San Francisco's Best Hotel Bar

Posh professionals unwind with down-tempo grooves at the Phoenix Hotel’s poolside lounge.

Reviews:

• “Slow customer service, Ripped off. "
• “Only go if you want vermon with your overpriced drinks!”
• “Cool Atmosphere”
• “Chiq lounge”
• “loves it”

Tips: Dine at Bambuddha to avoid paying a cover charge (often $10 or more, enforced Friday-Saturday).

Bambuddha Lounge

The Sir Francis Drake Hotel’s lobby bar plays on its Prohibition-era history with 1920s-inspired cocktails.

Reviews:

• “Best Hotel Bar”

Tips: Try their signature Manhattan, made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, port, Angostura bitters and maple syrup.

Bar Drake or email Bar Drake

Visiting celebs and locals who love them drop serious cash at the Clift’s showpiece bar.

Reviews:

• “the good and bad”
• “Good to be posh!”
• “Cliche’”
• “Great time”
• “Super Fabulous”

Tips: Score coveted couch space by making reservations: (415) 929-2344. Otherwise, the Family Room section of the hotel lobby allows drinks and provides ample, comfy seating (no reservations needed).

Redwood Room

Fairmont Hotel’s tiki bar is a “Pirates of the Caribbean” for grown-ups.

Reviews:

• “love this place – and its retro style”
• “Wow! This place is really tacky.”
• “Poor Drinks, Bad Service, Incredible Decor, Astonishing Prices”
• “bad valet parking”
• “Overrated”

Tips: Umbrella-laden intoxications include the “Takes Two to Mango” and a “Zombie,” which comes in a miniature Easter Island head.

The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar or email The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

A trendy SOMA lobby bar for the rich, the famous and the almost famous.

Reviews:

• “Poor service”
• “fun”
• “Fun, trendy, wide variety of people”
• “great service, wonderful bar, nice ambience”
• “Best for Dates”

Tips: The neighborhood isn’t particularly welcoming for stumbling home drunk in the wee hours. Get a taxi or room.

XYZ Bar or email XYZ Bar

East meets West at this funky Theater District restaurant-lounge.

Reviews:

• “Best place in town”
• “Great bar menu”
• “Atmosphere is fine, but service is bad”
• “Most Disappointing Breakfast in SFO”
• “Friendly Staff, Plenty of Variety”

Tips: Monday through Friday 4:30pm-6pm features half price bar appetizers and discounted specialty drinks.

Ponzu

Moneyed professionals party high-rise style at the Sir Francis Drake hotel’s luxurious lounge.

Reviews:

• “I used to work close by.. "
• “Sunday is a Drag!!!!!”
• “The Bouncers are Total Losers”
• “Pretty View and Decor……..”
• “LAME-O”

Tips: Table reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. To book a table (available for 10 people or less), call at least three to four days in advance.

Harry Denton’s Starlight Room or email Harry Denton’s Starlight Room

Stay in style at this luxurious hotel, convenient to the Financial District.

Reviews:

• “great bar "
• “Best luxury hotel in the city "
• “Very nice”

Tips: The full-service fitness center features exercise machines and a 50-foot-long, indoor heated pool while Remede Spa offers custom-designed treatments.

St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco or email St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco

Italian standards with a California twist at the Hotel Vitale’s hip restaurant.

Reviews:

• “Great after work place!”
• “We like Hillary!!!”
• “American…oh?”
• “not impressed”
• “Must try the french fries”

Tips: This spot is great for large groups. There’s even a secluded private dining space that can accommodate parties of approximately eight to 14 diners.

Americano Restaurant and Bar

Bright, innovative small plates in a seductive, romantic dining room near Union Square.

Reviews:

• “best small plates in sf!”
• “Another valentines dinner, another lame experience”
• “Horrible Service…..Worst Place in San Francisco”
• “Not worth the money or your time!”
• “It wasn’t bad, but once was enough.”

Tips: Take a cue from the restaurant’s artistic wine wall and ask for pairings from the impressive, international list; save the strong, flavorful cocktails for a night at the bar only.

Cortez