April 3, 2019
Best Bars and nightclubs - 2019's reader favorites
Michael Flanagan READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The Besties give us an opportunity to visit some longtime favorite watering holes, to visit some of the newer venues in town and unfortunately to note the passing of one venue. Whether you're looking for the right spot for new adventures, a quiet place to talk over cocktails or exciting spots where anything can and does happen you've got a lot of choices in this year's winners and runner ups.
Best New Bar: Jolene's
We actually didn't have this category on the ballot, because only one new bar opened in the past year worth noting. Jolene's not only serves the mid-Mission neighborhood (fixing the empty spot in our hearts after The Lexington's demise), the staff serves up a delicious brunch on weekends, and has given a weekly home to Uhaul, the popular women's night. Welcome, Jolene's!
Best Bar to Meet Men: Eagle
Runners-up: 44 Castro, Powerhouse
With events like Bearracuda, Underwear Night and the ever-popular Sunday beer bust, it's no wonder that the Eagle tops (so to speak) the list of best places to meet men for the fifth year in a row. Our readers know what they like and they love the Eagle. And is it any wonder? Because the Eagle makes a place for nights like Pound Puppy and Frolic ("Oh dear, the furries are here!"); live music and both already famous and up-and-coming DJs.
The Eagle is a well renowned success story of a bar that fought for its place to remain in a changing San Francisco and won. It is no wonder that it is the anchor for the Eagle Plaza project, which is planning the world's first leather plaza on 12th Street (in front of the Eagle).
A friendly bar which has the feel of a neighborhood bar and yet has become a cultural institution? Indeed the Eagle has all this and a sense of fun that brings our readers back year after year - and with events like "Leather Bar Showtune Sing-Along" - what's not to love?
