Here in Ess Eff, just 7 miles by 7 miles, we’ve figured out how to make excellent use of our minimal square footage. Cozy on up to the coolest, most appealing, tiniest bars, intimate and perfect for date night, with just enough room for two to canoodle, snuggle, sit & sip.

542 Mason Street

This small and understated upscale sushi spot between Union Square and the Financial District, on the hillside, seats only 16 people. There's no sign on or over the door, and when you call the restaurant you’ll encounter a full voice-mail box. However this exclusivity makes Akiko’s a flawless venue for date night, and the place for amazing fish and top-shelf sake. It’s adventurous because the menu doesn't have a set price; the chef picks out what he wants to serve up, and you won’t be disappointed.

579 Hayes Street

Hayes Valley’s quaint, cash-only gastropub set in an old-timey Victorian storefront with romantically tattered used books aplenty for browsing. The bar seats about 15 and there are six small tables that seat under 25 in total. It has an utterly, decidedly European feel, and whatever you order is sure to be served up to perfection at the parlor-meets-speakeasy. Check out signature drink, The Two Sisters (rye and bitters with Punt e Mes and Cynar). It's perfectly portioned for two to share.

1415 Union Street

The fact this is officially the smallest bar in San Francisco makes it worthy of a visit in itself. Cow Hollow’s British-inspired, cash-only pub serves up ice cold beer out of a bathtub behind the bar, along with a few solid pub menu items. The space is snug and welcoming, measuring in at 19ft x 7ft (that’s approximately 150 square feet, in total). It’s utterly charming and has enough character to be one of the best bars in California.

Pier 3

Don't let the marble u-shaped slab bar centerpiece deceive you at this Waterfront whiskey hot spot located along Embarcadero’s Pier 3. This inviting space only has 16 seats and counter seating along the walls to fit about 15 on each side. Nibble on Charles Phan’s award-winning New Orleans-inspired cuisine, or, better still, indulge in oysters to set the mood by candlelight.

837 Divisadero Street

Rub elbows with the local hipsters at this friendly NOPA neighborhood place, you certainly will be – literally – as this joint has a maximum capacity of just 49. Peruse the revolving display of contemporary paintings on the walls and sip on classic cocktails served up strong at this wonderful, art-filled watering hole. There’s a skinny hallway leading you to the couches tucked into the back room and a relaxed ambiance. After one or two visits, don’t be surprised if you may just find yourselves becoming one of the regulars.

1398 South Van Ness Avenue

The name says everything you need to know about the size of this small, quirkily decorated watering hole complete with a pool table and a good natured vibe. Plenty of options abound on tap, and the cocktails are well done here. A tiny, super chill dive bar on South Van Ness in the Mission, this phone booth is a fun hangout for locals and a sweet spot for a lively date night. The rock-solid jukebox and homey bench seating won't disappoint.

3988 18th Street

The low-key, unpretentious LGBT bar with a fireplace and '80s soundtrack will fill your head and have you humming aloud to all the familiar, favorite old-school tunes all night long. Its claim to fame: they say Last Call has the Castro's longest happy hour. Clocking in at a mere 600 square feet, the atmosphere is wonderful with friendly albeit minimal staff and an Irish Pub feel. It can get quite cozy due to the limited seating. All the better.

Looking for more trendy hangouts in SF? Check out these underground ones now.