Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [181]
Cocktails with a View
See “Dance Clubs,” earlier, for a full review of Harry Denton’s Starlight Room. Unless otherwise noted, these establishments have no cover charge.
Leatherneck Steakhouse & Lounge This sky-view restaurant and bar at the top of the Marines Memorial Club may just be the best-kept secret in town. Open since 1946, the club is a living memorial to U.S. Marines who served in the Pacific during World War II, as well as a hotel. The small rooftop lounge next to the restaurant—not much more than a handful of stools and a bar—is the kind of place where elderly gents in suit coats belly up and reminisce about the war years over a strong cocktail. The dress code may be “resort casual” but the views are big-city spectacular. No cover, and the drinks are very reasonable (especially during 4–6pm happy hour). It’s open Sunday and Monday 11am to 9pm, Tuesday to Thursday 11am to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm. In the Marines Memorial Club & Hotel, 609 Sutter St. (at Mason St.). 415/673-6672.www.marineclub.com.
Top of the Mark This is one of the most famous cocktail lounges in the world, and for good reason—the spectacular glass-walled room features an unparalleled 19th-floor view. During World War II, Pacific-bound servicemen toasted their goodbyes to the States here. While less dramatic today than they were back then, evenings spent here are still sentimental, thanks to the romantic atmosphere. Live bands play throughout the week; a jazz pianist on Tuesdays starts at 7pm; salsa on Wednesdays begins with dance lessons at 8pm and the band starts up at 9pm; on Thursdays Stompy Jones brings a swing vibe from 7:30pm; and a dance band playing everything from ’50s hits through contemporary music keeps the joint hopping Fridays and Saturdays starting at 9pm. Drinks range from $9 to $12. A $59 three-course fixed-price sunset dinner is served Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm. Sunday brunch, served from 10am to 2pm, costs $59 for adults and includes a glass of champagne; for children 4 to 12, the brunch is $30. In the Mark Hopkins InterContinental, 1 Nob Hill Place (btw. California and Mason sts.). 415/616-6916.www.topofthemark.com. Cover $5–$10.
Top of the Mark offers an incredible view of the city.
Sports Bar
Greens Sports Bar If you think San Francisco sports fans aren’t as enthusiastic as those on the East Coast, well, you’re right. These days it’s pretty easy to find an empty seat at Greens during a ’49ers or Giants game. The city’s de facto sports bar is a classic, cozy hangout with lots of dark wood, polished brass, windows that open onto the street, and an array of elevated TVs showing various sporting events via satellite. Highlights include 18 beers on tap, a pool table, and a boisterous happy-hour scene every Monday through Friday from 4 to 7pm. Food isn’t served, but you can place an order from the various restaurants along Polk Street and eat at the bar. (They even provide a selection of menus.) 2239 Polk St. (at Green St.). 415/775-4287.
Wine & Champagne Bars
The Bubble Lounge This two-level champagne bar—looking ever so chic with its red velvet sofas, brick walls, and floor-to-ceiling draperies—chills more than 300 champagnes and sparkling wines, including about 30 by the glass. As one would expect at a Financial District bubbly bar, there’s a soupçon of pretentiousness emanating from the BMW-driving clientele and perpetually unshaven bartenders. If you’re the type that prefers beer and free pretzels you’ll hate it here, particularly if you have to wait in line for a $20 flute of something you can’t even pronounce, but the pickup scene really perks up as the bubbly flows into the night. 714 Montgomery St. (btw. Washington and Jackson sts.). 415/434-4204.www.bubblelounge.com.
First Crush If you’re staying downtown