Cocktail Scene in San Francisco
When it comes to cocktails, San Francisco and New York City arguably offer the best in the country. With the resurgence of classic cocktails and speakeasies, there were many appealing establishments to choose from during my recent getaway, but unfortunately, limited time! Here’s a few of the best places I visited during my time in San Fran!
San Francisco’s most notable speakeasy is Bourbon and Branch. As stated on their website, “Bourbon & Branch is a glimpse back on the 1920′s and the era of Prohibition when the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverage was outlawed. You’ll experience the ambiance of that time in an actual speakeasy that operated illegally at this location from 1921 to 1933.” Reservations and a password are required, as well as a list of rules to follow during your time at Bourbon and Branch. While it sounds strict and stuffy, B&B is anything but; the servers and bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable, beyond talented, and more than happy to offer their wisdom and advice to craft the perfect cocktail for you! From the amuse-bouche to delicate cloth cocktail napkins, nothing is overlooked! Their menu is extensive and slightly overwhelming, but I finally settled on the Millionaires Cocktail (dark rum, gin, apricot brandy, lime juice) and the Clermont Affair (rye, Amaro Nonino, whiskey barrel aged bitters and clove tincture float). They also have an extensive array of whiskeys, bourbons, rums, and tequilas. Finally, do some wandering around, as there are hidden doors, rooms, and even exits to be discovered. If you have only one night in San Francisco, make sure you visit Bourbon and Branch. It’s a destination not to be missed.
If you’re looking for something a little less casual but similar style, head over to Bourbon and Branch’s brother bar, Rickhouse. Rickhouse offers “classic cocktails and contemporary variations” in their 27-page menu! I have never seen such an extensive menu, cocktail or otherwise, in my life! Rickhouse emphasizes their San Franciscan heritage by using local ingredients in their cocktails and featuring beers and wines from the surrounding area. I was lucky enough to visit Rickhouse on Halloween night, so with the guidance of a cop and mad scientist (bartenders don’t joke around on Halloween in San Francisco!), I finally decided Kentucky Buck and Dutch Honey. While they were both delicious, the Dutch Honey was the true standout: sweet, tart, and complex, this drink went down way too smoothly. I could have easily drank five, but seriously regretted it in the morning!
You can’t take everything seriously when it comes to drinking, so I was sure to visit San Francisco’s kitschiest nightlife destination, the Tonga Room. Rumors of the closing of the Tonga Room has resulted in petition-signings, happy hour gatherings, and anything else patrons can do to save the legendary tiki spot. The cocktail menu is typical of any Asian restaurant: Scorpion Bowls, Daquiris, Zombies, and the such, and honestly, they’re pretty bad. Don’t make the Tonga Room a drinking destination (great place to END the night, though!), but go to the Tonga Room to experience the cheesy cover band (performing on a boat in the main lagoon) and the “thunderstorms”, which downpour every half an hour. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get lei’d by one of the waitresses!
I only wish I had more time in San Francisco to experience other cocktail destinations, like 15 Romolo, Alembic, Cantina, and Heaven’s Dog, but those will have to wait for another trip.
Up next, San Francisco eats!
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So what’s B&B’s password??