Mocktails & Menus: Discover the Best Booze-Free Spots

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Dry January doesn’t cancel the party — it changes the guest list. This week is all about restaurants that still bring the fun — no matter what fills your glass. From downtown divas to neighborhood hideouts, we put a few places to the Dry January test.

Peninsula and South Bay

Porta Blu, Hotel Nia

Just east of 101 off Marsh Road, Porta Blu is a hidden gem. Popular with the Meta crowd, the hotel’s dark wood and rattan accents create inviting spaces — garden seating, coffee bar, and their signature restaurant — Porta Blu. The mocktail program features citrus spritzes and herb-forward sippers, plus a selection of spirit-free wines. It was wonderful to start with a delicious glass of Lyre’s sparkler ($15) — a rare find on spirit-free menus. We also enjoyed a crisp Cucumber Martini ($15) with Seedlip Garden 108, a distilled non-alcoholic spirit made from peas, hay, rosemary, thyme, spearmint, and hops. Clean taste yet layered and not too sweet — it really worked (change garnish to a seasoned cucumber). So many alcohol-free drinks are built on sweet — ok for happy hour, but not so much for dinner. Thanks to Porta Blu for offering spirit-free drinks that pair well with your meal.

The place was buzzing on a Monday night. We started with a Caesar — I love seeing how places riff on the classic. Built with whole romaine leaves you can pick up with your fingers…and oh yes I do….then dunk them in to a side of extra dressing. Accompanied by white anchovy, fried parsley and delicious, yummy croutons ($21), it’s a winner. A generous portion of Winter Squash Soup with pumpkin seed pistou came next ($16) — followed by Tagliatelle with burrata cheese and a Bianco tomato sauce ($28). I wanted a little more kick in this dish and imagine a Calabrian pepper pistou drizzled onto the cheese. My guest chose the beautifully presented Honey Lavender Chicken ($36) with roasted vegetables from Santa Maria’s Babe Farms. Overall dishes were artfully presented with light seasoning, a nice change in a world dominated by salt.

Lobby Level, 200 Independence Dr, Menlo Park

Hours: Daily: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner

Poppy and Claro

The heart of San Jose welcomes all-day dining with a sunlit twist. Large windows, bright accents, and a playful community table in the shape of California make Poppy and Claro just fun to visit. During Dry January, the restaurant’s creative non-alcoholic sips are priced right ($7). Try the refreshing and complex Roselle Spritz with hibiscus, verjus and Woody’s NA Blanc De Blancs, or a Marmalade Refresher with green tea and orange marmalade. Go Green with lime juice and cardamom syrup needed more zip, but they all came in low on sweet which is noted and appreciated.

Trio of Dips started us off at a nice price ($15), a filling threesome of Honeynut hummus, Green Goddess and Garlic Dips served alongside Za’atar flatbread and vegetable stix. Had to try a hearth-fired pizzas — we went with Hot Rosa (red sauce, Fra’mani salami, burrata, Calabrian chili). Chef makes his own sourdough using freshly ground flour from famed local bakery Manresa. The Herb and Garlic Roasted Chicken with toasted farro and charred broccolini ($21) made for a perfect dish — wonderful to see whole grain farro part of this whole meal plate.

Opened in October 2025, kudos to Poppy and Claro’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and zero waste, led by passionate staff and management. Indoor and outdoor (dog-friendly) seating available. Open weekdays only.

50 W San Fernando St, San Jose. Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 7:30PM

San Francisco

Fog Harbor Fish House

Fog Harbor Fish House pairs classic San Francisco seafood with some of the best views in the city. I haven’t been to Pier 39 in years — it was great to play tourist in our own area. Perched high up with panoramic bay vistas and view of the 150 feet tall SkyStar Wheel

this 25-year old stalwart delivers specialties like their award‑winning, and really chunky clam chowder, and a classic Blue Cheese Wedge — a meal in itself. I ate the whole thing. The golden brown Crab Cakes were just the way you like them — crisp at the edges and tender inside, highlighted with a sweet-hot gift of mango and harissa aioli ($20). My guest devoured his Swordfish with Chimichurri and roasted vegetables ($37). Fog Harbor serves 100% sustainable seafood, following recommendations from the Aquarium of the Bay, also located on Pier 39. This place has been here a long time and now I know why — creative sauces and good portions. Did I mention that view?

The non-alcoholic menu goes an extra mile with drinks like the Strawberry Basil Nojito (fresh mint basil and strawberries ($9.5), or the Yuzu Nogarita (zero-proof tequila, tajin, Korean chili threads ($14), satisfying in complexity and not too sweet. Check out the straws made from agave. I asked long time Dining Room Manager and hospitality expert Mario Gonzalez to add a hot zero-alcohol libation to the drink menu, and he bit. Might I suggest a recipe for hot tea toddy with Cinnamon Cardamom Shrub?

39 Pier, San Francisco. Hours: Daily 11 AM – 9 PM

Canela Bistro Bar

Spanish restaurants may be having a moment, but this Castro favorite has been quietly delivering for 15 years. Executive Chef Mat Schuster has dedicated his career to creating sophisticated flavors using top-quality local ingredients alongside premium Spanish products. Stop by on your way to the Castro Theatre, this hidden gem shines with bold, well-balanced dishes.

The Coca Flatbreads ($21) strike the perfect balance — light on bread, heavy on flavor. The roasted eggplant and chard version stood out, with smoky cheese, vibrant greens, and a welcome crunch. Bacon-wrapped dates with sheep’s cheese and a salty-sour kick of piparra peppers were irresistible, even for we non-bacon eaters ($12). Maitake mushroom pinchos delivered a crave-worthy crunch and kimchi-aioli punch at a knockout price ($18). A full page of tapas and paellas invite sampling and sharing across the menu and showcase Chef Schuster’s skill at sourcing and spotlighting exceptional Spanish ingredients.

Dry January specialties include Sparkling Rose Paloma with hibiscus and rose ($17) and a Granada Sour with pomegranate and rhubarb ($16) Delicious and refreshing but here’s another opportunity to include a hot spirit-free drink, especially this time of year.

2272 Market St, San Francisco. Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 5PM – 9:30 PM

Dirty Habit, Hotel Zelos

Ahh, Dirty Habit — my moody, sultry escape up the stairs and down the hall. A Dry January favorite, it’s delivered some of my most memorable spirit-free cocktails. Ritual Zero-Proof tequila, rum, and gin are paired with creative mixers this year; try the Lavender Lie with Ritual “Tequila,” lemon, lavender simple syrup, and butterfly pea flower ($14).

Enjoy the full menu at the bar or on the terrace, and don’t skip the pull-apart milk bread. Dark, mysterious, and cozy — this spot is absolutely worth seeking out and getting lost inside.

12 4th St, San Francisco. Hours: Daily 7 AM – 11 AM. 4 PM – 11 PM

Chotto Matte

Chotto Matte turns Japanese–Peruvian fusion into a full-on experience — no sake required. With six locations worldwide, the Union Square outpost feels young, bold and up to the challenge. Known for its Dry January–friendly spirit, we’re eyeing the Wabi-No-Sabi (Pentire Adrift, aji inca, kumquat) and the Yubari (melon, lychee, yuzu, grapefruit, shiso) ($15). The Food Party! visits this week — report is coming soon. Offering lunch, dinner, Chotto Hour, and weekend brunch. Tip: word up is that the ceiling alone is worth a stop.