San Francisco in June

lefty · Apr 24, 2011

Sirens, huh? Leading me to my death?

My problem is I want my background music to be Eno's Discreet Music at half volume and what I'm getting here is Rufus Wainwright slurring Minnelli.

Anyway, I've screwed up enough SF threads. OP is good to go with all these suggestions.

lefty

imatlas · Apr 24, 2011

Originally Posted by iammatt

We looked at a house on that block about ten years ago. Nice place, but no thanks. I live only a block or two away, so when I walk the dog I have to brave the tourists. Makes me have much more compassion for Parisians.

My uncle has the distinct pleasure of living on Lombard at Larkin, so all the jackasses who line up for blocks to drive down the second crookedest street in San Francisco are directly under his living room, filling his home with the aroma of overheated brake pads.

HORNS · Apr 24, 2011

Originally Posted by lefty

Me too, but every time I get close ...

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lefty

Do you live in the Castro? If not, then what do you care what these fat queens do? They've been a staple of this neighborhood for decades, and the only people who notice them are new transplants or tourists. That being said Castro is a great neighborhood to live in on a daily basis. But it certainly has its drawbacks (duh!), such as it being a parody of itself in many regards.

Today is a beautiful day in San Francisco, though, don't you think, Lefty?

lefty · Apr 24, 2011

Originally Posted by imatlas

My uncle has the distinct pleasure of living on Lombard at Larkin, so all the jackasses who line up for blocks to drive down the second crookedest street in San Francisco are directly under his living room, filling his home with the aroma of overheated brake pads.

I just drove down Polk and they were lined up there. Three long blocks of cars waiting to drive down Lombard. My guess is that it would take an hour. What do the poor bastards who live there do?

Originally Posted by HORNS

Today is a beautiful day in San Francisco, though, don't you think, Lefty?

It was. Then I went to a few open houses. Please direct all SF defense to my existing thread.

lefty

imatlas · Apr 24, 2011

Originally Posted by lefty

I just drove down Polk and they were lined up there. Three long blocks of cars waiting to drive down Lombard. My guess is that it would take an hour. What do the poor bastards who live there do? It was. Then I went to a few open houses. Please direct all SF defense to my existing thread. lefty
I always suggest we set up a toll booth and collect $5 per car. My uncle always suggests pouring oil down the street. My wife and I make the open house rounds today as well.

NorCal · Apr 25, 2011

The Sisters? Just part of the scenery. Wait until street faire season starts. If you can't find a certain charm in them you'll never make it.

Huntsman · Apr 25, 2011

Originally Posted by lefty

Go to Absinthe for a quick drink, but go early to avoid the crowds. It's just not a great bar at which to sit. I think you're getting some good suggestions for some quieter places, which is my preference. I don't want to line up, bring a secret decoder ring, or have to deal with an overly complicated menu of infusions. I just want a drink. That why I prefer hotel bars and older bartenders. For what it's worth, they free pour here.
Yeah, I am not into the molecular mixology/infusions/barrel aged cocktail thing, I just want a really good drink poured by someone who is quite expert -- and from whom I might possibly learn something. I usually don't like hotel bars, though -- all money but no substance. Oak Bar and the bar at the Four Seasons in Boston are like that. Oak is BEAUTIFUL but oh so annoying. Absinthe free-pours? Black mark.

Originally Posted by lefty

Never underestimate the power of a casual and polite flirtation with a waitress in front of your date. It shows both that you're a keeper and could well end up with the three of you drunkenly skateboarding down Lombard Street at 4:00 am. lefty
Haha, I bet she would be cooler with that than I.

Originally Posted by lefty

P.S. - the walk along Crissy Field is a good way to see the GG Bridge as it takes you right underneath.
Nice, will do.

Gus · Apr 25, 2011

I think you would like the bartenders at the Slanted Door. Friendly, helpful, they have favorites and are happy to discuss them.

ChicagoRon · Apr 25, 2011

What's a free-pour?

Huntsman · Apr 25, 2011

So, I gather parking is horrendous -- so leave the car at the hotel except for out-of-town trips, I suppose? Anyone been to this spirts/wine/gear store called Cask? I want to know if their website is making me unduly excited.

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

I think you would like the bartenders at the Slanted Door. Friendly, helpful, they have favorites and are happy to discuss them.
Thanks. I've actually always wanted to have a good cocktail at a Vietnamese restaurant. Lots of interesting pairings.

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

What's a free-pour?
It's when the bartenders pour directly into the glass, and not into measuring cups/over a scale when making cocktails. This is fine for straight spirits, but verboten for cocktails -- no consistency.

kwilkinson · Apr 25, 2011

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

What's a free-pour?

When bartenders make cocktails without measuring ingredients into a jigger first.

lefty · Apr 25, 2011

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

What's a free-pour?
I was talking about whisky. Should have made that clear. Nothing sadder than a thin line of amber liquid in the bottom of glass. I doubt you would need a car and street parking is a serious pain-in-the-ass. There are colour-coordinated curbs and meters and I can't make sense of them. Rent a car for your one day of travel north and use a zipcar/taxi for inner city jaunts. lefty

ChicagoRon · Apr 25, 2011

Thanks - Free pour is what I thought it was - I was inferring Lefty's correct intention (that it was for straight liquor drinks and not for cocktails).

You don't need a car there if you are staying in the city, except for the big excursions like others have said. BUt I will say I have stayed in the peninsula on business trips and made plenty of trips into the city with no issue parking - a few dinners near Absinthe (at Sebo, which you should REALLY try if you are into sushi, Huntsman - and they are partnered with an awesome Sake shop across the sreet), in the Haight, the Castro, China town, etc. Only Union Square has been a huge issue in my experience (and by that I mean expensive, can't find on the street, etc.)

imatlas · Apr 25, 2011

Cask is excellent, particularly for bourbon. Run by the same folks who own B&B.

Over on Filmore, D&M has a pretty spectacular single malt selection. K&L is more known for wine, but also has a variety of interesting spirits.

Don't rule out hotel bars, there are some decent ones in town. The better hotel bars include the Big Four at the Huntington Hotel for the ultimate clubby feel, and Clock Bar at the St. Francis for excellent cocktails - and prostitutes, most of whom are biologically female. For hotel bars with views you have a few choices: the Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins (pricey, but the classic spot), the Grandview Lounge at Grand Hyatt Union Square, or the top floor of the Marriott on 4th and Mission - I don't know it's official name but we call it the Bat Cave.

binge · Apr 25, 2011

Originally Posted by imatlas

...top floor of the Marriott on 4th and Mission - I don't know it's official name but we call it the Bat Cave.

I call is "Cloud City" or "Bespin". That radial window reminds me of the end of The Empire Strikes Back, when Vader sends Luke flying through a similarly-looking window.

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