550 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
@pch_sf
Opened in 2016 near Union Square, Pacific Cocktail Haven—or P.C.H., as it’s colloquially known—has earned accolades from the Spirited Awards, North American 50 Best Bars, and the James Beard Foundation. It all makes sense when you walk into the glowing, inviting space, which includes a buzzy front patio and a deep-cuts, spirits-lined bar. Bartender and owner Kevin Diedrich serves some of the world’s most creative cocktails, many of them celebrating his Filipino roots with Asia-Pacific ingredients. This is actually the bar’s second location; the original, located three doors down, was decimated in a devastating 2021 fire. The stellar team has nonetheless managed to keep the same laid-back vibe, informed service, and creative, crushable cocktails.
Don’t miss: There are so many iconic Diedrich drinks and exciting newcomers, it’s hard to resist trying them all. Start with the Oh Snap, a long, refreshing glass of gin, manzanilla sherry, sugar snap peas, citrus, absinthe, and tonic. Playful recent additions from their tight bartending team include Numb and Number from Lane McCormick, a mix of pisco, amaretto, green Chartreuse, mango, and the lime-like citrus sudachi.
362 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
@goldensardinesf
Golden Sardine delivered a heavy dose of nostalgia when it opened in North Beach in 2024. A cozy wine bar, poetry bookstore, and tinned fish haven all rolled into one, Golden Sardine channels the neighborhood’s beatnik spirit and history with black-and-white photos, stacks of indie poetry books, and regular poetry readings. Owners Andrew Nelson and Caitlyn Skye Wild have created a space for wounded wordsmiths and wine geeks alike—blissfully partnered with sardine tins—as well as local and global winemakers. Gather around the upright piano upstairs, the cramped, buzzy bar downstairs, or on sidewalk seating watching Columbus Avenue crowds roll by.
Don’t miss: The menu features frequently changing offerings from a range of wine regions, with special focus on heavy hitters like Burgundy or German Riesling, plus deep-cut organic wines and local treasures. Don’t miss the blessed selection of vermouth and sherry.
StarlitePhotograph by Joseph Weaver
