By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | August 17, 2022 | Food & Drink, Restaurants, Wine and Spirits, City Life, Neighborhoods, wine, Local, Community,
Who doesn't love a tall glass of top-quality wine? San Francisco's love for both swanky liquor lounges and premier vino has yielded a copious amount of the most sophisticated and trendy wine bars all over the city. From a tucked away lounge, to an intimate outdoor patio, here are best spots to receive exquisite wine within an even more impressive atmosphere.
See also: Castro's Blush! Wine Bar Is The Ultimate Refined & Relaxed European Experience
20 Yerba Buena Ln / (415) 744-5000 / Website
If you happen to need a refreshment after shopping in Union Square or visiting the SFMOMA, head down to the Press Club's sub-level hangout. This is a sleek and sultry cove that is equally lively as it is exclusively upscale, making it perfect for a range of events, especially with their expansive food menu, five-page wine list, and live music!
2800 California St / (415) 928-3728 / Website
For a more refined and traditional bar, head to this famously glamorous Lower Pac Heights landmark. The highlights at this classically ritzy lounge are definitely their wine flights, bottomless brunch, and live events, such as jazz performances and Risqué comedy show Mondays.
528 Washington St / (415) 944-4600 / Website
For an authentic experience of having French wine in a posh Parisian lounge, head to bright and playful Verjus right across from the TransAmerica Pyramid. Choose from any of their superb wines to pair with their traditional French bits of pate en croute, croquette au jambon, and more, for a cultural adventure that will instantly transport you to Europe.
458 Grove St / Website
Birba is Hayes Valley's marvelously chic wine bar with an even more fabulous back patio. Adorned with lush foliage, dazzling string lights, and a wall lined with wine from Hungary, Sicily, and more, this small but intimate oasis is the perfect romantic date spot that's both modern and cozy.
45 Rose St / (415) 703-0403 / Website
While not actually a hotel, this Civic Center retreat does treat you to fantastic amenities and will make you want to extend your stay. Aside from their 50+ wines, they also offer affordable vermouth and sake flights, which you can indulge on while perusing their art galleries decorating their cutely rustic exposed brick walls and relaxing on their plush sofas.
443 Clement St / (415) 742-5256 / Website
Need a nightcap after a delectable meal at Richmond's Burma Superstar? Swing by the notoriously nondescript High Treason for a truly tucked-away and intimate wine tasting that's fun, refined, and unexpected. Along with their live DJs, this is a lively secret find within an otherwise unassuming neighborhood that only feels like a crime to not have discovered it sooner.
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1754 Polk St / (415) 292-6916 / Website
Illuminated by warm lights that evoke an air of cinematic magic within their red-wall interior, sultry and whimsical Amelie will make you feel like you've entered into your own movie moment, especially with their occasional live jazz. Just like the film of the same name, this cute hangout is full of pleasant surprises, such as their unbeatable $12 wine flight happy hour, inclusive wine club, and delightful French tapas.
2419 3rd St / (415) 814-2129 / Website
Ungrafted boasts high ceilings, spacious seating, and clean aesthetics, for those who desire a more roomy and less tightly-packed imbibing experience. This Dogpatch retreat has been featured in several publications for their highly-revered Wine Flight Wednesdays, dog-friendly patio, and genuinely insightful service. You also cannot miss out on their fun Blind Flight tastings, dinner events classes, and other interactive offerings led by their Master Sommelier Rebecca Fineman and Advanced Sommelier Chris Gaither.
496 14th St / (669) 333-9463 / Website
Described on their site as "Probably the best wine bar in the world," Bar Part Time exudes a no-frills, laid back energy as an alternative nightclub that can also excel in the most delicious vino. This is an upbeat and genuine community favorite for those who want to casually enjoy wine while rocking out to diverse music.
429 Gough St / (415) 551-9688 / Website
Fig & Thistle truly accomplishes it all. Aside from also being a dispensary and apothecary, it is a cute clean wine bar that showcases all natural wines and sells it in their popular Castro market called Millay. Pair a $13 glass of their Bartender's Choice with some Outta Sight pizza for full nourishment out on their airy anc chic parklet.
No matter what environment fits your vibe, superior wine flows from all of these enjoyably diverse locations!
See also: 6 Tucked Away Restaurants That Are Cool And Cozy For The Summer
Photography by: Klara Kulikova/Unsplash