Sage and Drifter is a chill bar in the sunset, perfect for catching up with friends, grabbing a beer. It's nice, clean, the service was friendly. I like the space, the big wood bar is very welcoming. I got a golden state cider and my friends put our name down for pool. I like how it was super super loud so we could chat. It seems like a great place to get a cocktail as well, the bartender had a list of cool fancy cocktails, he talked about how he designed the list. It's cool the hear the passion, creativity. We played a round of pool and had a night! I enjoyed my time here and recommend it!! read more

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Delicious cocktails, friendly bartender and fun trivia night! Was actually really impressed with the drink menu here. Very laid back cocktail bar! read more

The Sage & Drifter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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 read more

The Sage & Drifter - Papa's Manhattan ($16), Mocktail ($12) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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. read more

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Delicious cocktails and sweet/friendly bartender. Was here on a night out with some girl friends and we enjoyed ourselves catching up over a few drinks. The place is small so our voices traveled pretty easily through the bar but there were tv's on that helped drown out some of our conversation. I would return again for a relaxed night out. read more

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

The Sage & Drifter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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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. read more

The Sage & Drifter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

"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. read more

The Sage & Drifter - Cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Chill bar with good cocktails. They also have tvs playing sports which is nice. I will say the cocktails were on the pricey side it to look like a dive bar. The cocktails were $17 and very creative tho. read more

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! read more

The Sage & Drifter - The weary drifter on the right. Mocktail on the left. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

The bartender was incredibly unpleasant. We came in with a group of 10. Rather than immediately telling us the group was too large for the bar, the bartender chose to make snide remarks once we had our drinks and telling the group he didn't want a group that big. He snapped at one person in our group for asking to taste a second beer. His behavior definitely put a damper on the evening. Not a business I wasn't to support. read more

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! read more

The Sage & Drifter - The False Roselle, and a Margarita with salt rim - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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! read more

The Sage & Drifter - Weary Drifter and Rousalle a must try.... - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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. read more

The Sage & Drifter - Spirits & Cocktails Menu - 2/16/23 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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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! read more

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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. read more

The Sage & Drifter - Hongo Picante and Weary Drifter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I rarely if ever leave reviews. After all, our tastes necessarily differ. But, every once in a while, there's a business that just seems to me inherently great. My date chose this place randomly & she chose well. It's a perfect bar -- not to big, not too small. Good booze selection. Friendly, versed owner/bartender. A mixed crowd where, for once, I wasn't that much older than everyone else (SF bars tend to run young). Can't recommend enough. read more

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! read more

The Sage & Drifter - Yum - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

After having a quick burger in Walnut Creek, my friend and I decided it'll be best to beat the traffic and head back to the city. He looked on Yelp to see what was in the area nearby to where we were going to have dinner and found The Sage & Drifter. What a hidden gem! When you walk in, you'll see some tables, bar seating, a pool table and 3 flat screen TV's. They also have 2 clean restrooms inside. Our bartender was also an owner of the bar and he provided us exceptional service. We learned they have a fun and busy trivia night there. Not only was he great to chat with, he made us some exceptional cocktails. I didn't get to talk too much to him as I got a work call that I had to take care. It took up more time than expected and I had to even walk back to the rental to grab my laptop but it all worked out in the end. After we finished our drinks, we were each gifted a poker chip to come back to redeem for a drink. We will definitely be back! Legit bar in Inner Sunset. read more

The Sage & Drifter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Here for the good drinks and good people. They hosted a women's center fundraiser and we played music bingo. I support businesses that support communities. read more

The Sage & Drifter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Stopped in to try a cocktail. It was cold out, so the Kentucky hot chocolate was calling my name. I was a little doubtful given that it cost $15, but I swear it's worth it! Phoebe did a great job making it the best spiked hot chocolate I've ever had. It was a piece of art. Appreciated the local feel of the bar as well. I want to come back for trivia on Wednesdays! read more

The Sage & Drifter - Kentucky hot chocolate - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Bar restaurant Drinks Great happy hour prices! $10 craft cocktails. They have so many varieties of old fashioned, which is my cocktail of choice and each one is as good as the previous one. Strong, tasty, whisky-forward, with a hint of spice or a subtle bitterness to elevate it even more. Food The fried calamari was good. It was a plate of battered calamari on light lemon sauce. The paella really stole the show though. This was bomb. We really wanted the lobster and iberria pork belly but it was so expensive! And then we saw that we could get a half-half and upgrade one half to the lobster one that we wanted. Yes!!! We got the best of both worlds. We got the traditional on one side and the lobster & iberria pork belly on the other. Both versions were delicious and had generous amount of seafood and meat. read more

What a fun bar experience! I was meeting a friend for happy hour one day, so we were the first ones there in the afternoon. It was just us and the bartender, and it was so fun! I mentioned we wanted fun cocktails, and he didn't disappoint! I got the gin cocktail that's on their menu, and my friend got an old fashioned. We also learned a lot about drinks, and joked around with other patrons until we left for dinner. I would definitely come back and bring a whole bunch more people! Go for the bougie cocktails, stay for the divey vibes! read more

