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Top 9 Waterfront Bars in San Francisco

When someone says “San Francisco”, the first things that come to mind are tried and true associations like The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Haight Ashbury, and cable cars. 

refreshing cocktail at waterfront bars in San Francisco

Aside from spectacular landmarks and rich history, San Francisco is also home to a trove of incredible restaurants and bars.

Destinations along the waterfront provide ambiance galore and are some of the most fun places to go out, grab a cocktail, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.



Hi Dive Bar

28 Pier, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 977-0170
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Minutes from Oracle Park, the Hi Dive Bar is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

The view of the bay and San Franciso skyline from any table in the restaurant is beautiful by day but at night? Magnificent!

Hi Dive Bar has an incredible selection of beer – on tap, bottled, or in cans – there truly is something for everyone.

Cocktails and wine are also available for those that prefer. In addition to typical cocktails with a twist, the Sugarbutt is a favorite.

Made with Hetchy vodka, orange liquor, lime, and cranberry, this is the famous John Caine Cosmopolitan that is both delicious to drink and enchanting to look at.


Waterbar Restaurant

399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 284-9922
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Waterbar is a trendy seafood eatery and bar known for its commitment to sustainably sourced ingredients and exquisite views of San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, and Treasure Island.

Indulging in cocktails during sunset is an unforgettable experience.

The Waterbar has daily drink specials from 2:30 pm – 5 pm, or enjoy wine by the glass from a lengthy list encompassing twenty-four pages.

Overwhelmed? Three sommeliers are on staff to assist you in selecting wines to complement your taste and budget.

In addition to an impressive wine selection and handcrafted cocktails, Waterbar is rated a consistent 5 stars by foodies for impeccably prepared seafood dishes.


The Ramp Restaurant

855 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: (415) 621-2378
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Live music, salsa dancing, and sporting events on one of the many big-screen televisions is what The Ramp is all about.

Originally a boat ramp and bait shop in years gone by, this is a seriously fun place to get drinks, meet friends, and enjoy the sounds of San Francisco.

Do you have tickets to a Giants or Golden State Warriors game? 

The Ramp is only blocks away from Oracle Park and Chase Center, so stop by and order up from the expansive list of libations and gear up before or after an exciting game.

Unique cocktails, along with draft, bottled and canned beer, and a selection of wines, are married up with a menu that includes dishes such as habanero ceviche, house-smoked ribs, and pork belly sandwiches.


Coqueta

Pier 5 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 704-8866
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TV Host, chef, and sustainable farmer Michael Chiarello is the drive behind this Pier 5 bar and restaurant.

Surround yourself in the casual Spanish ambiance while you partake of one of the many tapas or a wide array of specialty cocktails while enjoying the scenic bay view.

Located in the Embarcadero area, parking can be a struggle, but the cocktail list is worth the time.

Grouped by themes such as “SF Bay Inspired” and “Spansih Stories”, a cocktail aptly named Widower’s Kiss is a must-try.

Made with Angels Envy bourbon, Santa Teresa 1796, Bacardi spiced rum, maple, Pedro Ximene, and cap corse – it’s a drink you won’t soon forget.


Red’s Java House

pier 30 The Embarcadero S, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 777-5626
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Located on Pier 30, Red’s Java House is a classic, local favorite and the only place you need to go for no-frills, casual food, and drinks with a world-class view.

A far cry from the original 1930s breakfast special of a burger and a beer, french fries didn’t become a menu staple until 1991.

Only open for breakfast and lunch, Red’s continues to surprise the uninitiated with its extensive beer selection.

From IPAs to local brews, a cold beer and a simple burger on a sourdough roll while basking in the salt air is like heaven on earth before a Giants game.


Hog Island Oyster Co.

Ferry Building, #11, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 391-7117
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If fresh-off-the-boat seafood and unique cocktails are up your alley, the Hog Island Oyster Company is a must-try in San Francisco.

Menu offerings change daily, so glance at the updated menu online or take a chance.

No reservations are accepted, but if you don’t mind a slight wait, it’s well worth the time.

Have you ever experienced an oyster cocktail while gazing at the Bay Bridge as the sounds of ships serenade passersby?

The Savory Oyster Shooter, made with Mezcal Espadin, Hog Island Bloody Mary Mix, Hogwash tonic, Kummel, tapatio, and a fresh Pacific oyster, is a favorite.


Fog Harbor Fish House

39 pier, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 969-2010
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Locally owned and operated, the Fog Harbor Fish House is touted as an ocean-friendly restaurant and voted one of the top 8 places to dine on Fisherman’s Wharf.

Nothing says delicious like red chili garlic shrimp and a locally brewed, cold Fog Harbor Lager.

If crafted cocktails wet your whistle, a variety of options cover an entire page of the menu.

The Lipstick Lemondrop, made with citrus Vodka, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lemon, is shaken then layered with black raspberry liqueur and is a favorite.


La Mar Cocina Peruana

PIER 1 1/2 The Embarcadero N, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 397-8880
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Designed with a minimalist look, La Mar is a beautifully appointed eatery with cool, clean lines with tables and a bar that overlooks the bay. 

Located just off Embarcaderom, experience traditional Peruvian fare and delightfully delicious cocktails that revolve around the national drink of Peru, Pisco.

Open for lunch until 2:30 pm, La Mar briefly closes until dinner hours begin at 5:00 pm.

While sampling taquitos or nigiri, try a cold imported Peruvian beer, or wine by the glass, or select one of the unique cocktails.

The Ojo de Tigre is a cocktail unique to La Mar. Created with St. George Botanivore gin, Rocoto Leche de Tigre, octopus, shrimp, and cilantro, it’s a hit.


Mission Rock Resort

817 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: (415) 701-7625
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Located directly across the street from the Chase Center in the Mission Bay district, Mission Rock Resort lends itself to a casual, entertaining atmosphere and is one of the best places to go out for a night of fun, food, and drinks.

The expansive patio offers a gorgeous water view with plenty of seating.

If drinks are what you are after, the menu will take a few minutes to peruse – it’s a dynamite selection.

House cocktails, wine, bubblies, draft beer or beer in bottles and cans, and hard ciders are all available to enjoy.

The cocktail aptly named Between the Sheets is designed with Hennessy, Pierre Ferrand dry curacao, and lemon and goes down easy.


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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