San Francisco bartenders reveal their favorite local drinks and why they love them

Greg Keraghosian Oct 26, 2017

“The coldest, cheapest beer I can find and usually at a neighborhood spot such as RX on Geary.”

They work late hours crafting, brewing, recommending, and serving drinks in a city that takes its alcohol seriously. But what do San Francisco’s bartenders like to drink when they’re off the clock, and where?

We polled two dozen San Francisco bartenders and bar managers for their favorite local drinks – excluding where they work or any sister bars – and we got a wide variety of answers. Not just on the type of drink, but also the type of bar, and why they chose it. Click through our gallery above for their choices.

While some bartenders gave us very specific, mixologist-approved cocktail choices conveying deep appreciation for the work and ingredients that go into them, others said the drink isn’t even the most important thing.

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“I personally don’t go to another bar for a favorite drink,” said Michael Krouse, owner of Madrone Art Bar in NoPA who also tends bar there. “I go to them for a favorite bartender. As a bartender I always respect someone who not only respects the craft but also understands. That great bartender serves up way more than a good drink — they also serve up community, cordiality, and most of all a good time.”

Other responses ranged from obscure off-menu cocktails, to a beloved San Francisco classic, to coffee. (While they’re not included in this story, it should be noted a couple of bartenders said they don’t go out to drink anymore.)

For some possible drink inspiration and to see what drinks San Francisco bartenders are into right now, look through our gallery at the top of this story. And even if you’re not a professional bartender, we’d love to hear your own favorites in the comments.

A Slice of History: Cocktails Invented in the Bay Area

Bay Area history is laced with booze of all varieties. We’ve read about the rowdy days of the Gold Rush and the strong liquor that fueled them. We all know about the secret cocktails served during the Prohibition in hush-hush speakeasies. The Bay just wouldn’t be as colorful without our signature libations. Here, we tell the tales of seven cocktails that owe their origin to local mixologists of yore.

Cable Car

The Backstory

The Cable Car, created in 1996 by Tony Abu-Ganim, at the Sir Frances Drake Hotel’s Starlight Room , is an alternative version of the sidecar. Cable cars are obviously a huge part of San Francisco, and the Starlight is also known as the “lounge between the stars and cable cars,” hence the name.

Ingredients

Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Marie Brizard Orange Curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Lemon wedge, sugar, and ground cinnamon for glass rim. Orange spiral as garnish.

Where to Sip

The Cable Car is still on the menu at the Starlight Room, under “Stars in Starlight.” It’s also served at the Pied Piper at the Palace Hotel.

California Milk Punch

The Backstory

This unique drink comes from the days of the Gold Rush, but has recently enjoyed a major revival. Bartender Jerry Thomas created the English (later California) Milk Punch, first chronicling it in his 1862 book, Jerry Thomas’ Bartenders Guide: How to Mix Drinks .

Ingredients

The original 1860s recipes called for brandy, Jamaican rum, Batavia Arrack, strong green tea, hot milk, boiling water, lemons (juice and rind), white sugar, pineapple, cloves, coriander seeds, and a cinnamon stick. Incarnations now include different types of milk, such as coconut milk and goat milk, and alcohol, including Pisco. The ingredients are steeped and then filtered before consumption.

Where to Sip

You can find Milk Punch variations at bars including Novela, Aina, and Fog City.

Irish Coffee

The Backstory

San Francisco Chronicle travel writer Stanton Delaplane and Jack Koeppler, owner of The Buena Vista Cafe, set out to recreate the Irish Coffee Delaplane had at Ireland’s Shannon Airport. Then mayor of San Francisco, George Christopher, who also owned a dairy, was able to assist in solving the dairy dilemma of getting the cream to float on the top of the drink, which proved to be a challenge.

On November 10, 1952, the Buena Vista started serving the perfected recipe.

Ingredients

Hot coffee, cocktail sugar cubes, Irish Whiskey, lightly whipped whipping cream.

Where to Sip

It would be almost criminal not to have an Irish Coffee in the place it was created, The Buena Vista Cafe . Other bars offering the legendary drink include Gold Dust Lounge and The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant.

The Boothby cocktail courtesy of Pied Piper.

The Backstory

The Boothby is named after San Francisco native “Cocktail” William Boothby, a mixologist who worked at the Palace Hotel, the Silver Palace, and the Hotel Rafael (in San Rafael), among other places, including the Olympic Club, where he was a soda drink counter supervisor during the Prohibition. Boothby also wrote books on mixology, such as classic Cocktail Boothby’s American Bartender , in 1891.

Ingredients

This drink is basically a Manhattan with a champagne float. Sweet vermouth, bourbon, angostura bitters, ice (for chilling), and champagne

Where to Sip

You can still get a Boothby at the hotel where the man himself tending bar for several years — Pied Piper at the Palace Hotel.

The Backstory

There are several theories as to the origin of the Martini, but in two, the California Gold Rush plays a role. One theory was the Martini originating in the town of Martinez , where a miner, in 1849, was celebrating striking it rich. He had asked for champagne, but since there was none, accepted a drink from bartender Julio Richelieu called the “Martinez Special.” Later, the miner asked for the drink in San Francisco, where he told the bartender what the Martinez was made up of “ very dry Sauterne wine and three parts of Gin, stir with ice and finish with an olive.” Another theory has a miner asking for a unique drink from legendary mixologist Jerry Thomas at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco , where he made a variation of the Martini.

