Just touched down at SFO.
Short trip but I’ll post some food porn/reviews later tonight.
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Hi @robert @ipsedixit @BradFord @SFDiner and others,
Any recommendations on great bars (great quality cocktails, I would’ve said, great Sake list (but I’m not getting my hopes up), cool atmosphere) to try in Downtown SF?
(Hopefully near the level of Julian Cox.)
Thanks!
Louie’s gen gen room
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I’m usually at PCH, which is a quick walk from/after Louie’s Gen Gen. Some hits some misses, but generally a chill spot with some fun cocktails that veer tropical.
Great sake list? Sorry I’m not the person to ask. But True Sake in Hayes Valley is a ~15min walk from Downtown and perhaps paying corkage may be worth it.
However, I’ve been enjoying R.T.B. Fillmore for a couple dinners, and they do a beverage pairing that has several sakes. Also a chill spot with a good relative price point for a tasting menu - I’ve had some great dishes there in the past two months. The supplements are worth it here and it’s surprisingly easy to get into (for now).
I usually take visiting friends to: Novela, Local Edition, ANINA, and PCH. Usually PCH gets the vote, but some like the vibe at Local Edition. When it’s not super busy.
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I don’t drink cocktails often enough to have much expertise, but I’ve always had a great time at Comstock and 15 Romolo. Same goes for Rickhouse but it can be crazy busy. I used to love Alfred’s bar but since the makeover it has been too crowded.
Smuggler’s Cove is a must if you love rum and/or tiki drinks. I keep meaning to try Whitechapel, same people but the focus is on gin.
If you’re into sake, you should visit True Sake. They could probably tell you who has a great list.
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It is a store, not a bar. Sorry if my statement was confusing. I meant go to the store and pick up a bottle of sake then head over to a restaurant and pay corkage for bringing your own bottle.
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I’m not a cocktail drinker but my friend enjoyed it.
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The 2-hour time limit thing is, well, limiting.
I don’t drink that often but I’ve heard good things about the Saison Bar/Lounge. I’m guessing very pricey though…Not near downtown but Trick Dog is fun.
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If you aren’t drinking at Trick Dog or Horsefeather you’re doing yourself a major disservice while in SF.
Tosca, Pagan Idol, and Wildhawk are also all worth drinking at.
I recommend dropping by True sake too. Even if you do not buy a bottle they have a variety of one cup sake not found anywhere else that you can take with you to enjoy (eg while watching Justice League…).
To enjoy Sake by the glass, Pabu or Ozumo. Though the food may not be the best for pairing (Ozumo’s food is average) but they have the best variety combined for Sake. Pabu has the better choices and also japanese whiskey (including the rare ones).
Trick Dog and ABV are solid cocktail bars too.
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If I remember correctly Yuzuki has a good sake list and I would guess Rintaro does as well (don’t remeber). True Sake is a great shop and worth a visit.
For cocktails, I like Bourbon and Branch, Benjamin Cooper, Trick Dog and Whitechapel. Also good are ABV, Comstock and Smugglers Cove.
To me, Rickhouse can be inconsistent but I like drinking here regardless. I am not a fan of Novela and Devil’s Acre (drinks were too sweet).
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Yuzuki’s menu is unusual. I’m not sure there’s anything like it in LA.
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looks similar to kinjiro
Can you just walk into their bar?
No reservations available, but seems I’ll be in SF this weekend.
Hoping on a Californios cancellation.
Otherwise, will just eat at Bellota, Commonwealth, and Cala probably. It would be swell to be able to wander into Saison for snacks, though.
Saison stopped doing snacks/a la carte at the bar a little while back. Walk-in was not really an option, either. The cocktails have always been great, but I’ve never seen anyone stop in just for a drink without eating there. Saison switched to TOCK this month.
Californios is now on TOCK tickets, too. So, cancellations probably aren’t the way to secure a seat, but rather getting a ticket transferred from a current ticket holder, unfortunately.
Every time I’ve been here, the crowd seems quite young - like 21-25, FYI. Not a bad thing necessarily, just a note on my experiences for some who are looking for a different crowd.
Good call on Bar Agricole, not sure how I forgot that one.
I don’t see what’s unusual about Yuzuki’s menu, especially if one is coming from LA.
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please delete - duplicate posting