Outdoor Bars in San Francisco
Updated: July 14, 2009
True San Franciscans can handle the constant fog, but when the sun comes out we like to party. From rooftops and terraces with panoramic Bay views to the grimy backyard beer gardens, check out these choice spots to drink while enjoying that rarest of SF anomalies: sunshine.
Outdoor Imbibing
-
Broken Record
Write a review1166 Geneva Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112 (map)
It's not quite the Zeitgeist--the backyard is much smaller, and this bar is way out in the Excelsior--but it does have several beer garden-style picnic tables, 50 cent pitchers of PBR on Fridays and one of the best whiskey selections in the city.
-
The Tipsy Pig
Read Reviews2231 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)
Don't let the highly regarded kitchen fool you: Tipsy is a great spot to drink too, especially with it's huge, beautifully designed backyard--definitely the best in the Marina--and easy-on-the-eyes crowd.
-
Zeitgeist
Read Reviews199 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)
A massive, sun soaked beer garden, a huge supply of quality brew and biker bar 'tude make this Mission bar a classic. It doesn't hurt that they also serve solid burgers grilled outside, too.
El Rio
Read Reviews3158 Mission St, San Francisco, CA Cesar (map)
The massive backyard at this Outer Mission dive brims with bodies on warm nights who come for dirt-cheap drink specials on Monday nights. Also pay attention to the freebie food nights, like gratis oysters on Fridays.
Americano Restaurant
Read Reviews8 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105 (map)
Old-world Italian recipes and a lively bar scene make the Hotel Vitale's restaurant-and-bar hybrid a foodie destination and an happy hour favorite (especially on the patio).
Cafe
Read Reviews2367 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114 (map)
Young gay guys and gals swarm the patio and second-story veranda overlooking Market Street on sunny afternoons and pleasant nights.
BIN 38
Read Reviews3232 Scott Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)
This Marina wine bar and restaurant has a big and spacious backyard patio with picnic tables for sun-drenched drinking--think of it as the Zeitgeist for the polos-and-chinos set.
Mars Bar & Restaurant
Read Reviews798 Brannan St @ 7th, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)
This SoMA bar has a hopping heated patio, perfect for after-work parties. Expect standard drinks, a solid menu of food options and great music.
Thee Parkside
Read Reviews1600 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94107 (map)
When Zeitgeist is too packed, indie rock kids take to the large patio at this Potrero Hill music venue and bar, where music blares, beer is guzzled and ping pong is played.
Medjool
Read Reviews2522 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110 (map)
The city's only rooftop bar offers sweeping city skyline views from the Mission. It's been called SF's "douchiest" bar, but the sky-high romance factor is worth the clientele.
Ducca Restaurant & Lounge
Read Reviews50 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)
Take in city views while sipping wine or cocktails and munching light bites on the super-sunny outdoor lounge, designed to look like a modern piazza and packed with after-work partiers during happy hour.
Wild Side West
Read Reviews424 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110 (map)
You'll find a huge, two-tiered beer garden out behind this old-school saloon hidden in Bernal Heights.
Cigar Bar and Grill
Read Reviews850 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94133 (map)
Buy a cigar from the humidor, light up on the European-style courtyard and shoot a game of pool, either indoors or out, at this North Beach bar and boys' club.
The Ramp
Read Reviews855 China Basin St, San Francisco, CA 94107 (map)
A killer view of the bay, endless outdoor tables and occasional live music are the lure at this unpretentious China Basin restaurant and bar.
Advertisement













Join Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter