These are San Francisco’s 10 best rooftop bars

What is it? Perched 17 stories above SoMa, Cavaña is the kind of rooftop bar that lives up to the hype—and the view. With the Bay Bridge sparkling on one side and sunsets spilling behind Twin Peaks on the other, they can pack it in.

Why we love it: Beyond the skyline and Instagrammable angles, Cavaña is special for its exceptional cocktails and Latin American soul. The space hums with warmth and rhythm, from leafy patios and firepits to its curated playlists. But it’s the tight cocktail menu, led by two brothers (beverage director Emilio Salehi with bar manager Miguel Salehi) that keep it delicious.

Their creations weave through Latin America. Their Caipirinha is the best in town (and in the state!), taking more than a little inspiration from a classic Ti Punch, but hitting all the notes of Brazil’s national cocktail. Lime peel essence and oils with just a touch of lime juice and sugar let the cachaça shine, smartly served on crushed ice so it’s still refreshing. The bold Banano wows with layers from Santa Teresa 1796 rum, Havana Club rum, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, banana milk, PX sherry and a cold brew coffee float. Their silky, milk-clarified Kiwi cocktail showcases Lost Explorer mezcal espadin, Singani 63 Bolivian brandy, kiwi, hoja santa, Chareau aloe liqueur and lime. Come for the skyline, stay for the Caipirinha.

Time Out tip: Chef Edwin Bayone III pays tribute to countries from Mexico to Peru with a playful spirit in dishes like in his on-point birria, arepas or pork Milanesa torta. Veggies shine in dishes like queso con calabaza, a dish of burrata, mole-spiced honeynut squash, chicories, pomegranate, pumpkin seed butter and crumbled sweet potato chips.

Address: 100 Channel St 17th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158
Opening hours: Sun–Thu 4pm–midnightam; Fri, Sat 4pm–1am
Expect to pay: Cocktails run $15–$22 and dishes $15–$28

What is it? Atop the 21st floor of the Beacon Grand, Starlite is a rebirthed, all new homage to the historic Harry Denton’s Starlight Room in the same space of a 1928 hotel.

Why we love it: Shimmering SF skyline and Bay views from the 21st floor of the Beacon Grand hotel are unforgettable, tying together SF’s past in a way with present day relevance. Gay icon Harry Denton’s parties, drag shows, cocktails and dancing in this very space made him a nightlife impresario and fashion legend who defined eras like the 1970s and ‘80s in SF. While it’s not quite the same party without him, this gorgeous, expansive space is one he would have loved. The new Starlite soothes with velvets, dark green and mustard yellow, contrasted with zebra prints, vibrant floral prints and hints of hot pink—both tasteful and bold. Elevated bar food is a good time, from hot chicken bao buns to Irish whiskey donuts. Even Tartine sourdough toast laden with stracciatella, preserved lemon and za’atar spices is more memorable than it sounds.

Cocktails are created by Scott Baird, who cofounded Trick Dog over a decade ago, but has created many bar menus since and runs the charming burgers-and-beyond roadhouse that wins over gourmands, Jimbo’s Win Win, up in Mendocino County. His Starlite menu tributes SF bartenders and storied drinks in a fresh way, like bar pioneer Tony Abou-Ganim’s modern classic Cable Car cocktail created at Harry Denton’s in the 1990s. Baird’s Cable Car includes “Karl the Fog,” a Muir Woods-inspired, forest-scented “fog” that rolls over the drink when poured tableside. Or the elegant Tulip Martini of strawberry-infused gin, Manzanilla sherry, Mommenpop Lime aperitif and Cocchi Americano Rosa.

Time Out tip: Starlite is a multipurpose and moods kind of bar. Swing by solo or for impress-a-date aperitif hour taking in the sunset, for rounds with friends or grooving to chill DJs into the night.

Address: 450 Powell St, 21st Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102
Opening hours: Thu 4pm–1am; Fri, Sat 4pm–2am; Sun 4pm–midnight
Expect to pay: $16–$22 per cocktail (the majority are $18) and $14–$24 per dish.

