25 San Francisco Spots With Killer Outdoor Seating
When @karlthefog isn’t taking over the city, you’ve got to take full advantage and stay outdoors as much as possible. Not in the mood for a hike? Rather enjoy the San Francisco sunshine while people watching and sippin’ on cocktails? Here’s your guide to the best places to grab a drink (and maybe even some stuff to nosh on) outdoors.
Photo by John Canelis
Biergarten – Hayes Valley
Don’t let the chain link fence scare you away, Biergarten is home to picnic tables saturated with hipsters (I mean that in the best way). They’ve got an extensive list of beers on draft and rotate them often. For those of you who aren’t into beer, you can still grab a glass of wine to go with their pretzels, deviled eggs and other german-themed snacks.
Ragazza – Lower Haight
Flatbreads, burrata, meatballs…all with wine to pair. Whatever you choose, you will be served while sitting on the charming back patio of Ragazza.
Dirty Habit – Financial District
Dirty Habit is one of my favorite spots in the city (I’ve had and hosted several birthdays here). It feels like the closest ambiance we have to Manhattan in SF. Swanky interiors greet you upon entering, but the “rooftop” is extremely spacious with great tables and seating areas for large groups. They’ve got a full bar and menu so you can spend hours here.
Surisan - Fisherman's Wharf
One of my favorite new restaurants in San Francisco. Behind Ghirardelli Square, you’re not far from the water and can see it in the distance from their large front patio. Their Asian-inspired, American fusion cuisine is absolutely mouthwatering and provides something for anyone at your table.
El Techo de Lolinda – Mission
Located in the Mission, El Techo’s rooftop tends to get more sun than other spots in SF. Always amazing vibes here with guacamole and margarita’s flowing. This is a popular spot, especially among locals, so if you’re planning on going with a big group be prepared to wait for a spot to accommodate your large party.
Arlequin - Hayes Valley
Arlequin is home to an inviting, charming, outdoor garden where wine, salad, sandwiches and baked goods are on the menu.
4505 Burgers & BBQ - Nopa
4505 is well-known for it’s outdoor space, their ribs and burgers, as well as the eclectic beer they serve. Located off of busy Divisadero, 4505 is also notorious for the long lines…but, once you bite into a Frankroni, you’ll forget about any time spent in line.
Foreign Cinema in the Mission
Foreign Cinema - Mission
Foreign Cinema is one of my go-to spots when I have guests visiting from out of town. I am a big fan of their brunch (trust me, one of the best brunches in SF), so I suggest ditching dinner for a family style brunch. Be sure to reserve ahead and request outdoor seating, where you’ll be transported to Europe with gorgeous flowers, brick walls and old black + white movies streaming on the walls of the courtyard.
Horsefeather - Nopa
With a lovely outdoor area in front and great cocktails, Horsefeather is gaining traction as an up and coming local favorite. It is definitely a great place for a sunny afternoon.
Sessions at the Presidio
Sessions at the Presidio - Presidio
Gorgeous patio nestled away in the picturesque Presidio. Sessions is a total dream and makes you feel like you’re in Central Park…far away from the Financial District and busy streets. Their beer and wine list is extensive – with ciders, beer and wine not only by the bottle, but also all on tap too. Foie gras, avocado toast and a killer Bloody Mary on the menu too?! SOLD. Sessions is at the top of my list when it comes to outdoor spaces in SF.
Pro tip: They have multiple outlets outside, making this an amazing place to work out of when you need to get some stuff done after hours or during the weekend.
Balboa Café - Marina
I love Balboa Café because of the crowd attracts – bros, moms + strollers, marina girls, tourists – you’ve got them all here at this bustling café. There’s always tables available outdoors with a menu full of drinks and mouthwatering sandwiches (perfect to kick that hangover…not speaking from experience).
