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.
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.
If music is your passion, make sure that you check out The New Parish. This concert hall and events space has achieved fame with the performances of the great music groups like Sarah Guthrie and Johnny Irion and The Stone Foxes. The place boasts of fantastic sound and stage technology that has made this venue a favorite of the event organizers and performers alike.
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.
Rustic and romantic, Freehouse is a haunt for the beer lover in you. The interior of this beer garden is made to look like a cozy living room; it is furnished with intimate seating spaces and the fireplace keeps patrons warm on colder evenings. Yellow lights and timber-clad walls give this place an old-school look. The outdoor seating in the spacious courtyard lets larger groups dine under the bright California sun. At Freehouse, the menu is ever changing but classics like Beer Poached Mussels, the house salad and Chicken Pot Pie never go out of style. Limited but potent cocktails are on offer along with beers sourced from eminent breweries.
Brought to you by the same people who opened Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, Comstock Saloon is a lively establishment that maintains a Barbary Coast ambiance while serving up some delicious contemporary American food. Complete with a 20-foot mahogany bar, the cocktails here are legendary, as are the live music performances. Dishes have included the rustic yet decadent concoctions like Beef Shank and Bone Marrow Pot Pie and Ricotta Gnocchi. If you want a place to simply unwind, an evening at Comstock Saloon won't disappoint.
Wine Down is a great spot for an after-work drink or even for bringing in the weekend with your friends. Its white-washed interiors and cozy atmosphere set a perfect tone for the place. Owned by two passionate oenophiles, the bar is known for their unique selection of beverages which are procured from wineries close to home. They also keep rotating their collection thus offering something new on every visit. Moreover, there's delectable food to sample along with those succinct wines.
Pink onion is a friendly and welcoming hangout that serves the culinary staples of the most beloved exports of Italy. The interior features graffiti style art giving the space an edgy, informal yet stunning look. You can choose to have your Pizza sitting indoors or even outdoors. This Italian spot has a terrific menu which is made with great care and passion. You surely would not want to miss a place that has it all - great ambiance, on tap wines and beer and a terrific menu. The place is a perfect place when you need a slice.
Treat yourself with some delectable wine and food at Scopo Divino on California Street. The wine bar has an impressive collection of reds as well as whites, along with food to complement each drink. The wine menu is diverse and unique. On the other hand, the food menu is creative and indulgent. Take advantage of the happy hours and splurge on spectacular vinos from around the world. Enjoy your drink on the patio on a pleasant day or comfortably settle inside, amidst chic and light interiors. The staff is attentive and friendly, further elevating your dining experience here.
Sláinte, the Gaelic word for "cheers" or "to your health", is a good name for this traditional Irish Pub located in Jack London Square. The interiors feature a lot of dark wood, exposed brick walls, copper accessories and fixtures and the Irish colors. Above a cozy fireplace, you will find a portrait of James Joyce, while other walls have ones of Oscar Wilde. The pub hosts traditional Irish musicians and quiz nights. The food menu is small but features traditional Irish delicacies. Irish breakfast is available all day with dishes such as black and white pudding (imported from Ireland), eggs and boxty, and Irish bacon or sausage. The bar menu features classic cocktails, spirits, beers, and Irish whiskeys. Guinness is available on tap, and you might want to down traditional drinks such as Magners Irish Cider and Smithwick's Ale.
The pride of Inner Richmond's lively dine and wine scene, Cork's is the invention of James Beard awardee and Michelin star Chef Antonio Mure. He is pretty much revered for his modern adaptations of traditional Italian fare that come infused with the elements of the Spanish concept known as Tapas. He heads the sleek open-air kitchen of the restaurant and along with his team of creative culinary minds creates masterpieces such as the signature Red Beet Pasta, Proscuitto y Burrata, and Dolci del Giorno. The specialities are at their dynamic best when they are paired with the likes of a Toscana or a Gelso Nero from the bar.
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.