The Yummiest Bars in San Francisco

Bolare Trattoria & Pizzeria

★★★★☆ 3.6 (55)

"Truly shocking that this place isn't more crowded than it is. Pasta is delicious, pizza is extremely scrumptious, the price is greatly priced. It's an old school vibe so don't expect to be blown away by the establishment but if you're looking for a nice lovely evening with good Italian food, it's a must try. A Family joint."

Stem Kitchen & Garden

★★★★☆ 3.7 (413) • $$

"Beautiful restaurant conveniently located near UCSF. The back patio was a great place to enjoy lunch and a view. The menu is on the small side but what they did have on it all looked good. Everyone enjoyed their food, so big plus for that. While the staff was friendly, not the most attentive. We stood up at the front register for several minutes waiting for someone to come take the order. They also charge for drink refills..... which is a choice for this type of establishment."

Wildhawk

★★★★☆ 3.6 (177) • $$

"Now this is one stylish bar. Not surprised this is owned by Hillary and Gavin Newsom's PlumpJack Group. Wildhawk has that kind of monied vibe. The interior decor felt like a contemporary boudoir heavy on the use of black and white floral prints with dark green backgrounds. It's pretty spacious with plenty of seating mostly for cliques of young barhoppers.I sat at the bar since I'm not a young hipster. The craft cocktail was extensive and intriguing with specialties focused on martinis and vermouth. The bartender was super friendly and queried me about my recent and upcoming travels. I tried a couple of the house cocktails in relatively quick succession. The first was the $17 Sueltate, a tangy Latin-based libation.It had mezcal, tequila, basil eau de vie, genever, lychee, chiles, and lime (photo: https://yelp.to/a2cciaCorB). Quite a sweetly piquant treat. The second was the $17 Diving Swallows, quite a tropical carnival of a cocktail with a couple of scotches, San Janz rum, galliano, pandan, and coconut milk topped with buttered popcorn (photo: https://yelp.to/gHq6BVlXQz). I'm a sucker for coconut...literally, so I was hooked on this one fast.COCKTAILS - 5 stars...audaciously creative cocktails that work very wellAMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...stylish but not invasive SERVICE - 5 stars...the male bartender was great...didn't catch his nameTOTAL - 5 stars...$17 cocktails but worth it in this settingRELATED - Exploring the Mission? Here's my collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2NHtst6"

ILCHA

★★★★☆ 4.4 (364) • $$$

"Have been wanting to try this place for a long time and finally got around to trying it! We got extremely lucky by walking in and not needing to wait or need a reservation on a Friday night around 7pm. Food (4/5): We got the dubu kimchi, corn cheese tater tots, and Korean fried chicken. Everything was delicious and very nicely elevated. I could tell they use fresh ingredients. The only reason I give it a 4 is because it is on the pricey side for "bar food". My favorite dish was the corn cheese tater tots. It's a must get!Service (4/5): Nothing special. They came to check on us maybe once and were efficient with ordering and paying. Ambiance (5/5): I love this sort of ambiance. Dark, intimate, not too loud, and minimalist decor. Keep in mind that you'll probably need to sit next to other people at their family table which is a long rectangular table that can sit probably 14 people. I didn't mind, it was fun seeing what other people got!"

The Valencia Room

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (181) • $$

"ghetto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Expensive!!!! sometime that's what make a club fun. Dj is mostly good, but there are some bad ones"

Scoma's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$$

"Everything was amazing.Crab Louie had so much crab on it, couldn't eat it all.Everyone's meal was amazing.Oldie but goodie.Salvatore and Osmen are the best. Service is exceptional. They do everything with love.Valet parking makes it super easy in SF."

