Corner bar at the Mission and Potrero Hill border known for conceptual menus redesigned on a regular schedule and a high-volume craft cocktail operation.
Trick Dog is a cocktail bar at 3010 20th Street in San Francisco's Mission District, on a corner near the Potrero Hill border in California. The bar became known for its conceptual menus, which are redesigned on a regular schedule around a new theme, often with elaborate printed menus and matching drink names. It has won national cocktail industry recognition, including a Spirited Awards honor, and operates as a high-volume craft cocktail bar rather than a quiet lounge.
The crowd is young to middle-aged, mixing neighborhood locals, cocktail enthusiasts, groups out for birthdays and visitors who have followed the bar's reputation. Dress is casual, and the atmosphere is energetic, loud and social, with a back-of-house operation that moves a lot of drinks. Music is a background mix at an upbeat volume. Guests must be 21 or over, and the bar can feel crowded on weekends.
The drinks programme centers on the rotating menu. Each theme brings a new set of cocktails, typically a long list balancing approachable and adventurous drinks, with beer, wine and spirits also available. Prices are in the upper range for a San Francisco cocktail bar, with cocktails commonly in the high-teens in US dollars. A short food menu has been served at times, and visitors should check current offerings before relying on it.
Hours follow an afternoon-and-evening pattern, with service until about 2:00 AM. There is no cover charge. Reservations are generally limited, and the bar operates mostly on a first-come basis, so lines can form on Friday and Saturday evenings. Bottle service is not a feature; the focus is on cocktails ordered by the glass or in shared formats.
Trick Dog is a short walk from the Mission's dining strip on 20th, 24th and Valencia streets, and from Dolores Park, so it fits easily into a night of dining and drinking in the neighborhood. Visitors who want to try the current menu often arrive early to claim a table before the evening rush.
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Cover | No cover |
| Hours | Daily afternoon and evening until 2:00 AM; check site |
| Address | 3010 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110 |
Good to know
- Signature
- Cocktail menu that changes theme every few months; Spirited Awards winner
Location
3010 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
37.7592, -122.4112 View on map
Highlights
- Conceptual cocktail menus redesigned on a regular schedule
- Spirited Awards recognition for its cocktail program
- Corner location at the Mission and Potrero Hill border
- High-volume craft cocktail operation with an energetic room
- Short walk from Dolores Park and Mission dining
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early on weekends, as lines form after 8:00 PM
- Ask which theme the current menu follows before ordering
- Bring a valid photo ID, since the bar is 21 and over
- Weekday early evenings offer the easiest seating
- Check the website for any current reservation or food information
When to visit
Early weekday evenings are the calmest. Friday and Saturday nights are loud and busy.
Accessibility
The bar is at street level on a corner, but it gets crowded and tight at peak times. Visitors with mobility needs should inquire locally about seating.
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Frequently asked questions
What is unusual about the Trick Dog menu?
The cocktail menu is redesigned around a new theme on a regular schedule. Each version has its own drinks and presentation.
Does Trick Dog charge a cover?
No, there is no cover charge. Entry is generally on a first-come basis.
How late does Trick Dog serve?
Service typically runs until about 2:00 AM, though hours should be confirmed on the bar's website.