“Party” listings
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SIDEBAR Wine Tavern
Set in SoMa’s Good Hotel, this place serves a long list of California-only wines. And, in an eco-friendly trend we like, it has eight of them on tap. In another piece of good news for imbibers, the draft beers go through a fancy cooling tower so that your brew has that frosty mug sensation. (09/2011)
At The Good Hotel 112 Seventh St
415-626-8381
sidebarsf.com -
Churchill
This fresh-faced new addition to the cluster of bars around Market and Church is a former dance club. It’s been updated with recovered wood from an old barn, and touts its “WWII vibe,” where the drinking is serious and unpretentious and the people still believe in common courtesy. (07/2011)
198 Church St
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Fat Angel
With a half dozen wines on tap—wine actually comes from a pressurized barrel—and a nice snacks menu of meats, cheese and sliders, packing on a few more pounds has never felt so heavenly. (05/2011)
1740 O'Farrell St
415-525-3013
fatangelsf.com -
The Bitter End
Located on a busy bar-filled block of the Inner Richmond neighborhood, this two-level place offers plenty of space. With darts, billiards and pinball to play—plus solid bar food— there's no reason to leave until last call. Stop by on Tuesday for trivia. (04/2011)
441 Clement St
415-221-9538 -
500 Club
A dive bar that's been serving drinks longer than some of the patrons have been alive, this place is close enough to the heart of the Mission that there's always a lively atmosphere, but far enough away that it's rarely over-crowded. (04/2011)
500 Guerrero St
415-861-2500 -
Little Shamrock
At this 118-year-old bar across from Golden Gate Park, a friendly cast of regulars consorts with visitors from restaurant-packed Irving Street. The drinks are strong and strangers chat by the fireplace—it's exactly what an old-fashioned bar should be. (03/2011)
807 Lincoln Way
415-661-0060 -
MADRONE ART BAR
There’s a hunting-lodge-meets-street-art feeling here and a different event almost every night. Sunday’s cover-free jazz night is a mellow good time, and Friday and Saturday nights usually have something for the younger, hipper set. (01/2011)
500 Divisadero St
415-241-0202
madroneartbar.com -
THE CHIEFTAIN
Just a short walk away from Union Square, this is where many a local visits after work for properly poured Guinness and good pub grub like fi sh and chips. It’s a fi ne place to catch a game or catch up with friends. (01/2011)
198 5th St
415-615-0916
thechieftain.com -
THIEVES TAVERN
This divey joint with cheap drinks becomes a gathering place for natives who are home visiting family during the holidays. It has strong bourbon and Scotch selections. (11/2010)
496 14th St
415-252-9082 -
RICKHOUSE
Behind the heavy wooden doors at this Financial District newcomer is a raucous mix of office workers and mixology aficionados. Try one of the contemporary takes on a classic libation, like the sazerac with locally distilled Old Potrero Rye. (11/2010)
246 Kearny St
415-398-2827
rickhousebar.com -
THE BUENA VISTA CAFE
Whether it’s freezing already or still warm and sunny, order one of the famous Irish coffees from this waterside café. As a bonus, the Bay views are amazing on clear days. (09/2010)
2765 Hyde St
415-474-5044
thebuenavista.com -
THE RESIDENCE
This newcomer to the Upper Market/Castro bar scene gets really packed for special events. On other nights, it fi lls up just enough to be lively, but with room to breathe. The international menu changes monthly to refl ect the latest “travels” of the bar’s fi ctitious owner, Goodbarr. (08/2010)
718 14th St
415-797-8866