#2058 - Johnny Foley's Irish House, San Francisco - 2/23/2013

I don't know if there are two words in the English language that could make me less enthusiastic about a bar than "dueling pianos." Thankfully, we were spared that this evening, and the cover bands as well, and left to have a peaceful cocktail in this paradigmatic Irish pub setting.


243 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102 - (415) 954-0777
Est. 1998
Web site: johnnyfoleys.com
Reviews: link - examiner - blackbookmag - sanfranciscotravel - yelp

#2057 - John's Grill, San Francisco - 2/23/2013

John's Grill is a classic old (105 years) steakhouse and, as the signage, menus, glasses, and decor are continually reminding you, was a haunt of Dashiell Hammett and a setting for "The Maltese Falcon." Indeed, a copy of prop from the Bogart movie was obtained by the owner, stolen from the restaurant, and then replaced by a copy of the copy (of the copy). You know what you're getting at John's -- essentially what you would get in any good, old-fashioned, formal steakhouse -- and the staff are friendly and efficient. I also has a pleasant time chatting with Carla, whom I met at the bar, and it did indeed rather seem like Sam Spade could have slipped onto an adjacent barstool at any time.

63 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102 - (415) 986-3274             
Est. 1908
Web site: johnsgrill.com (sound) - facebook
Reviews: expatgourmand - sfweekly - eater - sanfrancisco.com - urbanspoon - yelp

#2056 - Tempest, San Francisco - 2/23/2013

I saw many references to what a dive the Tempest is, but it's the sort of dive that has fairly deftly executed artwork -- not the sort of old stuff that could have come from Goodwill -- and the old regulars appear to bike messengers. It also serves food that seems pretty un-dive-like; e.g. they serve corndogs, but they're jalapeno corndogs with aioli. I dropped by in the middle of a sunny afternoon, which may have made in seem all the less divey, and it seems like the new owners may have modernized a bit since acquiring it in 2010.

In any case, it's still a cool bar and somewhat hidden in a somewhat divey part of town.

431 Natoma St, San Francisco, CA 94103 - (415) 495-1863
Est. 1991
Web site: facebook
Best reviews: sfgate - spottedbylocals - unlike - yelp - do415 - toiletsoftheworld

#2055 - Farmerbrown, San Francisco - 2/23/2013

"farmerbrown is about supporting local and african-american farmers, using organic, biodynamic, and/or sustainably raised foods, and beverages whenever possible." -- farmerbrownsf.com

"'Soul food as interpreted for SF hipsters" -- Zagat commenter

Those two comments pretty much capture the place. It's a nice stop for brunch, and the cocktails, while not delicately crafted, create some interesting spins with juices.

25 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102 - (415) 409-3276
Est. June 2006
Web site: farmerbrownsf.com
Reviews:  sfgate - sfweekly - chowhound - gayot - yelp

#2054 - Summer Place, San Francisco - 2/22/2013

A pleasant little dive just above the Tenderloin decorated with a jangle of miscellaneous items that seem to represent every theme except Summer. This includes a fireplace, where apparently you can sit and smoke for some reason.

801 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108 - (415) 441-2263
Reviews: examiner -  everybarinsf - sfsu - yelp - tripadvisor

#2053 - Rye, San Francisco - 2/22/2013

Good cocktails.

688 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102 - (415) 474-4448
Web site: www.ryesf.com - facebook
Reviews: sfbe - diffords - rebeccawilkowski - yelp - tripadvisor

#2052 - Swig, San Francisco - 2/22/2013

A pretty bar with pretty people and good cocktails (it's run by the owners of Bourbon & Branch and Rickhouse) -- and crowded on weekend nights like this one.

561 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102 - (415) 931-7292
Web site: swigbar.com