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Who is the San Francisco cool girl?
Let’s talk about it.
First thing’s first – her style. She’s all about eco-friendly brands that are both luxurious as they are sustainable for the planet, think: Sezane, Glassworks, or Frenchmauve. She loves high waisted jeans (occasionally will sport bell bottoms with a cute flowy sweater on a sunny day), oversized linen blouses (right now, she’s into pin striped blue blouses), Sambas, and leather-free boots. Sustainable fashion is something that she values as much as luxury, so even while she’s perusing through second hand stores, she’s still keeping her eye on the biggest design names.
As for skincare and makeup, she has a skincare collection full of natural beauty products, keeping her skin glowy and plump all year long. She also goes to spas that cater to her love for sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics. Her makeup is always natural, but she might go full glam and put on a bold lip every now and then.
My girl is all in for that sustainable life. You won’t catch her in an Uber if she can help it; she’ll be zipping around town on an e-scooter, taking public transportation (she’s that girl reading on the train on the early morning commute), and walking mostly. Her tote bag will always have a reusable water bottle peeking out. And she’ll most likely guide you to the trendiest farm-to-table spots for brunch because, you know, she is what she eats.
Talking about work, I’d bet my last dollar that she’s in tech, running her own agency, or a creative director for an art gallery. Entrepreneurship runs in the SF veins, after all.
When it comes to her mindset, it’s all about open-mindedness and inclusion. She’s strong-willed, vocal about the social issues she cares about, and you bet she’s making moves; you’ll probably find her on the member list of The Battery’s Battery Powered.
In her free time? She’s out enjoying the Bay, soaking in the city’s cultural scene – be it the indie music spots, art galleries or the best hole in the wall restaurants. Fun fact: she probably knows the best places in the city for avocado toast, vegan ramen, and if you’re into it, the most aromatic artisanal coffee.
But hey, no one’s perfect, right? While this stereotype does exist, San Francisco cool girl chic is a mix and match of various traits, each one defining her in a special way.
You’ll find her in these trendy bars in San Francisco:
Gambit Lounge
Gambit Lounge in Hayes Valley is the place to be. You’ll 100% find the San Francisco cool girl here. With its ambiance of understated elegance and subtle sophistication, the lounge offers a uber-posh haven where wonderfully crafted cocktails meet glasses of fine wine, complemented by satisfying and heartwarming foods inspired by the cuisines of Central and Eastern Europe. This is her “I want to be in the scene but not be seen” spot.
This is the perfect setting for the SF cool girl as it provides an exquisite backdrop for their evening outings in the city. Gambit Lounge provides a unique experience that captivates and delights its visitors, you’ll most likely find her celebrating her birthday or hosting an event with her colleagues here.
True Laurel
True Laurel in the Mission District is where the cool and conscious gather. Here, elegance meets sustainability—cocktails are crafted from locally-sourced ingredients, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility and community support.
The ambiance at True Laurel is chilled yet sophisticated, perfect for networking or engaging in conversations about tech, art, or social justice. It offers an exclusive vibe without pretense, specializing in unique drink creations and delicious farm-to-table bites.
With a low-profile online presence, True Laurel’s reputation is mainly spread by word of mouth. It’s an understated gem, ideal for those looking to explore authentic San Francisco nightlife while embracing a sustainable lifestyle. If you’re in the city, it’s definitely worth a visit to possibly mingle with the locals and savor the vibrant atmosphere.
Trick Dog
Trick Dog stands out as one of San Francisco’s edgiest bars, located in the heart of The Mission District. It’s more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s a hub of creativity and sustainability, attracting the city’s cool crowd.
Don’t let the industrial chic decor fool you—Trick Dog is as innovative as it is captivating, appealing directly to the SF cool girl who values establishments that stand out. The bar’s contemporary aesthetic pairs perfectly with its vibrant, artsy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for urban connectivity and late-night brainstorming, fueling the entrepreneurial spirit of the city.
Known for its quirky, dog-yoga-themed menu and innovative cocktails, Trick Dog offers a unique experience that resonates with those seeking originality and a refreshingly different cocktail experience.
Trick Dog is not just a bar; it’s part of the city’s cultural fabric, aligning perfectly with the needs of the hardworking, style-savvy SF cool girl looking to unwind in style. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience a slice of San Francisco’s dynamic nightlife.
Movida Lounge
Movida Lounge in SoMa uniquely blends Persian and Mexican cuisines with a vibrant bar atmosphere, perfectly suited for San Francisco’s trendy crowd, including the SF cool girl known for her appreciation of diversity and creativity.
Located just blocks away from Oracle Park, Movida Lounge is an ideal spot for pre- and post-game gatherings, featuring eclectic fusion bites and stylish drinks. Its operation from Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours on weekends and even a Sunday brunch, fits well with the dynamic lifestyle of the city’s lively and creative residents.
