5 San Francisco Cocktail Bars I’ve Loved in the Past Decade
Credit: China Live, Trick Dog, Horsefeather, PUNCH, The World’s 50 Best
From the disruptive impact of a global pandemic to the ongoing migration of Bay Area tech professionals to New York in our enduring coast-to-coast rivalry, San Francisco is a city that never stops evolving, yet some places stand the test of time.
After living in San Francisco for a decade, I've found a handful of cocktail bars that I find myself returning to time and time again. Here are five that I continue to recommend to out-of-town guests, and have earned a permanent spot in my rotation and heart.
1. True Laurel
True Laurel is one of those rare gems where you can enjoy a perfect cocktail at any time of the day. I’ve found myself there surprisingly (or unsurprisingly) more often during brunch hours than in the evenings – Their mixology skills are just that good around the clock. The daytime ambiance at True Laurel, combined with their expertly crafted cocktails, makes for an unforgettable experience of brunch with the girls, an impromptu date, or a small family gathering. Try the True Brew, which is essentially caffeinated Caffè Amaro, PX Sherry, and Cold Crème 16, paired with the Tocino Silog dish. Chef’s kiss.
2. Cold Drinks Bar
Nestled in Chinatown on the second floor of China Live, a bustling marketplace and Chinese restaurant hub, Cold Drinks Bar masterfully blends old-school Shanghai and San Francisco charm in a sophisticated and whispered environment. One standout is their Something Old Fashioned, where the main character is the Peking Duck Fat-Washed Glenmorangie X and is as decadent as it sounds. Last time I visited, I unapologetically ordered two.
3. Trick Dog
Trick Dog is turning 11 this year, but I don’t go there for the familiarity or comfort. At this bar, it’s about anticipating the shock value that each visit brings. Thanks to Trick Dog’s ever-changing menus that range from playful and irreverent to sharp-witted and just a bit too real (e.g. 2016 Trick Dog For President menu that poked fun at political slogans and controversies), they’re reminding you that their creativity is their legacy. It’s difficult to recommend a cocktail here, because it might not be on the menu tomorrow. Your best bet is to stop by as soon as doors open at 4 pm today.
4. The Buena Vista
The Buena Vista is a San Francisco classic that wraps you up in a warm hug. It's the kind of place where, on a chilly evening around 9 pm, you'll turn to whoever you’re with and say, "It’s cold. Should we go to Buena Vista?" Renowned for its iconic Irish coffee, this 108-year old bar offers a snug, nostalgic ambiance where seasoned bartenders, clad in white lab coats and ties, skillfully craft each drink. I recommend visiting with a group of people, because it’s worth it to witness these bartenders serve up six Irish coffees simultaneously with impressive speed.
5. Horsefeather
Horsefeather holds a special place in my heart, as it was the final stop my husband and I made on our first date. Whenever I return now, I find myself naturally eavesdropping on neighboring tables, sensing the nervous energy of other pairs on their first dates. The Horsefeather mood is alluring, with soft candlelight casting a warm glow over each table as the night unfolds. My go-to cocktail is the Ramblin’ Mandarin, a refreshing blend of hojicha, mandarin, and lime. Located on vibrant Divisadero Street, amidst peppy dance bars like Madrone Art Bar and arcade bars like Emporium, Horsefeather offers a welcome escape in the city’s nighttime flurry.