Renowned for its high hills and breathtaking views, there is no better place to take in the vistas than from a rooftop in San Francisco. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge, to the bay, and the city’s winding hills make this the ideal location to visit one, or all, of San Francisco’s top rooftop bars. Bask in the opportunity to dance and drink the night – or your life – away. When you need recommendations, check out these San Francisco rooftop spots that take date night to incredible new heights.
San Francisco can certainly get chilly, but that will not stop the fun or the views. Luckily for us all, San Francisco’s rooftop bars typically have heat lamps. Just in case you walk into one without one, we highly suggest you layer up as you embark on discovering all the San Franciso rooftops.
El Techo
Opening Hours
- Monday – Thursday 4 pm-10 pm
- Friday 4 pm-12 am
- Saturday 11 am-12 am
- Sunday 11 am-10 pm
This rooftop bar is among the most well-liked in San Francisco for several reasons:
- Since it is in the Mission, there is typically sunshine, even when most of the city is covered in fog.
- Thanks to some expansive city views, you can enjoy the sun while smiling at all the neighborhoods wrapped in the famous fog.
- Fish tacos, escabeche, empanadas, and other delicious Latin American street food are excellent for sharing and are ideal for groups of friends or dates, for that matter.
Filled with amazing views, warmth, and a great dining experience, what can we say, you’re welcome!
Opening Hours
- Sunday: 11 am-4 pm
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday-Wednesday: 4 pm-10 pm
- Thursday: 4 pm-11 pm
- Friday: 4 pm-12 am
- Saturday: 11 am-12 am
Your go-to place for late-night bites, after-work cocktails, and everything in between.
This new favorite patio bar and San Francisco’s best-kept secret, 620 Jones, is an urban sanctuary tucked away just a few blocks from the city center. The largest rooftop bar and lounge in San Francisco is located at 620 Jones, so it is more likely for you and yours to get a table. Although the outdoor space is technically on a rooftop, it is more of a patio located one story above street level in a fairly populated city area. As a result, you won’t get spectacular views of the city, but it is beautifully landscaped and home to numerous hummingbirds.
Picture credit: viceroy hotels Alt text: Dirty Habits Rooftop View
Opening Hours
- Monday-Saturday: 5 pm-10 pm
- Sunday: Closed
This chic and cozy retreat is a great place for an after work drink or evening cocktail. Located on the fifth floor of the Hotel Zelos San Francisco near Union Square.
The San Francisco rooftop restaurant features a scenic dining area with a noir theme and a wholly heated outside patio, inviting you to experience San Francisco’s wild side. Even though the views aren’t exceptionally expansive or panoramic, the open-air area is lovely enough to please the eyes.
The rooftop menu has a bar-centric concept and offers an inventive and creative range of artisan cocktails, rare spirits, and a good selection of wines. Gourmet light nibbles go well with the drinks.
Charmaine
Opening Hours
- Monday-Wednesday: 5 pm – 10 pm
- Thursday-Friday: 5 pm – 11 pm
- Saturday: 8 am-Midnight
- Sunday: 8 am- 10 pm
This rooftop features a quirky and colorful inner lounge and a large outdoor terrace. It is advertised as a location where “the vibrant flair of a European patio meets laid-back vibes of California cool.” Take in the breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline while relaxing around fire pits and comfortable lounge chairs.
Enjoy distinctive original drinks 120 feet above Market Street, elevated bar snacks, and appetizers created that are ideal for sharing.
Charmaine’s rooftop has an unexpectedly casual ambiance, given the opulent surroundings. Get cozy over the fire pits or enjoy the sunshine with a group of friends or dates.
Cityscape
Opening Hours:
- Monday & Sunday Closed
- Tuesday-Thursday 5 pm–10.30 pm
- Friday 4:30 pm–12 am
- Saturday 4:30 pm–12 am
Enjoy sweeping city views at Cityscape, San Francisco’s tallest rooftop bar. The views don’t get any better than here. You can see as far as your vision will allow, taking in the hills and everything else that reaches beyond the urban areas.
If you spend an hour and purchase a beverage in the evenings (from 5 to 6) or a delicious cocktail, you could qualify to win a one-night stay at the Hilton San Francisco. Good luck, friends!
Top of the Mark
Opening Hours
- Monday-Thursday 4:30 pm–11:30 pm
- Friday-Saturday 2:30 pm–12.:30 am
- Sunday 3:30 pm–10:30 pm
Honored by a diverse array of celebrities and dignitaries over the years, this San Francisco rooftop lounge on the 19th floor has been a hotspot for trademark martinis and inventive cocktails for the past 80 years.
As you enter the Intercontinental, don’t be shocked if you see servicemen taking part in the Squadron Shot, a custom from the time of the war. On the 19th floor, there is a bar with several spirits that can be enjoyed neat or, of course, to be used to make cocktails.
Regarding freshening up on history, we sincerely think you’ll find the experience to be the most fascinating. But after downing a few of the bartender’s suggested cocktails, you might not recall anything – cheers!
The View
Opening Hours:
- Monday, Thursday & Sunday-Closed
- Tuesday & Wednesday 4 pm–11 pm
- Friday & Saturday 4 pm–12 am
The sky is significantly brighter here on the Marriott Marquis’ 39th floor. The view is never blocked by the floor-to-ceiling arched windows on the sides. The notable “first come, first serve” life is real here, so make plans to arrive early. Small dishes, numerous wines to suit every taste, and powerful trademark cocktails are available at this place you should surely give a try.
And if you run out of ideas on what to do on a date, check out these Date Ideas You Should Never Miss.
B Restaurant & Bar
Opening Hours:
- Monday & Sunday:Closed
- Tuesday-Friday 11.30 am–9 pm
- Saturday 12 pm–6 pm
The size of the B is the only true drawback of this jewel. Why it has been overlooked for so long has not been made clear. Even though there isn’t much ocean scenery, the view of St. Pat’s, the Yerba Buena Gardens, and Downtown are impressive. Pitchers of beer that go with oysters and wings may be bought for reasonably low prices.
The Feisty Flirt is a fruity sugar explosion cocktail that will cool you off, while the Raise the Bluff is a rye whiskey-based beverage to perk you right up.
I hope these make it to your itinerary. Did your favorite place make the list? What did we miss? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Don’t forget to have a splendid time, and oh! Feel free to reference this list anytime.
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