Pier 23

Address
23 The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94111 United States Get Directions
Phone 415-362-5125
Website https://www.pier23cafe.com/

Vibe: Waterfront Nostalgia | Airy & Breezy | San Francisco Soul

Pier 23 is a classic San Francisco waterfront hangout perched right on the Embarcadero, a little weathered in all the right ways. Family‑owned since the 1980s, it feels both salty and welcoming—more working‑dock tavern than polished tourist restaurant. Sitting here with a drink or a plate of seafood while the bay breeze comes through feels like getting a front‑row seat to the city’s maritime side.
Live music & atmosphere  
Pier 23 is best known for its long‑running live music program, which cycles through jazz, blues, salsa, reggae, and everything in between. Daytime sets can feel laid‑back and sun‑drenched, perfect for lingering over lunch, while evenings often build into a lively party with a small but committed dance floor. The crowd is a mix of locals, service‑industry regulars, and visitors who wandered in and decided to stay once they heard the band kick in.
Food
The menu leans into San Francisco‑style seafood comfort, the kind of dishes that make sense when you’re sitting over the water. Dungeness crab sandwiches, fish and chips, oysters, and other bay‑centric plates are the staples, backed up by simple sides and bar classics. It’s less about fancy presentation and more about fresh, satisfying food that matches the setting. The kitchen closes at 6pm but the bar is open later.
Drinks
Drinks at Pier 23 are straightforward and easygoing—cold beer, classic cocktails, and simple mixed drinks built for long afternoons and unhurried evenings. You’ll see plenty of pints and highballs on the tables, with a few house favorites and seasonal specials sprinkled in. The focus is on keeping glasses full and the vibe loose rather than crafting elaborate showpiece cocktails.
Details that define the room
• Expansive bayside patio that sits right over the water, with direct views of the Bay Bridge and passing ships.
• Eclectic nautical decor inside—maritime memorabilia, vintage signs, and old photos that give the room its lived‑in charm.
• Longstanding live music reputation, with styles ranging from jazz and blues to salsa and reggae.
• A genuine old San Francisco feel that stands apart from the more manicured waterfront spots nearby.
Categories: North Beach

Events at this venue

Today

  • Kurt Schwartzman Artist Reception

    Pier 23 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Kurt Schwartzman creates art that honors vintage transit and the dedicated Muni operators who keep our city moving. His work captures the beauty of historic streetcars and the human spirit required to preserve and operate these mechanical treasures. By focusing on both the steel and the people, his paintings celebrate the enduring connection between San Francisco’s...

    Free

  • Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe

    Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe
    Pier 23 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Live Music is BACK at Pier 23 Cafe! Join us for a fun afternoon filled with jammin’ blues sounds from professional musicians and budding artists. We are supporting local talent on all levels. Grab a drink, a bite and be ready to dance. Bring your friends, we can’t wait to see you.

    Free

  • Alexis Tsamoudakis Trio

    Pier 23 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Alexis Tsamoudakis is a 19 year old bassist from Concord. Join us for a night of jazz from 4-7pm with this up and coming trio.

    Free

  • Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe

    Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe
    Pier 23 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Live Music is BACK at Pier 23 Cafe! Join us for a fun afternoon filled with jammin’ blues sounds from professional musicians and budding artists. We are supporting local talent on all levels. Grab a drink, a bite and be ready to dance. Bring your friends, we can’t wait to see you.

    Free

  • Robson Batinga

    Robson Batinga
    Pier 23 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States

    An artist from the Brazilian northeast, with over 40 years of musical experience, singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, guitarist since childhood, Robson Batinga is a wonderful addition to our beautiful scenery. Join us at Pier 23 Cafe from 4pm-7pm to relax and enjoy Robson’s vibes. We can’t wait to see you! https://www.instagram.com/robsonbatingaofc/reels/

    Free

  • Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe

    Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe
    Pier 23 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Live Music is BACK at Pier 23 Cafe! Join us for a fun afternoon filled with jammin’ blues sounds from professional musicians and budding artists. We are supporting local talent on all levels. Grab a drink, a bite and be ready to dance. Bring your friends, we can’t wait to see you.

    Free

  • Samurai Gypsies

    Samurai Gypsies
    Pier 23 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States

    This masterfully rich instrumentation, is both complex and precise, gritty and hot. The Samurai Gypsies are taking their music with african, flamenco, latin and jazz roots into some deliciously sexy and cerebral places. Join us for a great night of music 4-7pm. https://youtu.be/GR8VfcFeEq4

    Free

  • Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe

    Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe
    Pier 23 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Live Music is BACK at Pier 23 Cafe! Join us for a fun afternoon filled with jammin’ blues sounds from professional musicians and budding artists. We are supporting local talent on all levels. Grab a drink, a bite and be ready to dance. Bring your friends, we can’t wait to see you.

    Free

  • Trio Cotier at Pier 23 Cafe

    Trio Cotier at Pier 23 Cafe
    Pier 23 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Trio Côtier is a San Francisco based combo with a sound that is inspiring, expansive, and a little bit dangerous, much like our California coast. Join us for a drink, a bite and a listen. Bring a friend. https://youtu.be/rm1m4aF8aps

    Free

  • Ned Boynton Trio

    Pier 23 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States

    San Francisco based Ned Boynton is an educator and player bringing a unique approach to jazz and live performance to the Bay Area. From 4pm-6pm our Waterfront Gallery reception features Liwei Shen's "Layered Landscapes." Join us for a night of creative expression! Bring a friend, we can’t wait to have you with us! Liwei Shen...

    Free

  • Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe

    Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe
    Pier 23 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Live Music is BACK at Pier 23 Cafe! Join us for a fun afternoon filled with jammin’ blues sounds from professional musicians and budding artists. We are supporting local talent on all levels. Grab a drink, a bite and be ready to dance. Bring your friends, we can’t wait to see you.

    Free
Event details are subject to change. Please confirm dates, times and cover charges directly with the venue before attending.