San Francisco Wednesdays

broken record

2008-12-03T23:15:00.000-08:00

Devin picked the latest SFWed:

Broken Record
1166 Geneva Ave
San Francisco, CA (excelsior map)

"This place is good. And they have food--exotic sausages!" -- Devin

I also like this review (from bar bites):
You wouldn't expect a dive bar - and we use that term very affectionately - to be the go-to spot for a wee dram of whiskey. But out in the Excelsior, Broken Record has a back bar with three shelves jam-packed with the fiery spirit. Owner Jason King says whiskey is an indulgence of his that grew into a passion. And that's no exaggeration - Broken Record's list includes more than 150 bottlings of scotch, bourbon, rye and even Japanese whiskey...

CU you ~9pm as usual.

PS This is the last SFWed of the year that I'll be hosting (Stef and I will be doing BerlinWednesday). If someone wants to host one in 2 weeks, go for it!

Bossa Nova on Wednesday! (8:30p)

2008-11-17T22:19:00.001-08:00

Hey sfwednesdayers!

Join us this coming Wednesday for

Bossa Nova
139 8th St
(between Minna St & Mission St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 558-8004
yelp review

They have food, they have drinks; What more could you want?!

Here's part of some yelper review:
Ceviche- so fresh!
mussels- best mussels ever!
nut crusted goat cheese- my favorite!
lamb and shrimp skewers- wow!
coconut rice- unbelievable!

And we ended the meal with a dessert shot (probably not necessary after all those caipirinhas) and a delicious apple dessert. So yeah, you can say we left very full, drunk, and happy.

We'll be there starting at 8:30pm!

Cheers!
h

Vino Rosso in Bernal Heights : 11/05/08

2008-11-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

Let's check out friendly bernal heights!

9pm: Vino Rosso

629 Cortland Ave

San Francisco, CA 94110 map

415-647-1268

http://www.vinorossosf.com/

The kitchen closes at 10-ish, so if you want to eat, get there before then.

from CitySearch: It's great in the sense that the owners make you feel totally welcome and spend a lot of time with you finding out your preferences, etc. before making a wine recommendation. Also, what's interesting is that, I am child-free but this place is super child friendly. The owners usually have their baby hanging out in the back and encourage the mostly neighborhood crowd to bring their own babies. Sounds wierd but it's actually pretty cool. Just like Bernal! Oh, and you can also buy any wine you imbibe to go (which is a good way to save some $$$ once you've found what you like!)

Pros: Nice to have Italian wines represented - not the typical Cal-only

Cons: It's small so it is sometimes hard to find a seat

11pm: Wild Side West

424 Cortland Ave

San Francisco CA 94110 map

one yelper says: "Loove this place! The garden in the back feels like you've stepped right into the secret garden, complete with overgrown vines, little white wrought iron benches and hidden nooks. Awesome bartenders and chill crowd. Maybe I haven't been there on a really busy night when it could potentially get rowdy, but it's been laid back the two times I've been there."

See you Wednesday at 9pm!

-H

Pink's for dancing! (Bagdad afterwards)

2008-10-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hey folks!

Wil told me his birthday wish was that we could go dancing for sfwednesdays again. Since retro is in, next Wednesday (10/22/08) we're going to repeat our last dancing night experience:

Delirium (9pm)

3139 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 552-5525

map

Pink (no sign, just a light that is pink) (10pm - that's when they open)

2925 16th St

San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 431-8889‎

map

DJ line up that night will be Groovejet (more info can be found at http://www.pinksf.com/calendar/index.php?year=2008&today=22&month=10)

we're also sure to get hungry from all that dancing, so we can swing on over later to:

Bagdad Cafe (hungry time)

2295 Market St

San Francisco, CA 94114

(415) 621-4434

map

cheers,

CU then.

Tommy's

2008-10-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

birthday salutations to Paul Youngblood!