Nite Cap Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (72) • $$

"Oh sure, there are all sorts of bars in the Tenderloin that run the gamut from trendy, overpriced taverns to complete, fall-off-the-stool dives. Make no mistake this one lands on the latter part of that spectrum. Nothing wrong with that as this back-to-basics corner bar is pretty comfortable considering the neighborhood. A decent Makers Mark & Ginger can be had for $9 (photo: https://yelp.to/WRbLW3KfQ6). Not bad.DRINKS - 3 stars...just what I neededAMBIANCE - 3 stars...the pool table is the main featureSERVICE - 3 stars...mixed wellTOTAL - 3 stars...a night cap may be too late for meRELATED - Exploring the Tenderloin? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2NIQ0tw"

Teeth

★★★★☆ 3.7 • $$

"If you love a dive bar with good food, Teeth is a great spot to check out, especially for their massive 3-level outdoor patio! When we first arrived, we were greeted by Francisco who whipped us up delicious passion fruit margaritas. We ordered this because we saw another person order it and the tajin and chamoy rim was so well done we couldn't pass it up. Of course accompanied by a shot of our go-to tequila espelon. As we were sitting at the bar, we got to talking to the new owner Robbie, who shared they took over the bar in Oct 2023 and working to bring it back to its glory. You can tell the passion n care he has for the bar. He did tell us they were having a burger and beer special for $15 on Mondays. We had just come from dinner down the street, but I couldn't pass up trying a smash burger and I added some tots. I gotta say best tots at a bar I've had in a long time. The burger itself was pretty tasty, I'd just order it with no lettuce and tomato. It's a messy one but it's quite filling.In my convo with them they mentioned they don't charge to reserve space in their patio and no minimum spends. They can setup special food and drink menus catered to your party. Which makes this a new go-to for planning get together because the back patio itself is very much a cool spot. Definitely will be back for the .50 cent wing Wednesdays as well"

Zam Zam

★★★★☆ 3.8 (435) • $$

"Cool and divey cash-only cocktail bar in the Haight. Had kind of an old school vibe and was really dark inside. Plenty of bar seating and some tables available too. Dog friendly, at least it was when we were in on a weekday afternoon. Pretty large liquor selection available. I ordered an espresso martini, which came filled to the rim, and enjoyed every sip of it! Bartender was nice and funny. Good place to stop for a drink in the area!"

Royal Cuckoo

★★★★☆ 4 (232) • $$

"Man, I just love this place. I still haven't stayed late enough for the 8PM organ set, but presumably it doesn't consist of selections from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir hymn book but rather jazz numbers that complement their extensive vinyl collection. They open at 4PM during the week, and I showed up not long afterward since I happened to be walking on Mission.The comfortable vibe hit me right away. It was filled with a lot of vintage items including the requisite antelope head, but it didn't feel excessive. I think simply calling it a dive bar marginalizes what owners Paul Morgan and Debbie Horn truly provide here. My interactions have been mostly with Debbie, and she's the real thing, one of the most genuinely friendly bartenders in the city.And hey, I've been served by all kinds around town, and upon a return visit weeks later, she recalled me and where I was from without hesitation. This may be an obscure shut-in reference, but she reminded me of the effervescent Erin Napier, the host of HGTV's "Home Town", just someone whose smile equates to a warm hug. That's not to say Paul is a social slouch.He was busy trying to discourage a high-as-a-kite urban teen from entering the premises. Another reason not to call this a dive is their specialty cocktail menu which reflects their hard-earned years of respective bartending experience. The house cocktails don't disappoint. The $12 Ava Ray's Pina Colada wasn't frozen but quite delicious nonetheless with dark rum, port, pineapple, and coconut (photo: https://yelp.to/wY2XRbfdsc.The $12 Red Margarita caught me by surprise as it combined tequila and agave with pomegranate and raspberries (photo: https://yelp.to/sNqvywHg5L). It was a treat from Debbie, who spent years at Puerto Allegre perfecting it. I was so entranced I later ordered the $13 Backyard Lemon Tree Margarita which I believe took advantage of lemons picked in the welcoming back patio (photo: https://yelp.to/ED3asUmzdP). It ain't gay but I could become a regular.COCKTAILS - 5 stars...they know how to mix their craft cocktails, don't let the casual vibe fool yaAMBIANCE - 5 stars...just love the vintage garage-sale vibeSERVICE - 5 stars...all about DebbieTOTAL - 5 stars...I just need to come back with Jamie W. during organ timeRELATED - Exploring Bernal Heights? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2CaaWFe"

