21 & Over

All the pinball, pool tables and indoor graffiti you’ve come to expect from a proper dive, plus the votive-lit coziness you never thought you’d find at one. Order up a cheap, stiff cocktail and join the dog-friendly locals on the large sofa or snag one of the intimate booths.

Once the premier spot to see live indie music, the Kilowatt now showcases DJs only, along with pool tables, dart boards, good beer and a spacious dance floor. With its high ceilings and creamy clapboard walls, the space feels more expansive than your average dingy dive bar, but make no mistake: The diverse crowd—dogs included—is here for some serious partying.

No cover charge and happy-hour specials that last until 11 p.m. make this bar a steal. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, a projector plays films on the back wall and DJs mix the likes of hip-hop and house.

No cover charge and happy-hour specials that last until 11 p.m. make this bar a steal. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, a projector plays films on the back wall and DJs mix the likes of hip-hop and house.

Former Frisson bar manager Duggan McDonnell’s Cantina has a vaguely Cuba-meets-Mexico feel along with a long list of tequila, mezcal and cachaça cocktails, many available by the pitcher.

Former Frisson bar manager Duggan McDonnell’s Cantina has a vaguely Cuba-meets-Mexico feel along with a long list of tequila, mezcal and cachaça cocktails, many available by the pitcher.

The Rat Pack is alive and swingin’ here in San Francisco, baby. Vintage 415’s latest nightlife venture is transforming the Tenderloin into Vegas from the ring-a-ding ‘60s. With whiskey in hand, a la Mr. Frankie Sinatra, try not to get hypnotized by the (count 'em) 31 Princess crystal chandeliers overhead.

Tucked away in the shadow of SoMa's Central Freeway, the Eagle Tavern’s tiki torches, enormous outdoor beer garden and rosy-cheeked bartenders satisfies everything from a leather to an indie crowd. Thursdays feature live funk, rock or blues; and if you're lucky you might see local up-and-comers such as the Ohsees or the Rock N Roll Adventure Kids.

Time for a pint? Absolutely. From the rickety storefront sign emblazoned with that very phrase to the various nooks where you can savor your well-poured pint of Guinness, Johnny Foley’s is an authentic Irish oasis steps from busy O’Farrell Street. Named for an Irishman who once sang his way out of jail, this pub is never too loud and definitely never dull.

Located behind an unmarked black door, Bourbon & Branch, SF's first reservation-only bar, sits atop a 1920s speakeasy—bullet holes, secret exits and all. Don't be turned off by the list of house rules that arrives with your email confirmation: The place can be surprisingly unpretentious, and the menu lays out some 50 cocktails. Need a suggestion? Co-owner Doug Dalton, who's also a partner at Swig and Anú, likes the Revolver, made with Bulleit bourbon. "A hint of Tia Maria gives it a wonderful, hearty flavor without diluting the bourbon," he says.