On February 27, ambassadors from San Francisco's gin mills and dance halls came in from the cold frosty night to celebrate the 2012 edition of the Mid-Winter Bar Workers Ball, basking in the red glow of swank speakeasy Café du Nord (2170 Market St.)and welcomed by hosts 7x7, the San Francisco Bay Guardian, BrokeAssStuart.com and yours truly.

Tipples of liquid courage were provided courtesy of Four Roses bourbon and Mi Casa tequila, which fueled the fires of the revelers as they matched palates and wits in nail-biting contests presided over by Marke Bieschke of the Bay Guardian, Katy St. Clair of the SF Weekly, Stuart Schuffman of BrokeAssStuart.com and 7x7’s very own Allie Pape.

When the dust settled the well-lubricated crowd tripped the night away with icy-cold Stella Artois and Bud Light Platinum, amidst a gentle haze spun by guest DJs Bus Station John, Carnita and Brown Amy of Hard French, and SoulSpin.
—Stephen Torres, founder, San Francisco Mid-Winter Bar Workers Ball

Click here for intimate portraits from photo station SnapFiesta. 

Photos: Kira Stackhouse | nuena.com