Rustic House Oyster Bar and Grill - Los Altos

★★★★☆ 4 (706) • $$

"Rustic House Oyster Bar & Grill Los Altos CA Wed 1/22/25After meetings galore & hard work!Bringing my engineers to my local spot! Downtown LA Grey's neck of the woods! On Main St in my downtown are Rustic House' goods!©HAPPY Harmonious High-calibre Hilarious Honest-to-goodness Humorous Hallelujah Humpday Wonderful Winey Wednes-Day Night! HHHHHHHHWWWDN!Casual dining at its best! Let's sit down and have them take care of the rest!Here at Rustic House Oyster Bar & Grill! This is my turf! The food is plentiful, the drinks are tasty, the staff is friendly, the bar is inviting, here is where it goes!To begin with, my MACALLAN 12 Yr Double Cask Single Malt Scotch!Thank you bartender Rob!This Macallan is perfect balance of 100% Sherry seasoned American and European Oak, a great marriage of 2 wood types. Smooth, Sweet and balanced! A new classic!On to the food. We've got the apps!CRISPY CALAMARI, finger licking YummerZ!Fresh tubes & tentacles, lightly battered and fried! Served with house made chipotle mignonette & house made chipotle mayo!Succulento, I tell ya!From Artisan Pizzas, Gluten Free Crust avail!CHIPOTLE SHRIMP PIZZA, Mmm! Shrimp, chipotle peppers, onions, bell peppers, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, cilantro and lemon juice topped with parmesan cheese!Quite unique! That chipotle pizza is rather unusual, with prawns and white-sauce base, just the right combination of flavors and tastes! Rustic House is known for tasty creations, extensive menu of starters & apps, signature dishes & salads, classic steaks with a twist, and of course ~ raw & grilled oysters!Worth noting, Steamed Mussels or Clams: White wine, shallots, garlic, scallions and butter, mouthwatering bowl of goodness!I'll leave you to partake from the menu all by yourself! You can't go wrong with any dish!La presentazione di questo piatto è davvero allettante!The presentation is truly alluring!*Off they go through the troubled tideThe yacht rolling madly from side to sideThey're tossed about till that fine young oysterFinds that it's time he should quit his cloisterUp comes the oyster![ Review #820 w 4 pics Jan 23, 2025 ]MACALLAN 12 Yr Double Cask Single Malt Scotch! At the Bar!Thank U Rob! Exceptional Macallan Double Cask Single Malt!@Rustic House! Los Altos CA Wed 1/22/25CHIPOTLE SHRIMP PIZZA! Shrimp~chipotle~onion~bells~goat cheese~cilantro~lemon~parmesan!CRISPY CALAMARI~lightly battered & fried! Housemade chipotle mignonette & mayo!@Rustic House Oyster Bar & Grill Los Altos CA Wed 1/22/25"

Blondie's Bar

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (781) • $$

"I love this spot. Been coming here for a long long time. Not as often as I used to since I moved out of the city. But whenever I can. Stopped on Thursday before going to a show at the Victoria. Margarita (the bartender) was super welcoming and an absolute gem! She was so wonderful and I absolutely enjoyed chatting with her. She really made my night after a very rough day. And as always the martini's were fabulous! Thank you Margarita for turning my day around! This place is truly special!"

San Mateo Prime

★★★★☆ 3.7 (665) • $$$

"Almost as good as House of Prime Rib! I was able to make reservations with no issues and no wait. The restaurant is located in downtown San Mateo. Parking can be difficult depending on timing of the evening. I think it was the Owner that constantly checked on us during dinner. He was very friendly. It was my birthday and they offered a complimentary tiramisu. My husband and I enjoyed the food. The only difference between this place and HOPR is the entertainment from servers mixing salad and etc.Overall I will definitely come back!"

Balboa Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.5 (841) • $$

"Love the service here!!!!!Best espresso martini in the city by far. I usually do not like espresso martinis, but I do really enjoy it here. Also have tried a cosmopolitan, hugo spritz and gin and tonic here which all were great. They play fun music and have a large interior and exterior where it is great to catch up with friends. I have not tried their food, but it is on my bucket list to come here for dinner! This is an iconic SF spot that is a must try."