Ingredients

Gin, dry vermouth, ice (for chilling), green olive or lemon peel for garnish.

Where to Sip

Mai Tai

The Backstory

This tropical drink originated at Trader Vic’s in Oakland in 1944. Victor J. Bergeron created the drink, and served it to Eastham and Carrie Guild, friends visiting from Tahiti. Carrie said “Maita’i roa ae” which means “very good” in Tahitian, and the drink — and it’s moniker — were born. Mai Tai’s became a signature drink of the Tiki culture in the 1940s and 1950s, which has experienced its own recent revival.

Ingredients

The original recipe from Trader Vic’s called for 17-year-old J. Wray & Nephew Rum, shaved ice, lime juice, Holland DeKuyper Orange Curaçao, Rock Candy Syrup, and French Garnier Orgeat Syrup. Half a lime for color , and a branch of fresh mint. The recipe has since been updated and changed, while still maintaining the same Polynesian inspiration.

Where to Sip

Of course, there’s Trader Vic’s . The Tonga Room also offers a 1944 Mai Tai in the vein of the Trader Vic’s original.

Pisco Punch

The Backstory

This drink was created by either John Torrence or Duncan Nichol at the Bank Exchange in San Francisco. Both were owners (at different times) of the bar. Pisco, a Peruvian grape brandy, was readily available in The City during — you guessed it — the Gold Rush. Traders would bring it after stopping in Peru on their way to SF.

Ingredients

Pisco, pineapple, lime juice, sugar, gum arabic, and distilled water.

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2.5 cl Banana Liqueur 2.5 cl Banana Liqueur 2.5 cl Banana Liqueur 25 ml Banana Liqueur 2.5 cl Banana Liqueur 0.83 oz Banana Liqueur

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SHAKE all ingredients with ice and strain into ice-filled glass.

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Long, fruity, slightly sweet and laced with vodka.

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Punch - Expert tips on how to make and serve

Consisting of a spirit or spirits (mostly rum), citrus, sugar, water and spice, punch was enjoyed by Charles Dickens, America’s founding fathers, pirates

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The San Francisco Cocktail Heatmap: Where to Drink Cocktails Right Now, November 2017

The hottest spots to get your drink on

“Sea” made with nori gin, liquid kelp, sake, sea beans at Gibson

Cocktails aren't just ice, booze, and mixers anymore. Now drinkers can expect inventive takes on classics, unique spirits, garden-inspired ingredients, and a seriously deep bench of places to try. If there’s one thing San Franciscans have access to in droves, it’s a damn good drink.

Whether you're in the mood to linger over a rare whiskey, enjoy a thoughtful cocktail, or pick from a ton of beers, there are plenty of options in each category to more than satisfy any craving. Especially well-suited are these 14 hottest places to score cocktails in San Francisco. [Note: they’re listed North to South, not ranked.]

If you’re looking for something a little more established, check out this list of the city’s essential cocktail bars, to which these places might someday graduate. Want to know the city’s hottest restaurants? Head here.

Think we left off an important cocktail spot? Let us know in the comments.

Chef James Syhabout’s newly opened bar and lounge is a low-key version of his adjacent, fine-dining restaurant, Commis. Except here, guests can linger over creative cocktails, sherries, Champagnes, and other spirits, accompanied by his version of “simple” bar food.

Oakland, CA 94611

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2 The Concorde at Matrix

MatrixFillmore has been rebranded as The Matrix, less ultra-lounge and more neighborhood spot. Embedded within, The Concorde is a backroom pop-up bar billed as a tip of the hat to 20th Century London hotel bars. Table-side martinis, tea sandwiches, and more fancy throwback cocktails can be expected. Note that The Concorde is open Thursday through Saturday from 8 p.m. onward.

San Francisco, CA 94123

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3 Cold Drinks

It’s a pseudo-secret, just above the bustling scene at China Live, accessible via stairwell; black bats painted on the walls lead the way to the door. Inside is a swanky, Scotch-filled bar where the bartenders wear tuxedos, and the vibe is modern Shanghai with a dash of old school San Francisco. Drinks are heavy on the Scotch, and there are many to choose from, so don’t be shy. Read more about it here.

San Francisco, CA 94133

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Nestled beneath Rickhouse, Ginger’s Trois has risen again after an eight year hiatus. Long a FiDi gay bar staple, the bar is back with simple cocktails and mixed drinks named after now-shuttered gay bars.

San Francisco, CA 94108

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5 Pacific Cocktail Haven

Pacific Cocktail Haven (PCH) is the brainchild of Kevin Diedrich (BDK, Burritt Room), offering an array of classics and favorites from some of his older bar menus. Diedrich uses fresh passionfruit alongside blanco tequila, vanilla, lime, and firewater bitters in the Swizzle My Nizzle, for a sweet and spicy treat. Go off the beaten path with one of Diedrich's adventurous creations, like the "Santorini Summer," made with gin, yogurt liquor, house tzatziki, citrus, and tonic. Well-balanced drinks and a chill atmosphere make this industry hangout a great late-night spot.

