Cocktails tonight near Zuni Cafe!
Any suggestions for a place to have cocktails before dinner tonight at Zuni? Returning to NY tomorrow. Thanks.
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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
By gracegiamo
on Aug 30, 2011 04:28 PM
San Francisco Bay Area
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By gracegiamo
on Aug 30, 2011 04:28 PM
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why not zuni itself? i suppose absinthe could work; though
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I would certainly do absinthe. I had cocktails at Zuni a few weeks ago, and they were like they always have been - refreshing, tart, the classics done well, but not particularly in balance or great. It's the only place I order a cosmo, but there wasn't that great lime balance in an excellent cosmo that I've had there before. You should sample something a bit more in tune with modern mixology, and absinthe is probably the best combination of close and good. It's right on the edge of what most people consider walking distance. The walk isn't particular nice.
Another interesting choice is Zeitgeist. It's not cocktails, it's beer, in a beergarden, with rowdy 20something bike messengers. It's a slice of SF, if you're 20something yourself you might enjoy it. The beer is super-fresh.
There's also a winebar next door. When it was CAV I recommended it, I haven't tried the new incarnation. I hope they've kept the flights of unusual reds, but I haven't been.
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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
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The wine bar is now called Pause. I liked it better when it was CAV, frankly. But it's perfectly serviceable as a wine bar.
If I wanted somewhere for cocktails that was not Zuni, I would go to Absinthe, or to Smuggler's Cove. Agree with bigwheel042 -- Smuggler's is great because it's so place-specific (though I happen to prefer the cocktails & vibe at Absinthe).
Another serviceable option (and a tad closer) is the Pisco Lounge that's part of Destino. If anyone in the group is into Pisco.
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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Destino
1815 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Smuggler's Cove
650 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102
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zeitgeist does have a full bar, with a killer bloody mary; but unless i'm going in the morning, i've only ordered beer.
also note that Pause is the same owners as Yield in the dogpatch; which i'm not a fan of, but know that it's generally popular.
totally forgot about smuggler's cove - tiki decor with top-notch (yet reasonably priced) cocktails)
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Smuggler's Cove is only a 10 minute walk from Zuni, tops. If I were visiting from NYC that's where I'd go.
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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Smuggler's Cove
650 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102
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What about Martuni's? It's almost across the street. very old school-with a Piano bar. I may be remembering this incorrectly but I don't think Zuni has chairs at the bar.
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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
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We ended up at Smuggler's Cove which was a good choice. You're right, no bar stools at Zuni. BTW, although Zuni gets mixed reviews on CH, our dinner was wonderful from start to finish. The roasted chicken for two was spot on and our app of grilled manilla clams and patrons with aioli was fantastic. Thanks for all the suggestions. Can't wait to come back to SF!
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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Smuggler's Cove
650 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102
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