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 trolly 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.
This unique drinking establishment boasts itself to be a "beer tasting room". Beer Revolution always features somewhere around 20 different artisan brews on tap, as well as an impressive collection of bottled beer, which visitors are welcome to drink in the store or buy to bring home. Beer Rev, as it's known among locals, is also a very popular place on nice days due to its large outdoor patio. Pull up a stool to the beer-barrel tables, pop open a cold one, and enjoy the Revolution.
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.
Named after the owner's mother whose recipes have inspired the menu, Hazel serves a fusion of traditional Southern food with inspirations taken from Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana. The interiors are also inspired by the owner's childhood home. Golden accents dominate the 70s-themed space featuring a lot of TVs, pool tables, a mural of Hazel and beautiful artwork. The menu is dotted with comfort food such as Tater Tot Nachos and Hazel's Fried Chicken, with the bar serving over 200 different whiskey options, craft cocktails, and beers.
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.
The Dobbs Ferry is a popular restaurant in San Francisco and it owns The Dobbs Bar, which is a casual sports bar. This pub attracts more locals than tourists and offers plenty of opportunities to make new friends. The six television screens are always tuned on to major sports events and the counter has a wide array of libations. Choose from eight beers and an extensive cocktail list, and pair the drinks with light American snacks. There are also wine and liquor shots and a full-fledged lunch option. The late-night timings, long happy hours and friendly staff are responsible for the bar's popularity.