Big plans with your crew? San Francisco bars are primed for group gatherings of all kinds—birthdays, reunions, or just catching up with friends. You'll find bars for groups all around the city, from pubs and rooftop venues in the Mission District to small and large private lounges in SoMa. These bars have VIP areas, curated drink menus, and dedicated service giving you room to breathe, vibe, and celebrate without a hitch, all while savoring the best drinks the city has to offer. Use Tagvenue to easily find and book the perfect group-friendly bar in San Francisco today!
In San Francisco, prices of bars for groups average $1500 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in San Francisco, based on Tagvenue data from September 2025:
From $500 | to $2500 | minimum spend per event |
From $250 | to $500 | hire fee per hour |
From $30 | to $50 | per person |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2025), the best options include:
Entire Bar at El Lopo
in Van Ness - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘We chose this bar because it matched the look and feel of our wedding vibe. The ambiance is delightful.’
Whole Venue at NocNoc
in Hayes Valley - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘Rahmat is a great host and bartender. Very friendly and accommodating. No complaints whatsoever.’
Full Club at The Academy
in Mission Dolores - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Centrally located in the Castro. The bartender we had did a great job. Overall would absolutely rent again...’
El Lopo in Lower Nob Hill lets you book from $150 per afternoon. If you're organizing a bigger event, Persona in Downtown has a minimum spend from $1,200 to $7,000 per session on food and drinks for large groups. It's perfect if you want a private spot and want to make sure everyone's covered on the tab.
Lower Nob Hill is a convenient choice if you want to stay near Union Square and Downtown, featuring affordable and mid-sized venues like Owl Tree. For a classic San Francisco night, check out North Beach near Washington Square Park and Coit Tower, where bars with lively atmospheres and large capacities await. If you prefer a more casual and quirky vibe, Mission Dolores around Dolores Park features cool spots like Kilowatt, perfect for a fun group gathering. For a trendier atmosphere with waterfront views, South Beach near Oracle Park and the Embarcadero has sleek venues like Novela for a more upscale experience.
Some venues offer flexible booking, with a minimum of a 3-5 hours booking duration, while others prefer full-day rentals. ZOË in SoMa, for instance, offers hourly rates for brunch or early gathering, while Barbarossa Lounge in North Beach allows full-day rentals, perfect for keeping the party going from late evening into the next morning.
Most bars have basic amenities like tables, stools, comfortable chairs, and sound systems. Some venues offer customizable drink menus or food packages. If you book at Rye Bar in Lower Nob Hill, you get a cozy, private space for around 35 people with great cocktails. Remember to ask about music options, whether they allow DJs, or if you can connect your own playlist to set the mood for your event.