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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 arsenal 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 a bold lip every now and then.
Her style isn’t the only thing that’s green. 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 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:
True Laurel
If there’s one place in San Francisco where you might catch the San Francisco cool girl letting her hair down, it’s True Laurel. The website is as minimalistic as the chic crowd it attracts—just a straightforward “true laurel” on the site might not give much away, but this spot is seriously the toast of the SF cocktail scene.
True Laurel isn’t your average cocktail bar — it’s a haven for the sustainable and the sophisticated. The San Francisco cool girl isn’t just about style and substance; she’s about responsibility too. This is a part of town where she can sip a meticulously crafted cocktail made with locally-sourced ingredients, reflecting her commitment to local businesses and the environment.
With its chilled atmosphere and understated elegance, True Laurel is the place where you can find her networking with other ambitious locals or engaging in deep conversations about the latest in tech, art, or social justice. The ambiance balances refinement with a touch of the avant-garde, perfect for the girl with her finger on the pulse of innovation and culture.
Why will you spot her here? Because True Laurel has the vibe of exclusivity without being pretentious. From what I’ve gleaned, it’s the kind of place that prides itself on unique drink creations and probably some mouthwatering farm-to-table bar bites to indulge in.
So, with minimal online presence, True Laurel lets its real-life reputation do the talking. It’s the understated secret amongst those in the know – and where the SF cool girl enjoys her night out, respecting her ethos and still having a blast.
Would I recommend dropping by? Absolutely. Even if just to possibly rub elbows with the movers and shakers of SF, or simply to enjoy a taste of the local flavor, both in company and in the culinary delights. True Laurel embodies what it is to experience San Francisco nightlife at its most authentic and vibrant.
Trick Dog
Trick Dog is one of San Francisco’s edgiest bars conveniently nestled in the heart of the city, The Mission District. If there’s a place in town you’re most likely to spot her, Trick Dog is a top contender.
At first glance, Trick Dog might be all about those funky industrial vibes, but at its core, it’s a creative, sustainability-conscious haven—and as we all know, that’s prime territory for the SF cool girl. Catering to the city’s vibrant urban scene, Trick Dog has a decidedly contemporary aesthetic and ambiance—one that effortlessly marries cool and comfortable.
See, the thing about the SF cool girl is she appreciates establishments that dare to be different. And Trick Dog does just that. Its artsy, eclectic atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for the late-night brainstorming sessions that fuel our city’s tech and entrepreneurial spirit.
Rumor has it, Trick Dog is as renowned for its innovative take on cocktails as it is for its dog-yoga-themed menu. (Quirkiness for the win!) Our mademoiselle of the moment is all about that originality, and a carefully crafted drink that’s a refreshing departure from the norm is sure to tickle her taste buds.
Late-night stops at Trick Dog are perfect extensions to her day. Its working hours accommodate the lifestyle of the hardworking SF cool girl, who knows that unwinding with style and substance requires a worthy haven – a haven like Trick Dog.
Do I recommend this place? You bet. Trick Dog is more than just a bar—it’s a cultural hotspot that perfectly complements the dynamic life of the San Francisco cool girl. I’m certain you’ll find her here, unwinding after a fulfilling day of creating, innovating, and simply living her SF dreams.
Movida Lounge
Imagine if you will, a space where Persian and Mexican cuisines find common ground, craft cocktails meet endless conversations, and the mood of a high-energy bar is infused with an ambiance that speaks the language of trend. Enter Movida Lounge, a unique concept and experience in the heart of SoMa, and a spot resonating with our much-discussed SF cool girl.
Picture this—she embraces diversity, thrives on creativity, and is always on the lookout for unique experiences. Now look at Movida Lounge—a fusion restaurant just blocks away from Oracle Park, where individuals gather to enjoy fusion bites and trendy libations before and after a game. There’s a match if I’ve ever seen one!
Operating from Tuesday to Sunday, featuring late closing hours on Fridays and Saturdays, and even a Sunday brunch, Movida adapts perfectly to the dynamic lifestyle of the SF cool girl. The lounge’s dedication to providing an unforgettable experience is undoubtedly appreciated by her, who values thoughtful service and memorable moments.
Movida Lounge also hosts events like “Nadar De Noche Saturday Nights” and “Sunday Shishi Brunch,” which further add to the establishment’s appeal. Our cool girl loves a place where every day has something exciting to offer – one more reason for her to form an alliance with Movida.
Moongate Lounge
In a city abound with nightspots, Moongate Lounge elegantly stands out. Situated in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown, this lunar inspired listening lounge gets my vote as a prime locale to bump into the iconic SF cool girl.
First thing’s first – the ambiance. Walking into Moongate Lounge feels like stepping into a slice of the moon itself. Its decor resonates with the sophisticated taste our SF cool girl possesses, the one who values aesthetic, atmosphere, and the story told by an establishment. While it’s a very tucked away spot, you’d be surprised to see the view from the window. I won’t tell you what it is, you’ll just have to see for yourself.
Picture this: a stunning bar with couches that make you feel like you’re hanging out with your friends in the comfort of your own home, or little tables tucked away behind curtains for a more intimate setting with your friends, all with great beats playing in the background and an indie movie playing on the giant cement wall. Chef’s. Kiss.
The vibe isn’t the only thing to marvel at; they offer a robust cocktail menu. Creative, local, and crafted with care – the signature marks of SF cool girl’s cocktail order. The combination of their inspired themes and quality drinks would catch her attention and have her returning for more.
Moreover, the cool girl appreciates establishments that are inclusive and flexible. Moongate Lounge caters to this preference by extending a warm welcome to both reservation holders and walk-ins. Whether she’s planned a night out or decided on a spontaneous visit, Moongate Lounge accommodates.
One other draw for her? Their offbeat hours. Open till midnight Thursday to Saturday, it’s the perfect spot for the Cool Girl who enjoys a late-night hangout session. Even on the moderately early days of Tuesday and Wednesday, she can linger until 11 PM – just right for her multifaceted schedule balancing work, pleasure, and the occasional networking soiree.
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:
