San Francisco's Best Martini

Singles on the make head to this Mission mainstay for mammoth martinis and prime patio seating.

Reviews:

• “Never fails to deliver”
• “saucy crowd, sensual music, smooth drinks”
• “I’m glad I didn’t pass Blondie’s”
• “Best Bar Experience”
• “Crowdy dancing”

Tips: Nab a table near the open storefront and get a first look at all who enter.

Blondie’s Bar & No Grill or email Blondie’s Bar & No Grill

A hip, affordable vodka lounge nestled among European restaurants in the Financial District.

Reviews:

• “Very disappointing!”
• “the most remarkable infused vodka and on a grandioso street!”
• “this place bites…”
• “Yummy Vodka drinks”
• “Not Worth It”

Tips: The selection may be daunting, but the menu (alphabetized and split into sections like “Dry & Elegant” and “Full Bodied”) lists each vodka’s place of origin and quirky qualities.

Voda

Timeless style and classic food mix at this convincing re-creation of a 1930s supper club.

Reviews:

• “Wonderful and romantic dining experience!”
• “Poor service”
• “Wonderul restaurent experience”
• “Lots of Appeal But Not Impressed”
• “Best Meal ever”

Tips: Nightly jazz enhances the ’30s-style atmosphere.

Bix or email Bix

Happy hour specials, live tunes and posh decor draws 30-somethings to this Financial District bar.

Reviews:

• “Good Food/Drinks, nice ambiance”
• “yummmo”
• “Horseflies Martini!”
• “Very nice, very classy, didn’t seem pretentious at all…”
• “Fabulous Food, Service, & Ambiance”

Tips: The restaurant’s menu is available at the bar, as is a special bar menu. Highlights include delicate ahi sashimi with carrot-daikon salad ($6) and thin-crust pizzas ($8).

The Cosmopolitan Cafe

Hard drinking, chain smoking, loud music and filthy bathrooms: Amber is what a bar should, or at least used to, be about.

Reviews:

• “Great place for a smoke and cocktail.”
• “Best Drinks, music and crowd”
• “Dig It”
• “Just Right”
• “Chill Bar…”

Tips: Wear an outfit straight out of the hamper; the smoke is so thick here you’ll wake up smelling like the Marlboro Man—or at least like you slept with him

Amber

A Pac Heights den slinging specialty cocktails spiked with freshly squeezed juice.

Reviews:

• “Dansbee1 you make me sick”
• “great mojitos”
• “Once a gay bar, now infected with straight people”
• “The Lion Pub is a Gift to San Francisco”
• “What happened to the Gay ’90’s?”

Tips: Under the TV (showing sports on “mute”), a complimentary plate of cheese, crackers and olives is set out nightly.

Lion Pub

A casual Noe Valley den with an extensive martini menu, fireplace and DJs.

Reviews:

• “This really isn’t for locals, is it”
• “Not as advertised, offensively loud”
• “A Diamond In The Rough”
• “Gotta Have a Mojito!”
• “OK music, OK martinis, Killer Bellinis”

Tips: Arrive early and snag the romantic table for two near the fireplace.

Bliss Bar or email Bliss Bar

Visiting celebs and locals who love them drop serious cash at the Clift’s showpiece bar.

Reviews:

• “the good and bad”
• “Good to be posh!”
• “Cliche’”
• “Great time”
• “Super Fabulous”

Tips: Score coveted couch space by making reservations: (415) 929-2344. Otherwise, the Family Room section of the hotel lobby allows drinks and provides ample, comfy seating (no reservations needed).

Redwood Room

Clubby lounge located beneath the downtown streets.

Reviews:

• “the hot spot”
• “The spot! Where everyone knows your name! "
• “Trashy!”
• “Seriously???”
• “Private parties that makes sense!”

Tips: A cover charge may be enforced (typically Thu-Sat after 10pm).

The Cellar or email The Cellar

An elegantly appointed, retro lounge ticking to the time of the Eisenhower hour.

Reviews:

• “most welcoming neighborhood bar”
• “I like it here”
• “Avoid, Boring, Messy”
• “Great Neighborhood Bar”
• “Let me say….then……..”

Tips: This is a cocktail-oriented bar, featuring drinks like a guava drop, but happy hour (Mon-Fri, 4pm-6pm) features $3 tap beers: Sierra Nevada, Widmer Hefeweizen or Stella Artois.

Tony Niks or email Tony Niks