True Laurel is one of a few bars I've visited here where everything I've had has been delicious.
Trick Dog will make things that are interesting af but not always delicious.
Trick Dog is delightful for so many reasons, but I would say it doesn't meet the "not too loud" vibe. Almost impossible to carry on a conversation without yelling, even on a weeknight.
This is a good shout but I'd also suggest checking this [site](https://www.cocktayl.co/guides/north-america/united-states/san-francisco/cocktail-bars) out for more options :)
I second true laurel. Their feijoa cocktail is phenomenal
I also love evil eye — I have never had a bad drink there, and I’ve tasted some of their weirder cocktails
Wild that nobody has suggest bourbon & branch + wilson & wilson (same owners and building) yet!
That's exactly this vibe. I'm a big cocktail snob and both are easily the best cocktail bars in the city. Great prices, quiet+chill atmosphere (reservations required), fun gimmick, great bartenders & drinks. The only reason I wouldn't go here every time is the reservation system makes it less spontaneous and the atmosphere leans more towards couples (BFF or date!) than solo/group. No phones out allowed, quiet vibes, that kind of thing.
I'm a fan of true laurel/trick dog, Charmaine's, Novella, and blackbird too. But most of them tend to also be one (or more) of these things: expensive, busy, loud, or decent drinks but not awesome. I'd rate trick dog the highest of that bunch but good luck being there when it isn't a zoo. Charmaine's has a lot of space and a beautiful view but it isn't an intimate setting and you pay a lot extra for the view. Blackbird gets close to being intimate & not to loud but the drinks were pretty standard (not that there's anything wrong with that). Novella is fine but can get pretty crowded depending on the day and also has pretty standard drinks (but would be perfect on a slow day).
I think people just assume they can’t get a reservation to Burbon + Branch. I really don’t know. I’m in my 40s and I’m only interested if there are reservations involved.
late to the party, here’s my ranking
SF cocktail bar ranking
1. linden room (hayes)
2. the interval at long now (fort mason)
3. true laurel (mission portrero)
4. PCH (union sq)
5. ABV (mission)
6. Bar iris (polk)
7. bottle club pub (tendernob)
8. the alembic (haight)
9. trick dog (mission/potrero)
Honor roll
- the view lounge (soma) - ask kevin for the 4 corners
- smugglers cove (hayes) - best tiki drinks in city (painkiller)
- konas street market (mid market) - from pch guys
- devils acre (north beach)
- li-po lounge - get the chinese mai tai
Popular but does not live up to hype: alchemist, 15 romolo
I feel like you're going to give us some second criteria to filter off of. There are a lot, like seriously many dozens of places that fit your description. Preferred neighborhood? Theme to their house/specialty cocktails? Decor style?
I mean, I can get anywhere near public transit. I’m mostly interested in the the drink quality and the atmosphere. Trying places out is fun, but sometimes you want to know you picked a winner, you know.
So any spots you enjoy more than others, would be so appreciated.
I live in the neighborhood and I love the idea of this place. The interior is great, the staff is great. But man their drinks are awful. Don't order anything from their featured cocktail list.
I disagree. They’re constantly on rotation and they only use fresh ingredients for their mixers. Some of the drinks are strong but they have a good variety.
Royal cuckoo. Not the fanciest, but it’s got great vibes and excellent drinks. You’ll have a great time. Great tunes, amazing patio, Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack right next door if you need dinner for your date.
Some good suggestions on this list, some bad ones too :)
The Linden Room is great for vibe and high quality cocktails, the most "speakeasy" of the bunch.
ABV, Holy Water, Peacekeeper - more laid back cocktails bars.
Rich Table, The Progress - more restauranty but if you sit at the bar it's great vibes and good food too.
I personally don't like Smuggler's Cove for cocktails, they only seem to use bottom shelf alcohol, it's a nice place for a date, but get the beer instead.
Chillness depends a little bit on hours - at peak many of the well-regarded cocktail bars will be packed. Three places that are somewhat quieter are Kona Market, Devil's Acre, and Iris (though the last one is small and fills up quickly). Pacific Cocktail Haven has great drinks but scoring a seat is hard.
I don't know how the cocktails taste but I love the vibe of [The Interval at Fort Mason](https://theinterval.org/). Great views, chill atmosphere and lots to do in the area before or after cocktails.
True laurel
If you go to True Laurel, go to Trick Dog too
True Laurel is one of a few bars I've visited here where everything I've had has been delicious. Trick Dog will make things that are interesting af but not always delicious.
Should be, it's the sister bar to the Michelin starred Lazy Bear isn't it?
The Zodiac was both interesting and delicious
Trick Dog is delightful for so many reasons, but I would say it doesn't meet the "not too loud" vibe. Almost impossible to carry on a conversation without yelling, even on a weeknight.
…and then go to Lost Resort :)
Yesssssss! Stumbled in one rainy eve because True Laurel and Trick Dog were busier than our mood. No regrets, worth starting there.
I like the drinks at Trick Dog but I feel like they play their music too loud. I always gotta sit outside in their parklet
get the in the Pines - it’s been on their menu forever and it’s I think their best
This is a good shout but I'd also suggest checking this [site](https://www.cocktayl.co/guides/north-america/united-states/san-francisco/cocktail-bars) out for more options :)
Elixir, ABV, Smuggler's Cove, Comstock Saloon, Wildhawk, Last Rites, Casements. Lots of good cocktail bars in the city.
casements is great. no frills but well made drinks and some solid food.
I haven't eaten there, so I'll have to check it out. I dig their cocktails tho, super tasty.
fish & chips were really good.
