This Spring’s Best Outdoor Dining in San Francisco
Spring is here, just in time to enjoy the best outdoor dining in San Francisco! Spring in the Bay Area spans from March to June and and features temperatures between the mid-50s to the low 70s Fahrenheit. The sun comes out and the flowers bloom. Expect lush landscapes and beautiful blue skies!
This is the perfect time to enjoy the best of outdoor dining in San Francisco. The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its natural beauty and Mediterranean climate. That’s why locals and tourists alike should check out outdoor dining restaurants in the city.
This guide will share our favorite San Francisco restaurants with outdoor seating.
Make a reservation at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant today to enjoy outdoor seating and fresh seafood. Walk-ins welcome!
Pier 39 Restaurants: San Francisco’s Outdoor Dining
Did you know that Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf is full of restaurants that serve fresh seafood, incredible bay views, and fun outdoor seating options? Not to mention that many attractions that are fun for the whole family! Pier 39 is the best place to start if you’re looking for outdoor restaurants in SF. Here are our top recommendations:
Pier Market Seafood Restaurant – Best Outdoor Dining in San Francisco
Naturally, we have to start with our own restaurant. Here’s why: Pier Market serves fresh mesquite-grilled and sustainable seafood with unbeatable views. You can sit indoors and look out our giant windows at the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Or, you can sit on our large patio and people watch as tourists and locals alike wander along the pier.
Try our famous New England Clam Chowder (voted the best on Fisherman’s Wharf!) in a Sourdough Bread Bowl, or enjoy mesquite-grilled entrees like the Surf & Turf or the Blackened Pacific Rock Cod. Don’t miss out on our Fisherman’s Platter for a medley of fried favorites, including shrimp, calamari, and fish & chips. We are also known for serving some of the best Cioppino in town. This classic San Francisco dish is a tomato based seafood stew with fresh fish, mussels, clams, shrimp, and crab served over pasta.
Visit the Pier Market website to learn more.
Crab House at Pier 39
Located on the second floor of Pier 39 above Pier Market, Crab House at Pier 39 has the best Dungeness crab in town. They’re world famous for their Killer Crab®, a 2+ lb Dungeness crab that is roasted and served on a sizzling iron skillet with a delicious, secret garlic sauce. They also have fantastic Crab Fried Rice, Garlic Noodles, and other seafood classics.
The walls at Crab House feature large windows throughout that overlook the bay, as well as fun, hand-painted crab decor. One dining room has a garage wall that they open when the weather is nice. This allows guests to benefit from both a covered dining experience and the perfect weather.
Visit the Crab House at Pier 39 website to learn more.
Wipeout Bar & Grill
Wipeout Bar & Grill is located at the very front of Pier 39, making it a convenient stop on your way to exploring the pier. The restaurant is reminiscent of California’s classic surf food and beach shacks. With a large, outdoor patio, a fire pit, and celebrity-signed surfboards, Wipeout is a killer hangout spot for outdoor dining in San Francisco.
Their California surfer food is a favorite for the whole family. From pizzas to burgers to tacos, Wipeout has it all. Dishes include the BBQ Chicken Salad, the Hawaii 5 Ohhhh pizza, Coconut Shrimp & Chips, and so much more.
Visit the Wipeout Bar & Grill website to learn more.
Eagle Cafe
Of course, we also have to mention this San Francisco institution, Eagle Cafe. This historic cafe and bar has been serving San Francisco’s waterfront since 1928–that’s almost 100 years! Back then, Eagle Cafe was located just down the street on Embarcadero and Powell. Warren Simmons, the founder of Pier 39 and Simco Restaurants, wanted the iconic cafe to be a part of Pier 39. So, he came up with a crazy plan to put the restaurant on jacks and wheel it down the street to the pier!
Now, Eagle Cafe proudly sits atop the magical Pier 39. The restaurant’s interior features decor that honors the guests who have been frequenting Eagle Cafe for the last hundred years: veterans, active military, and longshoremen who worked on the waterfront. The cafe boasts a unique patio with seating that faces the bay, offering views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Be sure to try their breakfast classics like the Banana Pecan French Toast made with Boudin sourdough and the Crab Benedict. Additionally, swing by for lunch and enjoy favorites like the Blackened Fish Wrap and the Nashville Hot Chicken. Plus, Eagle Cafe’s full bar makes the best Bloody Mary in town.
