Unconventional and Classic Happy Hours Are Driving a Thirst to Explore The Bar Scene in Downtown San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Neighborhood
Museums, Historic Landmarks, Hotels, Indoor Driving Ranges and More Provide Unique Options to Have a Very Happy Hour
New Map at YerbaBuena.Org Makes it Easy to Find Yerba Buena’s Happy Hours
San Francisco, Calif., June 28, 2024 — Bar owners in downtown San Francisco’s Yerba Buena neighborhood are raising a glass to classic and unconventional happy hours hoping to drive people’s thirst to patronize their businesses. According to a recent survey by the nonprofit Yerba Buena Community Benefit District (YBCBD), over 30 establishments in a five-block area are offering discounts and experiences distinct to the area.
“Yerba Buena is a destination for very happy hours overflowing with historic character, charisma and creativity that you don't see elsewhere in the city,” said YBCBD Executive Director Scott Rowitz. “There’s something for everyone from history buffs and art lovers to indoor golf fanatics. Late afternoons in Yerba Buena fill a need for people to connect with each other and build community.”
The Yerba Buena neighborhood, emanating from Yerba Buena Gardens and located within the larger Filipino Cultural Heritage District, is one of the city’s most compelling neighborhoods with SFMOMA, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, YBCA, MoAD, Children’s Creativity Museum and Moscone Center, along with premier hotels, Academy of Art University, City College, and dining, shopping and entertainment venues.
At unique locations throughout Yerba Buena, happy hours abound in museums, historic landmarks, classic hotels, dive bars and, even an indoor driving range. For a list of locations, hours and a happy hour and bar map, see the YBCBD’s Happy Hour page at YerbaBuena.org.
Step Back in Time
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. more…
Art & Imbibing
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 “Art is Subjective” with Russell’s rye and house-infused umami syrup as well as happy hour bites from fried burrata to burgers and chicken pot pies. 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.”
Find What You Seek
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 its 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 also offers great food and drinks. 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 Wine Down Co-Owner Sarah Garand, a woman-owned bar at Folsom near Third Street that offers local wines, game nights and viewings of the Bachelor television program.
Stay in the Lane— Yerba Buena Lane
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 Jaliscan coastline.
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About the YBCBD
The Yerba Buena Community Benefit District is a community-based nonprofit organization working to improve the quality of life in the Yerba Buena neighborhood, encompassing roughly Second to Fifth and Market to Harrison streets. The YBCBD began implementing programs in 2009, such as a Community Guides program, SFPD bike patrol officer program, graffiti removal, street and sidewalk cleaning, neighborhood marketing, public art projects and other improvement efforts. Learn more at www.YBCBD.org.