Katie Sagal
San Francisco Nightlife Guide
Visitors flock to San Francisco to enjoy their beautiful waterfront neighborhoods, their expansive museums, and their delectable cuisine. But did you know that San Francisco also boasts an impressive nightlife culture? Of course, visitors to San Fran are less familiar with the city and don’t necessarily have time to look into the best beer bars before their trip. That’s where we come in! Whether you’re looking for a good place to watch the match, a cozy Irish pub, or a great cocktail bar, this guide to San Francisco nightlife is here to help. First, some general tips. Bars in San Francisco don’t tend to stay open very late, so the nightlife scene is pretty over by 1:30 – 2:00 am at the latest (although you can find all-night dance clubs, alcohol sales stop at 2:00 am sharp, so bars are all closed by then). Keep this in mind when planning your evening activities. If you’re interested in exploring on your own to find good bars, some popular areas to explore include Mission, Nob Hill, and Tenderloin. ![]()
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Best Cocktail Bar: Trick Dog (Mission)
With creative drink names like “Being Human,” “Trees and Flowers,” and “Dome Geometry,” you can reliably expect Trick Dog to offer innovative alcoholic beverages. Their food menu is small but focuses on bites that go well with drinks, ranging from casual fare like guacamole to beer tartare. It was one of the first craft cocktail bars in the city and has continued to hold its own in a glutted market.Best Speakeasy: Bourbon & Branch (Tenderloin)
You’ll need reservations for this chic speakeasy, but it’s worth the time and effort to enjoy swanky vibes and delicious cocktails. Hearkening back to the 1920s and Prohibition era in the United States, this dark underground venue serves a range of bourbons, rums, tequilas, and more. Do note that a place this exclusive has correspondingly exclusive prices—its best for a special night out or a single round.Best Tiki Bar: Smuggler’s Cove (Hayes Valley)
Calling themselves one of the top “exotic cocktail destinations” in the world, Smuggler’s Cove is the place in San Francisco for rum lovers. The décor is immediately appealing, with plenty of vintage and historic charm threaded through tiki objects and nautical artifacts. Their cocktail menu features over 80 traditional and creative recipes, some of them featuring exclusive rums unavailable at other bars.![Image of City, Building, Cityscape, Urban, Metropolis, High Rise, Tower, Outdoors,](https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/san-francisco/featured_images/san-francisco-night-life.jpg)