To save us all from this unspeakable malaise, Blind Tiger Ale House (281 Bleecker Street) in the West Village comes to the rescue, offering 31 taps of microbrewed goodness along with an expansive bevy of limited edition bottled beers. Here you’ll come across a whole slew of West Coast style IPAs from the likes of Bear Republic and Green Flash—the good stuff that is very difficult to find anywhere in the East Coast, let alone in a city not exactly known for craft beer offerings.

The taps are running until 4AM, 7 days a week and you’ll always encounter a good crowd while parked in their friendly confines. The wood facades and dim lighting make for an inviting vibe and the bartenders know a thing or two about the suds they serve. There’s also an impressive food menu here featuring artisanal cheeses and familiar pub grub like chicken wings. I can’t speak for their desirability, however, because I come to this place to drink and for that I’m never disappointed.

As they say in their Mission Statement: “Craft beer is our focus..And our passion.” One trip to this Greenwich Village all-star will prove to you that they’re not just mincing words. And best of all, the taplist is constantly rotating. So come on in and come often!

1.) Los Angeles, CA

When it comes to celebrating Mexican culture, the West is the best. And nowhere else demonstrates this better than the City of Angels, whose population is nearly half hispanic. As you’d expect, LA likes to have a grand old fiesta on this rocking holiday. Check out Mas Malo (515 West 7th Street) in Downtown for some great margarita specials or La Cabañita (3447 North Verdugo Road) in Glendale for some authentic Mexican flair.

2.) San Antonio, TX

This old fashioned Texas city is within a hundred miles of the border and it shows on this culturally significant day of the year. Hit up Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar (200 River Walk St. # 100) on the scenic River Walk for some great views and tub-sized margaritas. The nearby Rio Grande Cantina (421 E Commerce St.) is a non-stop party with delicious grub and potent potables.

3.) Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix is a culturally-diverse urban enclave that hosts a number of street festivals to commemorate Mexico’s big day. The Cinco de Mayo Salsa Festival (34505 N. Scottsdale Road) in neighboring Scottsdale showcases local chefs and mixologists with a diverse array of Mexican dishes and drinks. El Hefe Cinco de Mayo Block Party (640 S. Mill Ave.) features $2 Coronas and $4 mammoth margaritas all afternoon.

4.) Las Vegas, NV

Vegas is always a nonstop party, so Cinco de Mayo is pretty much like any day on the calendar in the steaming Nevada desert. However, two newcomers to town have enriched the Mexican street cred in Sin City. Señor Frog’s (3300 Las Vegas Boulevard) at Treasure Island Casino is celebrating it’s grand opening on May 5th and will attempt to break the world record for largest tequila toast ever. Next door at the Flamingo, Carlos ‘n Charlie’s (3555 Las Vegas Boulevard South) just opened it’s massive 13,000 square foot Mexican oasis and is a perfect place to kick back and relax the day away in a tequila-induced haze.

5.) New York, NY

New York may not be known for its overflowing Mexican community, but let’s fact it: the Big Apple has something for everyone. And since there’s little time to sleep when you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo, you might as well get your kicks in the City That Never Sleeps. Maya (1191 1st Ave.) in the Upper East side is a hip tequila bar that will have all sorts of special shots to suit your fancy on the big day. In midtown, head over to the decidedly un-Mexican Johnny Utah’s (25 West 51st St. #3) to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style: with their annual Bullriding Fiesta. See how well your booze sits with you while bucking a mechanical steer!

Photo By: Lauren Chattman

The Perfect Mint Julep

(Serves 14-16)

Ingredients:

• 1 liter Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
• Lots of fresh spearmint
• Distilled water
• Granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar

1. To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then, gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.

2. To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

3. To prepare the mint julep mixture, pour 3 ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. (Pour the remaining whisky from the liter bottle into another container and save it for another purpose). Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Maker’s Mark.

4. Now, begin adding the mint extract a tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose. The tendency is to use too much mint. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.

5. When you think its right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.

6. To serve the mint julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) half full with shaved ice. Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

7. When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice and serve.

I’m loving the curved sides of the Nick & Nora glasses being used for martinis. They seem a bit smaller but oh, how they keep the drink in the glass. The triangular versions, brought to the bar in the twentieth century, can be a bit top-heavy and not quite as elegant. Another welcome resurgence is that of the classic champagne coupe, which works equally well for cocktails as it does bubbles.  The glass was designed especially for champagne in England in 1663.

