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Rickhouse

Cocktail Bar$$$$

Downtown San Francisco-Union Square, San Francisco

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Rickhouse

8.1^/10

1,041

ratings

Ranked #1 for whiskey in San Francisco
This cocktail bar is famous for their fancy cocktails. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"Grab your friends and order a punch bowl!"(23 Tips)
"Kentucky Buck, Winter Whiskey Smash and Old fashioned are great!!!"(8 Tips)
"amazing cocktails - try la bonne vie with gin: grapefruit + basil"(7 Tips)
"My favorites are the old fashion and kentucky buck."(13 Tips)

248 Tips and reviews

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punch bowl
kentucky buck
la bonne vie
bar
trendy
live music
good for singles
boozy drinks
happy hour spots
hipster
authentic
gin
balcony
mezcal
casual
staff
basil
crowded
bitters
good for special occasions
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Tasting TableDecember 4, 2014
A veritable temple of whiskey on Kearny Street, this post work spot has an encyclopedic cocktail list, punch bowl offerings and an upstairs area just waiting for you to take it over for the evening. Read more
SFistMarch 25, 2015
The drink menu is twenty-eight pages long and takes you through every category of classic cocktail, from a Daisy (the precursor to a daiquiri or Cosmo) to a Martinez. Read more
jenny rockMarch 4, 2013
Been here 10+ times
The Brooklyn Cocktail they do here is amazing. So is Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 year, if you're down for the $20+ glass kind of thing.
WhiskeyAvengerJune 14, 2018
One of San Francisco’s premier whisk(e)y bars. Yes they have awesome cocktails like the Laphroaig Project(invented here),but I feel it’s best to get lost in their voluminous whisk(e)y selection.
J CrowleySeptember 16, 2016
Mmmm. Delicious cocktails! And there's a sneaky cut through to Pagan Idol from the downstairs kitchen. For employees only, or the daring and super wasted. (Whispers: "do it!")
Staff PicksDecember 5, 2014
A veritable temple of whiskey on Kearny Street, Rickhouse has an encyclopedic cocktail list, punch bowl offerings and an upstairs area just waiting for you to take it over for the evening. Read more
Sarah StrehlerMarch 2, 2016
Been here 25+ times
My favourite cocktail bar in the city! Beautiful, cozy interior, knowledgeable staff, hidden back room, basement and balcony, and the best cocktails!
Michael DempseyAugust 1, 2014
Russell Davis' spot (of Bar Rescue fame). Grab a drink, head to the back and up the stairs for a more quiet experience. Gets packed and a bit sloppy on weekends.
Christian WilliamsApril 11, 2014
The perfect blend of urban chic meets 'Pirates of the Caribbean' (but in a GOOD way)! Delicious drinks, awesome selection, and will definitely be back!!
Matthew ScottOctober 24, 2012
Been here 10+ times
By far the best thing you can do at this cramped bar is to trust your bartender to make a custom cocktail tailored to you. Start with a flavor profile or a fave spirit and let em do the rest
D. E. MerrittSeptember 13, 2015
Great Old Fashioned! Try with Noah's Mill or Rowans Creek. If you get the opportunity check out downstairs, the staff was awesome.
Jenny L.April 13, 2015
Nice change from your typical quiet, stuffy craft cocktail bar. Energetic, fun bartenders and rock music pumped through the speakers.
ErinMay 24, 2013
GREAT cocktails. GREAT beer selection. GREAT variety (something for every taste). Bartenders are very friendly people. A great happy hour spot.
Joseph LeeJanuary 30, 2013
Been here 25+ times
Laphroiag Project. Hands down. Every time. Love my spirits neat / untouched, but this concoction takes the cake.
AskMenAugust 11, 2010
A place with a modern take on classic libations, and a clientele that's a raucous mix of office workers letting loose and mixology aficionados. Try the Sazerac with locally distilled Old Potrero Rye. Read more
Pavan KulkarniApril 9, 2017
Has a speakeasy kinda dim lit ambience. Loved the mezcal cocktail .
🐍SsstephanieMay 21, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Get "A Bone Apart" or the "Rusty Development" - solid drinks. They also have a sour beer 👌
DAN COXAugust 23, 2011
Place yourself in the capable hands of bar professionals. There's a reason this place wins every award! PS. Try to remember your hotels name and address. The cocktails here are strong & delicious!
John KilvingtonMarch 30, 2013
