Date night in San Francisco
20 spots for a fun date night in San Francisco
San Francisco, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife, offers a plethora of options for couples looking to enjoy a romantic evening out. Whether you prefer the intimate setting of a cozy wine bar or the excitement of a trendy cocktail lounge, the city has something for every type of date night. Here’s a guide to the best cocktail and wine bars in San Francisco that promise to make your evening unforgettable.
1. Trick Dog
Location: 3010 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Why Visit: Trick Dog is not just a bar; it’s an experience. Known for its eclectic decor and creative cocktail menu, this Mission District gem is perfect for couples looking to start their evening with a bit of flair. The menu, which changes bi-annually, often takes on unique themes that add an element of surprise and fun to your date night.
Must-Try Drink: The “Bartender’s Choice” is always a good bet, allowing the skilled mixologists to craft something special based on your preferences.
2. Bar Agricole
Location: 1540 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Why Visit: Bar Agricole combines a modern, minimalist aesthetic with a deep commitment to sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. This is an ideal spot for couples who appreciate high-quality, artisanal cocktails in a sleek setting. The outdoor patio is perfect for a romantic evening under the stars.
Must-Try Drink: The Agricole Daiquiri, made with fresh lime and organic cane syrup, showcases the bar’s dedication to simple yet refined flavors.
3. Bar Iris
Location: 2310 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Why Visit: Located in the Russian Hill neighborhood, Bar Iris is a stylish cocktail bar that offers an intimate ambiance and a menu full of innovative drinks. The chic decor and cozy seating make it an excellent choice for a romantic date night.
Must-Try Drink: Try the “Japanese Highball,” a refreshing blend of Japanese whisky and sparkling water served over hand-carved ice.
4. Linden Room
Location: 330 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 ~ Enter on Linden
Why Visit: Linden Room is a hidden gem known for its speakeasy vibe and expertly crafted cocktails. The small, dimly lit space is perfect for a private and intimate date night experience.
Must-Try Drink: All of their seasonal craft cocktails are amazing, you won’t be disappointed.
5. True Laurel
Location: 753 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Why Visit: True Laurel, located in the Mission District, is renowned for its creative cocktails and inventive small plates. The sleek, modern design and vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for couples looking to enjoy both exceptional drinks and delicious bites.
Must-Try Drink: The “Pineapple Two Ways,” a unique cocktail featuring clarified pineapple juice and pineapple shrub, is a tropical delight.
6. Anina
Location: 482 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Why Visit: Anina, situated in Hayes Valley, offers a lively and colorful setting with a spacious outdoor patio. The bar is known for its large-format cocktails, perfect for sharing and sparking conversation.
Must-Try Drink: The “Hurricane,” a vibrant and fruity cocktail served in a large punch bowl, is perfect for couples to share.
7. 15 Romolo
Location: 15 Romolo Pl, San Francisco, CA 94133
Why Visit: Nestled in a quiet alley in North Beach, 15 Romolo exudes old-school charm with its cozy, dimly lit interior and classic cocktails. The bar’s intimate setting makes it an ideal choice for a relaxed and romantic evening.
Must-Try Drink: The “Gin Fizz,” a frothy and refreshing classic, is a must-try for gin lovers.
8. Laszlo
Location: 2526 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Why Visit: Laszlo, located above Foreign Cinema in the Mission District, offers a laid-back yet stylish environment perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. The eclectic music and vintage decor add to the bar’s unique charm.
Must-Try Drink: The “Laszlo Mule,” a twist on the classic Moscow Mule with a hint of spice, is a refreshing choice.
9. Key Klub
Location: 3000 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Why Visit: Key Klub, a modern cocktail lounge in the Mission District, boasts an extensive menu of expertly crafted drinks. The sleek design and vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for a lively and engaging date night.
Must-Try Drink: The “Smoke and Mirrors,” a smoky mezcal-based cocktail, offers a complex and intriguing flavor profile.
10. Buddy the Bar
Location: 3085 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Why Visit: Buddy the Bar, located in the Mission District, is known for its friendly vibe and eclectic drink menu. The bar’s casual yet stylish ambiance makes it a welcoming spot for a fun and relaxed date night.
Must-Try Drink: The “Buddy’s Old Fashioned,” a twist on the classic old fashioned with house-made bitters, is a standout.
11. 20 Spot
Location: 3565 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Why Visit: 20 Spot, a wine bar located in the Mission District, offers a cozy and intimate setting perfect for wine lovers. The bar’s extensive wine list and delicious small plates make it a great spot for a relaxed and romantic evening.
Must-Try Drink: Choose from their rotating selection of natural wines, each carefully curated to offer a unique tasting experience.
