California’s famed climate is ideal for a bounty of outdoor activities, and we’re not just talking about sports, unless you consider competitive brunching one. If it’s a gorgeous day, why would you have a meal inside when you could be enjoying it and the day outside on a rooftop in the Bay?
The pandemic gave rise to hundreds of creative parklets in the Bay Area and beyond, but in addition to these and quintessential patios, there’s another player in the al fresco game — rooftops. And when done right, these are arguably the best of all three. Away from street noise and sidewalk traffic, with a bird’s-eye view aloft in the stars, rooftop dining and drinks offer expansive intimacy.
Granted, the San Francisco Bay Area isn’t well known for its rooftop dining scene, but there are plenty of restaurants and bars elevating al fresco, literally. Here are some of our favorites.
Featured Photo: KAIYŌ Rooftop by Anthony Parks & Emilio Salehi, Equal Parts Media
San Francisco
With six locations worldwide, San Francisco’s Union Square is one of the lucky spots that gets one. Chotto Matte blends Peruvian and Japanese to go with their vibrant scene; you’ll sometimes find live DJs and there’s always creative cocktails to choose from.
In a mainstay in San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill neighborhood since 2011, 620 Jones offers three bars on a verdant 8,000 square ft. rooftop patio. While they’re no longer serving bottomless mimosas for brunch, there is a not-to-be-missed drag brunch, and the happy hour here is among the best in the city.
Located 120 feet above Market Street at the Proper hotel, Charmaine’s is the embodiment of LA cool in SF. The rooftop bar and lounge serves an all-day menu from Executive Chef Jason Fox with new daytime cocktails created by partners, BVHospitality (Bon Vivants, Trick Dog) featuring the vibrant flavors, original combinations and unique bitters and syrups for which the duo is known.
Formerly known as El Techo, Cubita serves bright Cuban cuisine on their rooftop; they also have happy hour and brunch, so your options aren’t just limited to dinner. On their drink menu you’ll find their house cocktails as well as some cuban classics if you’re looking to stay on theme.
Let’s get the bummer out of the way first — it’s only open for hotel guests. Womp, womp. But if you or a friend of yours have a room, this sprawling rooftop features largely unobstructed views of the SF skyline, Bay Bridge, the East Bay and Oracle Park. Featuring indoor/outdoor spaces and seating, as well as private cabanas, fire pits, heat lamps and multiple bars, it’s a tough place to strike out.
KAIYŌ Rooftop is located at the Hyatt Place Hotel in SoMa. The second location for John Park’s KAIYŌ concept, following the success of the Cow Hollow restaurant, this contemporary venture features an innovative food and beverage program centered around Nikkei — a cuisine developed for over a century in Peru, following the Japanese emigration to the country. In line with this, the space features Japanese lantern lampshades, as well as Peruvian textiles and natural accents — and killer views of Twin Peaks and the Bay Bridge.
Another space in sunny SoMa, Rooftop 25 was designed by decorated architect Cass Calder Smith, who selected an array of steel, concrete, glass and wood siding to create a contemporary vibe. In spite of its small footprint, this rooftop is a Mary Poppins bag of sorts and can accommodate up to 100 guests. Make it your stop before games/for date night wow-factor/a fresh spin on Sunday brunch.
One step inside colorful Good Good Culture Club, helmed in the kitchen by Liholiho Yacht Club chef Ravi Kapur and a diverse and talented team, and you know you’re in for a treat. The scent of aromatic and inventive dishes that take a cue from all over Asia fills the room. The menu is subject to change, but examples of dishes that have been or are still available include catfish, manilla clams, kohlrabi, blue lake beans and cilantro bathed in house-made green curry, or ribeye “yakitori” smothered in five-spice glaze with pickled red onion, bean sprouts and Thai basil. There are plenty of choices here that are gluten-free, veg, vegan and dairy-free, too though, like the crispy rice salad with delicata squash, red curry vinaigrette, sunflower seeds and dill. Order one of the beautifully executed tropical cocktails infused with ingredients like yuzu liqueur, guava and sour plum to accompany your meal, and save room for the tres leches cake made with coconut milk and embellished with kabocha mousse, citrus marmalade, five-spice honeycomb and pepitas. The lush rooftop garden is an added perk.
South Bay
Don’t let the stuffy name dissuade you, this Menlo Park rooftop is a thorough delight. Ideal for after work drinks with co-workers or a nice dinner with your family, you can have both here — and there’s an extensive spirit list and scotch selection, to boot. Happy hour is everyday from 4-6 p.m., so be sure to stop by then.
Yep, this is located adjacent to Whole Foods overlooking The Alameda in San Jose. The brewpub bar is completely open and features a rooftop view of SAP center, home-ice for the San Jose Sharks hockey team. Check out their rotating taps of craft beer, plus wines and cider on draft — and get your groceries done, too!
North Bay
Sprawling with countless chandeliers, meticulously manicured shrubs, oak trees, a giant fountain in the center and perfectly framed views of Mount Tamalpais, this rooftop is almost too good to imagine. Not only does it offer all of that, the menu here is ingredient driven and accompanied by a curated selection of artisanal wines and craft beers.
Located at the AC Hotel in Downtown San Rafael, Above Fifth is a gem of a rooftop experience right in the heart of Marin. With panoramic views of Mt. Tam, handcrafted cocktails and delicious food, it’s worth the visit.
East Bay
Beer lovers rejoice — Mad Oak offers 40 on draft as well as a full bar with a wide range of spirits and cocktails. Whatever you’re feeling, they have just the drink: mezcal cocktails, a cold brew concoction with coconut rum, the ever-delicious pairing of gin and grapefruit… Not to mention boozy slushees. To wash it all down, order from the kitchen for street tacos, wings, loaded fries and more. Food service even runs late into the night on Fridays and Saturdays, up until midnight.
Oeste is a 90-seat bar, rooftop bar, and cafe located in Old Oakland. Dishes here are fresh, organic and sustainably farmed California ingredients fused with Latino recipes with Southern flavors and techniques. The fried chicken sandwich and bread pudding can’t be missed!
Extremely aptly named, Rooftop is a stunning backdrop for enjoying world-class cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and carefully selected wines while soaking up unparalleled views of Mt. Diablo. Located in the center of downtown Walnut Creek, the retractable rooftop, fans, mister and extensive heating system make this a rare all-season destination.
Atop the brand new Residence Inn Berkeley right across the street from UC Berkeley, Study Hall offers the kind of lesson plans we can 100% get down with. Arts and culture? There’s live music Tuesday through Saturday (with DJs taking the helm Friday and Saturday.) Culinary? The craft cocktails and cuisine here are both tinged with Oceanic and Asian flavors. And of course geography, as in sweeping Bay Area views, best enjoyed at golden hour.
Conveniently located on Shattuck Avenue close to BART and UC Berkeley, Triple Rock opened its doors in March 1986. For the past 35 years, it’s been serving some of the freshest beer in Berkeley. Pro tip: get the patty melt to sop up the suds!
