1) America’s Cup Pop-Up Sports Bar Opens July 4
America’s birthday is apparently the perfect time to open the world’s largest pop-up bar at the world’s greatest sailing event. Get your first glimpse of America’s Cup Sports Bar this Thursday, when the 12,000 square-foot indoor-outdoor space on Pier 27 opens to the public. Eric Rubin (Hog & Rocks, Tres Agaves) and Karl Hasz (Cyrus, Farina, Tres Agaves) have teamed up with America’s Cup to provide a high-end venue with private lounge areas and event spaces that will hold 500+ people. Famed local cocktail designer Scott Beattie is overseeing the innovative beverage program, which features beer, wine and a variety of America’s Cup-themed cocktails, including Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, Negronis and “Angry Ginger Bucks.” The food menu includes dips and ceviches, salads, sandwiches and tacos, as well as a hearty brunch on the weekends. Multiple big screens throughout the bar will broadcast the America’s Cup races through September 21, along with Giants and A’s games. America’s Cup Sports Bar will be open 7 days a week, from 11 am to 10 pm on school nights and 11 am to 11 pm on the weekends.
2) Puerto Rico is Calling at Top of the Mark
Didn’t win last month’s vacation in Bali? All is not lost. Head to the Top of the Mark (999 California @ Mason) for a chance to a different vacation, in Puerto Rico. Every Sunday and Monday in July, visitors to the sky-high lounge will be entered to win a three-night getaway to the Intercontinental San Juan Resort & Casino, located on two miles of the best beach in San Juan. The Puerto Rican resort hotel features waterfalls overlooking the ocean, a lagoon-style pool, a beachfront spa, a full-service casino, and five restaurants. While waiting for your name to be drawn on August 1, have a taste of the tropical paradise to come with Puerto Rican menu items. Try the Alcapurrias de Yuca ($16), which are traditional Puerto Rico beef fritters, alongside a Rum Apple Martini ($13), made with apple-flavored Puerto Rico rum, sour apple mix, and club soda. Soothe your sweet tooth with the Rainforest ($9), a combination of Coconut and Light Puerto Rican Rum, Pineapple Juice, and blue caracao. If you don’t win the vacation to Puerto Rico, come back in August for a chance at Cozumel, Mexico.
3) Saturday Sips at Blo (Dry Bar)
A good hair day AND a cocktail? Yes, you can have both, at Blo (Dry Bar) at 2167 Union Street, during Saturday Sips. Just make an appointment for a blowout (415-655-9886 or blosfunion@blomedry.com) any Saturday between 9 am and 8 pm, and enjoy free OM Cocktails while your hair gets the royal treatment. Natalie Bovis of The Liquid Muse designed OM Cocktails for the home entertainer who wants to serve mixology style drinks to discerning guests without having to purchase a plethora of elusive organic ingredients. OM blends organic vodka with sweet agave nectar and natural extracts, flavors and colors.
4) Poolside Party Every Sunday
Summer is making a splash on Sundays at the iconic Phoenix Hotel, where you’ll find San Francisco’s only poolside patio, plus a BBQ with mellow music and refreshing cocktails from Chambers Eat + Drink. Expect an assortment of smoked and grilled main dishes ($7-12) from executive Chef Trevor Ogden, such as Southern BBQ (brisket, ribs, pulled pork, roasted chicken), Yakitori Skewers (beef, lamb, shrimp, chicken, vegetable), and more. Side dishes ($3-6) include coleslaw, potato salad, and cornbread. The poolside party happens every Sunday from 1 to 6 pm; the BBQ begins at 2 pm. The Phoenix Hotel is located at 601 Eddy (@ Larkin).
5) Spirit Hour at Southside Spirit House
If happy hour isn’t quite enough, try lifting your spirits with Spirit Hour, every weeknight from 11 pm to 2 am at Southside Spirit House (575 Howard @ 2nd). Besides offering $2 off cocktails and $1 off beer and wine selections, the SoMa neighborhood bar serves food until 1 am. The Southside flatbread pizza is a standout, topped with fresh fig, Stilton cheese, and thyme. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, toast with Secco Italian Bubbles 2012 from Veneto Prosecco for $10/glass, or buy a bottle of Charles Heidseick Brut Reserve Champagne for $99/bottle. If it’s a cult beer you’re seeking, try the Hitochino Nest, on tap for $13.
