Best Bars in San Francisco

San Francisco's bar scene reflects the city's creative spirit and diverse culture, offering everything from award-winning cocktail lounges to intimate neighborhood spots. Whether you're celebrating fresh ink from an expert tattoo artist or simply seeking a memorable night out, these carefully selected establishments represent the finest drinking experiences the City by the Bay has to offer. Each venue brings its own unique character, exceptional service, and crafted beverages that make San Francisco a world-renowned destination for bar enthusiasts.

Pacific Cocktail Haven - World-Class Cocktails Near Union Square

Pacific Cocktail Haven stands as one of San Francisco's most awarded cocktail bars, earning recognition as the #16 spot on North America's 50 Best Bars list in 2025. Founded by Kevin Diedrich, who won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for "Best American Bartender," this Union Square establishment has earned James Beard nominations and numerous international accolades.

The bar specializes in Asian-Pacific ingredients, celebrating Diedrich's Filipino heritage with signature cocktails like the groundbreaking pandan Leeward Negroni and the playful Thrilla in Manila featuring bourbon, shiso, calamansi, and li hing mui. Located at 550 Sutter Street, the space features one glowing bar with curved banquettes, a front patio, and an extensive spirits collection.

True Laurel - Mission District's Innovative Cocktail Destination

True Laurel has earned its place as #17 on North America's 50 Best Bars 2025, climbing from #30 the previous year. Located at 753 Alabama Street in the Mission District, this cozy but buzzy cocktail destination features two bars, indoor tables, and outdoor patio dining. Bar director Nicolas Torres creates science-forward cocktails incorporating local flora, including overgrown weeds, foraged conifers, and root vegetables from local farmers.

The menu changes daily due to hyper-seasonal ingredients, featuring visually stunning and often crystal-clear cocktails made with unique applications such as house-fermented field cider, pinecone distillate, redwood tips, and California bay tincture. The establishment also offers tasting bar takeovers, where parties of six to ten get the entire bar to themselves for two hours.

Woods Bar - Natural Wines in Lower Haight

Woods Bar brings a distinctly local feel to San Francisco's drinking scene, located at 530 Haight Street in the Lower Haight neighborhood. The establishment specializes in all-natural wines and beers on tap that are unique to Woods itself. The venue offers both indoor candlelit seating and a back outdoor patio, making it an ideal spot for after-work happy hours, dates, or friend catch-ups. The atmosphere tends toward the intimate and relaxed, drawing a crowd that appreciates carefully curated natural beverages in a welcoming neighborhood setting.

Bar Sprezzatura - Venetian-Inspired Rooftop Romance

Hidden on an upstairs courtyard facing a fountain under towering high-rises, Bar Sprezzatura serves as both a cocktail destination and one of the sexiest dining rooms in the city. The Venetian cicchetti-inspired establishment transports visitors to Venice through its glass-walled dining room marked by soft tan and blue velvet seating and Parisian-style street lamps. The bar offers an all-day experience that balances sophisticated cocktails with Italian-inspired small plates, creating an atmosphere that feels both exotic and accessible within the urban landscape.

Cavaña - Mission Bay Rooftop with Bay Views

Cavaña occupies the 17th floor at 100 Channel Street in Mission Bay, offering stunning views of the Bay and Downtown San Francisco. The rooftop bar features both an outdoor patio with firepits and a cozy indoor area, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends or pregaming before Giants or Warriors games. Located less than a 10-minute walk from Oracle Park, the venue attracts both locals and visitors seeking elevated views and carefully crafted cocktails. The bar's signature drinks reflect California influences, with cocktails like the GUAYABA featuring tequila with guava, rose, and vanilla notes.

About Old Crow Tattoo Shop

Old Crow Tattoo Shop has served as Berkeley's premier tattoo studio and art gallery since 2008, celebrating 15 years as a cornerstone of the East Bay's artistic community. Located at 2812 Telegraph Avenue in the heart of Berkeley, the studio blends expert craftsmanship with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where all bodies are welcome. The team of resident and guest tattoo artists specializes in a wide variety of styles, from fine-line and geometric to traditional and black & grey realism.

Beyond exceptional tattoo services, Old Crow actively contributes to Berkeley's artistic landscape through regular Flash Days, guest artist takeovers, and pop-up events that keep the East Bay tattoo scene vibrant and connected. Whether it's a client's first tattoo or their fiftieth, the artists take pride in creating memorable pieces that clients will love for a lifetime.

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