With talented mixologists whipping up homemade tinctures, liqueurs, syrups, and more, there's never been a better time to drink in the City by the Bay. Here are five incredible cocktail bars that should be on every aficionado's radar:
Backed by the same people running nearby Magnolia Brewery, The Alembic is a narrow cocktail den teeming with artsy folk who've come in search of creative drinks spiked with odd ingredients (think rose hips and kabocha spice). Try the Mr. Bones, featuring Capurro Pisco, St. George Green Chile Vodka, orgeat, cinnamon, pineapple cordial, orange and lime. Hungry? A small plates menu including things like bone marrow and jerk-spiced duck hearts await you.
1725 Haight Street (The Haight)
Make a reservation, because The Devil’s Acre always packed, and for good reason. This dimly-lit, apothecary-styled bar attracts hordes of North Beach-ers who flock here for throwback cocktails and a vibe that lands somewhere between a saloon and old-school pharmacy. The Three Sworn Enemies cocktail will cure what ails you, with velvety Cyrus Noble bourbon, floral Grand Poppy liqueur, vanilla syrup, Angostura and orange bitters, and a sprinkling of gold dust.
256 Columbus Ave (North Beach)
This book-themed bar has walls lined with classic literature and retro library furniture, including giant leather lounge chairs and retro hanging lamps. The cocktails, all named for classic characters, are fantastic. The Jay Gatsby, an earthy number of Bourbon and smoky Islay Scotch is enriched with a trio of liqueurs: herbal calisayar, walnut-spiked nocino, and sweet almond-flavored amaretto. And don't leave without exploring the oft-changing punch menu—a fresh, fruit-forward swirl of strawberry, blood orange, chai tea, and fresh tarragon is currently on the rotating roster.
662 Mission Street (SOMA)
Farmer Brown
There’s plenty of seating at Farmer Brown's expansive, brass-topped bar, set against a rustic country atmosphere perfect for soul food cuisine and cocktails. Begin with the Old-Soul Fashioned, a play on the classic, spiked with brown sugar, sage, raspberry jam, and house-made ginger nectar. Move on from there with the Front Porch Iced Tea, a sunny mix of Bourbon, molasses, house-made ginger nectar, and fresh iced tea. The Farmer Brown's classic Southern fried chicken, with tender meat and a thick, crispy coating, makes for an excellent accompaniment.
There’s plenty of seating at Farmer Brown's expansive, brass-topped bar, set against a rustic country atmosphere perfect for soul food cuisine and cocktails. Begin with the Old-Soul Fashioned, a play on the classic, spiked with brown sugar, sage, raspberry jam, and house-made ginger nectar. Move on from there with the Front Porch Iced Tea, a sunny mix of Bourbon, molasses, house-made ginger nectar, and fresh iced tea. The Farmer Brown's classic Southern fried chicken, with tender meat and a thick, crispy coating, makes for an excellent accompaniment.
25 Mason Street (Market)
Smuggler’s Cove
This pirate-themed tiki bar is heavy on kitsch, and its expansive rum-based cocktail list is no joke. Descend into the subterranean bar's darkly-lit depths kitted out with ropes, anchors, and rum barrels before tucking into drinks like the Captain’s Grog, featuring multiple rums, maple syrup, spiced falernum, curaçao, vanilla and almond extracts, and a tart jolt of fresh lime and grapefruit juices. While you’re there, consider joining the Rumbustion Society, which gets you access to rare, off-menu rums and a members-only fez.
650 Gough Street (Hayes Valley)
This pirate-themed tiki bar is heavy on kitsch, and its expansive rum-based cocktail list is no joke. Descend into the subterranean bar's darkly-lit depths kitted out with ropes, anchors, and rum barrels before tucking into drinks like the Captain’s Grog, featuring multiple rums, maple syrup, spiced falernum, curaçao, vanilla and almond extracts, and a tart jolt of fresh lime and grapefruit juices. While you’re there, consider joining the Rumbustion Society, which gets you access to rare, off-menu rums and a members-only fez.
650 Gough Street (Hayes Valley)
This article originally appeared on Robert Parker Wine Advocate's Wine Journal page.
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