What is it? Hidden on an upstairs courtyard facing a fountain flanked by high-rises, Venetian cicchetti (bar snacks)-inspired Bar Sprezzatura is a cocktail destination and one of the sexiest bars and dining rooms in the city.

Why we love it: I don’t use sexy casually. Bar Sprezzatura’s (affectionately dubbed Bar Sprz) all-day space transports to Paris or Venice in a glass-walled dining room marked by tan and soft blue velvet chairs and couches and Parisian-esque street lamps. It might

not seem like a rooftop bar but being on the top floor of a massive parking garage under towering buildings above, it’s a unique indoor-outdoor respite.

From day into night, it’s seductive, alluring and warm, with service from a gracious, tight team that includes Italian expats like SF bar pioneer Carlo Splendorini, Raymundo Delgado and chef Joseph Offner.

Offner’s winning cicchetti bites, crudo, pastas, salads and decadence like Stracci & Caviar (Caviar Co. caviar atop stracciatella cheese with pears, asparagus and cured egg yolk) set the tone. Splendorini, Delgado and team’s cocktails are gorgeous, from creative Negronis and spritzes to elevated classics and house cocktails. In true Venetian form, some drinks come with cicchetti to pair with. Expect fun like Tutto Fumo, a cocktail of Parmigiano-Reggiano rind-washed Manojo Mezcal with apricot, Calabrian chilies, honey, lemon and frothy egg whites. Or thoughtful non-alcoholic cocktails and a deep, regional Italian wine list.

Time Out tip: Spirits lovers like me lose their mind for vintage spirits. Bar Sprz has a whole selection, from 1960s–1980s amari to vintage vermouth. Order a vintage Negroni made with historic spirits to taste what it would have tasted like decades past.

Address: One Maritime Plaza #100, San Francisco 94111
Opening hours: Mon–Wed 11am–9pm; Thu, Fri 11am– 10pm; Sat 4–10pm
Expect to pay: Cocktails run $14–$24; $5–$32 dishes

What is it? KAIYŌ Restaurant & Bar and KAIYO Rooftop is a double duo with two different vibes: the more chill Peruvian restaurant and sushi bar downstairs with James Beard semifinalist Danny Louie’s fascinating culinary cocktails, and then a party-with-a-view rooftop bar with easy-drinking cocktails and Peruvian food.

Why we love it: From Brick x Brick Hospitality Group, ground-level KAIYŌ in SoMa’s Hyatt Place is calmer, more intimate and a haven for Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine, sushi (with a tiny sushi bar) and the aforementioned standout cocktails from legendary bartender Danny Louie, bar director across the group. The rooftop is a different game. Friendly doormen lead you to an elevator that takes you straight to the 12th floor where shimmering views run from the nearby Giants’ Oracle ballpark to massive booths gazing across the SF skyline and Bay Bridge.  

Wander from a pop art mural by local Jeff Carnie to tables in front of a TV wall broadcasting pristine blue water, waterfalls and greenery or a covered bar area where game-goers and friends gather for refreshing cocktails like Kiiro, combining Barsol pisco, white rum, miso, lemon, mint, absinthe, lime and yuzu soda. Or the popular Cobra, served in a white tiki-esque mug of a woman’s face, a blend of Roku gin, velvet falernum, matcha coconut cream, lemon, passionfruit, Angostura bitters and aji amarillo pepper bitters.

Pair the crushable drinks with ceviches, veggie and sushi rolls (like their torched beef lomo saltado roll), aji de gallina mac and cheese, chicken katsu sandos and sashimi (I do miss their tiradito, Nikkei-style sashimi dishes, no longer on menu). 

Time Out tip: Brunch is a highlight on weekends. Under soaring skies, crush a Mango Mambo (mezcal, mango, honey, serrano chili, lime, cava) with edamame avocado toast, Japanese milk bread creme brulee French toast or crab and scallop rolls.

