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Kelly Puleio

14 Solid Happy Hours in San Francisco

Get happy with deals on food and a drink at these restaurants and bars

by Dianne de Guzman and Paolo Bicchieri Updated
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by Dianne de Guzman and Paolo Bicchieri Updated
1 comment / new
Kelly Puleio

Happy hours aren’t quite as de rigueur as they once were, what with everyone working from home, but it’s not an entirely dead concept. There are still plenty of places carrying the happy hour torch, including offering the classic oyster special. There are a host of places to get cheap cocktails while enjoying breathtaking waterfront views and spectacular food deals. These 14 happy hours give San Francisco a breath of fresh air and might just be worth stepping out of your daytime pajamas and sliding onto a barside stool.

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Popi's Oysterette

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Popi’s Oysterette is a newer happy hour offering, but it’s already earning some neighborhood buzz. Try the confit tombo tuna ($9) or the steamed Manila clams ($8), and pair it with a $7 glass of wine or a $5 bottle of Anchor Steam. Monday through Thursday, 3-5 p.m.

2095 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123

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Causwells

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Causwells’ happy hour perhaps isn’t the most robust menu around, but it’s guaranteed the drinks will be unique, with barman Elmer Mejicanos designing the refreshments. Three drinks are included in the $9 cocktail special, which currently includes the Holy Trinity Martini, which is infused with the holy trinity (referring to the Cajun recipe holy trinity), dry vermouth, cracked pepper, and red pepper oil. Add on some oysters served with Angostura mignonette for $2 each. Tuesday through Sunday, 3-5 p.m.

2346 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 447-6081
(415) 447-6081
Stephanie Amberg

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Jaranita SF Peruvian Rotisserie

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Are there other Marina bars offering $5 empanadas during happy hour? Odds are Jaranita has that market cornered. Grab an “El Cholito (de la marina),” a mix of cucumber sake, dry vermouth, lime juice, and jalapeno for $8 or pay $15 for a cocktail flight to wash down the flaky pocket of goodness. Tuesday to Friday, 4-6 p.m.

3340 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 655-9585
(415) 655-9585
Hockeystick Media

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Cassava

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With Cassava’s move to North Beach comes the addition of its “Champagne + spritz” happy hour, featuring a $10 “big pour” of house reds or whites, 25 percent off bottles of wine, and $10 off certain Champagne options. It also wouldn’t be a happy hour without some bites: Pick up a mini pancake served with Tsar Nicoulai caviar for $12, furikake popcorn chicken for $10, or a short ribs croquette for $10. Daily, 4:30-6 p.m.

401 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 640-8990
(415) 640-8990
Albert Law

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Palm House

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During happy hour, Palm House slushies (white rum, spiced rum, and fresh lime juice) are only $10, which is enough of a reason to stake out a patio table at this Caribbean-inflected Cow Hollow hang. But dishes such as guacamole-like smashed avocado with lime and chile oil ($9), ahi poke tostada ($6), and jerk-spiced fries ($6) provide a compelling reason to stay. Tuesday through Friday, 4-6 p.m.

2032 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 749-9959
(415) 749-9959

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One Market Restaurant

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Just across the street from the Ferry Building, this restaurant offers Muni or BART travelers a chance to unwind before the journey in a classic San Francisco restaurant. Happy hour fare is not to be missed — the deviled eggs are $10, chickpea fries cost $9, while a latke will set you back just $4.25. Loaded latkes, with your choice of smoked salmon, pastrami, or pulled brisket will cost somewhere between $7.50 and $8.50. Tuesday to Friday, 4-8 p.m.

1 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 777-5577
(415) 777-5577
Deviled eggs from One Market’s happy hour menu.
Deviled eggs from One Market’s happy hour menu.
One Market Restaurant

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PABU

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The PABU Izakaya happy hour is still alive and well, featuring steamed pork buns for $3.88, karaage for $7.88, and a hand roll for $6.88. On the drinks side, sip on a Suntory highball for $10.88, or nurse a 22-ounce Sapporo for $9.88. Monday to Saturday, 4-5:30 p.m.

101 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 668-7228
(415) 668-7228

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Waterbar Restaurant

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Chef Parke Ulrich’s high-end Embarcadero restaurant launched its own rather affordable happy hour. Sidle up to the bar for $5 beer, $8 wine, and $10 cocktails. For cocktails, the options are limited to the El Tesoro Blanco Margarita and an Aperol spritz, which is nothing to complain about while taking in the luxurious view of the Bay. There’s also a daily featured oyster available for $1.55 each. Daily, 2:30-5 p.m.

