The 12 Best Rooftop Bars in San Francisco for Stellar Drinks, Small Bites and Stunning Views
So yeah, summer eluded us again this year. But instead of being bitter about it, we’ve rounded up the 12 best rooftop bars in San Francisco—including old favorites and newcomers for those days when the fog finally dissipates. From lush garden oases to chic lounges, here’s where to find inventive cocktails and inspired eats…because everything tastes better with a view.
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1. Kaiyo Rooftop
Kaiyo
Neighborhood: South Beach
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): Scallop tiradito + a signature pisco sour
This Japanese-Peruvian newcomer is one of the hottest reservations downtown, and with sweeping views of the city skyline, it’s no surprise. This is where you’ll come for happy hour or sunset drinks and snacks, like a Prince of the Sun (pisco, rum, white miso, mint, absinthe and lime-yuzu soda) and any of the fresh tiraditos or ceviches. As one of the few late-night bar-restaurants in SF (it’s open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays!), it’ll also be your go-to anytime you’re out past 10 p.m. Score a rez and see firsthand why this spot sets the bar high…literally.
701 Third St.; 415-800-8141
2. Cavaña
Neighborhood: Mission Bay
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): Classic caipirinha + slow-cooked brisket arepa
This stylish scene by the same restaurateur as Kaiyo Rooftop is a plant-filled oasis on the 17th floor of the new LUMA hotel. Look for vibrant, Latin America-inspired flavors—like papaya, mole spices and poblano peppers—in both the food and drinks. Soak in the views while you sip an expertly crafted cocktail and watch all the beautiful people…because a night at Cavaña is always a party.
100 Channel St.; 415-266-9999
3. Rise Over Run
Neighborhood: Union Square
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): Inner Peas (gin, shiso, snap peas, citrus)
Rise Over Run is like a love letter to SF, with views of landmarks like City Hall and Sutro Tower that will have you swooning no matter how long you’ve lived here. Perch up by one of the rooftop’s fire pits to stay warm while you sip cocktails with Asian-inspired flavors like pandan, shiso and Thai basil. Then move inside to the lush solarium for the bar’s late-night happy hour.
33 Turk St.; 415-523-9799
4. Charmaine's
Noah Webb
Neighborhood: Civic Center
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): Mr. Jinks (mezcal, guava and roasted chile bitters)
This rooftop gem at SF’s Proper Hotel is known for its inventive cocktails (from the guys behind Bon Vivants and Trick Dog) and a dinner menu by local favorite chef Jason Fox. Perched 120 feet above Market Street—with decor that nods to the Viennese Secession art movement—the upscale bar and lounge offers sweeping views of the city through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Outside, fireplaces will keep you toasty while you sip a fun-loving cocktail.This is the spot you’ll want to hit up for special occasions (or anytime you’re looking for a see-and-be-seen scene).
1100 Market St.; 415-786-3467
5. Dirty Habit
Dirty Habit
Neighborhood: SoMa
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): Whiskey neat or a signature Old Fashioned
Order a tumbler of whiskey (the bar is known for its 640-plus varieties) and sidle up to the fire pit at this swanky bar in Hotel Zelos. Or stop by every third Thursday of the month between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. to catch its new “Vibin’ Live” music series showcasing rising BIPOC artists, bands and spoken word performances. It’s no wonder this is one of the city’s best rooftop spots.
12 Fourth St.; 415-348-1555
6. Good Good Culture Club
Neighborhood: Mission
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): tiger shrimp salad; good good chicken wings
Friends of Liholiho Yacht Club, rejoice. Chef Ravi Kapur’s latest project has taken over the former Dear Inga space in the Mission, and while we’re psyched about the cheeky cocktails (like the Thrilla in Manila and the Moon Cosmic Power with moon dust garnish) at the bright new spot with tropical vibes, we’re even more excited about the spacious, plant-filled rooftop deck for alfresco dining. The restaurant takes reservations and also accepts walk-ins, but be prepared for a long waitlist.
3560 18th St.
7. 620 Jones
Neighborhood: Lower Nob Hill
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): Secret house recipe sangria; crispy fried cauliflower with zaatar and chimichurri aioli
This coveted rooftop spot has always been known for its clubby vibe and killer happy hour specials. Tables are first-come, first-serve, and parties of six or more can make reservations for drinks, dinner or weekend brunch. Smoked salmon benedict and a pitcher of mimosas for the table? Done and done.
620 Jones St.; 415-496-6858
8. El Techo
Neighborhood: Mission
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): La Reina (earl grey-infused cachaca, Aperol, passionfruit, lemon, bitters)
This Mission oasis serves up potent cocktails and bar snacks like tacos, empanadas and yucca fries to keep you from getting too tipsy before dinner. The key here: Tall glass walls shield patrons from whipping evening winds.
2518 Mission St.; 415-550-6970
9. Rooftop 25
Neighborhood: China Basin
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): Happy hour Venetian spritz + lobster salad lettuce cups
It may be chilly outside, but this is one of the hottest rooftops in town. Head straight upstairs for laidback, alfresco vibes and a brand-new happy hour (3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday) the next time you’re down by the ballpark. For dinner, order a woodfired pizza and a blanket (yep, the bar has them waiting for you), and then cozy up under a heat lamp. This is San Francisco, after all.
25 Lusk St.; 415-495-5875
10. Fiorella Sunset
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): Sicilian sour (bourbon, lemon juice, Lambrusco float)
This beloved neighborhood Italian restaurant now has three locations in the city—all with outdoor seating. Polk Street has sidewalk seating, and the original Outer Richmond spot has a charming back patio with heat lamps to protect you from chilly nights. But the newest, most exciting location in the former Park Chow spot in the Inner Sunset has a cozy rooftop deck you’ll call your home away from home. Since everything on the menu is so good, we recommend going with a group and sharing an assortment of pizzas, pastas and a bottle of chianti classico.
1240 9th Ave.; 415-404-6997
11. Rooftop at VIA
Neighborhood: South Beach
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): Carne asada tots
With baseball season in full swing (see what we did there?), now’s the time to book a room at Hotel Via for incredible views of Oracle Park from this swanky rooftop lounge. Score yourself a mini staycation and post up in front of one of the rooftop’s fire pits with binoculars and a beer while you stream a few innings of the game on your phone.
138 King St.; 415-200-4977
12. Palm Court Rooftop Park at RH
Neighborhood: Dogpatch
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): Limited-production wines from renowned Napa vintners
It’s no surprise that RH’s latest gallery is completely over the top, but the historic neoclassical building is a stunner nonetheless. Order a glass of wine at one of two ground-floor bars, then marvel at Greco-Roman statues and exorbitantly priced travertine tables as you make your way up to the rooftop garden designed after the great parterre gardens of the French Renaissance.
590 20th St.; 415-865-0407
COMING SOON: Chotto Matte
Neighborhood: Union Square
Can’t-Miss Menu Item(s): branzino ceviche; sato maki sushi; pollo den miso
The Peruvian-Japanese restaurant set to open on the rooftop of the former Macy’s Men’s department store on September 23 will give Union Square a much-needed boost. Known for its artful spaces in multiple cities (London, Miami, L.A.), expect a see-and-be-seen kind of place. Keep an eye on Instagram for more opening details.
50 O’Farrell St.
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