A post shared by Pacific Cocktail Haven (@pch580) on Jun 30, 2017 at 8:47am PDT

San Francisco, CA 94108

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6 Rusted Mule

That's right, it's a cocktail bar with a focus on Mules including takes on the classic include the La Mula made with tequila, or the Horse and Groom with whiskey. It's a welcome addition to the Polk Gulch, channeling a steam punk vibe, and offering a menu of small plates like empanadas and shrimp tacos.

San Francisco, CA 94109

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7 The Douglas Room

A portrait of Prince oversees the bar here, which is located in the Tilden Hotel downtown. It’s laid-back, but features excellent cocktails from Mo Hodges and Brian Felley (also behind nearby Benjamin Cooper). The menu is filled with drinks like the “Tenderloin Tuxedo,” made with Junipero gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liquer, absinthe, and lemon bitters. There’s also food til late, something a cocktail aficionado might well need.

San Francisco, CA 94102

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Though Gibson jumped on to the heatmap, too, it’s also a great place to grab a cocktail in its own right. Cocktails are from beverage director Adam Chapman, and wines from Mark Nevin of Tofino Wines. Savory ingredients are a big component of the drinks, which include a “fermented French 75,” with gin, citrus oil, verbena, and Champagne, and “Sea,” a concoction of nori gin, liquid kelp, sake, and sea beans.

Clarified Japanese bloody mary with sochu, aged sake, heirloom tomato water, vinegar, spice Patricia Chang

San Francisco, CA 94102

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98 Turk, neé Biig, is a small, personalized craft cocktail bar in the very heart of the Tenderloin. Hours were iffy at first and unlisted, but under bar manager Ronnie Buders they’ve been formalized, and cocktail carts have been added. The vibes? "Jollity and merriment are welcome,” the bar writes in its list of Rules, but “Horseplay And Jackassery are not.” Be polite and keep your phone out of sight while drinking at this very particular place.

San Francisco, CA 94102

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10 Charmaine's

This is, without question, the most gorgeous new rooftop bar in San Francisco, complete with fire pits and views down Market Street. Atop the Proper Hotel, it’s the complementary drinking den to downstairs restaurant Villon, whose cocktail menus were dreamt up by the creative team at BVHospitality. Drinks include “Christmas and the Beads of Sweat,” which features rye, mezcal, apple molé, Angostura and orange bitters, alongside a wine list of cult-favorites like Wind Gap.

1100 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

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From the team behind adjacent Brass Tacks, Anina is a bright and lively addition to the neighborhood, with a colorful bar and killer patio. There's no food, only great cocktails with a tropical vibe. Spritzes, aperitivos, and spiritous options like the Fairy, with gin, celery, cilantro, and lime. There are also large format bowls of booze for groups, best enjoyed on the patio beneath the string lights.

San Francisco, CA 94102

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12 Trademark/Copyright

These twin newcomers to SoMa pair nicely: Trademark is a sports bar with the requisite TVs, wings, and games, while next door Copyright is more cocktail-swilling lounge space. What they have in common, other than a shared substantial patio and the same ownership, are solid drinks, including boozy milkshakes with flavors like matcha from Frozen Kuhsterd.

San Francisco, CA 94103

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13 The Riddler

This is an all-bubbles bar, all the time, featuring sparkling wines and Champagnes for every drinker. Owner Jen Pelka’s incredibly Instragrammable lady-lair is also stocked with caviar, help-yourself popcorn with a big selection of seasonings, and tater tot waffles topped with smoked salmon. The addition of brunch makes it hotter than ever, and warrants a return to the list as it now both provides and cures hangovers.

San Francisco, CA 94102

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14 Trick Dog

The newest menu at creative cocktail powerhouse Trick Dog is live, and it’s all about “rhymes with Trick Dog.” That means, like Dr. Seuss book, each cocktail’s name. rhymes with Trick Dog. Think “seasick hedgehog,” and “dramatic pollywog,” which contains gin, Cointreau, aquavit, carrot orgeat, and lime. The physical menu is actually in children’s book form, with illustrations from local artists.

San Francisco Cocktail: A Fancy Way to Enjoy Sloe Gin
- 3 mins
- Prep: 3 mins,
- Cook: 0 mins
- Yield: 1 drink (1 serving)
The San Fransisco Cocktail is one of the best sloe gin drinks you will find. This liqueur (it is not gin) is sweet, very much like a bright plum, and mixes well with a variety of mixers.

In this cocktail, it is paired with both varieties of vermouth and two bitters in a sweetened martini-like cocktail that is quite tasty. Whether you enjoy it before or after, there's no dispute that this classic cocktail makes a great dinner drink.

Because it is heavier than the drier martinis, it is a great option for a dessert cocktail and pairs nicely with cheesecake and desserts with a hint of chocolate or fruit. The San Francisco Cocktail also makes a nice aperitif, particularly if you're looking for a martini that's lightly alcoholic (those others can be quite hefty).

How classic is it? Brian McGregor of San Francisco's Wingtip notes in a Bold Italic post that he found it in the 1937 London bar guide, Cafe Royal Cocktail Book. That's what I consider a classic!

What You'll Need
- 1 ounce sloe gin
- 1 ounce dry vermouth
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- Dash of orange bitters
- Dash of aromatic bitters
- Cherry
How to Make It
1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a cherry.
How Strong is the San Francisco Cocktail?

The strength of sloe gin varies greatly and it is not as strong as the average bottle of gin, which really helps keep the San Francisco Cocktail nice and mild. With 15% ABV vermouth, this cocktail has an average alcohol content of just 16% ABV (32 proof).

Every Important San Francisco Cocktail Bar, Mapped

SF's most essential cocktail bars, right this way

The Fata Morgana at Tosca Cafe Noelle Chun

Gone are the days of ordering vodka sodas and cosmos when out on the town; thanks to talented bartenders (mixologists, even) around town, high-quality spirits, and innovative ingredients, there's no better time than the present to be a drinker in San Francisco. And if you're craving some of the very best libations in town, look no further than these cocktail bars (and a few restaurants with excellent bar programs) for boozy concoctions that are creative, thoughtful, and incredibly drinkable.

From historical tiki hangs to strict speakeasies to dives that serve a good, plain drink, there’s something on this list for everyone looking to get a little buzzed in the most delicious way possible. If it’s the hottest, newest cocktail dens in town that are calling your name, then head on over to this map .

Don't see your favorite on the list? Let us know in the comments.

Note: map points are listed alphabetically , not ranked.

1 15 Romolo

A North Beach hideaway, 15 Romolo is located down an alley off Broadway's neon row of strip clubs. Excellently curated cocktails and an extensive sherry list make it a bright spot in a neighborhood filled with vodka sodas and thongs. Try a Double Down, with rye whiskey, cardamaro, manzanilla sherry, lemongrass bitters for a sherry-focused treat.

San Francisco, CA 94133

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2 Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

Absinthe has been doing creative cocktails since before creative cocktails were a San Francisco staple. And not only have they been doing them, they've been doing them well. The bar scene is always lively at this Hayes Valley restaurant, thanks to its proximity to the opera and symphony, and because it's a great place to get a perfectly executed drink.

San Francisco, CA 94102

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ABV owners Ryan Fitzgerald, Todd Smith, and Erik Reichborn-Kjennerd, are all longtime veterans of the SF bar scene, so it only makes sense that the cocktails at their Mission bar are some of the best you can currently get in the city. The 16 cocktail menu is divided by spirit, a move that makes so much sense it's a wonder more bars haven't adopted it. You can't go wrong with the Whiskey in Church and the pimento cheese burger. Because, yes, ABV also serves up delicious food from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.

San Francisco, CA 94103

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4 Aub Zam Zam

Talk about essential: Aub Zam Zam has been serving cocktails in the Haight since 1941. Though owner Bruno Mooshei passed away almost 20 years ago, the bar continues to offer up solid, simple cocktails in a vintage atmosphere. Originally called "Persian Aub Zam Zam," the interior still summons up an exotic feel, with a semi-circular bar, dim lighting and geometric details. Stop by for a martini, and mingle with your neighbors for a classic SF experience.

San Francisco, CA 94117

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5 Bar Agricole

Bar Agricole's cocktails aren't cheap ($10 to $17), but they are undoubtedly some of the most spectacular libations you'll find in San Francisco. Most of the cocktails remain true to the classics, but the techniques and ingredients bring them into this century thanks to house-made tinctures and herbs grown in the courtyard garden.

San Francisco, CA 94103

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6 Benjamin Cooper

You may recognize Brian Felley and Mo Hodges as the guys who were behind the bar at (now closed) Big. Now they're heading up SF's hottest and hardest to find cocktail and oyster bar, Benjamin Cooper. It might be difficult find a seat right when you walk in (14 bar seats and a few more off to the side), but it's worth waiting it out for the creative cocktails that are based on both seasonality and whimsy.

San Francisco, CA 94102

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7 Blackbird Bar

Blackbird is one of those neighborhood watering holes that's worth going to even if the Castro/Duboce Triangle isn't your particular neighborhood. The super friendly bartenders serve up fun cocktails with themed menus like "Game of Thrones" and hip hop-inspired "B-Sides." (The menus change with the season.) Head there between 5 and 8 p.m. on weekdays for happy hour, but know you'll likely still be there long after it's over.

San Francisco, CA 94114

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8 Bourbon & Branch

You can't just walk into Bourbon & Branch; no, you'll need to buzz an intercom and provide a password (which can be easily gotten by making a reservation). Once you're in, you'll be whisked to your seat, which may be in one of several rooms behind secret bookcases and walls that open up. The bartender's goal is to pour you a drink you've never had, so go with an open (and patient) mind. Just don't expect to Instagram it; photography and cell phones are strictly forbidden.

San Francisco, CA 94102

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9 Comstock Saloon

You'll feel like you went back in time when you walk into Comstock Saloon. The historic space dates back to 1907 and the tile floors and mahogany bar are all original. Still, while that's cool and all, what you're really there for are the the classic cocktails: John Collins, Pisco Punch, and Sazerac all make the list. Or ask for the Barkeep's Whimsy and let the person behind the bar decide your fancy. You won't be lead astray.

