It seems as though I am always making lists for people. It's cool - I feel honored that they ask my advice on where to go about town. Here is one I made for Michael, on where to get a casual drink & nibbles near 1st & Market:
Otis - Maiden Lane
http://www.otissf.com/
- elegant atmosphere, uptown drinks
District - 3rd & Townsend
http://www.districtsf.com/
- new wine bar with small plates, cool decor
Salt House - Mission b/w 1st & 2nd
http://www.salthousesf.com/
- restaurant in an old printing warehouse - bar area with small plates, cool decor
TWO - Hawthorne Lane @ Howard
http://www.two-sf.com/home.html
- new restaurant that replaced the old Hawthorne Lane, great interior, excellent bar with happy hour menu
Cantina - Sutter b/w Mason & Taylor
http://www.cantinasf.com/
- new bar owned by Duggan MacDonnell, the bartender from Frisson - low key and nice staff
Hidden Vine - Post b/w Taylor & Trader Vic
http://www.thehiddenvine.com/
- cozy wine bar with a great cheese plate, excellent flights - in the bottom of a hotel
B-Bar & Restaurant - Yerba Buena Gardens
(no website)
- beautiful view, low-key but cool atmosphere. full bar with small plates.
Sugar Cafe - Sutter @ Taylor
http://www.sugarcafesf.com/
- great decor (Jonathan Adler meets the St. Regis), good nibbles, lots of room to sit - like a more casual version of the St. Regis
