Co-Existing with Cigars
There is a great little hidden away spot that is wonderful for a crazy night out at the bars, a chill happy hour, or even a quick bite to eat. Cigar Bar, located on the North Beach/Financial District cusp, is one of my favorite spots in the City, and tonight for happy hour, I was reminded why I love it so much. While there is a small cover on the weekends (you’ll be hard pressed not to find one in that section of the City), it holds so much that’s it’s worth it. You walk into the Spanish style hideaway, and are greeted by a 
below-ground bar area constructed of ceramic tile that is reminiscent of a rustic villa, and are immediately given options. If you continue straight, you’ll hit live music and a small dance floor that burns up when the crowd is poppin’. If you want to have a Spanish man sweep you into a real salsa dance or impress your lady with your salsa skills, this is a great venue. If you take a left, you are outside on the massive smoking patio – it is called Cigar Bar after all – where there are large groupings of tables and a central fountain that is beautifully decorated (they even turn on heaters in the winter, thank God). The bar is the central focal point when you walk in, so it’s best to start there, no matter what your party style is. Their drinks are fresh, and they make all of their tequila drinks in the old fashioned way – think margaritas made with tequila and fresh lime juice with triple sec, no sweet and sour – and they are affordable (around $6!)… Yum! There is even a small grouping of rooms past the smoking patio that allows for some indoor comfort should the smoking and dancing prove to be too extreme.
The best thing about this hip and tucked away loungy hotspot is its vibe. It’s not too trendy but not too hipster. The crowd is a mixture of musicians, retro cigar smokers, and the young and relaxed North Beach crowd – one of the best, in my opinion. Hip, accepting, and always ready for a good time, you’ll be sure to meet people and enjoy the night. Even if you’re not a smoker (hey, I’m not), it’s a fantastic San Francisco original that everyone will fall in love with.
