Nothing says fun like a night at a trendy bar or suave cocktail lounge. You can take your partner for a romantic evening, join friends or visit on your own to meet new people. Expertly prepared drinks and an interesting atmosphere always make for an enjoyable experience, and there’s no better place to get a drink than San Francisco.
Tunnel Top
Located above the Stockton tunnel, this cozy bar is “old school” when it comes to their menu. Guests feel at home with a DJ playing music and a bar staff that’s always on top of their order. The Watermelon Gimlet is especially popular here. Order one and watch as the bartender muddles fresh fruit for your drink right in front of you.
Trick Dog
Feel like a true grown-up whilst sitting in this cocktail lounge filled with marble décor. Drinks have an inventive vibe. Food bites at the bar are yummy and plentiful. Come for the warmth and stay for how cool it makes you feel.
Maven
Maven pairs its dishes with an array of cocktails. In addition to dinner, Maven has become a popular place for brunch. After all, where else do you get to pair Bananas Foster French Toast with just the right drink. Be prepared to make new friends, as Maven only has communal seating. Loyal fans claim that the best seats are at the Chef’s counter or on the second floor.
Alembic
Alembic is a cocktail lounge known for its mixed drinks, creative cocktails and expansive spirit menu. Drinks are named for people, places and things; like the “Vasco de Gama” crafted with bourbon, scotch and a syrup of masala accented apples. The atmosphere is decidedly rustic and dark, but the length of the beer menu seems to be a bright spot for return guests.
Tradition
If you ever wanted to experience a prohibition era speakeasy, Tradition is the place for you. There are booths with stained glass windows and a certain note of privacy that can be yours with an advance reservation. The atmosphere feels vintage and yet the cocktail list has a young attitude. Need help choosing between the over 80 different cocktails on the menu? Just ask the bartenders, who are knowledgeable and approachable.
Bergerac
Bergerac looks like a mansion in the French countryside. Enjoy your drink while relaxing on an elegant couch downstairs or dance all night on the upper floor. Downstairs has a cool vibe, as you slowly sip your drink and taste small versions of gourmet food. Upstairs is all lively music and busy warmth (happy hour is Tuesday to Friday, 5pm to 730pm).
Where was the last place you went for an exciting cocktail in San Francisco? Was it a well-known place or a bar tucked away somewhere? Don’t keep it a secret! We want to try it out.
