The 9 Best Wine Bars in San Francisco, from a Local The Friendly Traveler

San Francisco is home to some of the best wine bars in Northern California, ranging from intimate date spots to more vibrant group spots. I personally love checking out new wine bars across the city as a local finding the best selections, vibes, and small bites. After going to dozens across the city, these are my top nine recommended wine bars to go to in SF.

1. Key Klub

Nob Hill: 850 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Key Club is one of the most energetic wine bars in San Francisco, perfect if you’re looking for a lively night out. The atmosphere is social, making it a great spot if you’re with friends or meeting new people. Their menu hilariously describes each wine bottle and they also have great food. If you’re looking to bar hop, Peacekeeper is right across the street which makes for a great second stop in the night. And they have a killer happy hour food + bottle deal.

2. Union Larder

Russian Hill: 1945 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Union Larder is one of the greatest new additions to the wine bars on Hyde St, with everything from a great atmosphere to incredible cheese boards and wine selection. I highly recommend the house rosé. Located on Hyde Street, this is also a great place to wine bar hop around with how many excellent bars are right next door.

3. Golden Sardine

North Beach: 362 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Golden Sardine is in the heart of North Beach. It’s a two-story wine bar with bar seating down on the first floor and window seating on the second. The charcuterie boards here are a must, as well as the sausage plate. The wine selection is all fantastic – you can’t go wrong with any of their reds. On a warm SF day, this is absolutely the wine bar to go to.

4. 20 Spot

Mission District: 3565 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

20 Spot is the most intimate of the wine bars on this list, located on a street corner in the mission district. It can get busy quite fast Thursday through Saturday so I would come on the earlier side to snag a table or seat at the bar. As suggested in the sign out front and records behind the bar, they play great music here.

5. Cafe Meuse

Russian Hill: 1400 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

Cafe Meuse is a corner wine bar in Russian Hill that has some of the best wine pours in the city. Nicknamed Cafe Big Gulp by my friends, they have heavy pours of wine and incredible food options. Everything is very well priced, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. This is a great spot to catch-up with friends on the weekend or to go on a date during the week. Be sure to order some of their desserts as well, they have a rosemary creme brûlée and apple crumble à la mode.

6. Howell’s

The Marina: 2373 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Howell’s is one of the most classic wine bars in SF to grab a drink. Located right on Chestnut, it’s a perfect spot to go for a glass before or after dinner. They also have an upstairs area you are able to rent for free for events. Next door is also Cultivar and A16 which are another two great wine bars. This is a great little pocket to go on any night!

7. Arcana

Mission District: 2512 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Arcana is a plant shop turned wine bar at night, located right in the heart of the Mission. They typically have a live DJ on Saturday and Sunday night; they keep their events page updated each week. The energy here is usually really high with lots of small friend groups or dates chatting away. You won’t find cocktails but they have a fun wine selection.

8. Fool’s Errand

NOPA: 639A Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Fools Errand is a local favorite wine bar in NOPA which serves glasses of white, red, pinks, and beers on tap. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, which you’ll see is usually packed any evening of the week. This one is a great date spot.

9. Céleste and Bodega

Cow Hollow: 2165 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123 // North Beach: 700 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Céleste and Bodega are must add to this list. Both owned by the same owner, these are quintessential wine bars located right in the hear of Cow Hollow and North Beach. Both have great vibes inside, with more casual seating options on the street in front as well. While they have food, I’d recommend doing a bottle and just some small bites here.