The View Lounge

Food and drinks are expensive, but the view is amazing. To catch sunset while relaxing in a chair, get there at or just after 4 pm in the November/December/January timeframe. Those seats go fast and people seem to stick around. But the city from the other side is also an amazing view. The colors start about 30 minutes before sunset due to the placement of a hill, and even earlier if there's a well placed cloud. They last maybe 10-20 minutes after sunset as the sun slowly goes below the horizon (or more accurately, the Earth continues to rotate.) Enjoy the night lights as well as they are also beautiful as is the view during daylight hours.

The 39th-floor lounge bar at the Marriott Marquis. While the view is undoubtedly impressive, it's best enjoyed at sunset. I did notice that the windows could use some cleaning and were a bit too dim at night. Nonetheless, it's a fine lounge. Their cocktails are all priced at $25, and I recommend the SF Manhattan – it's a strong and well-crafted drink. The bartender's skill is evident. On a separate note, our enjoyable evening, combined with some fortunate circumstances, made accessing the penthouse hotel rooms quite convenient.

As you might expect, the star here is THE VIEW. From the 39th floor of the Marriott Marquis you can see across the bay, see mountains in the distance, and be eye to eye with city skyscrapers. The drinks are decent but pricey. We had homemade potato chips with dill dip; the dip was delish. Servers are very friendly and attentive.

Topmost level on Marriott Marquee, The View gives you really good views of the San Fran, if it's a clear sky then views of the city around sunset or in the night are spectacular. Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge views are truly amazing. They have good collection of high end liquor and their cocktails can pack a punch! No reservations needed, walk in and grab any table! SF is truly beautiful in the night! Don't let the city die!