12. Last Rites
Location: 718 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Why Visit: Last Rites, located in the Castro District, stands out with its unique tiki-themed decor and adventurous cocktails. The bar's interior, designed to resemble the wreckage of an airplane crash in a tropical jungle, adds an element of excitement to your date night.
Must-Try Drink: The “Jungle Bird,” a dark rum cocktail with Campari, pineapple, lime, and demerara syrup, is a perfect blend of sweet and bitter.
13. The Bar at Zuni Cafe
Location: 1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Why Visit: Zuni Cafe is an iconic San Francisco establishment known for its rustic California cuisine. The bar at Zuni Cafe offers an extensive selection of wines and craft cocktails, making it an ideal spot for a sophisticated date night.
Must-Try Drink: The classic “Negroni” pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s famous roasted chicken.
14. The Bar at Rich Table
Location: 199 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Why Visit: Rich Table, located in Hayes Valley, is celebrated for its innovative dishes and creative cocktails. The bar offers a cozy and intimate setting where you can enjoy expertly crafted drinks before or after your meal.
Must-Try Drink: The “Scotch & Strawberries,” a unique cocktail combining scotch with fresh strawberries, is a delightful choice.
15. The Buena Vista Cafe
Location: 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Why Visit: Famous for introducing Irish Coffee to America, The Buena Vista Cafe in Fisherman’s Wharf is a historic spot perfect for a unique and nostalgic date night. Enjoy stunning views of the bay as you sip on their signature drink.
Must-Try Drink: The “Original Irish Coffee” is a must-try, featuring coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream.
16. Bar Part Time
Location: 496 14th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Why Visit: One of my favorite spots to go out in San Francisco. A unique experience in the Mission district—enjoy natural wine and dancing. The fun checkered floors, always a DJ spinning records and disco ball vibes creating a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re there with friends or on a third date, grab a bottle and hit the dance floor.
Must-Try Drink: While Bar Part Time is known for its extensive natural wine selection.
17. El Rio
Location: 3158 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Why visit: A vibrant neighborhood bar in the Mission district, a community space and LGBTQ+ friendly, has an outdoor patio, themed events, and affordable drinks
Must-Try Drink: Classic dive bar—enjoy well priced drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine.
18. Moongate Lounge:
Location: 28 Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108
Why Visit: Perched above Mister Jiu’s restaurant, immerse yourself in a dimly lit velvet expanse. Moody lighting, deep blues and pink accents create an intimate atmosphere and amazing drinks.
Must-Try Drink: Moongate Lounge offers an organic wine list and a variety of cocktails. Try their seasonal creations, which incorporate fruits, flowers, and spices inspired by the Chinese Lunar Calendar.
19. Li Po Lounge
Location: 916 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Why Visit: In San Francisco’s Chinatown it is a hidden gem that invites you to step into a bygone era. Named after China’s greatest poets from the Tang Dynasty, Li Po Lounge has retained its character since the 1930s. Behind large red lacquered doors cut into faux rocks, you’ll find a cozy dive bar with a wraparound bar and dimly lit red leather booths. With vintage neon signs, famed celebrity photos (including Anthony Bourdain) and their red vinyl booths, it captures a moment forever caught in time. Amid San Francisco’s constant changes, this bar remains an authentic slice of Chinatown’s past. Fun fact—this is where I first met my husband, unplanned :)
Must-Try Drink: Li Po is renowned for its signature Chinese Mai Tai. Don’t miss this historic dive bar’s take on the classic cocktail—it’s a must-try experience.
20. The Interval at Long Now
Location: Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123.
Why Visit: A captivating blend of bar, cafe, and museum, nestled within San Francisco’s historic Fort Mason Center. Explore a floor to ceiling library stocked with books that cover everything from ancient knowledge to modern science—a treasure trove for curious minds. Witness mechanical prototypes for a clock designed to last an astonishing 10,000 years, and evolving art. Their menu features time-inspired, handcrafted cocktails.The Interval is more than just a bar; it’s a cultural space. While there, explore their unique collection of spirits and enjoy a thoughtful cocktail while contemplating the long-term future .
Must-Try Drink: So many fun cocktails—from the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, Navey Gimlet, International Orange, and more.
San Francisco’s vibrant bar scene offers an array of options for couples looking to enjoy a memorable date night. From the innovative cocktails at Trick Dog and Bar Agricole to the cozy, intimate settings of Linden Room and 15 Romolo, there’s something for every taste and preference. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, an inventive new creation, or a glass of fine wine, these bars provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening in the city. So, plan your next date night at one of these top spots and experience the best of San Francisco’s nightlife.
Cheers!
