San Francisco - Whiskey bars and liquor stores

[angler82]

I just started a new consulting project in San Francisco and will be working in the city every other week for the next 6-7 months.

So far I've been to Rickhouse and Bourbon and Branch and was really impressed with both. Rickhouse had some great value pours such as Eagle Rare 17 for 11 bucks. Bourbon and Branch had some whiskey I had never tried before like BMH 16 year.

Anyone have any recommendations for good whiskey and/or cocktail bars in town? Any restaurants with impressive bar menus?

Thanks!

[mosugoji64]

I second this request! The wife and I will be in the San Fran/Fremont area in August and could use some tips.

[RegChumpington]

I like Bourbon & Branch but it can be a bit overrun by hipsters. If you're staying at the Hotel Carlton it's not a bad option though.

Frequently crowded but enjoyable is Nihon - 14th and Folsom, kind of near Mission and Potrero. It's got a really solid selection, and notably I've seen Nikka there which I have never seen anywhere else in the US. Great scotch selection, one of the best american whiskey selections I've seen as well. If you can scare up a group it's a solid tapas place for eating.

For shopping, IMO, you need to hit The Whisky Shop on Sutter - I want to say 360 Sutter? Kind of tenderloin/civic center; it's near a BART stop. (Powell? Can't remember).

Amazing selection.

K&L also has a store a few blocks south of Moscone (off Brannan); I really like K&L down in LA and David Driscoll is really crushing it right now. Worth hitting.

Alexander's Steakhouse is in that vicinity, which is expensive but a good meal. Decent pours available - some less common Bruichladdichs and they seem to regularly have Springbank on hand. This is a great dinner worth doing at least once.

North of Moscone a couple blocks is Cask which, let's just say it, is pretty expensive. It's run by the people who own Bourbon & Branch; it's definitely one of the more hipster stores I hit. That said, they've got some good bottles there - but if you only do one shop, do the shop on Sutter. (The Whisky Shop has Banffs, Port Ellens, tons of indie bottlings, single grains, etc...)

I flew up to SF every week for a year and a half and hit many spots. I don't particularly dig the city but for whiskey culture, they're undeniable. I've given my favorites.

[doubleblank]

Alembic on Haight is worth a stop. Good bourbon and rye selections and they make good, classic cocktails there too. I knew I was in the right bar for me when an elderly gentlemen sat down next to me and ordered a "Ritt 100 straight up". The Toronado Pub, also on Haight but a good walk away, has a nice selection of craft beers.

Randy

[Ian S.]

This place looks like a MUST visit.

http://www.gobourbon.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66:wilson-a-wilson&catid=8:csr

[gburger]

I just read and looked at that place last week. Looks very cool.

[Gillman]

I was there with Randy when that happened. Never thought I'd live to see the day when someone (I didn't know) did that. We had a nice chat with the gentleman, a SB er in spirit.

Gary

[Gillman]

Haight Street equals Toronado-Magnolia (primo brewpub)-Alembic.

Alembic is owned by the people who own Magnolia.

Toronado is only beer, but what beer.

Gary

[Shell]

I just started a new consulting project in San Francisco and will be working in the city every other week for the next 6-7 months. ...

Anyone have any recommendations for good whiskey and/or cocktail bars in town? Any restaurants with impressive bar menus?

Thanks!

[Shell]

...

For shopping, IMO, you need to hit The Whisky Shop on Sutter - I want to say 360 Sutter? Kind of tenderloin/civic center; it's near a BART stop. (Powell? Can't remember).

Amazing selection. ...

[RegChumpington]

The Whisky Shop is at 360 Sutter St.

(...)

And, you are so right - fantastic selection of scotch. The staff is extraordinarily knowledgeable and helpful.

[mosugoji64]

Thank you, everyone, for the great tips! I hope to hit at least a couple of those sites while we're there.

[Lost Pollito]

When I lived in S.F, I skipped spirits and drank Beer at Toronado. The perfect block is at Haight and Fillmore. Medical Marijuana Dispece, Texas BBQ, Homemade sausage, a pizza joint, grocery store, and Toronado beer. :grin:

[G.H.Adams]

Lost Pollito

Got to love SF. Everything you need and nothing you don't.

[angler82]

Thanks a lot for the advice/tips! I took a coworker to Bourbon and Branch last night and wasn't too impressed with the bourbon menu in the main room (not the "library"). It had a lot of whiskey but the prices seemed very high. Higher than NYC prices.

We're going to check out the Toronado and Alembic tonight as we haven't been to the Haight area.

[Lost Pollito]

Don't forget Magnolia. I prefer the Lower Haight for drinking, and the Haight for record shopping...Amoeba.

[angler82]

Last time I'll bump this thread. A coworker and I explored Haight St on Wednesday night and really liked it.

Toronado- Started with two rounds and watched the Bruins game. Great beer selection, low prices (most only 4 or 5 dollars) and friendly bartenders. With the Sharks losing to the Canucks in the conference finals there were a lot of people pulling for the Bruins. Loved it.

Danny Coyle's - Watched the Bruins and tried Cyrus Noble bourbon for the first time. Nice bar.

Magnolia - Fantastic dinner. Fried smelt, pigs ears and charcuterie for starters, burger for my entree. Delicious house beer. So far this has been my favorite dinner in SF since we started traveling a few weeks ago.

Alembic - Extensive bourbon menu for reasonable prices. Got a Weller 12 year and a Corpse Reviver #2. The bartenders were very friendly, were generous with their pours and mixed a good cocktail.

Overall the Haight area has been the best. Thanks again for the recommendations!

[doubleblank]

I plan to hit the Toronado and Alembic next Sunday myself. I have recommended both places to many people and all have enjoyed their visits.

Randy

[Fire&Flux]

On the other side of the bay, but, worth your trip. Funky old fashioned liquor store with the best selection around. Ain't much to look at on the outside, but, wait till you get inside.

Ledger's Liquors 1399 University Avenue 510 540-9243.

[Shell]

On the other side of the bay, but, worth your trip. Funky old fashioned liquor store with the best selection around. Ain't much to look at on the outside, but, wait till you get inside.

Ledger's Liquors 1399 University Avenue 510 540-9243.

This is located in Berkley - www.ledgersliquors.com