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Rooftop Bars in San Francisco to Visit

San Francisco is a beautiful city surrounded by water and exciting hilly roads.

mojito cocktail at rooftop bars in San Francisco

I tell my friends they can’t miss seeing the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz Island, a historic site in the National Park Service.

Sightseeing is interesting but can wear me out, so I always make time to explore fun places to go out.

These best rooftop bars in San Francisco always serve delicious cocktails and stunning views.


El Techo

2516 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 550-6970
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This rooftop bar is near the intersection of 21st Street and Mission Street, down from the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in the Mission District.

El Techo serves Latin American street food, but the real draw is its cocktails.

Their margaritas and sangria are my favorite drinks, though they also make unique cocktails with locally-sourced, natural ingredients.

They have beer bottled and on tap, including some Mexican favorites and a few from Bay Area breweries.


Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge

45 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (628) 895-2039
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I like all bars, but Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge is one of the fanciest I’ve visited.

It’s blocks from the Civic Center Plaza, so I stop in for unbeatable views after visiting the Asian Art Museum or seeing a show at the Warfield of Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

The bar is on the roof of the Proper Hotel.

I like to sit inside to scope out the impressive selection behind the bar before heading outside to sit around a fire pit.

I always try something new: a custom cocktail or a boozy slushie.


620 Jones

620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 845-2257
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Stained wood and black accents make 620 Jones one of my favorite spots when I wonder where to get a drink.

The outdoor area includes heating, so I can enjoy it in any season.

It’s a few blocks west of Union Square and gives a great cityscape view on clear nights.

Three drink menus offer an assortment of beer and wine, custom cocktails, and classic drinks.

They also serve strong shots, so I like to start with a fruity Gummy Bear before moving to Street Heat, with tequila, jalapenos, cucumbers, and fresh lime.


Dirty Habit

12 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 348 1111
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Dirty Habit is near the intersection of Market and 4th Streets, a block away from Yerba Buena Gardens and south of Union Square.

It’s on the roof of Hotel Zelos and is always bustling when I visit.

Though the name makes me think of a dive bar, this rooftop bar is incredibly classy.

Windows surround the interior, but the heated exterior has a great vibe and plenty of fresh air.

They have an outstanding cocktail menu garnished with fresh, local ingredients.


Good Good Culture Club

3560 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
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Good Good Culture Club is in the Mission District, at the corner of 18th and Dearborn Streets.

The interior is bright, with light natural wood and colorful accents.

The outside patio has plants and cool teal booths that make me feel like I’m at the beach.

The bartender offers a special weekly cocktail, so I always try that first.

One of my favorites was the Ichigo garden gimlet, with strawberry gin, yuzu gin, lime, and bitters.


Fiorella Sunset

1240 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: (415) 404-6997
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Fiorella Sunset is one of my favorite places to go out after visiting Golden Gate Park.

It’s less than a block away from the San Francisco Botanical Garden entrance, so the rooftop provides stunning views.

They serve beer and wine, but it’s hard to resist their custom cocktails.

The Kiss of Fire gives me a sweet heat with mezcal, lime, mango, and habanero.

I recommend Golden Gate Sling with bourbon, cherry liqueur, agave, and lemon juice.


ROOFTOP 25

25 Lusk St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: (415) 495-5875
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ROOFTOP 25 has exposed wood and low lights to set the mood.

It’s on the roof of 25 Lusk, just blocks from Mission Bay and Oracle Park, or a quick exit off I-80 in South Beach if I’m on the road between destinations.

My favorite cocktail here is the spicy passion fruit margarita with a hint of jalapeno.

However, they make a delicious white sangria that’s hard to resist.

They also serve plenty of local beer, so I never have trouble getting the right drink.


Archimedes Banya

748 Innes Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124
Phone: (415) 206-9000
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Out of all the fun places to get drinks, Archimedes Banya is one of the best because it’s right near the India Basin, offering stunning views from its Hunters Point location.

The rooftop bar has happy hour from noon to four, plus Ladies’ Nights and Men’s Nights with great specials.

They serve wine, imported draft beer, and classic cocktails like mimosa and mojito.


B

720 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 495-9800
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B is a trendy bar with stunning rooftop views.

It overlooks Yerba Buena Gardens and is around the corner from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, putting it in the center of a bustling area.

They serve rye, bourbon, scotch, brandy, and bottled or draft beer.

Their house cocktails are my favorite, with unique pairings of gin, rum, and tequila with fresh fruit flavors.


Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.

Written by Rocco

Rocco is a Florida State University alumnus with years of bartending and hospitality experience. From slinging hundreds of vodka sodas a night in jam-packed college bars to serving carefully crafted cocktails in upscale restaurants, there’s not much he hasn’t done behind a bar. Now, Rocco shares his knowledge and passion for all things alcohol-related here on My Bartender for bibulous readers everywhere to enjoy.

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