San Francisco is undoubtably an innovative wonderland when it comes to our ingenious bar scene. Whether its an immersive tiki bar, snazzy rooftop, or a casually classic dive, each and every venue here offers unforgettable moments from their creative mixology, distinct atmospheres, and unparalleled service.
In honoring the cherished and most formative year of 1849 for San Francisco's inceptive prosperity, here is a comprehensive list of the 49 best bars to check out. From historic landmarks to modern lounges and secret speakeasies, these diverse selections are carefully chosen for not only providing an entertaining experience, but for exceptionally capturing the creative and bold spirits that truly define San Francisco.
See also: The Most Unique, Creative, And Inventive Cocktails To Try In San Francisco
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620 Jones St / Website
Atmosphere: A fun and tropical Financial District rooftop oasis with string lights and a spacious indoor bar.
Best For: A trendy and lively night out with plenty of easy Instagrammable backdrops.
The Drink To Order: The Almond Joy elevating the childhood classic with vodka, coconut-infused stumptown cold brew, and chocolate coconut foam.
Pro Tip: Come for their Sunday brunch, but stay for the impressive drag shows.
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2700 Jones St / Website
Atmosphere: A sophisticated tropical oasis of refined Filipino cuisine tucked-away within the Kimpton Hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf.
Best For: A modernized and elevated taste of traditional Filipino flavors and ingredients.
The Drink To Order: The creamy and earthy vanilla-like Ube-Colada with rum, pineapple, and ube-coconut cream.
Pro Tip: Definitely sample a few of the cocktails that pair effortlessly with their many reinvented Filipino dishes.
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398 Hayes St / Website
Atmosphere: A classy and upscale Parisian-style brasserie.
Best For: A classy afternoon stop in Hayes Valley.
The Drink To Order: A properly prepared traditional glass of the green fairy, naturally!
Pro Tip: Definitely savor the whole absinthe experience by capturing the louche process, and savor its tongue-numbing sensations.
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3174 16th St / Website
Atmosphere: A casual and clean bar that’s lowkey and serves one of the most extensive cocktail menus.
Best For: Sitting down and finding refuge in the sunny Mission when you can’t decide what to drink.
The Drink To Order: The herbaceous Tarragon Fix, with tequila, tarragon, absinthe, and more.
Pro Tip: Try more than one drink from their colossal menu!
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1705 Mariposa St / Website
Atmosphere: A spacious and sunny tucked-away backyard with plenty of shaded communal seating and friendly staff.
Best For: Those who want a familial atmosphere and a refreshing taste of history, Anchor being the nation’s first craft brewery.
The Drink To Order: Their classic Anchor Steam Beer, seasonally spiced Christmas Ale, or their crisp West Coast IPA.
Pro Tip: Book a tour of their historic neighboring brewery on the same day for a thoroughly insightful trip!
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1725 Haight St / Website
Atmosphere: A tucked-away Victorian-chic speakeasy.
Best For: Elevated and imaginative cocktails in Haight Ashbury.
The Drink To Order: Their silky and ingenious Brown Butter Old Fashioned.
Pro Tip: Relax in their back booths and play some of their displayed board games.
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842 Valencia St / Website
Atmosphere: A golden and polished 60’s style lounge that feels fabulously vintage and sharply modern all at once.
Best For: An elegantly elaborate cocktail and rest stop when on Valencia Street.
The Drink To Order: Their thirst-quenching "Miami Nice" with rum, pink guava, coconut, allspice, and lime.
Pro Tip: Make a beeline here right after a sunny time at Dolores Park for a sweet treat!
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424 Octavia St / Website
Atmosphere: A fun and traditional beer garden modernized with trendy string lights and cargo containers.
Best For: A trustworthy fun stop in Hayes Valley for a casual patio with classic communal seating.
The Drink To Order: Their authentic Weihenstephan Hell or Paulaner Pilsner
Pro Tip: Try their deliciously zesty Currywurst with crispy potatoes!
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1514 Union St / Website
Atmosphere: A British-themed hole-in-the-wall pub with a cozily tiny bar space and super-friendly bartenders and patrons.
Best For: A relaxed afternoon of cold beers and vibrant conversations with new friends and the amicable staff.
