Cheers! San Francisco Has a New Martini Trail

San Francisco’s love affair with food and drink runs deep. But its hometown cocktail, the Martini, is a long-celebrated toast to the city by the bay.

Like where to brunch or find the best burrito in San Francisco, the origin of the Martini is also a subject of debate. But San Francisco makes a strong case as the birthplace of the quintessential cocktail since a precursor to the modern version, the "Martinez," was invented at the Occidental Hotel in the 1860s.

I guess that’s why the cocktail faeries and martini elves finally got together to create a trail of 23 places to belly up around San Francisco, from elegant lounges and dimly lit dives to classic and trendy hotel bars and beloved restaurants, giving visitors plenty of choice when it comes to sipping the timeless tipple.

To access an interactive map, visit sftravel.com/san-francisco-martini-trail.

Dirty, dry, espresso, or with a twist, here are a few of my San Francisco Martini Trail favorites.

Cheers!

House of Prime Rib

I love an old-school restaurant where the prime rib is carved tableside and horseradish is the condiment of choice. They remind me of dining with my grandparents, who never met a steakhouse they didn’t love.

The Cocktail Lounge at House of Prime Rib is a great place to start the experience, with an apple martini if that’s your jam, or my preference— the classic martini, shaken and stirred here since the 1940s. www.houseofprimerib.net

Absinthe

I spent my 30th birthday here, but I can’t remember what I drank, so it must have been a great night. I do remember losing my favorite pair of shoes. I’m glad to see Absinthe still going strong in Hayes Valley. It’s a great place for pre-show drinks and French brasserie fare if you’re seeing a ballet or opera. Belly up to the copper bar or grab a table and order a martini however you like. www.absinthe.com

Bix

Another longtime favorite of mine is Bix in Jackson Square, where one hazy night in particular was renamed ‘The Frank Sinatra Dance Party,’ and may have involved a knocked-over table situation. I plead the 5th.

The location down historic Gold Street paints the place in a secret speakeasy hue. The two-level cocktail bar, supper club, and jazz haunt has been here since 1988 and is, thankfully, well-known and still loved. Book a table or sit at the long bar. The only decisions you’ll have to make are gin or vodka, olive or twist. It’s my kind of place in my kind of town. My choice? The Vesper Martini : vodka, gin, lillet blanc, and a whole lot of great memories. www.bixrestaurant.com

Starlite

Every San Franciscan has a memory of the Starlight Room atop the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. It was a go-to for dates, celebrations, sunset drinks, and out-of-towners looking for a sophisticated night out. These days, the 21st-floor bar is now Starlite and crowns the recently renovated 418-room Beacon Grand Hotel, just off of Union Square.

When the Sir Francis Drake Hotel closed in 2020, it underwent a major rebrand and facelift, reopening in 2022, bringing some Grand Dame Glam to Union Square’s robust hotel scene. It’s got all the appeal of its yesteryear with modern conveniences and flair. I love the red banquette seats, retro vibes, and views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Make a reservation and take the elevator up.

Hint: sunset is a great time to go if you’re not a night owl.

The drinks to order are the ‘Dirty 90’s Martini,’ with olive oil-washed Grey Goose Vodka, blue cheese-stuffed olives, and a lemon peel twist or the Porn Star Martini, with Grey Goose Vodka, passion fruit, lime, vanilla, cacao, and champagne. www.beacongrand.com

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#AgingPlayfully #SanFrancisco