Hidden Places - Nile Cafe

In keeping with my theme of great hidden places that few people know about, I have to include Nile Café. It’s kind of a little hole in the wall and kind of blends in with the myriad of other cafes and restaurants in the area, but trust me, this one is special.
Nile Cafe
544 Jones St.
415 409-1000
Nilesf.com


I mentioned this place a while back in my Places to go for Drunk Food article but a mere mention does not do it justice. This place doesn't have amazing food or a huge drink selection, rowdy crowd or banging music. What it does have is hookah, amazing tea (they won’t tell you what kind though, it’s their “secret recipe”) and lotsa pillows to lounge on.

On the nights when I want to go out, but I just don’t want to fight the bar crowd, this is where I come. It’s my little oasis. The owner is friendly, and remembers you if you come more than once. And you’ve gotta love the old men sitting around outside smokin’ it up (and drinking it up – even though this place doesn’t have a liquor license).

This is how they describe the place on their site:
"Nile Cafe is San Francisco’s latest, greatest little gem - leading the re-vitalization of the TrendyLoin! Nile is in the heart of The City, and blocks away from some of SF’s hottest night spots. It’s the perfect stop to pre-party with some high energy Espresso or Turkish Coffee, wind down the night with our smoothly blended hookah flavors, or escape the crowds and relax with friends in a hip, comfy place with delicious food, drink, and smoke!"

The Jasmine and Vanilla hookahs are my favorite, and I always get the tea. Now let me clarify, if you’ve never had a hookah, it’s not what you might think. You don’t get high, and it doesn’t taste like a cigarette – although it is technically tobacco. It’s lighter and sweeter and you don’t have to truly inhale to get the best taste, but you can if you want.

**some other hidden hookah joints worth checking out**
Kan Zaman Café
1793 Haight St.
415 751-9656

Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant (this one has belly dancing!)
419 O’Farrell
415 776-6717
marrakechsf.com

Hidden Places is brought to you by MetroWize city expert - Alexis J.
Other articles by Alexis
Hidden Places - Hidden Vine Winery
10 places to get your late night food fix



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Reno 911 Miami at the Independent

Reno 911: Miami is a lot like the Comedy Central series, but raunchier. It's a cluster of f-bombs, ass jokes, and stupid humor, wrapped up into a low budget movie. This would be the perfect movie to go see with your friends or a date while having a few drinks. There are four or five times where I laughed so hard I almost cried, so if you're feeling a little less than intellectual, I'd head down to the 8Pm free show tonight at the Independent. There's a two drink minimum, but it's not enforced really. It's best to see this movie with a little buzz anyway. Show up about 7:45 to grab a seat. Check on the Monday movie listings every week on the Independent's website.





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San Francisco Fireworks and 4th of July partying

If you're in San Francisco on the 4th of July, you should go check out the fireworks in the San Francisco Bay. Ideally, you'll want mooch off one of your friends that lives in Russion Hill or somewhere overlooking the water because drinknig a martini and eating your friends food is better than standing on outside with a bunch of strangers. In fact, you may want to call or IM that person on Monday morning if you haven't talked to them in a while. That way, it won't look like you're just using them for their place when you call them agiain on Wednesday. The evening of the 4th, go down to wherever you're going to watch really early. There's no parking for miles around. If you want to make an afternoon of it, here are some of the posted bands and things to do before hand.

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO’S FOURTH OF JULY WATERFRONT CELEBRATION

Head down to Fisherman's Wharf for The City of San Francisco's Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration. At Aquatic Park, there will be entertainment for the entire family with live DJ Shon at 2:00 p.m., followed by Wonder Bread 5 and Notorious. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. The 21-minute show will be launched from the foot of MUNI Pier and off a barge to the north of PIER 39. As in years past, Municipal Pier, located at the foot of Van Ness Avenue, will be closed to the public on the Fourth of July. The closure will be from 7:00 a.m. until midnight that evening. No illegal fireworks or barbecues are permitted in Aquatic Park. Boats will not be allowed to enter into Aquatic Park lagoon between 1:00 pm and 11:00 pm on July 4. Public transportation is strongly recommended.

Location: Entertainment will take place at Aquatic Park; Fireworks will take place off the foot of MUNI Pier and a barge just north of PIER 39

THE CANNERY’S FOURTH OF JULY FAMILY FESTIVAL

Come and celebrate Independence Day, July 4th, at THE CANNERY’s Family Festival. There will be face painting to entertain the children, live musical performances featuring local artists playing classic American hits plus delectable food offerings by THE CANNERY’s fine selection of restaurants and cafes. The festivities begin at 11:00 am at the Courtyard Stage at THE CANNERY. Face painting will be available from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Live music entertainment will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm.

Location: THE CANNERY, 2801 Leavenworth Street, at the foot of Columbus Street

GREAT FIREWORKS VIEWS AT THE BUENA VISTA

The Buena Vista is a great spot to take in the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks, as you warm up to a cup of Irish Coffee. Don't miss these priceless views!

Location: 2765 Hyde Street at Beach Street

As for what to do after the fireworks, go to the MetroWize Events Page to find out more. For my time, the place to be is 111 Minna for a late night Qool party.

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Where to stay in SF - Phoenix Hotel

When you are looking for a unique place to stay in San Francisco, there is no place more unique than the Phoenix Hotel. The Phoenix Hotel defies conventional wisdom in a lot of ways. It’s one of best hotels in the city, but it doesn’t have most of the things a person looks for in a great hotel. It's located at the outer edge of the Tenderloin (sometimes referred to as the TenderKnob) which means it can be a bit on the sketch side, the rooms, they’re kind of like a fancy motel and the location, in terms of proximity, is not that great either to be perfectly honest.

