San Francisco’s Top 10 : Bars – Top 10 San Francisco Tipples

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Bars

  1. Bubble Lounge

    Right
    in historic Jackson Square, this very upscale, multi-roomed champagne
    bar features around 300 bubblies on its list. The main room is very
    beautiful, in a traditionally clubby sort of way .




    Bubble Lounge

  2. Nova Bar

    A
    hip little bar in the SOMA neighborhood with modern, trendy decor. The
    bartenders are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. Try
    one of their constantly changing range of tasty infused vodkas. Great
    place for a drink after work. Easy parking.

    • 555 2nd Street

    • 415 543 2282

    • Dis. access




    Nova Bar

  3. Vesuvio

    This
    landmark watering hole was a major Beat and hippie gathering place and
    attempts to carry on the alternative tradition amid the stained-glass,
    psychedelic décor. Check out the literary and other memorabilia on the
    walls and sit on the narrow balcony, from which you can survey the
    action below.

    • 255 Columbus Ave

    • 415 362 3370




    Vesuvio

  4. Americano Bar

    The
    outdoor patio is the big draw at this uber-chic, buzzing bar filled
    with beautiful people. The views will amaze, as will the drinks and the
    inviting sleek interior space. Try the plum mojito and the baked goat’s
    cheese, but beware of the pricey bill.

    • 8 Mission St

    • 415 278 3777

    • Dis. access

  5. Mecca

    This
    dolled-up industrial space attracts some of the Castro’s prettiest men,
    including the occasional drag queen, around the glowing circular bar,
    with red velvet and chiffon drapery. It’s also a supper club featuring
    New American cuisine.

    • 2029 Market St

    • 415 621 7000

    • Dis. access




    Mecca

  6. Edinburgh Castle Pub

    A
    hugely happening place incorporating live indie music, a fish ‘n’ chips
    delivery service, as well as darts, pool, and general carousing in the
    Scottish manner.

    • 950 Geary St

    • 415 885 4074

  7. Medjool

    The
    orange, red, and gold decor will delight you as you enter this funky
    Mission bar and lounge. The Mediterranean wines combine perfectly with
    tapas-style dishes. Be sure to venture upstairs to the rooftop terrace
    where panoramic views of the city await you. At night, DJs play club
    music with a Persian feel.

    • 2522 Mission St

    • 415 550 9055

    • Dis. access

  8. Ruby Skye

    A
    Victorian playhouse has been restored in lavish high-tech coolness,
    incorporating a captivating blend of Art Nouveau and Daliesque
    Modernism. And where else can you see trapeze acts on a Saturday night
    or puff cigars in a private billiards room? If you want to fit in, wear
    designer gear.

    • 420 Mason St

    • 415 693 0777

    • Dis. access

  9. Destino

    Relax
    and experience the passion of flamenco and the intensity of tango every
    evening. This place exudes a special energy and serves the best mojitos
    in town. South American food, too.

    • 1815 Market St

    • 415 552 4451

    • Dis. access

  10. Lefty O’Doul’s

    Opened
    in 1958 by the local baseball legend, this Downtown landmark is a
    cafeteria-style sports bar with live piano music. Good fun when the old
    crowd starts on their renditions of even older show tunes.

    • 333 Geary St at Powell

    • 415 902 8900

    • Dis. access


Top 10 San Francisco Tipples

  1. Cabernet Sauvignon

    This full-bodied red, with overtones of blackcurrant, is a Bay Area favorite. Try the Robert Mondavi Winery.

  2. Chardonnay

    Of the whites, this is the most popular, fermented in French oak barrels, lending it smooth vanilla tones. Try Sterling Vineyards.

  3. Other Red Wines

    Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Zinfandel are giving Cabernet Sauvignon some healthy competition of late.

  4. Other White Wines

    Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Grigio are whites that can tempt you away from the Chardonnay grape.

  5. Sparkling Wines

    Top French wine producers such as Mumm and Moët & Chandon have set up wineries in the Napa Valley .

  6. Cocktails

    Mojitos – white rum, ice and fresh mint – are an old standby still going strong.

  7. Beers and Ales

    Local breweries abound in the Bay Area, such as Anchor Steam Beer .

  8. Tea

    A huge range of infusions, springing from the healthy attitude that dominates here.

  9. Coffee

    Many more ways to drink your coffee than there are in all of Europe – latte is still the blend of choice.

  10. Mineral Water

    The top local brand comes from, and takes its name from Calistoga in the Napa Valley.