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New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Francisco's best

Cool bars

Made for those who only frequent bars that have managed to cultivate a genuinely cool, effortless vibe.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Question Mark Tavern image 1
Question Mark Tavern image 2
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Neighborhood lounge with eclectic vibe and unique decor offers a chill atmosphere and live music. Space includes private karaoke rooms and a tech-savvy buzzer entry system. Regulars enjoy perks like key fob access, while views of the skyline add to the roomy, welcoming feel.

A true old San Francisco gem, this bar offers a welcoming atmosphere and a clean, well-kept space including the bathrooms. It suits large group events well, with options to reserve the whole bar or a private lounge.

A tucked away spot with a great vibe and cool lighting sets the mood for a Friday night. Friendly bartenders and folk music add to the relaxed, cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was surprisingly superb."

"Jeremy, the owner, was so accommodating and easy to work with."

"The vibe here is super cool and laid back."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Tuesdays with a two-drink minimum.

02
Lore Speakeasy and Escape Room image 1

Escape room and speakeasy blend into a noir-themed, whimsical space with creative cocktails and themed rooms. Atmosphere shifts from cozy and quiet in themed areas to lively with puzzles and games. Staff engage with costumed performances enhancing the immersive experience.

Cocktails stand out with a strong reputation. The bar pairs well with an escape room experience for a unique visit.

Craftsmanship of the pop-up spaces stands out with incredible decor and a cool vibe. The setup creates a super cool ambiance that feels like an adventure.

People are saying

"The escape room experience was incredibly fun and immersive."

"This escape room was a magical adventure, incredibly fun and immersive."

"The escape room's atmosphere and characters were super cool."

Good to know

1

Board game nights happen regularly and are a fun way to spend an evening.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure availability.

3

The escape room features unique themes and immersive experiences.

03
Polkcha image 1

Asian night market theme creates a visually stunning space with colorful lighting and artistic murals. Lively music and a vibrant atmosphere fill the bar, attracting a diverse crowd. Unique cocktails and a fun, energetic vibe set it apart from typical neighborhood bars.

Creative Asian-themed cocktails stand out with unique blends like soju, Midori, and a Melona bar in drinks. Lively music and a visually stunning atmosphere with fun lights add to the energetic bar vibe.

Decor channels lit-up Asian street markets with a futuristic vibe. Staff adds to the scene with a friendly, cool energy.

People are saying

"Their Asian-inspired cocktails are creative and delicious."

"The decor here is really cool, like Asian street markets."

"The Asian-inspired cocktails here are beautifully crafted and taste amazing."

Good to know

1

Trivia night starts at 7:30 pm on Thursdays.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere during trivia nights.

3

Tables fill up quickly by 7 pm on trivia nights.

04
The Beer Hall - Restaurant, Wine & Beer Bar image 1

Spacious beer hall with a huge central bar and massive TV wall showing multiple broadcasts. Atmosphere balances laid-back and social with lively energy, making it ideal for casual nights or watching sports. Offers an excellent beer selection and good food in a cool, relaxed setting.

A spacious bar with a wide variety of excellent beers and friendly staff. The cleanest restrooms in a bar setting and plenty of room to stretch out around the giant bar.

Lively energy and a relaxed vibe make it a cool spot to hang out. The focus on craft beer adds to its casual, friendly atmosphere.

People are saying

"They had a wide variety of great beers on tap."

"I loved the great selection of local beers on tap."

"I loved the extensive beer selection, there was plenty to choose from."

Good to know

1

The Beer Hall offers a variety of vegan options on the menu.

2

Expect a casual atmosphere, making it suitable for families and larger groups.

3

The venue is kid-friendly, with options for children available.

05
The Halfway Club image 1
American restaurant

Bar space divides into distinct vibes across front, middle, and back areas, including a back patio and a room with a projector. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting with live jazz music at a volume that allows conversation. Crowd enjoys upmarket yet relaxed neighborhood energy with a mix of classic and creative drinks.

Lively pub with distinct vibes in different areas offers great American classics and amazing bites and drinks. Food orders go through bartenders or servers like a typical bar restaurant.

Distinct vibes fill the front, middle, and back areas, creating a layered atmosphere. Unique seating and cool programming like trivia, bingo, and cheesesteak pop-ups add to the neighborhood spot feel.

People are saying

"This bar has a cozy interior and friendly, competent service."

"I found the food to be flavorful and delicious."

"It's a cool neighborhood spot with great vibes."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Food can be ordered directly from your bartender or server.

3

Dogs are allowed on the patio, making it a pet-friendly spot.