Vintage collections have also shown up for the now popular punch bowls at bars such as Rickhouse, Bourbon & Branch, Jacques 1534, and Clover Club. These bowls usually come with a set of matching cups that can hang on from the sides of the bowl — making them fantastic for home parties when you don’t want to keep mixing drinks all night long.

From cut crystal to silver and gold rimmed vessels, you can grab your own set to match, or mix it up with some of the colored glass versions for a true classic cocktail selection. Vintage glassware helps make the new trend on the old drink feel, ironically, fresher.

By Dava Guthmiller of Noise 13 Branding and Design

Wente Vineyards

An Evening with Foreigner

Wednesday 7/11

Earth, Wind & Fire Guiding Lights Tour

Monday 7/16

Sheryl Crow

Monday 7/23

An Evening with John Fogerty

Wednesday 8/1

Diana Krall Summer Nights US Tour

Wednesday 8/15

Steve Martin And the Steep Canyon Rangers

Wednesday, 8/29

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on May 19th and can either be purchased individually for $89 or accompanied by a four-course dinner at the award-winning Restaurant at Wente Vineyards for an added fee. Another enticing feature of the summer concert series is the buffet-style dining available on the lawn for parties of ten.  You can go with a crew of friends to enjoy an incredible meal while being serenaded by some of the finest headlining acts in music today.  And the wine is certainly not to be overlooked, either.  For over 125 years, the cool nights and gravelly soils of the Livermore Valley have produced some of the more robust Cabernet Sauvignons the region has to offer.  They also make an exceptionally well-balanced Morning Fog Chardonnay, which is really saying something considering that I am not traditionally a Chardonnay kinda guy.  But theirs boasts a gentle, buttery mouthfeel that doesn’t overdo the fruitiness common to the varietal.  On a warm summer evening, it’s the perfect way to wash down some twangy bluegrass from the Steep Canyon Rangers.

Karl Wente and Wente Vineyards (Video)

Here’s our list of the top 5 beer bars in San Francisco. Each place is known for their excellent beer selection and unique atmosphere.

21st Amendment (563 2nd St)

This charming brewery right off Willie Mays Plaza (or King Street) was specially crafted for beer lovers, Giants fans and SoMa business people alike. Basically, the vibe and products (beers and high quality pub food) of 21st Amendment make it attractive for lunch, happy hour, or before the Giants game. Their specialty craft beers are excellent and they have a selection that works for all palates. If you’re thirsty for something heavy and hoppy, try the Gigantes IPA. After a few of those, you’ll be feeling like a Giant!

Zeitgeist San Francisco (199 Valencia St)

You can’t really talk SF brew without talking about Zeitgeist—whether you like it or not. Yes, it’s hipster, it’s grungy, but there is something about it that really works! You can travel across the pond and enjoy a Belgian or German beer or stay local with some great Northern Californian and Oregon brews. The outside seating area is perfect for a group drinking outing. Sunday Funday, anyone?

The Republic (3213 Scott St)

Spend a weekend in the Marina and be prepared to be inundated with yoga pants, dog walkers, and polo shirts. If it’s a game day, a whole other dimension will unfold as you will see scores of sports fans looking for a bar where they can throw back a few while watching the game. The Republic is the perfect bar to do just that!

They have over 20 beer taps that pour some of the finest craft beer. Just above the taps are massive flat screens mounted on the wall for your viewing pleasure. The setup creates the ultimate viewing/drinking experience in the Marina. We have you covered at The Republic as you can get 2 for 1 on any craft beer, anytime by grabbing this special offer on JoynIn.

Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery (1398 Haight St)

The selection at Magnolia teeters on the edge of intimidating. From harsh IPA’s to smooth dark stouts to delicious ciders, they have something for all beer lovers. There are two added bonuses when visiting Magnolia as the food is tantalizing, and the scenery from Haight Street adds to the flavor and excitement.

The Plough and Stars (116 Clement St)

I’d be remiss if I did not add an Irish Pub to this list (remiss and run out of town by the Irish). The Plough and Stars is more than worthy as it’s an absolute gem hiding out in the Richmond District. Known for their proper Guinness pour, their friendly staff, and the best Irish folk music in the city, the Plough is an authentic Irish escape in your backyard.

