Medjool
Medjool's Sky Terrace offers 360-degree views of the city from the heart of the colorful Mission district. In nice weather, the Sky Terrace is open with heat lamps spaced apart to warm patrons on chillier nights, but in colder months, the Sky Terrace is covered with large tents to trap the heat of the lamps and create a cozy, enjoyable atmosphere despite the crisp San Francisco air.
Medjool's dishes are Mediterranean based and include mouthwatering delights such as ricotta- and basil-filled ravioli in a tomato-pesto sauce and grilled lamb sirloin with fresh vegetables. The Sky Terrace does not take reservations, so if you're set on eating out on the roof, show up early or bring your patience. At night, Medjool turns in to a club around 10, so if you're having a late dinner, be prepared to run into people who are out to party. If you eat dinner and plan on staying at Medjool for drinks and dancing, you will not have to pay the cover fee. On the weekends, the Sky Terrace opens at 2 p.m., and afternoons are the best time to take in San Francisco from the roof, so try to fit it into your schedule between the cycle out to Ocean Beach and the massage at the Kabuki Springs & Spa in Japantown.
Medjool
2522 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 550-9055
www.medjoolsf.com
Park Chow
Park Chow has a quaint, rooftop deck, but the design won't allow you to take in the city views because it is walled in. In warm weather, the retractable roof is pulled back to let in the clean San Francisco air, but in cold weather, it is rolled closed, creating a much warmer, but still outdoorsy-feeling space. There are plenty of heat lamps bolted to the wall, so you don't have to worry about huddling over your minestrone soup for warmth.
Park Chow is located half a block south from Golden Gate Park, so it's a good spot to refuel after a day of exploring one of San Francisco's most famous areas. The thai-style noodles in a spicy lime-chili-garlic broth will make you forget your aching muscles, and the polenta cake in vegetable sauce will have your stomach feeling right in no time. Park Chow is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on weekends, so you have ample time to stop in and sample this San Francisco favorite.
Park Chow
1240 9th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 665-9912
www.chowfoodbar.com
Harry Denton's Starlight Room
Harry Denton's Starlight Room is not an open-air rooftop deck but rather a large lounge perched atop the Sir Francis Drake hotel in the middle of downtown. Its walls are made of floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing patrons to take in the cityscape without having to worry about the fickle San Francisco weather.
The most romantic time to go to the Starlight Room is at night, but the menu is mainly made of smaller, appetizer-type bites such as tuna ceviche and filet mignon sliders, so don't visit Harry Denton's if you're super hungry. The Starlight Room is most known for it's "Sunday's a Drag" brunch when the buffet tables roll out and the drag queen entertainment sashays in. The queens put on a raucous show as you enjoy your truffle deviled eggs and broiled salmon and relax with amazing views of Union Square and the Financial District. Harry Denton's Starlight Room is on the classy side, so don't show up in your hiking gear.
Harry Denton's Starlight Room
450 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 395-8595
www.harrydenton.com
