Smuggler's Cove image

Smuggler's Cove

Bar Cocktail bar Lounge

One of the Most Reviewed Cocktail bars in San Francisco


Address

650 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Website

www.smugglerscovesf.com

Contact

(415) 869-1900

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 5 PM to 1:15 AM
  • Saturday: 5 PM to 1:15 AM
  • Sunday: 5 PM to 1:15 AM
  • Monday: 5 PM to 1:15 AM
  • Tuesday: 5 PM to 1:15 AM
  • Wednesday: 5 PM to 1:15 AM
  • Thursday: 5 PM to 1:15 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: drinks (25) cocktails (15) drink (15) atmosphere (11) tiki (10) staff (9) menu (8) delicious (8) time (8) decor (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Sophia R. 4 months ago on Google
    Loved it here! Such a fun and unique place. Huge cocktail menu but with Danny’s recommendations I didn’t need to pick and every cocktail he made was incredible. Recommend the Smuggler’s rum barrel and sitting at the bar so you’re close to all the fab cocktail making action 🤩
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raj S. 1 year ago on Google
    What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said. The foremost spot when it comes to tiki/rum bars - I mean this place is legendary and watching the bartenders work really shows the skill and experience forged here. The inside was just perfectly designed with the rum running/smuggling aesthetic. I personally loved the top floor the most, everywhere was busy, but the top floor was my favorite. The drinks were fantastic as well. The Zombie was delicious, essentially just mixes of different alcohol and while extremely boozy, it was so smooth. The 3oz Painkiller, another classic but just delicious. The whole menu is just perfection.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stacy Lee F. 2 years ago on Google
    What an absolute awesome place to have a good time. 3 floors, 2 bars and 100% fun and good times! We had never been and Melissa made us feel right at home. Great staff, smiling friendly faces and awesome drinks. We had a blast and the ace was packed. Can't wait to go back and have a blast! Thank you Smugglers Cove staff!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cameron t. 5 months ago on Google
    What can I say that hasn't already been said about one of the west coast's best tiki bars?! The decor is on point, the cocktails are fantastic, the employees/bartenders are happy to help with a drink or rum suggestion. If you are in SF (I wish I lived close) don't miss out on this gem. My wife doesn't drink and even more rarely will she order 2 mocktails, she did here!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Les J. 7 months ago on Google
    Smuggler's Cove is a lively and vibrant bar with an impressive selection of drinks that take you on a delightful rum journey. The ambiance and decor are fantastic, creating a unique and immersive experience. However, I must mention that the seating arrangements at Smuggler's Cove may not be ideal for a large party or intimate conversation. The limited seating space can be a bit challenging to accommodate big groups comfortably, and the bustling atmosphere might make it difficult to have private conversations. Despite this drawback, the bar's friendly staff and expertly crafted cocktails make for an enjoyable visit. If you're looking for a fun and adventurous night out, Smuggler's Cove is worth a visit. Just keep in mind that it might be more suitable for smaller groups or those seeking a livelier atmosphere.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Megan W. 1 year ago on Google
    Drinks were absolutely amazing and the staff were so friendy. It was way more packed than usual for a memorial day weekend but they handled it wouderfully. The bouncer outside was so sweet and the drinks and atmosphere were awesome.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Liam O. 6 months ago on Google
    Drinks and atmosphere were great. I'm with someone who doesn't drink and we gave them vague suggestions for a mocktail and they made something delicious each time. Real good.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris Bergeron (. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for the New Year's Eve party and it was an absolute delight. The staff was incredibly friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, the drinks were amazing, and everything was (in my opinion) incredibly fairly priced given the quality. The decor, lighting, and sound design were just the right amount to be memorable without being overwhelming, and the attention to detail was fantastic. If you enjoy Tiki at all, it is absolutely worth the trip, even if you don't, it is still worth doing for the people and drinks on their own.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jesse F. 1 year ago on Google
    Overall just a really fun experience. The pirate/ocean theme is a lot of fun, the drinks are strong and the environment is just a blast. This place does fill up quickly and there isn't a lot of seating.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sayali M. 1 year ago on Google
    I love love loved this bar! They've got 3 floors and 2 bars. You can get a drink and choose where to sit. The staff is super friendly and helpful. They've a huge menu of cocktails to choose from and the cocktails were great. Took us 15-20 mins to get in on a Friday night, pretty short wait time. I would definitely recommend this place for a chill hangout or drinks after a date :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick G. 2 months ago on Google New
    Loved the atmosphere of this place. Reminds me of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney. A little more cramped depending on the time of night. I felt a little claustrophobic. It’s fair priced for excellently crafted drinks, and the bartenders don’t skimp out on the booze! Will come back again. Happy drinking and careful driving!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordan Z. 7 months ago on Google
    Exceeded all expectations and more! Finally made my way out to this tiki haven with extremely high expectations. I was told to get there early, turns out we were the first in line. You need to understand that even if your are first in line, regulars can still enter before you, and that's ok! We ended up getting bar seats in the lower level in an area decorated like the hull of a ship. The bartender was quietly making drinks and the bar back was the personality. You need to also understand that ordering is peculiar, no one takes your order until you go up to the bar. This place is very busy at first open and they need to start slinging immediately. Once drinks were ordered (a ton to choose from) we settled into conversation. My first drink was the coveted secret rum barrel. Man, oh man. A perfect rum drink, strong, sweet, sour, and perfect balance. I have made most of the drinks from Martin Cate's book but I was so happy to have this one in person (it's a secret recipe). I also had the expedition. Recommend buying the mugs. The bar back was amazing too, quietly picking up our conversations to have the next drinks ready. Exceeded everything I could have hoped for. 5/5 will be back ever time I'm in San Fran.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick G. 1 year ago on Google
    Had an amazing yet confined experience at Smuggler's Cove! The place is small so it's very exclusive, if you are lucky there will be seats for you or friendly people to sit down with. The cocktails were delicious and there was a big variety. Although it was crowded, I didn't feel wait that much for our drinks. Great ambiance and music, would recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M M. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a top tier bar in the area. The biggest highlight is the selection of hand made drinks, and they very well put together pirate decor and theme. There is certainly an emphasis on reviewing the menu vs. picking your typical Togo to bar drink.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isabela O. 3 months ago on Google New
    I’m writing this review from my vacay in Jamaica and I’ll just say I wish to have a Smuggler’s cove here - this place really made me appreciate the drinks with rum and the execution is unmatched!

