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A pitcher of margaritas at El Techo.

16 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 Jul 26, 2022, 1:35pm PDT

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by Dianne de Guzman and Paolo Bicchieri Updated Jul 26, 2022, 1:35pm PDT

1 comment / new

Aubrie Pick

It’s been a strange few years for a myriad of reasons, so the idea of going to a happy hour might not be on the top of your to-do list. But happy hours are back in San Francisco, whether anyone was asking for them or not. There are a host of places to get cheap eats and cocktails running the gamut from breathtaking waterfront views to spectacular food deals. These 16 happy hours give San Francisco a breath of fresh air and might just be worth stepping out of the WFH world and onto a barside stool.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Jaranita SF Peruvian Rotisserie

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 to wash down the flaky pocket of goodness. Monday to Friday, 4-6 p.m.

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3340 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94123

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A post shared by JARANITA (@jaranitasf)

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Palm House

During happy hour, Palm House slushies (white rum, spiced rum, and fresh lime juice) are only $7, 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 cumin ($6), Spam with coconut rice musubi ($5), and sweet potato fries ($6) provide a compelling reason to stay. Tuesday through Friday, 4-6 p.m.

2032 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123

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One Market Restaurant

Just across the street from the Ferry Building, this restaurant offers Muni or BART travelers a chance to unwind before the journey ahead. Happy hour fare is not to be missed — the deviled eggs are $10, chickpea fries cost $9, and latke get you back just $4.25. Tuesday to Friday, 4-8 p.m. The restaurant also recently added “Summer Oyster Weekends” with a $2 oyster special (limit 12 per person), running Fridays and Saturdays from 4-8 p.m.

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1 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105

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Deviled eggs from One Market’s happy hour menu.

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PABU

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 oz. Sapporo for $9.88. Monday to Saturday, 4-5:30 p.m.

101 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

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International Smoke San Francisco

This Michael Mina outpost offers a high-life vibe with dastardly low prices during happy hour. Cornbread goes for just $2, a smoked pork belly bun for just $5, and a Montucky Cold Snack available for $5, too. Daily, 4-6 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

301 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

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The bar at International Smoke.

Waterbar Restaurant

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 DeLeon 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, with a limit of 24 per table. Daily, 2:30-5 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

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Views from Waterbar Restaurant — Waterbar Restaurant

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E&O Kitchen and Bar

An argument can be made for adding this restaurant to a destination list of $2 butternut squash dumplings alone. Need more reason? Salt and pepper calamari for $10, $6 beers, and craft cocktails for just $9. Tuesday to Saturday, 3-6 p.m.

314 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Visit Website

A happy hour spread from E&O.

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Tataki Sushi and Sake Bar

Everything on the happy hour menu at sustainability-focused sushi bar Tataki is $5, including a seasonally-rotating list of beer, wine, and sake, as well as cocktails like the Matsushima mule. There’s also a respectable list of hand or cut rolls for $4, including a crunchy spicy tuna roll, and the albacore and avocado roll. Daily, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

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2827 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tataki Sushi and Sake Bar (@tatakisf)

Burma Club

Mint Plaza spot Burma Club is the downtown venture from the folks behind Burma Superstar (and its numerous off-shoots), with a number of happy hour discounts. Draft beer is $8, wines are offered by the glass at $10, and a selection of cocktails costs $13. Monday through Friday, 5-6:30 p.m.

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8 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94103

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Burma Club’s happy hour options

Violet's

Violet’s happy hour options include Montucky Cold Snacks for $5, cocktails like the Kokomo Slushie (with two types of rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut) for $8, and homemade chips and dip 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 to Sunday, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

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2301 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

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Doppio Zero San Francisco

This Italian Bay Area staple has a bevy of happy hour offerings for thirsty and hungry diners. 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.

Open in Google Maps

395 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Doppio Zero Ristoranti (@doppiozerousa)

The Madrigal

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 new food off the happy hour menu, too, but keep in mind that the kitchen closes by 10:45 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 9 p.m. to close.

Open in Google Maps

100 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102

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The Madrigal on Van Ness.

Bar Crudo

Those in the know arrive right at 5 p.m. for a seat at Bar Crudo’s excellent, seafood-focused happy hour. There are $2 oysters or herb- and jalapeño-marinated mussels (all sold by the 1⁄2 dozen or dozen), rock cod tacos ($10 for two), and Crudo’s famously creamy seafood chowder ($9), all washed down with $5 beer or $7 wine. Monday to Saturday, 5-6:30 p.m.

