Cold Drinks Bar

4.9

35 Reviews

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Top Tags:

Serving Scotch-centric Cold Drinks, and featuring food from the Eight Tables by George Chen kitchen.
*
"The Six Best Cocktail Bars in San Francisco" – NEWSWEEK
"25 Top-Shelf Cocktail Bars in San Francisco" – EaterSF
"The best bars in San Francisco right now" – TimeOut San Francisco
"The Bar Greatest Hits List" – The Infatuation
*
“It’s a pseudo-secret, just above the bustling scene at China Live, accessible via stairwell; black bats painted on the walls lead the way to the door. Inside is a swanky, Scotch-filled bar where the bartenders wear tuxedos, and the vibe is modern Shanghai with a dash of old school San Francisco. Drinks are heavy on the Scotch, and there are many to choose from, so don’t be shy.” – High-End Scotch Concoctions Headline the New Menu at Chinatown’s Cold Drinks Bar – EaterSF

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 3, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Chinese, Asian
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed, Sun 6:00 pm–11:30 pm Thu 5:30 pm–11:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–12:30 am
Phone number
(415) 788-8188
Website
https://chinalivesf.com/best-bars-in-san-francisco/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Owned/operated by
Asian and Pacific Islander
Private party facilities
Cold Drinks Bar is available for private celebrations. Please email events@chinalivesf.com to learn more.

Location
644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133-4406
Neighborhood
Chinatown
Cross street
Enter via China Live (between Stockton & Grant) - on 2nd Floor
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

SILK DEGREES$22.00
Coconut Washed Johnnie Walker Black, Pineapple, Coconut.
SOMETIMES OLD FASHIONED$18.00
Peking Duck Fat-Washed Glenmorangie X, George Dickel Rye, Black Pepper, Mushroom, Angostura Bitters, Lemon Bitters - Founders Cocktail -
SUMMERTIME$20.00
Bruichladdich Classi Laddie, Lime, Amaro. Nonino, Merlot
DOCK OF THE BAY$20.00
Kikori, Cocchi Americano, Drambuie, Lemon Bitters, Makrut Lime Leaf Oil.
RABBIT YEAR RESOLUTION$22.00
Worthy Park Rum, Pineapple Juice, CCampari, Lime, Pea Flower Tea, Greek Yogurt
OAXAN PRINCESS$18.00
Vida Mezcal, Lilet Rose, Cardamaro, Luxardo Maraschino, Orange Bitters
PERUVIAN SATCHEL$18.00
Capurro Pisco, Piggyback Rye, Lemon, Chardonnay Syrup, Celery Bitters - Tribute to David Pikerell -
BEASTIE $ BEAN$18.00
Coffee Bean Infused Ardberg Wee Beastie, Averna, Pineapple Gum, Soda
MONTENEGRO$18.00
Haku Vodka, Grapefruit, Lemon, Montenegro, 5 Spice, Champagne, Allspice
WILD HONEY PIE$18.00
Argonaut Brandy, Lime, Honey, Ginja, Fernet Branca, Ringo Sparkling
ALWAYS SURVIVOR$20.00
Glengrant, Banana, Benedictine, Aperol, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters
ALWAYS OMAKASE
AQ

WINE

SPARKLING WINE$14.00
Rose, Victorine de Chastenay, Cremant de Bourgogne NV
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$60.00
SPARKLING WINE$28.00
Champagne, Remi Couvreur, "Brut", France NV
- Glass$28.00
- Bottle$120.00
ROSE WINE$18.00
Rose, Halter Ranch, Paso Robles CA
- Glass$18.00
- Bottle$80.00
WHITE WINE$16.00
Chardonnay, Neyers Vineyards, Carneros, Sonoma County, CA 2019
- Glass$16.00
- Bottle$64.00
WHITE WINE$22.00
Sancerre, Domaine Paul-Cherrier, France 2021
- Glass$22.00
- Bottle$90.00
RED WINE$18.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Halter Ranch, Paso Robles, CA 2018
- Glass$18.00
- Bottle$80.00
RED WINE$16.00
Pinot Noir, Ken Wright Cellars, Willamette, OR 2020
- Glass$16.00
- Bottle$72.00

SNACKS

Szechuan Wok Fried Chicken Wings$18.00
Mala Numbing Peanuts$9.00
Peking Duck Fat Popcorn$9.00
Tempura Fried Okra and Crispy Yuba$16.00
Caviar Chinese Donut with Chili. Creme Fraiche$35.00

BEER

Young Master Neon City Pale Ale (China)$11.00
Master Gao Jasmine Tea Lager (China)$11.00
Young Master Fleeting Clouds Wheat Beer (China)$11.00