Visit the Eagle Cafe website to learn more.
More of the Best Outdoor Restaurants in San Francisco
Bernal Star – Bernal Heights
Bernal Star is a Bernal Heights institution that has a back patio adorned with sun umbrellas and heat lamps. This dog-friendly patio makes for a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in San Francisco. Be sure to try their brunch, burgers, and brews.
View Bernal Star’s menu here. Enjoy one of the popular outdoor restaurants in San Francisco. Open 11am-3pm Monday, 11am-9pm Tuesday through Friday, and 9am-9pm Saturday and Sunday.
Zazie – Cole Valley
Zazie is a French bistro loved by San Francisco locals since it opened in 1992. This bustling neighborhood restaurant specializes in American style brunches and Provençal dinners. Their outdoor seating has heating lamps and twinkly lights to ensure a comfortable ambiance.
View Zazie’s menus here. Check out one of the best outdoor dining in San Francisco. Open for dinner every night at 5 pm. Brunch is available Monday through Friday 8am-2pm and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 9am-3pm.
Fable – Castro
Fable is a casual restaurant in the Castro known for having a beautiful garden patio. Escape from the city and enter Fable’s plant-filled, covered patio. Enjoy classic American cuisine like Cobb Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette, Grilled 12 oz. New York Steak with Rosemary Butter, and Baked Mac-N-Cheese. Additionally, you won’t want to miss out on their Brunch, including Red Quinoa Brunch Bowl with Poached Eggs & Avocado and Fable’s Sweet Baguette French Toast.
View Fable’s menus here. Experience what outdoor dining in San Francisco has to offer. Open for lunch Monday through Friday 11:30am-2:45pm, dinner every night at 5 pm, and brunch Saturday and Sunday 10am-2:30pm.
Outdoor Bars in San Francisco
If you’re looking for some bars with outdoor seating in San Francisco, look no further. Above all, those 21+ know that the best outdoor dining in San Francisco should also be accompanied by the best outdoor bars in San Francisco!
Charmaine’s – Civic Center
Charmaine’s is located on the rooftop of the Proper Hotel in Civic Center. This rooftop bar and lounge has elegant seating and downtown views–think European terrance meets California cool. Dubbed “S.F.’s hottest rooftop” by S.F. Magazine, this bar’s outdoor seating is sure not to disappoint. Cocktails created by BVHospitality flow all day and night long.
View Charmaine’s drinks menu here. Cocktails are $20, and wines by the glass start at $16. Open Monday through Thursday 5-11 pm, Friday 5pm-12am, Saturday 4pm-12am, and Sunday 4pm-11pm.
Santería – Castro
Santería in the Castro is a Mexican restaurant and bar with plenty of tequila drinks to enjoy on their parklet. The outdoor seating is decorated with string lights and planters and can make a great spot for watching passersby in the busy Castro district.
View Santería’s beverage menu here. Try their Michelada, Frozen Margaritas, and agave based liquors. Plus, savor some authentic Mexican bites with a modern twist from their all-day food menu. Open Monday through Thursday 3-10pm, Friday 3-11pm, Saturday 11am-11pm, and Sunday 11am-10pm.
Lost & Found – Sunset
Lost & Found is a cocktail bar with an outdoor parklet and a private karaoke room. This neighborhood joint features cocktails by pro Suzanne Miller with drinks named after San Francisco landmarks. The outdoor parklet is uniquely set up with two hanging swings and a plush booth.
View Lost & Found’s menu here, featuring cocktails and more. Closed Mondays and open Tuesday 5pm-12am, Wednesday through Saturday 5pm-2am, and Sunday 5-10pm.
The Best Outdoor Dining in San Francisco
Pier Market Seafood Restaurant is the best choice for outdoor dining in SF. We serve fresh mesquite-grilled and sustainable seafood with unbeatable views both indoors and outdoors. It’s the perfect stop on your San Francisco sightseeing tour this spring.
This is the ideal San Francisco Bay Area destination in the springtime, thanks to its exciting location on Pier 39 and its delicious, fresh seafood. Enjoy the outdoors while knowing that your meal is sustainably sourced, supporting environmental conservation.
Visit the Pier Market website to learn more.
Make a reservation here. Walk-ins are welcome!
Check out Pier Market’s menus here.