Best cocktail bars in California: find options near you

Vesuvio Cafe is an absolute gem in North Beach and one of those places that instantly makes you feel connected to the history and character of San Francisco. The moment you walk in, you can feel the stories the place holds and start wondering about all the people who have spent nights there over the decades and the kind of memories they created. The cocktails are very reasonably priced, especially considering the location and atmosphere, and the selection is huge — enough to satisfy even the most dedicated cocktail enthusiasts. The vibe is what truly makes this place special: creative, energetic, slightly chaotic in the best possible way, and full of positive-minded people. It can definitely get crowded, but that only adds to the atmosphere rather than taking away from it. A fantastic spot to experience the soul of North Beach and old-school San Francisco nightlife.

First time able to sit and enjoy. Bartender a little overwhelmed with short rush and lack of staff. Drinks well made and professional. Couldn’t stay too long, like you be back for another visit. Crowd seemed happy and enjoying self.

We had a drink and didn’t try their food. The atmosphere is very inviting. The bar has full of character. Loved it.

This place turned out to be one of my favorite places to visit, I first found it from hearing music playing and i had to find out where it was coming from. They had a live band outside in the ally and there was a crowd. loved the band I think it was a ska bank from LA area. I also went back a few days later just to get a drink and check out the inside and its a place you will want to visit and say awhile, also check out the ally there is seating there also and the and painted mural on the walls. Bartenders are very kewl and the drinks were quick, all the staff here are awesome. give it a stop by and check it out.

Vesuvio is noted as being one of Kerouac’s favorite bars amongst many other famous writers, musicians and artists. It’s like walking into a little slice of history. It is somewhat touristy, but the locals are still alive and well in this atmosphere. If you are a young yuppie, just please remember to tip the staff well – I saw multiple people mistreat these hard working bar tenders after they served up a slew of complicated cocktails.

This place is so very cute and just a great time to hang out in, love the balcony area too. The drinks were surprisingly not too expensive and service was quite quick

One of the finest non-cafes I’ve been to for a drink. I did not drink coffee. I also did not smoke weed, like cafes in Amsterdam, that, for legal and reputational reasons, I definitely have never been to. They in fact served me a delicious cocktai,l that I did not need, having been on a tour of the city and tasted some of the finest… Atmospheres. .. in each bar. I recommend you visit and play cards in the corner. For fun not money.

I visited The View Lounge on a random Monday night and was surprised by how busy it was. The lounge was packed, so be prepared to wait a bit for seating since it’s first come, first served. You can order drinks directly at the bar or find an open seat and have a server take your order. It took us about 10 minutes of walking around before we finally found a table. Although the service was a little slow at first because of how busy it was, once we were helped, the experience was excellent. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome. The food is definitely on the pricier side, but it’s well worth it. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the martinis were especially impressive. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot with breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, The View Lounge is a great choice. The combination of great cocktails, tasty food, and the incredible city views makes it a place I’d happily visit again.

It is all about the Atmosphere and view from this lounge. Good cocktails but could be better. The finger-food available is limited and not that great either. Overall, a great place to grab a few drinks and soak in city views at night and sunset.

Very elegant bar with an amazing view. It is definitely worth coming here to have a drink. The cocktails are pretty good, and the waiters are amazing. They know people come here for the view, and whenever better tables are available for pictures, they will offer them to you. 😉

This is amazing bar. Hard to find in Google map like a dot hidden behind the hotel. recommended by one or frequent SFO visitor. We went there at night time, and it’s amazing how the light effect. Look like. From outside it look amazing (from yerba Buena park for example). Highly recommend to hang out in the bar here!

This place is amazing. The atmosphere, food and drinks. It is a more upscale lounge so expect to pay top dollar.

