Nestled within San Francisco’s swank Clift Hotel, the iconic Redwood Room is a throwback to a time when cocktails were stirred, not shaken, and sophistication was the name of the game. This haute gathering spot has long served as the haunt of society types, screen legends, and local political powerhouses. And while it continues to attract such crowds, today it’s also favored by the social media set who revel in its old school glamour-setting, which yields chic images of viral possibility.

The Redwood Room first opened its doors in the 1930s, just as the city was beginning to blossom into a cultural mecca. Named for its wood paneled walls crafted from a felled 800 year old Redwood, the room was originally designed as an ultra-exclusive space for high-society types to sip on whiskey and swan about in their evening finery. Speaking of, a “dress code” continues to exist for entry—a welcome regulation for those who tire of the tank tops, sweatpants, and backwards baseball caps frequently spied within upscale establishments.
While a bit old-fashioned, there is no doubt that the stated dress code and adherence to such adds a certain elegance to the experience. Yet, the vibe—as effortlessly cool as it was in its heyday—is far from stuffy. Banquettes line the wood paneled walls on which hang restored artworks by Gustav Klimt’s studio artists—exact replicas of the icon’s original works, each painted in the 1920s. Art deco lighting fixtures provide soft illumination, candlelight casts a soft glow, and a soundtrack of cool jazz creates a sultry ambiance. This is a place where date night couples, girlfriend groups, small business gatherings, and multi-generational families are equally at home, each in pursuit of the classic cocktails for which the established bar team is so well known; each a nod to the allure of the past and a reminder that sometimes the classics really are the best.
On the menu: Martinis, Manhattans, Mai Tais, and Old Fashioneds, expertly executed and perfectly paired with Executive Chef Daniel Corey’s menu of varied nibbles: artisan cheeses and charcuterie, local mushroom flatbread with roasted grapes, little gem lettuce salad, and a double cheeseburger on a brioche bun, among other delicious enticements. Corey brings two decades of experience and multiple Michelin stars to his role. As an accomplished and creative hands-on chef, he cooks with the seasons, using all the best ingredients the Bay Area has to offer.
San Francisco offers a handful of historic spots in which to dine and imbibe, yet few match the atmosphere of The Redwood Room. Here, guests are not simply popping into a bar; they are stepping into an era, one in which glamour was de rigueur. In the age of casual chic and athleisure, The Redwood Room remains a welcome beacon of elegance and sophistication.
Don’s miss Thursday evenings when from 8:30 to 11:30pm, the Patrick Wolff Quartet serenades guests while classic cocktails are offered at $12, and house wines by the glass at $10.
The Redwood Room is open every Tuesday through Saturday, 5pm to midnight. The kitchen is open 5pm to 10pm.
495 Geary St., San Francisco
Photos courtesy of The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel