There’s nothing more exciting during a trip to San Francisco than getting a nice view of The Golden City’s skyline.
After spending some time at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or watching the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf, you deserve to treat yourself to the city’s finest drinks and bar bites.
Luckily, you can find plenty of rooftop bars in San Francisco offering amazing flavors to make any night out unforgettable.
Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge
45 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 628-895-2039
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First up on my list of the best rooftop bars in San Francisco is Charmain’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge, nestled within the San Francisco Proper Hotel.
It has a chic atmosphere and a lovely view of San Francisco’s skyline. Their menu offers a wide selection of cocktails, wine, and spirits.
During my last visit to the city, I started with their delicious Pretzel Rolls. Then, I ordered a Proper Cheeseburger with a Salem Saberhagen cocktail for dinner.
Dirty Habit
12 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-348-1555
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Next up on my list of the top rooftop bars in San Francisco is Dirty Habit, located inside the Hotel Zelos in the SoMa District.
You can enjoy their tastiest craft cocktails in their luxurious noir dining room or heated outdoor patio, making it a go-to destination for breakfast and dinner.
The best cocktails that I recommend for any night out are their Halo Paloma, Frozen Zombie, and Vesper. They taste great with their Sweet Potato Gnocchi.
El Techo
2516 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-550-6970
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You can find El Techo minutes away from Mission Dolores Park. This lively rooftop bar offers tasty Latin American street fare and cocktails to sample as you unwind after a long day. It also has a scenic view of the Mission District’s skyline.
I love ordering their Hummingbird, Ponche De Leche, Oaxacan Old Fashioned, or Higo Dulce cocktails to wash down their zesty Camarones a la Diabla, Chicharrones de Carne, or Pollo Frito.
They also offer brunch every weekend.
ROOFTOP 25
25 Lusk St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-495-5875
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Within walking distance from Mission Bay and Oracle Park stands ROOFTOP 25, a trendy, casual restaurant with an open-air rooftop bar with music and outdoor heating.
Executive Chef Matthew Dolan prepares delicious contemporary fare in their wood-fired ovens. I consider it a great place to host private parties or sample their craft or frozen cocktails.
Consider starting with their Bavarian-style Pretzel Bites and ordering Neapolitan Margherita Pizza or Gulf Shrimp Kebabs with Garden Martini or Spicy Passionfruit Margarita.
620 Jones
620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-845-2257
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620 Jones’ outdoor heated terrace is the perfect setting for enjoying a drink at San Francisco’s largest outdoor bar and restaurant.
It’s near Union Square, the Theater District, and the Nob Hill neighborhood. Additionally, it’s decorated with lovely hummingbird-attracting foliage and is dog-friendly.
My favorite signature cocktails are their San Frantastic, Purple Jasmine Hard Lemonade, and Strawberry Feels.
Try their Fried Chicken Sandwich, Crispy Buffalo Wings, or Hawaiian Pizza if you’re feeling extra hungry. After that, finish with their Peach Cobbler.
Archimedes Banya
748 Innes Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124
Phone: 415-206-9000
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You can find Archimedes Banya overlooking the India Basin. This luxurious sauna is a great place to unwind, but one of its best highlights is the tranquil Zteamers Cafe.
They offer plenty of traditional Banya and Russian cuisine and a wide selection of teas, mixed drinks, and kombucha to elevate your spa day.
I had their Beef Stroganoff topped with sour cream during my last visit. Be sure to rejuvenate yourself with Kombucha Spritz or Coconut Water.
B Restaurant and Bar
720 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-495-9800
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If you’re walking through the SoMa District, one of the best rooftop bars in San Francisco you shouldn’t miss out on is B Restaurant and Bar, located in Moscone Center.
Their trendy, contemporary rooftop terrace has panoramic views of Yerba Buena Gardens. They offer seasonal menus and a wide selection of drinks from their bar.
Don’t miss out on their Chicken Tinga Tacos or Tomato Cream Pasta paired with a Feisty Flirt, Kilted Cowboy, or Hotel Nacional cocktail. In addition, their raw bar offers the tastiest oysters in town.
Fiorella Sunset
1240 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: 415-404-6997
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After spending your afternoon at San Francisco Botanical Garden, why not consider visiting Fiorella Sunset for quality cocktails and Italian cuisine?
It has a laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day of touring the city’s largest attractions.
Although Fiorella Sunset offers plenty of cocktails and spirits, you can also try their tap beer and wine bottles.
Their Alpinoi cocktail and red or white wine taste great with their Alamo Elementary Pizza or Bucatini Alla Pomodoro.
Good Good Culture Club
3560 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
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If you’re looking for a casual and lively place to enjoy a night out with your friends, Good Good Culture Club is one destination you should consider visiting during your free time.
Consider enjoying one of their signature spirits on their rooftop patio if you’re in the mood for fresh air.
Their spirits menu offers a wide selection of tequila, rum, sherry, bourbon, and scotch, among other delicacies. Don’t forget to browse their dinner menu for savory treats, like Grilled Oyster Mushrooms.
Rooftop at VIA
138 King St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-200-4977
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Rooftop at VIA is a chic dining destination located inside the Hotel VIA in the South Beach neighborhood.
Hotel guests and people who book private parties get access to this rooftop bar’s excellent waterfront view of the bay and cozy seating near fire pits or giant heat lamps.
Their bar offers many craft drinks, and small plates guests can enjoy until midnight. Their dishes are seasonal, so I encourage you to try everything before they change their menu options.
KAIYO ROOFTOP
701 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-800-8141
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Another one of the best rooftop bars in San Francisco is KAIYO ROOFTOP, located inside the Hyatt Place Hotel.
It has a relaxed, tropical atmosphere, emphasized by the palm trees and green textiles decorating the space. They offer cocktails and Peruvian bar bites with a Japanese twist.
Their menu also offers plenty of sushi options and an extensive sake list. My favorite dinner option is their Beef Tataki with a Porco Rosso and Boro the Caterpillar cocktail.
The View Lounge
780 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-442-6003
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The View Lounge is a lively yet refined rooftop bar located inside the San Francisco Marriott Marquis Hotel.
It has an Art-Deco-inspired aesthetic and features an excellent view of the Downtown area through its archway windows.
In my opinion, their best small dishes are Prawn and BBQ Pork Fried Rice and Grilled Fish Tacos. I prefer ordering it with a Skyline Punch cocktail. Be sure to browse their dessert menu if you want to indulge in something sweet.
Sens
4 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 415-362-0645
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Last but not least on this list of the best rooftop bars in San Francisco is Sens, located in Embarcadero Center.
This establishment has a lovely view of the San Francisco Bay and offers a wide selection of specialty cocktails, wine, and Mediterranean small bites. They also have plenty of dining areas for private celebrations.
My favorite dishes are their Lamb Sliders, Shrimp Rolls, and Petrale Sole. If you’re craving dessert, try their Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding.