Bars

The Gestalt Haus is a hip eat-and-drink enthusiast’s dream: beers, brats and indoor parking for your bike. Make your way past the raucous crowd in front to find a spot at the bar, where one of the gracious bartenders will get you situated with a super-sized stein while your sausage order gets going on the grill.

The Gestalt Haus is a hip eat-and-drink enthusiast’s dream: beers, brats and indoor parking for your bike. Make your way past the raucous crowd in front to find a spot at the bar, where one of the gracious bartenders will get you situated with a super-sized stein while your sausage order gets going on the grill.

Proclaiming itself the “soul of Ireland in the heart of San Francisco,” Irish Bank is a welcomed after-work spot for Blarney-stone kissers and the non-superstitious alike. Grab a seat on one of the church pews and sip a pint while marveling at the walls adorned with framed pictures, vintage Guinness advertisements and newspaper and magazine clippings of famous moments in Irish history.

With an inconspicuous Natoma address, Zebulon—named after an eccentric wizard in a French political cartoon series from the ’60s—is easy to pass by, but you won’t want to miss this little spot that serves sandwiches and sweet-potato fries to the lunch crowd, and margaritas and mojitos to the happy-hour crowd. Chill out on Thursday and Friday nights with trés chic sounds from local DJs.

With an inconspicuous Natoma address, Zebulon—named after an eccentric wizard in a French political cartoon series from the ’60s—is easy to pass by, but you won’t want to miss this little spot that serves sandwiches and sweet-potato fries to the lunch crowd, and margaritas and mojitos to the happy-hour crowd. Chill out on Thursday and Friday nights with trés chic sounds from local DJs.

Taxidermy, a faux fireplace and a bar lined with miniature trees lend a log-cabin air to this Nob Hill dive. Kick it next to a life-sized wooden Sasquatch as you troll the selection on the jukebox for the ideal ’80s hair-band song to go with your PBR. Happy hour lasts from 3 to 7 p.m. daily, but drafts run for $3 tops all night.

All the pinball, pool tables and indoor graffiti you’ve come to expect from a proper dive, plus the votive-lit coziness you never thought you’d find at one. Order up a cheap, stiff cocktail and join the dog-friendly locals on the large sofa or snag one of the intimate booths.

This low-lit bar is one of the few places in the neighborhood to feature local DJs spinning hip-hop and world beats. Pack yourself in with the regulars for the $2 happy-hour special, or cruise by on a Sunday for live Brazilian music courtesy of Pagode da Paz Pureza with Grupo Da Sete.

Flat step, Lindy Hop and grind the night away amid the gritty bordello-chic of this Valencia Street hub. The lively crowd varies according to the music that’s playing—anything from bluegrass and karaoke to local bands and DJs. There’s rarely a cover, and with a vast selection of domestic and imported beer, wine and soju concoctions, Amnesia easily delivers on the promise of its name.

Flat step, Lindy Hop and grind the night away amid the gritty bordello-chic of this Valencia Street hub. The lively crowd varies according to the music that’s playing—anything from bluegrass and karaoke to local bands and DJs. There’s rarely a cover, and with a vast selection of domestic and imported beer, wine and soju concoctions, Amnesia easily delivers on the promise of its name.