Outdoor Bars in SF

On San Francisco's rare beautiful days, seemingly the entire city runs out to stake a spot at an outdoor bar. Whether you're soaking up the sun or enjoying the cool of the evening, our list covers the classic spots, as well as hidden alternatives that'll help you beat the crowds.

Updated: May 20, 2011

Outdoor Imbibing in SF


42.5
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Cigar Bar & Grill

850 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Even if you're not a cigar smoker, the old-school Italian vibe of this North Beach spot is worth checking out. Enjoy a cocktail in the European-style courtyard, complete with pool table.


43.0
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Wild Side West

424 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110

The double-decker beer garden behind this Bernal Heights favorite attracts a diverse crowd, from 20-something hipsters to lesbian couples with kids.


50.0
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Zeitgeist

199 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Synonymous with "outdoor drinking" in many San Franciscans' minds, this Mission outpost luckily has a massive beer garden to hold nearly all comers. Be prepared for snooty service, port-a-potties, and copious pot smoke, none of which will matter after you dive into your $14 pitcher of Racer 5. Oh, and don't miss their fantastic burgers-- both the meat and veggie offerings are mindblowing.


34.5
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Medjool

2522 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Known to locals as the famed "slice of the Marina in the Mission," Medjool attracts plenty of scenesters willing to shell out for $12 gin and tonics on its famed sky terrace. If you can get there early on a weekday, though, you'll have the truly magnificent view of the city all to yourself, which should ease the pain once the bill arrives.


36.5
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The Ramp

855 China Basin St, San Francisco, CA 94107

The crowd can get pretty rowdy, but there's a seemingly endless number of outdoor tables and frequent live music, which helps to make up for this China Basin spot's less decorous clientele.


50.0
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Bin 38

3232 Scott Street, San Francisco, CA 94123

If you like your outdoor drinking with a touch of class, this upscale wine bar provides a preppy alternative to Zeitgeist. Enjoy a crisp rose at the picnic tables, then share an artisan cheese or salumi platter.


40.5
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Mars Bar & Restaurant

798 Brannan St @ 7th, San Francisco, CA 94103

Hidden in a dusty corner of the Design District, this little gem has a spacious back patio, complete with heat lamps for when things get chilly. While drinks are nothing special, the music is usually bumping and the pizzas are above-average for bar fare.


40.0
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Three Parkside

1600 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94107

This punk club does double duty as a chilled-out drinking spot on early weekday evenings. Sip on $1 Olympias, order a burger from the in-house kitchen and enjoy the walled-garden vibe. On weekends, punk bands play all day, leading to gleeful mayhem out back.


50.0
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Broken Record

1166 Geneva Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112

Way out in the Excelsior, this whiskey-oriented bar has earned praise for its above-average pub grub. Thanks to its isolated location, however, few will make it all the way out to enjoy the spacious back patio, ensuring prime real estate on even the sunniest Saturday afternoon.


50.0
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The Tipsy Pig

2231 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123

The crowd can get overwhelming at this Marina hotspot's gorgeous back patio, so be prepared for a wait if you're going on a prime weekend night. Even if you get stuck indoors, though, the acclaimed gastropub fare is still worth a trip.


50.0
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Bar Agricole

355 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

With no heat lamps, this SOMA restaurant's undeniably gorgeous courtyard almost never sees use--a real shame. Take advantage of the rare gorgeous day by enjoying a perfectly crafted sunset cocktail amidst the garden beds that grow many of the restaurant's herbs and spices.


Radius

1123 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103

It's impossible to tell from the outside, but the cafe half of this double-duty restaurant packs a gorgeous back patio. Enjoy a half-dozen oysters and a glass of cold white wine from the tap while you take advantage of the free wi-fi.


The Sycamore

2140 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Tucked away on a gritty stretch of Mission, this sibling-owned beer bar features tasty drafts and noteworthy sliders. The back patio isn't huge, but its under-the-radar status usually means there's room. Bonus: the low-key crowd is far friendlier here than at nearby Zeitgeist's.