The view of the Bay Bridge and Mount Tamalpais is better with cocktails
San Francisco’s iconic skyline has a new twist: rooftop bars. Bring a jacket and high expectations as these spaces can be very cozy with the right heating technique, which we detail below. New hotels have made it a point to create social rooftop terraces with views, but other bars and restaurants have made it a real trend. Grab a drink and maybe a blanket and enjoy the spectacular views these rooftop bars offer.
Do you want the best seat in the house? Sit at one of the individual fire pits.
Charmaines
Charmaines Rooftop bar and lounge
More than 100 feet above Market Street on the San Francisco Proper sits the excellent Charmaine’s, a bar that captures the full potential of a rooftop lounge. This indoor-outdoor spot has a European terrace vibe with plenty of space, though reservations are essential. The best spot in the house is next to one of the individual fire pits, which will keep you warm while enjoying the views of San Francisco. Cocktails are available from BV Hospitality, best known for the award-winning Trick Dog. And while everything on chef Jason Fox’s menu is worthwhile, the standout dish is the bar’s Sunday paella celebration.
The wraparound bar lets you see San Francisco from every angle
KAIYŌ
KAIYŌ On the roof
Located on the 12th floor of the Hyatt Place hotel is KAIYŌ Rooftop, a SoMa bar that blends Japanese culinary practices with Peruvian culture. Lots of plants and jungle-green decor create a tropical vibe, and while heat lamps help with that, dress for cooler weather anyway. The wraparound shape of the bar means San Francisco is visible from every angle. And with a cocktail menu full of clever use of Japanese whiskeys and Peruvian piscos, repeat visits are almost guaranteed.
Ascend via Run
LINE SF not only brought new accommodations to San Francisco, but also the rooftop bar Rise Over Run. On the 13th floor of this tenderloin hotel, guests are treated to incredible views of downtown San Francisco and cocktails from bartender Dannie Louie of Mister Jius fame. Fire pits and heat lamps keep the cold out, while a glass greenhouse means you can experience all that this special place has to offer indoors, regardless of the weather.
The Good Good Culture Club offers some outdoor seating
PATRICIA CHANG
Good, good culture club
From the team that brought Liholiho Yacht Club to San Francisco comes Good Good Culture Club, a restaurant on the mission that serves cuisine from across Asia. Though the restaurant is primarily an indoor experience, it offers limited outdoor seating on the rooftop terrace, which is decorated with vibrant greenery, colorful stalls, and essential heat lamps. While not guaranteed, the best way to secure one of these coveted seats is to request outdoor seating when making your reservation. Luckily, the playful cocktail selection can be enjoyed anywhere in the restaurant.
Cavaña’s rooftop bar is 17 floors up and exudes tropical vibes
Cavana
Cavana
Mission Bay’s newest hotel, LUMA, is already garnering accolades: Tripadvisor named it the hottest new hotel in the country. Part of its appeal is the rooftop Bar Cavaña, a Latin-inspired lounge on the 17th floor. It has a tropical vibe, stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, and a cocktail menu featuring ingredients from Central and South America. Heat lamps keep the outside area warm, but guests can enjoy the inside as well.
Ceiling
As one of the original pioneers of San Francisco’s rooftop bars, El Techo remains a mainstay. Located atop sister restaurant Lolinda in Mission, El Techo is a destination in itself, with outstanding cocktails, Latin American bites, and a retractable roof that adjusts to the weather. The view is great but the vibe is impeccable.
Don’t miss Rooftop 25 for frozen drinks, wood-fired pizza and caviar
25 Lusk
roof terrace 25
This SoMa retreat is an extension of 25 Lusk below, a more casual counterpart that makes it a great place to relax. The specialty cocktail menu at Rooftop 25 is also designed for relaxation, especially the frozen drinks area. There’s a wide variety of food options, including wood-fired pizza and a selection of caviar, and there’s plenty of seating available to make the most of your time outside in San Francisco.
It’s technically in Marin County, but this new Marriott property made our list anyway
Mariott
Over the Fifth (San Rafael)
While not technically San Francisco, it’s clear that restaurateurs across the Bay Area are finally taking advantage of rooftop lounges — Marin County is getting one of their first lounges. This summer, Above Fifth opens a new Marriott property in San Rafael, the AC Hotel, where guests and visitors can enjoy Marin’s glorious weather. Clever cocktails go hand-in-hand with the bar’s views of nearby Mount Tamalpais.
The secret of great cocktails? Find out in The Spill.
