San Francisco, CA

Mocktails, Nonalcoholic Drinks Having a Moment in SF Bars

Published

1 year ago

December 31, 2023

Mocktails, Nonalcoholic Drinks Having a Moment in SF Bars

It’s hardly a secret: People simply drink less alcohol than they used to. The Gen Z cohort, in particular, boozes it up even less than those supposedly wellness-obsessed millennials—unless they live in the hard-partying Presidio, that is. San Francisco bartenders have long realized this trend and begun developing menus to appeal to demographics that want an enjoyable experience without a hangover.

Whether you’re in recovery, doing that Dry January thing or just eager to try something different from time to time, the city’s craft cocktail bars have moved far beyond boring old bitters-and-sodas or saccharine, uninspired “mocktails” like a ginger limeade. Here are the best places for a nonalcoholic drink in San Francisco right now.

Trick Dog

Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way first. Trick Dog, perennially ranked among the world’s best cocktail bars, famously changes up its drink menu every six months. For Josh Harris, the Mission hotspot’s sober founder, it’s important to integrate nonalcoholic drinks into the menu rather than isolate them as a standalone category. They also have names that can’t be distinguished from standard cocktails, all part of the effort to destigmatize the act of ordering and enjoying an NA beverage—of which Trick Dog currently has several.

The “Puppy Pose,” on the outgoing, yoga-focused “Tantrick Dog” menu, is made with two nonalcoholic spirits (Wilderton Lustre andSeedlip Garden 108) along with wheatgrass, probiotic yogurt, lemon and grapefruit zest. Essentially a clarified-milk punch, it’s crystal-clear, served over one big ice cube.

“It will not be on our next menu, which launches on Jan. 8,” Harris told The Standard. “But it will be on every menu after that.”

Rich Table

Chefs Sarah and Evan Rich have been stalwarts of Hayes Valley’s impressive food scene for well over a decade, serving elegant, rarefied comfort food. Or, as the menu says, “Go to the market, see what’s good and cook it.”

Along with seasonal dishes like a chicory salad or tagliatelle with white truffles, Rich Table has an extensive cocktail selection designed to warm people up on a chilly evening. Currently, there are two NA options available, the Quince-Essential (with white peppercorn, pine-smoked tea, cardamom, quince and half-and-half) and the Pear Necessities (verjus, pear, ginger, applesauce and maple foam).

a dive bar patio by day — Customers enjoy drinks in the back patio at Casements bar on Mission Street. | Source: Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Casement’s

Patrons can always get an Andytown cold brew coffee or a Topo Chico at the Mission’s terrific Casement’s, the not-quite-an-Irish bar, not-quite-a-queer-bar with an amazing enclosed rear patio. But the proper non-alcoholic cocktail list has a few well thought-out hits, including the effervescent We Want a Shrubbery, created from a housemade pea-and-strawberry shrub, simple syrup, lemon and sparkling water.

There’s always the option of an Irish coffee without the Irish, suitable for sipping in front of the mural of mouthy Irish drag legend Panti Bliss.

Horsefeather

Divisadero Street in the Western Addition remains one of San Francisco’s most dynamic neighborhoods to eat and drink, and Horsefeather has been home to serious mixology since it opened in early 2016.

Signaling that NA drinks merit an equal amount of labor as their boozier counterparts, the Spruced Up is made from a white aperitif, a foraged spruce-tip tea cordial, bay laurel, and alcohol-free sparkling wine, garnished with burnt rosemary. You’ll be hard-pressed to find something more herbaceous than that.

Copra

One of 2023’s sexiest new arrivals on the scene is this Fillmore District Indian restaurant that specializes in the cuisines of the subcontinent’s tropical south. In addition to a number of vegan dishes, Copra also has a significant NA cocktail program, with three standouts designed to appeal to the widest range of palates.

Perky yet cooling, the Salty City is a mix of coconut yogurt, cucumber, salt, black garlic and lemon, while the Tiger’s Eye is a beguiling combination of cinnamon, star anise, lemon, Wilderton Lustre and a bittersweet aperitivo. Lastly, the Orange Ruby makes Manhattan-esque magic out of lemongrass, Wilderton Lustre, the non-alcoholic vermouth Vibrante, orange blossom, and tonic, along with a makrut lime leaf.

Lookout

The Castro is an area of the city where vodka-cran will probably always reign supreme. But the most buoyant upstairs bar in the gayborhood makes creative space for LGBTQ+ friends and allies who choose to abstain.

The NA Paloma Mansa (translation: Gentle Dove) brings together Tres Agaves syrup, Fever Tree grapefruit soda and lime juice, served in a pint glass with a salted rim. It sounds decadent enough to be served en masse at Lips & Lashes, Lookout’s raucous drag brunch. Best of all, it’s an eminently reasonable $9.

Bar Iris

More than half the cocktails on this Polk Street Japanese-style bar’s list can be made without alcohol, a testament to how inclusiveness was a guiding principle in their creation. As the companion to the one-Michelin-starred restaurant next door, Nisei, Bar Iris is a clever, creative spot that gives all nightlife enthusiasts a reason to feel welcome.