The Phoenix makes up for all these shortcomings however, with the parties and the atmosphere surrounding the hotel. The adjoining, super hip, Bambuddha Lounge Bar and Restaurant, the Sunday pool parties, and the eclectic artistic vibe seen throughout in the sculptures and style of the property are why people stay here. This is a young persons hotel, for the tourist that will take a little sketchy to get a little edgy. Check the calendar before you book. You might wake up Sunday to fire dancers, D:Fuse banging on the drums and hundreds of guys and girls partying at the pool outside your hotel room. For some, that’s a horrible thought, for others, that’s paradise. If you know MetroWize, then you know what we think. It’s high on our list.

Phoenix Hotel: 601 Eddy Street, San Francisco

Neighborhood: Tenderloin

Avg. nightly Price: $100-$175 Check Today's Price

MW Recommendation: 5 of 5

Summary: Funky-cool place, great space if you know what you're in for. Check out the bar/restaurant and check their calendar for events while you're there.

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10 places to get your late night food fix in SF

Don’t lie. You know what I’m talking about. It’s Friday night, you’ve had a little too much to drink and all of the sudden, onion rings, milkshakes and Denver omlettes start sounding really good to you. You know the food – the stuff you usually don’t eat. Or maybe you usually do eat it, but for whatever reason, now you just have to have it. Well, look no further, here are 10 places to get your late night drunk food fix from one of our newest contributors Alexis.

1. Crepes a Go-Go (SOMA) 350 11th St

Fortunately, they have several locations all over the city, but the one I’m talking about is THE BEST one to go to – especially after a night out drinking in that weird sketchy area they call SOMA, but it’s really the Mission or something else altogether. No matter what “they” call the neighborhood, I call it dodgy. Anyway, this particular location is more of a roach coach, right next door to Butter, which I’ll get to in a minute. Yummy Nutella goodness and warm gooey crepes equal drunken bliss.

2. Butter (SOMA) 354 11th Street

This is a bar with some of the best drunk food ever. Designed to scarily and accurately resemble the trailer parks we’ve all known and love, this place serves up heart-stopping American fare with the best of ‘em. Tater tots. Onion rings. DEEP FRIED TWINKIES!!! What’s not to love?

3. Lori’s Diner (Union Square) 149 Powell Street

These are all over the city and can be kind of a tourist trap during the day, but they serve up good ol’ Denny’s-type fare like you used to feast on during college drinking binges. Ah, memories.

4. Nile Café (Tenderloin) 544 Jones Street

Ok, Ok, this doesn’t have much in the way of FOOD, but who needs food when you have hookah? Nile Café is a great hole-in-the-wall place, with great owners who will stay open as late as you’re there. But it’s only because they’re smokin’ it up, too.

5. King of Thai Noodle (SOMA) 55 5th Street

Beware, this place is only open until 1 am, so you won’t be able to shut down the bar and go here. But if you want to start nursing your self back to health before the hangover, this is a good place to start. Yummy, slurpee, noodly Thai.

6. Nizario’s Pizza (Castro) 4077 18th Street

When it comes to late night pizza, there are a number of options out there but the hands down winner is Nizarrio’s in the Castro. Fresh toppings and interesting combos are part of it of course, but the real deal sealer is the crowd that goes there. The post bar time crowd is as comical as they are hungry and you are bound to get in a ridiculus conversation with some other drunkard. This is a proper joint for grabbing that late night slice before you go pass out in a stupor.

7. El Farolito Taqueria (Mission) 2777 Mission Street

Nothing says drunk like a late night burrito or quesadilla, and no one does them better past 2 am than the boys in the heart of the Mission at El Farolito. If you are looking for cheese and grease to sop the alcohol in your stomach, go for the super quesadilla suiza. If you are feeling adventurous in your intoxicated state of mind you can order things like tongue, brain or lips – I recommend the tongue. You may regret it in the morning but it makes for funny stories.

8. Sparky’s (Church) 242 Church Street

Late night diners come in all forms. Sparky’s is the local favorite of Castro and Delores Park dwellers. Open 24 hours a day, Sparky’s has a 50’s décor and jukebox and serves up things like malts, chili cheese fries and grilled ham and cheese to a rowdy and packed crowd. If you go at 2am, be prepared to wait a while for your seat because this place gets going right when the booze stops flowing.

9. GrubSteak (Nob Hill) 1525 Pine Street

GrubSteak, located in the neighborhood often referred to as the TenderNob, has been around for ever and there is a reason… Actual good food, anytime of day. Drunk or not, you need to hit this place up sometime when you are hungry. They stay open until 4am and the food is actually all that much better when you have your stomach coated with beer, vodka, jack or whatever your drink of choice happens to be. Diner style food done right. You’ll know you found it when you see the street car that is it’s home.

10. Naan N curry (Tenderloin) 336 O'Farrell Street

Indian food at 2am? God damn right! Naan N Curry serves up the goods 24/7 at this particular location and the 2 am drunk crowd sops up the curry and spinach night after night. If you are looking to jump off the deep end, get some lamb vindaloo and have them make it Indian Spicy… you may not remember why your throat is still burning in the morning, but you will love every drunken bite while there.

Got ideas for other great late night spots? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.

Alexis is a local SF writer and nightlife expert. You can read more of her rants, reviews and musings on her blog stella6.com.

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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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