Ten San Francisco bars our editors recommend for February 14 — without a forced two-hour table or a red rose surcharge.
Valentine's Day is when most San Francisco bars suspend their normal menu and replace it with a four-course set lunch that requires a deposit. The picks below are different. These ten San Francisco venues run Valentine's Day the way they run any other Friday — great cocktails, normal pricing, an honest welcome — which is exactly what makes them better Valentine's bars than the ones charging double.
The San Francisco bars our editors send Valentine's Day bookings to
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.
In Mission, Trick Dog the house negroni arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
15 Romolo sits in North Beach, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Pacific Cocktail Haven (in Tenderloin) the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Mission, ABV the abv house manhattan arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Western Addition, State Bird Provisions Bar the bird negroni is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Smuggler's Cove (in Hayes Valley) the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Hawaii Five-O
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.
Rich Table (in Hayes Valley) the rich manhattan arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Bourbon & Branch sits in Tenderloin, and the speakeasy manhattan arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At True Laurel in Mission, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Jackson Square, Comstock Saloon the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: Comstock Old Fashioned
Weekly editorial
The bars worth going to, weekly.
One email per week. The bars our editors are recommending right now, across 72 cities worldwide.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
More Cocktail Bars in San FranciscoThe full editor-curated list of Cocktail Bars in San Francisco, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
Two Valentine's Day notes. Book a 6.30pm or 9.30pm slot — the 7-9pm window is overrun. And ignore venues that require pre-paid set menus on Feb 14; the cocktail bars on this list do not, and the experience is better for it.
Other seasonal San Francisco guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual San Francisco occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
Reach San Francisco bar-goers when they are deciding.
Sponsored placements on this article, on the San Francisco city guide, and across the barsforKings network. Contact us to put your bar in front of the right audience.