To celebrate Paul's age and youth, join us at

Tommy's Mexican Restaurant

5929 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94121

(415) 387-4747

map

Tommy's is known for its tequila and mexican food. They close at 11 so get there as early as you can (I'll be there ~9pm) to toast the birthday boy.

Here's a yelp quote:

Of course, the margaritas are excellent. And the chips, salsa and guacamole are excellent. The atmosphere is fun and cozy, and the staff are quirky and enjoyable.

And another yelp quote:

I think that 90% of your experience of this place will consist of the tequila and being in awe that the owner (Tommy) is a world renowned figure in the tequila world.

CU at 9pm!

The dubliner - EARLY for quiz!

2008-09-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

I heard the Dubliner in Noe valley has quiz on Wednesdays.
So you're down for quiz try to show up before 8pm so we can form a team! (or Let me know before hand)

The Dubliner
3838 24th St
(between Church St & Vicksburg St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 826-2279
map

Here's a quote from Yvette M in Oakland (on yelp)

This is a recent and surprising addition to my list of favorite bars. While nothing could top Bender's for me, this place is a nice verge from the usual dive bars I visit in the Mission. The bartenders are nice but still have some sass, the jukebox isn't half bad, they have the ever entertaining erotic photo hunt and if you get hungry there's at least 3 restaurants in the neighborhood that deliver to the bar. There seems to be a steady stream of regulars, most of which will welcome you with open arms. Also, there's a smoking room with a sliding window so you can chain smoke and still get your drink on. This is also the bar at which I feel in love with Rugby, ah, bloddy, sweaty, violent Rugby, how I love thee.

See ya at ~7:45 for quiz, and after for everything else. ;)

brick

2008-09-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

Robin recommended "brick", which looks awesome

http://www.brickrestaurant.com/

Neighborhood: Nob Hill
1085 Sutter St
(at Larkin St)
San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 441-4232

map

from Alice T onyelp:

OMG! I'm not a "Chicken & Waffles" gal.....but the one I had last nite at Brick was to die for! It was great! Who can ask for anything better than their version of C&W! Nicely crisp quail-"the chicken"-and foie gras-thyme waffle! It also had a poached egg on the side sitting on huckleberry pure....but who cares! The foie gras waffle is the hit! Anyone who loves foie gras, you should definitely try this! Usually I feel guilty eating foie gras b/c it's rich to eat alone, but foie gras thrown in the waffle batter....Oh so good for you.....YUM!

Also, I had their confit buffalo wings and chvre cheesecake...definitely great additions to complete a oh so YUMMY meal!

Love the food! Decor was beautiful. Their server was great....and getting a same-day reservation with no problems.....need I say more! A+ from me.

So, I'll be at brick at 9.

Thanks!

Yield @ 9pm - come chill with Louis!

2008-08-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

This SFWednesday is Louis's birthday SFWednesday. We're going to:

Yield Wine Bar

2490 3rd St
(between 20th St & 22nd St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
map
(415) 401-8984

In case you don't already know and love it, here are some reviews:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/yield-wine-bar-san-francisco

See you at 9pm!

-H

Aub Zam Zam

2008-08-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

Come hang out with me in the Haight. Here's the details:

starting early --8pm since I have to leave early to pick up Stef at the airport (11:05 arrival)

Persian Aub Zam Zam

1633 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 861-2545

get directions

Review @ yelp:

Of all the gin joints in all the city...

Ok, so that cliche's been beaten to death already, but you have to admit Zam Zam's got some Bogart-caliber retro class (with a similar reverence for traditional cocktails), not to mention the exotic Persian design (and yes, I know Persia != Morocco, but still). In other words, the perfect bar for my tastes. So where's the 5th star? I'll dish that out on the day I actually manage to get a seat here. Because unlike Rick's sprawling Cafe Americain, AZZ is a real postage stamp of a spot. Just that big circular bar, a few tables, and the tiny, dark back room. Of course, for those lucky (or just plain early-arriving) few, the intimate size makes the experience all the more classy.

