10 cool new San Francisco Bars

When you’re off work, it’s time to relax. Sure, you could just head home and catch up on your Netflix, but sometimes you need to get out and have a drink. The catch is that you’re trying to let loose, not spend a bunch of time doing research. Luckily for you, you've a friend called MetroWize! We’ve compiled a list of 10 new bars in San Francisco that are worth a whirl. Just sit back, give us five minutes, and you’ll be ready to cab it out to a new spot of your choice.

Ambassador 673 Geary St - Tender Nob
This spot is situated in the Tender Nob just across from the also-recently-opened bar Rye. Ambassador is run by the guys from Vintage 415, so you know things are going to be about quality. The feel is very clean and modern, but it gives a nod to the recently revived speakeasy aesthetic. Each table has it’s own closed-network phone, and the room centers around a custom made chandelier. On your way to the quasi-private mezzanine level you can pick up a perfectly poured drink from the bar.

Amelie 1754 Polk St - Nob Hill
Nob Hill is lucky to feature Amelie, no not the movie, the wine bar. While there are other types of alcohol available, the focus is definitely the vino. There is also food available, but specifically small things that go with the general theme. So, if you’re looking for a Mission style burrito to fill you to your neck, you may want to go elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a good red and a small portion of charcuterie, then this is your place.

Bourbon & Branch, 501 Jones St - Tenderloin
I would have never imagined saying this, but the Tenderloin seems to be doing something right these days. Between Bourbon & Branch, Ambassador, and Rye, things seem to be popping off a bit. The set-up and décor is true to San Francisco’s new obsession with speakeasies, but this place does it right. I mean, maybe it’s the little kid in me, but the fact that they have a library shelf that pushes back and opens into a secret room just kills me. As far as price, it’s not cheap, but sometimes you’ve just got to do it.

District, 216 Townsend Street - SOMA
You’ve just seen a baseball game, you’ve “invested” $50 in hot dogs and beer, and now you’re read to rejoin civilized society. How? You’re getting a drink. Fortunately for you, District is on your way home and they’ve got plenty of wine, and much better food than the ballpark. For instance, you may want the hamachi tartare, or perhaps the arugula hand rolls with goat cheese and balsamic fig jam. This is a place for adventurers and locals alike.

Double Dutch, 3192 16th St - Mission
Speaking of people or groups that just can’t seem to do the wrong thing, the Vintage 415 guys are the brains behind this one as well. The décor is a celebration of everything old school hip-hop, and it works well. There are b-boy pics and boomboxes on the wall, and even a nice little courtyard area in the back. The drinks are nice and strong, the music is good, and it’s really not far enough in the Mission to dissuade you from going.

Harlot, 46 Minna Street - SOMA
Okay, so it is another San Francisco bar that’s going for that Manhattan look, but that’s only a bad thing when it doesn’t work. Good news for Harlot: it works. While most of those places just end up looking like someone put stucco over a bunch of plywood, Harlot seems to have higher standards. The interior and exterior are both very angular, the inside has a lounge in all white, and the tabletops feature images of, well, harlots. It’s modern and clean without being faceless.

Icon, 1192 Folsom St - SOMA
While it’s true that a guest list is supposed to be exclusive, everyone wants to feel like a VIP once in a while. That’s why the newly remodeled and newly named Icon has the option to register online before you arrive, so you don’t have to pay. Gimmick? Sure, but it’s a good way to pack the place out. Young professionals seeking hip-hop and pop, in an intimate and swanky environment, look no further.

Retox, 628 20th Street -Dogpatch
These days it seems that everyone is talking about something or the other in the Dogpatch. If you don’t know the neighborhood, you should take a peek. Well, Retox is your excuse to explore, and it’s a good one. Take the new T Line Muni or take advantage of the copious amounts of parking (an SF rarity), then grab a drink and hit the dance floor. The music ranges from Britpop to ‘80s, and Retox is suitable for both explorers and locals.

Rye, 688 Geary Street - Tender Nob
Directly across from the Ambassador is Rye, and you should know both (Read above for the former). This place is the embodiment of crisp modern design, but with a warmer than usual color palette. So you can be both hip and comfy. There is a pool table in the back, and a smoker’s lounge out front. While Rye is definitely recommended, you’d be better of going on a weeknight, because this place gets seriously packed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Vessel, 85 Campton Pl. - Downtown
I’m not sure what it means when any spot describes itself as a “luxury boutique lounge,” but that’s neither here nor there. Vessel is a nicely packaged attempt to have a modern, minimal lounge in an area without many good places. There’s the Tender Nob to your left and North Beach above, but when was the last time that Union Square was your late night destination? This place is looking to change that with reserve bottle service that includes saving any portion of your bottle left untouched. Take that, add a little class, and it all works.

Did I miss something? Been to any of these places and have something to say about it? Let me know.

Cheers!

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