Sometimes, a girl just needs an affair...

Okay, I really do have a point. And this is actually a review of The Bar @ The Four Seasons so stay with me!
Sometimes, I just get bored. So I *may* admit that I've had an affair. Or pretended to. With my own s/o. As in yes, full on "So, do you come here often?" cheesery (this is a word because I proclaim it as such.) It can actually be really fun if you can keep a straight face. Really.
So anyway, if you want to play this game, I recommend this bar. lol In all seriousness, the drinks here are great. The place is good whether you're coming to play or whether you're going for drinks with clients.

Madrone Art Bar

500 Divisadero Street (between Fell & Hayes)

I'm not really a bar person anymore. Chronologically, I'm really not old at all, but to talk to me & sometimes you would probably think I'm about 80. Yes, I know you're unsubcribing me from your reader as we speak.
Anyway, I'm not a bar person most of the time but this place is so cool. Now, just to make myself sound really old, I won't come here after say, 10:00 because it gets really crowded and really hot, BUT, the drinks are awesome. I'm kind of wasp-y (Oh, come on! Like you didn't know?) so I tend to like vodka. A lot. And the infused vodkas they have here are to. die. for. Seriously.
So, if you're looking for a cool neighborhood type place for great drinks, this is it.

Americano

I tend to come here after work a lot. Even though it is located in a hotel, I really enjoy it. The drinks are nice, but they are also a restaurant and the food has always been good. They have these parmesan fries that are one of my favorite things ever. All of the entrees I've ordered are yummy as are the desserts. They have a huge patio which is great on a warm night... or frankly, even on the not-so-warm nights as they have a bunch of heat lamps. I live in a the area so it is easy to hit the Americano on my way home. Now I have to say, the place is an utter zoo on Friday & Saturday nights so if that is a problem, don't come here on those days. You'll be miserable. The crowd on those nights can be a bit... um... well... not fun.

Butter

I don't know why I'm reviewing this but here it goes... Butter is a "white trash" themed bar. They have a food menu which consists of jello shots, deep fried twinkies and tangtinis (yes, this is exactly what you think it is.) This place can be fun with the right people and the white trash theme is kind of falls in to ironic territory given the fact that it is a haven for yuppies. They get to let lose and be "trashy" while still being well, yuppies. Anyway, this is a somewhat fun spot to go with your girlfriends (or gay husbands) every now and again but the novelty, at least for me, wears off fairly quickly.

http://smoothasbutter.com/

Cathay House

718 California Street

This review is for the bar. This is a place to avoid in terms of the food, but the bar seriously rocks. I work in the area and so sometimes I'll come here when I need an easily accessible drink. The bartender Chuck, is great. If you want a decent drink and you're in the area, don't be afraid to stop by... just don't eat the food. If you do, well... don't say I didn't warn you!

Gold Dust Lounge

Another dive bar. Very old school San Francisco. While it is located in the tourist driven Union Square area, it does get its share of locals looking for cheap drinks. And by cheap, I mean like $3 margaritas. The crowd is obviously very eclectic so it is impossible to know who you'll stumble upon... literally and figuratively. lol

Basically, if you've been to San Francisco, you've probably seen this place. If you just want no frills, cheap drinks, don't hesitate to check it out. You can even come for celebrity spottings (aka ME!) around Christmas when I'm trying to get my shopping done. ; )

Hyde Out

1068 Hyde St (between California St & Pine St)

This is a dive bar that is very heavy on the local crowd. I typically tend to post more upscale wine bars so I thought it was time to give a rec for a dive bar. Good drinks, friendly crowd... a little heavy on the drunks, but it is what it is.

The Hidden Vine

620 Post St (between Taylor St & Trader Vic Ally)

I am not a huge "bar" person, but I love my wine. Nothing is more cliched in reviews than "cozy" but this is the perfect word to describe The Hidden Vine. If you're wine people but don't wish to venture to a pretentious setting, this is your place. It is really a "hidden" gem. Prices are reasonable, servers are very informed and the wine list is extensive.

BIN 38

3232 Scott St (between Chestnut St & Lombard St)

In my opinion it is hard to combine elegant as well as somewhat "homey" but BIN 38 manages to pull it off. If you're in to wine, this is your place. The food also lives up to expectation. The french fries are excellent and while I am not really a steak person at all, even I have to admit that the thin kobe strips are out of this world. I can't recommend it enough. One of the best wine bars in San Francisco, though I will admit, it does tend to attract something of a yuppie clientele so just something to keep in mind. Excellent nonetheless.


http://www.bin38.com/

Bar None

1980 Union St (between Buchanan St & Charlton Ct)

If you want to relive your college days of never ending frat parties, this is your place. Beer pong? Uh, no thanks. Maybe I've just gotten too old for this crap but jesus, it's just not fun. I suppose if you really want someone to hit on you in hopes of boosting your self confidence, you may also check this out. If you're a cougar, you'll probably love this place. I think I'll leave it. I have to say, that staff here must have a high pain threshold because I sure as hell couldn't put up with half of the stuff that goes on here. My hat is off to you.

Top of the Mark

The view from Top of the Mark is one of the best in the city. On a clear night, it is truly breathtaking. This bar is a lovely place for a drink after a nice dinner. Top of the Mark has some of the best martinis ever and a very extensive martini list at that. I think there are 101 varieties. All of the drinks I've had here are just excellent though at the price, they should be.

If you want to splurge for brunch, they have an excellent one on Sunday that I would highly recommend. I was there for Easter awhile back and it was truly outstanding.