The Drink To Order: A bathtub beer! An ice-filled vintage bathtub behind the bar houses the Blach Horse’s diverse, rotating collection of local bottled and canned beers.
Pro Tip: Get there earlier rather than later! Given how snug the space is, spots at the bar fill up quickly.
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501 Jones St / Website
Atmosphere: An opulent, Gatsby-style portal into the 1920s Prohibition era.
Best For: Impressing a date with their incredibly thorough selection of hand-crafted cocktails and ritzy decor.
The Drink To Order: Anything that calls your name from their rotating Au Courant section of their menu, which features their newest cocktail innovations.
Pro Tip: If you ring the buzzer and use the password “books”, you and your wide-eyed date will be escorted to a secret library room in which you can sample their drinks and peruse Prohibition era literature.
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2765 Hyde St / Website
Atmosphere: A classic, bustling tavern
Best For: Visiting tourists, those who enjoy crowds.
The Drink To Order: Their world-famous Irish Coffee!
Pro Tip: Get a seat at the bar to watch them concoct this historic libation.
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45 McAllister St / Website
Atmosphere: A swanky rooftop with couches and fire pits located atop the Proper Hotel.
Best For: A sunset drink to appreciate the panoramic views.
The Drink To Order: Their beachy Kissin’ in the California Sun, with Absolut, Orgeat, Créme de Pêche, and more.
Pro Tip: Take in not only the views, but the whole hotel by trying the other great bars and amenities the Proper has to offer.
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155 Columbus Ave / Website
Atmosphere: An upscale, modernized homage to old-timey 1800s San Francisco.
Best For: A swanky date with decadent bar bites and live jazz performances.
The Drink To Order: The Cherry Bounce is a clever, fruity reworking of the classic Old Fashioned with cherry brandy, lemon, and bubbly.
Pro Tip: The Drink To Order: Ask for The Barkeep’s Whimsy and the capable bartender will concoct a delicious custom libation of their choosing.
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775 Valencia St / Website
Atmosphere: Elevated American comfort food and creative “cryptids-themed” drinks in a gothic-chic patio.
Best For: Those who want an outdoor Sunday brunch or an early dinner with a novel macabre flair.
The Drink To Order: The Chupacabra, with tequila, mezcal, passion fruit, habanero, yellow chartreuse, grapefruit bitters, and more.
Pro Tip: Curio is the food/drink annex of historic music venue The Chapel, so head to the bar after catching a live show.
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2125 Lombard St / Website
Atmosphere: An electrifying neon jungle theme with playful features and drinks.
Best For: An animated night in the Marina that’s not a full-on club.
The Drink To Order: Their tropical Madagascar Sour or the Pretty in Pink with grapefruit hibiscus tequila.
Pro Tip: Snag one of their coveted rope swing seats, or try their many punch bowl choices.
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2200A Market St / Website
Atmosphere: A colorful, retro arcade hangout with a massive screen behind the main bar on which patrons can duke it out in a number of different games.
Best For: Showing your squad who the real king of Super Smash Bros. is over drinks and solid bar bites.
The Drink To Order: One of their frozen wine slushies will go down easily and pair perfectly with a game of Mario Kart or Jenga
Pro Tip: Don’t overlook the food menu, which boasts delicious Asian-inspired bar fare, including ponzu salad and roasted shishito peppers.
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12 Fourth St / Website
Atmosphere: A tucked-away and lustrous rooftop located within the ritzy Hotel Zelo.
Best For: Impressing a date or friends with their posh interior and inventive libations.
The Drink To Order: The complex A Gentleman’s Dignity, with smoky mezcal, Aperol, rye, amaro, and elderflower.
Pro Tip: Stay updated on their hosted events, which include whiskey festivals, movie nights, drag shows, and more.
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3158 Mission St / Website
Atmosphere: An illuminated open back patio with trendy DJ sets.
Best For: A night out with friends that’s still casual but with more effervescent music.
The Drink To Order: A refreshing paloma.
Pro Tip: Come on a themed night and dress the part!
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2516 Mission St / Website
Atmosphere: A trendy rooftop cabana with stylish decor and an extensive view.
Best For: An unexpected and extraordinary happy hour when in the Mission District.
The Drink To Order: You can’t go wrong with their classic margarita!
