San Francisco is a city that is alive 24/7, and when the sun goes down, the city comes alive even more. Whether you are a tourist or a local, San Francisco has something to offer everyone when it comes to nightlife. From bars to brunch and dinner places, San Francisco is a city that never disappoints. Here are some of the best places to visit in the city to have a memorable night out.
Union Square photo by @freesftour
Bars:
- Zeitgeist – 199 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103 – This biker bar located in the heart of the Mission District is a popular spot for locals. They have a great selection of beers and outdoor seating.
- The Page – 298 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117 – This neighborhood dive bar located in the Lower Haight has a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of local beers on tap.
- Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar – 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108 – Located in the Fairmont Hotel, this tiki bar has a tropical atmosphere, live music, and a dance floor that is actually a swimming pool.
- Lucky 13 – 2140 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114 – This classic dive bar in the Castro has a jukebox, pool table, and cheap drinks.
- Toronado – 547 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 – This cash-only bar in the Haight has an extensive beer selection and a laid-back atmosphere.
ICA-SF by @freesftour
Brunch:
- Plow – 1299 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107 – This brunch spot in the Potrero Hill neighborhood is known for their seasonal dishes and farm-to-table ingredients.
- Zazie – 941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117 – Located in the Cole Valley neighborhood, this French-inspired brunch spot is popular for their eggs benedict and outdoor seating.
- Brenda’s French Soul Food – 652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102 – This popular brunch spot in the Tenderloin is known for their beignets and Southern-inspired dishes.
- Universal Cafe – 2814 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110 – This brunch spot in the Mission District has a laid-back atmosphere and serves up seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.
- The Mill – 736 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117 – This bakery and coffee shop in the NOPA neighborhood is known for their artisanal bread and pastries, as well as their breakfast sandwiches.
Dinner:
- Liholiho Yacht Club – 871 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109 – This modern Hawaiian restaurant in the Tenderloin is known for their creative dishes and cocktails.
- Tawla – 206 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103 – This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in the Mission District is popular for their small plates and cocktails.
- State Bird Provisions – 1529 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115 – This Michelin-starred restaurant in the Fillmore District is known for their inventive small plates and dim sum-style service.
- Rich Table – 199 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102 – This modern American restaurant in the Hayes Valley neighborhood serves up seasonal dishes and has an extensive wine list.
- NOPA – 560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117 – This restaurant in the NOPA neighborhood is known for their wood-fired cuisine and communal seating.
Tips and Tricks:
- Take public transportation – San Francisco has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and light rail trains. It’s oftenmore convenient and cheaper to take public transportation, especially if you plan on having a few drinks.
- Dress in layers – San Francisco can be chilly at night, even in the summer. It’s always a good idea to bring layers to keep yourself warm, especially if you plan on sitting outside.
- Explore different neighborhoods – San Francisco has many distinct neighborhoods, each with their own vibe and character. Don’t be afraid to venture outside of your usual spots and explore new neighborhoods.
- Be open to trying new things – San Francisco has a diverse food and drink scene, so don’t be afraid to try new things. Ask locals for recommendations and try something you wouldn’t normally order.
- Make reservations in advance – Many of the popular bars and restaurants in San Francisco can get crowded, so it’s always a good idea to make reservations in advance. This will ensure that you have a spot and won’t have to wait in long lines.
Getting around:
- Muni buses and trains – San Francisco’s Muni system is an affordable and convenient way to get around the city. You can purchase tickets at kiosks located at most bus and light rail stations.
- BART – Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is a regional train system that connects San Francisco with the surrounding cities. BART can be useful if you’re coming from outside the city or want to travel to other parts of the Bay Area.
- Taxis and rideshare services – Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Francisco. They can be a convenient option if you’re traveling late at night or need to get somewhere quickly.
- Biking – San Francisco is a bike-friendly city, with many bike lanes and dedicated bike paths. You can rent bikes from various shops around the city, including Bay Area Bike Share.
- Walking – San Francisco is a compact city, and many neighborhoods are easily walkable. Walking can be a great way to explore the city and see the sights.
In conclusion, San Francisco is a city that has something to offer everyone when it comes to nightlife. From bars to brunch and dinner places, there are plenty of options to choose from, and many hidden gems that are known only by locals. By following these tips and tricks, and taking advantage of the city’s public transportation options, you can have a memorable night out in San Francisco.