399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 284-9922
(415) 284-9922

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The Harlequin

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The space where the Harlequin now resides has long been a neighborhood happy hour spot, but even with an updated look, the new owners are committed to keeping the happy hour vibes intact for the locals. In that regard, it’s a classic happy hour menu with $10 cocktails, $8 glasses of wine, and $2 oysters. Daily, 4-6 p.m.

68 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 488-5950
(415) 488-5950
Kelly Puleio

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Violet's

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Violet’s happy hour options include Montucky Cold Snacks for $4, cocktails like the Ultraviolet (with butterfly pea flower gin, Hendrick’s, and creme de violette) for $8, and fries for $5. Don’t take a table in the dining room and expect to get the deal, however: Violet’s happy hour is for bar patrons only. Monday to Thursday, 5-6 p.m., Friday and Sunday, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

2301 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 682-4861
(415) 682-4861
Patricia Chang

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Doppio Zero San Francisco

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This Italian Bay Area staple has a bevy of happy hour offerings for thirsty and hungry customers. Truffle french fries go for $6, a potato croquette with truffle fondue for $8, and six-inch pizzas for $8. All cocktails are $3 off, too, and draft beer is $2 cheaper. Monday to Thursday, 4:30-6 p.m.

395 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 624-3634
(415) 624-3634
Patricia Chang

The Madrigal

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Ordering cocktails from a Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group (Oakland’s Mama and FiDi’s the Vault) for $10 a piece is rare in its own right, let alone a nighttime happy hour. The Civic Center’s Madrigal, then, is hoping to provide this exceptional offering every week. Round it out with food off the happy hour menu, but keep in mind that the kitchen closes by 10:45 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 9 p.m. to close.

100 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 796-2531
(415) 796-2531
The Madrigal on Van Ness.
The Madrigal on Van Ness.
The Madrigal

Bar Crudo

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Bar Crudo’s excellent, seafood-focused happy hour is a popular one, due to high-quality seafood offerings at a discounted price. There are $2 oysters or herb- and jalapeño-marinated mussels (all sold by the 1⁄2 dozen or dozen), crispy cod tacos ($12), and Crudo’s famously creamy seafood chowder ($12), all of which can be washed down with $5 beer or $9 wine. Monday to Saturday, 5-6:30 p.m.

655 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 409-0679
(415) 409-0679
Bar Crudo/Facebook

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El Techo de Lolinda

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One of the best happy hour views in town can be found at this rowdy rooftop bar, accompanied by $5 cervezas, $7 margaritas, $18 sangria pitchers, and bar bites that range from guacamole to empanadas. It can get quite crowded, especially on a sunny afternoon so plan to arrive on the earlier side. Monday to Friday, 4-6 p.m.

2518 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 550-6970
(415) 550-6970

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Popi's Oysterette

2095 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Popi’s Oysterette is a newer happy hour offering, but it’s already earning some neighborhood buzz. Try the confit tombo tuna ($9) or the steamed Manila clams ($8), and pair it with a $7 glass of wine or a $5 bottle of Anchor Steam. Monday through Thursday, 3-5 p.m.

2095 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Causwells

2346 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Causwells’ happy hour perhaps isn’t the most robust menu around, but it’s guaranteed the drinks will be unique, with barman Elmer Mejicanos designing the refreshments. Three drinks are included in the $9 cocktail special, which currently includes the Holy Trinity Martini, which is infused with the holy trinity (referring to the Cajun recipe holy trinity), dry vermouth, cracked pepper, and red pepper oil. Add on some oysters served with Angostura mignonette for $2 each. Tuesday through Sunday, 3-5 p.m.

2346 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 447-6081
(415) 447-6081
Stephanie Amberg

Jaranita SF Peruvian Rotisserie

3340 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Are there other Marina bars offering $5 empanadas during happy hour? Odds are Jaranita has that market cornered. Grab an “El Cholito (de la marina),” a mix of cucumber sake, dry vermouth, lime juice, and jalapeno for $8 or pay $15 for a cocktail flight to wash down the flaky pocket of goodness. Tuesday to Friday, 4-6 p.m.

3340 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 655-9585
(415) 655-9585
Hockeystick Media

Cassava

401 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

With Cassava’s move to North Beach comes the addition of its “Champagne + spritz” happy hour, featuring a $10 “big pour” of house reds or whites, 25 percent off bottles of wine, and $10 off certain Champagne options. It also wouldn’t be a happy hour without some bites: Pick up a mini pancake served with Tsar Nicoulai caviar for $12, furikake popcorn chicken for $10, or a short ribs croquette for $10. Daily, 4:30-6 p.m.

