Here are some of the best San Francisco patio spots, broken down by vibe and neighborhood
We love al fresco vibes and there is now more outside seating than ever in San Francisco and Oakland. Restaurants, cafes, and shops are using every bit of creativity and street space to stay afloat during the pandemic. So now is a good time to support a local business, enjoy the warmth of a West-coast autumn nights, and stay safe while enjoying night life.
Please let us know if there are other places we should feature. And also make sure to wear a mask when you’re not eating, wash your hands, and be extra courteous to the restaurant staff who risking their health to make outdoor dining possible.
Discover more patios and slow streets with on Vibemap: Search for “patio” or “outdoors” vibes in the app. You can also search near you with our mobile app.
Our Favorite Patios, by Vibe
Lokma
Outdoor Turkish Dining
- love
- hearty
- quiet
- fresh
Prubechu
Guam // SF Food Parlor
- tropical
- casual
- colorful
- cozy
Cotogna
Though rustic compared to high-end sibling Quince just next door, Michael and Lindsay Tusk’s casual offshoot would be elegant by any other standard. Exposed brick, a shiny copper chef’s counter and bar, wooden tables…it’s Italian to a T, and a hot-ticket reservation. The space centers around an exhibition kitchen, from which crisp pizzas and hearty roasted meats emerge. The absolutely delicious menu highlights Chef Tusk’s pristine pastas, like agnolotti del plin, stuffed with tender rabbit, veal and pork. Seasonal starters are equally pleasing, like kale and radicchio salad in a tangy vinaigrette with hard-boiled farm egg and pecorino. The rustic plum and ginger torta is moist and delicious, but those ever-so-sweet, ripe plums steal the show.
- hearty
- simple
- diverse
- fresh
Beloved Cafe
Beloved Cafe is a place where culture and community happens. People come here not just to nourish their bodies, but to nourish their hearts. It’s about the connection we have to one-another, and the connection we have to place, and to food. We recognize that everything has a story, every object, every furnishing, every tea, every fruit. It came from somewhere and there were many hands and forces that brought it into existence and to this place. We like to think that those stories come alive here. That through those stories we find connection and communion.
- friendly
- community
- vegan
- patio
620 Jones
Cocktail Bar
- happy
- public
- trendy
- brunch
Arbor
Located in the heart of Hayes Valley, we’re a neighborhood restaurant featuring a variety of fast, casual, and healthful dishes for take out and delivery!
Healthful, vegan options, gluten free options, burgers, salads, plant-based soft-serve, and more.
- affordable
- casual
- creative
- friendly
The Front Porch
Southern Home Cooking
- savory
- authentic
- classic
- community
More by Neighborhood
Here are some additional San Francisco patio and outdoor spots. We especially love patios on slow street and public promenades.
Patio Vibes: Embarcadero & Market Street
Gott’s Roadside
- together
- curious
- busy
- outdoors
La Mar
- amazing
- authentic
- bold
- classic
Cotogna
Though rustic compared to high-end sibling Quince just next door, Michael and Lindsay Tusk’s casual offshoot would be elegant by any other standard. Exposed brick, a shiny copper chef’s counter and bar, wooden tables…it’s Italian to a T, and a hot-ticket reservation. The space centers around an exhibition kitchen, from which crisp pizzas and hearty roasted meats emerge. The absolutely delicious menu highlights Chef Tusk’s pristine pastas, like agnolotti del plin, stuffed with tender rabbit, veal and pork. Seasonal starters are equally pleasing, like kale and radicchio salad in a tangy vinaigrette with hard-boiled farm egg and pecorino. The rustic plum and ginger torta is moist and delicious, but those ever-so-sweet, ripe plums steal the show.
- hearty
- simple
- diverse
- fresh
Alexander's Steakhouse
Patio & Steakhouse
- fancy
- patio
- celebration
- amazing
Patio Vibes: Chinatown & North Beach
China Live
The first-floor restaurant features a daily changing seasonal menu cooked from 8 specialized stations that merge traditional Chinese and Western culinary equipment. A main dining area plays centerpiece, appointed with chairs and tables all handcrafted in China from reclaimed Chinese elm. These exhibition kitchens, with plenty of bar seating, allow you a more close-up view of the deft chefs in action.
- relaxing
- special
- oasis
- modern
Original Joe's
Italian restaurant
- original
- special
- modern
- mid-century
Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe
Park-side Cafe
- atmosphere
- chill
- classic
- cool
Caffé Greco
Situated in North Beach, San Francisco’s historic Italian neighborhood, Caffe Greco was founded by owners Hanna and Sandy Suleiman in August 1988.
Caffe Greco is recognized by many, as the most authentic Italian caffe in the city serving the world famous Illy Caffe , award winning homemade tiramisu, cannoli, and gelato.
Caffe Greco’s commitment to high quality, impeccable service and friendly atmosphere, will continue to serve as a model of excellence, success and pride.
- cute
- quiet
- local
- historic
Patio Vibes: Bay View & Dogpatch
All Good Pizza id_dup
All Good Pizza serves Neapolitan style brick oven pizzas, organic salads, paninis grilled on fresh baked local bread and beer and wine in a 7,000 square foot beer garden in the eclectic Bayview district of San Francisco. Everything is created from scratch utilizing local vendors like Veritable Vegetable, Molinari Salami, and the Evergood Sausage Company. We cater for groups from 10-500 and regularly host
both private and public events and fundraisers.
Come and enjoy al fresco dining with us in San Francisco’s sunniest district!
- local
- amazing
- together
- cultural
El Huarache Loco
Family-owned spot for griddled Mexican goodies.
- social
- fun
- local
- authentic
Harmonic Brewing
Harmonic is an independent brewery that celebrates Craft, Culture, and Community in San Francisco.