Besides, with special events like “Nadar De Noche Saturday Nights” and “Sunday Shishi Brunch,” Movida continually offers new and exciting experiences, making it a favorite haunt for those seeking unique and memorable social engagements.
Moongate Lounge
Moongate Lounge, nestled in San Francisco’s Chinatown, is a distinctive lunar-themed spot that’s perfect for encountering the iconic SF cool girl. Its mesmerizing ambiance, reminiscent of a moon slice, aligns with the sophisticated tastes of those who value aesthetics and narrative in their surroundings. The lounge features cozy couches and intimate tables, set against the backdrop of great music and indie films projected on a giant wall—an embodiment of comfort and style.
Not just about the vibe, Moongate Lounge offers a curated cocktail menu that mirrors the creativity and quality sought after by the cool and discerning patron. It’s a place where inclusivity shines, welcoming both reservation holders and walk-ins, making it a hit for both planned and spontaneous outings.
With operating hours extending to midnight on weekends, and till 11 PM on weekdays, it caters to the SF cool girl’s need for a chic, late-night haven, balancing her busy schedule of work, leisure, and social gatherings.
The Snug
You know the kind of place that feels like a warm, comforting hug, wrapped in a cool aesthetic? Yes, The Snug is exactly that, making it the preferred haunt of the quintessential San Francisco cool girl.
The Snug’s warm and comfortable ambiance, with an added dash of listen-up-I-have-a-story mystique, is the kind of place our cool girl would appreciate. It provides a respite from her fast-paced, outcome-driven work life without dismissing her penchant for knowledge and conversation.
The Snug flaunts a diverse menu of unique cocktails, local beer, and wines from small producers paired with modern Californian comfort food. Given our cool girl’s appreciation for local, sustainable businesses and novel experiences, it’s easy to see why she’s a regular here.
The Snug’s weeklong operations fit right into the cool girl’s versatile timetable. From Monday meetups to Sunday soirées and happy hours that give her a reason to step out early, The Snug complements her busy schedule.This gem in San Francisco manages to provide the perfect ending to cool girl eventful day or a breezy start to the weekend brunches.
In a nutshell, The Snug bundles the peace of a snug retreat with the vibrancy of daily life in SF, making it one of the trendy bars in San Francisco for the cool girl to frequent. It mirrors her love for innovative culinary experiences, adaptive services, and a local-centric approach.
Dark Bar at the LINE Hotel
Opening its doors on February 17, 2024, Dark Bar at the LINE Hotel in downtown San Francisco is a testament to the city’s rich Asian lineage. With its all-black, dimly lit space with dramatic lighting, this is perfect for the cool girl who appreciates a departure from the ordinary.
The vibe? Sophisticated, yet selective. This is the bar where she puts on her favorite all black ensemble or a gorgeous red dress. No bell bottoms here, folks.
The Dark Bar offers a curated and high quality experience, focusing on Asian-inspired cocktails crafted with meticulous detail and a selection of small plates designed to share. Because of its intimate setting, this is the bar where you’ll find her catching up with friends, having a small group outing. The stylish and mysterious environment is just a bonus for her.
As I said in the beginning, the San Francisco cool girl appreciates culture, so of course you’ll find her in a bar that’s dedicated to providing top notch Asian-inspired cocktails and bites.
Cold Drinks Bar
Hidden away in Chinatown, above China Live, is Cold Drinks Bar, a haven for the San Francisco cool girl seeking a touch of mystery. Known for its speakeasy vibes, you’ll find a secret entrance that whisks you back to the glamour of Shanghai’s golden age, with a sophisticated ambiance that feels both timeless and effortlessly cool.
Here, the cocktail menu pushes boundaries with innovative creations, but the Scotch selection is truly legendary, boasting over 350 varieties.
With the bar’s upscale atmosphere, you’ll find her wearing a stunning lace bodysuit and trousers or with a silky off the shoulder midi dress with her hair in an updo. This bar caters to her appreciation for the finer things.
Cavaña Rooftop Bar
Cavaña Rooftop Bar, located inside the LUMA Hotel in Mission Bay, is the go to for the San Francisco cool girl on a gorgeous sunny day. You’ll find her basking in the sun with her girlfriends, sipping on a cool cocktail and slurping some oysters. This Mexican rooftop bar caters to everyone with its decadent menu and mouthwatering cocktail menu.
I know you’re a San Francisco cool girl too. Now go out and explore this beautiful city and its bars! While these are trendy bars in San Francisco, there also hundreds more. Stay tuned as we uncover more of these bars.
Here are some of our picks for what to wear to these bars:
