Cold Drinks Bar

Within San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown, Cold Drinks Bar emerges as a cinematic sanctuary where Blade Runner meets Shanghai film noir. This sophisticated cocktail lounge, nestled inside the expansive China Live complex, transforms the traditional scotch den into an art deco-inspired experience that feels both futuristic and nostalgically familiar.

Conceived as a tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Ennis House and the golden age of Shanghai's French Concession, Cold Drinks Bar opened with a singular vision: to create an immersive environment where architectural grandeur meets mixological innovation. Designed by AvroKo's Adam Farmerie, the space has quickly established itself among San Francisco's premier cocktail destinations, earning recognition for its distinctive approach to both atmosphere and libations.

The bar's cocktail program centers on an inventive scotch-forward philosophy, where traditional whisky serves as the foundation for complex, multi-layered creations. The Sometimes Old Fashioned showcases this approach brilliantly, featuring scotch fat-washed with duck fat, combined with rye whiskey and teapot bitters. The Gold Coin presents an intriguing marriage of scotch whisky, Madeira wine, Ancho Reyes, and chocolate stout, delivering orange-chocolate-hot pepper notes that exemplify the bar's creative spirit. For the adventurous, the Sword Swallower arrives in a ceramic tiki vessel, blending Gewurztraminer, mezcal, grapefruit soda, and scotch with black tea syrup. Even shots receive theatrical treatment, served elegantly in soup spoons that elevate the entire drinking ritual.

The interior design creates an atmosphere of moody sophistication through carefully curated elements of brass, leather, and lucite. Velvet divans and concrete tiles establish an intimate setting that encourages guests to dress elegantly and embrace the bar's slightly debauched glamour. The lighting and architectural details evoke the sepia-toned energy of 1930s Shanghai while maintaining a futuristic edge that feels distinctly contemporary. Service follows suit with highly attentive, knowledgeable bartenders who guide guests through the complex flavor profiles with genuine expertise.

Reservations are highly recommended for this intimate space, where the experience unfolds best during evening hours when the atmospheric lighting fully transforms the environment. The dress code leans toward smart casual elegance, befitting the bar's cinematic inspiration and sophisticated clientele.

Cold Drinks Bar represents more than a cocktail destination—it's an immersive journey into a carefully crafted world where every detail serves the larger narrative. For discerning travelers seeking San Francisco's most innovative drinking experience, securing a reservation at this Chinatown gem promises an evening of unparalleled sophistication and mixological artistry.