Our list of the best rooftop bars in San Francisco will make your trip unforgettable
There is nothing quite like a good drink with a stunning view. Fortunately, San Francisco has both in bundles. With striking ocean panoramas, and top-of -the -hill city vistas, there is no match for San Francisco’s charming views. Kick back and take it all in during your holiday to San Francisco with an expertly made cocktail or a chilled beer, in one of San Francisco’s chic rooftop bars. In this blog, our travel expert Audrey shares her thoughts on the best rooftop bars in San Francisco.
Cielo
‘Cielo’ is the Spanish word for “Sky” and this San Francisco rooftop wine bar is aptly named. It sits at the top of the splendid Hotel Valencia in the South Bay and seems to be as high as the sky! The hotel itself is located at the fashionable Santana Row shopping and entertainment complex.
Relaxing in Cielo as the sun sets in the evening is heavenly. As the night goes on, you may want a change of scene. If so, then move onto the fabulous VBar or Citrus restaurant in this award-winning hotel. Visiting in summer? Try the wine tasting which is accompanied with cheese and appetisers.
Quiver Bar
The Quiver Bar will provide you with panoramic views of the city, the Ferry Building and the Bay. It is set on top of the Epic Roasthouse and very close to the “Cupid Span” sculpture on the Embarcadero. Enjoy the Holy Cow Happy Hour from Monday to Friday when you can choose to order from the bar menu or the full menu from the restaurant.
Renowned for its versatile wines, beers and speciality cocktails, The Quiver Bar has a very tempting dinner menu too. So, whether you want to sample a delicious Alexandria cocktail or a wood-roasted rib eye, you will be very glad that you decided to drop up!
Jones
You will find this popular rooftop bar close to Union Square. Jones serves classic and signature cocktails, after-dinner drinks, wine and beers. No plastic accepted here though as the bar is cash only.
Credit cards are only accepted for bottle service or at dinner tables. Generally attracting a younger crowd, Jones serves brunch as well as dinner and has a great value happy hour.
The Starlight Room
The Starlight Room is located in Union Square and has first class views of the surrounding area. Perched at the top of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, there is no shortage of entertainment in this old-style nightclub!
There’s live jazz on Tuesdays from 7pm to 10pm, DJs get the show on the road on Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm to 2am and if you enjoy a drag show, make sure you don’t miss ‘It’s A Drag’ on Sunday! The Starlight Room boasts a tantalising menu, fine wines, champagnes and cocktails. Choose your favourite drink (or two!) and sit back to savour it from the 21st floor.
El Techo de Lolinda
El Techo de Lolinda, might be considered as one of ‘the new kids on the block’ of restaurants and bars in the Bay Area but it has made a huge impression, so far. It opened its doors in August 2013 and is described as an Argentinian Steakhouse providing fine Latin dining.
The current owner Adriano Pagianini has clearly put his own stamp on this excellent restaurant- bar (it was formerly Medjool) and it is going from strength to strength. Sit out on the rooftop and enjoy one of their famous cocktails – caipirinhas, pińa coladas and margaritas are a few of the favourites.
Check out this post for more ideas on things to do in San Francisco at night.
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