What do you think of our list? Which favorite spots of yours are we missing?

This post was brought to you by our friends at JoynIn

Photo By: Brad Japhe

The City by the Bay is known throughout the world for so many of its magical characteristics.  Being inexpensive, however, is not one of them.  But San Francisco is also a place that caters to all walks of life, including those that don’t want to plop down $15 per drink at a fancy lounge or club.  You can save those places for the tourist, because any local will tell you that there are a bevy of dive bars and cozy cafes in town to serve you crafty cocktails or magnificent microbrews at bargain basement prices.  Yet the following establishments all have a certain je ne sais quoi–so you can pour like a prince(ss) for the price of a pauper…

Toronado (547 Haight Street) The Bay Area’s proudest dive bar is also home to the most extensive collection of craft brews you’re likely to find anywhere.  And best of all, they’re all reasonably priced with a daily afternoon happy hour offering a dollar off everything.  Many limited release, seasonal favorites can be enjoyed for around $3-$4 a pint.  You’ll find everything worth finding here, except for any Grateful Dead on the jukebox.

Columbus Cafe (562 Green Street) North Beach is home to countless bars and lounges, but Columbus Cafe is one of the best around.  With a great, cozy vibe and an impressive selection of beers on draft it’s astonishing that they actually offer 2-for-1 drink specials during happy hour.  The city is a better place for their generosity.

Lucky 13 (2140 Market Street) The Castro’s favorite dive bar has one of the best selections of draft beer anywhere in the city, and you’ll never find anything for more than $5.  Most cocktails are around that same price and during happy hour you can take a buck off everything.  And once in a while you can treat yourself to a cheap and strong jello shot.

Northstar Cafe (1560 Powell Street) Another North Beach all-star, this friendly neighborhood bar has all the hallmarks of an endearing dive; kind bartenders, free pool and popcorn, and most importantly: cheap drinks–$3 during happy hour, to be exact.

Bean Bag Coffee House (601 Divisadero Street) When it comes to good, inexpensive beer, Bean Bag can’t be beat.  For under $2–that is not a typo–you can enjoy several local microbrews on draft including Lagunitas IPA and usually something from nearby 21st Amendment.  Although the beer is served in a plastic cup and it used to be $1.50–it’s still the Bay’s best bargain at $1.95.  Being a cafe, they also have a good food menu and free wi-fi for all to enjoy.

Photo By: Brad Japhe

Do you have a friend who seems to know everyone? They walk into a spot and it’s head nods, handshakes, and double sided cheek kisses all around. You love this person because they’re your friend, and you get to benefit from their connections. A free first round when you walk into a new bar isn’t bad, right? However, you also envy this person because well, you want what they have.

So how do we become this social connector with an endless supply of swag and comped drinks? Truth is, anyone can be this person without having to commit to a life of binge drinking. Here are some helpful tips for accumulating influence and connections on the inside of San Francisco’s hottest spots.

Who are you connected with now?

With one in ten people now working in the food and beverage industry you can almost guarantee you have a Facebook friend who’s a bartender, server, or promoter in your local area dying for your business.

We see status updates all the time like: “Come in to ____ and I will hook you up with ___ tonight! Can’t wait to see you!” These people on the inside love to feel connected too. A familiar face is not only a friendly sight during a long shift; it also shows their clout and ability to bring in business.

You’d be doing them a favor as much as they would be doing you one.

Be memorable

So what about staking your claim in unknown territory? There is an art and science to this which takes a bit of creativity and persistence. Here are a few methods for becoming memorable to those people that matter.

Leave a BIG Tip

Of course, due to potential budgetary constraints, you might want to ignore this idea. But if you have a little room in your checking account for experimentation, try leaving a big tip with a server or bartender that can make you an inside. If you want to add hooks that can produce real results and reduce the possibilities of them thanking you, and simply moving on, try sliding your card under the bill or even writing a good old fashion check with a little note. There’s no way they will forget such a gesture as it can easily change the course of their night while giving them something to talk about with friends.

