When the sun goes down on the San Francisco Peninsula, the fun is just getting started. From historic theaters and craft distilleries to neighborhood dive bars and Irish pubs, The Peninsula's nightlife scene stretches across every corner of the county. Here's where to go, city by city.
San Mateo
Downtown San Mateo is the county's cocktail and craft beer hub. For an elevated night out, Fogbird brings soaring ceilings, exposed brick, and a nine-foot bar to its sophisticated cocktail lounge, with an extensive list of curated spirits and amari, plus a happy hour Monday-Thursday from 4-6pm. For something more intimate, Wunderbar is a small, reservation-only cocktail bar tucked beneath the former Wursthall space, specializing in classic cocktails and creative riffs, with cozy nooks and lounge seating for parties of five or fewer. For beer lovers, Fieldwork Brewing Co. offers a relaxed beer garden experience and Irish pub fans can also find a cozy pint at McGovern's Bar or O'Neill's Irish Pub. For those seeking a thrill (literally), check out the incredible GAMA Ride Entertainment Center in the Bridgepointe Shopping Center. This one-of-a-kind venue offers visitors the chance to experience classic arcade games, karaoke, as well as the adrenaline rush brought on by custom 3D/6D motion simulator games and rides. Upstairs, groups can enjoy a 6-lane bowling alley, or a game of billiards. The custom bar and small bites menu means you can stay and play to your heart's content.
Burlingame
Burlingame's Broadway corridor is packed with charm, and Behan's Irish Pub is a local favorite for a pint and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. For those interested in a different kind of evening, check out the extensive board game library at Plucky's Cafe, open until 10PM Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. For dancing and DJs, head to Vinyl Room, a downtown nightspot known for Karaoke Wednesdays, Salsa Thursdays with complimentary lessons, and DJ-fueled dance nights Friday and Saturday - no cover, always 21+. Craving something more low-key? Nearby Barrelhouse is famous for its innovative drink options, while the iconic Twelvemonth restaurant offers California craft cocktails and a curated beer and wine list in a sophisticated bar setting, alongside its acclaimed plant-based menu, with happy hour daily from 2-5pm and late-night hours Friday and Saturday. Between swings, Topgolf Burlingame keeps a bar stocked on every level — because a good game deserves a good drink in hand.
Redwood City
Redwood City is a nightlife destination in its own right. Right in the center of downtown, the historic Fox Theatre, a beautifully restored 1929 venue with Moorish and Gothic architectural details, hosts concerts and live performances from touring artists across genres — and it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For craft cocktails and a lively neighborhood vibe, head to Blacksmith Bar, known for live DJs on weekends, karaoke every Thursday, and a daily happy hour. For something more communal, Gourmet Haus Staudt & Beer Garden Staudt pairs an old-school German beer hall with an attached import shop, serving schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels alongside more than 100 bottled beers and 50 on tap — mostly German brews — best enjoyed at the communal picnic tables in true Oktoberfest style. Just across the train tracks, you'll find The Hub a go-to spot for all kinds of fun. With a full bar on both floors, they host a regular cadence of exciting events, including live music, open mic nights, game nights, burlesque shows, and film screenings.
Tucked in a peaceful neighborhood on the southern end of the city, Marsh Manor Shopping Center is full of local businesses that offer family-friendly vibes and great food. Grab a table on the patio at Freewheel Brewing Company, or explore the local California wine options over a grazing board at the charming Feast & Floral wine bar. Either way, you'll be sure to enjoy a wonderful evening in Redwood City.
Menlo Park
For a different kind of night out, The Guild Theatre is a historic live music venue on El Camino Real hosting a steady lineup of touring acts across genres — from tribute bands and bluegrass to singer-songwriters and the occasional comedy show — with private event space available for larger gatherings. Just across the street, enjoy the lively atmosphere and large TV screens at the British Bankers Club.
Half Moon Bay
Out on the coast, Half Moon Bay's nightlife has a distinctly laid-back feel. Jettywave Distillery crafts small-batch spirits right in town, making it a must-visit for whiskey and bourbon fans or anyone who wants to enjoy live music outdoors on a warm evening. Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, a waterfront favorite (with additional taproom location on main street) pairs craft beer with ocean views and live entertainment, making it one of the coastside's most popular gathering spots after dark.
Belmont
Belmont brings both pub charm and elevated dining to the county's nightlife scene. St. James Gate is a beloved Irish-inspired pub with a fun, welcoming vibe, an impressive lineup of over 400 bourbons and 40 beers on tap, and a lively calendar of Open Mic Mondays, live bands, and quarterly tequila tastings. For a more refined evening, Amara pours inventive, globally-inspired cocktails alongside its California-Mediterranean menu - unique cocktail creations and a well-curated wine list, making it a go-to spot for a polished night out. If you're a craft beer lover, Brewing with Brothas is a one-of-a-kind spot to hang out with friends and enjoy what's on tap.
