“Party” listings
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BLACKBIRD
Straddling the line between neighborhood hangout and artisanal cocktail lounge, this bar offers sustainable and organic wines and an easygoing atmosphere. Art from local painters adorns the walls. (05/2010)
2124 Market St
415-503-0630
blackbirdbar.com -
FIRESIDE BAR
It takes a while for San Francisco’s summers to really warm up. In the meantime, cozy up near the fi replace here with a tasty hot toddy (whiskey, hot water, lemon, cloves and bitters). (05/2010)
603 Irving St
415-731-6433 -
LUCKY 13
This dark and cozy bar in the Castro attracts a mixed crowd with one of the most rock ‘n’ rollheavy juke boxes in the neighborhood. Enjoy the smoker’s porch on warm days. (03/2010)
2140 Market St
415-487-1313 -
SOM.
A lounge-y Mission spot with DJs and mood lighting, this cocktail joint features a cash-only beer and shot section at the end of the bar for patrons who like their drinks quick and easy. DJed house, Brazilian and underground tunes keep the party rocking. (03/2010)
2925 16th St
415-558-8521
som-bar.com -
KOKO COCKTAILS
At the edge of the gritty Tenderloin, what looks like a dive bar from the outside turns out to be a low-key lounge with dark-wood paneling, great happy hour prices and attentive, unpretentious bartenders. (01/2010)
1060 Geary St
415-885-4788
kokococktails.com -
PARK CHALET
Located in Golden Gate Park, this favorite sunset-watching spot draws bicyclists and other park visitors, who enjoy handcrafted brews on the back patio. Come early on beautiful days—it can get crowded. (01/2010)
1000 Great Hwy
415-386-8439
beachchalet.com -
PHONE BOOTH
This local bar transforms into a serious scene on weekend nights, with excellent drinks and friendly bartenders. If you come during happy hour (3pm to 7pm), grab some fresh, free popcorn before it disappears. (12/2009)
1398 S Van Ness Ave
415-648-4683 -
BEAUTY BAR
Imagine a beauty parlor where, as soon as work hours are over, the customers get up to dance and the stylists get to work making drinks. That's pretty much what you'll find here. There's even a manicurist on duty. (12/2009)
2299 Mission St
415-285-0323
www.beautybar.com -
BAR 821
Blink and you'll miss this little champagne bar,but it's worth seeking out for the daily 5pm to7pm happy hour, when all cocktails and beersare just $3. Plus, it's set on a restaurant-filledstreet if you want to grab a bite afterwards. (03/2009)
821 Divisadero St
415-596-3986
www.bar821.com -
BLONDIE'S BAR AND NO GRILL
One of the few dance-friendly Mission Districtmainstays, Blondie's offers notoriously wellmixedmartinis and a wild, feel-good crowd.Bust a move on the dance floor, or grab a seatby the big windows and sip the night away. (03/2009)
540 Valencia St
415-864-2419
www.blondiesbar.com -
ELIXIR
People have been drinking here since 1858-and this legendary bar wears its age well. Thecocktails are superb, the crowd is friendly,and there's a solid selection of bourbon andscotch. See for yourself why it's won accoladesfrom GQ and Esquire. (03/2009)
3200 16th St
415-552-1633
www.elixirsf.com -
THE MINT
On Friday and Saturday nights, this bar in the shadow of the US mint is the most popular karaoke place in town. The crowd skews younger. (02/2009)
1942 Market St
415-626-4726