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The Sage & Drifter

4.8 (70 reviews)
ModerateCocktail Bars
Closed • 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
Updated 1 month ago

The Sage & Drifter Photos

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THE SAGE & DRIFTER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Juke Box
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - The Sage & Drifter

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Papa's Manhattan ($16), Mocktail ($12)
Elena N.

Date: Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 Time: around 10:30pm Party of 2 *Papa's Manhattan ($16) *Mocktail ($12) After dinner, a friend and I dropped by for a drink. We thought they closed at midnight (according to the web results we found), but apparently they close at 11pm on Weds. So we arrived right before closing. There was a party here finishing up their drinks and getting ready to leave. We decided to have a quick round since we stopped by. Apologized to the bartender, but he was super cool. Told us to take our time. Ended up leaving around 11:30pm. My manhattan was spirit forward, but still nicely balanced. I enjoyed sipping on it for the hour we were here. The bartender was also a sweetheart. We had a nice convo with him while he was closing up. Super friendly and didn't make us feel rushed at all. Great neighborhood bar! REVIEW #3697

The perfect old fashioned
Joseph N.

We found ourselves in the western, foggy side of SF, looking for a decent bar. We had just finished a couple drinks at a trendy, froufrou bar, where we received cocktails with Instagrammable presentation -- but forgettable flavor profiles. After that experience, all I wanted was a well-executed old fashioned. We found it at The Sage & Drifter. And more. It's a gem. ---- Drinks ---- They offer a small, curated -- and beautifully drawn, I must add -- menu with delectable cocktails. I went straight for the Modern Oldie -- a seasonal twist on the old fashioned. I asked the bartender what his spin would be, and he told me he was still experimenting. So it would be a regular old-fashioned for now. Fine by me! The balance, precision, and flavor profile was perfect. No frills. Delicious. And exactly what I needed. Maybe next time, he'll have a creative concoction ready. My partner got The Sage, a namesake drink on the menu. It offered complexity and deliciousness. For our second drinks, we noticed interesting mezcal bottles that we wanted to try. We pointed them out to him and ask if he could conjure up recommended cocktails based on those mezcals. He immediately shared the flavor profiles of each and immediately suggested two cocktails. On the spot. He presented to us a mezcal negroni, and a mezcal sour. They were absolutely fantastic. ---- Service and environment ---- Upon entering, the bartender was laid back and amiable. You sensed an easygoing, neighborhood vibe. A few regulars were hanging around, occasionally chatting with him. Importantly -- he absolutely knew his stuff. You detect the expert craftsmanship watching him make drinks. As I mentioned, he offered creative recommendations based on the specific spirits we wanted. He probably could have made my standard old fashioned with his eyes closed. Overall, this seems like a chill, awesome neighborhood bar with wonderful drinks. A small pool table in the back. ---- Cost ---- Fair. Delicious drinks served by a talented bartender. Very much worth it. ---- Additional notes and tips ---- Two bathrooms here! That's a plus. ---- Overall ---- We felt thrilled to stumble upon this gem. We found a great bar, and a talented bartender that knew his drinks. If I lived in the neighborhood, I would probably frequent this bar a few times a week.

Rhea A.

Probably my favorite cocktail bar in the neighborhood. (If you have other recommendations LMK please) Second time coming here and I love a cocktail with an egg white. All of their drinks on the menu/off menu that have egg whites are DELICIOUS. So flavorful, frothy, and just an overall delight to sip. Ambiance is sooo laid back. Bartenders are friendly and easy to talk to. My default is their whiskey sour!! Would recommend but honestly I'm sure you can't go wrong with any cocktail.

Yasma A.

Great atmosphere and cocktails. Is it a requirement to have a mustache to come here? ‍

Cocktails
Katja K.

"An unpretentious cocktail bar" is the perfect way to describe this place. It looks like a classic dive bar but serves spectacular cocktails. The menu is stacked with unique drinks that all taste amazing.

The weary drifter on the right. Mocktail on the left.
Minia L.

