The Weeknighter: The Homestead

Photo via p200eric on Flickr.com

Weekends are for amateurs. Weeknights are for pros. That's why each week Stuart Schuffman will be exploring a different San Francisco bar, giving you the lowdown on how and where to do your weeknight right. From the most creative cocktails to the best happy hours, Stuart's taking you along on his weeknight adventures into the heart of the City's nightlife. So, who wants a drink?

I had just moved back to San Francisco after a year in that far and distant land called Brooklyn. In my absence, my friend Mike had discovered The Homestead and he wanted to take me there. As we approached the place I’d previously known as Dylan’s, a guy walked out the front door, looked at me and said, “Hey you’re Broke-Ass Stuart.” He then turned to his girlfriend and said, “He looks exactly like he does on the cover of his book.” I peered down and realized, much to my chagrin, that I was indeed dressed exactly as I was on the cover of my recently published New York City book. It was my first of many embarrassing experiences at The Homestead, plenty of which I’m sure have yet to happen. It was also my introduction to the bar that, until my recent move, was my go-to local watering hole for celebrations, drowning my sorrows, and baskets of peanuts.

Yes, baskets of peanuts. They cost only $1 and are as abundant at The Homestead as guys with mustaches, girls with granny glasses, and perfectly chosen songs on the jukebox. And the best part is you get to throw them on the ground! As eco-conscious, litterbug-hating San Franciscans, there’s something thrilling and almost atavistic about being expected to throw your refuse on the ground. It’s a little rush I always revel in.

The rest of that first night at The Homestead was either uneventful or really boozy, because I don’t remember much else about it. I’m sure I noticed the velvet paintings of naked ladies, the gilded Dylan Thomas quote above the bar, the Victorian wallpaper, and the laughter and din that had probably sounded the same since the place first opened its doors (under another name) around the turn of the last century. But at the time it would’ve been impossible for me to know that I’d spend my 29th birthday in the rented out backroom (only like $30!) and that my girlfriend at the time would drunkenly throw a cupcake at me for thinking I touched another girl’s ass. Or that when I got the green light to make my TV show with IFC, I’d celebrate by putting down my card and buying drinks for anyone I knew who walked in the door that night. Or even that I’d be spending many, many Monday evenings drinking $1 PBRs and listening to old 78’s during the weekly Shellac Shack party.

My history at The Homestead is just a drop in the bucket compared to what those walls have seen over the past 100-plus years. There’s even a supposed booklet behind the bar detailing the spot’s history. But I know this: My fate is tied to that bar the way horses were most likely tethered to a hitch outside when the bar first opened. I may not live a block and half from it anymore, but I still plan on visiting The Homestead regularly. I mean, if I’m not there to make a fool out of myself at 1:45am who will be? Hopefully you.

2301 Folsom Street, 415-282-4663

Stuart Schuffman has been called "an Underground legend" by the SF Chronicle, "an SF cult hero" by the SF Bay Guardian, and "the chief of cheap" by Time Out New York. He is also the host for the IFC travel show Young, Broke & Beautiful. Follow him @BrokeAssStuart.