Peacocking

If you have heard of, been hit on by, or are a pick up artist, you know what I’m talking about. Our brains respond to things that are novel and exciting. That dude with the florescent sweater vest, or that girl with the cheetah lined hipster glasses are people you are unlikely to forget due to their ability to stick out in a crowd. These peacocking methods matched with a proactive approach to getting to know someone on the inside works. You will demand their attention before your first word and from there you have the floor to connect on an engaging and authentic level.

Use new tools to connect now!

Websites and apps like Yelp, SF Station, and beyond can help you find our who’s on the inside and give you the information you need to reach out and make that connection.

New startups like JoynIn (disclosure, this is my startup), gives people the ability to not only build connections with bartenders, servers and beyond, but provides you access to some of the best deals offered up by these people on the inside.

This levels the playing field when it comes to connecting with people on the inside. You will know this person and they will know you before your even step foot in their business!

Think about a world where everyone knows your name. We’re not talking about Norm from Cheers or your friend that knows everyone, we’re talking about you! You currently see this for a select few, but by going out and trying some of these methods, you can be that person too.

By Brenton Geiser of JoynIn

Pete’s Tavern (128 King Street): This upscale SoMa sports hall shows all the games on flat and projection screen televisions, and also serves up some damn tasty bar food too. Their sliders are awesome, curly fries are crave-worthy  and the mini corn-dogs are fried bites of perfection.  This is a good place to duck out for lunch and check up on all your brackets.

Greens Sports Bar (2239 Polk Street): Polk Street is one of the best bar areas in all of San Francisco. But when it comes to watching sports in this neck of the woods, few places deliver the abundance of awesomeness that you’ll find at The Greens. A rowdy atmosphere with over a dozen beers on draft and even more in the bottle guarantees a good time on game day.

Mad Dog in the Fog (530 Haight Street): Yes, even people in the Haight like to watch sports from time to time, and March Madness is so huge that even this spot–known more as a beer bar than a sports bar–will be showing all the games starting next week. Their list of brews from around the world is one of the most extensive in the city, so enjoy a rare and special craft beer while you watch over a dozen teams fight to be the Final Four.

The Final Final (2990 Baker Street): The go-to sports bar of the Marina has a couple of pool tables, cheap beers on tap and a bevy of flat screens lining the walls. If you want to enjoy the tournament with a crowd of sports fanatics, this is a good place to be next Thursday.

Yancy’s Saloon (734 Irving Street): This neighborhood favorite in the Inner Sunset is considered by many to be the best sports bar in the whole city. With a slew of TVs, an even bigger selection of draft beers and dart boards, you might not even notice all the free popcorn. But it’s there alright, and it’s glorious!

Black Jack ($10): This sweet whiskey mashup contains Jack Daniels Honey, St. Vincent orgeat syrup and some fresh blackberries muddled throughout.  Yet somehow, with all of these sugary components, the drink manages to preserve a well-balanced finish that balances the subtler oak components of Jack with the tart tanginess of the fruit additives.

Bourbon Pig ($11): This is hands-down the trademark cocktail for this downtown mecca of meat.  Bacon fat washed Bulleit bourbon is enhanced with a dash of bitters and sugar before being garnished with a couple of crisped slices of actual pig ear.  Drop the fattened pork into the elixer and enjoy the added complexity of slight saltiness as it mixes with the deep and peaty tones of a fine aged Bourbon.  Why didn’t I think of this?

Citrus Tree ($10): Bacardi Superior rum is introduced to a concoction of Lychee liqueur  and grapes to make a colorful libation that packs a surprisingly serious punch.

Downtown Rise ($11):  This bright and friendly take on a margarita consists of Milagro tequila mixed with marmalade and mango puree with some agave syrup drizzled in at the end.  The flavors are more on the sweet and less on the tart as compared to a more traditional tequila drink.  But then again, this is a different beast altogether.  For an unexpected pairing, have a swig to wash down the strong flavors of pickled peppers and ham puree that dominate the PIGG Style Fries.

Red Sapphire ($12): This spectacular gin drink uses Bombay Sapphire as the backbone for an inventive ensemble that includes Earl Grey tea syrup and fresh lemon juice, topped by a frothy layer of egg whites.  Since the floral intricacies of gin are well paired with a salad, order yourself the Aromatic Chicken Salad from The Cure and see how that tickles your tastebuds.