I don't usually find myself in that part of town, but I happened to stop by and was pleasantly surprised by The Weary Drifter. This cocktail is quite the interesting creation! I've never heard of anyone combining pisco with beet juice and egg white before, but it totally works. The drink was super tasty. The smoothness from the egg white balanced out the earthy beet juice perfectly, and the hint of lemon added a nice zing. I'm not sure if I'm tripping, but it felt like the basil sugar had a touch of nuts around it, which was an unexpected but delightful twist that made it even more enjoyable. I'm really glad I decided to give it a try. If you find yourself in the area, don't miss out on this gem! The people were welcoming and the ambiance was chill. Cheers to new discoveries!

The False Roselle, and a Margarita with salt rim
Elizabeth R.

I LOVE this place! The vibe is your typical dive bar type scene with a fun little pool table in the back. It's quiet for the most part, homey, feels like the right spot you need to be at! I don't know the name of the bartender (I should ask) but he's always there when we go, and he's SO kind, so amazing, down to earth etc. We always order the False Roselle but always call it "that hibiscus drink" haha. Love coming here with friends after dinner, or if we're in the area. Def a must try bar!

Weary Drifter and Rousalle a must try....
Pstephan A.

Had to verify the reviews....and they are 100% Correct! Drinks are absolutely delicious! Stopped in during my kids dance class across the street. Don't be fooled by the outside and I wouldn't call this a dive bar but a neighborhood bar for locals but for all to enjoy. Interiors are spot on San Francisco bar decor with pool table and plenty of seating. Recommend and Yes I'll be back every Thursday around 4ish. Cheers!

Spirits & Cocktails Menu - 2/16/23
Cherylynn N.

If you live in The Sets... After a looooong day of working from home in your PJs, sometimes you want to have a craft cocktail without getting all dolled up to head to The Mission, SoMa, or The Marina. Well, throw on your puffy jacket and some uggs, and head to The Sage & Drifter! You don't even need to comb out the bird's nest on your head because no judgement. The Sage & Drifter is welcoming neighborhood bar that's low-key. So, come as you are, pull up a seat and get your drank on! I haven't been to this spot since it was "The Corner Spot" and it hasn't changed much, other than the addiiton of a craft cocktail menu ($15 each): https://tinyurl.com/mr6vvtj4. I want to get my buzz on STAT so opted for Casamigos Blanco, double on the rocks: https://tinyurl.com/5e8d6e4k. It's smooth with vanilla and citrus notes. It's my go-to if Fortaleza Blanco isn't available. Three shot of Casamigos Blanco, Fernet Neat, and a soda was $45 pre-tip. I think it was discounted for HH so very affordable for the city. If I lived within stumbling distance, def a place I would hit up on the regular! OTHER NOTES: * Charlie, the bartender is awesome! He was by himself but held down the fort and did a great job making sure everyone was taken care of. * Dark and kinda divey with a sports bar feel. Multiple TVs for watching the game and there's a pool table in back with a digital jukebox. * Bar seating with mainly high top tables with one regular table. * Laid back, mixed crowd. * Bags of chips available for the drunchies. * Dog-friendly as long as your dog is leashed and next to you at all times. * Street parking can be challenging so more of a neighborhood spot.

The Coco Caliente: tequila, mango, lemon, chocolate, bitters.
D.Misty Fyr E.

The sage & drifter is an inner sunset gem: professional, attentive, and talented bartenders making top notch cocktails in a cozy atmosphere. Grateful for quality establishments like the sage & drifter. Thank you!

Cocktail menu
Chris W.