The Attic

2008-07-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Attic
3336 24TH St
San Francisco, CA 94110-3825 map
Phone: (415) 643-3376

In Short
Hanging red lanterns illuminate a path deep into the bar, opening onto a square back room (where DJs spin rock to hip-hop, Thu-Sun). This space is filled with tightly packed tables and chairs of different heights, all black and adorned with red candles and lamps. The overall effect is to shut out the famous Mission sunshine and create an always-dark, timeless feel. This place appeals to two types, both of them young and fun.

See you there ~9pm!

:D
-h

Bubble Lounge

2008-07-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

For Champagne dreams (and belated celebrations of Canada Day and Independence Day and early celebration of Bastille Day), this week we're cruzin' on over to

Bubble Lounge
714 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94111
map

so be sure to double check you have appropriate attire on...
(from City Search)

Know Before You Go

For men: No hats, tennis shoes or weathered jeans. Women can sport jeans and sandals--as long it's a "well-put-together outfit," according to staff.

What to Drink
Try a rich French Tickler martini (amaretto, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, and raspberry liqueur).

In Short
White curtains drape the wooden entrance, while champagne-themed artwork decorate the interior's exposed-brick walls. The Krug, an intimate downstairs space with white-stucco walls and low ceilings, features a second bar, additional seating and a red-felt pool table. Champagne aficionados and mixed-drink enthusiasts will find something to whet their respective palates; in addition to an extensive martini menu, more than 300 varieties of sparkling wine are available. A small-plates menu features oysters, caviar, strawberries and more champagne accompaniments.

See you ~9pm.

Its Tops Coffee Shop

2008-06-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

Hey gang!

We're headed to the intersection of Octavia & Market where Heather a sign proclaiming "1.99 Anchor Pints Wed-Sun 8pm-11pm"!

"Its Tops!" has great diner food. Here's a review:
ANCHOR PINTS for $ 1.99

05/14/2008 Posted by Jacob45

It's Tops ROCKS ! Really good HOMESTYLE BREAKFASTS And BURGERS. Did I say Burgers at @ 2:30 A.M. Yes It's Tops is OPEN 'til 3 A.M. Wed- Sat. & back up -one moment ... 8 P.M. til 11P.M. ANCHOR PINTS for $ 1.99 Whew I just love to Hip Hop in the Valencia - Mission Corridor. Thanks It's Tops ---- I'm There.

Pros: Great Place; Original S.F. DINER Don't Miss The Burgers.

Cons: parking can be tricky Watch Out For LATE NIGHT STREET SWEEPERS ZONES.

(from citysearch )

Here's another review:
SF Weekly
February 04, 2004 - Nighthawks will feel right at home at this Edward Hopper-esque diner complete with jukebox, table and counter seating...
full review

I'm not sure about the drink selections there (as it is a diner) so if people need more buzz than anchor steam or milk shakes can provide, we may relocate after a bit to Zeitgeist. Please call me: 408-480-1933. :D

Cheers cheers,
-Helena

2008-06-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

Hey folks!

Paul's visiting so we're going to his requested:
Latin American Club!
3286 22ND St
San Francisco, CA 94110-3033 map
Phone: (415) 647-2732

The Scene
This is not a club, nor is it filled with Latin Americans. It's a simple space--a large, rectangular room with a wood bar and places to sit. It's filled with 1950s-era Formica and chrome tables and a popular front pool table. The back wall is decorated with kitsch collections like cuckoo clocks, mailboxes and piñatas, but most of this high-ceilinged space is unadorned.

The Draw
The lack of context doesn't deter indie-rock hipsters from gathering here in groups. The crowd comes and goes throughout the night, so it is possible to land table seating. The few singles--this is no pickup scene--can stick it out at the barstools, while lucky couples may be able to score one of the coveted front booths that offer prime people-watching on busy 22nd Street.

citysearch review

See you there ~9pm.

Cheers!
Helena

Lone Palm with Sachin!

2008-05-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks!

Come on out to Lone Palm to help Sachin celebrate his last few days at Apple...

