed whiskey, tamarind, dates, and peychauds.
ROOH
333 Brannan St #150, San Francisco, CA, 94107
Nestled in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area is an urban, Indian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar - ROOH. A communal space for relaxed social dining, ROOH draws its inspiration from the vibrancy of the culture and art, as well as the innovative spirit of modern India.
This Michelin Guide-featured Bay Area restaurant serves up classic Indian dishes with a unique spin, as well as artisanal cocktails that are sure to please.
This Michelin Guide-featured Bay Area restaurant serves up classic Indian dishes with a unique spin, as well as artisanal cocktails that are sure to please.
Our Cocktail Recommendation
Ramu's Fizz: Known to be more on the sour side, this drink is chock full of ingredients to fit its name. In the fizz you will find: vodka, citrus gin, grapefruit juice, cranberry, passionfruit water, marscapone cheese, and egg white.
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.
Alora
Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, San Francisco, CA, 94105
Let Alora transport you to the coastal line of the mediterranean with their award-winning food and beverage menu. They have thoughtfully curated all the elements of the restaurant to elicit an unmatched experience.
Alora, meaning “beautiful dreamer,” is a refined yet convivial San Francisco waterfront restaurant that melds the vibrant flavors, ingredients and dishes from countries spanning the vast Mediterranean coastline with market-driven California cuisine.
Alora, meaning “beautiful dreamer,” is a refined yet convivial San Francisco waterfront restaurant that melds the vibrant flavors, ingredients and dishes from countries spanning the vast Mediterranean coastline with market-driven California cuisine.
Our Cocktail Recommendation
The Alora Spritz: named after the establishment itself, this cocktail includes cappelletti, amaro nonino, tangerine, lemon, prosecco, and bitters
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