Bourbon & Branch

Located behind an unmarked black door, Bourbon & Branch, SF's first reservation-only bar, sits atop a 1920s speakeasy—bullet holes, secret exits and all. Don't be turned off by the list of house rules that arrives with your email confirmation: The place can be surprisingly unpretentious, and the menu lays out some 50 cocktails. Need a suggestion? Co-owner Doug Dalton, who's also a partner at Swig and Anú, likes the Revolver, made with Bulleit bourbon. "A hint of Tia Maria gives it a wonderful, hearty flavor without diluting the bourbon," he says. Good thing, because we don't like our Bourbon (& Branch) watered down.