San Francisco, CA 94133

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10 Forgery

The PlumpJack Group partnered with bartender vets Jacques Bezuidenhout and Ken Luciano to create this Mid-Market cocktail bar with big front windows, a sizable bar, mezzanine, and comfy leather couches. Oh, and most important: creative original cocktails, like the Cadiz, with cumin-infused vodka, passionfruit, and manzanilla sherry, as well as riffs on old classics, like a Pimm's Cup with coffee-infused gin and Thai chili.

San Francisco, CA 94103

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11 Holy Water

For the folks in Bernal, Holy Water was the answer to their prayers for a legit cocktail bar. But this neighborhood bar from the people behind Churchill is worth the Uber ride if you don't live nearby. The cocktail list changes frequently, but includes a mix of the bartenders' experiments as well as twists on the classics. Speaking of experiments, the late-night happy hour, "The 11th hour," starts at 11 p.m. every night and is a chance for patrons to taste new recipes. If you don't like it, you don't pay. Bartenders also open unique beers and make cocktails using whichever two ingredients you choose.

San Francisco, CA 94110

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12 House of Shields

This old, old school bar has been continuously operating since 1908 in SoMa, across from the Palace Hotel. It got a deep clean in 2011 when owner Dennis Leary restored it to its former glory. There are no televisions, no clocks — just dark wood, little light, and classic drinks.

39 New Montgomery St

San Francisco, CA 94105

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13 Li Po Cocktail Lounge

Li Po is one of, if not the, oldest bars in Chinatown (1937) and on any given night there will be a healthy mix of tourists and locals. You'll recognize the former because they'll be confused about where they are and the latter because they'll be very comfortable and probably playing dice. Order the Chinese Mai Tai (dark rum, light rum, 151 rum, "Chinese liquor," pineapple juice) because its a thing thanks to Anthony Bourdain, but stick to just one unless you have absolutely nothing to accomplish the next day.

San Francisco, CA 94108

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14 Lone Palm

A candlelit dive bar with white tablecloths in the heart of the Mission sounds like a dream. And Lone Palm is dreamy, offering up classic cocktails like martinis and old fashioneds in what feels like a 1950s Miami bar.

San Francisco, CA 94110

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The dinner menu at Maven lists select dishes with a paired cocktail, but you don't have to have a full meal to enjoy a drink at the bar or communal tables. The drinks are all thoughtful, unfussy, and refined, and with 11 on the list at any given time, there's sure to be one to fit your mood.

San Francisco, CA 94117

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Nopa is best known for its burger (one of the tastiest in town), but it also serves up the best drinks on the Divisadero corridor. The cocktail selection is vast, sophisticated, and consistently on point. Try the Sunshine Fix (Aperol, City of London Gin, lemon, angostura), which goes down smoothly before dinner and during brunch.

San Francisco, CA 94117

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17 Old Ship Saloon

The only bar in SF built upon the ruins of a Gold Rush-era ship, Old Ship Saloon is a classic watering hole in a grossly underserved neighborhood. It's been gently renovated under new management who purchased the bar to save it, when owner Bill Duffy recently retired. Head in for classic cocktails, and a menu of hearty, but thoughtful, pub fare.

San Francisco, CA 94111

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18 Padrecito

Next door to Padrecito's dining room is a separate bar with its own entrance where guests can pull up a seat and order delicious mezcal and tequila-focused cocktails created by bar manager David Ruiz. Drinks are $10 - $14 and when in doubt, the namesake Padrecito (blanco tequila, mezcal, lime, and agave) is a sure bet.

San Francisco, CA 94117

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19 Rickhouse

If you're a fan of whiskey, you'll be a fan of Rick House. You won't, however, be a fan of the fact that you can never seem to get a seat at the bar. Still, the extensive whiskey menu (it's in a binder) and inventive cocktails make the long wait for a drink and standing while you enjoy it somehow not a problem at all. Especially if those cocktails are coming from one of their exotic punch bowls.

San Francisco, CA 94108

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Rye's the kind of bar that's good post-work, pre-dinner, or late night. The space is flexible so you can make it what you want--pull up a stool at the bar and sit solo or grab a table for a cozy conversation. The basil gimlet is a classic, as is the old fashioned.

San Francisco, CA 94102

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21 Smuggler's Cove

Thanks to Smuggler's Cove's shipwreck/pirate-theme decor, line out the door (no one is allowed in when the bar is at its 49 person capacity), and selection of 400+ rums, this Tiki bar that's so much more than just a Tiki bar is a favorite among San Franciscans and tourists. The cocktail menu is extensive and they take a long time to make, so ask a bartender to steer you in the right direction.

San Francisco, CA 94102

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22 The Alembic

Due to Alembic's recent expansion (they added a dining room), you now have a much better chance of actually getting a seat at the bar next time you're in the mood for the Upper Haight's best cocktails. The menu is divided into "New School" and "The Canon" and you'll have to do a little reading to figure out just what you're getting thanks to the fact that the actual ingredients are mixed into a lengthy description, but that's just part of the charm of the experience. Still, it can be tempting to get lazy and order the same thing twice. That's not a mistake you'll want to make as all of the cocktails on the menu are worth a try.

