10 Cozy Indoor Spots in San Francisco for Winter

Feeling like staying inside the house this Winter? We’ve all been there, but I feel like this city is so vibrant through and through that even on its gloomiest days, which is often, there is still so much it has to offer you. San Francisco is a city rich in culture and there is truly so much to explore, from the depths of the coffee shops to the craft cocktail scene. I’ve created a list below for you and your friends of some cozy indoor spots in this city for the Winter!

1. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

The San Francisco MoMA isn’t just a museum, but is a cultural hub that attracts both locals and visitors. This contemporary art museum houses renowned international artists alongside exciting new voices, and the regularly rotating exhibitions mean there’s always something fresh to explore. However, people often come to the museum to lounge, reflect, and even get work done at the museum café. Offering pastries, sandwiches and beverages without requiring entry. It’s definitely a cozy indoor spot to spend hours in; that being said, the best times to visit would be afternoons during the weekdays for a more relaxed vibe.

• Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.sfmoma.org/
• Phone: +1 415-357-4000

2. Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant

Tommy’s is a family-run restaurant that is located in the Richmond District. Having been open since the 60s, it is now run by the family’s son, Julio, who is one of the U.S.’s experts on tequila. With that being said, they are most famously known for their Famous Tommy’s Margarita. While the food draws in the regulars, it’s their margarita that has people making the trip from all over the city for a taste! It’s a perfectly balanced cocktail made from 100% pure blue agave tequila, fresh lime, and agave nectar, but if you ask me, I think that the passion behind the cocktail is what makes it so desirable to the crowds it attracts. Come here for a margarita, but you’ll definitely leave with a lesson on tequila from the many bartenders slinging cocktails all night long!

• Address: 5929 Geary Blvd, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.tommysmexican.com/
• Phone: +1 415-387-4747

3. ABV

On 16th Street in the Mission, is where you’ll find this neighborhood bar that is loved by so many locals. It’s a creative cocktail bar that has a relaxed vibe, which is why I think many people choose to unwind after work here. It’s the perfect setting to start your night out with or to enjoy long conversations amongst your friends. Their menu changes seasonally, but they focus on balancing flavours and have well-executed classics with a twist. ABV offers aged spirits, barrel-aged house creations, refreshing highballs, and nuanced bitter drinks; truly bridging the gap between fancy cocktail lounges and neighbourhood bars. 

• Address: 3174 16th St, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.abvsf.com/
• Phone: +1 415-294-1871

4. Smuggler’s Cove

Not exactly what you would picture when you think of a cozy indoor spot, but this is definitely a place to escape to this Winter. The Smuggler’s Cove is a world-famous tiki bar that is hidden in the Hayes Valley neighborhood. Specializing in exotic cocktails and rum since 2009, they also cover traditional tiki classics, historic recipes, as well as innovative originals. The bartenders mix each of your drinks to order with fresh citrus and house-made ingredients, which is probably why it is loved by so many locals and tourists! It definitely is a spot to hit if you wanna switch things up from your local neighborhood bar.

• Address: 650 Gough St
• Website: https://www.smugglerscovesf.com/
• Phone: +1 415-869-1900

5. The Coffee Movement

If I had to pick one coffee shop that sums up this city’s specialty coffee scene, it would be The Coffee Movement. They have multiple locations spanning across the city, but their locations on Balboa and Washington Street are well loved by locals and visitors. It just has this welcoming atmosphere that kind of draws you in and makes you feel cozy and comfortable. Their unique menu really sets them apart with thoughtfully brewed creations such as their Honey Lavender Latte, Orange Cream Latte, and Espresso Tonic.

• Address: 1737 Balboa St, 1030 Washington St, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.thecoffeemovement.com/
• Phone: N/A

6. St. Frank

St. Franks is a must-visit coffee shop that serves refined espresso for those who prefer maximalist flavors, set in a clean and minimalist space. They also offer carefully crafted coffees that are thoughtfully prepared to highlight the coffee beans. Along with coffee, they also offer homemade pastries for pairing, which are favorites amongst many visitors since they’re raved about constantly. With multiple locations, they still never fail to bring that cozy neighborhood coffee shop vibe.

• Address: 120 Folsom St, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.saintfrankcoffee.com/
• Phone: +1 415-881-8062

7. Andytown

Andytown is another fan favorite coffee shop that brings that neighborhood warmth, with multiple locations sprinkled across the city. They serve crowd-pleasing drinks such as their Snowy Plover, a refreshing espresso lightly sweetened and topped with cream. However, their baked goods also draw in as much love as their drinks, with Irish-inspired pastries and hearty breakfast items.

• Address: 3655 Lawton St, San Francisco
• Website: https://3655-lawton-online-cafe-orders.square.site/
• Phone: +1 415-753-9775

8. Japan Town

Now for one of my favorites, Japantown. Japantown spans across six blocks and is one of the many reasons why San Francisco is so rich in culture. This compact cultural pilgrimage is filled with shops, restaurants, tea houses, and galleries. This is the perfect place to get away in San Francisco and to enjoy some of what Japan is best known for. You can browse endless traditional crafts, bookstores, anime merchandise, manga, and so much more! You can also grab a bite to eat at one of their many Japanese ramen, sushi, or dessert spots. It’s honestly one of my favorite hangout spots.

• Address: 1610 Geary Blvd, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.sfjapantown.org/japan-center-malls/
• Phone: +1 415-567-4573

9. Westfield Mall

Another favorite of mine, Westfield Mall, is a staple when I think of cozy indoor spots to get away from the Winter weather. It’s located Downtown and is a go-to for many locals as well as people visiting San Francisco. The large space is filled with so many shops and restaurants, and is the perfect place to get lost in for hours. It is also the best meet-up spot for you and your friends since it is so connected by the many transit options the city has to offer.

• Address: 865 Market St, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.shopsanfranciscocentre.com/
• Phone: +1 415-512-6776

10. Emporium SF

Similar to Smuggler’s Cove, Emporium SF is a spot to shake things up from your normal night out. It’s an arcade bar that offers a lively atmosphere for you and your friends. There are plenty of classic arcade games like skee-ball lanes, pinball machines, air hockey, and Pac-Man nostalgia. There are also live DJs accompanied by a full bar serving contemporary cocktails, as well as lots of extra space to socialize if you are part of a larger group. This is honestly the perfect spot for your larger gatherings this Winter.

• Address: 616 Divisadero St, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.emporiumarcadebar.com/locations/san-francisco/
• Phone: +1 415-295-5312

More…

• https://www.perfectvenue.com/post/cozy-indoor-venues-in-san-francisco
• https://secretsanfrancisco.com/rainy-day-things-to-do-sf/
• https://www.sftravel.com/article/things-to-do-rainy-day-san-francisco