Dento Piano Cafe and Bar

★★★★★ 4.7 (75)

"Sunday 9:30am:Love the classy cool vibe, friendly service & of course the tasty food. I saw Avocado Toast on the menu so was willing to walk through a dicey part of SOMA to get here. What an oasis! The large floor to ceiling windows surround the modern, elevated industrial design. Folsom facing windows frosted to mask the reality of where you are. There's a couple comfy sofas, lots of seating & a large piano. The perfect place for a Ladies Who Lunch, complete with a glass of wine & a piano concert. First thing inside the door is the order counter. Because I didn't completely read the menu I missed the options of tomato, onion, cucumber, even a potato chip add-ons. I wasn't adventurous enough to have jam layered in with the avocado & hard boiled egg slices. The bread was actually toasted! Absolutely yummy, although the avocado was about a day short of completely ripe. No matter, this fruit is near impossible to gauge ripeness before you cut open.Oh, the beautiful presentation. Upscale ceramics & gold tableware on a heavy black metal tray worthy of SFMOMA gift shop. By 10:30 am there was a steady stream of locals, dogs & children in tow. I'll definitely come again with a newspaper & relax with a Bingsu & chill in the soothing atmosphere. I hereby proclaim Dento Piano Wine Bar & Cafe destination worthy. Support Local!"

A One Kitchen & Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (196) • $$

"I fly into work routinely and this place is always a must visit. Their food is absolutely delicious, way more delicious than a bar should be! Their crab is fresh and they go so far as to ensure meat quality on their crabs are all up to par for their customers.The owner always treats her guests extremely warm and it's always a pleasure coming back to her hospitality. Ambiance isn't anything phenomenal but it's really the food and service that's gets us excited to come back here. Flavors are always blooming and authentic!!"

Casa Barajas

★★★★☆ 4.4 (198) • $$

"One of the best carne asada's I've had in San Francisco (includes the Mission). I like mine to taste like it's been grilled over an actual flame, and few places can get that down right. Probably because most just use a gas stove. The flavors are phenomenal. The salsas are actually spicy, the guacamole has just the right amount of onion. They follow instructions flawlessly. 2 things to note: - Super burrito size was not "mission style," it was closer to a bean&cheese burrito size. It was enough to fill me up, but just keep that in mind. Looks like the reviews are inconsistent on it, and sometimes they're bigger. - skip the churros. The caramel sauce is amazing, but the churros were just okay"

Doppio Zero San Carlos

★★★★☆ 3.8 (232) • $$$

"First and foremost, Thank you for fitting us in on one of the busiest nights of the year, Valentine's Day, when our original restaurant couldn't accommodate us after making reservations. Squid ink pasta! Lawwwwd! I love seafood and I love squid ink pasta so this dish is a must! Tasty and flavorful and gave just the right portion. My boyfriend got the steak and it was very tender. Not bad for a restaurant that wasn't a steak restaurant! Boyfriend was fully satisfied. Despite the crowd, service was amazing and did a great job checking in on us and other customers, given it was a very busy night. Friendly as well! Thank you for a great experience! Will definitely come back"

NightLife

★★★★☆ 4.1 (950) • $$

"It was a fun time walking around the Academy of Science at night with only adults, but it wasn't completely what I was expecting. Although it makes sense why we can't drink or eat inside, I was expecting to have cocktails while we walk around the museum. We were only allowed to purchase and consume all food and drinks outside, which is quite cold. Bring a jacket! They only had two cocktails on their menu and canned Cutwater cocktails. All for $12 each.There was a DJ and dance floor inside, but no one seemed to partake and would rather walk around the museum. The rain forrest (closes at 7:30 PM), planetarium, aquarium, living roof, sharks, fog room, and rock exhibits were all available. I don't recommend doing the planetarium show unless you want to fall asleep. It's not so much about space and stars, but instead... a documentary about Chile and their space programs there. So if you're planning to have a few cocktails, you're most likely to fall asleep."