Despite its appearances, this bar attracts amateurs and women looking for husbands and vodka. You'll see lots of unfashionable, bent-brimmed Giants hats and much flipping of hair. Also, too much wood.
Chelsea WoodsOctober 29, 2011
If you love gin, you'll love Rickhouse. Genever, London Dry and Old Tom, they've got it all. La Bonne Vie, the Casino Royale, the Martinez and the Dutch Honey should sate your appetite.
Jaimy SzymanskiJune 27, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Avoid like the plague during weekday happy hour - too crowded with FiDi bros. Otherwise, expertly crafted cocktails and a fantastic whiskey selection. Nice atmosphere, too!
SFGate ManagerJuly 16, 2012
Between the quality cocktails and punch bowls designed for sharing, or the wood and exposed brick interior and dim, sexy lighting - think modern-day saloon - we're fans.
Sarah Bruning MeronOctober 6, 2013
Come early. Tell the bartender what you like. Don't be squeamish about egg in a drink. Let them work magic.
Ali AndersonNovember 30, 2014
1920's theme with a speak easy vibe. Be prepared for strong drinks and a hidden atmosphere.
Barton SmithJune 13, 2015
Love the drinks, really love the cabin interior, don't love the downtown crowd as much.
Kat 🐱January 16, 2016
Kentucky Buck, Winter Whiskey Smash and Old fashioned are great!!!
Jessie LAugust 17, 2014
great cocktails that are strong and tasty! try La Bonne Vie or the Fort Point (both citrus-y)
Chris BarclayOctober 15, 2014
Very cool vibe. Upstairs lookout is a nice spot with waiters to save you the long wait at a bar.
Allegra BelleJuly 15, 2017
Got a really good drink there but they dont have a clear menu for whiskey or whiskey cocktails
Kat 🐱July 29, 2016
Absolutely love the La Bonne Vie with Gin.(Gin or Vodka, Fresh Lemon & Grapefruit Juice, fresh basil and bitters)
Nick FruendtJuly 4, 2015
Cool ambience with fancy cocktails. Pricy but they put a lot of effort into mixing their cocktails
TV Food MapsApril 8, 2015
Check out Rickhouse as it was featured on Best Bars in America for One of the best whiskey bars and also make a great punch Read more
Karl HobartOctober 29, 2014
Brilliant interior with great gin-based drinks. Music could use some serious work.
Jessica RaeSeptember 3, 2013
Artisanal cocktails, same owners as Bourbon and Branch. Excellent cocktails, wood panelled, classy.
Jacqueline HannaMarch 19, 2013
La Bonnie vie cocktail with gin, fresh lemon and grapefruit juice, basil and bitters is outstanding and a must try here!
Lears FoolJuly 20, 2015
They have Oola Waitsburg Bourbon (Seattle.) Great on the rocks.
MetaNet IVSFebruary 20, 2012
This is THE place for whiskey and whisky downtown SF. The selection is fenomenal and you're guaranteed to find a new favorite.
Kerem KoçFebruary 20, 2015
One of the best bars in San Francisco. They have a wide menu gor whiskeys
Josef RichterFebruary 10, 2014
very cool place, great drinks, crowded but relaxed atmosphere, what else you need?
matt oesterleMarch 12, 2010
Been here 5+ times
best cocktails in SF, if you don't include sister bar bourbon & branch. vieux carre is my personal favorite. punch bowls great for large groups if you are lucky enough to find seating.
Sabina B.March 21, 2015
They have Laphraoig Quarter Cask here! 🙏 If you're not in a whiskey state of mind, La Bonne Vie is gin-based and delicious.
_June 11, 2015
Grab your friends and order a punch bowl! Remember there is a downstairs!
LuckySeptember 28, 2014
Cool beer place, bouncer speaks perfect italian :)
PUNCHSeptember 24, 2015
“Rickhouse” references buildings that store aging bourbon. In keeping, the place is constructed from salvaged wood that has served as a barrel stave in Kentucky. Read more
Patrick ActonJune 15, 2014
Tell the bartenders what you like, then ask for their recommendations. This is not a place to order a vodka soda.
Elliot WehnerJuly 31, 2015
Very good classics - old fashioned is very good. Sazerac is good but not awesome
Billy AndersSeptember 11, 2013
Get the Laphroaig Project and Penicillin if you want awesome Scotch cocktails
RoseAnne MoisesSeptember 1, 2012
Great atmosphere. Great beer. Sold two of my favorite IPAs (Green Flash and Sculpin) so I was indeed happy !
Stefan ForestAugust 25, 2013
Great drinks, but dress lightly. There's no air conditioning and a ton of candles.
Cassie PJuly 17, 2013
Their drink list is way too long but whatever you get, it's good! Very chill vibe.

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