1) Tequila and Tacos at Tacolicious
Ruben Aceves may have the best job on the planet. As Casa Herradura’s Global Ambassador, his official duties include flying to San Francisco from Mexico to present a flight of three Herradura expressions this Thursday, May 2 at Tacolicious in the Mission (741 Valencia Street @ 18th). Hosted by The Bold Italic, the Tequila and Tacos party will set you back $20 in exchange for a cocktail reception and build-your-own margarita bar, light fare from Tacolicious, tequila cupcakes from SIFT, and three tequila tastings with Aceves, at 5, 7, and 9 pm. Tickets are available online, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit CUESA.
2) Southside Spirit House Opens
There’s a new place to drink in SoMA, and it’s open late. Southside Spirit House (575 Howard Street @ 2nd) is slated to open on Friday, May 3 at 3 pm, with twelve craft beers on tap, wine on hand, and cocktails galore. Snuggle into an intimate nook to share a Peach Margarita Pitcher with Espolon Tequila, Grand Marnier, housemade fresh peach syrup puree and fresh lime. Or take over a tall top table and take on The Green Beast Punch with Absinthe, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and water. Southside’s light bites menu features a few out-of-the-ordinary hors d'oeuvres, such as Truffled Popcorn and Deviled Eggs with bacon, jalapeño and crème fraiche. Happy hour happens every weekday from 3 to 7pm, with $1 off all cocktails. Appropriate for groups seeking a social, yet cozy place to linger, Southside stays open until 1 am Monday through Wednesday and 2 am Thursday through Saturday. On Sunday, they rest.
3) Kentucky Derby Party at The Starlight Room
Be a Southerner, or just drink like one at the Second annual Kentucky Derby brunch party this Saturday, May 4, from 12:30 to 4 pm, at The Starlight Room (450 Powell Street, 21st Floor of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel). The $50 ticket price includes complimentary Mint Juleps or Mimosas, a bluegrass band and a Southern-style buffet with deviled eggs, beignets, macaroni and cheese, braised beef brisket with a bourbon peach glaze, pecan pie, grilled asparagus, Kentucky baked ham, buttermilk biscuits and peach cobbler. Guests are requested to don their best derby attire for the Best Dressed Couple and Most Creative Hat contests. Those who don’t want to drive home after the big race can stay stay at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel for a discounted Derby rate.
4) Beat a Piñata for Cinco de Mayo
One day simply isn’t enough to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, so Funcheap is hosting a two-day Taco Festival and Piñata Party this Saturday and Sunday, May 4 & 5, from 11am to 7pm, at SoMA StrEat Food Park (428 11th Street @ Harrison). The event is free with Facebook RSVP and features piñatas, music, Corona, Sangria, Margaritas, and eleven food trucks serving tacos. Some of SF’s best traditional Mexican taco trucks will pull up alongside other food carts making their own unique interpretations of this classic Mexican street food. Bring cash for the tacos, the buckets of Corona, and the Margaritas with fresh watermelon puree. The entertainment? Piñatas filled with treats, Mexican music, corn hole, and a live appearance by the Corona Girls...and it's all free.
5) Annual Pink Party at CLIFT
Put on some pink and drink for a good cause on Wednesday, May 8, from 6 to 8:30 pm. CLIFT Hotel (498 Geary @ Taylor) is hosting this year’s Annual Pink Party in the Redwood Room. The extended happy hour features pink drinks, groovy beats, and a raffle. All proceeds from the raffle and the Rosé Champagne and Wine sales go directly to the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to individuals battling breast cancer in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. Pink attire is encouraged for this free event, and RSVP is requested.
