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, it’s one spectacular bar—with food and drink to actually keep up with the view.
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 color and rhythm, from leafy patios and firepits to curated playlists. But it’s the tight cocktail menu, led by twin brothers—beverage director Emilio Salehi and bar manager Miguel Salehi—that anchors Cavaña.
Their creations weave through Latin America. Their Caipirinha is the best in (most any) town, 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 grassy and 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: a lesson in layers.
Time Out tip: Chef Edwin Bayone III pays tribute to countries from Mexico to Peru with joy in dishes like in his on-point birria, arepas or pork Milanesa torta. Veggies shine in dishes like queso con calabaza, or burrata with mole-spiced honeynut squash, chicories, pomegranate, pumpkin seed butter and crumbled sweet potato chips.
Address: 100 Channel St 17th Floor, San Francisco, 94158
Opening hours: Sun–Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 4pm–1am
Expect to pay: Cocktails run $15–$22, dishes $15–$28