Longboard Bar And Venue

★★★★☆ 3.9 (119) • $$

"This is an awesome hidden gem in Pacifica for musicians to perform their special musics for people in the Bay Area. Super cool music / dance venue. Very safe, organized, and fun. There is a huge dancing floor where everyone enjoys good musics and dance. There is a bar who serves efficiently everyone! There is also a ViP table and chairs where you can reserve for birthday party. I love it every time I'm here. You will have an amazing blast coming alone or with your buddies. Everyone is happy here. This is a happy place! Great music! Awesome local people. Perfect place to dance and to party. See you there!"

Bella Trattoria

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$

"Awesome pizza and pasta. The pasta was rich but not overwhelmingly heavy. Dessert was very delicious. Easy to find parking nearby."

Nara

★★★★☆ 4.4 (644) • $$

"I brought my niece here for lunch and we had a great experience.I ordered the Strawberry Black Tea and absolutely loved the flavor. It was so yummy.For lunch I ordered the Spicy Ocean Roll. I was surprised over the generous portion size. Thought it was difficult for me to navigate with chopsticks, the flavor was out of this world delicious. The texture was just right, the yummy rice and the soft salmon paired well with the avocado and remaining ingredients.My niece ordered the Shrimp Tempura Gimbap and of course we shared. I thought it had a great flavor as well. I have not ever had tempura within a sushi roll and enjoyed every bite. The service was good, our service was very friendly. The space is just lovely.I'm so happy we tried this place and I'll definitely return."

Holly Jolly Holiday Bar

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (26)

"Reserved 2 spots during Santa Con Day. Got seated at the bar. Staff was attentive and lovely to talk to. Paid for all 3 drinks because forgot to give them the 2 complimentary ticket atuvDrinks ordered: ~John McLane: fruity, light, and easy to drink. For the tequila fans!! ~I'm all Toasty Inside: too much bourbon for our liking. We had to order another John McLane to use as "chaser".~got two free spiked hot chocolate because they messed up someone else's order :)"

Tataki

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"Food Service Ambiance Also, Happy Hour menu is clutch. Highly recommend. Order one of everything. Everything, I tell you."

Savoy Tivoli

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (250) • $$

"We visited the newly renovated Savoy Tivoli on New Year's Eve for a comedy show, and enjoyed the high-spirited and easygoing atmosphere. It appears to be two separate rooms/venues, each with their own bar and style, and separate entrances (which can be a bit confusing). But inside they are attached through a doorway, with restrooms only on one side, which looks more like a nightclub scene with a lounge area (they were playing hip hop music this past Saturday), whereas the room that held the comedy show has a stage, some tables and seating, and a bar at the center, a decent event space.The architecture and decor throughout is beautiful, quirky artwork, arches along the walls, art deco lamps hanging from ceilings, palm trees and sculptures adding a nice touch to the overall setting, and of course dim and colorful lighting to set the mood.We enjoyed the comedy show as one of our stops for the night, and the drinks were decent (apparently they have an updated cocktail menu). The place was clean and looked brand new, even though I know it's really 117 years old (as of the start of 2023). All of the staff were friendly and eager to help while we were there. Only downside to our experience was the wait for drinks. It wasn't horrible, and we could see the bartenders hustling to serve patrons, but there was just 1-2 of them per bar (on New Year's Eve!), and even though it wasn't super crowded for the night (yet), service was just slow compared to what I'm used to at other bars/events."

Curio

★★★★☆ 4.1 (293) • $$

"We came here for brunch on a Saturday. We sat on the semi outdoor patio and it was nice ambience and comfortable. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. The brunch selection were pretty good, we also a lot of larger table ordered their bottomless mimosa!They have a good cocktail menu and we all love our dishes:1. Fried chicken and waffle bites were excellent according to my daughter.2. Curio burger were juicy and the fries were good. 3. Tuna tartare Benedict were decent. Overall is definitely a worthy brunch spot and I know their dinner was good as well if you are there at night."

