Find the Perfect Happy Hour Vibe at Yerba Buena

From Museums and Landmarks to Hotels and Indoor Driving Ranges, Discover Unique Spots for a Unique Happy Hour

Yerba Buena is a vibrant neighborhood brimming with historic charm, creativity, and unique happy hour experiences you won’t find elsewhere in San Francisco. According to Scott Rowitz, Executive Director of YBCBD, this area offers something for everyone—from history buffs and art lovers to indoor golf enthusiasts and music fans. Nestled within the larger Filipino Cultural Heritage District and anchored by Yerba Buena Gardens, the neighborhood features cultural gems like SFMOMA, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Children’s Creativity Museum, along with top-tier hotels, colleges, and a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Happy hours in Yerba Buena are truly one-of-a-kind, taking place in diverse locations such as museums, historic landmarks, classic hotels, dive bars, and even an indoor driving range. Whether you’re looking to connect with friends or explore new spots, you’re sure to find a happy hour that fits your vibe. Dive into this buzzing San Francisco area through its unique bars and drinks. Cheers!

The Dawn Club at Annie and Market streets was named one Esquire’s “Best Bars in America 2024.” With daily lineups of performers from classical jazz, swing, modern, the current climate of the Bay Area Jazz scene, the Dawn Club is rebuilding the site’s 1930s jazz club legacy. At landmark Fly Trap, opened in 1883 at Folsom and Second streets, follow the whimsical rules that stem from the City’s days as the unpredictable Barbary Coast, including “don’t steal our s**t” and “be decent to people.” Connect with friends at American history-themed Executive Order on Mission Street at San Francisco Centre. Party like it’s 1923 at The Harlequin at 4th and Jessie streets. At Novela at Mission and Annie streets, experience “cocktails with character,” including punches that are a nod to 17th century merchant sailors credited with creating the drink.

Yerba Buena’s bar scene also toasts the neighborhood's arts and cultural roots that boasts the most museums and galleries in the city. Art lovers can imbibe at Grace at SFMOMA, which offers unique cocktails like “A Toast to Winter” with african grown rose gin and happy hour bites from fried burrata to Mushroom Spinach Crêpe Galette. At 111 Minna Gallery on Second Street, art meets armagnac for the afterwork crowd.  “Our welcoming and artistic environment gives those who come for an afterwork drink both a perfectly crafted cocktail and a setting that is engaging and reparative,” said 111 Minna Gallery General Manager Richard Ciccarone. “More people are enjoying happy hour here, especially when we have added attractions like comedy night or an art reveal.”

An eclectic mix of mixologists, wine purveyors and restaurateurs awaits in Yerba Buena, and in some unusual spots. At Tequila Mockingbird on Second Street, the music is energizing and so is the vast tequila selection. At Oren’s Hummus, a Mediterranean restaurant, in addition to happy hours, there’s a free wine tasting every first Wednesday of the month. If you love mimosas, head to 142 Minna Street to Pink Elephant Alibi for happy hour discounts. Joyride Pizza, at 685 Market and on the terrace at Yerba Buena Gardens, also offers great food and drink. Drink and drive — a golf ball — at Eagle Club Indoor Golf while enjoying a craft beer, located on Folsom Street.  

“Our happy hours tend to be our busiest time with offerings that are very popular,” said Sarah Garand, co-owner of Wine Down at Folsom near Third Street that offers local wines, bingo nights and viewings of the Bachelor.

Along Yerba Buena Lane there is a quartet of happy hours providing eclectic choices. Enjoy The Press Club’s sophisticated and social atmosphere or the casual and delicious dining and drinks at Delarosa. At Ippudo, ramen’s boundaries are limitless and so are the drinks. Happy hour is back at Tropisueno where the Mexican fare is inspired by the tropical of the Jaliscan coastline.