Pro Tip: Definitely ascend their lowkey entrance for brunch with irresistible food and Instagrammable views.
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742 Valencia St / Website
Atmosphere: A high-ceiling and colorfully neon geometric warehouse vibe that feels like a sleek museum.
Best For: A chic and casual afternoon stop when on Mission’s Valencia Street.
The Drink To Order: Their refreshingly fruity Gemini Saison with peach and fresh mint
Pro Tip: Come during their 5-6pm happy hour offered everyday for $5 beers and $1 wings!
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2247 Market St / Website
Atmosphere: A casual and friendly gay sports bar with several large TV screens.
Best For: A lively, dependable place to take friends in the Castro that’s not a club.
The Drink To Order: Their exclusive Haterade, which they serve in a customized take-home sports drink container.
Pro Tip: Come here and enjoy the camaraderie on a game night, or check out their fun Trivia or Gym Class dance nights!
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39 New Montgomery St / Website
Atmosphere: An intimate & cozy Art-Deco lounge.
Best For: A chill first date or a swanky nightcap.
The Drink To Order: A classic Black Manhattan.
Pro Tip: Sit on the quiet 2nd floor for a scenic balcony view!
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Landmark Building A, 2 Marina Boulevard / Website
Atmosphere: A sleek, industrial, eccentric bar environment touting a floor-to-ceiling library, a cafe, and a museum of mechanical clock prototypes.
Best For: Sampling their many show-stopping original artisan libations with that one cocktail savante friend amid unorthodox ambience.
The Drink To Order: The “I’ve Grown to Love Life Too Much” marries cognac with spiced pear liqueur and creme de cacao, and is served with a touch of sparkling wine on the side.
Pro Tip: Take plenty of Instagrammable photos in this delightfully steampunk wonderland.
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2700 16th St / Website
Atmosphere: A rollicking queer night club soaked in neon lighting.
Best For: Dancing the night away with your squad at one of Jolene’s many themed dance parties.
The Drink To Order: Inspired by queer alt-pop artist Yaeji, The Raingurl is a gorgeous coconut creation with coconut rum, coconut milk, pineapple, and blue curacao.
Pro Tip: They’re known for their Sunday Brunches, which features drag and burlesque performances all morning and afternoon.
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701 3rd St / Website
Atmosphere: A modern and posh rooftop lounge with a panoramic view.
Best For: A post-Giants game nightcap and exquisite Nikkei cuisine in SoMA.
The Drink To Order: The creamy and sharp Space Adventure Cobra with Roku gin and matcha coconut cream.
Pro Tip: It can get windy up there! Hang out under the bar’s many cutting-edge heat lamps.
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32 3rd St / Website
Atmosphere: A trendy and decorated dog-friendly wonderland.
Best For: Bringing your furry friend and trying inventive drinks.
The Drink To Order: See their creative rotating menu, but definitely order the most daringly unusual to you!
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the mascot Kona herself and say hi.
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515 Broadway / Website
Atmosphere: A trendy French lounge space bathed in pink and purple neon offering tapas, wine flights, and dancing.
Best For: A stylish date night of either low-key jazz and charcuterie bites or of dancing and Cosmopolitans.
The Drink To Order: Get in touch with your French side and try the Espresso Martini, which will keep you jazzed until closing time.
Pro Tip: Le Petit Paris operates as a chill jazz lounge on weekdays and as a full-fledged dance club on weekends, so you get to pick a vibe to suit your mood.
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3600 16th St / Website
Atmosphere: An unbelievably entertaining and lively airy upstairs balcony that’s unmissable in the Castro.
Best For: Their hilarious and musically talented drag brunch, along with delicious food, great music, and cheap drinks.
The Drink To Order: Refuel on your dancing and laughing with their boozy slushies.
Pro Tip: Definitely come for their weekend Lips and Lashes Drag Brunch hosted by the legendary Carnie Asada, which is side-splittingly comedic, and impressive.
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500 Divisadero St / Website
Atmosphere: A hip, modern, low-light bar and dance floor boasting plushy couches, rotating art installations, and live jazz and DJs.
Best For: A lively evening of dancing to hip-hop and house or a casual evening of vibing on a couch to chill jazz.
