Friday after work: sharing small plates, watching boys

[redhead]

I have agreed to take a somewhat discerning (?high maintenance) female friend out after work on Friday for drinks and nibbles...I need a place where we can eat some good food (prefer small plates vs. large meal), enjoy a cocktail and watch the suits go by - a patio would be great. We are close to the Financial District, so this area would be ideal. I was thinking about Ki, but it is so darn expensive...any other happening venues? I am so clearly out of the loop for these things...

[diesta]

Thursday is 'entertainment' night typically in the district; Ki, the Keg on York, Bymark, Jump, Canoe (no patio), Vertical, Beer Bistro. Not saying that each of those places will meet everything you are looking for, but those seem to be the spots everyone gravitates to. The patio at the Drake gets pretty good on a Friday evening (not in the downtown core, I know), with the benefit of it being a good spot to stay later into the evening as well.

For those of us that like to go to the same spots, sip drinks and watch the female suits go by, we could turn this into a chowhound get-together :)

[redhead]

good suggestions diesta...I'm leaning towards the Beer Bistro...I've never been but keep reading good reports..just need to make sure the patio is open..does Vertical serve appetizer type foods or do you need to order full meals? As for watching the suits...well, this is chowhounds and I know we need to focus on the chow but scenery is always nice

:)

[LissyDee]

If you are looking for a cattle market ... Keg on York is your place.

[diesta]

Beer Bisto may be more relevant on the Friday...as I said above, a lot of the traffic for the other places for 'cattle call' is Thursdays, but Beer Bistro seems to be good to go Weds-Fri. Vertical has seem decent apps that I've walked around with and eaten. Again, mileage for scene/crowd may vary on the Friday night.