What a cool lounge/bar to experience! The vibe was amazing and the 360 views were stunning of the surrounding city! It’s first come first serve, just sit at any open table and that means you might do a few circles around the entire lounge to snag one. Definitely worth a look, but do be prepared for high prices on food and drinks… we bought a tuna app and 2 drinks for nearly a $200 bill :/

Great bar on top of the Marriott. If you are in downtown SF and like to see SF from the top this is the spot. Great for tourists and locals that looks for a good vibe. Old fashioned in the picture, was very well made.

Tax club social. Kimmy and i attended. We’ll received. Little tight for kimmy but over all she felt comfortable. The restaurant bar is unique and contemporary. Enjoy. Definitely doggie friendly.

This place had a great Halloween atmosphere! Nice vibes and decent music. Serena clocked in and immediately assisted me with getting drinks, she was the star of the show and had a great costume. Great service! I had the chicken slider and it was a good 8/10! The Cesar salad was a 3/10 pretty basic Drinks were decent

They call it speakeasy but this more like a bar a too noisy one. But it has good vibes and good place to hang out with friends. Cocktails & food was good.

Booked a private event at Novela and what an event it was!!!! It was perfect! From the quote to the day of the party the manager was attentive and responsive The food, drinks, and all the staff were amazing!! The space allows for the perfect vibe and flow. All the guests loved it! Book your next event here or stop by for a cocktail or punch.

Novella hosted a party for our group. The staff was amazing! Each member of their team went above and beyond and many of our guests commented on how great the bartenders and waiters were during our event. Very friendly and a joy to work with. Great food and drinks!!

Fun experience here. We sat at the bar, and I overheard many customers asking who’s working or customers greeting the staff. Definitely felt like the staff is well known in this neighborhood and has a lot of regular customers. Great to see. The menu is awesome. Very cool and caught me by surprise as I grew up as a wrestling fan. It felt nostalgic and made it fun to choose a drink. It seemed like a seasonal or rotating menu since I heard the bartender say this was our new menu. The Andre the Giant drink was the best of the three we ordered (Roddy Rowdy Piper and Rey Mysterio). The charred cabbage was great. Never thought I would order a cabbage dish, but the description made it appetizing. They also played great classic hip hop music.

I’ve been here several times for cocktails. My favorite is the Chinatown pretty. I had no idea that the food was so good! The kale salad was massive and delicious. The avocado flavor in the salad was so good. The pork buns were also super flavorful. Overall the food really exceeded my expectations 🙂

one of those classic spots in the mission. come here for the kale caesar salad, the drinks don’t miss either. all the other apps are splendid, loved the cauliflower!

The Duck Tape might be my favorite drink of all time. I love a drink that makes you engage with it. My husband ordered the cinemaphile and it was also enjoyable. Ambiance wise, the indoor area too loud for us, but we loved the outdoor seating (and people watching). We would totally come back!

First off, to cut to the chase, everything you’ve heard about the drinks is true. There’s a good reason they are as popular and highly critically acclaimed as they are. None of the drinks are overly fussy or overworked. The shots section is awesome – complex mini drinks essentially. I think I could spend an evening just going through those. What was a pleasant surprise was how damn good the food was. For an institution that is a Bar first, everything was top notch, from the classic Trick Dog (give those Oracle Park street. vendor Mexican dogs a run for their money) to the roasted cauliflower and the prawn aguachile. 8.29.2026 New drink menu is – as expected – excellent. Although a number off the drinks may read intimidatingly, in classic Trick Dog fashion it all comes together. Try the ultimate warrior, you won’t regret it.