Palm House - Marina
I love Palm House…and it may or may not be because of their boozy slushies and punch bowls. With an excellent happy hour, tasty small plates and tacos - Palm House is a great place for people who want to spend their sunny afternoons in a tropical atmosphere. If you squint hard enough, you might feel like you’re in Miami too.
Uno Dos Tacos - Financial District
Uno Dos Tacos is a great place for a couple of beer, lunch or happy hour. In a city where cheap eats are becoming harder to find, Uno Dos is a perfect place to hang after work. If you don’t have to go back to work after this mid-day fiesta, you can forget about having a beer and go for one of their surprisingly strong cocktails.
Belga in the Marina
Belga - Marina
Everybody knows how good Belgian beers are, but they are even better when they are served outside on a warm SF day. Belga is located on a corner on Union Street, making it a great spot for people watching in the Marina. They have a full bar and menu with great food (I prefer their brunch over dinner), so you could end up staying here for a while. Make reservations in advance to skip the wait.
Plouf - Union Square
If you’re feeling fancy and you want to keep that feeling during the whole day, spend your afternoon at Plouf. Can you think of anything better than eating mussels and drinking wine outdoors!? A little piece of Paris in SF is always a good idea.
Zeitgeist - Mission
Zeitgeist is one of my San Francisco favorites. While it’s everything gentrification has done to the Mission in one bar, it’s also undeniably awesome. The “backyard” slash patio situation they have going on is the perfect place to hangout for an afternoon and drinks beers while feeling hashtag blessed to live in the city by the bay.
Marengo - Marina
With great sliders, tasty cocktails, a big patio, and a TV this place is heaven for all sports enthusiasts. And if it starts raining, they’ve got you covered with a retractable roof. One of my favorite places to watch a game with a small-ish group.
Hog & Rocks - Mission
Outdoor tables, bubbly and oysters are the things that make Hog & Rocks an SF favorite. Tucked away on a side street in the Mission, it’s quaint, charming and totally hip.
Tipsy Pig - Marina
Every time I bring up Tipsy Pig, I get a couple eye rolls…but nobody ever turns it down. Tipsy Pig is a Marina staple. I’ve had several birthdays here because honestly, who can not love that back patio?! They’ve got some large tables for big parties and are really accommodating when it comes to loud groups. They have is some of the most solid (elevated) bar food I’ve ever had and their drinks…where do I start with their drinks? Between the iconic Strawberry Fields and the Chipotle Margarita, you’re guaranteed a good time.
Jones in the Tenderloin
Jones - Tenderloin
I love everything about Jones (well, except the fact that the bar is cash only). Good food, great neon signs and a “rooftop.”
Zazie - Cole Valley
One of the best brunches in San Francisco (helllloooooo, lemon ricotta pancakes) and while there’s always a wait, it’s totally worth it. Their back patio is adorable and is also available for private parties.
Anina in Hayes Valley
Anina - Hayes Valley
Oh, Anina…how I love you. Such an awesome addition to Hayes Valley. From the tropical vibes (amazing wallpaper and y’all know how much I love a good wall) to the punch bowls and string lights – Anina has it all. Open seating and quite a few benches make this a great group spot before or after dinner in Hayes.
Palamino - Embarcadero
Keep Palamino in your back pocket for when you have a big group (think team happy hour) out on a sunny afternoon. There’s never a problem gathering outdoor tables on their patio overlooking the water and Bay Bridge.
Pier 23 - Embarcadero
Pier 23 is right off the Embarcadero (at, you guessed it, Pier 23) with waterfront views. It’s one of the least pretentious, but not so touristy, spots in the area. While they have a full menu, my favorite thing to do is kick back on the patio with good friends and a bucket of beer.
Park Tavern - North Beach
Set right in front of Washington Square park with stunning views of the church and North Beach, Park Tavern is as quintessential SF as it gets. Keeping it charming, tables and outdoor seating is limited which makes Park Tavern perfect for a party of 2 (don’t expect to get a table outdoor that seats more than 4).
