As winter mercifully approaches, we here at SFist want to see you in front of a blistering fire, drink in hand, warming your insides and out. And with that, here are our favorite bars in which to grab a drink and sip carelessly in front of a fireplace.
Zeki's
As the self-proclaimed "friendliest bar in San Francisco," this Nob Hill haunt has all the right moves: a roaring fireplace, cable cars clattering outside, an extensive list of single malts, and a pool table to keep you occupied on those dark winter nights. — Andrew Dalton
1319 California (at Leavenworth)
The Summer Place
Ah, the Summer Place. I think I remember you. There was that time, what was it, 2007? It was nearing 2 a.m. There was Fernet involved, and someone who might have been a hustler but was definitely some kind of criminal. I was smoking then, and this was famously a place you could still smoke indoors (that was true until this past September, when smoking was finally prohibited due to some complaints from upstairs neighbors). Anyway, your prices have gone up, your clientele has gotten a little more classy, but you're still the same old dusty dive with the cozy fireplace and the aura of a place where many a bad decision has been met with a second or third bad decision. — Jay Barmann
801 Bush (at Mason)
Swig
Back in those long-ago days before there was Bourbon & Branch, the guys who opened Bourbon & Branch opened Swig, in their first attempt to bring classy cocktails to the Tenderloin. Earlier this year the place underwent a hefty remodel, and as well as a makeover to the bar program, which now boasts one of the deepest selections of whisky, if not the deepest, in the city. The fireplace is still there in the center of the downstairs room, and though this place can get busy and bro-tastic on weekends and some weeknights, it's a fine place for chilling in the early evening or your odd late-night. — Jay Barmann
561 Geary (at Jones)
Twenty-Five Lusk
The downstairs lounge at Twenty-Five Lusk, half a level below grade and accented with a couple of awesome, '60s-style suspended fireplaces, is one of the best designed drinking spaces in the city. Unfortunately it's also in the heart of bougie, techie, new-moneyed SoMa, which, unless you're a part of that crowd, might leave you outnumbered and with no place to sit during your average happy hour. But when you catch this place right, and catch the bartender's attention, on a night when it's cold and rainy outside and you've lost your love for city life, it can be the most welcome of warm, urban oases. We'd recommend early in the week, or on a Sunday, but since this place is so desirable for business meet-and-greets, check the website for warnings of private party buyouts so you won't be disappointed. — Jay Barmann
25 Lusk (at Townsend)
Fireside Bar
Does what it says on the tin: this Inner Sunset dive is cozy, cheap and free of pretense. Hog the banquettes around the hearth for maximum enjoyment. — Andrew Dalton
603 Irving Street (at Seventh Avenue)
The Riptide
When the cold Pacific air starts cutting through the Outer Sunset, the Riptide is there to keep you warm with honestly cheap drinks and a couple of logs crackling in the brick fireplace. The mounted taxidermy and the free snacks don't hurt either. — Andrew Dalton
3639 Taraval (at 47th Avenue)
The Homestead
While the Homestead's heat source is actually a cast iron stove, it'll cure your winter chill just as effectively as anything else on the list. With free peanuts [ed. note: we're hearing word that, alas, the peanuts are no longer free.] that you're free to toss on the floor and buxom nude portraits adorning the walls, the place hasn't changed much in more than 110 years of operation. — Andrew Dalton
2301 Folsom (at 19th Street)
Maven
Maven's fireplace is a well-kept secret known only to intrepid drinkers who venture up the stairs. It occupies a cozy corner perfect for fireside lounging, but it's really only situated for a few friends to enjoy, so get there early (and often) if you want to get toasty on something other than booze. — Rose Garrett
598 Haight (at Steiner)
St. Regis Hotel Lobby Bar
Hot damn, do I love the St. Regis Lobby Bar! First, unlike its Four Seasons and W Hotel counterparts, the bar is a street-level and pedestrian-friendly area. Spacious. Airy. Calming. BOLD. You don't need to go up an elevator or staircase to get to it. Second, it's got one of those nifty glass-base fireplaces. If you try to put your hand in the fire (why not?), it goes out. Cool. — Brock Keeling
125 Third Street (at Minna)
Wild Side West
Folks, stop hogging the spots in front of the fireplace. This is one of the best bars in the City that also boasts a fireplace. We'd like a shot at sitting in front of it, you know. Anyway, that's all. Thanks. — Brock Keeling
424 Cortland (at Bennington)
