Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Drinking
10
California Wine Merchant
WINE BAR
Pair your pick of 30 to 50 local wines by the glass with mild flirting in this wine cave, and
be surprised by the unexpected nuances of Central Coast Pinots and Marina playboys earn-
estly trying to improve their game. Arrive early to score a table, and have a nice flight.
(
www.californiawinemerchant.com
; 2113 Chestnut St;
10am-midnight Mon-Wed, 10am-1:30am Thu-Sat,
11am-11pm Sun;
22, 30, 43)
11
Lightning Tavern
Edison-bulb chandeliers and laboratory equipment set a mad-scientist scene for $10 high-
end shots with a pint back (think Jameson and Guinness), plus cocktails by the pitcher
(read: messy night out). A mural shows the Bay Bridge struck by lightning, which is how
you may feel here on a good night. Keep your buzz in check with tater tots.
(
BAR
415-704-1875;
1875 Union St;
4pm-2am Mon-Fri, noon-2am Sat & Sun;
41, 45)
12
Brazen Head
PUB
You have to know where you're going to find the Brazen Head, a tiny pub with low light-
ing and cozy nooks, where hand-holding couples dine on good onion soup and pepper
steak.
(
415-921-7600;
www.brazenheadsf.com
; 3166 Buchanan St;
5pm-1am;
28, 30)
13
MatrixFillmore
LOUNGE
The one bar in town where the presumption is that you're straight and interested. The
smoky glass, fireplace and dangerous cocktails set a '70s key-party vibe, bringing out the
inner freak in the stockbroker/sales rep crowd. The overall effect is modern and sleek, if