Dragon Horse

★★★★☆ 4.4 (177)

"Wow wow wow!! This really is a hidden gem. This place has innovative cocktails curated by the owner I believe. Such a creative mind I should say! We came on a fairly slow night (it was just my friend and I and two other people in the restaurant). The food was AMAZING, a little pricey, but would definitely make a trip back to try more cocktails and the karaoke. The restaurant serves as a bar and a dine in restaurant and the inside gives off a very intimate atmosphere with a quirky feel to it. The service was great (I believe the owner served us) and was very patient with our slow decision making (everything on the menu sounded so great!) Thank you for having us and we will definitely be back soon!!"

Tommy's Mexican Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.6 • $$

"Is there a better margarita? I don't think so. I live nearby and this is absolutely a gem of a place. The widest tequila selection I've ever seen and a house recipe that is simple but compliments the taste of tequila.The chips and salsa are also incredible. I typically come for the margaritas but the food portions are also very generous and the chips and salsa definitely hit the spot.Check this place out if you are in the neighborhood or are just seeking the best margarita in the world"

Ketch Harbor Pub

★★★★☆ 4.1 (205) • $$

"We've been here three times in the last two months thought I'd finally write a review! My husband and I love it here. The food and drinks are delicious! Our server was Jerry, our bartender Emily, they are super friendly and attentive! We will definitely make it a point to stop by whenever we are in town!"

North Beach Cantina

★★★★★ 4.6 (127) • $$

"Wow--just wow. I've never had a Pozole or tacos this good in SF. My partner and I were very impressed with the food quality served here.Their baja fish tacos were huge and filling. The fish was battered well and soft and flaky on the inside. Each portion comes with two tacos. If you didn't want to share, both would be enough for a good meal.Their wagyu quesabirria tacos were solid. The meat was soft and juicy, and the side broth was very flavorful. It was very similar to the Pozole.Their Pozole was the standout. It had a very rich umami flavor and was loaded with meat. I could easily slurp bowls of that down. It hit the spot on a cold and rainy day.We will definitely be a future customer at this spot. 5/5."

Marvin Gardens

★★★★☆ 3.5 (223) • $$

"Checked out this neighborhood bar on a Friday night & had a BLAST!!Fiancée and I walked here for date night. The bar with its dark wood is beautiful, warm, and intimate. You immediately feel comfortable walking in. We sat at the bar top and noticed friendly interactions btw the staff and regulars. Drinks were delicious!! I ordered a standard vodka soda and could tell I got a little extra vodka in there. We tried a couple of cocktails on their menu, which were delicious, well made and strong. Our awesome bartender made it less sweet per my request and offered to adjust it if it wasn't too my liking.The service and staff are AMAZING!! I forgot the personable feel & interactions of a neighborhood bar. She was attentive, funny, and genuine. The good vibes also attracts the best patrons. Definitely want to return. Food was solid - 8/10. We ordered calamari, burger, and fish & chips. Food came out fast & were huge portions! Would definitely eat here again!"

Brickhouse Cafe & Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 • $$

"The decor and ambience is very modern while still maintaining the original design and foundation.The staff is super friendly and attentive. Place gets busy even during baseball games.Went here before the giants game and was quite impressed. I'd love to come back next time I'm in town.The food and drinks were impressive and left me wanting more. Can't wait to try the rest of the menu.You definitely won't be disappointed if you decide to stop by."

Bar Struzzo

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (16) • $$

"Walked by plenty and finally tried Struzzo out last week. We arrived at 4pm and was told hh does not open until 5pm. But Mario, the bartender, let us sit and chatted with us while we wait. He was friendly and attentive, poured us water to keep us hydrated. Had nice convo while watching sports on the giant tv. More guests joined in along the way. Bar food with hh pricing. Great place to start your evening."

Kemuri Japanese Barú

★★★★☆ 4.1 (793) • $$$

"Food was really good, just the salmon skewer was a little bit on the drier side. Otherwise flavor and presentation is good! Karaage chicken was very juicy! Service was amazing, they took the time to explain the menu. It is a great place to meet with friends, drink and munch on some tapas."

Thaiphoon

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (588) • $$

"The veggies and tofu in garlic pepper is a pretty tasty entree, it has a nice flavor to it."