BARS • First Round
Though Bar 49 made its debut last summer in the prominent, flatiron-shaped space in the Castro — once the longtime home of Bagdad Cafe — it wasn’t until last month that the gay bar, which also offers a solid food menu, was able to serve cocktails in addition to beer and wine.
The new drink menu celebrates SF and drag culture, with cocktails like the (Juanita MORE!-themed) Miss MORE!, with vodka, Aperol, guava, lime juice, and pink grapefruit soda; the 7x7 features Vida Mezcal, raspberry puree, OJ, lime juice, and soda. A current favorite is gin sour-inspired The Empress — named in honor of the original Empress I of the SF-founded Imperial Court, Jose Sarria — featuring purple Empress Gin (made with butterfly pea flowers), peach liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
The well-curated beer and wine list features a number of drinkable natural wines and local brews from Temescal Brewing and Russian River Brewing Co. Live music brings a buzzier vibe with it on weekends, with jazz crooning and Irish folk.
Owner Colm O’Brien, an alum of nearby Hi Tops, has geared the food menu toward Ireland, offering dishes like bangers and mash (with onion gravy and mashed peas), corned beef and cabbage, and an excellent fish & chips in addition to bar food staples like chicken tenders, sliders, and tacos. –Jay Barmann
→ Bar 49 (Castro) • 2295 Market St • Mon-Thu 4p-12a, Fri 12p-12a, Sat-Sun 10a-12a • Walk-ins only.