San Francisco, CA 94117

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23 The Devil's Acre

This apothecary-themed bar is from the guys behind Bourbon & Branch, Tradition, Local Edition, and Rickhouse, so it's no surprise that the cocktail program is one of the most ingenious in the city. There are "Period Specific Classics," like Pisco Punch and the Devil's Manhattan, as well as original cocktails, all of which can be enhanced with one of eight "remedies," like an "immunity tonic," "stress soother," and "hangover cure." Because sometimes drinking a stiff drink by itself just isn't enough.

San Francisco, CA 94133

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24 The Interval at Long Now

By far one of the most interesting cocktail bars in San Francisco, The Interval is part museum, part cafe, part (best part!) cocktail bar. The menu is extensive (there are six variations of the old fashioned), but thoughtful and unique. While you're sipping, check out prototypes of the 10,000 Year Clock and the floor-to-ceiling library that houses thousands of books.

Fort Mason Building A, San Francisco, CA 94123

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25 Third Rail

This bar from the team behind Range--former bar manager Jeff Lyon and owner-chef Phil West--has a subtle railway theme and cocktails that feature seasonal ingredients and hand-cut and hand-crushed ice. The drinks are categorized by "lighter side," 'high proof," "citrus," and "seasonal" and all range from $10 to $11. The best deal though might be the Rail Shot. Ten bucks gets you a little beer, a little shot, and a little of the house-made jerky.

San Francisco, CA 94107

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26 Tommy's Mexican Restaurant

You're going to this Outer Richmond Mexican joint for two reasons: the best tequila selection in San Francisco and pitchers of Tommy's Margaritas. Still, while you're there, you might as well get an enchilada and taco combination plate. You'll need it if the margaritas do their job properly.

San Francisco, CA 94121

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27 Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

An SF institution, every SF resident needs to go to the Tonga Room at least once to experience the tropical decor, live entertainment, intermittent rain storms, and famous Mai Tai that's been served since 1945.

San Francisco, CA 94108

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28 Top of the Mark

Don't wait for a special occasion to go to this hotel bar located at the highest point of downtown San Francisco; Top of the Mark is the perfect spot to play tourist in your own town. The glass-walled lounge has stunning views of the city, which get even better while sipping one of the 100 martinis on the menu.

San Francisco, CA 94108

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29 Tosca Cafe

Tosca has always been a favorite of SF A-listers and locals and that remains true despite a recent face lift from New York restaurateurs April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman. New twists on classic are the focus, matching the restaurant's revival. Don't worry though, the coffee-less House "Cappuccino" 1919 is still on the menu, featuring Marie Duffau Bas Armagnac, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Dandelion Chocolate Ganache, and organic milk. Translation: hot chocolate with brandy.

San Francisco, CA 94133

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30 Trad'r Sam's

Trad'r Sam's may not be the newest, or the prettiest, or the cleanest tiki bar in San Francisco, but it does boast the title of the oldest (it opened in 1937). The drink to get is the Banana Cow (blended rum, brandy, Benedictine, banana and cream), but head in understanding its historical significance over perhaps its relevance as tiki bar leader.

San Francisco, CA 94121

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31 Trick Dog

Trick Dog is a creative cocktail powerhouse, known for a menu that changes every sixth months (past iterations include a record album, Zodiac wheel, and SF tourist map); the current menu is a children's book called "Rhymes with Trick Dog." Drinks are titled with things that rhyme with Trick Dog (e.g. seasick hedgehog), and are laid out as a Dr. Seuss-style book with illustrations from local artists.

San Francisco, CA 94110

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32 Trou Normand

Trou Normand shares an owner with Bar Agricole, so it's no surprise the cocktails are out of this world. They're all based on classic turn-of-the-century recipes with a focus on Calvados, Armagnac, and Cognac. Almost everything on the list is $15. Order the House Old Fashioned (single cask cognac, maraska, two bitters); just don't be surprised when it goes down a lot faster than you planned.

San Francisco, CA 94105

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33 Whitechapel

It's the steampunk, gin-soaked fever dream of Jack the Ripper, and it's located right here in San Francisco. From drink master Martin Cate (Smuggler's Cove), this bar has a hilariously long list of cocktails, starting with classics from the early 1900s, and incorporating creations of notable cocktailers around the country. The food is also killer, including the "haunch and flagon," a 36 ounce, dry-aged tomahawk steak, with yorkshire pudding, potatoes two ways, and tankards of ale for two.

Must-Visit Cocktail Bars in San Francisco

Noelle Chun is a San Francisco-based journalist and photographer specializing in food and cocktails. Her work has been featured in Newsweek, The Guardian and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Here, she shares her favorite cocktail bars in San Francisco.

