Cocktails are quite possibly the best cure for mid-week glum.
Starbelly's Stellar Cocktails
Starbelly barman Bryan Hamann may be a genius. Despite the fact that his bar lacks a hard liquor license, he has managed to create a line-up of creative cocktails that look, feel, and taste like the "real thing." He recently added three new drinks to the menu, including The Declaration (Madeira, sherry, bonal and rosemary), The White Horse (Cocchi Americano, lime, thyme, citrus bitters), and Sunset in Seville (house bitter citrus liqueur, prosecco, lemon, egg white). In addition to low-impact, high-quality cocktails, you'll find an impressive array of hand-picked beers to choose from, ranging from Kolsch to Scottish Ale to Stout to Flanders Red. If you ask, Hamann will suggest the perfect pairing for your appetizer and entrée. Tip: the Pan Roasted Black Mussels are a must-have, with Mexican chorizo, market chili and cilantro.
Third Rail Launches Happy Hour
If you haven't yet had a chance to check out Third Rail, their new happy hour provides a perfect opportunity to do so this Spring. Every Monday through Friday, from 3 pm to 6 pm, they're featuring The Rail Shot. It includes 8 ounces of any tap beer, an ounce of liquor (either Pueblo Viejo blanco, 4 Roses yellow label bourbon, Flor de Cana 7-year rum, or Fernet Branca), and a ½ ounce of house-made jerky (Red Eye, Jerk, Veg, or Mighty Meat). If you prefer a cocktail, you can order any one of 16 house cocktails for $2 off.
Blanket Service is Back at the Presidio
Just in time for Spring, Off the Grid is bringing back blanket service every Sunday at Picnic at the Presidio. Bring your own blanket or buy one there, spread it out, and wait for a cocktail server to arrive with Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Kentucky Mules, and Strawberry Pimm's Cups. New this season is the "bubble bar" offering all things bubbly, from sparkling wine to carbonated water. If you can pull yourself away from your blanket, you'll find more than 20 food vendors, including Nopalito, Kasa Indian, Wise Sons, Rosamunde and Del Popolo. You'll also find all of the classic picnic accessories: horseshoes, bocce ball, croquet, and kites for flying. If you like, you can join an open-air Yoga class, enter a cornhole tournament, or just dance to old-school classics spun by a DJ. Off the Grid: Picnic at the Presidio starts this Sunday, April 6 and continues through October 26, from 11 am to 4 pm every Sunday.
Slow Club Monday Night Menu
Monday got you down? Make your way to Slow Club for Executive Chef Matt Paul's Monday night special, showcasing a signature dish with an optional paired cocktail. This Monday, Chef Paul is serving up Jerk Chicken Breast ($18.50) with red peas, rice and fresh pineapple salsa alongside a True Daiquiri ($6.50) made with 3-year El Dorado Rum, fresh lime and simple syrup, shaken and served up. Slow Club is known for its casual, cool vibe and good food sourced from small, local farms. The bar features craft beer, small release wines and freshly mixed cocktails.
Free Shoe Shine with Your Stout at Elixir
Look down at your shoes. They could probably use a little love after splashing through the rain these last several days. Elixir has got you covered, with "Back in Black" Monday. To celebrate their in-house oatmeal stout made by Sudwerk, "Boot Black Stout," Elixir wants to shine your shoes for free. So bust out your dirtiest pair, wear them to the bar, and claim your free shoe-shine by ordering a Black Boot Stout or a Black Grouse Whisky. The shoe-shining shindig happens on the first Monday of every month, from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Submit drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.