As we enter a new 2023, I began reflecting on some of the most fun times in my life and where those memories took place. Corner Spot was one of those places. While the Corner Spot is long gone, the bones and opportunity for good times still remains with Sage and Drifter. Pros: + Still have the pool table! One of the signatures of every establishment that's found a home here. + + Well balanced craft cocktails that taste so good that they're almost too dangerous +++ Maybe expensive for a neighborhood bar but decent prices for a cocktail bar. This would be a good 2nd or 3rd date ++++ Just the right amount of busy! Easy for me to find a barstool to call my own +++++Parking can be tough in the area but y'all shouldn't be drinking and driving anyways! Overall this is a fun place to be, with plenty of seating and am excited to come back to create (and maybe also forget) more fun memories!

Hongo Picante and Weary Drifter
Katy C.

Thank goodness for a neighborhood cocktail place! Came on a Thursday night around 730 and there was about 7 people in the bar. We decided on the weary drifter (5/5) and the hongo picante (4/5). This season's weary drifter included beets which gave it beautiful color and reminded me of a pisco sour variation. Bartender told us they change the weary drifter every 2-3 months. The mushroom infused tequila was so interesting and I was impressed you could actually taste it! Parking is difficult in this area but a great place for night cap. About 10 good craft beers also on tap.

Yum
Justine Ray M.

Ayeee cheers to this spot! Seth is an amazing bartender. He served me up some delicious Fernet that I have never ever tried before. It was pretty strong and had delicious minty taste to it. I can't wait to come back and try it again. This bar is all blocked out from the outside and when you walk in you see bar stools and some door. I look forward to bringing all my friends here!

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Reviews are largely positive. People consistently praise the creative cocktails, friendly bartenders, and laid-back atmosphere. The space is also clean with classic decor.

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Service was great! Clean, good drinks, good pool table and jukebox box. Free pool on Tuesdays!

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The Sage & Drifter Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Sage & Drifter

I see that the Weary Drifter has sweet pisco - wondering if anyone has had it and how similar it is to a Pisco Sour?

The Weary Drifter "is" a Pisco sour, the flavor profile changes seasonally. Fall is Sweet potato & tarragon, with Aleppo pepper & maple sugar rim!!! In winter it will change to beets with a basil sugar rim!

Is trivia night still going on? Can't find any info online.

Yes it is! Every Wednesday from 7-10pm, hope to see you there!

Hi, what time is trivia on Wednesday?

Trivia starts at 7 and ends around 10. It fills up fast though so it might be a good idea to get there early.

Until you guys get the kitchen running will you guys allow outside food?

This location has always had food (Terry's Lodge and Corner Spot)? I'm excited for a neighborhood bar with some food options. Will this have that?

We are working on getting the kitchen going. Hopefully it will be up and running in the next couple of months.

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Review Highlights - The Sage & Drifter

“She welcomed us in and made us the delicious signature drink, the Weary Drifter, which blew our minds!”

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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People searched for Cocktail Bars 12,901 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

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Lore Speakeasy and Escape Room - Matcha Redbean, A5 Wagyu & Truffle

Lore Speakeasy and Escape Room

4.5(108 reviews)
2.8 mi•Mission

What a cozy bar! If you like intimate, chill, and cozy places with board games and unique drinks…read morethis is the place to go! My party and I didn't get the chance to experience the escape room but would love to try it out the next time we come back. The staff are amazing, especially Chloe. Such a sweetheart. Loved her energy! Highly recommend the Mango Sago and Crab Rangoon Nachos!

Really unique, immersive speakeasy. Came for a birthday and opted for their escape room, which is…read morealso a really cool feature for a speakeasy bar. The escape room is Alice In Wonderland themed and includes three drinks as part of the experience. Arrived on time for our reservation but were held in a waiting room for about 30 min before we could start. Didn't seem like anyone else was doing the escape room but it was also the week of their biz anniversary so maybe they were just super busy. Phoenix led our escape room and was such a delight. Friendly, great banter, helpful throughout the escape. The escape game is split across multiple rooms with a good diversity of puzzles. Don't want to spoil too much here but they were good challenges. Drinks we incorporated throughout and presented like test tubes that were drinkable in a gulp, kind of like a cocktail shot. Personally, I found the first two drinks to be a bit too sweet, but I liked the third, which was coconut forward. The price is definitely a bit more costly. It was $100/person for a party of five. I understand that it was an escape room + the staff + the cocktails. If you max out the party size, it's about $85-ish per person which I think is pretty solid. Still very unique and fun and glad I got to try it

Photos
Lore Speakeasy and Escape Room - Cool Middle Earth themed room with lots of seating! Plenty of board games available to play as well

Cool Middle Earth themed room with lots of seating! Plenty of board games available to play as well

Lore Speakeasy and Escape Room - Our Pineapple Cake cocktail is an ode to Taiwan.

