Finding a go-to spot is easy when you know what each bar does best — cocktails, beer lists, wine flights, or late-night energy. Use this guide to match the night you want with the right room, menu, and service style. If you’re mapping a crawl across the best bars Burlingame CA has on offer, plan a few short walks between Burlingame Avenue, Broadway, and the Old Bayshore corridor — you’ll cover a lot in one evening.

ACAN is a polished cocktail lounge built for people who care about the details. Expect balanced drinks, tight ice work, and a menu that leans into fresh juices, clarified elements, and house syrups without getting fussy. The room is set up for conversation: low lighting, a comfortable bar rail, and two-tops that work well for pairs. Order small bites early to pace the night; the menu is sized to complement, not overshadow, the drinks.

American Bull Bar & Grill reads like a neighborhood sports bar with a reliable tap list and a comfortable lineup of burgers, sandwiches, and wings. Expect cold beer served quickly, plus pitchers for groups. Cocktails stick to the standards — Margaritas, Moscow Mules, Whiskey Sours. TV placement is thoughtful, so you can watch a game without craning your neck. The vibe is straightforward and social. If you want casual energy and uncomplicated pours, this is a solid first or last stop on a Broadway-area circuit.

Barrelhouse is a Burlingame Avenue anchor for craft cocktails and a sharp beer selection. The draft board leans toward West Coast ales and crisp lagers, with a few rotating guest taps. Food supports the drinks (shared plates, crisps, and a couple of larger items), so you can stretch a visit without needing a full dinner reservation elsewhere. Seating at the bar turns quickly, but side tables can handle a group meetup. If you want a well-made cocktail without ceremony, this bar delivers it on schedule and at the right temperature.

Behan’s is the definition of an easy Irish bar: a proper Guinness pour, Irish whiskey on the back shelf, and a social room that keeps conversation moving. The beer list balances imports with regional standbys, while the spirits list covers the names you expect plus a few bottles that reward a neat pour. The compact layout helps the vibe stay lively without getting chaotic. Weekend evenings often run a bit louder; weekday afternoons stay relaxed.

Fiddler’s Green leans into the pub model with comfort food, pints, and whiskey. Whiskey flights are available on request, and the team will talk you through peat levels and cask finishes if you want guidance. Darts and conversation set the pace. Order a plate of chips or a shepherd’s pie, and you can make an evening of it without moving on. It’s a dependable stop when you want a slower drink and a seat you can keep for a while.

Max’s of Burlingame blends a classic restaurant feel with a full bar program — think Martinis, Manhattans, and reliable highballs poured to spec. If you’re meeting near the hotel and airport corridor, it’s an easy rally point with parking that rarely challenges your schedule. Wine by the glass trends toward well-known producers and straightforward styles, making pairings simple. Bar seating works for a solo meal, while booths serve business travel meetups and pre-flight gatherings.

Paddy Flynn’s is an Irish pub built for regulars: pints arriving in sequence, Irish whiskey lined up in clear tiers, and bartenders remembering your order by the second round. Expect a focused tap list that covers staples first, then a rotating handle or two to keep things fresh. The room is straightforward — wood, low lighting, compact stage corner — and the sound stays tuned to conversation and sport rather than a soundtrack that overwhelms.

The bar at Twelvemonth pairs a plant-forward kitchen with a cocktail program highlighting fresh produce, house infusions, and a confident zero-proof list. Expect clean builds, pronounced aromatics, and precise balance. You can order a spirit-free sour with the same structure as a classic cocktail, or go with a gin-based build that uses seasonal herbs and citrus. Food is strong enough to make this a full evening stop; it’s a smart pick for a complete dinner and a memorable cocktail in one reservation.

Velvet 48 focuses on wine service done right: curated flights, a thoughtful by-the-glass list, and bottles across Old World and domestic regions. Staff can guide you through region, varietal, and vintage, and Coravin-style pours may be available on limited selections. If you prefer spirits, there’s a small but targeted list, yet the strength here is clearly in wine. Add a cheese or charcuterie board to have a compact, focused evening. If your plan is to compare a few Pinot Noirs or explore new regions, start here before moving on to a cocktail bar nearby.

Vinyl Room is the late-night option in downtown Burlingame. DJs, dancing, and a cocktail list prioritizing pace over pretense define the experience. Expect quick Margaritas, Whiskey Gingers, and approachable signatures built for the dance floor. The layout favors standing room and movement. Arrive early if you want seats, or commit to the bar rail and rotate. It’s the stop to cap a night after quieter drinks elsewhere and delivers the energy shift you’re looking for without a long drive out of town.

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