In the early 2000s, San Francisco became one of the cradles of the modern cocktail movement, shaking up fresh juices instead of the sticky mixers we’d become accustomed to in previous decades. Today, San Francisco has continued to carry the torch with new and inventive bars constantly opening across the city. Here is a mix of some of the must-visit cocktail bars in San Francisco:

The bartenders at Bar Agricole obsess over every aspect of the drinks they make, from the stirring technique to the type of ice. Most of their cocktails use hand-selected spirits and ingredients from small producers, often meticulously chosen during one of the staff’s periodic trips to France and other regions. Their House Old Fashioned is particularly luxurious, using house-made bitters and a special selection of Cognac. Their ‘Ti Punch is also a staff favorite, a strong, but airy, drink of agricole rum, cane syrup, and a small squeeze of lime poured over a large, pristine ice cube.

Photos courtesy of Bar Agricole.

Located on an edgy block in San Francisco’s Tenderloin, Biig soon whisks you away into a calm and intimate environment in which attentive bartenders customize each drink for the tastes of the guest. The noise is purposefully kept down low so that bar-flies can easily relax and have quiet conversations. They take reservations only, which may be made by messaging their Instagram account.

Located in the iconic Ferry Building, The Slanted Door is one of the nation’s highest-grossing restaurants, drawing daily crowds for its plates of elegant modern Vietnamese food and its breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge. Its cocktail program, helmed by bartender luminary Erik Adkins, was one of the pioneers of craft cocktails and continues today to serve refreshing drinks that burst with fresh flavors. The Pina Colada, in particular, uses a handmade coconut syrup that breathes new life into previous cloying versions of the Tiki drink. The Dorchester, the house’s reinvigorating gin version of a Hemingway Daiquiri, is also a hit.

The Pina Colada (left), and the Dorchester (right) at the Slanted Door. Photo courtesy of the Slanted Door.

As tastemakers in the national bar scene, Trick Dog lures throngs of barflies for its hyper-creative menu. In the past, it was inspired by Pantone color catalogues, vinyl records, and currently a rhyming children’s book. Some of the cocktail combinations can be zany, too — like the current Bolshevik Blog, made of cream cheese-washed gin, Pimm’s, fino sherry, everything bagel, absinthe, and smoked sea salt.

Photos courtesy of Trick Dog.

For the full secret cocktail experience, go to the Wilson Room in San Francisco’s edgy Tenderloin district. The bar is a — wait for it — speakeasy within a speakeasy. A fixture of San Francisco’s bar scene since it opened in 2006, the outside bar Bourbon and & Branch pours out Prohibition-style drinks. But step inside further and the detective-themed Wilson & Wilson brings you into a world of noir. Unlike the classic cocktails served outside, the Wilson’s menu is made from modern, inventive combinations with lots of house-made tinctures and syrups. A flight will get you a three-drink experience: an aperitif, a “main,” and a digestif. Reservations are required in advance via their website, and you will be given a secret password for entry.

Photos courtesy of Wilson & Wilson.

It’s all about the gin at this Whitechapel-tube-themed bar. Beyond the instant appeal of the impressive interior — which is lined with underground tile and decorated with exquisite British paraphernalia — this is one of the only places where you will find on select nights a kind of gin sommelier. A passionate expert named Keli Rivers will guide you through the range of many, many gins, including a selection of gin flights on the menu. The expansive cocktail menu spans 14 pages, tempting with unusual, but well balanced concoctions, including a selection of six riffs on a gin and tonic, 22 variations on a martini, modern favorites like the frothy Ramos Gin Fizz, and fun originals like the Von Dutch cocktail, made from gin (of course), genever, cinnamon shrub, apple juice, black pepper bitters and lemon.

Photos courtesy of Whitechapel.

Have a favorite cocktail bar in San Francisco? Let us know in the comments, and fly Alaska on your next Bay Area venture. Alaska Airlines, together with Virgin America, currently connects 35 destinations to San Francisco.

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One Comment on “ Must-Visit Cocktail Bars in San Francisco ”

The best Irish coffee can be found at the Buena Vista.

SF Cocktails

Favorite places for a solid cocktail

San Francisco, CA 94102

A great SF experience with amazingly crafted and curated cocktails. The "speakeasy" entry is always fun, and the service is chill and approachable despite the fanfare around the place. Their reservation system is fairly easy to access as well. Look forward to going back!

A great SF experience with amazingly crafted and curated cocktails. The "speakeasy" entry is always fun, and the service is chill and approachable despite the fanfare around the place. Their reservation system is fairly easy to access as well. Look forward to going back!

San Francisco, CA 94103

Fantastic cocktails made by some very skilled bartenders (these guys might actually be mixologists). Well crafted drinks, always very balanced and delicious. They're also quite knowledgeable about the ingredients and what's going on in the industry. I love when they chisel ice.

Fantastic cocktails made by some very skilled bartenders (these guys might actually be mixologists). Well crafted drinks, always very balanced and delicious. They're also quite knowledgeable about the ingredients and what's going on in the industry. I love when they chisel ice.

San Francisco, CA 94108

Burritt Room is a chill lounge with fantastic, approachable bartenders who make amazing cocktails. It's an unusual location at the end of the Broadway tunnel, and easy to miss on the second floor of the discrete Crescent Hotel.

Burritt Room is a chill lounge with fantastic, approachable bartenders who make amazing cocktails. It's an unusual location at the end of the Broadway tunnel, and easy to miss on the second floor of the discrete Crescent Hotel.