Our Pineapple Cake cocktail is an ode to Taiwan.

Lore Speakeasy and Escape Room - Borscht: Gin, beets, apple, citrus, dill, egg white ($20) + Korean Cold Noodles w/ brandy, pear, pineapples, cucumber, sesame ($19)

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Borscht: Gin, beets, apple, citrus, dill, egg white ($20) + Korean Cold Noodles w/ brandy, pear, pineapples, cucumber, sesame ($19)

The Beehive - Beauty Mark

The Beehive

4.3(460 reviews)
2.8 mi•Mission
•$$

Loved visiting the beehive and I would come back. The…read moreambiance inside is nice for a date spot or to chill with friends. It's dimly lit and had fun Halloween decorations when we went. We got the cucumber cocktail and spinach and artichoke dip. Both were really good. The dip was cheesy and tasted fresh with the chips. The drink was good and perfectly strong. Service was also fast and they will bring the food and drinks to you which is nice. Also love that they had veg and gluten free items marked on the menu very helpful.

This is by far my favorite bar in SF. I used to drive up here weekly with my coworkers for Friday…read morenights almost 4 years ago. This place has not changed much (in a good way.) The atmosphere is so lovely, there's good music that gradually turned into old school hiphop as the night grew longer. The servers were so kind and came by all the time to refill water and make sure everyone was happy. Little shoutout to the server that took care of us all night Kimberly! She was so amazing and had the best service. (: It may be a bar but the food is so good, we got a little of everything to share. As a regular of lounge-style bars, this place has good lighting if you like taking pictures of your drinks, a good surprise! I really appreciate all the staff for being so kind and attentive on a busy Saturday night. We had a party of 12 that took up a little two-couch area with no issues at all! If I can make a recommendation for anyone that reads this, get the Thunderbird!

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The Beehive
The Beehive - Cocktail Menu

Cocktail Menu

The Beehive - Cocktail Menu

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Cocktail Menu

Cavaña - Nopal: Condesa, sweet pepper, cactus, vermouth, tonic + Sandia: Tequila, cucumber gin, aloe, watermelon, hibiscus, lime, serrano ($19 ea)

Cavaña

3.9(571 reviews)
4.6 mi•Mission Bay
•$$$

This was my 4th time visiting Cavaña, and we had a large party with a section outside. As usual,…read morethe vibes were immaculate. Our party ordered paloma's, espresso martinis, and even some food. It was my first time ordering an espresso martini, and to be honest I don't think it's for me. On the other hand, I was pleasantly surprised by how flavorful the steak burrito was. It was rather small, but actually very good. The service was good. They were pretty busy, but still got us everything we needed in a timely manner. I highly recommend this spot. I think it's a nice place to chill at, whether you want to have a laid back night with good views, or start your night here to pregame and go somewhere else. Can't go wrong!

