Tendernob

Somehow, this somewhat sketchy zone has become the center of San Francisco’s artisanal cocktail culture. There may not be much to see during daylight hours, but prowl the area’s nightlife, and you’re bound to get one of the best drinks in the city.

EXPLORE ANOTHER NEIGHBORHOOD:

Canteen

817 Sutter St 415-928-8870

Located in the Commodore Hotel, the tiny, modern gem of a restaurant — with ex Rubicon chef Dennis Leary at the helm — retains the bones of a coffee shop, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Expect seasonal, familiar dishes with a unique twist (slow-roasted chicken with date marmalade).

Photo: mulmatsherm / Flickr

The Ambassador

673 Geary St 415-563-8192

This Tenderloin haunt recreates the swank luxury of 1950s Vegas. Imbibe modern takes on classic drinks (Scarlett O’Hara, Citrus Fizz), made with sustainable ingredients (house-made fruit syrups, locally distilled liquors).

Photo: Courtesy of The Ambassador

Cantina

580 Sutter St 415-398-0195

Cantina’s “kitchen cocktails” use only the freshest seasonal ingredients. But what we really like is that you can get a bunch of the drinkies in pitchers, like the five-spice margaritas or potent pisco punch.

Photo: Courtesy of Cantina

Bourbon & Branch

501 Jones St

Sip classic cocktails and rub elbows with hipsters at this swanky 1920s-inspired speakeasy. Reservations can be made only via the website; you’ll be sent a secret password for entry.

Photo: Courtesy of Bourbon & Branch

Rye

688 Geary St 415-474-4448

Located on the cusp of the Tendernob, this swanky 1,200-square-foot watering hole is owned and designed by Greg Lindgren and Jon Gasparini (Rosewood, 15 Romolo). And they’re serious about cocktails — order an Atomic Applebomb and call us in the morning.

Photo: Courtesy of Rye