Among the most intriguing—and beautiful—drinks are the Granny Smith-focused Faithful Fool and the cranberry-dominant Red Castle.

Ocean Beach Cafe

The granddaddy of San Francisco’s alcohol-free nightlife is almost certainly Joshua James’ 3-year-old Ocean Beach Cafe on La Playa Street in the Outer Sunset. As both a bar and a bottle shop, it’s where to stock up on supplies to build out a non-alcoholic home bar cart while sitting down for “Temperance Tastings” and NA mixology classes.

Here, alcohol-free cocktails are the star, with no fewer than seven in all, in addition to a full coffee-and-tea situation. Beyond variations on a martini and a French 75, Ocean Beach Cafe is at the forefront of alcohol replacements that don’t aspire to be consolation prizes, but fun options to explore in their own right. James is focused on adaptogens and nootropics that may impart a different kind of buzz. And there’s always the fantastically named Destroyer of Bad Vibes, made with Melati Classic, the Pathfinder, honey, lemon, All the Bitter Orange and cinnamon.

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San Francisco, CA

How to buy Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers tickets

Published

4 hours ago

January 1, 2025

Press Room

How to buy Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers tickets

On the horizon for the Arizona Cardinals (7-9) is a division matchup with the San Francisco 49ers (6-10) on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.

If you are searching for Cardinals vs. 49ers tickets, information is available below.

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers game info

Location: Glendale, Arizona
Date: Jan. 5
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET

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How to buy Cardinals vs. 49ers tickets for NFL Week 18

You can purchase tickets to see the Cardinals square off against the 49ers from multiple providers.

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers betting odds, lines, spreads

Spread favorite: Cardinals (-4)
Moneyline favorite: Cardinals (-200)
Total: 42.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Arizona Cardinals schedule

Week 1: Sept. 8 at Buffalo Bills, 34-28 loss
Week 2: Sept. 15 vs. Los Angeles Rams, 41-10 win
Week 3: Sept. 22 vs. Detroit Lions, 20-13 loss
Week 4: Sept. 29 vs. Washington Commanders, 42-14 loss
Week 5: Oct. 6 at San Francisco 49ers, 24-23 win
Week 6: Oct. 13 at Green Bay Packers, 34-13 loss
Week 7: Oct. 21 vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 17-15 win
Week 8: Oct. 27 at Miami Dolphins, 28-27 win
Week 9: Nov. 3 vs. Chicago Bears, 29-9 win
Week 10: Nov. 10 vs. New York Jets, 31-6 win
Week 12: Nov. 24 at Seattle Seahawks, 16-6 loss
Week 13: Dec. 1 at Minnesota Vikings, 23-22 loss
Week 14: Dec. 8 vs. Seattle Seahawks, 30-18 loss
Week 15: Dec. 15 vs. New England Patriots, 30-17 win
Week 16: Dec. 22 at Carolina Panthers, 36-30 loss
Week 17: Dec. 28 at Los Angeles Rams, 13-9 loss
Week 18: Jan. 5 at 4:25 p.m. ET vs. San Francisco 49ers

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Arizona Cardinals stats

Total offense: 356.1 yards per game, 11th in NFL
Passing offense: 212.3 yards per game, 18th in NFL
Rushing offense: 143.8 yards per game, seventh in NFL
Total defense: 336.7 yards per game, 18th in NFL
Passing defense: 211 yards per game, 12th in NFL
Rushing defense: 125.7 yards per game, 20th in NFL

San Francisco 49ers schedule

Week 1: Sept. 9 vs. New York Jets, 32-19 win
Week 2: Sept. 15 at Minnesota Vikings, 23-17 loss
Week 3: Sept. 22 at Los Angeles Rams, 27-24 loss
Week 4: Sept. 29 vs. New England Patriots, 30-13 win
Week 5: Oct. 6 vs. Arizona Cardinals, 24-23 loss
Week 6: Oct. 10 at Seattle Seahawks, 36-24 win
Week 7: Oct. 20 vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 28-18 loss
Week 8: Oct. 27 vs. Dallas Cowboys, 30-24 win
Week 10: Nov. 10 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-20 win
Week 11: Nov. 17 vs. Seattle Seahawks, 20-17 loss
Week 12: Nov. 24 at Green Bay Packers, 38-10 loss
Week 13: Dec. 1 at Buffalo Bills, 35-10 loss
Week 14: Dec. 8 vs. Chicago Bears, 38-13 win
Week 15: Dec. 12 vs. Los Angeles Rams, 12-6 loss
Week 16: Dec. 22 at Miami Dolphins, 29-17 loss
Week 17: Dec. 30 vs. Detroit Lions, 40-34 loss
Week 18: Jan. 5 at 4:25 p.m. ET at Arizona Cardinals

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San Francisco 49ers stats

Total offense: 372.6 yards per game, fifth in NFL
Passing offense: 246 yards per game, fourth in NFL
Rushing offense: 126.6 yards per game, 11th in NFL
Total defense: 312.7 yards per game, sixth in NFL
Passing defense: 189.8 yards per game, fourth in NFL
Rushing defense: 122.9 yards per game, 17th in NFL

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This content was created for Gannett using technology provided by Data Skrive.

