San Francisco, a city known for its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and stunning bay views, also boasts a thriving cocktail scene. Many of the city's best bars are tucked away within its luxurious hotels, offering a sophisticated and unforgettable experience. This guide explores 30 of the top hotel bars in San Francisco, catering to various tastes and preferences, from intimate lounges to lively rooftop bars. Finding the perfect spot for your next drink just got easier.
Exploring San Francisco's Hotel Bar Scene: A Diverse Selection
San Francisco's hotel bars offer a captivating blend of ambiance and mixology. Whether you're seeking a romantic rendezvous, a celebratory gathering, or a quiet evening drink, you'll find a hotel bar perfectly suited to your needs. The diversity is remarkable, spanning classic elegance to modern chic. This list showcases this diversity, categorizing bars by style and atmosphere to help you navigate the options.
Luxury & Elegance: Indulge in Opulence
These bars epitomize refined luxury, with impeccable service, sophisticated décor, and expertly crafted cocktails.
- The Bar at the Ritz-Carlton: Known for its classic cocktails and impeccable service.
- Charmaine's Rooftop Bar & Lounge (The Proper Hotel): Stunning city views and a chic atmosphere.
- Top of the Mark (Mark Hopkins Hotel): A legendary bar with panoramic views of the city. This establishment is a true San Francisco icon.
- The Redwood Room (Fairmont Hotel): A stunning bar with a rich history and sophisticated ambiance.
- The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar (Fairmont Hotel): A whimsical, tropical-themed bar with live music and a unique atmosphere.
Modern & Chic: Trendy Vibes and Innovative Cocktails
For those who appreciate contemporary design and innovative drinks, these bars are the perfect choice.
- Hotel Nikko's Anzu: This modern Japanese-inspired bar offers a unique cocktail menu.
- The Interval at Long Now: Located in the Hotel Zeppelin, this bar offers innovative cocktails in a unique setting.
- The Progress: While not strictly in a hotel, its association with the hotel scene and high quality makes it worthy of inclusion.
- Bourbon Pub: Found within a hotel, it brings the best of New Orleans Bourbon culture.
- Hotel Biron's bar: French inspired bar with a sophisticated vibe.
Rooftop Bars: Unforgettable City Views
These bars offer breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco, creating an unforgettable experience.
- Charmaine's (already mentioned)
- Top of the Mark (already mentioned)
- Cityscape Lounge: Provides an excellent view of the city.
- Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf: Rooftop bar overlooking the bay.
- The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel: Offers spectacular rooftop views.
Cozy & Intimate: Relax and Unwind
For a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, these bars provide a cozy escape.
- The Morrison Hotel's bar: Low key and sophisticated.
- Hotel Nikko's lobby bar: Relaxing and comfortable.
- The Golden Gate Hotel's bar: Historical bar in a classic hotel.
- Hotel Majestic's bar: A comfortable and inviting environment.
- Hotel Nikko's Bar (separate from Anzu): Often features live music.
Unique & Thematic: Step into Another World
These bars offer unique experiences, with distinct themes and atmospheres.
- The Tonga Room (already mentioned): A classic example of a themed bar.
- The Scarlet Lady: Offers a unique Victorian atmosphere.
- Hotel Zeppelin's bar: Offers a unique quirky hotel bar.
- The Phoenix Hotel's bar: Rock and roll-inspired theme.
- Hotel Zetta's bar: A modern and vibrant atmosphere.
Hidden Gems: Discover Unexpected Treasures
These bars are less well-known but offer equally delightful experiences.
- Hotel Kabuki's bar: A Japanese-inspired bar with a hidden atmosphere.
- The Hotel Nikko's Tea Lounge: Provides an alternative bar experience.
- Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf: Features a lower-level bar different from the rooftop bar.
- The Handlery Union Square Hotel bar: A classic hotel bar with a comfortable ambiance.
- Hotel Vitale's bar: A luxurious, understated bar.
Planning Your San Francisco Hotel Bar Crawl
To make the most of your San Francisco hotel bar experience, consider these tips:
- Reservations: For popular bars, especially on weekends, making reservations is highly recommended.
- Dress Code: While many bars have relaxed dress codes, some upscale establishments may require more formal attire.
- Transportation: San Francisco's public transportation is good, but ride-sharing services are also readily available. Plan accordingly, especially if you plan on visiting multiple bars.
- Budget: Prices can vary significantly between bars, so it's essential to set a budget beforehand.
This guide provides a starting point for exploring San Francisco's amazing hotel bars. Remember to check websites for the latest hours of operation, menus, and special events. Enjoy your explorations!