401 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 640-8990
(415) 640-8990
Albert Law

Palm House

2032 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123

During happy hour, Palm House slushies (white rum, spiced rum, and fresh lime juice) are only $10, which is enough of a reason to stake out a patio table at this Caribbean-inflected Cow Hollow hang. But dishes such as guacamole-like smashed avocado with lime and chile oil ($9), ahi poke tostada ($6), and jerk-spiced fries ($6) provide a compelling reason to stay. Tuesday through Friday, 4-6 p.m.

2032 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 749-9959
(415) 749-9959

One Market Restaurant

1 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Just across the street from the Ferry Building, this restaurant offers Muni or BART travelers a chance to unwind before the journey in a classic San Francisco restaurant. Happy hour fare is not to be missed — the deviled eggs are $10, chickpea fries cost $9, while a latke will set you back just $4.25. Loaded latkes, with your choice of smoked salmon, pastrami, or pulled brisket will cost somewhere between $7.50 and $8.50. Tuesday to Friday, 4-8 p.m.

1 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 777-5577
(415) 777-5577
Deviled eggs from One Market’s happy hour menu.
Deviled eggs from One Market’s happy hour menu.
One Market Restaurant

PABU

101 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

The PABU Izakaya happy hour is still alive and well, featuring steamed pork buns for $3.88, karaage for $7.88, and a hand roll for $6.88. On the drinks side, sip on a Suntory highball for $10.88, or nurse a 22-ounce Sapporo for $9.88. Monday to Saturday, 4-5:30 p.m.

101 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 668-7228
(415) 668-7228

Waterbar Restaurant

399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

Chef Parke Ulrich’s high-end Embarcadero restaurant launched its own rather affordable happy hour. Sidle up to the bar for $5 beer, $8 wine, and $10 cocktails. For cocktails, the options are limited to the El Tesoro Blanco Margarita and an Aperol spritz, which is nothing to complain about while taking in the luxurious view of the Bay. There’s also a daily featured oyster available for $1.55 each. Daily, 2:30-5 p.m.

399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 284-9922
(415) 284-9922

The Harlequin

68 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

The space where the Harlequin now resides has long been a neighborhood happy hour spot, but even with an updated look, the new owners are committed to keeping the happy hour vibes intact for the locals. In that regard, it’s a classic happy hour menu with $10 cocktails, $8 glasses of wine, and $2 oysters. Daily, 4-6 p.m.

68 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 488-5950
(415) 488-5950
Kelly Puleio

Violet's

2301 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Violet’s happy hour options include Montucky Cold Snacks for $4, cocktails like the Ultraviolet (with butterfly pea flower gin, Hendrick’s, and creme de violette) for $8, and fries for $5. Don’t take a table in the dining room and expect to get the deal, however: Violet’s happy hour is for bar patrons only. Monday to Thursday, 5-6 p.m., Friday and Sunday, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

2301 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 682-4861
(415) 682-4861
Patricia Chang

Doppio Zero San Francisco

395 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

This Italian Bay Area staple has a bevy of happy hour offerings for thirsty and hungry customers. Truffle french fries go for $6, a potato croquette with truffle fondue for $8, and six-inch pizzas for $8. All cocktails are $3 off, too, and draft beer is $2 cheaper. Monday to Thursday, 4:30-6 p.m.

395 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 624-3634
(415) 624-3634
Patricia Chang

The Madrigal

100 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102

Ordering cocktails from a Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group (Oakland’s Mama and FiDi’s the Vault) for $10 a piece is rare in its own right, let alone a nighttime happy hour. The Civic Center’s Madrigal, then, is hoping to provide this exceptional offering every week. Round it out with food off the happy hour menu, but keep in mind that the kitchen closes by 10:45 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 9 p.m. to close.

100 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 796-2531
(415) 796-2531
The Madrigal on Van Ness.
The Madrigal on Van Ness.
The Madrigal

Bar Crudo

655 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Bar Crudo’s excellent, seafood-focused happy hour is a popular one, due to high-quality seafood offerings at a discounted price. There are $2 oysters or herb- and jalapeño-marinated mussels (all sold by the 1⁄2 dozen or dozen), crispy cod tacos ($12), and Crudo’s famously creamy seafood chowder ($12), all of which can be washed down with $5 beer or $9 wine. Monday to Saturday, 5-6:30 p.m.

655 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 409-0679
(415) 409-0679
Bar Crudo/Facebook

El Techo de Lolinda

2518 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

One of the best happy hour views in town can be found at this rowdy rooftop bar, accompanied by $5 cervezas, $7 margaritas, $18 sangria pitchers, and bar bites that range from guacamole to empanadas. It can get quite crowded, especially on a sunny afternoon so plan to arrive on the earlier side. Monday to Friday, 4-6 p.m.

2518 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 550-6970
(415) 550-6970

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