You can spend a year in San Francisco exploring the many food and beverage options of this great city and barely scratch the surface of available offerings. If you have a craving for a specific cuisine or cocktail, San Francisco probably has it, at many different places. Picking restaurants and bars in San Francisco can be a daunting task. With thousands of restaurants, bars and lounges, San Francisco is definitely a hub for all things food and drink. Most of it is pretty good! This is one of the cities of the world where you are sure to find something good on almost every corner.
I will not claim to be an expert on all of the bars and restaurants in this city, but I have been there several times, and I have enjoyed drinks in many bars and lounges around town. Here are some of my favorite places to grab a cocktail.
Best Beer Bar - Toronado
This place has an impressive list of pretty much any beer you may desire. The Toronado, located on Haight Street, has a large selection of lots of beers that you know and love, and even more that you have never heard of. The bar is not swanky or posh, but it is definitely worth checking out when you’re in the mood for a fresh new brew.
Best Dive and Specialty Cocktail - Li-Po Lounge
Li Po lounge was popularized recently by Anthony Bourdain, (RIP) but it hasn’t lost its divvy feel. This bar is located right in Chinatown on Grant Street and is worth checking out. Their signature cocktail is the Chinese Mai Tai, and it is loaded with booze, including a special secret Chinese liquor. There are also plenty of specialty cocktails available if you aren’t in the mood for the specialty drink, and if you don’t drink hard liquor, order a Tiger beer. Tiger is from Singapore, and has a distinct flavor that I haven’t seen in other brews. Once you get your drinks you can hang out at the bar or head to one of the many couches or booths in the lounge and enjoy the modern soundtrack.
Best View - McCormick and Kuletos
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/Locations/san-francisco-california/NorthPointSt.aspx
Bottle of Wine at McCormick and Kuleto's
Yes, this place is part of the Landry’s chain of restaurants, and it is probably a little overpriced, but it is worth stopping into this restaurant for a drink or two, and the food is also pretty good. The best part of McCormick and Kuleto’s is the impressive view of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you are touring around San Francisco then odds are that you will end up in Ghiradelli Square, where the restaurant is located. Stop in here for a drink, and enjoy the amazing views, and then head over to Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory and enjoy something from their ice cream parlor. It’s a great night out!
Best Hotel Bar - Tonga Room, Fairmont Hotel
http://www.fairmont.com/san-francisco/dining/tonga-room-hurricane-bar/
Cocktail for 2, Tonga Room
When you walk into Tonga Room, you will probably be surprised that it is in the ritzy Fairmont Hotel. This restaurant and bar has a pacific islands theme, complete with thatched roof huts, a large pool with a stage in the center, and even a periodic tropical rain shower. This bar is a fun place to hang out and enjoy some incredible cocktails. Try one of the Tonga Room specialty drinks made for up to 4 people. You won’t be disappointed! The drinks are huge, and the live band plays all night long, just try not to get soaked in the intermittent rain.
Band in the Pool, Tonga Room
Best Hot Drink - The Buena Vista
http://www.thebuenavista.com/home/irishcoffee.html
Irish Coffee, The Buena Vista
Down near Fisherman’s Wharf, The Buena Vista is a really nice place to sit and have a drink. When I first ran into the Buena Vista, it looked like a good place to grab a drink. I asked the bartender for a drink menu as soon as I sat down, then I noticed that most of the patrons had only one type of drink in front of them. A short glass with a stem, filled with a dark liquid and topped with cream. When you see everyone drinking the same thing, you would be wise to at least try it, so I asked the bartender what it was, “world famous Irish coffee” he said, so I ordered one. The drink is simple, yet delicious, especially on a cool San Francisco night. Coffee, a couple of sugar cubes, a shot of Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey, and foamy cream sitting on the top is all that goes into the glass, and it is a wonderful warm beverage for any time of day. You definitely need to have one when you’re in the area.
These are just a few of the great bars and lounges that you will find in San Francisco, but there are certainly tons more great options. The great news is that almost anywhere you are in this city, there will always be a great option for drinking nearby. What are some of your favorites? Let me know in the replies.