SF's rooftop scene is shaped by the city's hills, fog and bay. The 10 below show how SF makes elevation worth the visit. Most are hotel rooftops with iconic skyline or bay views.
Part of our 50 Best Rooftop Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best rooftop bars in San Francisco
01 · San Francisco
Mid-Market
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Hotel rooftop · Modern
On top of the Proper Hotel. Modern rooftop with Kelly Wearstler design and sweeping SF views.
Order: A signature cocktail with the panorama
02 · San Francisco
Nob Hill
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Hotel bar · 19th floor
At the InterContinental Mark Hopkins. The historical SF skyline bar — opened 1939.
Order: A martini in the historic room
03 · San Francisco
Hilton Union Square
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46th floor · Glass walls
On the 46th floor of Hilton Union Square. Floor-to-ceiling windows in every direction.
Order: A drink with the panorama
04 · San Francisco
Mission
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Mexican rooftop · Patio
Mexican-leaning Mission rooftop. Casual atmosphere, mezcal-deep program.
Order: A mezcal cocktail on the rooftop
05 · San Francisco
SoMa
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39th floor · Marriott
On the 39th floor of San Francisco Marriott Marquis. Sweeping SoMa views.
Order: A cocktail with the skyline
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06 · San Francisco
Tenderloin
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Outdoor patio · Garden
Tenderloin garden bar. More patio than rooftop, but the outdoor drinking experience is one of SF's best.
Order: A negroni in the garden
07 · San Francisco
SoMa
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Restaurant rooftop · SoMa
On top of 25 Lusk restaurant. Sweeping SoMa view.
Order: A signature cocktail at sunset
08 · San Francisco
Hotel Zelos
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Hotel rooftop · Modern
On top of Hotel Zelos. Modern rooftop with strong cocktail program.
Order: A martini with the city below
09 · San Francisco
Sir Francis Drake
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Hotel rooftop · Modern
On top of the Sir Francis Drake hotel. Modern rooftop with Union Square views.
Order: A house cocktail at sunset
10 · San Francisco
Mission
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Arcade rooftop · Casual
Mission arcade-bar with rooftop section. Casual, no reservations, summer-only.
Order: A craft beer + the Mission view
How SF rooftops fight the fog
Charmaine's at the Proper is the modern reference. Top of the Mark is the historical one. Most peak between 6 and 8 PM (before the fog rolls in).