- community
- cool
- craft
- creative
Just For You
We make good things to eat: eggs, pancakes and french toast, beignets, New Orleans and Mexican specialties, California classics, sandwiches & burgers, salads, home-made sausages & breads, hot plates, desserts, and always some daily specials.
- french
- authentic
- patio
- funny
Patio Vibes: Mission District & Valencia Street
Beloved Cafe
Beloved Cafe is a place where culture and community happens. People come here not just to nourish their bodies, but to nourish their hearts. It’s about the connection we have to one-another, and the connection we have to place, and to food. We recognize that everything has a story, every object, every furnishing, every tea, every fruit. It came from somewhere and there were many hands and forces that brought it into existence and to this place. We like to think that those stories come alive here. That through those stories we find connection and communion.
- friendly
- community
- vegan
- patio
The Valencia Room
We are back with outdoor patio seating & weekly live DJ music lineup! We’ve partnered with our neighbors at Hawker Fare to serve delicious organic Laotian food. We are following social distancing guidelines so please bring your masks!
- dance
- fun
- hip
- lively
Hawker Fare
Laoisaan Eatery
- hipster
- fresh
- trendy
- local
Prubechu
Guam // SF Food Parlor
- tropical
- casual
- colorful
- cozy
Son & Garden
Farmhouse Kitchen
- cute
- magical
- fresh
- neon
The Front Porch
Southern Home Cooking
- savory
- authentic
- classic
- community
Horsie's Saloon
- cozy
- fun
- patio
Patio Vibes: Western Addition & Richmond
Patio Vibes: Hayes Valley & Haight
Gioia Pizzeria
Gioia is a New York Style Pizzeria with seasonal ingredients. We are an honest to goodness neighborhood restaurant.
Our menu offers seasonal New York Style pizzas, house-made beef & pork meatballs, amazing chicken parm and meatball parm sandwiches, house-made chicken wings, salads, soft drinks and don’t forget our house-made cannoli for dessert!
All made with the best of Californian ingredients.
We don’t eat pizzas with a fork & knife. New Yorkers consider that uncivilized.
We have been doing Farm to Table thing for a long time because it makes sense and it’s a lifestyle, not a trend. You know like you don’t go out in the rain without an umbrella.
We serve simple RUSTIC food with big flavors. We like that kind of honest food. We think it’s the kind of food you like!
- stylish
- cozy
- creative
- flavorful
A Mano
“A mano” is Italian for “by hand,” and that’s exactly how your pasta will be made at this delicious Italian, where diners can witness dough being rolled, cut and folded just minutes before arriving at the table. Options include vivid green pea and pesto tagliatelle and delicately shaped agnolotti dal plin. For those who’d rather eschew carbs, there are hearty mains like braised short ribs. The crowd is diverse, with young professionals and families alike sharing Margherita pizzas and spicy chicken meatballs. Loud, funky music and floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the bustle of Hayes Valley’s main drag add to the lively vibe. Order up another cocktail or an affordable glass of Italian red to make the fun last a little longer.
- hearty
- modern
- diverse
- fresh
Thorough Bread and Pastry
French Bakery
- simple
- oasis
- magical
- peaceful
Cafe Reverie
The best kept secret in Cole Valley is a garden, full of beautiful fuchsia bushes,morning glory vines,ferns and trees, beside a calm stream. The most perfect of days is here at Reverie, where one can lose themselves in their thoughts, their books, and our delicious delicacies.
- amazing
- creative
- dreamy
- friendly
Papito Hayes
Mexican Restaurant
- amazing
- authentic
- patio
- love
Patio Vibes: Nob Hill and Marina
The Bell Tower
Neighborhood Bar
- amazing
- original
- new
- patio
Causwells
Established in 2014, Causwells is a neighborhood American bistro, rooted in the northern California style of cooking. Chef Adam Rosenblum draws from his diverse background to create a menu that spotlights local, seasonal ingredients influenced by French, Spanish, and Italian flavors.
Our smash-style Americana Cheeseburger is beloved, some say it’s the best in the country — stop on by and see for yourself!
- hearty
- quiet
- diverse
- country
Balboa Cafe
Established in 1913 (making it one of the oldest saloons in San Francisco), the PlumpJack Balboa Cafe continues its tradition as the “in” place to eat, drink and make merry.
The elegant bar and interior decor remain relatively untouched, retaining the magic of times gone by, while the menu offers both treasured favorites and savory new dishes. On any given day — for lunch, brunch, cocktails, or dinner couples, singles, old-timers and newcomers can be found revelling in the joyful din of this San Francisco icon.
- joyful
- happy
- fashion
- wild
The Tipsy Pig
The Tipsy Pig A gastro-pub in San Francisco’s marina district. Open 7 days a week serving a full menu and bar!
- amazing
- patio
- outdoors
- garden
Mezcalito SF
Heart of Oaxaca in Spirits coupled with a modern Mexican urban food experience in the Russian Hill neighborhood. Our flavors compliment your cocktail and Mezcal tasting.
- patio
- lively
- spicy
- old
Macondray
Macondray is so lush and full of plants that we wouldn’t be surprised if it actually doubled as a hummingbird sanctuary. – Will Kamensky, The Infatuation
- boozy
- drinks
- fun
- lively
About the Author:
Steve Pepple
Steve is a civic technologist and co-Founder of Vibemap working at the intersection of people, data, and civic life. He enjoys enjoying art and nature and is an advocate for public transportation, livable urban centers, and government innovation.
Steve’s Vibes: local, friendly, unexpected, vibrant, reuniting with an old friend in dimly lit neighborhood hangouts, getting lost in some rugged urban beauty.
Follow @stevepepple
