Best Cocktail Happy Hours: Tenderloin Secrets, Bar In A Bookstore, Even An SF Honky Tonk
After a long day at work, what can be better than winding down with a few friends for a cocktail and some conversation? San Francisco is home to an incredible range of bars, with all manner of eats and drinks. Searching among all the choices for the best happy hour deals can prove a daunting task, so we have amassed a list of five of the best cocktail happy hours in the city. Cheap food and libations can be found to please everyone from the urban hipster to the laid-back surfer type.
Redford
673 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 563-8192
www.redfordsf.com
Located in the Tenderloin, the casual Redford has daily happy hour specials as well as discounted eats. During happy hour, all house signature cocktails are only $8, well cocktails are only $5 and patrons can order bottles of wine at a 50-percent discount. Make sure to try unique menu items like the bourbon deviled eggs or tots with kalamata olive aioli. For those who can't make the regular happy hour hours of 5 to 7 p.m., stop by on a Tuesday when all night is happy hour.
The Armory Club
1799 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 431-5300
www.armoryclub.com
This swinging joint in the Mission is well known for its high-quality, affordable cocktails and quintessential San Francisco atmosphere. Happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday, from 5 to 8 p.m. During this time, there is no cover charge, well cocktails are just $5 and house cocktails are $7. Bar snacks are available to nosh on, and the club will soon be open to pop-up restaurants.
Two Sisters Bar And Books
579 Hayes St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 863-3655
www.2sistersbarandbooks.com
Two Sisters Bar and Books is home to the best of all worlds. Inside, patrons will find a delicious combination of drinks, coffee, eats and reads. Not only does Two Sisters offer a Tuesday through Friday happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., but it also has a rare weekend happy hour from 1 to 4 p.m. Happy hour cocktail specials will vary, and are always under $10.
Related: Bay Area's 5 Best TIki Bars
The Riptide
3639 Taraval St.
San Francisco, CA 94116
(415) 681-8433
www.riptidesf.com
The Sunset District's rustic Riptide touts itself as a casual honky-tonk located right next to the beach. The Riptide has frequent live music ranging from jazz and blues to country and bluegrass. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Come for discounted drink specials, free food nightly and a decidedly relaxed surfer vibe.
Sugar Lounge
377 Hayes St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 255-7144
sugarloungesf.com
This Hayes Valley gem is in the heart of the symphony district and has a happy hour that runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays. During these hours, patrons can score well drinks for a mere $4, and there is a varying daily $5 cocktail special. Sugar Lounge also serves up rare complimentary appetizers, sourced mainly from sister restaurant Hahn's Hibachi Korean BBQ, including anything from chicken tenders to lumpia. This sweet lounge also has dishes of complimentary chocolates and candy throughout the bar.
Related: Best Rum Cocktails On The Peninsula
Joanna Metheny is a freelance writer covering all things South Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
