10 Best Rooftop Bars in San Francisco
Sit On Top of the World at the 10 Best Rooftop Bars in San Francisco
Here at Stretchy Pants, we’re all for a good cocktail pairing. Margaritas with tacos, gin with cheese plates, martinis with oysters – and how about a beautiful view with all of them? That can be had at any of San Francisco’s best rooftop bars, serving up looks, licks, and sips for your evening pleasure. Mix in a gorgeous sight of the city, and the drinks just taste better!
Whether you’re looking for a chill night out or an evening that stretches to the morning, you’ll get off to the right start at any of the following rooftop bars in San Francisco. Here are ten of our top choices for sky-high drinks in the city:
El Techo de Lolinda
- Location: 2516 Mission Street
- Bar Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Friday 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
- Must Try: Chicharrones de Carne and Margarita pitchers.
El Techo de Lolinda offers up Latin-style street food with an awe-inspiring view of the city that puts it as one of the top rooftop bars in San Francisco. The name translates into “the roof of Lolinda,” with Lolinda as the steakhouse underneath. Regulars of the bar often claim it’s the best place to go on a sunny day, but even if the San Francisco chill sweeps through, the heated patio will keep you nice and toasty. There’s also upbeat latin music that, perhaps after a pitcher (or two) of their margaritas, might get you on your feet and dancing.
The atmosphere here is high energy without being overwhelming and you can’t beat the price for the food and drinks. The Chicharrones de Carne are roasted and fried chunks of pork shoulder that come in either half pound, one pound, or pound-and-a-half portions served alongside homemade tortillas, black bean puree, and escabeche. We’ll pull out our stretchy pants to enjoy some with you.
Photo Courtesy of Nastassja M, Yelp
Photo Courtesy of the Proper Hotel
Charmaine’s
- Location: San Francisco Proper Hotel, 1100 Market Street (valet parking available)
- Hours: Monday-Wednesday 4 p.m.-11 p.m, Thursday 4 p.m.-12 a.m, Friday 4 p.m.-1 a.m, Saturday 3 p.m.-1 a.m, Sunday 3 p.m.-11 p.m.
- Must Try: Grilled Japanese Chicken Skewers and Kissin’ in the California Sun
Those who’d like a more chic experience when searching for rooftop bars in San Francisco should look no further than Charmaine’s. Located at the top of the San Francisco Proper Hotel, this rooftop bar comes with a dress code and a $65 minimum per guest for those who want to make reservations. San Francisco Magazine hails it as one of the hottest rooftop bars in San Francisco, with Condé Nast Traveler putting it as one of the best in the country.
The European chicness mixed with the laid-back California vibe will put you at ease a mere 120 feet off the ground, giving this place it one of the best panoramic views in the city – you can probably see all the other rooftop bars in San Francisco from here! The cocktails are gourmet, and the food is known for the vibrant and full flavors that remain on the palette long after the last bite.
620 Jones
- Location: 620 Jones Street
- Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 4 p.m.-10p.m, Thursday 4 p.m.-11 p.m, Friday 4 p.m.-12 a.m, Saturday 11 a.m.-12 a.m, Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Must Try: Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad and Don’t Go Bacon My Heart
620 Jones is one of the rooftop bars in San Francisco that promises a little something for everyone, whether it be a good dinner with delicious drinks or a weekend brunch with a view. The patio itself is 8,000 square feet and extends all the way out to Geary street. Here you can also sit with a bit of nature as the plant-rich décor balances out the distinct urban vibes of this chic establishment.
Their list of signature and house cocktails showcase one of the few rooftop bars in San Francisco that also has a creative sense of humor. From a bacon-washed Bulleit bourbon in the Don’t Go Bacon My Heart to the Ketel Oranje Vodka in the San-Fran-Tastic, the drink names are just as much of a reason to visit as the libations themselves!
Photo Courtesy of NC Y on Yelp
Photo Courtesy of Dirty Habit
Dirty Habit
- Location: Union Square’s Hotel Paloma, 12 4th Street
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Must Try: Black Vinegar Glazed Lamb Ribs and Afraid of the Dark
Those of you in search of a more secluded and hidden choice of rooftop bars in San Francisco should look no further than Dirty Habit. It’s cozy and comfortable inside of Union Square’s Hotel Zelos and offers exotic cocktails inside of a noir-inspired atmosphere. Once you’re here, it’s easy to get lost in conversation as the hours disappear and the cocktails keep flowing.
