San Francisco, a city known for its eclectic energy, iconic landmarks, and progressive culture, also serves up a smorgasbord of unexpected culinary experiences. Forget ordinary eateries—these 20 themed restaurants in San Francisco deliver meals with a full-blown show, wild atmosphere, or bizarre backstory. From tiki bars dripping with rum-soaked flair to steampunk speakeasies, these spots blend flavor with unforgettable ambiance. Ready to dine in a pirate ship, time machine, or even a prison cell? Welcome to the wild side of SF dining.
AsiaSF
AsiaSF combines high-energy entertainment with upscale dining. Expect choreographed performances by the Ladies of AsiaSF—transgender entertainers celebrated for their charisma and talent—all while you enjoy fusion cuisine like miso-glazed salmon or five-spice duck.
Address: 201 9th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
Located in the basement of the Fairmont Hotel, The Tonga Room is a Polynesian paradise complete with a floating bandstand, simulated rainstorms, and a lagoon. Signature tiki cocktails like Mai Tais pair perfectly with its pan-Asian menu.
Address: 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Urban Putt
Mini-golf and food collide at Urban Putt, a whimsical spot filled with San Francisco-themed golf holes and a bar menu of shareable plates and cocktails. Play 14 imaginative holes, then grab a burger or craft beer.
Address: 1096 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
The Interval at Long Now
This bar-café-library hybrid is a time traveler’s dream, lined with steampunk fixtures, ancient books, and prototypes of the 10,000-Year Clock. Expect intellectual vibes and craft cocktails named after historical eras.
Address: 2 Marina Blvd, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA 94123
Foreign Cinema
Dining here feels like you’re inside a film screening. Classic movies are projected onto the courtyard wall while you enjoy Mediterranean-Californian dishes like duck confit and lavender panna cotta.
Address: 2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Tommy’s Joynt
Old-school Hofbräu charm defines this quirky institution. Stuffed with antique memorabilia, it’s known for its hearty meats, massive sandwiches, and cafeteria-style service.
Address: 1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94109
The Royal Cuckoo
An intimate music bar with a Victorian speakeasy vibe, The Royal Cuckoo’s plush décor and vintage organ music transport you to a bygone era. The dim lighting and vinyl-only soundtrack are all part of the charm.
Address: 3202 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Butter
A trailer-trash party bar complete with neon lights and fried Twinkies. Butter is unapologetically wild, with drinks served in mason jars and a menu that screams “deep-fried everything.”
Address: 354 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Noir Lounge
This jazz and cinema-themed bar features black-and-white film projections, dim lighting, and velvet seats. The menu includes charcuterie, flatbreads, and a rotating cocktail list inspired by Hollywood icons.
Address: 581 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Dungeon Diner (Hypothetical/Closed Theme)
Inspired by medieval torture chambers, this immersive pop-up featured metal cages, moody lighting, and a grotesque-meets-fantasy vibe. It’s no longer active, but remains a legendary example of themed dining in the city.
Outerlands
While not theme-heavy in the usual sense, its ocean cabin aesthetic—with reclaimed wood, seafoam tones, and cozy vibes—feels like you’re eating inside a fog-wrapped hideaway.
Address: 4001 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen
A colorful Venezuelan escape featuring vibrant tiles and playful décor. It’s a sensory fiesta with stuffed arepas, sweet plantains, and cheerful Latin vibes.
Address: 3970 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Mel’s Drive-In
Flashback to the ‘50s with checkered floors, neon jukeboxes, and milkshakes. Mel’s is a classic American diner experience where servers wear retro uniforms and burgers are served on platters with onion rings.
Address: 3355 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118
Pirate Cat Radio Café (Archived Theme)
This pirate-radio station once doubled as a café where you could sip espresso while hosts aired live shows. Though it’s since closed, its impact on SF’s alt-culture dining is legendary.
Address: (Closed)
Zazie
A quaint French bistro in Cole Valley with a Montmartre café feel. Twinkling lights, chalkboard menus, and intimate garden seating make this a romantic, Euro-style dining experience.
Address: 941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117
The Stinking Rose
Garlic is the theme here—everything from appetizers to desserts includes the pungent bulb. The restaurant’s vampire-inspired décor and strong aroma leave a bold impression.
Address: 430 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Sushi Confidential
Part sushi lounge, part neon nightlife. Think LED lights, loud beats, and inventive rolls with names like “Freaky Friday” or “Triple X.” Perfect for late-night sushi lovers.
Address: 398 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Curio
This bar and restaurant brings a mix of old apothecary, steampunk, and curiosity shop. Taxidermy meets cocktails in an experience that’s as strange as it is stylish.
Address: 775 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Thriller Social Club
Where vintage arcade games meet pub fare. Enjoy skee-ball and pinball while munching on burgers and sipping craft beers. The design is playful and nostalgic.
Address: 508 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Beit Rima
A vibrant Arabic comfort food eatery adorned with traditional Middle Eastern textiles, colorful lamps, and welcoming community vibes. The shared plates and pita spreads are the stars.
Address: 138 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114
From pirate vibes to garlic-filled caves, San Francisco’s themed restaurants offer more than just meals—they offer entire experiences. Whether you’re out for a quirky date night, birthday bash, or Instagram-worthy adventure, these culinary oddities make dining in the city unforgettable.