Lone Palm
3394 22nd St
(between Guerrero St & San Jose Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 648-0109

map

yelp reviews
Here's my favorite snippet:
"The Lone Palm is classy, in a cougar wearing faux fur and smoking a Virginia Slim kind of way. It's dark and seductive, borderline skeevy, but not like, douche-bag skeevy. More like, swinger skeevy..."

yeah, I know, it makes me want to check it out too... come on down!

(9-ish as usual)
-Helena

Alambic

2008-05-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hey friends!

This week we go to the alambic bar:
The Alembic
1725 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117 (Map)
http://www.alembicbar.com/

Parking
Finding a meter on Haight can be hit-or-miss, but there's also a pay lot at Kezar Stadium (on Stanyan, south of Haight Street).
What to Drink
Enjoy tap beers made down the street at Magnolia or a Rob Roy and other classic cocktails.

citysearch reviews
yelp reviews

cheers! see you ~ 9pm

-Helena

ReToX

2008-04-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hey gang!

To celebrate the end of April, this Wed we're going to
Retox Lounge
628 20th St,
San Francisco, CA 94107 map

It looks neat, it is near my home, and I've never been.

yelp review snippet:
"Retox consists of a very comfortable, friendly bar on the ground floor and a small subterranean music venue (downstairs, of course). The music room has a retro anarchist punk vibe to it (a la Club Foot etc in the 80s), with band stickers/graffiti all over and, literally, part of the interior of an airplane which gives you the feeling of being on a doomed night flight. Very cool."

CU there ~9 as usual!
-Helena

homestead

2008-04-07T22:08:00.000-07:00

Hey folks!

9pm on Wednesday:
Homestead
2301 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 282-4663
map

We're going unpretentiously 'old school', near as I can figure, from the reviews on yelp:

"i cant tell you the size of the smile that rings out across my face when the bartender serves me a nice whiskey & ginger with the sweetest, juiciest, blood orange floating inside. bliss is an understatement. despite the fact that i wish they had a stealth mode that would black out the windows...i cant deny the fact that i've come to enjoy this spot a great deal. oh and you get to throw peanuts on the floor. you cant beat that with a bat." –hollie m on yelp

CU soon!
-Helena

Gold Cane Cocktail Lounge @ 9PM

2008-03-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Gold Cane Cocktail Lounge
1569 Haight St.
(between Ashbury St & Clayton St)
San Francisco, CA 95117
(415) 626-1112

Map

Gold Cane is a dive bar with $4 call drinks and $3 well drinks... how could this be wrong!? There isn't any food and they only take CASH, so come prepared.

Hope to see you there!

Heather

Dalva

2008-03-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

Dalva
4 star ratingbased on 194 reviews
Neighborhood: The Mission
3121 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110 map

(415) 252-7740

http://www.yelp.com/biz/dalva-san-francisco

here's a couple snippets:
Situated in the popular Valencia & 16th area, it was a nice little spot to stop by and have a drink. Lovely wall with a list of drinks to choose from...My friend & I were definitely amused by the drink names cut out in pieces of paper & taped to the board, nice touch! A good selection of beers, mixed drinks, & sangria! We were saved by indulging in some Sierra Nevada!

Dalva would be a worthy drinking hole even if options were not limited. It's hipster without trying too hard; divey without being depressing; and the drinks are served up by a friendly, extremely competent bartender.

Seee you there ~9...

-h

Rye @ 9.30

2008-02-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

688 Geary Street
(between Jones St & Leavenworth St)
San Francisco, CA 94102 Map
(415) 474-4448

According to yelp review:
"I appreciate bars and fresh juice in my drink, and this is one of the bars. The bar counter is fairly small, but lots of seating areas and there is an outside smoking section. Free pool table is available too!"

Specialty: Basil gimlet

Note time is a little later than usual...
See you there!

