Welcome to the San Francisco craft cocktail scene. In a city known for its cocktail culture, the SF cocktail scene has been booming and expanding like crazy. From happening “hipster” hot spots full of beards, mustache wax and lavender bitters to secretive speakeasy-style lounges, here’s our list of 10 craft cocktail bars to try tight now in San Francisco.
Holy Water
Located in Bernal Heights, Holy Water serves up killer classic cocktails in a cool, church-esque decor setting. Whiskey rules at this bar and every night at 11pm, they have “11th hour” where you can score rare beers and try other crazy spirits that change nightly. 309 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
Local Edition
Urban Daddy Michael David Rose Photography
Located in the historical Hearst building, Local Edition serves as an ode to the 1950’s newspaper era with old clippings and presses throughout the bar. They mix up some of the best classic cocktails in the city and also have live music on some nights. 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105
ABV
Hip craft cocktails and bites take center stage at ABV. Located in the Mission District, ABV has an extensive cocktail program, cult beers, wines on tap and by the bottle. 3174 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Trick Dog
Come for the booze, stay for the food. Located inside of a renovated warehouse in the Mission District, Trick Dog nails the craft cocktail and small plates game. The menus change often and will never disappoint. 3010 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Bourbon & Branch
Always in the conversation when discussing the “Best Bars in America,” Bourbon and Branch is a true speak-easy with 5 hidden bars in one. Reservations are required for the main bar and you’ll need the password to enter the speak-easies. There are hidden doors on the inside and secret entrances from the streets outside the bar. Prohibition-style cocktails with a focus on Whiskey rule the menu. A few House Rules: No cell phones, no Cosmos, no photography in the speakeasies. You’ve been warned. Enjoy. 501 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Rickhouse
The walls at Rickhouse are lined with Bourbon Casks and the shelves are lined with Bourbon bottles. This bar is located in the Financial District and can get a little crowded once work lets out and for good reason, the cocktails are superb. 246 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108
The Alembic
One of the staples on Haight Street, The Alembic has been in the game since 2006. The cocktail list is 2 pages with their originals on the first and the “Cannon Cocktails” Alembic takes on the classics on the second. All killer. 1725 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Tradition
Tradition has 8 different cocktail menus and reservations aren’t needed, but if you do make them beforehand, you’ll gain access to the eight private drinking confessionals each themed after a different section of their menu. 441 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Forgery
This beautiful, open layout bar features floor to ceiling windows with exposed brick throughout. Be prepared to be amazed at the quality of cocktails being crafted here. Theres also wines by the glass and beers. Upscale but never pretentious. 1525 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Wildhawk
Wildhawk replaced historic SF lesbian bar, Lexington Club when they closed down. Wildhawk focuses on crafted cocktails with bar bites to match the stylish decor. 3464 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
