
Trick Dog
Cocktail bar
3010 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
OUR SCORE

4
ACCOLADES
- Named one of The World's 50 Best Bars multiple times
- James Beard Foundation Award nominee for Outstanding Bar Program
- Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards finalist for World’s Best Cocktail Menu
- Ranked on Drinks International’s Annual Bar World 100 list
- Winner of Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for Best American Cocktail Bar
REVIEW & BAR SUMMARY
In San Francisco's Mission District, Trick Dog San Francisco transforms the very concept of what a cocktail bar can be through its revolutionary approach to thematic mixology and artistic reinvention. Every six months, this creative institution undergoes a complete metamorphosis, debuting collectible menus that blur the lines between literature, art, and craft cocktails—from 300-page poetry books to Pantone color guides and zodiac calendars.
Founded in 2013 by visionary duo Josh Harris and Scott Baird of The Bon Vivants, Trick Dog emerged as a cornerstone of San Francisco's cocktail renaissance. The bar's philosophy centers on collaborative creativity, where bartenders contribute to each conceptual overhaul, making it both a training ground for top talent and a platform for artistic expression. This innovative approach has earned Trick Dog a James Beard nomination for Outstanding Bar Program and recognition among America's finest establishments by Esquire and industry leaders worldwide.
The San Francisco cocktail bar's drink program showcases inventiveness and precision through meticulously crafted cocktails that reflect each menu's central theme. Signature creations might draw inspiration from astrological signs, literary references, or color theory, featuring unusual ingredients and innovative techniques. The Sagittarius enchants with Bavarian hop brandy, gentian root, and apple, while the Libra captivates through vodka, sparkling wine, lemon, and plum. Each cocktail represents a conversation starter, woven into San Francisco's vibrant mixology narrative through playful presentations and unexpected flavor combinations that position Trick Dog among the city's luxury bars San Francisco connoisseurs seek.
The interior design, crafted in collaboration with Wiley Price, balances industrial elements with warmth and sophistication. Historic touches include steel from the legendary Warfield music venue's staircase, creating an atmosphere that's both refined and welcoming. The space adapts to match each menu's theme, immersing guests in conceptual worlds that shift from cozy intimacy to larger gatherings, reflecting the founders' community-focused vision.
Service at this premier San Francisco cocktail bar emphasizes engaged hospitality, with knowledgeable bartenders serving as guides through each creative journey. The unpretentious yet sophisticated approach welcomes both cocktail aficionados and casual visitors, fostering relationships and belonging within the space.
For the discerning traveler seeking San Francisco's most innovative cocktail experience, Trick Dog reservations offer access to mixology as performance art. This isn't merely a bar—it's a creative institution where every visit promises discovery, making it essential for luxury experience seekers exploring the world's most inventive cocktail destinations.