San Francisco, CA 94103

While associated with the kink studio across the street, the less observant may never notice the elegant paintings from it on the walls. Feels like a foyer and day room for an elegant mansion, except well, the bar and patrons. Great cocktail list and delicious drinks. Starts to get crowded later in the evening, but wasn't horrible to get a drink

While associated with the kink studio across the street, the less observant may never notice the elegant paintings from it on the walls. Feels like a foyer and day room for an elegant mansion, except well, the bar and patrons. Great cocktail list and delicious drinks. Starts to get crowded later in the evening, but wasn't horrible to get a drink

San Francisco, CA 94117

A nice option for cocktails and dinner in Lower Haight, in a very un-Lower Haight environment. Maven is a great space, with modern decor, open dining room and bar seating where you can watch the chefs in action.

A nice option for cocktails and dinner in Lower Haight, in a very un-Lower Haight environment. Maven is a great space, with modern decor, open dining room and bar seating where you can watch the chefs in action.

San Francisco, CA 94103

Great cocktail bar, adjacent to Destino. Pisco Sours are obviously great there, but they have some very interesting options on their menu. Fairly packed but could grab a high table late Fri evening after dinner at Destino. It's a funny location (by Market and Octavia where it turns into 101) but I'll be back!

Great cocktail bar, adjacent to Destino. Pisco Sours are obviously great there, but they have some very interesting options on their menu. Fairly packed but could grab a high table late Fri evening after dinner at Destino. It's a funny location (by Market and Octavia where it turns into 101) but I'll be back!

San Francisco, CA 94117

Wonderful meal and drinks on a Sunday evening. We grabbed drinks at one of the communal tables then were seated at a two seater upstairs overlooking the kitchen. The bean appetizer dish is great, hearty yet fine taste. We had the pork tenderloin and halibut w lemon aioli. Halibut is a light and refined, pork rich and delectable, both great choices.

Wonderful meal and drinks on a Sunday evening. We grabbed drinks at one of the communal tables then were seated at a two seater upstairs overlooking the kitchen. The bean appetizer dish is great, hearty yet fine taste. We had the pork tenderloin and halibut w lemon aioli. Halibut is a light and refined, pork rich and delectable, both great choices.

San Francisco, CA 94107

Fantastic cocktails, really well crafted. Loved the mezcal/egg white cocktail, really lovely. The spicy tequila/habanero was delicious as well

Fantastic cocktails, really well crafted. Loved the mezcal/egg white cocktail, really lovely. The spicy tequila/habanero was delicious as well

San Francisco, CA 94108

Great bar for cocktails and whiskey. I loved the touches for the decor - ceiling panels and light fixtures made from old barrels

Great bar for cocktails and whiskey. I loved the touches for the decor - ceiling panels and light fixtures made from old barrels

San Francisco, CA 94118

What a wonderful culinary experience, and such an interesting scene. Best food I've had in San Francisco

What a wonderful culinary experience, and such an interesting scene. Best food I've had in San Francisco

San Francisco

Go behind-the-scenes on a San Francisco craft cocktail tour to meet bar owners, bartenders, and industry experts for a unique cocktail experience at three Union Square cocktail havens. Drink delicious, well-balanced libations from the nation’s top mixologists. Learn about San Francisco’s integral role in the revival of the cocktail culture, as well as the origins and back-stories of the spirits in the cocktails. What a delicious way to be a cocktail insider. Cheers!

The Basics

2 hours 3 bars $72 per person

The Tastings*

The ghost haunted Vanishing Lady Gin-based cocktail at 1930s Post Prohibition art deco themed bar. Taste Creme de Mure and see how it influences the final cocktail.

Stirred Deux Pommes cocktail with Pommeau de Normandie side taste. Enjoy the apples with bruleed sugar garnish as you’re enjoying the apple pie scent (seasonal Fall cocktail)

Taste Autumn with this maple infused Parting Glass at Bourbon & Branch’s sister trendsetting bar with barrel aged spirit program. Sip a barrel-aged Whiskey on the side

Spicy Tequila-based Poquito Picante cocktail at charming historic speakeasy. Taste Aperol on the side and understand its many uses

* Stops and tastings are subject to change based on availability. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice.
- Meet bar managers, bar owners and master mixologists!
- Available Saturdays from 5:00pm-7:00pm
- Tour guests must be 21+ and bring a valid ID
- Flat route, approximately 1/2 of a mile
- Meeting location is in Downtown Union Square, San Francisco
- Intimate tour groups limited to 12 people. Want to upgrade to a private tour? Email groups@avitaltours.com.
- Gratuities not included – please consider tipping your guide
- Advance Tickets are required
Union Square Craft Cocktail Tour Bar Partners

Why Avital Tours?

Wondering what makes the Avital San Francisco Union Square Craft Cocktail Tour different from all other tours? Check out our About Us page for the answer!

We live and breathe by our core values and hope you do too:

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“This was honestly one of the most fun and educational thing I’ve ever done in SF.”

— Jamie, San Francisco, CA

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— Nancy Lam, DLA Piper Law Firm, San Francisco, CA