Best Spots To Eat And Drink Around SF's Dreamforce Conference

By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | September 18, 2022 | Food & Drink Parties City Life Tech World Culture Neighborhoods Travel Celebrity Events Entertainment Community List - Restaurants

The annual software Dreamforce conference is the largest convention of its kind worldwide, and it all remarkably takes place right in our city. Every year for three days in September, San Francisco's Moscone Center and surrounding SOMA neighborhood becomes flooded with global visitors, all to learn, network, and admire the latest tech and humanitarian advancements.

We warmly welcome this influx of guests both returning or new, and to ensure you that get a proper experience of our innovative culinary scene and have after-conference suggestions to impress friends with, we have this diverse list of the must-visit spots in this neighborhood.

Dirty Habit

12 4th St / (415) 348-1555 / Website

As one of the best rooftops in San Francisco, nearby Dirty Habit truly is a winner, in their refined food, vast inventive cocktails, and sleek atmosphere. This is a sultry and hip hideaway that feels luxurious as it is lowkey and intimate. We recommend enjoying their Sturgeon Caviar or Whipped Duck Liver with their smoky A Gentleman’s Dignity while out on their posh patio with comfy lounge chairs and fire pits.

Novela

662 Mission St / (415) 896-6500 / Website

Novela is absolutely one of the most uniquely ingenious bars in the city, showcasing an elevated literary theme with playful cocktails in a chic library-esque lounge. We recommend their intriguing Josephine March cocktail with mezcal and yellow bell pepper, or the Jay Gatsby with Tennessee Whiskey and Amaretto. Novela embodies San Francisco fun creativity and "novel" approach to our bar scene not found anywhere else.

Thriller Social Club

508 4th St / (415) 706-6568 / Website

If you're looking for something more upbeat and interactive, the Thriller Social Club ranks as one of the city's best arcade bars! This is an amazingly entertaining multi-level playland, filled with endless Instagrammable treats like secret entrances, light up floors, and of course, carnival-themed cocktails.

Ippudo

18 Yerba Buena Ln / (415) 348-1202 / Website

Craving some revitalizing ramen after a long day of mingling? The award-winning Ippudo is a tucked-away venue with the most exquisite ramen and sake. The gorgeous interior is just as artistic as the ramen, which comes fast and brimming with classic toppings. If you're up for the challenge, we suggest ordering their Karaka Spicy!

Tin Vietnamese Cuisine

937 Howard St / (415) 882-7188 / Website

San Francisco genuinely values the dedication of mom-and-pop businesses have in serving their adoring locals the most authentic cultural cuisine. Highly-lauded Tin is our kind family-run choice, as their affordably generous pho is complex, rich, and just feels like pure nourishing comfort, especially after this busy convention!

The Pawn Shop

993 Mission St / (415) 874-8041 / Website

The Pawn Shop embodies everything San Francisco loves- a playfully clever cocktail experience, curated tapas, and our glorious speakeasy history. Visit this trendy revival and dial their golden phone to enter this exclusive bar perfectly disguised as a simple second-hand store from the outside. Talk about unique!

House of Shields

39 New Montgomery St / Website

The House of Shields is one of the oldest bars in the entire city, serving you a sophisticated taste of history along with their swanky classic cocktails. For those who want a chill atmosphere with impeccable drinks, you will certainly admire the Art-Deco features as you imbibe on their signature Black Manhattan up on their quiet 2nd floor balcony.

KAIYO Rooftop

701 3rd St / (415) 800-8141 / Website

KAIYŌ is also another one of San Francisco's must-visit rooftops, and while it may be a little further from the Moscone Center, it's panoramic views, handcrafted sushi, and lush tropical vibes are inarguably worth the walk. You will love their Japanese-Peruvian fusion in the Kame House Roll with melt-in-your-mouth hamachi topped with smoked yam puree, as well as in their refreshing cocktails that uplift traditional Nikkei ingredients and flavors. Take many pictures of the sweeping skyline and the jungle decor, as it is sure to impress those back home.

Kona’s Street Market

32 3rd St / (415) 432-7006 / Website

Kona's Street Market is another one of San Francisco's most coveted bars for its out-of-the-box cultural cocktails and enjoyably contemporary interior in anotherwise unassuming exterior. If you happen to be lucky enough, you may catch the adorable mascot Kona herself hanging out here, which is a rare treat you can only get in San Francisco.

Press Club

20 Yerba Buena Ln / (415) 744-5000 / Website

Just a short walk from the SFMOMA is this underground club with the most premier wine and live music. Escape the bustle of the area and head down this upscale oasis that boasts an endless food list and five pages of available wines. If you want a classy escape that still feels light and lively, The Press Club is the ultimate hot hideaway.

No matter where you go in San Francisco, these places offer a diverse taste of our city's culture and will properly integrate you quickly in the short amount of time you're here!

Photography by: Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

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