SF speakeasies are some of America's most precise — the 10 below show why.
Part of our 20 Best Speakeasies in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
Read the world list
The 10 best speakeasies in San Francisco
01 · San Francisco
Downtown
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Iconic · Former newspaper office
Iconic Downtown speakeasy in a former newspaper office.
Order: A pour of rare Bourbon
02 · San Francisco
Tenderloin
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Iconic · Password-only
Iconic Tenderloin password-only speakeasy.
Order: A precise Old Fashioned
03 · San Francisco
Financial District
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Iconic · Hidden
Iconic Financial District hidden speakeasy.
Order: A high-rye Manhattan
04 · San Francisco
Mission
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Iconic · Theme menus
Iconic Mission cocktail bar with rotating theme menus.
Order: A bartender's-choice signature
05 · San Francisco
Hayes Valley
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Iconic · 600 rums
Iconic Hayes Valley tiki speakeasy with 600+ rums.
Order: A Pirate's Punch
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06 · San Francisco
North Beach
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Iconic 1907 · Hidden
Iconic 1907 North Beach saloon speakeasy.
Order: A Bourbon Old Fashioned
07 · San Francisco
Fort Mason
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Iconic · Time-philosophy
Iconic Fort Mason time-philosophy library speakeasy.
Order: A drink referencing the Bronze Age
08 · San Francisco
North Beach
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Iconic · Hidden
Iconic North Beach hidden speakeasy.
Order: A high-rye Manhattan
09 · San Francisco
SoMa
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Iconic · Whisky speakeasy
Iconic SoMa whisky speakeasy.
Order: A pour of rare Speyside
10 · San Francisco
Embarcadero
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Iconic · American whisky
Charles Phan's iconic Embarcadero American whisky speakeasy.
Order: A pour of rare Bourbon
More San Francisco speakeasiesThe full San Francisco speakeasy index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How to find a speakeasy in San Francisco
The 10 above are where San Francisco hides its best cocktails — behind phone booths, fridges, bookcases, and unmarked doors. The point is the secret. The reward is the cocktail on the other side.