06
The Pawn Shop image 1
Tapas bar

Speakeasy-style tapas bar with a hidden door leading to a nightclub and a two-story seating area featuring a vast bar. Atmosphere is electric and eclectic, boosted by live DJ music and playful bartender performances. Guests trade trinkets for entry, adding to the unique and creative vibe.

A lively tapas bar with a secret entrance and a bar inside a bar creates a unique vibe. The space features two-story seating and a great wine collection, all wrapped in 70โ€™s luxe energy.

A secret door leads inside, creating a cool entry that feels inviting. The creative concept and fun attendant add to a unique and cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is part of a fun, theatrical dining experience."

"It's so fun bartering trinkets and hearing stories for entry."

"You have to pawn an item or tell jokes to get into the bar."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings.

2

Bring a trinket to trade for entry into the speakeasy.

3

The atmosphere is best after 6:00 pm on weekends.

07
Eco Terreno Urban Tasting Room image 1

Wine bar offers a stylish and upscale interior with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Downstairs features a speakeasy-style space with a small stage suited for live music or comedy. Bright, cheery vibes blend with jazz background music, creating a cool and comfortable setting.

Downstairs features a small stage and a bar suited for comedy or live music events. The wine bar across the street offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Downstairs area has a very cool vibe with a relaxed, urban feel. The overall atmosphere feels modern and inviting.

People are saying

"I loved the reasonably priced and exceptional wines here."

"This wine bar's atmosphere is warm and welcoming."

"The atmosphere here is really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $3 off glasses of wine.

2

The tasting room is ideal for groups and networking events.

3

Brunch service may be available on weekends.

08
ZOร‹ Cocktail Bar & Bites image 1

Open space with high ceilings creates a spacious, comfortable setting. Live DJs spin on multiple nights, fueling a lively, energetic atmosphere where music gets people dancing. The vibe blends elements of sports bar, dive, and club, making it crowded and loud but also fun and stylish.

Cocktails here are amazing and the service is top-notch. The ambiance blends a lounge vibe with a lively bar feel, making it a solid spot for celebrations and parties.

Transformation from its original state gives the place a cool vibe. It serves as a landing spot for groups with great drinks and good energy for chilling or happy hour.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so fun and make delicious drinks."

"The DJ played great music and kept the vibes going."

"I found the vibe here to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm, Monday to Friday, with great drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing on tacos with no cover charge.

3

Karaoke night is every Thursday, starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

09
Bar Jabroni image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers an intimate yet super loud atmosphere with music that fills the space, requiring raised voices for conversation. Lighting creates a warm glow that complements the well-styled decor. Guests often enjoy excellent wine selections alongside small, carefully crafted dishes.

An intimate spot with a laid back vibe that blends a wine bar and bistro feel. Soft, reflective lighting creates a warm glow perfect for long talks or a chill afternoon.

Laid back but cool vibe blends a wine bar feel with a bistro style.

People are saying

"I loved the thoughtful and curated wine selection here."

"The wine bar has a solid, impressive selection with interesting options."

"The food here is unreal, especially the rich strozzapreti with pork sugo."

Good to know

1

Thereโ€™s only one restroom, which can lead to a wait when the restaurant is packed.

2

Bar Jabroni is a no-reservations spot, making it great for last-minute decisions.

3

Expect to spend about $70 per person, including wine.

10
Holbrook House image 1
Restaurant

Former bank transformed into an upscale bar and restaurant with an epic central bar and modern public house energy. Atmosphere feels beautiful and lively, suited for after-work drinks and casual lunches. Unique features include martini and champagne carts that add interactive fun to the experience.

An epic bar sits in the middle of the room with some of the coolest bar chairs around. The space features rich jewel tones and a marble and glass enclosed lobby, with attentive and friendly bartenders serving wonderful drinks.

Swanky setup includes a martini cart and a Champagne/Martini light feature. Moody wallpaper and comfortable surroundings create a cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are amazing and complex."

"The bartenders here are outstanding and super-friendly."

"The martini cart is a cool feature here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is popular, but expect large crowds and potential wait times.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger parties, especially during peak hours.

3

The venue is part of a Privately Owned Public Open Space, offering free wifi.

11
Moez Tavern image 1

Simpsons-themed bar with quirky neighborhood charm and themed drinks like Flaming Moe and Duff beer. Atmosphere feels like a Christmas wonderland enhanced by occasional light shows synced to music and indoor snow effects. Crowd enjoys a chill vibe with unique decor and pop-up events.

A Simpsons themed bar offers a quirky, charming vibe with amazing themed decor that feels like stepping into a Christmas wonderland. The cocktail menu features Flaming Moes, the bar's namesake drink, alongside other great options.

A super cool themed bar with a neat atmosphere and a cool aesthetic vibe.

