This Latin American-inspired hotspot is one of the best-equipped rooftop bars in the city—which explains the constant crowds. Arrive before 5pm to avoid a wait; those lucky enough to snag a post-work table tend to linger. The open-air rooftop is bordered by glass walls—a welcome shield from breezes—and outfitted with sun-shading umbrellas and high-powered heat lamps. Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm, which includes $4 beers, $5 bar bites (go for the chili-spiced fried plantains), and $7 margaritas. Hot, sunny days call for rum, usually in the form of blended drinks like pina coladas and the Belafonte, made with aged rum, lime, pineapple, banana, cacao, and ginger.
It may not win for biggest mezcal selection but El Techo is the San Francisco bar with the best view for drinking mezcal from its heated rooftop perch in the Mission. Over pounds of proper Mexican chicharrones, sip a mezcal Margarita or drinks like Te de la Tarde: pu’er tea-infused mezcal, lime, Cherry Heering, orgeat and grapefruit.