San FranCelia

Thursday evenings are always a really good time in San Francisco.  The people who live here, and occasionally those who don’t, can always find a way to wile away the sunset hours in a good bar for happy hour.  Last night, or as my girlfriends and I have officially declared as “Thirsty Thursdays’” re-commencement ceremony, was no exception.  We started out at the posh Press Club.  It’s a bit pretentious, but still wonderfully fantastic, so definitely worth the 45 minute Muni bus ride (Yes, I took Muni.  Happy hour is worth it, I say!).  I didn’t realize the Press Club was more upscale (it could be considered the wine bar to the Four Season…  Why oh why didn’t I Yelp it!), so I showed up in jeans and a white tee shirt.   I was wearing cute boots and a nice scarf if that helps, but I still felt a bit underdressed.  When you get in, you are supposed to give them your credit card so you can obtain a Press Club Card – on it they track your tab (good idea!).  You enter this wooden underground open space where each bar counter is representing one or several wineries.  One of the bar tenders told me that there were 8 represented there.  Interesting.  There were a couple bar tenders who were actually rude though, which was kind of surreal, seeing as you would think they’d kiss the ass of the clientele that frequent there – maybe it was my tee shirt… haha!  I moved on without handing over the Press Card though, so it worked out ok.  I moved to another counter where the bartender was much nicer and more helpful (so they

[caption id="attachment_86" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The Press Club"][/caption]

 are there, which is a plus), and who served us “tastes”.  You don’t get a glass of wine you get a “taste”, which is a small amount of wine ranging anywhere from $3.00 to $12.00.  Kind of pricey for happy hour if you do it often or if you want to get a good buzz on, but it’s a nice treat if it’s a special day or something.  I love people watching at places like this, too.  It’s so fun to kind of stand back every once in a while at a bar or club and just check out the scene.  Last night was another great chance to do this.  Some women looked and behaved like they were on the hunt for a man of a certain means, others were there with co-workers they weren’t quite so thrilled to be with, and one was even there to apparently cry to her friend in the front lounge area (really?!  Come on now) – the guys carried on similarly to this actually (no crying-in–a-corner guy, however, unfortunately.  Now THAT would have been something to see), which was fascinating to watch.  It’s definitely the young, up-and-coming crowd with some salt and pepper mixed in here and there for distinction.  We drank a few “tastes” and hung out for an hour or so talking about work (what else), then the place started to clear out around 8:00pm or 8:30pm – you’ll definitely need to get there early enough to enjoy the full effect and aura.   Wasn’t too bad for the slight buzz and good time I had by the time I paid my tab.  I really had fun at this spot and the ambiance was a blast, plus you get to say you vino’ed it up at the Four Seasons. 

 

 It was then onward to the Chieftain, an Irish pub almost the opposite of the Press Club.  What can I say, I like to dichotomize my life a bit.  It was much more low key – we grabbed a few beers (they have yummy imports on tap with all the Irish favorites) and ordered some delicious Irish pub food.  I had this Buffalo Chicken wrap without the sauce, and it was delicious.  I wonder if part of the amazing flavor was due to my slightly light head.  Chill crowd and nice wait staff; really close to downtown, too, which is convenient.  Affordable, as well – awesome. 

 I always have so much fun going out for drinks with my girlfriends, so happy hour and dinner was even better.  Definitely check out the Press Room, you will have a good time, and if you’re feeling like you may need a dose of reality afterwards, hit up the Chieftain and eat some tasty pub food… mmm…    

 

Peace and love XO

 

    

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