What is it? Atop the 21st floor of the Beacon Grand, Starlite is rebirthed, all new yet an homage to the historic Harry Denton’s Starlight Room on the top floor of the 1928 hotel.
Why we love it: The shimmering SF skyline and Bay views from the 21st floor stand with the world’s best hotel bars with a view, tying together SF’s past with today. Gay icon Harry Denton’s parties, drag shows, cocktails and dancing in this space made him a nightlife impresario and fashion legend who helped define the 1970s and ‘80s across SF (and soon after here at Starlite). While it’s not quite the same without him, the stunning space feels like one he would have loved.
Recalling his leopard shoes when I’d run into him in the elevator before he passed away, the new Starlite soothes with velvets, dark green and mustard yellows, shaking it up contrasted with zebra prints, vibrant florals and hints of hot pink. It’s tasteful and memorable. Best of all, the food and drink is better than it’s ever been with elevated bar food from a killer smashburger to a burrata toast that’s far better than it sounds.
Cocktails are by Scott Baird, who cofounded Trick Dog over a decade ago and has created many bar menus since—and runs the fantastic Mendocino County roadhouse, Jimbo’s Win Win. His Starlite menu pays tribute to SF bartenders and storied drinks in a fresh way, including bar pioneer Tony Abou-Ganim, who created the modern classic Cable Car cocktail 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.
Time Out tip: Starlite is a multi-purpose and moods kind of bar. Swing by solo or for impress-a-date aperitif hour taking in the sunset, group fun with food or grooving to chill DJs into the night.
Address: 450 Powell St, 21st Floor, San Francisco, 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.