655 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

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Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant

Stormy or sunny, Ocean Beach provides an expansive view of the Pacific. The Beach Chalet only upgrades that view, and the folks at the end of the Sunset neighborhood have launched an affordable happy hour to complement the experience. Beer is $5, with wines priced at $7 and cocktails for $9. Monday to Friday, 3:30-6 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beach Chalet (@beachchalet)

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Liliana

Liliana, the sister bar to chef Seth Stowaway’s restaurant Osito, is kicking off a new happy hour menu this summer. There will be a small selection of wines available by the glass, as well as two specialty cocktails, and Lonestar Beer by the can, which will be available alongside the regular menu. Tuesday to Friday, 5-6 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

2875 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Liliana (@lilianasf_)

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El Techo de Lolinda

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. Get to El Techo by 4 p.m. if you want a shot at a good table; it can get quite crowded, especially on a sunny afternoon. Monday to Friday, 4-6 p.m.

2518 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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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 to wash down the flaky pocket of goodness. Monday to Friday, 4-6 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

3340 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JARANITA (@jaranitasf)

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 $7, 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 cumin ($6), Spam with coconut rice musubi ($5), and sweet potato fries ($6) provide a compelling reason to stay. Tuesday through Friday, 4-6 p.m.

2032 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Visit Website

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 ahead. Happy hour fare is not to be missed — the deviled eggs are $10, chickpea fries cost $9, and latke get you back just $4.25. Tuesday to Friday, 4-8 p.m. The restaurant also recently added “Summer Oyster Weekends” with a $2 oyster special (limit 12 per person), running Fridays and Saturdays from 4-8 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

1 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Visit Website

Deviled eggs from One Market’s happy hour menu.

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 oz. Sapporo for $9.88. Monday to Saturday, 4-5:30 p.m.

101 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Visit Website

International Smoke San Francisco

301 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

This Michael Mina outpost offers a high-life vibe with dastardly low prices during happy hour. Cornbread goes for just $2, a smoked pork belly bun for just $5, and a Montucky Cold Snack available for $5, too. Daily, 4-6 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

301 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Visit Website

The bar at International Smoke.

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 DeLeon 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, with a limit of 24 per table. Daily, 2:30-5 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

Visit Website

Views from Waterbar Restaurant — Waterbar Restaurant

E&O Kitchen and Bar

314 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108

An argument can be made for adding this restaurant to a destination list of $2 butternut squash dumplings alone. Need more reason? Salt and pepper calamari for $10, $6 beers, and craft cocktails for just $9. Tuesday to Saturday, 3-6 p.m.

314 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Visit Website

A happy hour spread from E&O.

Tataki Sushi and Sake Bar

2827 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Everything on the happy hour menu at sustainability-focused sushi bar Tataki is $5, including a seasonally-rotating list of beer, wine, and sake, as well as cocktails like the Matsushima mule. There’s also a respectable list of hand or cut rolls for $4, including a crunchy spicy tuna roll, and the albacore and avocado roll. Daily, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

2827 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tataki Sushi and Sake Bar (@tatakisf)

Burma Club

8 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94103

Mint Plaza spot Burma Club is the downtown venture from the folks behind Burma Superstar (and its numerous off-shoots), with a number of happy hour discounts. Draft beer is $8, wines are offered by the glass at $10, and a selection of cocktails costs $13. Monday through Friday, 5-6:30 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

8 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94103

Visit Website

Burma Club’s happy hour options

Violet's

2301 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Violet’s happy hour options include Montucky Cold Snacks for $5, cocktails like the Kokomo Slushie (with two types of rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut) for $8, and homemade chips and dip 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 to Sunday, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

2301 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Visit Website

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 diners. 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.

Open in Google Maps

395 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Doppio Zero Ristoranti (@doppiozerousa)

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 new food off the happy hour menu, too, but keep in mind that the kitchen closes by 10:45 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 9 p.m. to close.

Open in Google Maps

100 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

The Madrigal on Van Ness.

Bar Crudo

655 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Those in the know arrive right at 5 p.m. for a seat at Bar Crudo’s excellent, seafood-focused happy hour. There are $2 oysters or herb- and jalapeño-marinated mussels (all sold by the 1⁄2 dozen or dozen), rock cod tacos ($10 for two), and Crudo’s famously creamy seafood chowder ($9), all washed down with $5 beer or $7 wine. Monday to Saturday, 5-6:30 p.m.

655 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Visit Website

Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant

1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121

Stormy or sunny, Ocean Beach provides an expansive view of the Pacific. The Beach Chalet only upgrades that view, and the folks at the end of the Sunset neighborhood have launched an affordable happy hour to complement the experience. Beer is $5, with wines priced at $7 and cocktails for $9. Monday to Friday, 3:30-6 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beach Chalet (@beachchalet)

Liliana

2875 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Liliana, the sister bar to chef Seth Stowaway’s restaurant Osito, is kicking off a new happy hour menu this summer. There will be a small selection of wines available by the glass, as well as two specialty cocktails, and Lonestar Beer by the can, which will be available alongside the regular menu. Tuesday to Friday, 5-6 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

2875 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Liliana (@lilianasf_)

Related Maps

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. Get to El Techo by 4 p.m. if you want a shot at a good table; it can get quite crowded, especially on a sunny afternoon. Monday to Friday, 4-6 p.m.

2518 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Visit Website

Related Maps