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San Francisco, CA

Bay Area first responders prepare for busy start to 2025

Published

11 hours ago

January 1, 2025

Press Room

Bay Area first responders prepare for busy start to 2025

Police, firefighters prepare for large crowds at San Franciscos NYE fireworks

San Francisco firefighters were preparing for a busy night on New Year’s Eve, with the department expecting 100,000 revelers to watch the fireworks along the Embarcadero with a heavy police presence, attracting onlookers from near and far.

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco firefighters were preparing for a busy night on New Year’s Eve, with the department expecting 100,000 revelers to watch the fireworks along the Embarcadero with a heavy police presence, attracting onlookers from near and far.

“The people here, just the whole excitement, the lights, everything, the food here. It’s San Francisco. Can’t beat it,” said Rob Cheung of Sacramento.

“My new year’s resolution is to try to retire,” said Sandi Castaneda of Redwood City.

At Fire Boat House 35, firefighters were suiting up for any emergencies, including injuries from celebratory gunfire.

On the same night last year, fireworks would prove to be deadly on Treasure Island.

“Unfortunately, it was an 18-year-old kid. He had set off a firework, didn’t go off, and he went over to check over it, stood over it, and he succumbed to his injuries when it did go off,” said Lt. Mariano Elias of the San Francisco Fire Department.

Fireboats patrolled the water, where the professional fireworks display was set off.

The California Highway Patrol is looking for drunk drivers, after making nearly nine hundred arrests statewide during last new year’s maximum enforcement.

“We’ve seen lives ended. We’ve seen people hurt. We’ve seen families destroyed,” said Sgt. Andrew Barclay of the CHP Golden Gate Division.

Officers are warning people to get a sober driver or book a ride-sharing company.

“Whatever the cost is for that ride is going to be far less than a DUI.”

Muni, Caltrain, and SamTrans all offer free rides on New Year’s Eve until the following morning.

Christopher Anderson of Alameda and his girlfriend were on their way to a disco party in the city and celebrated responsibly.

“We just took the ferry to get here, which is a nice way to come in, and then we’re going to take an Uber, and then after that I think we’re going to walk,” said Anderson.

The San Francisco Fire Department had extra ambulances ready to go during the fireworks show and cities like Oakland planned DUI checkpoints.

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San Francisco, CA

ESPN Bracketology projects San Francisco will win WCC over Gonzaga

Published

19 hours ago

December 31, 2024

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ESPN Bracketology projects San Francisco will win WCC over Gonzaga

At least for the moment, ESPN Bracketology expert Joe Lunardi isn’t picking the Gonzaga Bulldogs to come home with another West Coast Conference Tournament championship this season.

Despite being in the No. 1 seed conversation for most of nonleague play, the Zags (9-4, 1-0 WCC) tumbled down to the 4-seed line in ESPN’s latest forecast that was released Tuesday, a few days removed from a 65-62 loss to UCLA. San Francisco, making its first appearance on ESPN Bracketology in 2024-25, is Lunardi’s new pick to earn the WCC’s automatic bid.

Checking in on the 12-seed line, the Dons (12-3, 2-0 WCC) sit at No. 61 in the NET, which is fourth-best in the WCC behind Gonzaga (No. 7), Saint Mary’s (No. 55) and Oregon State (No. 56). The Gaels (11-3, 1-0 WCC) have been teetering on the bubble throughout nonconference play and currently fall in Lunardi’s “First Four Out” grouping with Missouri, Iowa and Northwestern.

The Bulldogs, who were picked to win the WCC in the league’s preseason coaches poll, haven’t had to worry about their postseason aspirations like many in Spokane were doing this time last year. Gonzaga backed up some of its preseason hype with notable wins over Baylor, Arizona State, San Diego State and Indiana during nonleague play. Those victories helped vault Mark Few and company up to No. 3 in the first NET Rankings that were released on Dec. 1.

San Francisco doesn’t have a marquee win on its resume yet, though an NCAA Tournament case can be made from having zero “bad” losses just as well. That’s sort of where the Dons find themselves heading into the thick of league play, where they’’ have a few opportunities to pick up quality victories outside of just Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s. Beating either one of the league’s top two programs for the past two decades would certainly help the Dons’ postseason case, too.

San Francisco added to its at-large resume following a 97-94 overtime thriller against Santa Clara at the Hilltop on Monday. Senior guards Malik Thomas (34 points) and Marcus Williams (23 points) helped the Dons overcome a 10-point deficit while earning their second Quad 2 win of the season. San Francisco also holds an 84-73 victory over Boise State.

Gonzaga and San Francisco won’t be able to settle things head-to-head style until they meet in Spokane on Feb. 13. The Zags return the favor a few weeks later when they battle the Dons in the regular season finale from the Chase Center on March 1.