In case you haven't noticed, there's no shortage of high-quality watering holes in the Bay Area. What can we say? As a region, we like to get a little lubricated every now and then. But that doesn't give any of us an excuse to keep going to the same ol' neighborhood bar every weekend. So, in an attempt to keep the Bay's drinking game interesting, we bring you the best rooftop spots to quite literally elevate your bar crawl – no matter which side of the Bay you happen to drink on.
Last Updated March 24, 2025
San Francisco
Via Kaiyo
(701 3rd St // Mission Bay)
Kaiyo is relatively new to the San Francisco rooftop scene, but not to the city or to Nikkei cuisine. Step outside into what feels like a tropical Peruvian paradise, and enjoy a full menu of cocktails and dishes that seamlessly blend the flavors of Peru and Japan.
Via Rise Over Run
(33 Turk St // Tenderloin)
If you want views, look no further than Rise Over Run, perched on top of Timbri hotel. You'll get a stunning peek at the SF skyline, alongside some intriguing cocktails and bar bites. Pro tip: ask to sit by one of the fire pits, so you can stay toasty!
Via Cavaña
(100 Channel St 17th Floor // Mission Bay)
The latest addition to SF's rooftop bar scene is worth the hype. With a cocktail menu focused on sugar cane and agave distillates, plates that celebrate vibrant Latin flavors, and, of course, a stunning outdoor terrace with killer views, Cavaña is the ideal place to elevate your next night out.
Via Shelby's Rooftop
(250 4th St. // SOMA)
Get classy at this rooftop lounge where you can sip drinks, savor food, and take in the city views, all from the 12th floor of the Canopy hotel. Enjoy the fresh air while you gaze at the amazing San Francisco skyline for a unique view of Downtown!
Via El Techo
(2516 Mission St // Mission)
Cozy up under the heat lamps at this vibrant spot boasting killer brunch, Latin American street food, and sweeping city views from the heart of the Mission. Alternatively, warm from the inside out with their pitchers of margaritas, palomas, and other tasty cocktails.
(12 4th St // Yerba Buena)
This secluded rooftop restaurant and bar on top of Hotel Zelos is sleek and sexy, with a picturesque fireplace and upscale decor. You won’t catch extensive downtown views, but the atmosphere is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic date night.
(1100 Market St // Tenderloin)
Boasting a wide variety of drinks and charming, eclectic decor, Charmaine’s is equal parts fun and cute. Every seat on the rooftop is Instagram-worthy – as are the handcrafted drinks – so swing by and spend some time taking it all in.
(138 King St // South Beach)This iconic rooftop bar gives you 360-degree views of SF that are so gorgeous, you'll never want to leave. Not to mention they throw rooftop parties that make the most of their space. The catch: you have to be a hotel guest or partygoer to check it out. See their upcoming events
here.
(25 Lusk St // China Basin)
This rooftop bar and restaurant is covered by an awning, so it's perfect if you're trying to enjoy a night out and want to stay protected from the misty SF air. It's also super close to Oracle Park, which makes it great for grabbing a pre or post-game drink.
East Bay
Via Study Hall
(2121 Center St // Berkeley)
Study Hall has cemented itself as the place to be in Berkeley. With live music five nights a week, classic cocktails with a twist, and extensive aerial views of Cal's campus, you're guaranteed to have a great time (but not likely to get much studying done).
(1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd #300 // Walnut Creek)
Patrons flock to the aptly-named Rooftop for its airy and spacious rooftop deck. (Fun fact: the roof is retractable.) Order upscale New American classics meant for sharing and don't miss the lunch specials, which make it easy to start early and stay late.
Via Mad Oak
(135 12th St // Oakland)
Double the patios, double the fun. Mad Oak's ground-level and rooftop patios are decked out with communal tables, ideal for bringing the squad or making new friends. Go for a handcrafted house cocktail or opt for something from their extensive draft beer selection.
(722-730 Clay St // Oakland)
Run by three born-and-bred East Bay women dedicated to classic hospitality, Oeste is a classy cafe by day and a swanky restaurant and bar once the sun goes down. We love the old-school ambiance and sustainably-sourced menu full of Latin American and soul food dishes.
Via Telefèric Barcelona
(1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd // Walnut Creek)
This Walnut Creek hotspot's main draw is its insanely delicious food –
we're talking tapas and paella, but its cocktails aren't too shabby either. Sip on a butterfly pea Ibiza Gin and Tonic or a sweet and savory glass of sangria on the second-floor patio just off the main dining room.
Via Torch Oakland
(1630 San Pablo Ave // Oakland)
Whether post-work day or pre-night out, catching the sunset with a cocktail at Torch should be on your Bay Area bucket list. And if you're looking to stick around for the night, they always have a solid mix of events and DJs on the weekend.
Via The GrandView
(15005 Mount Hamilton Rd // San Jose)
This restaurant’s name honestly undersells the experience – enjoy an ever-changing menu filled with fresh ingredients from the farm across the street while looking out over the Santa Clara Valley. Check it out after the sun sets to see the city and sky sparkle!
Via Floodcraft Brewing
(777 The Alameda // San Jose)
What's a beautiful, sunny day out without a cold beer? Situated atop the Whole Foods and across from the SAP Center, Floodcraft is an excellent place to grab a craft brew with a view any day of the week. They have more than 20 options on tap!
Via Fairchilds Public House
(409 San Antonio Rd // Mountain View)
Ok, so we might be cheating a little bit with this one (it’s not on the tippy top of the roof), but it’s too good not to include. Swing by for happy hour after work, or bring your dog along for a night out and let them order off the pup menu.
Via British Bankers Club
(555 Santa Cruz Ave // Menlo Park)
It's hard not to feel like a big shot when you show up to the British Bankers Club. From the columns out front to the wine cellar, to the rooftop booths, there's something impressive at every turn. The rooftop doesn't stay open year-round though, so be sure to call or check their website before you go.
North Bay
Via The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House
(227 Healdsburg Ave // Healdsburg)
The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House is the ideal place to cozy down by the fire pit and catch a sunset, cocktail in hand – whether at the end of a long day or beginning of a long night. They even have $1 oysters on Mondays!
(1450 1st St // Napa)
Craft cocktails and locally sourced liquors reign supreme at this Napa hotel bar with a chic, stylish atmosphere and inviting fire pits. It's a pretty lively scene more often than not, so we recommend heading there after dinner to top the evening off.
Via Sky & Vine
(1260 1st St // Napa)
Wine and cheese is pretty much the quintessential Napa pairing, so why not enjoy it on the roof? If for some reason that's not your vibe, they also have plenty of craft cocktails and assorted small plates, so you can come for the grub, then stay for the vibes.
Via RH Rooftop
(1750 Redwood Hwy. // Corte Madera)
The RH Rooftop is truly extravagant with its olive trees, fountains, and chandeliers, so it's worth checking out even if only for a glass of wine. Plus, it has a glass roof and walls, so you can enjoy all of the sun and none of that chill in the air, any time of year.
Written by Alex Killian and Katherine Andrews