What a delightful spot! Love the atmosphere. I'm an interior design gal so I always over analyze the interior features. The flooring and kitsch is to die for. Love the decor. The best part about this place is TRIVIA NIGHT! Starts at 7pm. Be there on time because they usually start on time. The drinks here are strong. So as a tip I wanted to mention that you can always do what I do.... that's ask for a "half". Everyone always asks for a "double" but you can also ask for less alcohol with a "half" too. Best bars in this neighborhood of SF. read more

Awesome cocktails & nice friendly corner bar. Sidled in on a Sunday afternoon after walking through the Golden Gate Park & it was a good find! read more

The Sage & Drifter - Cocktail menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Update: The last few times I've been in, they haven't had the ingredients to make my favorite cocktail, the Sage. No problem, the bartenders are creative and will come up with a cocktail that matches your taste preferences perfectly. I'm happy that this bar is my new local. read more

One of the best bars the city has to offer. Stepping in the door here is like entering a hidden gem in the heart of the city. The first thing that catches your eye is the impeccable attention to their craft. read more

Great ambiance great and friendly bartender, last time I was here it was early in the afternoon and the bartender was perfecting one of his drinks. That the mark of a good bar is a bartender taking the time to prefect their craft read more

We stopped in for a quick drink. They have special cocktails that change every few months. Not much wine or cider, but they do have some options. Full service bar and friendly service from one of the owners. Also, they have a pool table if you're into playing, with a juke box on the wall playing various music styles. If you want something different and are okay with a typical bar style venue, this is your place. We'd definitely come back if in town. read more

Dope spot with unique well thought out drinks. Very low key and great to kill time. Owner was a super nice guy and knew how to craft a drink. read more

Great unpretentious and friendly spot with great staff and delicious drinks! My husband and I were excited to check it out as we were passing through the neighborhood. We are beer people, and really appreciated the well-curated selection on tap. The staff were generous in offering tasters for us to try and are also just super knowledgeable when we asked about different options. We saw folks grabbing drinks solo, in small groups, and a few pairs like us. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the good vibes and drinks. We had a great time and look forward to coming back soon! read more

Super friendly neighborhood bar. Awesome staff. Small pool table in the back. No scum and villainy here . Bartenders know their stuff and locals are awesome read more

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

You can always tell when the owners and staff of a bar really care about serving their neighborhood to the best of their ability, and that is certainly the case at The Sage & Drifter. If you're a long-time resident of the Avenues, you will remember this space as the wretched hive of scum and villainy once known as Terry's Lodge. Those days are very much in the past though, as what you'll find here now is a welcoming bar serving up great cocktails, a well-curated selection of spirits, and craft beers on tap that will appease any palate. Their trivia night on Wednesdays is one of the best in town, and if you live in the neighborhood, it's almost impossible to stop in without running into someone you know. It may not look like the most inviting space from the outside, but if you're in the neighborhood and haven't given them a try yet you're definitely missing out. read more

This place is such a hidden gem. I got the Kentucky hot chocolate and loved it. My fiancé tried the Weary drifter which was nice too. We also had their shooters made with homemade raspberry infused honey which was pretty good! Loved the vibe of the place with the pool table and juke box. We had such a fun time here! read more

How have I not left a review yet! These guys are awesome, everyone who works is great. They're a newer bar and are killing it. Divey vibes with a nice cocktail program. Trivia every Wednesday night and free pool, there's really nothing not to love here. If you're in the sunset I highly recommend stopping in. Note: The only 2 star review was given by a person who has only given bars and restaurants a 1 or 2 star review. -_- read more

Where to begin? The welcome and warmth I experienced at The Sage & Drifter tops any bar I've visited in recent memory. The cocktail menu is literally infused with the creative brilliance of one of the three owners Glen (the other two weren't there the night I went in but I'm sure they are equally as amazing) and I can support this claim by citing dehydrated basil that he turned into a sugar. Green sugar!!! The bar is meant to be a neighborhood bar, a place that people who live nearby will go to, see friends and acquaintances, and that through that a sense of community is built. I love a good cocktail, but you can't put a price on spaces that bring people together these days without phones. The Sage and Drifter gave me that experience and I'll definitely be back! read more

Delicious cocktails. Had a delightful time chatting with Charlie the bartender. Treat yourself to this hidden gem! read more

The Sage & Drifter - Fabulous cocktails. Had an absolute blast chatting with bartender Charlie. A hidden gem - treat yourself and check it out! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Sad the Corner Spot moved on but happy the Sage & Drifter has arrived. Very nice addition to the neighborhood. The bar tenders are friendly and always up for a chat. The vibe is mellow and local but you can tell that the occasional tourist that drifts down Irving would be comfortable as well. Nice collection of TVs for the sports crowd. They did a great job with the remodel, spiffed up the place but not over the top trendy. Haven't managed the Wednesday trivia night yet but I hear it's popular. Goals. read more

The Sage & Drifter - Sauvignon blanc - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came on a Thursday evening. Very friendly bartender, but the draft beers were a little flat ( I had 2 Factions and and an IPA). I tried a cocktail too (old-fashioned) and it was a disaster :-( I am a local and want this bar to succeed, so I will give it one more try probably. Overall, I was quite dissatisfied with the drinks. read more