Loved the vibes of the place, perfect lighting since it’s not too dark nor bright and there was a good amt of seating inside! Ordered a couple of items to split but the fried cauliflower was a crowd favorite- crispy, cauliflower had perfect texture, and went super well with the aioli (even tho it was also good without it). Chips and dip were also delicious, you can tell that the chips are house made since they’re a little thicker than other places which went super well with the onion dip! I got the grapefruit spritz but also rly liked the Suzuki highball (with yuzu liquor, strawberry Campari and shrub, and soda)! loved it! Both drinks were super refreshing but had the perfect sweetness that made it easy to drink! Their menu drink is super extensive so there’s a perfect a drink for everyone :))

My wife and I visited on a Tuesday, we arrived at opening. We had the whole bar to ourselves. Atmosphere was awesome, we ordered the fermented edamame and fried cauliflower which were both spectacular. But the real standout was the service behind the bar. Donny was incredibly knowledgeable and had that quiet confidence that immediately makes me trust a bartender. Not showy but he knows his stuff and he nailed it every time, got to know my preferences, let me taste some of the stuff I showed interest in – I couldn’t have asked for more. Water glasses were always refilled promptly. The vibes were immaculate. This was our last night in SF and it will be an unforgettable memory that will carry me to our next visit in 2027.

Get the gin and celery. Interior is spacious with high ceilings, not too loud. Fries are ok, nothing special. Good place to chat.

Solid choice for cocktails and casual food at reasonable prices. Extensive drink menu with knowledgeable bartenders who take time to explain their creations. Tried several cocktails – the one with carrot juice was surprisingly delicious and well-portioned. Ahi tuna tartare ($19) with sesame chips was fresh and tasty. Food is casual but good quality – perfect for date night or hanging with friends. Not fancy, but that’s exactly the vibe they’re going for. Will return to explore more of their cocktail menu.

This is the second time I’ve stopped at ABV. The first time I came it was extremely busy, the second time I came right at opening and was sat right down. I’ve ordered several dishes now, every one of them has been delicious. I am a huge fan of their soft shell crab tacos. Every drink we ordered was also a delight. The service was amazing. Our server was kind and fast, there was also a guy coming out to check on us, ensuring our water was full on the sunny SF day. They have indoor seating and a decent sized outdoor area.

Awesome bar with great food. I love the chicken chow mein, burger, tuna tartare, and grilled mushrooms. My favorite cocktails are the Gin & Celery and Lefty’s Highball. But you really can’t go wrong. Lovely people too. ❤️✌️

Their expresso martini and burgers are A+. Awesome spot. Yucatan chef lady is fire 🔥. Keep her happy at all costs. Keep it going abv!

There’s a reason PCH gets the fantastic reviews it receives. First, the vibes of the forest outside and low lit amber inside set a perfect mood. We sat outside and I have to say Louis was a rock star! He had an amazing control of his patio, as well as monitoring the influx of guests in and out. Louis is perfectly fit for his position! He was friendly, efficient, (given the fact it was a very full bar and patio and he greeted us warmly & quickly) and Louis also suggested excellent drink choices for us! I got the sake drink with the nut extract that was so good! Hub got thrilla in Manilla! I love how the cocktail list was divided by spirit ..This was on my bucket list and PCH dominated!!! Oh and extra bonus points for the fabulous music playing!! We sipped our stellar cocktails while listening to the explicit version of golddigger!!

I came on a Thursday evening in May around 10pm. There was a bit of a line, but I did not have to wait too long to get a spot at the bar. The staff here were very attentive. I enjoyed the atmosphere as well. I had the pornstar martini which was very good and tart! I also tried the Silky street which was delicious as well. I would recommend stopping here for a drink if you get the chance!

We came to PCH after learning one of their lead bartenders had just won a 2026 James Beard Award, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We were lucky enough to grab seats at the bar without a reservation and ended up returning multiple times during our trip. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between upscale and approachable, with plenty of bar seating and outdoor tables. The service was exceptional—attentive, knowledgeable, and never pretentious. Every cocktail was outstanding, from the Back in Black to classics like the Dirty Martini, Black Manhattan, Vieux Carré, and Sazerac. Every drink was crafted with care and precision. If we’re back in San Francisco, PCH will be one of our first stops.

