If you've just watched your blind date polish off his fifth shot of whiskey, a 100-decibel sound system probably isn't going to interfere with any serious conversation. But, when you're in the mood for a chat . . . when you don't feel like screaming . . . and when you're craving a glass of wine or a martini, San Francisco is full of lounges with a low-dB factor.
You'll notice a preponderance of hotel bars listed here. Although weekends can be crazy at any bar in San Francisco (including trendy hotels) hotel lounges, as a rule, do better than most at maintaining a decent volume for conversation.
1. Lobby Lounge and Bar at the St. Regis
Just meters from the W Hotel’s XYZ bar (a young, hip, loud slice of L.A. life) the Lobby Bar at the St. Regis welcomes and embraces with earth tones, soft nooks, and a room-length gas fireplace that doubles as a sculpture. Enjoy good drinks and conversation-friendly sofas and chairs.
The St. Regis is busy after work and on weekends, with more of a buzz and a crowd. During the dinner or post-dinner hour, however, the atmosphere changes to a mellow vibe.
125 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA
Telephone: (415) 284-4000
2. Seasons Bar at the Four Seasons
Union Square - SoMa - Financial District
This could be my favorite escape from the work and shopping frenzy of Union Square and the Financial District. The Four Seasons Bar is what you'd expect at the Four Seasons -- elegant, mellow, not trendy, not stiff. With a little timing and some luck, a window seat offers a view of the architecture and activity outside. The bar has live piano music from Tuesday through Saturday, and the setting is classy without attitude.
757 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Telephone: (415) 633-3000
3. Pied Piper Bar
Union Square - SoMa - Financial District
The Pied Piper Bar lives in the shadow of grandeur, sharing real estate with the Garden Court at the Palace Hotel. Fortunately for the bar, it boasts a Maxfield Parrish mural and some smooth potato vodka to balance the equation. The Pied Piper is a welcome reprieve from the pace of Market Street and a great stop on your way to BART or MUNI.
2 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: (415) 512-1111
4. Lobby Lounge at the Ritz Carlton
If Victorian decor and harps are your style -- or even if they’re not -- the Lobby Lounge will soothe. Afternoon tea features a harpist. At dusk, jazz fills the lounge. Did I mention the fireplace and the view? (Reservations are recommended for afternoon tea at the Ritz.)
600 Stockton (at California Street)
San Francisco, CA 94108
Telephone: (415) 773-6198
5. Joe DiMaggio's
North Beach
A newcomer to North Beach in 2006, Joe DiMaggio’s design evokes a different – and for some – preferred era of lounge culture. The bar has backlit bottles and a clubby, dark wood interior with comfortable booths in the back. The wine list is long and tables in the bar are roomy enough to enjoy some food.
601 Union Street (between Columbus Ave & Stockton St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Telephone: (415) 284-4000
6. Sutros Bar at the Cliff House
Ocean Beach
The Cliff House has a way of softening locals and tourists alike. It’s a San Francisco landmark that gets its rep for good reason. Sitting at the Cliff House is an exercise in transcendence. When you're perched on a cliff over the Pacific, you feel as though you've reached the end of the earth. Sutros Bar gets crowded on the weekends. Be sure to slip in on a weekday and make the most of a windy afternoon by the ocean.
1090 Point Lobos
San Francisco, CA 94121
Telephone: (415) 386-3330
7. Top of the Mark
A drink here never fails to please first-time visitors. There's the view, the cable car ride to the top, and a post-Mark stroll on Nob Hill. Add in a great cocktail menu and a spring sunset.
Early evenings on weekdays are usually a dream, with few crowds. There's also no cover charge before the musical entertainment which begins at 9p some evenings, 7p or 7:30p on others.
InterContinental Mark Hopkins
One Nob Hill
San Francisco, CA 94108
Telephone: (415) 392 3434
8. Cham Bar at Ana Mandara
Cham Bar is good place to amuse yourself while your out-of-town relatives take the Alcatraz night tour. Although it's in the heart of tourist-traveled Fisherman's Wharf, it's a decent place to have a cocktail and take in some jazz.
The bar features live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ana Mandara’s website describes the space as a “refuge” and a “sanctuary” which is, I'm sure, what Don Johnson and his co-developers had in mind when they created Ana Mandara.
Beware: The staircase can be tricky in stilettos after a cocktail. That’s why I wear sensible shoes.
891 Beach Street (at Polk)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Telephone: (415) 771-6800
9. Campton Place Bar
Union Square
Campton Place is a small piece of quiet off the busy Union Square area. The hotel is known for its high thread-count comfort, the restaurant for its French cuisine, and the bar for its mahogany warmth and charm. It's classic and not a trendy hot spot -- which is why it's a choice place to retreat for a cocktail. For some it may just be too mellow on a weekend night. But you can definitely talk.
340 Stockton Street
San Francisco, California 94108
Telephone: (415) 781-5555
10. Mandarin Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental
Embarcadero - Financial District
The Mandarin Lounge might be best described as "mauve." It feels like the color mauve -- subtle and warm. The split-level lobby lounge has ample sofas and upholstered chairs. On weekday evenings enjoy live piano music as you recline on your divan. The staff is utterly attentive and the Mandarin is a real escape from the always-urgent business just outside its door.
222 Sansome Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
Telephone: (415) 276-9888