WHISK(E)Y FLIGHTS

Feel Lucky?$55.00
Yellow Spot 12 Years, Rebreast 15 Years, Redbreast 21 Years
The Glen Grant Experience$70.00
Glen Grant 15 Year, Glen. Grant 18 Year, Glen Grant 21 Year
The Magic of Barrels Flight$70.00
Balvenie Doublewood, Glenlivet caribbean Reserve, Mossburn. Speyside, Kilcchoman USA Small Bath
Wildest Dreams$80.00
Douglas Laing's Rock Oyster Scotch, Redbreast PX Edition, Lagavulin Nick Offerman, Islacalifa Cherrywood Single Malt
Spice Cabinet$70.00
John Milroy 23 Years, Hakashu 12 Years, Valinch & Mallet Ardmore 8 Years
Rare Release
John Milroy 23 Years, Aisley Rare Highland 49 Years, Glenfarclas 43 Years Cognac |(half oz. pour)

OUR FAVORITES

Don't wait...limited supplies. We have over 300 whiskies in our collection.

Royal Brackla 21 Years, Highland$140.00
Dalmore Cigar Malt, Highland$35.00
Aultmore 21 Years, Speyside$70.00
Kilchoman USA Small Batch$25.00
Distiller's Art Caol lla 32 Years, Islay$100.00
Talisker. 25 Yearsm Skye$150.00

What 35 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Lively
San Francisco
Lively

35 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The ambience was excellent and the service was above and beyond. Our server noted my friend wasn’t enjoying his drink, so they comped it and brought him a different option better suited to his taste. Amazing hospitality.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
Great for a 1:1 date. A little tougher to talk with bigger groups. Bartender (owner maybe?) is so knowledgeable about the drinks and their intricacies.
Is this helpful?
JP
JasonP
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall5food3service5ambience5
Loved the look and feel of this spot! Mixologist were very kind, informative, and held the whole place down with only just two of them. My wife and I enjoyed the cocktails and would go again when we visit the city
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
Very expensive, drinks were good. Food was outrageously expensive and not much to choose from at all.
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JL
JoeL
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot to relax and enjoy a drink. Arrived here prior to a dinner reservation me and my friends had. Having a reservation helps. The bartender is more like a sommelier, and catered our drinks based on what we enjoy. Highly recommended
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FT
FloraT
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was a really good spot to host a small birthday party, great lighting and noise level, drinks are a bit overpriced but the vibes compensate.
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W
Wendy
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience5
Beautiful bar but service was slow and we were double charged for a couple of food items we ordered. Be sure to check your bill carefully!
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A
Adam
Charleston
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
Understaffed and prices higher, I suppose what else is new. But I miss when the bar tenders wore dinner jackets and gave friendly, personal service. The whole experience was a notch above and worth bringing out of town friends there.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
The service was lacking, we got there and waited almost ten minutes for someone to acknowledge us and take us to our reserved seating. The drinks were fine but not worthy of the prices. The ambiance was fine but could be better. Drinks were brought to us by unfriendly staff, and a 20% tip was automatically included in the bill. Not worth the price, when there are so many great bars in SF.
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o
onlyoneqc
Sacramento
21 reviews
vip
2.0
21 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall2food1service1ambience2
Was not offered food menu. Got drinks and never talked to again and we spent alot of money for a very special flight. Finally got attention of someone and ordered the nastiest edamame and shishito peppers ever. How do you do those wrong? You don't serve cold with Chinese 5 spice. Drinks good but i want an experience for that much money and it was severely lacking
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Y
Yum113
San Francisco
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing drinks & decor. Our waitress was lovely, but they needed more staff as it got busier.
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R
Rich
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great but expensive
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Pittsburgh
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2022
overall2food1service2ambience5
Screwed up our tab. Had to pay 130 dollars extra as I left. Weak drinks.
Is this helpful?
SM
SheelM
New York Area
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience4
overpriced for what it is... nice setting, feels like an asian hotel bar. Server was inattentive and drinks not great for the price ($22 for a cocktail!)
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A
Amanda
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The bartenders were so kind and made great recommendations! They were also so sweet to wish our birthday gal a happy birthday!
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AD
AntD
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambiance and great service! The focus is on scotch/whiskey although they have cocktails to fit any palette. They carry a wide selection of scotch/whisky from all over the world.
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R
Robert
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Found this pseudo-hidden cocktail lounge on open table. Was able to get a reservation for 7pm . Fantastic ambiance, good music, better bar tenders. Selection of alcohol is fantastic, I’m not much of a Whisky guy bland they were able to accommodate. The bar tender we had was fantastic. He radiated energy and always had a smile, even offered a taste of these two rums I had questions about. We will be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2022
overall3food5service5ambience2
Great vibes and drinks, but there’s poor ventilation and no A/C. If you come during hot summer nights, be warned.
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BS
BerkleyS
Washington DC
37 reviews
vip
3.0
37 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2022
overall3food1service2ambience3
I always have good cocktails here but the service sucks. Even when it’s pretty much empty they take forever and don’t check on you at all. It’s very frustrating and ruins the experience. This has been the case the last three times I’ve been. But the cocktails are good.
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r
ridgefieldgirl
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best cocktails in SF! And fantastic ambiance and service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cold drinks bar has become a favorite of mine for a night out. They have creative & delicious drinks and great atmosphere.
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M
Megan
San Francisco
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
Great cocktails (though pricey) and excellent service! I would highly recommend this place for a great date night
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JV
JulianV
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just a declaration, there was no food. They served me so well they went to the partner restaurant in the first floor to get me some snacks. Ususally the have dependence in the food´s kitchen with this other restaurant. The drinks were amazing :) the place has a cool ambience ;)
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cold Drinks bar is such a gem. It’s got an amazing menu of delicious, unique drinks and the most friendly staff. Plus the ambiance and decor is super appealing, upscale, and comfortable. Have been a few times and always look forward to the next visit.
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SF
SeattleFoodie
Columbus
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Loved this place. Amazing cocktails and food. Friendly staff.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceed service in an excellent environment. Oscar was amazing. And took very good care of us. Would highly recommend! He also made the most amazing Aviation.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
I always love coming to Cold Drinks Bar before dinner at China Live, it’s definitely on the pricey side but the design and drinks are worth it!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall3food4service4ambience3
$18/$22 for a drink? No,thank you… you can find better Cocktails for $14
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D
David
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience5
The interior was great, drinks were ok, nothing super special though. Feels like they could have stepped up their game especially for Chinese New Year.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Yong is an amazing bartender. I loved the mezcal
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M
Mish
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
The wait staff was very abrupt, bordering on rude. It made me feel a little uncomfortable. Otherwise the bar and drinks were excellent. Reservation required!
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CT
ChrisT
Orange County
66 reviews
vip
5.0
66 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Heard this place a lot and finally got a chance. Prior to a play, we went here for a drink or two and snack after lunch and HH disappointed drinks. The drinks here are amazing and the snack from the 8 tables (next door, very fantastic experience) are just takes to the next level. Too bad that we can only stay 45mins but definitely will come back again. The services is also fantastic.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 9, 2022
overall2food1service2ambience3
Drinks were overpriced and not good
Is this helpful?
OS
OnkS
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent drinks; loved the Silk Degrees in particular. Also really liked the chicken wings. Great atmosphere for cozy and intimate conversation. Great vibes.
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p
palmspringswknd
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2021
overall5food1service5ambience5
Fantastic cocktails. Great space. Wish there were more / better bar snack options. Overall a great experience.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Cold Drinks Bar is rated 4.9 stars by 35 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 3, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133-4406

