Best Bars in San Francisco (2025)

A Mission landmark known for wildly creative, theme-driven menus and high-energy hospitality. Cited by Food & Wine as a top U.S. bar in 2025 and long praised by local critics for pairing serious drinks with a neighborhood vibe.

Kevin Diedrich’s Union Square cocktail haven leans into Asian Pacific flavors with precise, generous hospitality. Recognized on North America’s 50 Best Bars and celebrated by Time Out and industry awards for consistent excellence.

Nicolas Torres channels Bay Area seasons into inventive cocktails and a strong bar menu. Named on North America’s 50 Best Bars and honored for sustainability, it’s a Mission go-to for technique, flavor, and local ethos.

Martin and Rebecca Cate’s three-level temple to rum is an immersive masterclass with a deep collection and expert tiki craft. Winner of Best American Cocktail Bar and featured by major national publications for over a decade.

A Mission lounge that riffs on 1960s style with smart, fun drinks and snacks. Frequently highlighted by Imbibe, Eater, and the San Francisco Chronicle for capturing retro flair without feeling like a gimmick.

An intimate Russian Hill lounge from the Nisei team, marrying Japanese flavors with meticulous technique. Applauded by Condé Nast Traveler and Time Out for refined cocktails, izakaya bites, and a serene, design-forward space.

Upstairs from Mister Jiu’s, this lunar-themed Chinatown lounge explores the Chinese calendar through cocktails. Praised by local critics for thoughtful flavors, striking design, and a clear sense of place.

Part cocktail bar, part library-museum from The Long Now Foundation. Known for precise classics, carbonated signatures, and salon talks—often singled out by editors as one of America’s most distinctive bar experiences.

Low-ABV cocktails, natural wine, and chef-driven snacks from veteran Mission operators. Lauded by The Infatuation, the San Francisco Chronicle, and BBC Travel for easygoing service and quietly excellent food-and-drink pairings.

A modern Irish bar with live music, strong whiskey chops, and a mural-lined patio. Covered by Eater SF and SFist, it reflects the Mission’s community spirit with events, late patio hours, and a sincere welcome.

North Beach’s legendary blues bar and one of the city’s oldest watering holes. Nightly live sets and dancing keep the room packed; a living link to San Francisco’s barroom and music history, widely chronicled by local media.

Operating since 1858 at 16th and Guerrero, this Mission saloon pairs deep whiskey shelves with cocktail craft. Frequently profiled by the San Francisco Chronicle and other editors for preserving history while staying vital.