It’s Warm Out! Here’s Where You Should Drink Outside in San Francisco.
Fogust is officially over and Indian Summer is here. Either that, or global warming is in full-effect and we’re all going to bake in our sleep tonight.
It’s currently 96ºF in San Francisco, and work is unthinkable. Think of an excuse to leave work early (it’s Friday after all), hit the corner store for some beer or chilled wine and head to the park, or hightail it to one of these outdoor bars and patios in San Francisco to stay “hydrated”.
Related: 7 Picnics To Help You Survive Indian Summer in San Francisco
But, seriously. Stay hydrated.
1. Anina
Anina in Hayes Valley is our new favorite place to drink outside in San Francisco. This island-inspired cocktail lounge has a huge outdoor patio with picnic tables, and more importantly, punch bowls. Grab a few friends and order the Young Cuban ($55), a refreshing punch bowl filled with white rum, prosecco, mint, cucumber, and lime.
2. Trou Normand
Okay, so maybe you can’t get out of work early. Instead of playing hooky, go for a three-martini lunch at Trou Normand in SoMa. Trou Normand has an outdoor courtyard where you can get bad and boozy during your lunch hour. When you crawl back into the office, tell Susan she asked for this.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to South of Market
3. El Rio
El Rio has been an Indian Summer staple for nearly 40 years. While the ideal time to go is on a Sunday afternoon for salsa dancing, you can always count on El Rio‘s outdoor patio and affordable margaritas for a good time.
4. The Lookout
The Lookout in Castro is a must for summertime sunsets and Sunday drag brunches. But you can bet it will be a nonstop party on their balcony every night this Indian Summer… and probably during the day, too. Just take it easy on the Korbel Peach Bellini-ritas.
Related: Everything You Can Do in Alamo Square Park During Indian Summer
5. El Techo de Lolinda
Rooftop bars are hard to come by in San Francisco. El Techo de Lolinda is perfect, but it’s often hard to plan a perfect day or night there due to the fog. Now that Indian Summer is here, head to El Techo in the Mission for pitchers of margaritas, clear skies, and a picturesque view of the San Francisco skyline.
6. 620 Jones
Head to 620 Jones in the Tenderloin for some refreshing afterwork cocktails on their spacious outdoor terrace before heading home to your unairconditioned, and probably sweltering apartment.
7. Biergarten
Hayes Valley’s Biergarten at PROXY SF is a prime spot for beers on a warm day. With a selection of German beers, ciders, and wine, as well as Bavarian snacks, Biergarten is a no-brainer for you and your friends this Indian Summer. Especially with Smitten just across the street for a cold scoop of ice cream.