Address: 701 3rd St, 1st Floor and 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94107
Opening hours: Restaurant & Bar: Tue–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm; Sun 5–9pm
Rooftop: Mon 4–10pm; Tue–Thu 4–11pm; Fri 4pm–1am; Sat 11am-–1am; Sun 11am–10pm
Expect to pay: Restaurant & Bar: Cocktails run $18–$20; $6–$48 dishes
Rooftop: Cocktails run $16–$19; $9–$38 dishes

What is it? Rise Over Run has been through big changes since launching in the striking flatiron Serif building. Remaining from its hipster LINE SF hotel origins, the rooftop solarium and garden-lined patio with killer views still draws in locals and travelers alike.

Why we love it: The LINE SF closed late 2024 when the Mid-Market hotel morphed into the Timbri Hotel San Francisco, Curio Collection by Hilton. Sleek, modern design still defines the curved, futuristic hotel, while downstairs’ elevated Dark Bar remains from the LINE days. On the 12th-floor rooftop, Rise Over Run’s (RoR) enclosed area looks like an inviting greenhouse surrounded by a greenery-lined patio.

While RoR’s food is a more straightforward menu and cocktail quality is in flux as the new Timbri/Hilton ownership settles in, thankfully longtime SF bar master Danny Louie (of Brick x Brick Hospitality Group) is still consulting on Dark Bar’s intricate cocktails, with easy drinkers upstairs. The bar’s sheltered solarium lets the views in, while the patio is cradled by downtown views as ideal over sunny brunch as with cocktails at twinkling dusk.

Cocktails like Szechuan of a Kind (tequila, green Szechuan peppercorn, plum kernel, mint, almond and citrus) or Latitude (mezcal, peanut, chili, passion fruit, chrysanthemum, lime) go down easy, while Tuk Tuk Julius is an irresistible crowd-pleaser of rum, vodka, Thai tea, mandarin, citrus and cream, like a boozy Orange Julius by way of Thailand. 

Time Out tip: From the LINE SF days, former chef Joe Hou’s (now chef de cuisine at Michelin-starred Angler) popular fried chicken and biscuits remain, served with a sauce quartet of “secret” Korean hot spice, mustard BBQ, herbed ranch and chili sauce. So does his Royale…with Cheese, a double quarter pounder burger on brioche bun loaded with bread and butter pickles, caramelized onions and American and Monterey Jack cheeses.

Address: 33 Turk St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Opening hours: Sun–Wed 4–10pm; Thu–Sat 4–11pm; Sat, Sun 10am–2pm
Expect to pay: Cocktails run $17–$19; $12–$38 dishes

What is it? Charmaine’s gorgeous design is a mishmash of prints (colorful flowers, houndstooth and beyond) contrasting blues and rosy pinks in a flow of open-air rooms that lead onto an expansive outdoor patio lined with black-and-white-striped chairs, pink flowers in vases and firepits.

Why we love it: From its perch atop the eclectic-elegant SF Proper Hotel, Charmaine’s is a striking rooftop escape that delivers panoramic city views, cocktails from Bon Vivants Hospitality (the team behind SF’s lauded Trick Dog bar) and elevated bar fare from acclaimed chef Jason Fox (formerly of Michelin-starred Commonwealth).

Fox brings finesse to everything from brunch to late-night bites, whether vegan roasted eggplant dip laced with fennel soffritto, vegan feta and shishito peppers, or sliders oozing with kimchee Thousand Island dressing and cheddar cheese. Charmaine’s is chill and relaxing in the early hours. Come evening, though, the vibe can shift to sultry or festive, depending on the night, with DJs spinning and firepits flickering across the greenery-bordered patio.

Cocktails include the likes of the Proper Cup, a play on a classic Pimm’s Cup with Pimm’s, gin, strawberry, mint, ginger, cucumber, lemon, lime, seltzer and a touch of absinthe. Settle in indoors or out with ample space to linger, whether soaking in the sunset or watching twinkling lights stretch down Market Street. 

Time Out tip: Trend-seeking espresso martini drinkers (and those in need of a caffeine boost), try the Spotted Civet, a cocktail of Flor de Caña 12 year rum, Amaro Montenegro, Mr. Black Cold Brew Liqueur, cold brew coffee, black sesame and salt.

