Perched conspicuously on a busy corner in San Francisco's Mission District, Elixir is a kind of Jack-of-all-trades of the bar world. They have an array of tap handles and they take great care to serve beers in signature glassware, yet they are also famous for their expertly mixed, fresh ingredient-filled cocktails. The ambiance is similarly shifty. By day, regulars pull up a stool and revel in the friendly pub atmosphere. In the evening, happy-hour hordes give way to scantily clad party people and the whole place suddenly feels chic. At all hours, the jukebox is great, and the dartboards are awaiting.
This tiny storefront does a remarkable impression of an authentic London pub. It might not have the seasoned wood paneling of the Old World version, but it does have a lived-in charm and a good selection of beers for you to down. Though the place is a hole in the wall, the interesting paraphernalia that surrounds you here will keep you intrigued. One wall of the pub is decorated with currencies of various nations along with hand-written notes to the owner. A bathtub does a great job of a make-shift refrigerator for beer bottles. At the Black Horse London Pub, you will never know who you are brushing elbows with but the camaraderie among regulars is quite evident here. You can have a game of darts while keeping up with the latest soccer match on the bar's television, whether in company of friends or alone, Black Horse London Pub shows you a great time.
Town is a great neighborhood restaurant that offers up the freshest in produce, seafood and meat and strives to be as seasonal in their dishes as possible. Their menu is filled with interesting and delicious choices that includes many steak cut options Savor their Drunken Bourbon Filet Tips, Filet Mignon Sliders, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp and the much talked about Warm Napa Cabbage Salad for those veggie lovers. The ambiance is chic but cozy with a large open bar in the center. Their staff is knowledgeable and will gladly share their opinions on the extensive wine list that features mostly local wines along with Washington and Oregon vineyards.
Established in 2006 by the Thanos brothers, Mano and Michael, Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge offers visitors a tropical haven on this Californian island of Alameda. Professional bartenders ensure that guests are served only the best. Choose from classic tiki mixes like Painkiller, Banana Mamacow, Fog Cutter, Leilani Volcano and Hurricane, or Forbidden Island originals like China Clipper, Fugu for Two, Neptune’s Garden and the eponymous drink Forbidden Island. If it is your birthday, you can savor an Island Mai Tai, completely on the house!
The NorthStar Cafe is a dive bar that dates back to 1882! It has an intriguing history and has donned many hats as a speakeasy and restaurant. This pub is located in a one-story, cream-colored building with a navy blue awning. The management changed in 1992 but the interiors still retain elements of a pre-Prohibition era bar. It has a tiled ceiling, very dim lighting and six giant television screens that broadcast live sports matches. Here, you can choose from a wide range of beers and liquors, befriend other sports enthusiasts and while away the evening playing pool. No food is served except for crunchy popcorn, which acts as the perfect finger food while cheering for your favorite sports teams. This bar also has a reputation for offering one of the best happy hours in the neighborhood.
Cocktail in hand, soak up the sun at this delightful rooftop offspring of the popular Lolinda. Sheer glass walls skirt the expansive space while a gazebo shields you against the unpredictable weather only to open when it gets bright and comfy. Little wooden tables and wicker chairs complete the minimalist look of the floor space. The vibrant bar dons bright green hues and serves a range of Latin-inspired cocktails, from classic margaritas and caipirinhas to their own signature concoctions. The food follows in the same vein as Lolinda downstairs with an emphasis on small plates and light bites. It seems the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree after all. Enjoy food and drinks here in the city's Mission District with stunning views of the city.