Ten San Francisco bars confirmed open on December 25 — the rooms editors actually go to when the family lunch is over.
Christmas Day is the hardest reservation in the bar calendar. Most of San Francisco closes; the rooms that stay open are the ones run by people who do not have anywhere else to be. Our editors spent three Decembers calling managers to confirm hours, double-checking on December 24, and crossing off every venue that uses 'open' loosely. These are the ten San Francisco bars our editors trust to be pouring on Christmas Day.
Where the editors drink on Christmas Day in San Francisco
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
At Trick Dog in Mission, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
True Laurel sits in Mission, and the laurel spritz arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At ABV in Mission, the abv house manhattan is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Pacific Cocktail Haven sits in Tenderloin, and the pch mai tai is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Bourbon & Branch sits in Tenderloin, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In North Beach, 15 Romolo the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Romolo Sour
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More San Francisco rooms confirmed for December 25
These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
Smuggler's Cove sits in Hayes Valley, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Anvil Bar & Refuge sits in Mission, and the anvil whiskey sour is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Comstock Saloon (in Jackson Square) the comstock old fashioned is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Third Rail Bar sits in Dogpatch, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: Third Rail Negroni
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Three Christmas Day rules. Call the day before to reconfirm — even venues with published hours sometimes close last-minute. Tip cash, the staff are giving up their own day. And book the early slot, not the late one — the kitchen usually closes by 9pm even at venues that say they are open until midnight.
Other seasonal San Francisco guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual San Francisco occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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