le blog de tranny

I’m coming off a weekend where I worked over 20 hours, so this just seemed like an appropriate post to make. Yes we all know what it feels like to be in our mid-20s, nostalgic for college, adjusting to the cruel relentless grind of the work week (and weekend, if we’re lucky). Obviously, since I have lived in Lower Haight and now Lower Mission, only bars in and around this locale made my list because I only dare blog what I know.

(1) Bloodhound

(Photo: www.bloodhoundsf.com)
We first discovered Bloodhound because Caro used to operate Chairman Bao while it was parked outside of it on Wednesdays. Not only is it beautifully designed, but the drinks are classy (I usually get the Recoil or one of the gin cocktails off the menu), the bartenders are legit, and it’s in SOMA, which is cool. (I still maintain that I will buy myself a hip SOMA loft in this lifetime.)

(2) Churchill

(Photo: Haigheration)
Yes, clearly I am a fan of what Darin and Dylan (of both Bloodhound and Churchill) have going on. This city just needs more lively, interesting spaces with bartenders who know what they’re doing. Churchill, like Bloodhound, attracts a pretty mixed crowd. I’d say that Bloodhound can have more of a FiDi or brostep-y feel, whereas Churchill is a pretty solid mix of young WASPS, hot messes and food-centric asians. One thing to note (which has not always ended well for us) is that the cocktails here are really strong. All it takes is two for Jane and me (and maybe three for Caro) to be completely shitfaced (and two is usually all I can handle). Talk about bang for your buck! Did I mention that there’s a pool table? It also helps that Churchill is a five minute walk from my house .

(3) Nopa

(Photo: Eater SF)
Gah! Perhaps the *only* reason that I miss my old neighborhood is that I was three blocks from Nopa. Whether I’m drinking a Cocchi Cup at dinner or a Ramos Gin Fizz at brunch, Nopa has and always will be one of my favorites. The staff (who we’ve gotten to know a little too well) there are super cool and it also doesn’t hurt that the food is impeccable, not to mention well-priced. I mean I know Nopa is more of a resto with a bar than a bar that serves food but it still deserves props for having an innovative, stand-alone cocktail menu.

(4) Phonebooth

(Photo: SF Weekly)
You didn’t think I was all about fancy shmancy joints did you? Believe it or not, this girl can appreciate a good dive, and when it comes to SF dives (of which there are many), this one tops my list. Maybe it’s the deliciously cheap and strong gin greyhounds. Maybe it’s all the hipsters smoking inside (no, probably not them). Maybe it’s the Depeche Mode or other catchy post-punk (I don’t know shit about musical genres) that always comes on at full volume as I’m reaching the peak of my drunkenness, I don’t know. I’ve never had a bad time there. And I never feel bad about losing my shit a little while I’m there because it’s so dark inside.

(5) Zeitgeist

(Photo: Grubstreet SF)
What could be better than Zeitgeist? They’re known for their Bloody Marys (one of my favorite beverages, at all hours of the day), you can get a pitcher for like 7 bucks, they serve tasty burgers and sausages, and they are one of few bars around here with (ample) outdoor seating. Also, I can literally see Zeitgeist from my house. If I lived across the street from Thee Parkside I’m sure I would feel equally or more passionately about it, but I don’t.