Sporting an enormous parklet on Columbus Avenue, Devil’s Acre is one of the biggest social distance-designed outdoor options in North Beach, though Red Window, Tosca, and others have parklets of their own. Come for the late-night hangs and top-tier drinks, though be warned the bar does not serve food.

Tucked in San Francisco’s former naval base-turned national park, Colibri offers handmade tortillas, decadent pato en mole, and panuchos aplenty. Chef Edgar Castro and team are happy to seat a big group looking for a luscious lunch after touring the Disney museum or the new Tunnel Tops Park.

Known for its vegan soft serve and bodacious burgers, Gott’s Roadside offers a stellar option for casual outdoor dining at its Ferry Building outpost. Keep in mind this spot is in high demand — getting a big table could be competitive — but it's ideal for a mid-week team lunch kind of thing. Beyond the burgers and ice cream, Gott’s offers salads, sandwiches, and loads of meatless protiens and vegetarian options.

On the north side of Golden Gate Park there’s a neighborhood staple for watching the Niners and eating wings. Now with a Sunset sister location on Irving Street, Foghorn Taproom has a big parklet on a block with loads of other outdoor dining options. Vegan wings are on hand, and local breweries are always on tap.

This 22,500-square-foot distillery and beer garden in Mission Bay is perfect for an afternoon kickback. The food is no joke, either: fried avocado tacos and grilled tri-tip medallions with chimichurri are on hand in this expansive restaurant and pub. The beer garden hosts up to 100 guests for private events, too. 

The newest addition to the 9th Avenue corridor, Richmond District-born Italian restaurant Fiorella serves big pies and big groups outdoors. The rooftop seating is an elite dining experience, especially if you dip in for a trip to hidden Bar Nonnina. Pizza and fresh pasta make up the bulk of the menu, paired with a list of wine, beer, and Italian amari.

Pioneering innovative outdoor dining during the pandemic, this Chamorro cuisine destination in the Mission District is well worth visiting with a big group. Prubechu geared their outdoor seating for social distancing specifically, taking over part of the nearby alley, and can take nine or more guests on a reservation. Vegan coconut flatbread, sweet and sour pork belly, and fried branzino are all available at this restaurant.

For a Castro classic, and an old Oprah Winfrey favorite, head to 18th Street’s Italian restaurant Poesia. The back patio has a DIY Italian vibe, and the downstairs was recently retrofitted into an expanded cafe and seating area. Big groups can enjoy the big portions including ravioli di zucca ($23) and filet mignon ($38) in a classy yet down-to-earth ambiance.

The Bayview has plenty of great spots to eat and drink, but for outdoor group dining, none may be better than All Good Pizza. Its 7,000-square-foot beer garden is ideal for afternoons eating pizza and catching up in a lowkey environment. Panini and pizzas are the stars here; the mushroom pie, sporting a fleet of roasted crimini mushrooms and baby arugula, is a smart choice.