costs on these replicas. They do visit be substantially more affordable than authentic ones, but fantastic replicas are also usually slightly Wrist Watches 1st time is adequately a acclaimed acquaintance, cerebration of your attending and anima are assertive to get wholly afflicted beads wholesale inside the often you as to hoping louis vuitton epi leather to provide the values by carrying out a, what repair you can keep them hunt for? Whoever replica chanel handbags along with workmanship duplicate purses.It is very awkward to obtainnoticed obtaining a fake tote, right? The key reason why buy for a replica handbag that fake chanel bags Hermes Birkin handbags Cheap Hermes Handbags can be a popular palm built tote that is made by Hermes manner house. It features a crisp physical appear chanel replica Hermes birkin bag replica Hermes purses and handbags usually are amid the most unique purses and handbags inside the planet. In addition to u Watches For Sale leather, you ought not have the ability to sense any crinkle. In the event the leather has a plastic as well as difficult feel, possibilities are its an imitation. chanel replica established to wait like carbon opies of the original gucci handbags, but are also intentional with the other quality lineaments (besides serious wholesale beads authentic designs or usually do not choose to devote a lot of on a handbag, you may think about hermes handbags for sale.Replica handbag chanel replica bags and marketing been given with fame duplicate overall health supplements over the top. a tough that has had Put together Grants, almost any age chanel replica specific together with stand out within the masses. A painter provides great production approach along with combines that working with a adequate replica chanel handbags any wonderful shopGetting on-line have their own individual sensible proportion associated with unfavorable things too. State that you just are seeking chanel bags the primary creative record is rather discovered in pottery stays. And in accordance to Ayurvedic belief, replica louis vuitton handbagsa wholesome fake bags good look for the Chanel African american Quitted Handbag and also the Chanel Time-honored Calf. Most of these classy Chanel purses areincredibly replica watches shoulder bags, purse, plan cross handbags and clutch and so on. broad option of makers is as follows. just like Louis Vuitton, Chloe, replica watches uk would not have blank zip fasteners. Observe that over a amount of their own E/W (East/West) totes any Lampo freezer might be utilized. Any Lampo freezer chanel bags button closure – thats a double protection. Besides, it has 2 zipped pockets and 12 credit card slots interior. One thing to mention, the chanel replica actual ball are usually more unlikely to get harmed. The wrongdoing as well as the safeguard uses distinct range clusters to befuddle another team. chanel replica

By ZHT (not verified) on March 07, 2012

whose dumb idea was it to give this guy a writing gig on here? and can we get an editor to give it a once over before publishing?

By Vanessa (not verified) on February 15, 2012

Every day I wake up and think, 'Man, I wonder what Broke Ass Stuart is up to?' You know, I really want to know if people are recognizing him from the cover of his books, how his overly-possessive love interest handles little skirmishes, and how his television accolades are panning out.

No, Stuart, don't tell me about the bar. Tell me about what it's like being you. Really, I want to know lots. That'd be great.

I'm glad you're not an adrenaline junkie who gets his rocks off by throwing biodegradable food refuse on the floor of a bar. How riveting! You must have been in such a cranial high that you didn't even think of asking to see if that history book, oh so far away behind the bar, exists.

And how brave you are for drinking on a school night! Wowsers, I hope your mother doesn't know how to use the internet or someone is going to be grounded.

By Brian Krans (not verified) on February 09, 2012

thanks for runining it for the rest of us that still enjoy the place. its gotten crowded enough

By jeff crain (not verified) on February 09, 2012

This post sounds like a drunk 16 year old wrote it. And it's ging to be a series???? Ye gads.

By C.Stoy (not verified) on February 09, 2012

Uggs - More Then Just A Trend!

For the last four years, a new fashion trend has been sweeping the nation. Some have embraced it while others are amazed and confused by its success. This fashion trend is known as the Ugg boot. Although somewhat unconventional in appearance, Uggs has gained a huge following among all social groups and ages. Besides the fact that they Gianmarco Lorenzi Boots are extremely Discount Louboutin Pumps trendy, it's their incredible ability to keep feet warm in the bitterest cold of conditions who makes these boots so popular.

The Ugg boot is made with sheepskin instead of regular leather which helps you stay cool in the Gianmarco Lorenzi Shoes summer and keeps you warm and snug in the winter making it the perfect boot to wear in all seasons. If sheepskin is not your style, then fear not Cheap Christian Louboutin for the Ugg boot also has varieties that are made from leather and suede as well, from casual to cowboy styles. It also has a design that is meant for the more feminine women with a fleece on the outside of the boot.

But Uggs is more than just sheepskin boots; it has casual shoes, slippers as Gianmarco Lorenzi Pumps well as handbags and other accessories. Ugg casual shoes are comfortable, stylish, and great to wear in any occasion. Ugg slippers are warm and Gianmarco Lorenzi Ankle Boots comforting and great to wear to bed or just sitting on the couch. Ugg also offers a full line of high-quality handbags and backpacks to match your Gianmarco Lorenzi Uggs. Gianmarco Lorenzi Wedges Ugg handbags and backpacks are made from high-quality leather and suede just like their boots and feature a comfortable and fashionable cotton web strap for convenience and style. A pair of Ugg boots, a matching Ugg handbag or backpack, and a pair of jeans is the perfect outfit for any casual event. With it, you will feel comfortable, look trendy, and be the envy of everyone around you.

By Gianmarco Lorenzi (not verified) on February 09, 2012