The Best Bars In The Mid-Market Area, San Francisco

PianoFight is a lively spot known for its live music, complete with a cabaret stage and two small theaters. This spot is both a restaurant and a bar, offering you the chance to enjoy a meal and a drink while experiencing entertainment from up-and-coming local musicians, as well as comedy shows, interactive plays, film screenings, and more. As a bonus, PianoFight is open to all ages.

Conveniently located in Union Square, Benjamin Cooper is a fun, modern oyster bar. The bar is a tribute to Benjamin Cooper himself, serving up unique cocktails that you can enjoy in a playful atmosphere that embodies the feel of vintage San Francisco.

At the corner of Polk and Market stands The Beer Hall, surrounded by such iconic cultural institutions as City Hall, the Asian Art Museum, The Warfield, and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The bar is mid-sized and modern, with both communal and bar seating. There are four wines on tap as well as 20 beers, always including a sour, a nitro, and a cider.

The Tempest is a bar operated by The Pour Guys, a popular spot for local writers thanks to its proximity to the San Francisco Chronicle building. It is comfortable but still divey, even hosting a restaurant onsite called Box Kitchen which serves up some incredible pub food. You can expect a pool table, screens for sports viewing, and great food and drinks.

Located on Folsom Street, Bloodhound is a crafty cocktail bar offering classic drinks like Planters Punch, Jack Rose, and Ward 8, but made sweet enough for anyone to enjoy. The atmosphere is cool and rustic, and the interior is ready for the possibility of a dance party breaking out at any moment. There is a full bar, a plentiful beer selection, and comfortable seating, too.

Another spot located on iconic Folsom, Driftwood is designed to make you feel like you are on an abandoned, shipwrecked boat. There are comfortable leather couches that you can relax upon beside the fireplace while you enjoy delicious cocktails. Plus, there is live music onsite every week, with genres including bluegrass, jazz, and surf rock.