Additional information

Cross street
Enter via China Live (between Stockton & Grant) - on 2nd Floor
Neighborhood
Chinatown
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed, Sun 6:00 pm–11:30 pm Thu 5:30 pm–11:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–12:30 am
Cuisines
Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Chinese, Asian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Asian and Pacific Islander
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://chinalivesf.com/best-bars-in-san-francisco/
Phone number
(415) 788-8188
Private party facilities
Cold Drinks Bar is available for private celebrations. Please email events@chinalivesf.com to learn more.

Cold Drinks Bar

Make a reservation

Additional information

HOUSE COCKTAILS

SILK DEGREES$22.00

SOMETIMES OLD FASHIONED$18.00

SUMMERTIME$20.00

DOCK OF THE BAY$20.00

RABBIT YEAR RESOLUTION$22.00

OAXAN PRINCESS$18.00

PERUVIAN SATCHEL$18.00

BEASTIE $ BEAN$18.00

MONTENEGRO$18.00

WILD HONEY PIE$18.00

ALWAYS SURVIVOR$20.00

ALWAYS OMAKASE

WINE

SPARKLING WINE$14.00

SPARKLING WINE$28.00

ROSE WINE$18.00

WHITE WINE$16.00

WHITE WINE$22.00

RED WINE$18.00

RED WINE$16.00

SNACKS

Szechuan Wok Fried Chicken Wings$18.00

Mala Numbing Peanuts$9.00

Peking Duck Fat Popcorn$9.00

Tempura Fried Okra and Crispy Yuba$16.00

Caviar Chinese Donut with Chili. Creme Fraiche$35.00

BEER

Young Master Neon City Pale Ale (China)$11.00

Master Gao Jasmine Tea Lager (China)$11.00

Young Master Fleeting Clouds Wheat Beer (China)$11.00

WHISK(E)Y FLIGHTS

Feel Lucky?$55.00

The Glen Grant Experience$70.00

The Magic of Barrels Flight$70.00

Wildest Dreams$80.00

Spice Cabinet$70.00

Rare Release

OUR FAVORITES

Royal Brackla 21 Years, Highland$140.00

Dalmore Cigar Malt, Highland$35.00

Aultmore 21 Years, Speyside$70.00

Kilchoman USA Small Batch$25.00

Distiller's Art Caol lla 32 Years, Islay$100.00

Talisker. 25 Yearsm Skye$150.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

How is Cold Drinks Bar restaurant rated?

Is Cold Drinks Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information