Culture Trip Spring Sale: Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots. Book now.
  1. Home
  2. North America
  3. Usa
  4. California
  5. The Top 9 Bars Restaurants...

The Top Bars And Restaurants In San Francisco's Western Addition

A snapshot of downtown as seen from Divisidero
A snapshot of downtown as seen from Divisidero | © OmiB91/Flickr
Benedict Endrelunas

The Western Addition contains a wealth of both daytime and nightlife attractions. This diverse neighborhood has everything from classy dining establishments to cheap and simple dive bars. From craft cocktails and gourmet plates to a tall glass of beer and a basket of nachos, the Western Addition is a must-visit for drinks and eats in the city.

1. NOPA

Bar

NOPA

If you can manage to snag a seat at this amazing two-story bar and restaurant, consider yourself lucky, as NOPA is the most popular establishment in the Western Addition. It once employed Neyah White, a nationally famous resident bartender. Although Mr. White is no longer working there, NOPA provides weekly classes and tastings for both mixology and culinary fanatics. Remember, NOPA is a neighborhood favorite, so you can expect it to be packed every night.

NOPA, 560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415 864 8643

A cup of artisan coffee at Nopa | © Brian Bilek/Flickr

2. Mini Bar

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub

The name of the bar, indeed, reflects the tight quaint quarters of Mini Bar. Specializing in mostly beer and wine, their assortment of hard liquor and cocktails is also quite impressive.The bartenders recommend the ‘old fashioned’ and their delicious ‘black Manhattan‘. You can choose to sit at the bar or in the lounge areas in both the front and rear sections of the venue, which is adorned with local art. Locally owned and operated, its patrons are also true San Franciscans who love their bar and welcome all.

3. The Page

Bar, Wine Bar, American

The Page, San Francisco
Courtesy of Vinyl Coffee and Wine Bar
On the corner of Page and Divisadero, The Page stands with its beautiful red wooden doors. Stepping inside, you’ll find it contains that classic bar vibe, walls with old oak paneling and eclectic decorations throughout the room. Although they don’t specialize in cocktails, they do have ‘Piney The Elder’, an incredibly refreshing but heavy ale that is guaranteed to get you dancing on the pool tables. The crowd and staff are probably some of the most friendly people you will meet. The bartenders certainly have a sense of humor, and they only have a few requests for their patrons: ‘We don’t serve mojitos’ and ‘Please don’t play Rush’s 2112 on the jukebox.’

5. Bar Crudo

Bar, Restaurant, Seafood

A delicious plate of fresh shellfish from Bar Crudo
© circeberman/Wikipedia
Check out Bar Crudo for an fancy atmosphere, with its a wide selection of fresh seafood, ice cold white wine and beer. Go for the smooth and refreshing assyrtiko white wine along with a half dozen raw kusshi oysters on a half shell. The cocktail sauce they use is a mixture of garlic, vinegar, and ketchup. Although it may lean toward the pricier side, it’s worth visiting at happy hour from 5:30pm to 6:00pm for great prices on oysters. You have to act fast though!

6. Madrone Art Bar

Bar, Pub Grub

Open mic night at the Madrone Art Bar
© Dianne Yee/Flickr
Madrone Art Bar falls into the ‘divey’ category of bars in the Western Addition. However, it is still a neighborhood favorite with an exhibit or event scheduled just about every day. Be sure to visit on ‘Motown Monday’, a modern twist to old Motown music, as it’s sure to be a memorable time. Be prepared to sweat those Monday blues away with a refreshing mule.

7. Bistro Gambrinus

Bar, Bistro, Restaurant, Pub, European, American

Bistro Gambrinus specializes in Eastern European imported beer and food. The quaint little pub is a perfect place for any college student or sports fan to come sit and grab a drink after class or to watch the game. The sausages go well with any of the Belgian, Czech, and German beers. Located right down the road from University of San Francisco (USF) on Fulton, the bistro’s owner, Neil, has a drink special for USF students.

8. Barrel Head Brewhouse

Bar, Pub, American

Barrel Head Brewhouse is a two-story bar-restaurant with more than 40 beers on tap! Start off with the ‘flight du jour’ and get a sample of some of their house brewed drinks, freshly poured from their decommissioned torpedo tap. Stall your hunger with some their tasty bar entrées, such as the ‘barrel beef burger’, or the ‘seared tombo tuna’. Come in after work or school for their happy hour Monday-Friday from 4:30pm-6pm. Sit at the gorgeously smooth wooden table or bar and take a load off.

9. The Corner Store

Bar, Restaurant, American

It’s not what you think. The Corner Store isn’t like your local bodegaesque corner shop where you can buy groceries and cigarettes. The Corner Store is a casual Americana-style restaurant and bar with comfort food and fountain-style mixed drinks. At night, sit at the bar and order a couple rounds of the ‘she’s right behind me, isn’t she?’ or their amazing ‘Corner Store float’, a mixture of bourbon, root liqueur, root beer, and vanilla ice cream. Then, come in the next day during brunch hours to nurse that hangover with some house-made chicken gravy and biscuits. Make sure you get there early or make a reservation because it’s bound to be packed.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Read Next

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

View Offers
X
close-ad
Edit article