The Drink To Order: Get adventurous and try one of their hot drinks, like the Jalisco Hot Cocao with Hornitos, hot chocolate mix, and whipped cream with cinnamon.
Pro Tip: Jazz-lovers should show up on their Phat Tuesdays for a night of sultry live funk and soul.
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4049 18th St / Website
Atmosphere: An old-school nautical-themed bar with games, playful decor, and a rainbow fish tank.
Best For: Those who want a quiet and calm bar in the Castro to play pool or relax.
The Drink To Order: Can’t go wrong with a cheap draft beer here while watching their fish or playing pool.
Pro Tip: Explore their back area with the pool table and fun pinball games, or sit by the window with a good book.
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582 Haight St / Website
Atmosphere: An unpretentious, welcoming dive environment frequented by punks and their furry friends.
Best For: Bringing your pup and winding down with some pinball and cheap drinks after an eventful evening in Haight-Ashbury.
The Drink To Order: If their solid beer selection doesn’t interest, go with a devilishly delightful red wine-spiked Bloody Mary.
Pro Tip: Bring cash (no credit cards accepted) and quarters (for the jukebox, which features plenty of punk jams!).
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28 Waverly Pl / Website
Atmosphere: A dreamy & futuristic neon-lit velvet lounge.
Best For: A tucked-away experience that will impress with Asian-inspired cocktails.
The Drink To Order: The Frost Descent with bourbon, green walnut, and sesame foam.
Pro Tip: Visit in the evening to see it fully lit up.
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2501 Mariposa St / Website
Atmosphere: Intimate and classy with dim lighting and classy decor.
Best For: Sophisticated drinks centering around Chartreuse when in Potrero Hill.
The Drink To Order: The Green Chartreuse slushy, which is uniquely citrusy, refreshing, and complex.
Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to inquire their apt bartenders on everything about this classic green libation.
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662 Mission St / Website
Atmosphere: A posh, dimly-lit lounge decorated with classic books & literary themed cocktails.
Best For: A relaxed or intimate night.
The Drink To Order: The Josephine March with mezcal, pisco, and yellow bell pepper.
Pro Tip: Order a few to sample their inventive combinations of unusual ingredients.
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298 11th St / Website
Atmosphere: A vibrant stage where famous drag queens and other talented performers deliver spectacular shows.
Best For: An entertaining and energetic night out.
The Drink To Order: A sweet strawberry gimlet.
Pro Tip: See their calendar to plan for upcoming celebrities, or come on their Sunday piano bar nights for a more relaxed & personal set.
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101 California St / Website
Atmosphere: Sophisticated and sleek with a high ceiling, neon lights, and traditional Japanese seating.
Best For: A fancy and impressive happy hour stop when in the Embarcadero.
The Drink To Order: The Classic Lolita, with Japanese whisky, bitters, and traditional Okinawa sugar.
Pro Tip: Definitely say hi to their Sake Master Stuart Morris for an exclusive sake lesson, and maybe even a tasting!
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375 Bush St / Website
Atmosphere: The ultimate tiki bar to visit, with a ship interior-themed front room, and a “shipwrecked” theme in the back, complete with a volcano and ornately beautiful tiki huts.
Best For: A large and fun group outing
The Drink To Order: One of their extravagant and flavorful large scorpion bowls to share.
Pro Tip: Try to grab one of their coveted secluded huts for a full oasis experience, or simply sit under the stars by the realistic volcano.
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2032 Union St / Website
Atmosphere: A trendy bungalow that feels like a resort within Cow Hollow’s famous Union Street.
Best For: A group of friends looking for a fun night out.
The Drink To Order: The Palm House Slushy with rum in rotating tropical flavors of guave, prickly pear, and more.
Pro Tip: Don’t castaway their delicious food options, which come in generous servings!
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2251 Market St / Website
Atmosphere: A devilishly sultry lounge with intriguing traditional “santeria” decor adorning the walls.
Best For: An romantic evening date and a wide offering of mezcal.
The Drink To Order: The SANTERÍA, with tequila, el rey zapoteco mezcal, house-infused jalapeño cordial, black lava salt, and more.
Pro Tip: Be sure to take many photos of their several Instagrammable murals and decor, and don’t be afraid to inquire the knowledgeable bartenders on their mezcal expertise.