The outdoor area feels private, and the lighting feels like you’ve stepped straight into the future. The delicately-arranged menus include breakfast, dinner, and happy hour bites, so there’s plenty of opportunity to come in and enjoy yourself. The cocktail list even has a few punch bowls to choose from — but those require at least four people to order, so be sure to call us if you need to fill out your guest list.
Cavaña
- Location: San Francisco LUMA Hotel, 100 Channel Street, 17th Floor
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 4 p.m.-12 a.m, Friday 4 p.m.-1 a.m, Saturday 2 p.m.-1 a.m, Sunday 2p.m.-12 a.m.
- Must Try: Beef Brisket arepas (!!!)
Sitting on the 17th floor of the San Francisco’s LUMA Hotel, Cavaña is the city’s newest addition to the rooftop bar family. They highlight Latin flavors in all their drinks and dishes, and boast a panoramic view of the city from Sutro tower to the Bay Bridge. You can sip a Oaxacan style margarita and bop your head to matching tunes before gorging yourself on some of the classiest arepas, tacos, and esquites you’ll ever find. Don’t even get me started on the house-made guac and crispy tortillas 😋 There’s little wonder we rank this newcomer highly in our guide to the best rooftop bars in San Francisco.
Photo Courtesy of Cavaña
Photo Courtesy of The View Lounge
The View Lounge
- Location: San Francisco Marriott Marquis, 780 Mission Street
- Hours: Open nightly from 4.pm.-12a.m. Last call for food 10:45p.m.
- Must Try: Bourbon Marinated Octopus and a Skyline Punch
If you’re a fan of sprawling, arched windows when you’re on the hunt for rooftop bars in San Francisco, look no further than The View Lounge on top of the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. This is the place to go for business meetings or for a nice dinner, but it’s equally fulfilling as a late-night go-to with signature cocktails and a selection of bar bites.
Apart from the signature drinks, The View Lounge also has one of the best wine lists out of any of the rooftop bars in San Francisco. Their focus is on showing off some of California’s finest, so choose a glass and enjoy the view that comes with it.
Cityscape Bar and Lounge
- Location: Hilton San Francisco Union Square Tower 1, 333 O’Farrell Street
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4:30.pm.-12a.m, Friday-Saturday 4:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
- Must Try: Local Cheese Board and Cityscape Exclusive: The 1919
Those interested in the tallest rooftop bars in San Francisco can put their eyes toward the Hilton’s Cityscape Bar and Lounge. Overlooking the city on the 46th floor, this is the tallest of all the rooftop bars in San Francisco, and is well worth experiencing if for nothing more than the view. The bar can get packed and finding a table might be difficult, but no matter where you sit (or stand), it is a sight to behold.
The menu here is much more cocktail-forward than food, with just some small bites to accompany your drinks. We recommend the Nineteen Nineteen, which is a reference to the year of their founding and tasty throwback in itself.
Photo Courtesy of Cityscape Bar & Lounge
Photo Courtesy of B Restaurant and Bar
B Restaurant and Bar
- Location: 720 Howard Street
- Hours: Wednesday-Friday 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Must Try: Blistered Shishito Peppers and a Night Owl
A more contemporary choice of rooftop bars in San Francisco lands us at the B Restaurant and Bar. The outdoor rooftop terrace looks out over the Yerba Buena Gardens, as well as a waterfall and an incredible view of the San Francisco skyline. The cocktails here are seasonal, and the food is known for its local focus.
Whiskey lovers will also feel at home here, with a solid portion of their liquor list covering the various bourbon-based choices. Apart from the welcoming ambience, the view has been voted the best in the city — reason enough to call it one of the best rooftop bars in San Francisco!
Top of the Mark
- Location: Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, 999 California Street
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m, Friday-Saturday 2:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m, Sunday-Monday 3:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
- Must Try: Pulled Baby Back Ribs Bao Bun and Golden Gate
The Top of the Mark bar at the tip of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel is among the more high-end rooftop bars in San Francisco, and with panoramic, 360-degree views of the city matched with an elegant and classy interior, it’s easy to see why. Not only is it one of the more popular rooftop bars in San Francisco, it’s also been that way since its opening in 1939, and it’s certainly seen its fair share of famous faces since then.
Like some of the other locations on this list, the Top of the Mark is also one of the rooftop bars in San Francisco that offers a Sunday brunch, which is a great choice for those looking for a good family outing. Please remember that reservations are recommended for brunches, as tables go fast — the blessing and the curse of being in demand!
Photo Courtesy of Top of the Mark Bar
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Of course, we’re always happy to let loose with you and show you around in person! Join us for our San Francisco Food Tours to sample cocktails birthed in the city, try out teas in Chinatown, or street food in the Mission. Let us know when you’re ready to party!
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