A few Good Bars in San Francisco

A few places I frequent with not only good wines, but excellent customer service. When I’m out with friends or alone, I want very simple things.

1. I want a good glass of wine at a reasonable price
2. I want a knowledgeable and courteous staff
3. I want something that caters to the Pure Indulgence Lifestyle.

That being said, The Press Club (20 Yerba Buena Lane, SF) hosts a variety of wines from Northern California, each served by the respective staff from the selected wineries. The staff at the Press Club is open, friendly and knowledgeable about what they carry. The tasting space is open and warm and friendly. and comfortable.
The Press Club SF

850 Montgomery (Cigar Bar) – A Spanish style bar and grill with a good wine list, quality bartenders and a humidor. The outdoor seating is a plus in the summer weather but during colder times, heated areas enhance the dining/cigar smoking experience. Try the chocolate cake!
Cigar Bar and Grill They are one of the very few places that still allow cigar and pipe smoking in their establishment.

Going for an older style of bar with bartenders that know about cocktails? Then try Rickhouse. Their impressive selection of spirits will make any aficionado salivate. Located at 240 Kearny in San Francisco, this higher end cocktail bar has a unique look and feel to it.
Rickhouse in San Francisco

The Occidental – my home away from home. Jack and the boys know how to make drinks, mix drinks, and chop it up with the best of cutups while maintaining an air of professionalism. We’ll probably have Lance on Pure Indulgence sometime soon to talk about Occidental and how the cigar/tobacco laws affect this last bastion of smoking. The bar itself has a unique crowd, a great scotch and bourbon/whiskey list and rotating wine list. Reasonably priced drinks with friendly staff that gives a shit!
Occidental Cigar Club

As I travel more around the Bay Area, you’ll hear more bar reports! Until then, bring The Good Life into Your life!

Wine Info: Franklin Square in Oakland, CA had it’s last day on Valentine’s day

Due to a staggering economy and low foot traffic plus the fact that Oakland is a struggling city both financially and with intellect (Yeah I said it!) Franklin Square, the smaller wine bar opened and operated by the folks who brought us Lukas Taproom and Lounge (just across the street) has closed.

They had a nice selection of wines, reasonable prices on very good food and a friendly atmosphere. Tastings were held on Thursdays at a reasonable price.

Hell I probably could have lit up a cigar on the patio with a glass of wine.

But this is what happens when people don’t spend money and downtown looks like hell.

Downtown Oakland looks like a ghost town on weekends now.

Sadly I hear the champagne lounge on 24th and Telegraph is also empty much of the time.