Bars in San Francisco with Actually Good Food
Because drinking on an empty stomach is not good for you, right?
Key Klub
New American plates are served alongside natural wines and draft beers at this casual bar and restaurant in Nob Hill, no reservations required. The menu features high quality dishes like burrata with firebrand toast, crab cake arancini, charred broccolini and feta, funghi fries poutine, buttermilk fried chicken tenders, grown up grilled cheese, and a burger. It is the perfect weeknight or weekend outing for wine, beer, and bites.
Horsefeather
A casual neighborhood cocktail bar on Divisadero Street with a beautifully designed wood interior, covered outdoor patio filled with plants, and parklet. Cocktails are modern and cool with fresh ingredients and house-made syrups. New American food offerings are delicious, available both as full meals and shareable plates, such as marinated castelvetrano olives, duck fat fries, deviled eggs, roasted cauliflower, double cheeseburger, two-piece fried chicken, handmade corn tortilla tacos, and more. Reservations are highly recommended for a table via OpenTable. Don’t miss out on their brunch experience as well!
Balboa Cafe
This popular Marina bar is not just for people-watching and drinks. Since 1913, Balboa Cafe has served as one of San Francisco’s oldest restaurants where it started as a working-man’s saloon. Now, it is a special neighborhood establishment where people from all over the Bay Area and beyond come for community and menu classics like the Balboa Burger on a baguette, the Wednesday Chicken Paillard special, and the famed Espressotini. I also recommend the ahi tuna cones, chimichurri fries, and roasted salmon. Balboa Cafe remains a timeless destination for those seeking a taste of San Francisco nostalgia.
Roaming Goat
Cozy wine bar in Cow Hollow serving Armenian, Georgian, and Mediterranean wines and dishes. They are open Wednesday through Sunday, with brunch service on the weekends. My recommended menu items are the trio of hummus, labneh, and mahammara spreads, marinated Greek olives, goat cheese stuffed dates, seared halloumi cheese with truffled honey, potato wedges with garlic dipping sauce, and kebab options like crispy octopus, chicken, and lamb. I like this spot for a weeknight outing and for their unique wine selection.
Macondray
A chic cocktail den in the Upper Polk neighborhood serving delicious fruity cocktails, natural wine, local beer, and small plates inspired by the Northeast United States. Lush plants fill the space and make it feel very fresh and inviting. Outdoor parklet seating is great for a sunny San Francisco day. Happy hour is everyday with great drink and food deals. Food menu standouts are the soft pretzel with honey mustard, buffalo chicken wings, pier fries, brussels sprouts, classic Caesar salad, mac and cheese, fried chicken tenders, Macondray burger, and brownie sundae.
Woods Lowside
Located in the heart of Lower Haight neighborhood, this airy and spacious space is filled with greenery and an extensive collection of natural wines, Woods beer, and Detroit-style Joyride Pizza. They also have an outdoor seating area perfect for dog owners. Who doesn’t love a wine and pizza combo?
ABV
Delicious food, high quality cocktails, wine, and more at this Mission neighborhood bar. No reservations, open everyday from 4PM to 2AM and the kitchen closes at 12AM — perfect for your late night cravings. Some of my favorite menu items include fried cauliflower with harissa aioli, ricotta toast with poached pear, ABV burger, chicken tacos, and gulf shrimp tacos. The location is lively and fun surrounded by many other restaurants and bars.
Bar Jabroni
Sister spot to the acclaimed Palm City Wines in the Sunset neighborhood is Bar Jabroni, which calls itself a restaurant disguised as a bar. The vibes are fun and casual, but the beverage offerings are top-tier and the food will surprise and delight you. It is a small spot, so expect a wait if you are with a large group looking for drinks. Bar is first come, first served. Reservations are recommended if you are also purchasing food. Open Tuesday through Saturday 5-11PM, and kitchen closes at 10PM. Food items of note include house focaccia with whole milk ricotta, grilled romanesco cauliflower, pappardelle with mushroom ragu, black cod pil pil, and buttermilk black sesame cake.