People are saying

"This Simpsons-themed bar is a super cool experience."

"The decor and themed drinks here are super cool."

"The themed experience here makes the cocktails feel magical."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every other Tuesday at 8pm.

2

Prices for drinks are around $17 each.

3

Cash is preferred for payment; credit cards may not be accepted.

12
Music City Starfactory (formerly Music City San Francisco) image 1

Multiple stages and rehearsal studios create a dynamic live music environment with amazing acoustics. The space buzzes with a creative community vibe and features music-themed decor that celebrates legendary figures. A special karaoke room and a bar add to the inclusive and fun atmosphere.

Multiple stages and a music community space surround a bar serving high-end yet affordable beer, cocktails, and wine. The bar pairs drinks with amazing appetizers in a lively setting.

A musicians' playground with a vibe that pulls music lovers into a creative community. Pods offer a unique space, and the atmosphere buzzes with great entertainment and cool people.

People are saying

"The vibe here is so cool and inviting."

"It's a unique space for musicians and artists to create."

"The bar downstairs had live music and a great atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with food and drink specials.

2

Karaoke takes place on Sundays, offering a fun night out.

3

Open mic nights are held regularly, showcasing local talent.

13
Starlite image 1

Rooftop bar offers stunning city views and a romantic atmosphere especially at night. A DJ spins music that shapes the vibe, sometimes loud for a lounge but often fitting the mood. Cocktails and small plates complement the setting, creating a fun and inviting energy.

Rooftop bar offers 360-degree city views and a great atmosphere. Drinks come from a solid, well-regarded bar with opportunities to sample cocktails before ordering.

Rooftop bar offers a cool view from the top of an old hotel. The spot has a fun vibe and a downtown feel that stands out.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the beautiful city views from here."

"The bar has incredible city views."

"I loved the cool city views from the rooftop."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine at Starlite, especially for city view tables.

2

Only bar seating was available during my visit due to high demand.

3

No outside food is allowed at Starlite, even with reservations.

14
ZHUZH BAR image 1
Cocktail bar

Small lounge with glittery disco decor and a top-notch sound system creates a cozy, fun vibe. DJs spin vinyl indie dance sets and 80s disco, keeping the dance floor lively with an electric energy. The spot offers reasonably priced cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere compared to busier nearby venues.

A queer friendly cocktail bar with a top notch sound system creates a lively small lounge dance vibe. Good DJs spin all genres of house music while the decor and staff add a special touch to the fun atmosphere.

Bartenders create a friendly atmosphere with their cool attitude. The spot features a vibe that mixes art disco elements for a unique feel.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious cocktails here."

"The decor and vibe of this bar were really special."

"The bartenders here are pretty cool and make solid drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features exciting DJs and runs until late night.

2

Sunday drag shows start at 4pm, offering vibrant entertainment.

3

Karaoke nights are on Wednesdays and Sundays, creating a fun atmosphere.

15
The Fly Trap image 1
Californian restaurant

Cozy, historic restaurant with charming decor and a heated alleyway patio offers a relaxed atmosphere despite loud acoustics. The space feels snug with indoor and outdoor seating, including a dog-friendly area. Drinks feature unique cocktails and a great wine selection.

Offers a full bar with a big selection of cocktails and first-class bar service. The owner runs a proper bar trusted by the neighborhood.

A bar with a cool vibe and historic design dating back to 1883. Offers a great selection of wines and beverages in a cozy neighborhood setting.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious, especially the risotto."

"The food here is amazing, especially the rigatoni."

"The vibe here is so cool, with a unique design and history."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. with great deals on drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy evenings.

3

The full menu is available starting at 7 p.m.; only bar snacks are served before then.

16
DACHA Kitchen & Bar image 1
Eastern European restaurant

Eastern European restaurant offers a gorgeous interior with cozy, welcoming atmosphere and unique handcrafted cocktails featuring homemade infusions. Two lounges create a lively bar scene where modern music enhances the exclusive vibe. Authentic dishes and specialty drinks highlight the experience.

Two lounges offer spots to chill with friends over delicious cocktails. A veteran bartender crafts drinks with skill while the sophisticated atmosphere features gold cutlery and stylish decor.

A super cool queer couple created a welcoming spot with a stylish atmosphere. The place feels cozy and full of character, especially with its Eastern European vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and feels like authentic Eastern European cuisine."

"The Stroganoff at this Bar is the best I've ever had."

"It's a cool place with a really stylish atmosphere."

Good to know

1

DACHA Kitchen & Bar hosts monthly bingo night on Thursdays.

2

Mixology classes are available and are a fun experience.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events to ensure a spot.

