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EXPLORE LOCAL AREA | | | | | | | 2298 Market St
San Francisco,
CA
94114
415-621-8579 | | | | | Description: THE CASTRO. Long a prime people-watching spot, this fantastic cafe also excels as a casual hangout, gathering place and individual retreat. A lovely outdoor patio gets lots of business, and greenhouse-like glass walls provide shelter without seeming claustrophobic. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, and an espresso bar vends pastries and caffeine galore. In addition, a full liquor bar delivers appealing, better-than-average offerings, rounding out the practiced criteria of one of Market Street's more enticing destinations. (NB The alcohol bar is cash-only.)
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| 2575 Mission St
San Francisco,
CA
94110
415-824-3627 | | | | | Description: MISSION DISTRICT. Casual atmosphere and a laid-back attitude collaborate to cure what ails you at this popular place. Retro decor adds to the charm, and an intriguing cross-section of folks frequents the long-lived establishment. Although it's usually crowded, Doc's offers a great opportunity to meet with friends for a drink and a round or two of shuffleboard. Strong, well-mixed drinks work quickly to take the edge off long days.
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| 650 Gough St
San Francisco,
CA
94102
415-869-1900 | | | | | Description: HAYES VALLEY. This small, elegant bar packs plenty of atmospheric panache. Shades of its namesake tone set the mood, as do orchids and candlelight, and a 20-foot indoor waterfall adds a dramatic touch. On the main level is the bar; upstairs, a loft lets patrons keep track of the action below, while on the lower level, a lounge invites conversation and nibbling on small plates of Asian-inspired fare. On weekdays, $2 drink specials make happy hour a can't-miss proposition. Another irresistible quirk is the men's room mirror, which affords visitors a view of the bar while they're in medias res.
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| 222 Sansome St
San Francisco,
CA
94105
415-276-9888 | | | | | Description: FINANCIAL DISTRICT. When expense-account downtime is in order, this subdued ground-floor establishment proves ideal. Sumptuous fabrics, a carved-wood goddess and soft piano music provide a haven for quiet conversation or relaxing over a delicious cocktail. Like the decor, the small-plates menu shows Asian flair, which appeals to a clientele composed largely of professionals and fascinated visitors. Service is unfailingly attentive no matter who you are, and although expensive, the lounge maintains its reputation with aplomb.
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| 4 Valencia St
San Francisco,
CA
94103
415-241-0205 | | | | | Description: CIVIC CENTER. Up front, a large bar welcomes good-natured patrons, many of whom stop in frequently for camaraderie and tasty drinks. In the rear room, most of the musical action takes place. There, a pianist regales folks with pop classics, show tunes and anything singable, and crowds join in with eager voices. The quality of performance is quite good, even with the accompaniment of many creative martinis, and time spent is certain to be fun for male or female, gay or straight. From Sunday to Thursday, tunes begin around 9:30pm; on Friday and Saturday, they start at 5:30pm.
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| 685 Sutter St
San Francisco,
CA
94102
415-441-5678 | | | | | Description: UNION SQUARE. The Cellar, with its dim, underground ambience, ably lives up to its name. Awash in atmospheric charm, it also makes a good first-date spot, as the crowd of young San Franciscans attests. A large beer and wine selection satisfies most thirsts, and mixed drinks are also available. Talented DJs, live music performances, and folks on the dance floor keep the atmosphere charged. Music styles include jazz, soul, and Latin.
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| 242 Columbus Ave
San Francisco,
CA
94133
415-986-9651 | | | | | Description: NORTH BEACH. A perfectly polished mahogany bar invites guests to linger over a well-mixed cocktail (don't neglect the martinis and cosmopolitans!) or a steaming espresso at this time-tested, appealing bar. The North Beach neighborhood lounge draws a diverse crowd, who relish punching in a favorite song on the jukebox and relaxing in a comfortable booth. Be aware that the place occasionally hosts a celebrity or two, so keep your eyes peeled!
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| 1633 Haight St
San Francisco,
CA
94117
415-861-2545 | | | | | Description: HAIGHT-ASHBURY. Great cocktails abound at this area bar, and young professionals pack the place in after-work flocks. Martinis are a house specialty, and sitting amid exotic furnishings and subtle lighting, you'll feel as if you're in another place or era. The bar has been around since the 1940s, and its accomplished sense of hospitality and quirkiness keeps folks returning. Plus, the jukebox maintains the period with a variety of classic crooners.
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| 2565 Mission St
San Francisco,
CA
94110
415-970-9777 | | | | | Description: MISSION DISTRICT. Named for the cautionary text on protest signs carried by one of the city's resident eccentrics, this satisfying club is terrific if you like intimate venues. Although the general space is large (if not narrow), the performance stage is compact, so if you really want to get up-close with bands, it's a good idea to arrive early. If that doesn't happen, a wraparound balcony allows good views from upstairs and comes with its own bar, lounge areas, and pool table. Ticket prices for the mostly-local slate of performers are affordable, and past showcases have featured everything from rock to hillbilly.
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| 448 Brannan St
San Francisco,
CA
94107-1713
415-904-4100 | | | | | Description: SOMA. This upscale New American bar and eatery makes a statement on otherwise unassuming Brannan Street. Patrons feast on intriguing seafood dishes that couple French and Asian flavors, from grilled mahi mahi and smoked cod to roasted lobster. The wine menu features over 200 varieties, and a jazz trio plays evenings in the bar area. The restaurant occupies a refurbished warehouse with exposed steel beams and brick walls and is dominated by an impressive multi-story, glass-encased wine cellar.
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