Address: Proper Hotel Rooftop, 1100 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–11pm, Fri 5pm–midnight, Sat 4pm–midnight, Sun 4–11pm
Expect to pay: Cocktails run $16–$19; $5–$27 dishes

What is it? From the crew behind the iconic Liholiho Yacht Club, Good Good Culture Club (GGCC) is a festive celebration of Southeast Asian flavors in creative form with a rooftop that feels like being whisked to Bangkok (minus the heat).

Why we love it: Liholiho chef-owner Ravi Kapur—with business partner Jeff Hanak—runs this bustling Mission District spot with chefs Kevin Keovanpheng and Brett Shaw. The menu is lively and bold, whether laab tuna tataki with kumquat kosho, mandarinquit (hybrid citrus), charred allium oil, mango-pina ponzu sauce and toasted rice powder, or catfish and Manila clams green curry packed with kohlrabi root, snap peas and cilantro. All showcase California ingredients and a forward-thinking ethos with vibrant Asian flavors.

The rooftop is the most fun seat in the house, laden with plants, colorful with blues and peachy-pinks. This tropical fantasia feels like being transported to a hip rooftop in Asia with laid-back SF vibes under string lights and palms. With rounds of chicken egg roll–stuffed wings and thoughtful, funky California wines, it feels like a party. 

Bar director Sean Kelley adds to the beer, wine, sake and NA list with cocktails that pair with the food. Think lychee jelly martinis inspired by a classic Vesper with lychee fruit balanced by dry sherry. Or the tiki-inspired Sailor Venus, a melange of pineapple-infused rum, passion fruit and citrus over crushed ice.

Backed by a savvy natural wine list and ethically sourced spirits, GGCC is more than a night out: It’s a celebration of heritage, hospitality and hedonism, best enjoyed on the engaging rooftop.

Time Out tip: Waits can be long for a table so get there early to put your name sans reservation, then get drinks nearby at retro-cool the Beehive, classic SF saloon Elixir or drink industry hang ABV while you wait.

Address: 3560 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9pm, Fri, Sat 5–9:30pm
Expect to pay: Cocktails run $15–$18; $8–$37 dishes

What is it? Hidden above lively 9th Avenue, a block from Golden Gate Park in the Inner Sunset, Fiorella’s intimate rooftop is one of San Francisco’s locals’ “secrets,” with a retractable roof, depending on weather, plus tiny Bar Nonnina rentable for private parties.

Why we love it: Fiorella’s cozy downstairs dining room is ever-packed around a wood-burning fireplace as wood-fired pizzas and pastas flow from the kitchen. Reserve ahead for an upstairs table under string lights and a retractable roof for dishes like citrus and stracciatella salad, Zuckerman’s asparagus pie (a pizza laden with green garlic-potato cream, chili flakes, fontina and Montasio cheese, and pickled spring onions) or housemade rigatoncini bolognese. 

As the only one of the four Fiorella locations with a rooftop, the Sunset outpost is also the only one with a wee hidden bar, Bar Nonnina, reservable for private parties with a vintage Italian mural, marble bar and glowing chandelier. 

The menu includes zero proof, spritz and seasonal sections, with seasonal cocktails like Through the Garden for Spring, mixing Moletto Gin, olive brine, olive bitters, lime peel and balsamic cherry tomato. On the regular cocktail menu, expect crushers like a Sicilian Sour (bourbon, lemon, simple syrup, Lambrusco wine float, king ice cube) or vegetal-bitter fun like Negroni Salad (arugula and basil-infused gin, Aperol, sweet vermouth, lemon, celery bitters).

Time Out tip: Reserve ahead for the popular weekend brunch (or Friday lunch) with additional weekend brunch items like a “Pizza Bianca” breakfast sandwich packed with scrambled eggs, white cheddar, Calabrian chile aioli and bacon or breakfast sausage, paired with brunch Bloody Marys or espresso martinis.

