Modeled after traditional dim sum service, State Bird Provisions lets patrons use the sense of smell and sight to choose their dishes, with cuisine brought in on a trolley for viewing. Each item is creative and innovative, with dishes like sweet corn and chive pancakes, kimchi pork belly with tofu and duck liver mousse with almond biscuit. The space is rather small, yet cozy with an open concept kitchen, and friendly staff.
Zeitgeist is a popular bar in the Mission. They make a mean drink here, and you will fit in easily with the crowd, just don't let the profusion of leather and Harleys intimidate you. You do not have to be a biker to feel at home. An outdoor patio with barbecue and live music are all part of the experience. Best of all, you can wake up in the morning and start all over again with one of their famous Bloody Mary's.
The retro luxuriousness of Bimbo's 365 Club's interior adds unexpected character to the venue. A wide variety of artists perform here, from local talent to major-label superstars on international tours. Past headliners have included the Detroit Cobras, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, They Might Be Giants, Seu Jorge, Aimee Mann and the Flaming Lips. Weekly Wing nights fill the floor with Charleston-ing zoot-suiters, accentuating the original plush crimson curtains of Bimbo's 1931 opening.
This historic bar is full of stories, character, and charm. Once a place Jack London himself would frequent to drink and write, the story is that the famous author borrowed his college entrance fee from the bar's proprietor. The small bar still features a slanted wooden floor and charred walls leftover from the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906, which took its toll elsewhere in the Bay Area, too. Its name derives from the old days when it was the only bar at the Port of Oakland. Each day as laborers would take the ferry to San Francisco and back again, this was the first and last chance for the working man to grab a drink. The bar serves only beverages and distributes literature on its history.
Cafe Van Kleef is located right in the heart of Oakland's Uptown neighborhood. The theme of Van Kleef is unconventional and all about the quirky artwork everywhere. The specialty at Van Kleef's is their Greyhound - a drink of vodka with grapefruit juice, which you can watch them squeezing fresh at almost any given point during the night. On most nights in the week, the bar plays live jazz music. Certain nights come with a cover charge so be sure to check details before you head here.
A world renowned name in the culinary industry, Chez Panisse is known for their innovations in tastes and flavors.Started by Alice Walkers in 1971, it was named after the movie character Honore Panisse. Prepared with fresh, local produce, the restaurant is a spectacular specimen of fine dining. The menu changes daily and is curated keeping the seasonality of ingredients. Through the week, delicacies like Striped bass carpaccio with cardoons and Titone olio nuovo and Huckleberry and Meyer lemon ice creams meringata are served, to name a few. The wine list is extensive, featuring dozens of wines from across the world. With contributions like California style pizza to the ever changing culinary world, the Chez Panisse is no less than a legend.
Tucked away in the heart of the city, this elegant spot offers up a fine combination of spirits and live jazz. The interiors at Mr. Tipple's will take you back in time, dominated by rich wooden hues, warm lighting and understated decor. A dainty stage plays host to well-known names in jazz, nightly. Enjoy the performances with expertly mixed cocktails from the bar. There's a fine selection of light bites as well, to accompany your drinks.
Don't judge this bricked building by its name! Forgery is a lively bar serving tantalizing mixed drinks and crafty cocktails. Located in the lively SoMa neighborhood, the bar is owned and operated by partners Ken Luciano who curates most of the drinks on the menu and Jacques Bezuindenhout. The menu is quite impressive and you won't just settle for one order! The kitsch decor and prompt service make the bar a favorite among locals. The DJs are known to put up a great line up on peppy numbers. Forgery also arranges for private events.
The brainchild of Andrew and Jennifer Hall, The Beer Hall is a beer lover's haven. From the customized beer bottle capped back wall, a sleek bar with countless beer behind it, and beer racks, it would be tough not to like this tiny yet inviting beer shrine. With more than 242 beers, you will surely find a favorite. Specializing in handcrafted beer, there is a small but fine selection of wine as well. Enjoy the drinks in the tasting room or pick some up for your beer party at home. Don't miss this place if beer is on your mind and in your heart.
Cadillac Bar and Grill is a casual Mexican eatery situated in vibrant SoMa. The ambiance is lively and the staff personable, which makes for a great night out on the town. The restaurant highlights real Mexican dishes packed with flavor that pair well with their specialty hand-shaken margaritas made with fresh ingredients. Savor aperitivos like queso flameado or chicken panchos, followed by signature puffy tacos filled with ingredients like turkey chorizo, slow-braised pork or grilled steak. Seafood enthusiasts can opt for the grilled red snapper with Veracruzano sauce or the mesquite-grilled prawns. Excellent happy hours between 3p and 6p from Monday to Friday means this place is always abuzz with energy; it's a great place to unwind with friends after a long day.
Fig & Thistle is located between Octavia Street and Gough Street. This is an intimate place where one can spend time with friends while sipping some of their classy selection of wines. The staff here is very friendly and can be relied upon for selection of your drink. The ambience is very warm and cosy with little benches and snugly cushions. It is a great place for a date or to have long conversations with friends. They also serve cheeses and charcuterie made from locally sourced meat.
Anina is a lively neighborhood cocktail bar in Hayes Valley. The décor is colorful and vibrant with bright pastel colors, tropical murals as well as paintings adorning the walls. The picnic table-style seating and outdoor patio area add to the friendly and welcoming ambiance. The exotic cocktails and craft beers on offer are the USP of this bar. The bar is pet-friendly and open till the late hours of the night throughout the week.