The San Francisco bar scene is unique in that some of the best bars are hidden in plain sight. Don’t get us wrong, there are plenty of popular watering holes that drive nightly crowds for post-work drinks and rowdy weeknight trivia. But for those nights (or days) where you just want a good drink and a neighborhood spot to catch up with friends, SF has those, too. Here are a few of our favorite low-key spots for throwing back a few.
1. Connecticut Yankee
If you can get past the fact that this bar is owned by a proud Bostonian, you’re going to be just fine. This neighborhood go-to is a San Francisco gem – originally built in 1907, it’s been serving the Potrero Hill neighborhood ever since. Between the outdoor patio, great food options (salads included) and rotating draft beer selections, it’s hard to find something wrong with this place. Come here for Sunday morning football, Warriors games, or just weekend drinks; they’ll take good care of you, even if you can’t stand Boston.
2. The Valley Tavern
The Valley Tavern 
The sign outside of this place reads, ‘The Valley Tavern: Where the Neighborhood Meets,’ and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. With comfortable booths, friendly and attentive bartenders, and a large outdoor patio, you can see why Noe Valley locals come here on the regular. Love sports? The Valley Tavern has multiple TVs, both inside and outside, so there’s not a bad seat in the house.
3. Virgil’s Sea Room
From the outside, Virgil’s just looks like another dive bar and in many ways, that’s exactly what they want you to think. Walk deeper into the bar, though, and you’ll find a lounge area with benches and a couch and a door that leads to their outdoor patio. The patio is what elevates this dive bar into an ideal neighborhood bar; it’s spacious, has ample seating, and it’s heated for those particularly chilly SF days. Grab your pup (it’s dog-friendly), order a margarita pitcher, and head straight for the patio.
4. Last Call Bar
Hidden in plain sight among the ever-popular dance clubs and music video bars that fill the Castro District is a small dive bar where you can escape the scene (even during Pride). Aptly-named The Last Call, this bar will make you feel so welcome you’ll want to stay until closing time. Their happy hour runs from noon-7pm and you can always find an empty seat. Put some money in the jukebox to play your favorite tunes and kick back in front of the fireplace; you’ll probably be here all night.
5. Shotwell’s
Shotwell’s
Just want to grab a drink and chat with your friends at a reasonable volume? This cozy neighborhood bar is the perfect place, as nightly crowds are small and tame and you can usually find a seat. It’s nestled in the Mission, away from the crowds on Valencia street, and boasts ample seating, two pinball machines, a pool table, and a few TVs. Plus, they have a great beer selection and drinks are reasonably priced, so you can’t go wrong.
Don’t live in SF yet or ready to move a little closer to these neighborhood bars? Search thousands of apartments for rent on Zumper and find your new neighborhood spot.
Contenu associé
