Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SF's best place to barhop is the Mission, where you'll find up to five bars on
a single block. This tour leads you to a cross section of some of my favorite
venues, from neighborhood dives to swinging lounges.
Note of caution:
Don't stray too far from the crowds, and avoid the BART station after dark.
(Therefore, if you start your barhopping after dark, take a cab to and from
the Mission.)
START:
Bus: 26, 49. BART: 16th Street (before dark).
1
500 Club
(500 Guerrero St.;
y
415/851-2500)
. The first stop
is easy to find: a huge pink neon
cocktail beckons you inside, where
you'll discover a classic dive bar,
made festive by year-round chile
lights. It's a bit more upscale at
2
Elixir
(3200 16th St.;
y
415/552-
1633)
, the subdued site of an 1875
saloon, but you can buy a pitcher,
play a rock tune on the jukebox, and
sit in a weathered booth at neigh-
borhood tavern
3
★
Kilowatt
(3160 16th. St.;
y
415/861-2592)
.
Next stop is
4
Dalva
(3121 16th St.;
y
415/252-7740),
a narrow, high-
walled joint abuzz with an eclectic
crowd. For a sleeker feel, hit
5
Skylark
(3089 16th St.;
y
415/621-9294)
, where trendy
young things come for expensive
cocktails and DJ-spun tunes. Quirky
6
★
Cassanova
(527 Valencia St.;
y
415/863-9328)
is a good mix of
both Mission locals and hipsters from
around town. At
7
★
Blondie's
(540 Valencia St.;
y
415/864-2419)
you're almost done, so order their
famous 16-ounce martini. Now it's
time to chill out by the inviting
bar at the
8
★★
Elbo Room
(647 Valencia St.;
y
415/552-7788)
,
or head upstairs for excellent live
music (separate cover up to $10).
