High Spirits: 3 New Cocktail Bars For Discriminating Drinkers

High Spirits: 3 New Cocktail Bars For Discriminating DrinkersPhoto: Yad L./Yelp
Hoodline
Published on December 01, 2017

It's Friday—time for a cocktail. If you're looking for a new spot to sip away the stresses of the workweek, here are three newcomers to the local cocktail game.

Scattered at points all over the city, they offer plenty of fine mixed drinks, and in a couple of cases, tasty snacks as well. Here's what's new in the San Francisco booze scene. 

Charmaine's

This bar in Mid-Market's new Proper Hotel is perched on an open-air rooftop 120 feet above Market Street—a rarity in San Francisco.

It offers unobstructed views of the city and fire pits for patrons to keep warm, along with handcrafted signature cocktails from the Bon Vivants (the folks behind Trick Dog)—try the "Express Transit," with Jameson Black Barrel whiskey, Cointreau, Earl Grey, whey, lemon, and soda.

Small plates from chef Jason Franey include sliders, kale salad, and an ice cream sandwich. 

Read more about Charmaine's >> 

Charmaine's
1100 Market St., Mid-Market
Daily, 5pm-2am

White Cap

Photo: Emily M./Yelp

Just two blocks from the beach, this new spot is the creation of neighborhood resident Matt Lopez and Carlos Yturria, who bartends at The Treasury.

The tool-themed menu of signature cocktails specializes in plays on traditional standbys, like a slushy "Monkey Wrench" with anejo rum, coconut, seaweed, and lime; and a "Screwdriver" with Volstead vodka, Tio Pepe fino sherry, and orange juice.

The small bar (it clocks in at only 500 square feet) has a hip but weathered look, with lots of concrete, reclaimed wood, and retro finishes.

Read more about White Cap >>

White Cap
3608 Taraval St., Parkside
Daily, 2pm-2am

The Snug

Photo: Andrea H./Yelp

This bright and airy new Pac Heights bar, founded by alumni of Alembic and Monk's Kettle, does both cocktails and beer, with 18 taps of local brews.

You'll also find cocktails on draft like the Dandelion & Burdock, which combines those two ingredients with gin and lemon, and the Ultima Palabra, a mezcal-based play on the Last Word that's served on nitro. The food menu is heavy on bar snacks like Korean chicken wings, lobster chips, and a burger. 

Read more about The Snug >>

The Snug
2301 Fillmore St., Pacific Heights
Tuesday-Sunday, 4-11pm