The San Francisco bar scene has something for everyone, from sexy lounges to authentic Scottish pubs. Here are five classics:
1. The Redwood Room
Courtesy Clift Hotel
This cavernous bar in the trendy Clift Hotel is one of the plushest places to sip or swig in San Francisco. This dark, swanky lounge, originally opened in 1933, is paneled with the wood from a single redwood tree and features original art deco sconces and chandeliers. The bar was updated by designer Philippe Stark in 2001 and now features a changing display of “digital art” on plasma screens. With its comfy velvet couches and long marble bar, the Redwood Room draws a glamorous crowd that lingers into the wee hours.
Address: 495 Geary Street (at Taylor)
Phone: (415) 929-2372
Hours: Sun-Thurs 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Fri-Sat 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Website: Clift Hotel
Address: 495 Geary Street (at Taylor)
Phone: (415) 929-2372
Hours: Sun-Thurs 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Fri-Sat 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Website: Clift Hotel
2. Buena Vista Cafe
Courtesy The Buena Vista
When the fog rolls into town, nothing takes away its chill like an Irish coffee at the Buena Vista Café. With its picture windows overlooking the clamorous cable car line, the Buena Vista has been going strong since 1952. As legend has it, this is the first spot in the U.S. to serve the delicious drink consisting of sweetened coffee, Irish whiskey, and whipped cream. Today the Buena Vista serves upwards of 2,000 Irish coffees a day to locals and visitors alike. The café has a full bar and menu (burgers and such) as well.
Address: 2765 Hyde Street (at Beach)
Phone: (415) 474-5044
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat-Sun 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Website: The Buena Vista
Address: 2765 Hyde Street (at Beach)
Phone: (415) 474-5044
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat-Sun 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Website: The Buena Vista
3. Tosca Café
Even locals can’t resist the charms of Tosca Café, a San Francisco institution in lively North Beach. Bay Area resident Sean Penn is said to be a regular here; other celebrities pay a visit when they are in town. The bar, unchanged since it opened more than 80 years ago, features cozy red vinyl booths, a vintage jukebox, and a long wood bar that houses two stunning antique espresso machines. On Saturday nights it’s not unusual to see men fancifully dressed in fedoras and women in 1940’s dresses. Tosca serves classic cocktails and a signature brandy-and-chocolate-spiked cappuccino.Address: 242 Columbus Street (at Broadway)
Phone: (415) 391-1244
Hours: Tues-Sun 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
4. Edinburgh Castle
Courtesy Edinburgh Castle
An authentic (if frayed) medieval interior—think steel helmets and horse brasses—and a collegiate crowd set the tone at the ever-popular Edinburgh Castle. This legendary Scottish pub opened in 1958 and still draws crowds thirsty for its single malt whiskeys and hard-to-find British ales on tap. Live music, readings by Scottish authors, comedy, and quiz nights all provide additional entertainment. Fish and chips are served until 11 p.m.
Address: 950 Geary Street (at Polk)
Phone: (415) 885-4074
Hours: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. daily
Website: Edinburgh Castle
Address: 950 Geary Street (at Polk)
Phone: (415) 885-4074
Hours: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. daily
Website: Edinburgh Castle
5. Bambuddha Lounge
A visit to Bambuddha Lounge is like a trip to your own tropical island. The exotically decorated outdoor lounge features a swimming pool, cabana, daybeds, a DJ booth, and a 20-foot-long reclining Buddha statue. Part restaurant and part sexy nightclub, this popular lounge in the Phoenix Hotel draws on Philippine, Thai, and Balinese influences. Check out the Thai-My cocktail and spicy drunken noodles.Address: 601 Eddy Street (at Larkin)
Phone: (415) 885-5088
Hours: Tues-Thurs 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
Website: Bambuddha Lounge
