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.
Don't let the idea of casual Mexican cuisine fool you into thinking Tacolicious is anything short of beautiful. With classic authentic dishes like tacos, carnitas, and tostadas, Tacolicious brings color into every plate in a carefully crafted way. Get yourself a marg and don't be shy when it comes to their food so you can get that eye-catching Instagram shot.
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.
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.
With a rooftop deck and a gorgeous wood fireplace, Fiorella's newest location in the Sunset District sure checks a lot of boxes. If the charming decor and design of this spot aren't enough, their Italian delights and drinks are just as photo-worthy. Go with a group of friends so you each get a variety of dishes and get a chance to snap a handful of their beautiful cocktails.
An inKind Recommendation
You can't go wrong ordering one of Fiorella's pizzas. The Margherita pizza is a classic that'll please even the pickiest of diners but for something more unique try their wood-roasted honeynut squash or one of their signature pasta dishes.
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.
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.
Our Cocktail Recommendation
The Alora Spritz: named after the establishment itself, this cocktail includes cappelletti, amaro nonino, tangerine, lemon, prosecco, and bitters