What a beautiful bar – bumping on a Saturday night. My favorite thing is the beautiful gated front patio seating, on both sides, there’s seating for groups and or small groups. The don’t patio is surrounded by living plant walls, which is gorgeous! Inside is very lovely but depending on what your scene is, it can be too crowded. The 3 of us enjoyed the fresh air and gated front patio. Fun crafted drinks and attentive service.

One of the best craft cocktails bars in SF. Each cocktail is unique and has amazing flavors. Service is good, they go to your table for your order. They have outdoor seating, which allows for bringing dogs with you.

I stopped in on a Monday evening for the Miracle pop-up and had such a great experience. I hadn’t been to this bar before, but the staff made me feel welcome right away — friendly, attentive, and honestly superior service. The cocktails were creative and really well made, and even though I came alone, I felt completely comfortable and taken care of. Such a fun spot with great energy. I’m so glad I checked it out and would definitely come back!

Supposedly one of the best cocktail bars around but I found the welcome underwhelming. As a single person I was just left to one side without any explanation of whether I was waiting or in my allotted space. No WiFi which is troubling for me as I had no data. The drink I had was very nice but I left after one due to the lack of atmosphere.

Li Po Cocktail Lounge is a hidden gem with tons of character. The atmosphere is unique, laid-back, and full of history, making it a great spot to unwind or start a night out. The drinks were well-made, the bartenders were friendly, and the service was excellent. If you’re looking for a classic San Francisco bar with plenty of personality, this place is definitely worth checking out.

We fell in love with this little gem. From the punk rock playlist to the moody lighting and decor, it’s impossible not to sink into a bar stool and just vibe. We had the Mai Taos and only wish we had tried a Buddha beer.

Li Po Cocktail Lounge is exactly what you would expect from a dive bar in Chinatown, and that is part of its charm. The interior is a little worn but it works perfectly for a casual, laid back drink with friends. The Chinese Mai Tai is the signature drink here and definitely worth ordering. It is popular for a reason, with a smooth and tasty flavor, though for me personally it was not too strong as some other reviews mentioned. Service was quick and the atmosphere was easygoing. It is a fun stop if you are in the area and want something low key.

The Chinese Mai Tai is as potent as advertised. Whether it’s a good cocktail or not is questionable. You can probably make a better drink by mixing some liquor and liqueurs at home. This place has a unique vibe though. It’s worth visiting at least once for the experience.

Drinks are good. Atmosphere is the best. Had a very good time!

A cool relaxed spot with a rich history. Beautifully restored and preserved as one of SanFrancisco’s last original pre-prohibition saloons. Food and drinks were refined. Staff friendly and knowledgeable. Cozy fireplace in the back. Would definitely recommend!

Had the chance to revisit this classic SF cocktail bar 🍸 and it STILL delivers a GREAT cocktail experience. Ordered a classic Margarita and watched the bartender squeeze fresh lime 🍋‍🟩 juice to concoct a perfect marg. Highly recommend

If you’re in North Beach you’ve gotta check out Comstock, well made cocktails, nice chill atmosphere, welcoming service – they remembered we requested a table and moved us when one was open. Good old fashioned and gin martini extra dirty with 6 olives.

Very unique place with a lot of history and some of the best craft cocktails I’ve ever had. The bartender took his time with each drink, making sure each was just right. With two drinks, you get a free light lunch on Fridays. It was corn chowder the day we went, which was phenomenal, but not hearty enough to soak up the two strong drinks. We added some fries and bacon wrapped dates yo have a little more on our stomach for walking around. It’s really worth reading the history of this old Jewish barbershop that was preserved and made into a destination. It’s wild to think everything this building has endured. If these walls could talk!

Very cool old school bar in a great neighborhood. Live jazz most nights. Great vibe.

A wonderful bar offering a variety of drinks and special cocktails. We let the barkeeper choose our drink which is always fun to see the creativity flow. I have never been disappointed. On the contrary I was always delighted. We also went for some delicious Kaviar and oysters. Fresh and breathtaking!

