6 Rooftops in San Francisco and Oakland That Rise Above the Rest

Don’t Be Surprised if You Never Come Down…

Written By: Donovan Roche Best Rooftop Oakland

The Bay Area is no stranger to spectacular sites, but with sky-high buildings on nearly every street corner, the views are best seen from above. These six rooftops, ranging from luxury hotels and neighborhood lounges to upscale apartments, are the perfect spots to soak up the sun, sip on a crafty cocktail and take in those breathtaking views. Before you go, consider the times we’re living in—be prepared to wear a mask and maintain a safe distance. Otherwise, welcome to the sky-high club!

1 | 17th & Broadway Apartments Best Rooftop Oakland

Photography Provided By: Show My Property

One of Oakland’s tallest residential towers, 17th & Broadway provides dwellers with upscale urban living. After hitting its state-of-the-art fitness space or penthouse-level game room, residents and their guests can retire to the open-air sky deck lounge on the 34th floor, complete with fire pits, a wet bar and panoramic views of Lake Merritt and downtown. If you’re looking to move, these luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments take urban living skyward, curating an exceptional lifestyle that revels in the city’s artful history and authentic spirit. You’ll want to call this high-rise home!

17th & Broadway Apartments
447 17th St
Oakland, CA 94612
510.621.6522

2 | Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Photography Provided By: Manolo

Photography Provided By: Bronwyn Knight

Photography Provided By: Manolo

Lauded as the gold standard of rooftop bars, Charmaine’s is a chic lounge atop The Proper Hotel, situated 120 feet above Market St. The swanky, European-style terrace offers clever cocktails as well as breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, all set against expansive views of San Fran. Space is limited right now, so reservations are highly recommended.

Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge
1100 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(Entrance at 45 McAllister St)
415.735.7777

3 | Mad Oak Bar ‘n’ Yard Best Rooftop Oakland

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

This neighborhood bar, currently open Thursday through Sunday, offers 40 beers on tap and a full bar featuring craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients. They have both an outside patio and rooftop deck, but get there early because they don’t reserve tables—there is also a two-hour time limit per table. Hungry? Mad Oak offers a rotating pop-up kitchen that switches out menus every six months.

Mad Oak Bar ‘n’ Yard
135 12th St
Oakland, CA 94607
510.843.7416

4 | Oeste Best Rooftop Oakland

Steeped in the city’s rich history and culture, Oeste’s 90-seat rooftop bar is nestled in the hot neighborhood of Old Oakland. While you might come for one of their signature cocktails—try the Cazadores Mango Habanero Margarita—you’ll want to sample the inventive menu, which features a combination of Latin and Southern flavors, including street-style tacos and crispy fried catfish strips. Due to limited seating, reservations are highly recommended.

Oeste
722 Clay St
Oakland, CA 94607
510.817.4157

5 | Hotel VIA

Photography Provided By: Hotel VIA

A newly built boutique hotel directly across the street from Oracle Park (home of the Giants) and a block from the Bay, Hotel VIA has been employing the strictest health and safety standards amidst COVID-19. Though Rooftop at VIA is only open to hotel guests, it’s an enticing invitation for a staycation. The comfy space atop the 12th story features club and view seating, bars and fire pits—not to mention spectacular views of the city skyline.

Hotel VIA
138 King St
San Francisco, CA 94107
415.200.4977

6 | Alta Waverly Apartments

Know somebody who lives at Alta Waverly, or looking to move yourself? That’s your ticket to the rooftop terrace of this new luxury apartment community close to the vibrant Uptown District and charming Lake Merritt. Resident amenities up top include a BBQ, fireplace, TV lounge, heated benches, community garden and even a dog run. Sign us up!

Alta Waverly Apartments
2302 Valdez St
Oakland, CA 94612
833.576.8279