Whether you’re looking for natural wines, European imports, or local Californian wine, San Fran has a place for you.
We’ve taken the time to compile a list of all the best wine bars in the city for you to enjoy on your next night out.
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The Best Wine Bars in San Francisco
Arcana
Located in the Mission District, this is a plant shop by day and a wine bar by night. They keep the focus on the flora with plant-based bites and a highlight on natural wines.
You’ll be surrounded by monstera and ponytail palm while sipping on a variety of light wines by the glass.
If you find something you truly love, all the selections are sold by the bottle as well.
With live music often, this is a great spot for a date night or a drink before dinner. Arcana is one wine bar you won’t forget.
- Location: 2512 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Cantina Los Mayas
What makes this wine bar stand out against all others on this list, and most others in the US, is they serve exclusively Mexican wines.
These selections are predominantly from the Valle de Guadalupe, which offers a unique ocean-side flavor profile.
The food pairs spectacularly with a menu highlighting classic dishes from the Yucatan area, including fried plantain chips, seared lamb, and other delicious options.
Take a trip without leaving San Francisco with the flavors at this wine bar.
- Location: 431 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA, 94118
Key Klub
When you set foot in Key Klub, you’ll be met with a lively, welcoming atmosphere that’s reminiscent of a ’90s club without a dance floor.
The space is inclusive and comfortable for wine drinkers of any level. And it’s a place you could come with friends, family, or a date.
For drinks, you’ll find natural wines, including some out-of-the-box selections, and beer on tap.
The food menu doesn’t disappoint either, with items ranging from smash burgers to french toast with duck mousse. If you’re ready for a wine-drinking experience like no other, this is the spot.
- Location: 850 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Bar Part Time
This refurbished dive bar is casual yet curated. You’ll find a list of natural wines met with a dance party atmosphere.
Varieties are primarily produced by Californian or European growers. You won’t be able to miss the checkered floors and disco ball hanging in the corner or the DJ who doubles as one of the owners.
Cushy booths and stacked vinyl lend to the trendy atmosphere, but it also makes a great space to share a bottle of wine with the girls or on an intimate date night.
After a glass or two, don’t be surprised if you end up on the dance floor.
- Location: 496 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
The Patio
This wine bar dubs itself the best patio in San Francisco, and they aren’t wrong. The garden patio creates almost a hidden oasis to sip on wine and spend time with friends.
The food is appealing no matter the crowd and includes favorites like charcuterie and mac n cheese. While the fare is great, wine is still the main focus.
The wine list is separated by descriptors like robust & complex or crisp and minerally.
Overall The Patio is a friendly and approachable wine bar, great for beginner or expert wine drinkers alike.
- Location: 3232 Scott St, San Francisco, CA 94123
San Francisco Wine Society
Previously known as The Hidden Vine, which closed in 2020, this is a recreation of the space that still holds a focus on wine and offers bocce ball on the patio.
In case you’d rather just hang out, the patio has reservable fire pits and cushy velour seating to make yourself at home.
The wine list is intimidating, but staff is available to guide you to the right choice. In case you really can’t make up your mind, check out the flights.
All are labeled with names that are worth a chuckle, like Not Your Grandpa’s Riesling.
- Location: 408 Merchant St, San Francisco, CA 94111
West Coast Wine & Cheese
The name explains exactly what they offer at this wine bar. Specializing in domestic wines from California, Oregon, and Washington.
You’ll find what could be considered a gastropub atmosphere, and they keep their menu simple but full of quality options.
For snacks, you’ll find a selection of small plates and a section of rotating seasonal items.
They have options for indoor or outdoor dining to enjoy the beautiful weather in San Fran.
If you really like what they have to offer, join the wine club, where you’ll receive discounts and hand-selected releases.
- Location: 2165 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Press Club
If you’re looking for a more upscale and sophisticated wine-tasting experience, this is the place.
The atmosphere is cozy and classy, with nooks for private seating or spots right at the bar. They continue the upscale experience with their thoughtful seasonal food menu.
Each item is curated to pair with the beverages they serve. The wine selections cover a wide range of growing regions, including Italy, California, and Spain, to name a few.
In case you want a full tasting, they have flights with cheeky names like Bubbalicious and Acid Trip.
This is the perfect place to impress a first date or have a weekend meal with friends to start the night. Don’t miss out on this exclusive experience.
- Location: 20 Yerba Buena Ln, San Francisco, CA 94103
Hotel Biron
In case you’re looking for a mix of wine and art for your next date night, you won’t want to miss out on this cozy bar.
They have a collection of rotating artwork decorating the space, which is met by brick walls and dim lighting.
The intimate atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a conversation (about the art, of course) and sipping on a glass of wine.
On the wine list, you’ll find options by the glass or bottle and flights.
Selections include reds, whites, bubbly, rose, and even sake. In case you find something you can’t live without, they have bottles for purchase as well.
- Location: 45 Rose St, San Francisco, CA 94102
20 Spot
What may be the most unique location on this list, 20 Spot is located in the remnants of a record store placed on the first floor of a renovated Victorian-age home.
Now you’ll find a wine bar and restaurant focused on sous vide cooking.
The atmosphere is that of your really eclectic friends living room which is comforting and oddly intriguing. Music selection is in the form of a large vinyl collection with a daily playlist.
Wines cover all varieties, and while it’s not the largest list we’ve seen, the selections are top-tier.
- Location: 3565 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Final Thoughts
You probably already knew that San Fran would have a great wine scene, but now you know exactly where to go.
Be sure to keep this list handy when planning your next get-together with friends or date night in this coastal city.