Where can I get the Best Cocktails in San Francisco?

Looking for the best spots to sip on the best cocktails in San Francisco? I’ve got you covered with a list of must-visit bars that’ll shake up your evening in style. To be honest, my preferences slightly skew Asian-inspired and tiki-happy, but there’s truly something for everyone at these places.

Mission / Bernal

ABV: Right off the 16th Street BART in Mission District, ABV was listed as one of North America’s 50 Best in 2022. I think they’re still pretty great. The OVC is a standout.
Trick Dog: Housed in a converted warehouse in the Mission, the aptly named Trick Dog is always churning out fun new tricks. They have a seasonal rotating menu with fun themes (art gallery, pandemic, tiki, karma sutra) to keep you guessing. The cocktail drinks are largely hits with some very occasional misses and the food is surprisingly good. Do get the kale salad, hot dogs, and nuggets. Pro tip, there’s an upstairs seating area you can reserve.
True Laurel: The polar opposite of Trick Dog (though very close by), True Laurel has a standout, though rarely refreshed menu. locally sourced ingredients. With a focus on seasonal flavors, True Laurel is a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Holy Water: Situated in Bernal Heights, Holy Water is a neighborhood gem with the religious theme on lock. They have a great beer selection and delicious cocktails to boot – my favorite is their spin on a Pina Colada, aptly named Colada.

Ghirardelli Square

The Buena Vista: Purportedly where the Irish Coffee was born stateside. Super old school cafe with an amazing Irish Coffee. This is a top favorite of mine to take locals and out of towners alike. It’s also right by Fisherman’s Wharf/Ghirardelli Square.

Downtown / Chinatown

Pacific Cocktail Haven: Located in the heart of Union Square, Pacific Cocktail Haven now has a James Beard award to add to its accolades. With a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors, Pacific Cocktail Haven is a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. They also do an amazing transformation during the holiday season, dubbed “Miracle at PCH”, with themed drinks and festive mugs to match. Their sister bar, Kona’s Street Market, is also notable and also does a holiday takeover.
Moongate Lounge: Nestled on the 2nd floor of Mister Jiu’s in the San Francisco Chinatown, Moongate Lounge is the place to go for strong Wong-Kar-Wai vibes. They describe themselves as a lunar inspired listening lounge. Classic cocktails get a fun asian twist here and don’t forget to have some ma la (numbing) chips to accompany your cocktail.

Hayes Valley

Smuggler’s Cove: Behind a nondescript commercial-looking storefront with a bouncer, be prepared to step into the shrine of Tiki that is Smuggler’s Cove. You’ll quickly be transported to a tropical paradise in the heart of the city. Known for its extensive rum selection and killer tiki cocktails, Smuggler’s Cove is a must-visit for tiki lovers — the Painkiller (3 ounces) or the Jet Pilot are my favorites. For more of my tiki recommendations in San Francisco, head over to this page.
Linden Room: Tucked behind Nightingale in a little alleyway in Hayes Valley, Linden Room is a hidden gem known for its expertly crafted cocktails and intimate ambiance. It doesn’t fit many and I believe is standing room only. Many of these cocktails also have an asian flair.

Polk Street / Russian Hill

Polkcha: Polkcha is a fairly new addition to the list. Don’t let it’s casual kitchy decor fool you into thinking they don’t make some expertly crafted cocktails. The Back Bar is a boozy favorite but they also have fun drinks featuring a Melona bar.
Bar Iris: Off in the Russian Hill part of Polk Street, Bar Iris offers a chic Japanese twist on their cocktails. They’ve recently expanded their delicious snack offerings which benefit from their fancy sibling restaurant Nisei next door. They unfortunately don’t offer my favorite cocktail anymore but everything is very top notch.

Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail or a creative concoction, these top cocktail bars in San Francisco are sure to impress. So grab a seat at the bar and let the mixologists work their magic!