Try an Irish coffee; one recommendation says it’s worth a stop for the drink, and to skip the food.
go to Buena Vista for an Irish Coffee, Tony's for pizza, your fave chinatown restaurant for dinner
if you do go to the wharf, hit up Buena Vista for an Irish coffee
Just goto the Buena Vista, grab a couple Irish coffees and breakfast, bagel, or whatever and call it a day!
Full quote
Just goto the Buena Vista, grab a couple Irish coffees and breakfast, bagel, or whatever and call it a day! … You’ll have a clear view of the Yay and if Carl permits, a view of the golden gate bridge. From there you’ll catch a cable car right outside or walk about half a mile along the water to pier 39 where you can get a glimpse of the sea lions.
2
House of Prime Rib
Try a martini for a classic choice, though one diner found theirs overly diluted.
Yes. I love doing my birthday dinner for two there, but never make a reservation. My husband and I get in line (usually just a few folks deep) 45 minutes before doors open and we can typically get seats at the bar. Have realistic expectations for a nice meal and an ice cold martini, and it will be more than worth it.
You have to get the cocktail though.
House of prime rib
3
Trick Dog
Mission
Try it if you want a fancy, distinctive cocktail; commenters also praise the creative cocktail menu.
Trick dog: recommended by a Redditor! hot dog was expensive af but they had a creative cocktail menu. I liked.
Trick Dog for lively good cocktails
Trick Dog if you want a fancy unique cocktail
4
Pacific Cocktail Haven
Knob Hill
Try the Kung Fu Pandan, which one commenter singled out; another mentioned several pandan cocktails.
PCH is 2 blocks from your hotel? Cocktail bar pretty lively and worth the trip if you’re visiting. Highly recommend.
Pacific Cocktail Haven for great cocktails
Pacific Cocktail Haven has a few pandan cocktails
5
Li Po Lounge
Chinatown
Try the Chinese Mai Tai, which multiple commenters specifically recommend; one commenter says they’re not personally keen on Chinese Mai Tais.
li po lounge for a mai tai with casual vibes
Get a mai tai at Li Po Lounge. The drinks are strong and it’s dark and dingy.
Li Po Mai Tai and dice game?
6
Bix
Jackson Square
Try a martini: one diner specifically recommends the tableside martini, while another describes the FiDi location’s martinis as strong.
And Bix for cocktails.
Bix… something about a well-made cocktail + steak frites with live jazz music does it for me. I recommend going here and sitting at the bar if you want something nice and social / lively.
Bix
7
True Laurel
Mission
Try the In the Pines cocktail, which diners specifically recommend.
True Laurel for more subdued good cocktails
Just at true laurel a few days ago and they offered a strawberry daiquiri special
True Laurel is unbeatable for the cocktails/food combo, and walkable from anywhere in the Mission. The Patty Melt there is the secret best burger in the city.
Worth knowing
Multiple commenters raised price and value concerns; one reported "Despite getting absolutely zero service, a mandatory 20% service charge was slapped onto the bill." (source scope: mission).
8
The Progress
Fillmore
Try the milk punch or the pandan One Punchman; both were singled out positively.
The progress
The Progress does feel special. Beautiful and cozy decor IMO and they have my favorite martini.
Restaurants with great cocktails and bar seating: The Progress, Bix, Liholiho, Absinthe
9
ABV
Try ABV for cocktails described as creative and well-made, rather than syrup-heavy mixes.
ABV does a good cocktail. Maybe only decent for ppl watching
ABV for cocktails.
You wouldn’t expect a “50 best” cocktail bar to have a fantastic burger (and fried chicken sandwich too) but can confirm, extremely solid burger and award-winning drinks right across from Roxie. 10/10 spot
10
Martuni’s
Valencia and Market
Martinis are the cocktail to try; one commenter specifically recommends Martuni’s if you like them.
Martuni’s on market
Two lemon drops - water in between - leave before you are coerced into a third.