September 8, 2009

Rickhouse San Francisco

Step into Bourbon & Branch’s smaller, more casual sibling in this swanky saloon for a throwback to the ’50s with punch bowls and classic cocktails. You’ll find whiskeys from Ukiah to Colorado, which you can sip standing at the bar or sitting up on the mezzanine.

  Financial District, Food & Drink, Classic Cocktails, Happy Hour

October 17, 2008

Taverna Aventine San Francisco

Moored on the city’s 19th-century Barbary Coast in a 150-year-old building, this resto and bar by Vintage 415 and Gian-Paolo Veronese combines nautical swank with a speakeasy vibe.

  Financial District, Food & Drink, Bar Menu, Classic Cocktails

February 25, 2008

Orson San Francisco

Chef Elizabeth Falkner’s second restaurant isn’t afraid to take risks: Her inventive California cuisine marries unusual ingredients and creative preparations. The cavernous, modern space itself is worth a visit, as are the expertly prepared cocktails at the marble bar.

  South of Market, Food & Drink, Classic Cocktails, Locavore

August 16, 2007

The Beauty Bar San Francisco

This narrow Mission hipster hangout manages to be a theme bar — complete with a retro, glamorous ’50s salon vibe — without feeling at all gimmicky. A minuscule dance floor is the scene for many a drunken grind.

  Mission, Food & Drink, Classic Cocktails, Dancing Queen

July 14, 2008

Clock Bar San Francisco

Michael Mina’s swanky boite in The Westin St. Francis has a menu of delish specialty cocktails and nibbles (truffle popcorn, lamb tenderloin panino, charcuterie plate).

  Union Square, Food & Drink, Classic Cocktails, Ritzy