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The Local Folks Guide to Natural Wine in San Francisco 🍷
Where to stay, sip and swirl in San Francisco.
Northern California has long been a culinary epicenter.
But San Francisco? It’s officially entering its cool wine era — thanks to a fresh crop of chefs and winemakers who are trading white tablecloths for low-intervention pours, laid-back playlists and hangouts that feel more like your dream dinner party than a tasting room.
To dive into the zeitgeist, we tapped Max Ellis and Dylan Silverman of Local Folks, a San Francisco-based culinary studio known for its scene-y pop-ups, seasonal menus and natural wine-fueled bangers. Their mission? Crafting experiences that hit the current cultural pulse — whether that’s a hyper-local tasting menu or a house-music brunch that gets a little loose.
Now, is there some low-key drama about what qualifies as “natural” wine? Always. But for the new-school wine crowd, it’s not about gatekeeping. It’s about ditching the snobbery, turning up the fun and focusing on the real essentials: good people and great pours.
We asked them: Where do you take friends when you’re craving a solid glass and a good time?
Here are their go-to spots for natural bottles, neighborhood charm and the kind of night out that might start with a sip and end with a dance floor.
Every hotel on Late Checkout is independently selected by us. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Where To Stay
1 Hotel San Francisco
Modern. Gorgeous. Centrally located. The recent renovation makes it one of the coolest in the city. Stay in the heart of downtown, but feel like you’re totally getting away.
Book here, rates from $299.
Cavallo Point
SF local’s favorite pastime: leaving the city. It’s the perfect tranquil and boujee getaway, just minutes over the Golden Bridge. Amazing views of the bay and the city, insane amounts of charm… and a great spa.
Book here, rates from $374.
Phoenix Hotel
Downtown, this inward-facing retro motel transforms into a bumping music venue on weekends. Check out the house music lineups and book a room for literally the best seat in the house.
Book here, rates from $159.
Union Street Inn
Escape downtown and get into SF’s neighborhoods. This inn delivers cozy charm while putting you right in the heart of the Cow Hollow and Marina neighborhoods - home to some of our favorite joints.
Book here, rates from $297.
Metro Hotel
Another neighborhood charmer, this hotel delivers a budget friendly option in SF’s historic Nopa neighborhood. It's got a fun, quirky feel with a prime location for walking to great bars, parks and restaurants.
Book here, rates from $114.
Where To Explore
Where To Eat & Drink
Céleste
Somehow a place for a 4 p.m. sunshine sip, pre-dinner bottle with friends and a late night going out scene (complete with a high-end sound system and table top dancing).
Rampant
Best for a curbside glass or choosing a bottle for the beach. Even better… snag something crisp for BYOB dim sum in the Richmond District.
Fool’s Errand
Great people-watching on one of SF’s best neighborhood streets. The vibes are intimate but lively, a perfect launch pad for a night out in the Nopa neighborhood.
Palm City
A diabolical combo of some of the best sandwiches in the city and an equally thoughtful wine list. Palm City is worth the trip for the beautiful breezy architecture, great food and crisp wines.
El Chato
Spanish wines, tasty bites and unpretentious good times. Come for a post-work pour, stay late sipping txakolina from porrons with Chato’s wildly fun owners, Rafa and Erin.
Where To Explore
What To Pack
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