Best Rooftop Bars in San Francisco
In case you haven't noticed, there's no shortage of high-quality watering holes in the Bay Area. What can we say? As a region, we like to get a little lubricated every now and then. But that doesn't give any of us an excuse to keep going to the same ol' neighborhood bar every weekend. So, in an attempt to keep the Bay's drinking game interesting, we bring you the best rooftop spots that will quite literally elevate your bar crawl - no matter which side of the Bay you happen to drink on. Stay high.
Always, of course, should go without saying... but here we go anyway: Bring your mask. Wear your mask. Sanitize. Be nice to your server and others. Be a cool human!
San Francisco
El Techo
(2516 Mission St. // Mission)
Cozy up under the heat lamps at this vibrant spot boasting killer brunch, Latin American street food, and sweeping city views from the heart of the Mission. Alternatively, warm from the inside out with their pitchers of margaritas, palomas, and other tasty cocktails.
Dirty Habit
(12 4th St. // SOMA)
This secluded rooftop restaurant and bar on top of Hotel Zelos is sleek and sexy, matching its views with a picturesque fireplace and upscale decor. It’s perfect for a special occasion or romantic date night.
Charmaine's
(1100 Market St. // Tenderloin)
Boasting a wide variety of drinks and charming, eclectic decor, Charmaine’s is equal parts fun and cute. Every seat on the rooftop is Instagram-worthy - as are the handcrafted drinks - so swing by and spend some time taking in the view.
Hotel VIA
(138 King St. // South Beach)
One of the newest additions to SF's rooftop bar scene gives you 360-degree views of SF that are so gorgeous, you'll never want to leave. Not to mention they've been super lively as of late with their "Rooftop Sessions" day parties. See their upcoming parties here.
(25 Lusk St. // China Basin)
This rooftop spot is covered by an awning, so it's perfect if you're trying to have a drink in the fresh air and want to stay protected from the misty SF nights. It's also super close to Oracle Park, which is great for pre or post-game drinks.
East Bay
Rooftop
(1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd., #300 // Walnut Creek)
Patrons flock to the aptly-named Rooftop for its airy and spacious rooftop deck. (Fun fact: the roof is retractable.) Order from the yummy menu featuring upscale New American classics meant for sharing and don't miss the brunch and lunch specials, which make it easy to start early and stay late.
Mad Oak
(135 12th St // Oakland)
Double the patios, double the fun. Mad Oak's cool ground-level and rooftop patios are decked out with communal tables, ideal for bringing the squad or making new friends. Go for a handcrafted house cocktail or opt for something from their extensive draft beer selection.
Oeste
(722-730 Clay St // Oakland)
Run by three born-and-bred East Bay women dedicated to classic hospitality, Oeste is a classy cafe by day and a swanky restaurant and bar once the sun goes down. We love the old-school ambiance of the 90-seat rooftop bar and a sustainably-sourced menu full of inspired Latin American and soul food dishes.
Aviation
(2470 1st St, 3rd Floor // Livermore)
Stop in for weekend brunch or a cocktail after work to enjoy Aviation's spectacular views. There's also DJs every Friday and Saturday to start your weekend on a high note.
Telefèric Barcelona
(1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd. // Walnut Creek)
This Walnut Creek hotspot's main draw is its insanely delicious tapas and paella, but its cocktails are hardly lacking either. Sip one on the second-floor patio just off the main dining room.
South Bay
The Loft Bar - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
(90 S. 2nd St. // San Jose)
Enjoy lunch, dinner, and drinks on The Loft's exquisite rooftop garden patio, which turns into a trendy lounge after dinner service ends the weekends. Daily happy hours, a substantial wine list, and scrumptious small plates keep us coming back.
Floodcraft Brewing
(777 The Alameda // San Jose)
What's a beautiful, sunny day out without a cold beer to match? Enjoy Floodcraft's 20+ craft brewskies with a view any day of the week. Their proximity to SAP Center also makes it the perfect pit-stop pre- or post-event.
North Bay
Mercantile Social and Terrace
(1450 1st St. // Napa)
Craft cocktails and locally sourced liquors reign supreme at this Napa hotel bar with a chic, stylish atmosphere and inviting fire pits. It's a pretty lively scene more often than not, so we recommend heading there after dinner to top the night off.
Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar
(1260 1st St. // Napa)
If you're looking for a place to take your happy hour to new heights, you've found it at this wine country-inspired rooftop retreat on the sixth floor of the Archer hotel complete with spectacular views of Napa and fire pits to cozy up next to.
