The Best Historical Bars in San Francisco

Knock softly, whisper the password, and step into a Prohibition-era speakeasy—Bourbon & Branch serves meticulously crafted cocktails in intimate, wood-paneled rooms with secret doors and timeless rules that feel like a vintage cinematic dream.

A mind-expanding bar-meets-museum where craft cocktails meet deep time—The Interval blends science, art, and the future in one unforgettable San Francisco spot.

Iconic North Beach bar steeped in Beat Generation history, Vesuvio Cafe offers bohemian vibes, eclectic art, and classic cocktails in a vibrant, literary setting.

Step into Elixir—San Francisco’s second-oldest saloon, a living museum of Victorian mahogany and history. Sip from an epic whiskey list, play darts by dim light, and feel the Mission’s soul in every nook.

Step into San Francisco’s legendary Tiki oasis at the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar—floating band, indoor lagoon, tropical rainstorms, and potent Polynesian cocktails make it a historic, kitschy paradise high atop the Fairmont.