15 Best Nightlife in Mission District, Bernal Heights, and Potrero Hill, San Francisco

The cocktails are well crafted and affordable at the city's second-oldest saloon location—various watering holes have operated on this site since 1858. It's San Francisco's best example of a vintage neighborhood favorite with the finest elements of a modern, ingredient-focused cocktail bar. Cocktail geeks and sports fans mingle in the same room. Don't miss the holiday cocktails in December.

At San Francisco's most talked about (and arguably most innovative) craft cocktail bar, every drink has at least one "huh?" ingredient. But no worries, you're in the hands of some of the most capable bartenders that you'll ever have the honor of enjoying a drink from. It gets very crowded, both for the drinks and for the outstanding hot dog–shaped burger and beloved kale salad.

It's a dive but one of the city's best beer bars—there are almost 50 on tap—and a great place to relax with a cold one or an ever-popular Bloody Mary in the large "garden" (there's not much greenery) on a sunny day. Burgers and brats are available, and if you own a trucker hat, a pair of Vans, and a Pabst Blue Ribbon T-shirt, you'll fit right in. 

One of the city's top cocktail bars offers elevated small plates (the burger has a devoted following) late into the night to pair with the excellent cocktail menu, which includes such favorites as a Mumbai Mule with saffron vodka. A knowledgeable and friendly staff serves a diverse, energetic crowd in a smart modern setting.

A dive bar in the best sense, El Rio has a calendar chock-full of events, from free bands and films to Salsa Sunday (every fourth Sunday), all of which keep Mission kids coming back. No matter what day you attend, expect to find a diverse gay and straight crowd enjoying local beers and margaritas. When the weather's warm, the large patio out back is especially popular, and the midday dance parties are the place to be.

This popular two-story space has a little something for everyone. The main bar downstairs is quaint and swanky with tables, booths, and classic arcade games. Hit the upstairs to see up-and-coming artists before they hit the big time. The music includes Afro-Cuban, indie rock, jazz, and more.

Most San Francisco brewery taprooms are lacking in decor since they're usually just part of a warehouse-like brewing complex. That isn't the case with this sleek, beautifully designed bar-restaurant serving approachable, fun beers from a brewery next to Crissy Field. This is also the rare San Francisco brewery with a notable food menu. Here, San Francisco's deep seafood history is featured, led by the terrific Dungeness crab roll, and nicely accompanies the IPAs and KSA Kölsch. 

Attached to the Foreign Cinema restaurant, Laszlo is a cavernous, classy space with an open, bi-level design; movies are projected onto the walls. Dim lighting, candles, and an upscale selection of cocktails and single malts make it suitable for romance, but the loud music and cacophonic levels of conversation keep it lively. DJs spin most nights after 9.

In a sea of hip craft cocktail bars, this slightly off-the-beaten-path neighborhood icon (you can't miss the namesake palm tree outside) is a refreshing throwback. There is no cocktail menu; this is a place for martinis, Negronis, and other classic cocktails. This is the rare locals' joint that feels both divey and strangely refined—tables have white tablecloths and the soundtrack tends to be cheery '80's pop.

A mixed crowd enjoys cocktails in the semi-refined environment of this piano bar where the Castro, the Mission, and Hayes Valley intersect; variations on the martini and different fruit-flavored lemon drops are a specialty. This is not the place for innovative mixology. In the intimate back room a pianist plays nightly, and patrons take turns boisterously singing show tunes. Martuni's often gets busy after symphony and opera performances—Davies Hall and the Opera House are both within walking distance.

A Mission tradition, this classy and casual charmer is like a cabaret club in an aging mobster's garage—it's almost hard to believe you're in 2020s San Francisco. Quirky lounge singers and other musicians entertain most nights. A small menu of affordable sandwiches and Italian food beats your average bar fare.

The groovy 1960s are the inspiration for the gorgeous setting of this cocktail destination with a busy bar up front and a more relaxed, lounge-style atmosphere in the back. However, the cocktails are straight-up modern excellence, always mixing a superb balance of high-quality spirits and homemade ingredients. The glassware and garnishes are gorgeous.

In a grungy but hip section of the Mission, the king of dive bars (with requisite cheap bottled beer and photo booth) is popular with the discerning hipsters who dare to venture south of César Chavez Street. There's usually a cover for bands or DJs on weekends, but it's never more than $10. Bingo on Thursday keeps it real. An added bonus for trekking out to the southern edge of the Mission: some of the city's best taquerías are nearby.

Choosing the city's "best beer bar" is an impossible task, but there is no doubt that this intimate, friendly destination is one of them. The tap list captivates the most ardent beer geeks, the bottle list is as deep as many fine-dining restaurants' wine lists, and the gastropub cuisine is particularly impressive.

It's kid-friendly during the day, but this 14-hole indoor miniature golf course really lights up at night when you can enjoy a quality cocktail or beer and putt through the Transamerica Pyramid and those famous Painted Ladies. It's one of the city's favorite spots for a first or second date.