Best Bars & Nightlife in San Francisco, United States

1. The Buena Vista Cafe

Famous for inventing the Irish Coffee, this historic waterfront bar offers a cozy atmosphere and great views of the Bay.

Historic Significance: Established in 1950, it's one of San Francisco's oldest bars.
Bay Views: Located on Fisherman's Wharf, it offers stunning views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
Famous Drink: Known worldwide for its Irish Coffee recipe.

A sophisticated lounge in the historic Clift Hotel, offering live jazz and classic cocktails.

Live Jazz: Features live jazz performances nightly.
Historic Atmosphere: Beautifully decorated with redwood panels and a grand fireplace.
Classic Cocktails: Offers a menu of classic cocktails, many with a modern twist.

A laid-back Mission District bar known for its eclectic decor and outdoor patio.

Eclectic Decor: Features a unique mix of art, kitsch, and vintage items.
Outdoor Patio: Offers an outdoor patio for enjoying the San Francisco weather.
Community Focus: Has a strong focus on community and supporting local artists.

A Polynesian-themed Tiki bar in the Mission District known for its exotic drinks and lively atmosphere.

Exotic Drinks: Serves a variety of exotic, rum-based cocktails.
Polynesian Decor: Features Polynesian-themed decor, including tiki statues and tropical plants.
Lively Atmosphere: Has a lively atmosphere with live music and dancing on weekends.

A glamorous rooftop bar offering panoramic views of San Francisco and live music.

Panoramic Views: Offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop location.
Live Music: Features live jazz music nightly.
Historic Building: Located in the historic Mark Hopkins Hotel.

San Francisco's oldest continuously operating bar, offering a wild west saloon atmosphere.

Historic Significance: Opened in 1861, it's the city's oldest bar.
Wild West Atmosphere: Features a wild west saloon atmosphere with wooden booths and old-west memorabilia.
Live Music: Offers live music performances nightly.

A multi-room club featuring DJs, live bands, and themed nights.

Multi-Room Club: Has multiple rooms for different types of music and experiences.
Themed Nights: Offers themed nights, such as Goth, Industrial, and Retro dance parties.
Live Music & DJs: Features live bands and DJs playing a variety of genres.

A rooftop bar in the Mission District offering Latin-American inspired drinks and views of the city.

Rooftop Views: Offers panoramic views of San Francisco from its rooftop location.
Latin-American Inspired Drinks: Serves a variety of Latin-American inspired cocktails.
Casual Atmosphere: Has a casual, laid-back atmosphere.

A classic Tiki bar in the Fairmont Hotel, featuring an indoor lagoon and live music.

Indoor Lagoon: Features a large indoor lagoon with periodic rain and thunder effects.
Tiki Drinks: Serves classic Tiki drinks, including the famous Hurricane.
Live Music: Offers live music performances nightly.

A hip bar and music venue in the Mission District known for its strong drink menu.

Strong Drink Menu: Offers a wide variety of strong, well-crafted cocktails.
Music Venue: Hosts live music events and DJ sets.
Indie Vibe: Has a hip, indie vibe with a focus on local artists and musicians.

A classic diner and bar known for its Booth 46 where Clint Eastwood sat in the movie 'Magnum Force'.

Movie History: Booth 46 was made famous by Clint Eastwood in the movie 'Magnum Force'.
Diner Food: Serves classic diner food, including steak and eggs.
Bar & Lounge Area: Has a bar and lounge area for drinks and socializing.

A speakeasy-style bar in the Tenderloin district with a focus on classic cocktails.

Speakeasy Atmosphere: Has a speakeasy atmosphere, requiring a password to enter.
Classic Cocktails: Offers a menu of classic cocktails, many with a modern twist.
Intimate Setting: Has an intimate, cozy setting perfect for a romantic date.

A Tiki bar in the Marina District offering over 700 different rums and exotic cocktails.

Rum Selection: Offers one of the largest rum selections in the world.
Exotic Cocktails: Serves exotic, Tiki-style cocktails made with fresh juices and house-made syrups.
Tropical Decor: Features tropical decor, including tiki statues and Polynesian artifacts.

A Mexican-themed bar in the Mission District known for its tequila selection and live music.

Tequila Selection: Offers one of the largest tequila selections in San Francisco.
Live Music: Features live music performances, especially Mariachi bands.
Casual Atmosphere: Has a casual, laid-back atmosphere perfect for a fun night out.

A lesbian-focused bar in the Castro District known for its karaoke nights and friendly staff.

Lesbian Focus: Caters specifically to the lesbian community.
Karaoke Nights: Hosts popular karaoke nights several nights a week.
Friendly Staff: Has a friendly, welcoming staff that makes everyone feel at home.