San Francisco is a storied city filled with rich history. Aside from our many insightful museums, one fantastic way to immerse yourself into our history while also enjoying a convivial libation is by stepping into our many legendary bars, many of which date back to the 1800s!
Filled with old-world charm illuminating their original architectures, our original saloons and speakeasy lounges exude vintage elegance with a timeless persevering spirit. If you want to experience what it was like to drink during the Gold Rush, Victorian sailor or Prohibition eras, be sure to add these authentic landmarks to your city tour.
See also: 20 Best Dive Bars In San Francisco
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2765 Hyde St / (415) 474-5044 / Website
Built: 1910
Located near Fisherman's Wharf, the Buena Vista Cafe was first built as a boarding house which had its ground floor later converted to a saloon in 1916. Since then it has been a waterfront staple, especially when their iconic must-try Irish Coffees became instantly popularized in the 60s! This is the perfect seaside stop that preserves the original wooden bar and story of how their signature libation came to be.
See also: How SF Brewed Irish Coffee's Popularity And The Best Places To Get Them
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500 4th St / (415) 546-6300 / Website
Built: 1908
Established by the Deininger family, The Hotel Utah Saloon features real Belgium-made fixtures that make it an ornate watering hole in the bustling SoMa neighborhood. Instagrammable from the outside as it is indoors, be sure to notice the filigree on the sweeping ceiling arches while enjoying a crisp beer at this local favorite.
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39 New Montgomery St / (415) 769-8109 / Website
Built: 1908
The House of Shields operated as a speakeasy during Prohibition, and that riveting time period is still preserved inside at this swanky and intimate lounge. With an elevated balcony, ritzy seats, and an ample offering now-legal libations, this is a classy and lavish 1920s-themed spot in SoMa perfect for a snug stop after seeing downtown that is more than happy to let the liquor flow.
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155 Columbus Ave / (415) 617-0071 / Website
Built: 1907
With Comstock Saloon's building once home to the San Francisco Brewing Company, every inch of this North Beach cornerstone is awash with vivid history. Named after the Comstock Lode, you will always strike gold when stopping by here, be it for their ritzy signature Pimm's Cup, their posh fare, or their symphonic live music events! The high ceilings, elaborate fans, and original bar will definitely captivate you and transport you to its Gold Rush heyday.
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2301 Folsom St / (415) 282-4663 / Website
Built: 1902
The Homestead is always a popular choice to warm up in for their hot toddies and cozy fireplace, whether it's today, or over a century ago. Opened in 1902 by Charles Scharenberg, during its Prohibition time this Mission hideaway served secret alcohol to their loyal patrons, which you can still view such noble notoriety in their archived bar decor and displays.
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1901 Union St / (415) 567-6905 / Website
Built: 1900
An undeniable family affair, Bus Stop Saloon has been run by the same lineage of relatives since the early 1920s! Now multiple generations later, this spacious and warm wooden retreat is an adored favorite within Cow Hollow's Union Street for people of all ages.
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807 Lincoln Way / Website
Built: 1893
Just off of Golden Gate Park and Haight Ashbury, The Little Shamrock is an unbeatable choice, so undefeated that the building survived the 1906 earthquake! This is a friendly and tucked-away gem brimming with eclectic history on its walls, particularly with the eccentric books that are playfully inspired by the location.
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3349 20th St / (415) 488-2121 / Website
Built: 1891
Shotwell's was previously a grocery saloon known as Schlichtmann’s from its two German owners in the Mission, and today the cornerstone is revered for its enduring devotion to continually providing for their community. This is a fantastic place to join in for entertaining trivia, hanging out and playing pool, and just sitting at the beautiful bar making new friends just as the same locals did over a century ago.
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1560 Powell St / (415) 397-0577 / Website
Built: 1882
Entering the late 1800s, Northstar Cafe is a sunny North Beach dive bar that now draws in many locals and sports fans for their many screens to watch games on. This is a heartwarming community joint that is casual, no-frills, and often throws extravagant holiday events and parties for an all-around unifying time.
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1232 Grant Ave / (415) 989-7666 / Website
Built: 1861
The Saloon by Chinatown and Noth Beach boasts its original mid-1800s structure with radiant stained glass, ornate wood, and plenty of framed memorabilia. This is a relaxed and amusing dive that also loves to host talented live music for a night that's as musical as it is magical.
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3200 16th St / Website
Built: 1858
Award-winning Elixir in the Mission will captivate you immediately with their stunning whiskey collection, cozy interior, and genuinely kind bartenders ready to help you find your ideal drink, and all for affordable prices. Gorgeously decorated with authentic imagery from its Victorian inception, this is a grand must-visit that also boasts a hilariously engaging trivia Tuesdays.
Be sure to also sample their ingeniously complex cocktails, precisely handcrafted using fresh and unconventional flavors, such as their Sacre Verte with Fennel Pollen-Infused Falernum and cilantro oil, and their Pamplemousse Au Poivre with signature Sichuan Pepper Cordial- which was rightfully awarded the 2018 Cocktail of the Year at the SF World Spirits Competition.
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298 Pacific Ave / (415) 788-2222 / Website
Built: 1851
Though temporarily closed for renovations, the Old Ship Saloon is unmistakingly the oldest bar in the city. Incredibly built over a real ship (which were common to be run aground during the Gold Rush era), this is a one-of-a-kind destination that is mindblowing in design as they are in their legacy and drinks.
The ship itself was named the Arkansas, and became abandoned at Alcatraz in 1849 before being relocated to the Barbary Coast to be a foundation for the saloon's building where it still stands today, albeit sans ship parts.
San Francisco's vivid legacy truly wouldn't be the same without these resilient buildings and businesses, and we truly honor their service in authentically keeping such vintage atmospheres and intriguing stories alive!
See also: How SF Was Built On Sand Dunes And Broken Ships
Photography by: Courtesy of suteishi/Getty Images