Noc Noc

2008-01-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

557 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117-3406
Phone: (415) 861-5811
public transit links

In Short
There is no other bar quite like this in San Francisco. There's no hard alcohol (or dance floor), but beneath metal-panel ceilings, the lit-up bar area features stiff, wavy chairs, 16 draft beers and a fridge full of specialty bottles like La Fin du Monde. It's the type of place every barhopper should check out at least once, or become a regular and play backgammon with the barkeep on slower nights.

Looking forward to seeing you ~9pm. Be there or be square

luna park -- please RSVP

2008-01-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

Hey gang!
While walking through the mission, Heather and I were struck by how we've never gone to Luna Park for an SFWednesday. So now we're doing it! Dinner there is served through 10.30 with the last reservation being 8:45 so I'm booking it! Please let me know if you can come so we can make sure to have enough space for all.

Nappy Yew Hear Dinner at 8:45pm at
Luna Park
694 Valencia Street (at 18th)
San Francisco, CA, 94110

Please RSVP

Reviews:
SF Chronicle
Chronicle Restaurant Review
Gayot
Food Rating: 14/20
Read Full Review
7x7
Read Full Review
AOL CityGuide
View ratings and see what's nearby
Zagat
Read Member Reviews

Travel:
Driving directions
Parking Details: There are three parking lots within a two block radius (16th btw. Valencia & Mission; 21st btw. Valencia & Mission; Mission btw. 19th & 20th

MUNI Possibilities
14/47/49: Get off on Mission at 16th. Walk west 1 block to Valencia, south 2 blocks to 18th.
22: Get off on 16th at Valencia. Walk south 2 blocks to 18th.
26: Get off on Valencia & 18th.
33: Get off on 18th and Valencia.
J Church: Get off on Church at 18th. Walk east 3 blocks to Valencia.

BART Instructions
Exit 16th Street stop.
Proceed west 1 block on 16th to Valencia.
Proceed south 2 blocks to 18th Street.

Hotel Utah, 9pm

2007-12-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

Hello hello!

What one room hotel is a little funky, lives in SOMA, and has great fries?

Hotel Utah!
500 4th Street
(between Bryant St & Harrison St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Map/Directions

We will be there ~9pm.

There's a $6 cover at 9pm for the show:
The JJ Schultz Band
The Heartache Valley Girls
The Fancy Dan Band

a quote from a "Brad S" yelper:
The Hotel Utah has been around for thousands of years. Or a hundred, actually. Yeah, that's better. The bar and woodwork in the place is incredible. It's changed hands a bunch, and the gentrification of SOMA has threatened its future more than once in recent years. However, the Utah continues on.

It's a great, intimate music venue. When a high-energy band packs it out, there are few places in the city more fun to rock out. It hosts an epic open mic night every Monday. The bartenders are very friendly. Drinks are pretty cheap. And the burgers are damn good, as well.

CU there!
Helena

Yield Wine Bar

2007-11-28T16:21:00.000-08:00

Hey folks!

Tomorrow, since I couldn't get my act together today and I wanted to send out this email pronto,

we're going to an old sfwednesdays favorite:

Yield Wine Bar
2490 Third St (Cross Street: 22nd Street)
San Francisco, CA 94107 View Map
(415) 401-8984
www.yieldsf.com

Editorial Description
Up-and-coming Dogpatch neighborhood's sleek two-room bar features sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines from around the world.

They also have flatbread pizzas and cheeses so for those of you who eat late, no worries!

See you at 9!

-Helena

PS transit folks, this is near the Caltrain stop at 22nd street and near the 22 Muni and T/3rd street line.

frjtz and gestalt Haus

2007-11-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

Hey gang!

Next Wednesday, to celebrate Paul visiting, and Stef being back stateside, we're checking out frjtz on Valencia (sadly the Hayes one closed and is in the process of moving next door to the old location). When they close at 10 (who closes then!?!) we'll kick it around the corner to Gestalt Haus.

Frjtz (closes at 10!)
590 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110 map
Phone: (415) 863-8272
yelp review
citysearch review

Gestalt Haus
3159 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94110 map
Phone: (415) 560-0137
yelp review
citysearch review

CU Wed ~9pm!
h