The sky’s blue, the fog’s on break, and your group text is finally active. When a rare sunny day hits San Francisco, there’s only one thing to do—find a table outside and stay there. These ten bars and restaurants bring the drinks, the breeze, and just enough chaos to make it feel like summer in the city.

Golden Sardine – North Beach

A cozy European-style wine bar with a small but inviting parklet. They pour Rieslings, red vermouths, and orange wines, and pair them with tinned mussels, octopus, and jamón serrano. It’s intimate, book-lined, and a go-to for unwinding over thoughtful pours and people-watching. 

Image Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Zeitgeist – Mission

SF’s legendary beer garden—gravel floor, long communal tables, and 64 draft lines featuring local IPA bombs, hefeweizens, and gluten-free options. It fills quickly once the mercury hits 70°F, but the casual dive-bar vibe, pool tables, and Bloody Marys keep the crowd happy, warm or not.

Image Source: Facebook

Cavaña – Mission Bay

Nestled atop LUMA Hotel, Cavaña brings fire pits, skyline views, and reggaeton energy to the city. Tropical cocktails like guava-pisco blends and soursop punches pair perfectly with ceviche, papas doradas, and ribeye arrachera—heated well enough to extend your evening outside. 

Image Source: Forbes

El Rio – Bernal Heights

This laid-back institution thrives on its backyard: ping-pong, pool, drag shows, patio heaters, and budget-friendly drinks. Locals and touring DJ sets converge here—expect a sweaty, joyful, and messy outdoor drinking experience that feels authentically SF. 

Image Source: El Rio SF

Kaiyō Rooftop – SoMa

Perched on the 12th floor of the Hyatt Place, this rooftop lounge specializes in Peruvian-Japanese fusion: citrus ceviche, empanadas, and chicken karaage. With heaters and unobstructed city views, it’s polished but relaxed—perfect for sunset sips and skyline moments.

Image Source: Kaiyō Rooftop

Biergarten – Hayes Valley

Set in a converted parking lot, this minimalist German beer garden offers pilsners, wheat beers, bratwurst, and pretzels served in a spacious, chain-link-fenced courtyard. It gets lines on nice days, but the vibe—big steins, communal tables, casual comfort—is worth the wait. 

Image Source: Goop

Santería – Castro

Parklet seating and Mexican cocktails meet tacos al pastor, flautas, and in-house mezcal pours. Day drinking feels festive here: think string lights, a steady patio breeze, and the buzz of happy-hour crowds drifting by. 

Image Source: Hoodline

Casements – Mission

Don’t be fooled by the Irish-pub façade—this intimate queer bar hides a back patio perfect for whiskies and frozé. With leather seating and a jukebox, it offers a laid-back vibe and a private respite from bustling Mission St. 

Image Source: Casements Bar

Palm House – Cow Hollow

A leafy porch bar known for its frozen cocktails and plant-clad vibe. From piña coladas to happy-hour slushie specials, this is the spot for easygoing lounging, dog-friendly tables, and chill conversation.

Image Source: Palm House SF

Pier 23 Cafe – Embarcadero

This waterfront staple offers plastic chairs under umbrellas, bay views, margaritas, beers, and tacos. It’s casual, family-friendly, and perfect for lingering over cold drinks with water lapping just outside.

Image Source: Pier 23 Cafe

You don’t need perfect weather to drink outside in San Francisco—but when the skies do cooperate, these ten spots are where you want to be. Great drinks, open air, and the kind of energy that only SF can pull off—one glass, one patio, one fire pit at a time.