11 Rooftop Bars in San Francisco That You Can't Miss
Nothing pairs better with a cocktail than a breathtaking view of the San Francisco skyline. Here are the best rooftop bars in the Bay Area.
San Francisco's mild year-round weather makes it the perfect place to enjoy a drink outdoors. And who couldn't do with a little more fresh air these days?If you're looking for a place to pair a creative cocktail with gorgeous views of the City by the Bay, then you're in luck. We've assembled this list of some of the most fantastic rooftop bars in San Francisco.
(And if an al fresco beverage is not your only activity for the day, don't forget that at a number of San Francisco establishments, you can now take your cocktails to-go!)
How many of the following rooftop bars have you visited?
620 Jones
Easy to find because its name is the same as its address; easier still to enjoy because 620 Jones is one of the largest outdoor establishments in San Francisco! Their weekday happy hour is popular with people finishing the workday, and their weekend brunches feature mimosas by the pitcher and even a breakfast martini.
Archimedes Banya
If you're looking to pamper yourself before a cocktail, head to Bayview's Archimedes Banya, San Francisco's only authentic Russian bathhouse. After a visit to a plunge pool or sauna, head to their rooftop bar, Zteamer's. Enjoy traditional Russian delicacies like caviar and perogies with your beverage of choice.
B Restaurant & Bar
Located atop The Moscone Center, San Francisco's premier convention venue, B Restaurant & Bar is perfect for anyone at anytime, not just convention attendees from out of town. Its known for its seasonal cocktails, raw bar, and priority given to using locally sourced ingredients.
Charmaine’s
Step off the San Francisco Proper Hotel elevator and straight into the playfully opulent atmosphere of Charmaine’s. Perched 120 feet above the hustle and bustle of Market Street, this indoor/outdoor escape boasts a glittering backdrop of city lights and a dazzling array of cocktails to match it. The creative bartenders can mix something to please any palate, whether you’re in the mood for a quirky concoction or a classic Old Fashioned. The snack selection fits right in with Charmaine’s luxe-yet-cheeky theme. Don’t miss the hot dog dressed up with Bavarian mustard and fermented lettuce.
Stay At The Proper Hotel
Cityscape Lounge
Located on the 46th floor of the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Cityscape Lounge boasts unobstructed views of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Cityscape Lounge is fully enclosed, but the stunning 360-degree views of San Francisco make this sky bar a must-see.
Stay at the Hilton San Francisco Union SquareDirty Habit
Located on the fifth floor of the Hotel Zelos (which is just steps from amazing cultural institutions like the Contemporary Jewish Museum and SFMOMA), Dirty Habit offers tables and comfy sofas that are partially shielded from the elements. Their cocktail menu features tried-and-true favorites as well as adventurous new creations, and their small plates make for terrific shared snacking.
Stay at Hotel ZelosEl Techo
Sitting atop its sister restaurant, Lolinda, El Techo is one of the high points of the Mission—figuratively and literally! You can see for miles from this bar that offers cocktails by the pitcher and terrific Latin American street food. There's no wrong time to visit El Techo, whether its for their weekday happy hours or weekend brunches.
Kaiyo
Kaiyo's rooftop will transport you to a tropical oasis atop Hyatt Place Hotel, just blocks from Oracle Park. Nikkei, Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and cocktails, pair perfectly with the San Francisco Skyline. The beverage menu spans to include a variety of Japanese whisky highballs to cocktails that include pisco. You can come here before a Giants game, but you won't want to leave. You'll feel like you're on vacation and that's alright by us.
Stay at Hyatt Place HotelRooftop 25
Not far from Oracle Park, Rooftop 25 is another great spot for a drink before or after a Giants game. Beyond their tasty cocktail creations, all their food comes fresh from a wood-fired oven. They're starting 2022 with some new menu selections, which means there's never been a better time to make your reservation!
Rooftop At VIA
Raise a toast atop the Hotel VIA in South Beach. The hotel’s Rooftop at VIA is a chic indoor/outdoor space complete with captivating views of the downtown skyline, Bay Bridge, and Oracle Park. Open-air fire pits and comfy seating create a relaxed vibe, and you’ll slip right into a celebratory mood thanks to VIA’s warm service, sophisticated drink menu and tasty tapas and sweets. Rooftop at VIA is truly exclusive; it’s available only to hotel guests or by renting one of the swanky six-person cabanas.
Stay Hotel ViaTop of the Mark
Soak in views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge from the amazing penthouse lounge on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins. Along with its million dollar views, the Top of the Mark has a dance floor, signature martini menu and an exciting events schedule that includes live entertainment several days a week.
Stay at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins
Dan is the Vice President, Global Marketing, at San Francisco Travel. San Francisco has been his home for over a decade (that makes him a local, right?). On the weekends, you can find him with a cup of craft coffee in hand, a playlist of good vibes, a growing list of books to read, or out at the city's hottest new restaurant or bar.
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