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620 Treat Ave / Website
Atmosphere: A literal warehouse repurposed to become an impressively spacious beer garden.
Best For: A beer garden crowd with an impressive conversation piece being the historic architecture.
The Drink To Order: The Rambler, with their house IPA, Campari, honey, and lemon.
Pro Tip: Check out their upstairs balcony to attain a view of the immense size of their venue.
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628 20th St / Website
Atmosphere: A classy and intimate 1800s railroad pioneer theme with sleek wood and chic furniture.
Best For: A quiet drink stop when in the Dogpatch.
The Drink To Order: The Nighthawks at the Diner, with bourbon, applejack, cinnamon bitters, and maple.
Pro Tip: Try their Rail Shot special, which is a delightful customizable pairing of a beer, a shot, and their artisanal jerky (available vegan as well).
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950 Mason St / Website
Atmosphere: A tropical resort that fully commits to the island theme with rainstorm effects and a full lagoon with a boat right in the middle!
Best For: Tourists and those who enjoy themed theatrics with their tiki drinks.
The Drink To Order: Any of their bowl drinks to share with a lively group.
Pro Tip: Visit when they have their nightly live Island Groove shows, and know there’s a $15 cover.
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999 California St / Website
Atmosphere: A sophisticated sky lounge wirth a panoramic view of the city.
Best For: Special events and fancy gatherings.
The Drink To Order: One of their many premiere wines, or a classic martini or Manhattan.
Pro Tip: Indulge in their decadent Hanson Vodka and chocolate pairing while admiring the magnificent view.
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3010 20th St / Website
Atmosphere: A railroad style saloon with intriguing art, an upstairs balcony, and theatrical bartenders.
Best For: Those craving complex cocktails with a fun theme.
The Drink To Order: Their extensive menu changes seasonally and commits to an immersive theme, such as poetry or airlines, so make sure to check in regularly and pick one that sounds the most intriguing to you!
Pro Tip: Definitely take plenty of photos and ask the bartenders on what their favorite drinks are and the interesting backstories on how they came to be decided.
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255 Columbus Ave / Website
Atmosphere: An eccentric, retro vibe with art, eclectic decor, and memorabilia peppering the walls.
Best For: Concluding a day spent exploring North Beach by role-playing as a Beat Generation poet (Kerouac and crew frequented the bar back in the day!).
The Drink To Order: The Jack Kerouac, of course! Rum, tequila, orange juice, and lime served in a bucket glass.
Pro Tip: Vesuvio has its own jazz album created by its CEO, Ron Fein! Purchase it, and many other quirky paintings and artworks, at the bar along with your drink.
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600 Polk St / Website
Atmosphere: A posh replica of an old English subway tunnel.
Best For: Casual dinners with a unique interior and Victorian-style cocktails.
The Drink To Order: The Dover Strait Sling with dry gin, fino sherry, pamplemousse, and tarragon bitters.
Pro Tip: Visit on a Wednesday for their cheap “Wildcard” cocktail specials.
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3464 19th St / Website
Atmosphere: A tucked-away elegant boho-style speakeasy.
Best For: An impressive and swanky date.
The Drink To Order: Any of their classic martini variations.
Pro Tip: Ask their knowledgeable bartenders on what martini will be the best flavors catered for you.
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2198 Market St / Website
Atmosphere: An airy and bright biergarten with traditional beer hall seating and plenty of delicious sausage options.
Best For: A solid German beer/meal in the Castro (with a queer ambience).
The Drink To Order: Any one of their fabulous and authentic draft beers!
Pro Tip: Order a diverse beer flight with a sausage sampler plate with incredible sauerkraut and potato salad.
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199 Valencia St / Website
Atmosphere: A trusted rustic and punk Lower Haight watering hole with cheap drinks and a serene back patio.
Best For: cheap, no-frills drinks and great music.
The Drink To Order: Any of their draft beers out of their numerous 60+ taps.
Pro Tip: Visit when they have live music and take advantage of their all day happy hour menu for a relaxing getaway.
See also: Have A Delightfully Bubbly Treat With These Best Boba Shops In San Francisco
Photography by: Chris F/Unsplash
