You’ve just wrapped a day at Moscone. Your brain’s fried from keynotes. You’ve shaken 87 hands, dodged 5 sales pitches, and skipped lunch for some reason. And now? You just want a place to sit down, grab a beer, and not hear the word “synergy” for the rest of the night.
We got you.
Here’s your unofficial, no-BS guide to where to chill near Moscone Center—beer-first, crowd-approved, and 100% rooftop-free.
1. The Rec Room by East Brother Beer Co.
Opening August 2025 | Metreon, 135 4th St
Vibe:
A classic beer hall meets a rec center with better lighting and adult beverages. Concrete bar, reclaimed wood, fire pits, games—and no pressure to look cool doing any of it.
Why It Hits Different:
It’s the only spot downtown where you can sip a Bohemian Pilsner, throw darts, and take in sunset views of Yerba Buena Gardens—all without paying $20 for a beer you didn’t want in the first place. Bar games, pints done right, and the kind of easygoing energy downtown desperately needs.
2. Local Edition
691 Market St | 8-minute walk
Vibe:
Underground speakeasy with typewriters on the wall, newspapers on the floor, and strong pours at the bar. It’s like someone let a journalist loose in a cocktail lounge.
Why It Hits Different:
It’s moody but not mopey, cool without trying too hard. Great spot for a whiskey after a long day of smiling politely. Bonus: the underground setting makes it feel like you discovered something, even if everyone else already knows about it.
3. Novela
662 Mission St | 7-minute walk
Vibe:
Dark wood, leather booths, cocktails named after literary characters. Think Gatsby meets startup casual.
Why It Hits Different:
It walks the line between polished and comfortable. The drinks are dialed in, and it’s a great place to slow things down without feeling like you're at a work dinner. If you want something other than beer, this is your move.
4. House of Shields
39 New Montgomery St | 10-minute walk
Vibe:
San Francisco bar heritage at its finest. Dim lights, long bar, and bartenders who can actually make a perfect whiskey sour.
Why It Hits Different:
It’s been around since before your conference even existed. Zero hype, full character. This is where you go if you want a great pour and a bit of quiet without having to explain your drink order.
5. Yerba Buena Gardens (Across the Street)
Mission between 3rd & 4th
Vibe:
Green grass, city skyline, and absolute peace—at least until the next keynote starts.
Why It Hits Different:
It’s not a bar, but it might be the reset you actually need. Grab a bite, bring your own drink (we won’t tell), and stretch out under a tree while everyone else battles the badge line at the hotel bar.
The Rec Room Is Coming. You In?
The Rec Room by East Brother Beer Co. opens in August 2025 at the Metreon, and it’s bringing real beer, real games, and real views to downtown SF. After-work chill spots just got a major upgrade.
The Rec Room – East Brother Beer Co. | Metreon, San Francisco
