The Ultimate Lounge/Bar Crawl
Details
Join me for one of the most extensive and amazing 'pub crawls' EVER! We'll end the crawl at a pub but most of the stops will be classy and fun drink spots located all over downtown San Francisco. Each spot has built a successful reputation around their specialty cocktails and lively ambiances. This is a great opportunity to learn about some amazing drink locations and meet some new awesome people.
The walk alone is 2.6mi and should take approximately one hour. We're going to be visiting a total of 11 different locations. I'm planning on spending anywhere from 10-30 minutes in each location depending on if we're just checking it out or grabbing a drink.
It's important to note that most of these locations have specialty cocktails that range anywhere from $10-$14 a drink.
Dress Code: Please dress appropriately... While we will be walking a TON, the spots we'll be visiting are classy and nice spots. Please wear comfortable and dressy attire. (don't forget to dress warm as it will get cold by the end of the walk!)
Parking: We're going to be ending the crawl (and I'm pretty sure we WILL be crawling by that point) right down the street from Unicorn. If you can find parking around Unicorn that'd be ideal but there are parking restrictions on the streets in that area. Please respect the signs and use ParkMe.com (http://www.parkme.com) if you want to find surrounding parking options. Otherwise I'd recommend taking the BART or Muni.
Tentative Schedule
*5:00-6:00pm: Drinks and networking at Unicorn
6:00-6:30pm: Check out the Rickhouse on our way to Local Edition
*6:30-7:00pm: Grab a drink at Local Edition
7:00-7:30pm: Check out The View, The Redwood Room, & Swig on our way to Bourbon & Branch
*7:30-8:00pm: Grab a drink at Bourbon & Branch
8:00-8:45pm: Check out 620 Jones & Tunnel Top Bar on our way to the Tonga Room
*8:45-9:15pm: Grab a drink at Tonga Room
Some people may run up to Top of the Mark (http://www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com/top-of-the-mark.aspx) at this point!
*9:15-10:00pm: Walk to and grab drinks and dinner at Irish Times
Unicorn (http://www.unicorndining.com): Unicorn is a popular happy hour destination located in the heart of the Financial Dist. The happy hour includes getting your second drink for $1 (must be same drink and purchased at same time).
Rickhouse (http://www.rickhousebar.com/): Rickhouse is a well known whiskey bar that features a dark and 'woody' environment! Their hand crafted cocktails are unique and enjoyed by people from all over the city.
"The objective at Rickhouse is to provide you, our guest, with a superior beverage experience. Whether you are interested in artisanal cocktails, fine spirits, local beers or boutique California wines, we strive to provide a precious and peculiar selection for your exploration and enjoyment."
Local Edition (http://localeditionsf.com/): "Beneath Market St., in the depths of the historical Hearst building lies the subterranean cocktail bar known as Local Edition. Inspired by the newspaper business of the 50’s and 60’s, you will find a sophisticated décor juxtaposed by vintage paper presses and clippings from the archives of San Francisco’s past."
The View (http://www.sfviewlounge.com/restaurant/hotels/hotel-information/travel/sfodt-view-san-francisco-marriott-marquis/): "Unwind with cocktails and small plates while enjoying a spectacular view of downtown San Francisco at our bar and restaurant near the Moscone Center on the 39th story of the San Francisco Marriott Marquis."
http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/12/15/00/2674701/6/628x471.jpg
The Redwood Room (http://www.yelp.com/biz/redwood-room-san-francisco): The Redwood Room is very nice and dim lit bar that is located inside of the Clift Hotel. It attracts an older crowd and tends to have many travelers inside.
Swig (http://www.swigbar.com/): "Located just off Union Square in the heart of San Francisco, Swig is the City's quintessential modern classic bar. Its contemporary decor presents an inviting, vibrant space, complemented by a serious collection of the finest spirits and libations, perfectly served by a professional, energetic and knowledgeable crew. Great music is central to the Swig experience, making it quite the perfect place to blend in."
Bourbon & Branch (http://www.bourbonandbranch.com/?caseid=main): "Bourbon & Branch is a glimpse back on the 1920's and the era of Prohibition when the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverage was outlawed. You'll experience the ambiance of that time in an actual speakeasy that operated illegally at this location from 1921 to 1933."
620 Jones (http://620-jones.com/): "The perfect place to gather for a night of drinks, incredible food and great music under the stars… or even a blanket of fog while you bask in the glow of our heated terrace, Jones will keep you up all night and invite you back for the best Sunday brunch in San Francisco."
Tunnel Top Bar (https://plus.google.com/110404143535682593246/about?gl=us&hl=en): This is a fun bar that is two stories and rather hidden along Bush St.
Tonga Room (http://www.tongaroom.com/): "The Tonga Room has delighted guests with its tropical décor, decadent libations and Asian cuisine since 1945."
Irish Times (http://www.sfirishtimes.com/): The Irish Times is another fun bar located in the heart of the FiDi. It provides a lively and young environment and always provides an exiting experience.
Learn about other drink spots in a recent blog article I wrote HERE (http://howaboutadatesf.blogspot.com/2013/08/fun-drink-locations-in-san-francisco.html).
Bring your A-Game and I'll see you soon! (Some things still tentative to change)
-Arthur G. Bahr
The Ultimate Lounge/Bar Crawl