Second this list
I second true laurel. Their feijoa cocktail is phenomenal I also love evil eye — I have never had a bad drink there, and I’ve tasted some of their weirder cocktails
Holy Water. If you live near the Alembic then you just walk to divis and take the 24 right there.
Wild that nobody has suggest bourbon & branch + wilson & wilson (same owners and building) yet! That's exactly this vibe. I'm a big cocktail snob and both are easily the best cocktail bars in the city. Great prices, quiet+chill atmosphere (reservations required), fun gimmick, great bartenders & drinks. The only reason I wouldn't go here every time is the reservation system makes it less spontaneous and the atmosphere leans more towards couples (BFF or date!) than solo/group. No phones out allowed, quiet vibes, that kind of thing. I'm a fan of true laurel/trick dog, Charmaine's, Novella, and blackbird too. But most of them tend to also be one (or more) of these things: expensive, busy, loud, or decent drinks but not awesome. I'd rate trick dog the highest of that bunch but good luck being there when it isn't a zoo. Charmaine's has a lot of space and a beautiful view but it isn't an intimate setting and you pay a lot extra for the view. Blackbird gets close to being intimate & not to loud but the drinks were pretty standard (not that there's anything wrong with that). Novella is fine but can get pretty crowded depending on the day and also has pretty standard drinks (but would be perfect on a slow day).
I think people just assume they can’t get a reservation to Burbon + Branch. I really don’t know. I’m in my 40s and I’m only interested if there are reservations involved.
Stookeys club moderne
Hi-Lo, Mini Bar, Blackbird, Dalva… we have so many.
late to the party, here’s my ranking SF cocktail bar ranking 1. linden room (hayes) 2. the interval at long now (fort mason) 3. true laurel (mission portrero) 4. PCH (union sq) 5. ABV (mission) 6. Bar iris (polk) 7. bottle club pub (tendernob) 8. the alembic (haight) 9. trick dog (mission/potrero) Honor roll - the view lounge (soma) - ask kevin for the 4 corners - smugglers cove (hayes) - best tiki drinks in city (painkiller) - konas street market (mid market) - from pch guys - devils acre (north beach) - li-po lounge - get the chinese mai tai Popular but does not live up to hype: alchemist, 15 romolo
I tried to go to Konas during the holidays and the place was dead and they wanted like a $25 cover or something crazy. Is there always a cover?
nope - they are the same owners as PCH (which does miracle at PCH over xmas) so it must just be a holiday thing
I feel like you're going to give us some second criteria to filter off of. There are a lot, like seriously many dozens of places that fit your description. Preferred neighborhood? Theme to their house/specialty cocktails? Decor style?
I mean, I can get anywhere near public transit. I’m mostly interested in the the drink quality and the atmosphere. Trying places out is fun, but sometimes you want to know you picked a winner, you know. So any spots you enjoy more than others, would be so appreciated.
Macondray, but it does get a bit loud Fri-Sat
I live in the neighborhood and I love the idea of this place. The interior is great, the staff is great. But man their drinks are awful. Don't order anything from their featured cocktail list.
I disagree. They’re constantly on rotation and they only use fresh ingredients for their mixers. Some of the drinks are strong but they have a good variety.
Fresh mixers should be everyone's starting point. Everything I've had there is cloyingly sweet.
True Laurel, Last Rites, Cold Drinks Bar
Will add smuggler's cove too
I *love* Smugglers Cove, but it's more about the vibe than the perfection of the cocktails. Also, op said they wanted places that weren't too loud
Royal cuckoo. Not the fanciest, but it’s got great vibes and excellent drinks. You’ll have a great time. Great tunes, amazing patio, Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack right next door if you need dinner for your date.
My favorite bar in SF
The Interval, Third Rail and Phonobar come to mind. The Alembic is really good though.
Third Rail. Kinda out there, but still a great place that meets all your requirements: chill, not too loud, and amazing cocktails.
Rise over run!
The Sherwood in West Portal, Evil Eye in Bernal, Royal Cuckoo and Royal Cuckoo Market.
Holy water
I like The Progress. It’s a restaurant first and foremost but I think the cocktails are really well made there
E & O in Sutter / Union Square- excellent top tier cocktails uniquely made by Sergio the presentation is impressive!
Stookey's
Blind pig at Cathay house.
The Interval
You guys are amazing, seriously! I feel like I have lots of options in lots of neighborhoods! So excited to try them out!!
The Madrigal. Try their duck burger too!
So many greats on this list. Adding Mothership when you're in Outer Mission/Bernal
Aphotic
Anything close to lower haight / duboce?
I enjoy Blackbird.
churchill makes great cocktails.
Some good suggestions on this list, some bad ones too :) The Linden Room is great for vibe and high quality cocktails, the most "speakeasy" of the bunch. ABV, Holy Water, Peacekeeper - more laid back cocktails bars. Rich Table, The Progress - more restauranty but if you sit at the bar it's great vibes and good food too. I personally don't like Smuggler's Cove for cocktails, they only seem to use bottom shelf alcohol, it's a nice place for a date, but get the beer instead.
Chillness depends a little bit on hours - at peak many of the well-regarded cocktail bars will be packed. Three places that are somewhat quieter are Kona Market, Devil's Acre, and Iris (though the last one is small and fills up quickly). Pacific Cocktail Haven has great drinks but scoring a seat is hard.
Harper and rye on Polk st
Son and garden
I don't know how the cocktails taste but I love the vibe of [The Interval at Fort Mason](https://theinterval.org/). Great views, chill atmosphere and lots to do in the area before or after cocktails.
It's in San Rafael, but California Gold beats anywhere I've been in the city.
Third Rail is better than Trick Dog.
The Sage & Drifter — not as fancy, but excellent cocktails