  • 5/5 Brian C. 3 months ago on Google New
    12/21/23. Great bar for rum oriented cocktails. Lots to see in regard to decorations…which are everywhere! Friendly staff. You can even buy Tiki mug from the staff. The neighborhood isn’t the best, so make sure you plan accordingly.

  • 5/5 Nick R. 5 months ago on Google
    The cocktails are obviously to die for. Try a batida if you've never had cachaça or a Nevada cocktail for a simple rum entry. Gabe was super helpful and knowledgeable. Will be back again!

  • 5/5 Yusi 3 months ago on Google New
    My friend’s favorite bar -Small but very unique; good drinks and nice vibe. Love it!

  • 5/5 Ratskrad N. 2 months ago on Google New
    After a heavy German meal we all piled into the Smuggler's Cove. This place is hard to find as there is only a non-descript door with a tiny sign and a bouncer outside. Definitely come and find this place if you are in the area. While it does get loud and busy, the cocktails here are to die for. Especially those of you that love dark rum. The whole place is themed as a tiki-bar with lots of ocean faring paraphernalia. When you come you'll have to scan the menu on your phone to access the menu, then order at the bar. Each drink is made to order by one or two people, so it can take a little time so relax and enjoy the ambience. Will for sure come back with friends and visitors to San Francisco, that is if I can find the place again :)

  • 5/5 Shelby M. 2 months ago on Google New
    The drinks are fantastically strong, and nothing can beat this themed atmosphere! If you don't like large crowds and prefer a drink in quiet company, come on a weeknight for sure, because it was a perfect ending to the night 👌

  • 5/5 Alex H. 3 months ago on Google New
    One of the world's most famous cocktail bars. Cosy, verging on cramped, detailed decor verging on kooky. But some of the best cocktails you could wish for.

  • 5/5 mars g. 1 year ago on Google
    Pros: WIDE selection of drinks!!! Literally over 30 choices! There’s basement, ground and upstairs spaces. Very unique decor and feels like pirate ship! Regular drink prices. They open Sunday!!! Most bars closed on Sunday! So cove is awesome! Con: it’s not big enough even though there’s 3 floors… Will totally come backkkkkkkkkkk!!!

