Time travel may not be possible yet, but you can experience the next best thing by visiting some of San Francisco’s most idiosyncratic bars. These themed bars all offer a piece of history by taking you back through the decades, from glammed-up joints with 60s-style glamour to watering holes reminiscent of the World War II era. Travel back in time with drink in hand at one of these bars in San Francisco.

Local Edition

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Located in the basement of the Hearst building, this SoMa bar will take you back to the days of the printing press. Revel in the 1960s-inspired glamour of sky-high ceilings, red velvet curtains, and soft lighting. You’ll even see antique printing presses and typewriters scattered around the space. Gather here after work and be transported to an era long gone.

691 Market St, San Francisco, CA

The Devil’s Acre - North Beach

Courtesy of Like Lindsay

The Devil’s Acre in North Beach evokes a sense of 19th century apothecaries, complete with replicas of chemists’ canisters, pill tiles, and gas lamps. The quirky menus are presented as almanacs and offer historical trivia on the origins of various cocktails. Try out a Three Sworn Enemies or a Dupont -- they’re some of the regulars’ favorites.

256 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA

Pagan Idol - Financial District

Courtesy of the perfectspotsf.com

Pagan Idol in the Financial District is a revival of the country’s mid-20th century fascination with tiki. Upon walking into the bar, it’s clear the love for the fantastical is strong here. The interior of the bar resembles the inside of a wooden ship, and underwater videos made to look like portholes really bring the illusion together. Top that off with thatched huts, totem poles, and even a volcano that “erupts.” Don’t forget to order a Mai Tai while you’re here (it’s kind of a must).

375 Bush St, San Francisco, CA

Stookey’s Club Moderne - Nob Hill

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Nowhere will you find more appreciation for a good drink than an establishment that emulates the post-Prohibition period. The decor of Stookey’s Club Moderne in Nob Hill fits right in with that era, and if you’re an Art Deco lover, you’ll appreciate the pendant lights and whimsical fluorishes. Even the drinks are created with the 1930s in mind. Try out the Hoot’s Mon, a recipe that includes Scotch, vermouth, and Kina d’Oro bitters, and was adapted from a 1930s recipe book.

895 Bush St, San Francisco, CA

The Ice Cream Bar Soda Fountain - Cole Valley

Photo by David Boyer / Courtesy of Ice Cream Bar

Entering this bar in Cole Valley, you might think you accidentally stumbled into an old-fashioned soda fountain shop. You’re immediately met with high bar seats, servers wearing bow-ties, and Art Deco fixtures that are instantly reminiscent of the 1930s. Order ice cream treats that only those over 21 can enjoy, like the Dublin Honey, a concoction of ice cream, Valrhona chocolate syrup, Guinness, and port. You can also keep it non-alcoholic with custom sodas and milkshakes.

815 Cole St, San Francisco, CA