Finally stopped by this restaurant for their burger. It was fine! Quite tasty

I had a pleasant overall experience at True Laurel. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and energetic, and the staff were friendly and attentive throughout the evening. The space has a great vibe that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the experience. That said, the drinks didn’t quite live up to the bar’s reputation. The cocktails on the menu felt fairly average, and when I asked the bartender to create an off-menu drink based on my preferred spirit profile, the result was unfortunately below average and lacked the balance and creativity I was hoping for. Given True Laurel’s recognition as one of North America’s Top 50 Bars, I came in with high expectations. While the service and ambiance were strong, the cocktail program itself didn’t stand out in a way that justified the acclaim. Overall, it was a decent visit, but not one that left a lasting impression. For me, it’s a solid 3-star experience.

A bar with a small, well-curated menu and a clear point of view, blending thoughtful twists on classic drink directions with local Californian ingredients such as redwood. The drinks are precise and well executed. The Mai O Mai reimagines the Mai Tai with pistachio orgeat, agricole rum, and a coffee float, landing refined and rounded rather than punchy. The In the Pines sits in Manhattan territory and holds together better than its ingredient list might suggest. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Worth a visit if you appreciate ingredient-led cocktails with a considered angle.

The pea casso is one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. Food is creative and absolutely delightful. Service is even better! Andrew took great care of us. Will keep going back.

Do not understand the hype. Service was abysmal. We were there at 9 on a Sunday. We ordered, were given our check (they close at 10) and had the check picked up before our drinks were even served. That is just tacky to the max. If you’re trying to close, just don’t seat us. That’s totally fine, but to be more than happy to seat us and then pull this move is just off putting. Furthermore, the auto 20% on every tab just encourages this behavior. Would 0% recommend this place. On to the drinks. I get it, it was memorial Day weekend, but they were just straight up out of 3 of their 9 or so drinks (fine, not the best look but fine). The mai tai riff and the carajillo is what we ordered. It was average at best which for a cocktail bar that is meant to be inventive is just a death sentence. Long story short, this place was a total letdown in every aspect and is weirdly hyped up.

Stopped by here on a busy Sunday afternoon with four and a baby for brunch and we all had a great meal. Was able to get a table with no wait at all. The drinks we ordered were all tasty, especially the coffee with foam on top. The patty melt and egg/sausage sandwiches were amazing, really enjoyed the nice toasted bread both were on. We also really enjoyed the cornmeal pancakes topped with apples. I’m glad we stopped by for lunch here. Would love to come back soon.

Best time EVER! LOVE the theme nights, the food is DELICIOUS, and the owner goes out of her way to make everyone feel WELCOMED. My friends went one time and now we’re trying all the fun different events the Ten Tavern offers, we’re hooked #tentaverngroupies. Highly recommend you won’t be disappointed. 💯😃👍

Had a wonderful time at the Harry Potter night! Really fun and love the decorations and atmosphere. The food was great! Would definitely do this again!

My sister and I have only been to the themed events so far—Bingo and Blockbuster & Bites—but wow, every detail is so thoughtfully done and truly unforgettable. Vanessa and her team are amazing—so attentive and welcoming, they make you feel like family. The food is always incredible from start to finish (literally never had a bad bite), and the drinks? Perfectly crafted every time. We absolutely love it here and can’t wait to come back!

It was my first time popping into this venue and I was happy I did. I caught happy hour for a drink and enjoyed some sports and an appetizer. They have plenty of indoor seating and outdoor seating. The staff was friendly and they were even accommodating to my kid with coloring books and crayons. Solid neighborhood spot if your looking for a nice hangout.

Garrett was an incredible bartender/server. Such a great time and service; we’ll definitely come back. That type of service makes an establishment worth revisiting. My husband got the Club and I got the Ribeye Chilaquiles. Sooo good. Thanks Garrett!