It's Seamen week…read more... *Cough* I mean, Fleet Week. Some run to The Marina, North Beach, and/or Fisherman's Wharf for the festivities (or seamen)....others wanna stay faaaaar aaaawaaaay from the chaos and mad traffic. At Cavaña, you're far enough away but you can still see the Blue Angels practicing if that's what you're looking for. Located inside LUMA Hotel, Cavaña is from the owner behind KAIYŌ and Novela. The rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the city skyline, the Bay Bridge, and Oracle Park. Rezzies are highly recommended. Even on a non-event night at Oracle Park and Chase Center, it was poppin'. TIP: Before planning HH, a date, GNO...check the event calendars for Oracle Park and Chase Center! If there's an event happening, trust me...you will NOT want to drive here. *** HH Specials Monday - Friday, 4 pm - 6 pm *** - $15 Guacamole w/ chips (Reg, $18) - $6 Tacos (Reg. $7.50) - $18 Half-Dozen Oysters (Reg. $26) D R I N K S * Sadia: The Lost Explorer Tequila Blanco w/ mexican cucumber gin, aloe, watermelon, hibiscus, lime, serrano ($19) Refreshing and easy to drink, the Sadia wasn't too sweet with a light smokiness and subtle fruitiness from the watermelon and hibiscus. * Nopal: Condesa w/ sweet pepper, cactus, blanc vermouth, tonic water ($19) Booze-forward, the Nopal was stiff yet smooth with a nice amount of carbonation. I also appreciated that they went light on the vermouth, giving it just a touch of sweetness. * Diega Cucumber Gin Verde, shaken ($15) First time I've seen this on any menu, I think is now my fav gin...fresh and crisp with a natural cucumber flavor. F O O D * Dozen HH Oysters ($36) Fresh, plump, soft, and creamy. Served with a mildly spicy cocktail sauce. S E R V I C E Friendly, prompt, and efficient. A M B I A N C E Polished and modern with an indoor-outdoor layout, tropical greenery, and latin music bumping. Even tho there's heat lamps, it gets windy. There's a photobooth near the elevators. During HH, laidback techie and young professionals crowd. P A R K I N G Hotel parking is $25 for the first hour and $20 for every hour thereafter. Metered street parking is doable before 5 pm on non-event nights...if you don't mind walking several blocks. Overall, Cavaña is a solid cocktail bar in the city with awesome views. Will def be back...not just for seamen week.

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Cavaña - Diega Cucumber Gin Verde, shaken ($15)

Diega Cucumber Gin Verde, shaken ($15)

Cavaña - Guacamole

Guacamole

Cavaña - Guayaba and Maracuya cocktail

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Guayaba and Maracuya cocktail

Laureate

Laureate

3.8(43 reviews)
2.2 mi•Presidio Heights, Pacific Heights

I went to the Laureate a couple times last week. It happened to be right next-door to University…read morehigh school in San Francisco where I was watching Nor Cal basketball. I went in before the game the place was somewhat Vibing they had a balcony, fireplace, different seating areas and a bar, and they serve food. It wasn't that busy so the bartender came right over. I think his name was Dominic and he got me an IPA. The first time I went I also tried the deviled eggs (3) and they were cool. I have to say my buddies tried the chips and salsa so it came with some guac salsa and a bowl of chips. It was pretty good too. a , but after the game we came back in the place was still a vibe. It was cool and we are went back a few days later for another game with another buddy and sure enough it was cool this time I had a margarita and the expert Cadillac and he floated something like some triple sec in it and when we inquired about the Grand Marnier with him, he got a little attitude although the female bartender said that when she made Cadillac margaritas, she used grandma Marnie, so that was interesting but other than that, I would recommend a spot.

Laureate Bar honestly surprised me! I came here after dinner for a nightcap and I really enjoyed…read moreit. It's lowkey but stylish and the drinks are actually affordable. My martini ($13) was really good, I especially loved the olives they use here. I like the lounge style seating, there were couches, nooks, and chairs arranged in a very comfortable fashion. There were a decent amount of people inside for a Thursday night, mostly small groups of friends or people on dates. It's a really nice atmosphere, very relaxed and inviting to hangout in. Everyone in the bar was weirdly attractive and dressed well for San Francisco and that added to the vibes for sure too lol. Friendly bartender and good cocktail menu, they also have a kitchen for small bites. I am definitely coming back!

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Laureate
Laureate - Sexy fireplace

Sexy fireplace

Laureate - Make out booth

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Make out booth

The Sage & Drifter - cocktailbars - Updated October 2026

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