  • 5/5 Steven P. 1 year ago on Google
    Best cocktails I've ever had. Dark and full of ambience. 3 floors, order at the bar, and enjoy some of the best and well priced tiki drinks you'll ever find.

  • 5/5 Corey c. 1 year ago on Google
    This is without a doubt my favorite bar in the entire world and I've traveled quite a bit. They have one of if not the best rum selection I have ever seen and I am a proud member of their rum club. I will always make an effort to stop off at Smugglers anytime I'm in the San Francisco area. The only complaint I have is that it is pretty small even though it has three floors. It gets crowded very easily. My suggestion would be to go earlier in the evenings when it's not as crowded and sip one of their amazing cocktails crafted by fantastic bartenders.

  • 5/5 Chris T. 1 year ago on Google
    Updating to add from my visit 07/29/22. It is one of the best tiki bars that I have visited, if not the best. The drink selection is vast and has such an assortment of drink with rum, but also a selection of drinks without rum. The Puka punch may be the best and the Mastodon is also very delicious as well. The Dragon drink (can't remember the name) is absolutely delicious and the atmosphere is vibrant and fun and you will have plenty to talk about. If going on a weekend, get there early because it will be packed and the bottom floor fills up the fastest. If you like crafted cocktails and atmosphere, please visit this bar as it is a MUST!

  • 5/5 Jonathan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Favorite tiki bar in the Bay area of the 6 I visited. Drinks and atmosphere were off the top of the charts. Read Martin Cate's book and you understand how much love and skill and knowledge went into the place. The first floor bar has 4 seats against the bar...the middle floor has 8, so if you want to be in one of those spots go early and stake your claim fast. They were out of merch when I was there, but usually have a nice bit. My bartender had been there 11 years, so definitely the kind of place that attracts and retains talent. I'd recommend the Fomidable Dragon and Expedition if, like me, you Donn Beach/Mariano flavor profiles. Got my first stamp on their rum loyalty club, which is a nice souvenir. ALL the stars.

  • 5/5 Anirudh M. 2 years ago on Google
    Interesting place with limited seating, great service and strong drinks. Finding seating during peak hours can be difficult but the drinks make it worth your while. Remember it's a tiki bar so don't go expecting your usual cocktails. Expect a heavy rum influence on the menu. Check out the cocktail Zombie, it has 6oz of rum but also has black licorice.

  • 5/5 Christina N. 2 years ago on Google
    Great bar with atmosphere and theme. Interior has tons of tiny details you can study, cocktails are great, especially if you’re are a fan of tropical/Caribbean tastes. Bartenders are polite and friendly, we had a great time at this place

  • 5/5 Bolty D. 2 years ago on Google
    Was visiting SF from out of town with some friends and heard a lot about this bar, so we decided to check it out. Their menu is extensive, the drinks were awesome, and the atmosphere and decor add a lot to the experience. Will definitely be coming back next time we’re in the city! Huge props to them also checking vaccination cards at the door.

  • 5/5 Michael P. 2 years ago on Google
    Words can I express how amazing this place was. I've heard of this place from how the drink on YouTube and my brother-in-law has the book from the owners and it blew my mind. I had a Demerara dry float with a side of danger and it was phenomenal. Getting the danger (151) on the side and then mixing it in is the right way to go. Luckily I didn't have to wait in line since I came later in the night. But I will and would wait in line to get into this place.

  • 5/5 Danny S. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredibly authentic tiki bar with fantastic staff and an immense range of creative original/classic exotic (tiki) cocktails, as well as a staggering selection of rums. Vibe is an escape from reality. Drink in the paradise. I’m in love.

  • 5/5 Marge F. 2 years ago on Google
    It's been nearly 10 years since I've been to Smuggler's Cove, and it's even better than I had remembered. This is the quintessential tiki bar for me. The attention paid to the drinks (both in flavor and in presentation), the three levels of rooms in the bar, the friendly and excellent bartenders, and all the details of the decor make this a truly magnificent bar experience. I had the Dead Reckoning, a Jungle Bird, and a Rum Barrel (I think that was the name of the last - it was bartender's choice so I could be wrong). All we're absolutely delicious. And they made a stunning non-alcoholic drink for my friend. I can't remember what all they had besides that, but we all agree they were delicious!


Call (415) 869-1900 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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