If you are anything like me, binge-watching a show on Netflix is one of the best things that has happened since buttered toast. With the heavy encouragement of friends, leaving that alone for the night often sounds less than appealing. However, after living in San Francisco for more than a couple of years, I have done my fair share of bar hopping and forced dancing across the city. And in this journey, I have found a few places where sitting at a bar chatting with some friendly folk is more than a nice break from the excitement of the week.
The city offers a variety of bars and breweries, which includes quirky themed bars as well as good solid go to's. Here are some of the characters I've stumbled upon!
The Richmond
1. Barrel Head Brewhouse
A hipster's aesthetically pleasing dream. This find is a little on the pricey side, but with its romantically dim lighting, unique house brews, and drinks like "Keller Bee" and "Hookers and Blow", Barrel Head will lure anyone for a night out.
2. The Bitter End
Cheap beer, ample seating, and a great selection of music. Always a great stop on the bar hopping journey down the Geary/Clement area.
3. Trad'r Sam
Trad'r Sam's is the Tiki Room for poor college students, one Scorpion bowl and you will be set for the night. And if you are lucky, the bartender will do card tricks at your table!
Honorable Mentions: Side Bar, Ireland's 32, the Pig and Whistle
Hayes Valley
4. Smuggler's Cove
A bar that specializes in rum. Where else in the city can you take a sip from a drink on fire?
5. Biergarten
It's like brunch with the friends, but with German beer instead of mimosas.
Honorable Mention: Brass Tacks
Nob Hill
6. Kozy Kar Bar
A dive bar with "'70s-vintage details like old car seats, a waterbed & pin-up girls on the wall" pretty much nails it. This bar is quirky, crazy and probably has the most character on the list. So fair warning, this place is not for the faint of heart.
7. Soda Popinski's
This bar features old school N64 games, a selection of '90s jams, and a wheel of a variety of drinks for $11. One spin and you could win a bottle of Champagne! Or a cement mixer. No exchanges!
8. Jones
It's a good place to wind down after a hectic night. A swanky bar with a heated outdoor patio, it just screams chill vibes!
Honorable Mention: Hemlock Tavern
Duboce Triangle
9. Brewcade
It's a brewery and a video arcade. Already sold? Me too.
Mission District
10. Urban Putt
Part restaurant, part bar, part mini golf course, and full hours of fun.
11. ABV
A place where the bartenders encourage the challenge of "surprise me". Easily the best service I have gotten in the city.
The Dogpatch
12. Triple Voodoo Brewery & Tap Room
A brewery for the beer and cheese connoisseurs. Beers both light and dark are featured with names like "Take a Hike" and "the Deception". This place won't disappoint.
13. Magnolia Pub & Brewery
A cozy gem for the people who like a simple, delicious meat and beer meal.
These are just a few of my personal favorites and does not nearly cover all the best bars in the area. The city is an enormous place and I am always looking to explore more. Did I miss your favorite? Let me know!
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