The Best Bars In The Tenderloin

Although the Tenderloin neighborhood near downtown San Francisco is considered ‘bad,’ there are some amazing hidden gems in the form of restaurants, unique bars and nightclubs, independently owned stores, and great live music. Read on for The Culture Trip’s list of the best bars located in the Tenderloin.

1. Wilson & Wilson

Bar, Dessert, Pub Grub

Wilson & Wilson is a hidden, Prohibition-style speakeasy inside Bourbon & Branch that offers specialty cocktails and special spirit tastings. Pass through the hidden door and enjoy elaborate cocktails prepared with house-made tinctures, infused spirits, and other artisanal ingredients, which can be ordered individually or as three-course tastings.

2. Bourbon & Branch

Cocktail Bar, Bar, American

Bourbon & Branch is a swanky, unmarked, 1920s-style speakeasy that specializes in handcrafted cocktails and requires a reservation. Whisper the secret password at the entrance (find it on the website; we’re not giving away the secrets that easily), and you’ll be whisked inside for a one-of-a-kind experience.

3. PianoFight

Theater

This full-service restaurant and bar boasts a cabaret stage and two theaters for sketch comedy and other live acts. PianoFight features a variety of shows, including world premiere plays, sketch comedy, choose-your-own-ending plays, improv and variety shows, dance, live podcasts, film screenings, and more.

4. Amsterdam Cafe

Bar, Cafe, American

Amsterdam Cafe is a cash-only bar that specializes in craft beer, offering 25 taps and over 350 bottles of fine ales and lagers. It has a reputation for the best beer selection in the area.

5. Rx

Rx

This unique spot with an apothecary theme serves prescription-themed cocktails in categories ranging from ‘painkillers,’ ‘stress relievers,’ and ‘mood stabilizers.’ Head to Rx and enjoy the low-lighting, gold walls, dark-wood booths, and comfy corner couches, and grab a drink to fit any mood.

Rx, 701 Geary St, San Francisco, CA, USA +1 415 271 0896

6. Redford

Bar, American

Redford serves American comfort food like mac n’ cheese and pulled pork grilled cheese and a full bar, including a whiskey flight. Located in a hip, loft-style building with exposed brick and wooden beams, Redford is a great destination for enjoying yourself with a drink and some comfort food on one of those blustery San Francisco nights.

7. The Basement

Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub

The Basement is a stylish nightclub that features comedy acts and dancing. Offering a variety of cocktails, beers, wines, and sake, The Basement should be on your go-to list for stand-up comedy and live music.

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.