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The Best BYOB Restaurants in San Francisco

Going to a restaurant is exciting, especially when you love the cuisine, service, and atmosphere. And at some restaurants, ordering unique and delicious drinks is the best part of the experience.

wine and dish at san francisco byob restaurants

But sometimes, it’s just as fun – if not more fun – to be able to bring your own wine, beer, and liquor to the restaurant.

It can be cheaper, more convenient, and more tailored to what you and your group actually want to drink.

BYOB (bring your own booze) is also suitable if you plan on heading to the restaurant after a pregame and already have your own drinks handy.

If you’re wondering where you can do this, never fear – we’ve got you covered with a quick list of the best BYOB restaurants in San Francisco.


Alamo Square Seafood Grill

803 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: 415-440-2828
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Alamo Square Seafood Grill is a snug, intimate seafood bistro specializing in French fare. It’s appropriately named, as it is located near the Alamo Square Park and across the way from the iconic Victorian Homes called “The Painted Ladies.”

They don’t have the BYOB option every night, but on Wednesday, you can bring your drinks and order some of their spectacular dishes to go along with them.

I love bringing my favorite red wine and ordering the escargot and crab cakes when I go. I finish my meal with their tasty creme brûlée.


Pakwan Restaurant

Multiple locations
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Pakwan has restaurants in multiple locations throughout SF, but the best one is on 16th street, near Mission Dolores Park.

My favorite thing to do is gather with friends at Dolores with beers, then bring the remaining beers into Pakwan to drink them alongside the restaurant’s delicious Pakistani food. The saag is my favorite.

It’s a counter-service restaurant, and the vibe is super casual, so it’s okay if you come in a little tipsy. But of course, make sure you’re respectful to the staff and those around you!


Piccolo Forno

725 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-757-0087
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If bringing your favorite bottle of wine to an Italian restaurant sounds like a dream, then head to Piccolo Forno.

See also  11 Most Popular Brunch Restaurants in the US

They don’t serve alcohol themselves, but they’ll gladly open your wine bottle and provide glasses for you too!

This relaxed, unpretentious trattoria has some of the best ravioli dishes in the entire city, and I especially enjoy the crab ravioli. People also tend to enjoy their fettuccine alfredo.

This restaurant is minutes away from the Fisherman’s Wharf, so you can expect fresh, tasty seafood every time you go.


Zazie

941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: 415-564-5332
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Zazie is a cute, tiny French restaurant in Parnassus Heights, near the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

This popular bistro is well known for its brunch, namely due to its delectable eggs benedict with fresh crab.

Other incredible menu items I love include Zazie’s gingerbread pancakes, coffee cakes, and lemon curd.

They don’t always have BYOB, but they typically have BYOB nights weekly. If you plan on going to Zazie soon, call ahead to see when their BYOB night will be that week.


The Stinking Rose

430 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-781-7673
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Like Piccolo, The Stinking Rose is a top-rated Italian restaurant where they add my favorite ingredient to almost everything – garlic!

You can even order “garlic in a hot tub,” which comes sizzling in a cast iron pan. This is a go-to menu item because you can put that garlic on everything else. I recommend ordering the prime rib and eating it with a few tasty, hot cloves.

Some say this restaurant is a little gimmicky and touristy, but I think it’s worth it for the garlic and the opportunity to bring your own bottle – without a corkage fee!


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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