Address: 1240 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5–9pm; Wed–Fri 11:30am–2:30pm; Fri 5–10pm;
Sat, Sun 11am–2:30pm; Sat 4:30–10pm; Sun 4:30–9pm
Expect to pay: Cocktails run $14–$16; dishes $9–$26

What is it? Above the Westfield Valley Fair mall in Eataly Silicon Valley is an unexpected oasis for handmade pastas, legit Italian food, wines and cocktails. And… it’s open-air on a sunny rooftop.

Why we love it: Atop bustling Eataly Silicon Valley sits Terra, the rooftop jewel of a gourmand’s Italian food hall. This design-forward, open-air haven flows effortlessly from tables lined with fresh flowers and greenery to a plant-draped patio kissed by the California sun.

Yes, the outdoor terrace rests above a parking lot, but once you’re here—with a balanced cocktail in hand and a breeze brushing through the greenery—you feel worlds away from a mall or even Silicon Valley. At night, the patio’s string lights glow, as do the ceiling plant-strewn dining room and bar.

The food is no slouch either. Handmade pastas like cavatelli al ragù di terra—coal-fired beef and pork ragu over handmade noodles—coexist with regional Italian specialities, heirloom carrots in pistachio pesto, spiedini (skewers) of meat, whole branzino fish or porcini-rubbed, bone-in rib-eye steak. 

The cocktail program is unexpectedly good for a chain store, while the wine list signifies the glories of the bottle shop one floor down, showcasing many Italian regions. Build-your-own gin and tonics sparkle with herbal garnishes, while Oaxacan Bird plays on a classic tiki Jungle Bird cocktail, but with mezcal, grilled pineapple syrup, Campari, lime and a chile salt rim. Refreshers like a Limoncello Sour (gin, Pallini Limoncello, egg white, lemon, mint) are perfect for typical warm days.

This is an unexpected suburban respite in an area that can be a struggle for good food and drink. Whether you’re dining for brunch, sipping drinks at sunset or dancing on a DJ’ed Friday night, Terra is more than just a mall restaurant—it’s a slice of Italy, California-style. 

Time Out tip: Come winter, the rooftop transforms. ALPINA is Terra’s cool-weather alter ego, channeling the après-ski charm of Italy’s Alto Adige with fur throws, plaid wallpaper and tablecloths, hot toddies and a polenta bar.

Address: 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 10am–10pm; Sun 10am–9:30pm
Expect to pay: Cocktails run $14–$19; dishes $10–$49

What is it? Hidden on the fifth floor of Hotel Zelos, a few blocks from Union Square, Dirty Habit is a solid downtown spot with an unexpected center patio that’s a hideaway from the bustle of the streets below.

Why we love it: While Ross Dress for Less and a Levi’s store may anchor the street below—and the massive Moscone Center is just around the corner—Dirty Habit offers the option for a rooftop reverie inside a hotel, a respite from the buzzy hum of the streets outside. The restaurant is dim yet expansive, with black leather couches and tables, serving straightforward comfort food like fish and chips or a fancy burger alongside Yukon Gold potato gnocchi marked by Delicata squash, pancetta and sage.

But step outside and the mood shifts. The center terrace unfolds like a secret garden lined with couches, firepits, sofas and soothing bamboo. Cocktails may include standard classics, like a Paloma or modern-day classic Penicillin, but even their Dirty Habit Manhattan is scaled up with Michter’s Rye Whiskey and Laphroaig 10 year Scotch whisky.

In fact, this is a whisk(e)y-lovers respite offering over 640 varieties. But there is plenty beyond whiskies with drinks like the Hyppolyta, a mix of Still Gin, Cointreau, lemon, strawberry agave and pear brandy. Or on the NA side, Lavender Lie combines Ritual Alcohol-free “tequila,” lavender syrup, lemon, grapefruit juice and butterfly pea flower.

This is a strong option for groups or pre-and post-shopping or SFMOMA museum visits. 

Time Out tip: Historically, they offer special events like movie nights in the enclosed, open-air walls of the large patio.

Address: 12 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 4–11pm; daily breakfast 7–11am
Expect to pay: Cocktails run $14–$16; dishes $10–$42