San Francisco's been cultivating their craft cocktail scene for years - and it's seriously paid off. From subtle speakeasy's to surprisingly skilled dive bars to blowout booze fests like the annual SF Cocktail Week, bartenders across SF are more than eager to show off their muddling and mixing skills.
Ready to dive in? Read on below for the top spots to sip some of SF's best cocktail concoctions.
BURRITT ROOM
417 Stockton St (at Sutter St)
Named after the classic murder scene in The Maltese Falcon and inspired by film noir, this is one hotel lounge you don't actually want to avoid. Dripping with crystal chandeliers and accented by bare brick walls and chic vintage furniture, this is a bar suited for hotel guests and locals alike. A quick glance at their spirit-heavy cocktail menu and you're certain to stay for more than just a drink.
Neighborhood: Union Square
Website: crescentsf.com
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 5pm - 12 am; Fri - Sat 5pm - 2am
COMSTOCK SALOON
155 Columbus Ave (between Kearny St & Jackson St)
Paying tribute to the turn-of-the-century charm (and grit) of San Francisco's Barbary Coast, Comstock Saloon gets it right in a space that's stood the test of time for over a century (earthquakes and all). While the ornate wallpaper and downtown location may breathe a bit of stuffiness, Comstock livens things up with craft cocktails and some serious soul food. Order up a period-appropriate cocktail, and then stuff yourself with indulgent entrees like the Beef Shank and Bone Marrow Pot Pie.
Neighborhood: North Beach / Financial District
Website: comstocksaloon.com
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sat 4pm - 2am; Fri 12pm - 2am; Sun 4pm - 12am
ELIXIR
(3200 16th Street)
Elixir is known as San Francisco's second oldest saloon. With that kind of history, the bar brings a rich menu of classic craft cocktails to the Mission. Elixir's head bartender, H, was named "2010 Bartender of the Year" by Nightclub and Bar Magazine for his fresh offerings of hand-selected booze and his ability to make Elixir into a San Francisco landmark. Stop by for a Corpse Reviver or one of their seasonal specialties.
Neighborhood: Mission
Website: elixirsf.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 3pm - 2am; Sat 12pm - 2am; Sun 11am - 2am
BOURBON & BRANCH
501 Jones St (between O'Farrell St & Geary St)
Bourbon & Branch may be one of the most elusive cocktail bars in the city, but it's also an obligation for anyone that fancies himself a cocktail connoisseur (or just likes a damn good drink). With bartenders decked out in 1920's garb, speakeasy passwords, secret rooms, and a drink menu guaranteed to make your jaw drop - B&B will never disappoint.
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin
Website: bourbonandbranch.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 6 pm - 2 am
Read on at [http://www.metrowize.com/best-craft-cocktail-mixology-bars-san-francisco]
Ready to dive in? Read on below for the top spots to sip some of SF's best cocktail concoctions.
BURRITT ROOM
417 Stockton St (at Sutter St)
Named after the classic murder scene in The Maltese Falcon and inspired by film noir, this is one hotel lounge you don't actually want to avoid. Dripping with crystal chandeliers and accented by bare brick walls and chic vintage furniture, this is a bar suited for hotel guests and locals alike. A quick glance at their spirit-heavy cocktail menu and you're certain to stay for more than just a drink.
Neighborhood: Union Square
Website: crescentsf.com
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 5pm - 12 am; Fri - Sat 5pm - 2am
COMSTOCK SALOON
155 Columbus Ave (between Kearny St & Jackson St)
Paying tribute to the turn-of-the-century charm (and grit) of San Francisco's Barbary Coast, Comstock Saloon gets it right in a space that's stood the test of time for over a century (earthquakes and all). While the ornate wallpaper and downtown location may breathe a bit of stuffiness, Comstock livens things up with craft cocktails and some serious soul food. Order up a period-appropriate cocktail, and then stuff yourself with indulgent entrees like the Beef Shank and Bone Marrow Pot Pie.
Neighborhood: North Beach / Financial District
Website: comstocksaloon.com
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sat 4pm - 2am; Fri 12pm - 2am; Sun 4pm - 12am
ELIXIR
(3200 16th Street)
Elixir is known as San Francisco's second oldest saloon. With that kind of history, the bar brings a rich menu of classic craft cocktails to the Mission. Elixir's head bartender, H, was named "2010 Bartender of the Year" by Nightclub and Bar Magazine for his fresh offerings of hand-selected booze and his ability to make Elixir into a San Francisco landmark. Stop by for a Corpse Reviver or one of their seasonal specialties.
Neighborhood: Mission
Website: elixirsf.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 3pm - 2am; Sat 12pm - 2am; Sun 11am - 2am
BOURBON & BRANCH
501 Jones St (between O'Farrell St & Geary St)
Bourbon & Branch may be one of the most elusive cocktail bars in the city, but it's also an obligation for anyone that fancies himself a cocktail connoisseur (or just likes a damn good drink). With bartenders decked out in 1920's garb, speakeasy passwords, secret rooms, and a drink menu guaranteed to make your jaw drop - B&B will never disappoint.
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin
Website: bourbonandbranch.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 6 pm - 2 am
Read on at [http://www.metrowize.com/best-craft-cocktail-mixology-bars-san-francisco]