Daly City
Daly City is home to the Cow Palace, one of the Bay Area's largest and most iconic arenas. Since opening in 1941, it's hosted everything from legendary concerts and the Grand National Rodeo to trade shows and major sporting events — a must-visit whether you're catching a concert, a DJ set, or an EDM festival on the Peninsula. For a more low-key night out, Dave & Buster's at Serramonte Center pairs a massive arcade floor with a full bar and menu, making it an easy, high-energy spot for games and drinks.
Brisbane
Just south of Daly City, Brisbane's nightlife centers on Bay Area icon 7 Mile House, a family- and dog-friendly restaurant and sports bar that's held down the same spot on Bayshore Boulevard since 1858 — making it the Bay Area's oldest continuously operating restaurant and bar. Beyond a daily happy hour (3-6pm, with $7 shots and drink specials).
South San Francisco
South San Francisco's biotech corridor has quietly become a nightlife destination in its own right. The Hangar, an art-filled market hall on the Vantage campus, is home to Camber, its upscale second-floor restaurant and bar serving playful cocktails and a California-French menu Tuesday through Friday. A short drive away, Foundry & Lux pairs a full bar with bowling lanes, bocce courts, and ping pong, plus a heated patio — making it as much an entertainment venue as a happy hour spot. Discover exciting new wines at The Secret Wine Bar, held after-hours in the main room of the San Francisco Wine School on Grand Avenue. Normally an instructional space for those seeking to further their knowledge of vitaculture, the venue transforms Thursday-Saturday evenings from 5 - 9:00 PM into a charming wine bar with beautiful views of City Hall across the street.
Pacifica
Out on the coast, Pacifica's nightlife carries the same laid-back, surf-town spirit as its beaches. Winters Tavern, a historic 1890s barn-turned-dive-bar, is a local institution — think pinball, pool, and shuffleboard alongside a rotating craft beer selection, live bands most weekends, and karaoke every Sunday. For dancing and a classic supper-club feel, Nick's Seafood Restaurant pairs its old-Hollywood Horseshoe Bar and oceanview cocktail lounge with live music and dancing every Friday and Saturday night. Longboard Bar & Venue, a 300-capacity live music venue near Eureka Square, keeps the region's local scene going after dark, and for a polished nightcap with an ocean view, Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar at the Pacifica Beach Hotel pours pisco-forward cocktails right on the beach. Stop by local favorite A Grape in the Fog wine bar for a cozy evening of good wine and good company.
Millbrae
For cocktails with a social, hotel-lounge feel, W XYZ Bar at the Aloft Hotel mixes house cocktails and wine with live music throughout the year. And for a private, sing-your-heart-out night, Millbrae Karaoke House offers themed rooms — from a neon skyline to a moonlit lounge — for groups of two to eighteen, open until 2am on weekends. Fiddler's Green offers sports fans a great place to enjoy a game, and experience authentic Irish hospitality just across from the Millbrae transit station.
San Bruno
Just up the road from SFO, San Bruno's nightlife runs from polished to properly dive. Jack's Restaurant & Bar pours specialty cocktails alongside a weekday happy hour in a lively, family-friendly setting. Newell's Cocktail Lounge is beloved neighborhood dive bar on San Mateo Avenue — pet-friendly, unpretentious, and a genuine local favorite. In the mood for a card game? Head to Artichoke Joe's Casino for a game of Baccarat, Three Card Poker, Blackjack, or Texas Hold 'Em. The restaurant is open 24/ and offers a mix of American and Asian cuisine along with craft cocktails and multiple beers on tap.
San Carlos
One of the best-kept secrets on the Peninsula, the town of San Carlos is known as the "City of Good Living." Once you take the time to explore its charming streets, you'll understand why. Laurel Street is home to many unique shops and restaurants. The Refuge San Carlos serves the hands-down best pastrami sandwiches around - enjoy them over a Belgian beer, or to fuel yourself for a game of pub trivia on Monday evenings 6-8PM. Just around the corner, Molly O's Irish pub hosts traditional Irish musicians each weekend and offers an excellent place to relax after a long day. On the other side of town, Domenico Winery hosts occasional evening events, such as their popular Grapes and Giggles comedy nights.
Pro Tip: Have Fun, Get Home Safe via Caltrain or Rideshare
Caltrain connects several of these nightlife hubs — Burlingame, San Mateo, Belmont, Redwood City, Millbrae, San Bruno and Daly City — so you can bar-hop between rounds without worrying about parking or a designated driver. Just note it doesn't reach the coast, so if you're heading to Half Moon Bay, line up a rideshare instead.