17
BlindPig Speakeasy Lounge image 1

Small, discreet cocktail bar styled with Chinese-inspired design and unique, creative glassware. Intimate and cozy atmosphere with a password entry adding exclusivity. Drinks feature distinctive Chinese flavors and visually appealing presentations.

Unique drinks showcase Asian flavors with complexity and creativity. The bar offers a fun theme and a cute, engaging atmosphere for conversation and cocktails.

A speakeasy bar with a Chinese style sets a cool vibe. The bartender adds to the atmosphere, and drinks feature unique ingredients though they lack complex Asian flavors.

People are saying

"These cocktails are so creative and brilliantly delicious."

"It's a really cool spot to hang out."

"The bar's cocktails are unique, creative, and delicious."

Good to know

1

A password is required to enter; check Instagram for the latest code.

2

The drinks cost around $18 each, typical for a speakeasy.

3

There is no food available; only creative cocktails are served.

18
CIAORIGATO image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen with art deco ceiling and wood-fired oven creates a stylish, cozy space with a cool 60s vibe. Atmosphere blends Italian-Japanese fusion energy with elegant, tasteful decor. Bar area offers creative cocktails that complement the innovative menu.

A bar area with cocktail tables suits solos and couples without reservations. Staff serve custom drinks like shiso mojitos and offer friendly conversation alongside quick bites.

Stylish interiors bring a 60s vibe with a modern feel that stays cool without going over the top. The space appeals to those seeking a cool experience with a relaxed, trendy atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is a surprisingly well-combined Italian-Japanese fusion."

"The cocktails here are creative and beautifully crafted."

"The bar's small plates and pizzas are a smart blend of Italian and Japanese."

Good to know

1

DJ music starts at 8pm on event nights.

2

Reservations are recommended for the tasting menu experience.

3

Parking is ample and available nearby.

19
Left Door image 1
Restaurant

Speakeasy-style restaurant with cozy rooms and intimate seating offers a sophisticated vibe reminiscent of old-school NYC bars. Live DJs energize the space on weekends, blending trendy decor with a secretive lounge atmosphere. The layout includes multiple rooms above a historic sports bar, creating a unique, swanky setting.

A hidden spot with a secret speakeasy vibe sits above a historic sports bar. The lounge offers sophisticated vibes and an effortlessly cool space with good drinks and bar seating.

An intimate, stylish speakeasy with an effortlessly cool vibe. Drinks and food lean toward the high end, matching the space's chic atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's a cozy, sophisticated setting with dim lighting."

"The cocktails are thoughtfully crafted and perfectly balanced."

"It's a cool speakeasy with a dim, cozy, and intimate vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to their popularity.

2

Walk-in customers may have to wait for a table or hover around.

3

Expect to pay about $20 for two martinis at this establishment.

20
Rick & Roxy's image 1

Two distinct bar areas create contrasting atmospheres: one cozy with games and table conversations, the other a packed dance floor with a light-up floor and disco-themed decor. Music ranges from disco beats to Y2K hits, fueling a lively and sometimes chaotic vibe. Unique features include a fried chicken machine and a mix of retro and modern touches that set it apart from typical bars.

Two bars in one create a fun layout with a disco DJ matching the vibe. Staff including the bouncer and bar manager provide impressive service while guests can keep a tab open easily.

A cool vibe fills the space, making it stand out. The chicken machine adds a unique and interesting touch.

People are saying

"This bar is a great spot with a fun vibe and awesome bartenders."

"The cocktails here are creative with a fun, bold vibe."

"It's a cool, groovy spot with a lively, retro disco vibe."

Good to know

1

Rick & Roxy's gets busy and packed on weekend nights.

2

They add a 20% tip automatically on top of the bill.

3

Guests must meet a minimum spend requirement for events.

21
Hairchitect Barber Shop & Lounge San Francisco image 1

Barbershop combines thoughtful design with a chill, welcoming vibe and complimentary drinks like whiskey and beer. The atmosphere feels like a lounge, blending professional grooming with spa-like pampering. Attention to detail shows in every aspect, from lighting to music to service.

Setup includes great decor, good music, and a solid bar. Lounge offers good drinks and a lively vibe for good times.

Super cool atmosphere with a modern interior and a DJ playing great music. The vibe stays friendly and welcoming while keeping it effortlessly cool.

People are saying

"The barbershop cuts here are precise and leave you looking sharp."

"I got the best haircut I've ever had here."

"Jonny's scissor work is unmatched; he's a master barber."

Good to know

1

Hairchitect celebrates its 1-year anniversary with special promotions.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends.

3

Walk-ins are welcome, but expect longer wait times during peak hours.

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