February is almost over. You deserve a drink. A big one.
New Sushi Nook with Customized Cocktails
In response to popular demand, John Collins has parlayed its twice-a-week sushi offerings into a permanent sushi nook, complete with customized cocktails. Now appearing nightly in the intimate, upstairs mezzanine, Takoba features nigiri and sashimi, made to order with daily seasonal Maguro, Umi Masu (ocean trout), Hirame, Walu, Uni, Hamachi, and more. The accompanying cocktail menu provides a tropical twist on the classics. The Manhattan Beach, for instance, mixes Mt. Gay Rum with capano antica, tiki bitters and ginger, topped with a dark cherry and orange zest. The "Dirty Sailor" brings together Sailor Jerry Rum, fresh lime, agave, peach bitters and cracked pepper in a coupe glass. John Collins opens at 5 pm Monday through Thursday, at 4 pm on Fridays, and at 9 pm on Saturdays. Closing time is 2 am. 138 Minna Street
Poetry, Jazz and Beatnik Cocktails at Top of the Mark
The Top of the Mark and the Beat Museum may seem like strange bedfellows, but they sure know how to throw a party. Starting Tuesday, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Top of the Mark in Nob Hill will host a weekly Poetry and Jazz Series every Tuesday through April 28, featuring music and lyrics from the legends of San Francisco's beat generation. The Beat Museum has rounded up an impressive line-up of legendary poets to riff alongside local jazz musicians, starting with San Francisco Poet Laureate Alejandro Murguia, aka The Voice of the Mission, on March 3rd. The bar is getting in on the act as well. Featured cocktails for the evening include the Beatini ($13), made with George Dickel 9-year-old sour mash whiskey, lime, and sweet and sour; and the Lost for Words Martini ($13), made with Grey Goose, cranberry, cherry and orange juice. Top of the Mark is located on the top floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. 999 California Street
Brewcade Launches Happy Hour
If Peter Pan opened a beer bar, it would be a lot like Brewcade in the Castro. It's the kind of place you'd bring your inner child to play off-leash. As if 25 craft beers and 20+ vintage arcade games weren't enough to lure you in, they've recently launched a daily Happy Hour from 3 to 7 pm that features $1 off all beverages on draft, including wine, cocktails, and the infamous "Frozen Grape Drank," a sparkling slushie made with sparkling wine, Reisling, and Brachetto. Good luck getting home before dark. 2200 Market Street, #102
Girl Scout Cookie Cocktail Pairings at Alembic
Girl Scout Cookies are in season, and The Alembic knows that the only thing better than a Thin Mint is another Thin Mint, with booze. For the next few weeks, they're serving specially-crafted cocktails alongside some of your favorite Girl Scout Cookies, for $13 each. The Girl from Ipanema comes with a pair of Samoas, while the Broken Bagpipe accompanies a Do-Si-Do duet. Shortbread Trefoils are served with Mr. Kipling's Flip, and cool Thin Mints are paired with Some Like it Hot, proving the old adage that opposites attract. Available while the cookies last. 1725 Haight Street
Picnic at the Presidio Returns
Off the Grid's Picnic at the Presidio is back, which means you've got a new place to eat, drink, and be merry every Sunday until November 1. Bring your appetite and your picnic blanket to the Main Post Lawn in the Presidio where you'll find a fleet of food trucks and vendors including Benedict Arnold's Cholita Linda, Chotto, DUM Truck, Fins on the Hoof, Grilled Cheez Guy, Sugarfoot Grits, and Three Twins Ice Cream. You'll also find Mimosa and Bloody Mary drink kits, cocktails from Rye on the Road, live music from an onsite DJ, and complimentary bocce ball and yoga classes for kids and adults. You can even rent adirondack chairs and blankets, just in case you forgot yours. Off the Grid's Picnic at the Presidio hours are 11 am to 4 pm. Lincoln Blvd. and Anza Ave.
Send drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.
