Sip San Francisco’s Martini Trail
San Francisco’s love affair with food and drink runs deep. But its hometown cocktail, the Martini, is a long-celebrated toast to the city by the bay. A new Martini Trail invites you to raise a glass.
The origin of the Martini is a subject of debate. But San Francisco makes a strong case as the birthplace of the quintessential cocktail since a precursor to the modern version, the “Martinez,” was invented at the Occidental Hotel in the 1860s.
I guess that’s why the cocktail faeries and martini elves finally got together to create a trail of 23 places to belly up around San Francisco, from elegant lounges and dimly lit dives to classic and trendy hotel bars and beloved restaurants, giving visitors plenty of choice when it comes to sipping the timeless tipple.
To access an interactive map, visit sftravel.com/san-francisco-martini-trail.
Whether you like it dirty, dry, espresso-tinged, or with a twist, martinis can be found just about anywhere. But here are a few of my San Francisco Martini Trail favorites.
House of Prime Rib
I love an old-school restaurant where the prime rib is carved tableside and horseradish is the condiment of choice. They remind me of dining with my grandparents, who never met a steakhouse they didn’t love.
The Cocktail Lounge at House of Prime Rib is a great place to start the experience, with an apple martini if that’s your jam, or my preference— the classic martini, shaken and stirred here since the 1940s. www.houseofprimerib.net
Absinthe
I spent my 30th birthday here, but I can’t remember what I drank, so it must have been a great night. I do remember losing my favorite pair of shoes. I’m glad to see Absinthe still going strong in Hayes Valley.
It’s a great place for pre-show drinks and French brasserie fare if you’re seeing a ballet or opera. Belly up to the copper bar or grab a table and order a martini however you like. www.absinthe.com
Bix
Another longtime favorite of mine, with a location down historic Gold Street, paints the place in a secret speakeasy hue. The two-level cocktail bar, supper club, and jazz haunt has been here since 1988 and is, thankfully, well-known and still loved. Book a table or sit at the long bar.
The only decisions you’ll have to make are gin or vodka, olive or twist. It’s my kind of place in my kind of town. My choice? The Vesper Martini: vodka, gin, Lillet Blanc, and a whole lot of great memories. www.bixrestaurant.com
Starlite
Every San Franciscan has a memory of the Starlite Room atop the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. It was a go-to for dates, celebrations, sunset drinks, and out-of-towners looking for a sophisticated night out.
When the Sir Francis Drake Hotel closed in 2020, it underwent a major rebrand and facelift, reopening in 2022 as the 418-room Beacon Grand Hotel, just off of Union Square.
It’s still got all the appeal of its yesteryear glam, with modern conveniences and flair. The lofty 21st-floor Starlite is still there, too, refreshed and fabulous.
The floor-to-ceiling windows make it an ideal place to sip at sunset or watch the city lights twinkle.
The friendly bartenders make a slew of signature and classic cocktails, including the Dry Martini. With an olive and twist, it’s a classic for a reason. www.beacongrand.com
Frankie’s
I’m not sure it’s on the Martini Trail…yet…but with its full cocktail menu that includes a full page dedicated to martinis, with garnishes like caviar, blue cheese-stuffed olives, and pickled onion, I’m pretty sure it should be.
The portrait of the bar’s namesake (Franklin) perched over the bar makes this Marina district newcomer a place not to miss if you want a cocktail with a cheeky side of scene.
