Ten San Francisco bars our editors book for NYE — countdown rooms, midnight pours, sensible cover charges.
New Year's Eve in San Francisco divides into two camps: the venues that double their cover charge and triple the drink prices, and the venues that quietly run a great evening at honest rates because they have always done so. Our editors only recommend the second category. These ten bars in San Francisco are the ones our team books for our own New Year's Eve, and the cover charges below are what we paid the last time we went.
Our San Francisco New Year's Eve picks, in order
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 New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Bourbon & Branch (in Tenderloin) the speakeasy manhattan arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. 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 New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Top of the Mark sits in Nob Hill, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
True Laurel sits in Mission, and the laurel spritz is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Pacific Cocktail Haven in Tenderloin, the pch mai tai arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: PCH Mai Tai
The full San Francisco guideEvery bar category, every neighbourhood. Our complete San Francisco guide covers cocktail bars, rooftops, hidden gems and more across the city.
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.
At 15 Romolo in North Beach, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Smuggler's Cove (in Hayes Valley) the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Comstock Saloon sits in Jackson Square, and the comstock old fashioned arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
At Third Rail Bar in Dogpatch, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: Third Rail Negroni
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More Rooftop Bars in San FranciscoThe full editor-curated list of Rooftop Bars in San Francisco, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
NYE is the one night where booking three months ahead is not an overreaction. Most rooms on this list confirm bookings from October. Two practical notes. Confirm whether your booking includes a midnight pour — most do not, and a £25 surcharge appears at 11.45pm. And ask whether the table is yours for the night or whether it turns at 11pm. The honest venues will tell you straight.
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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