Barvale, in NoPa, serves quality tapas - including some of the best octopus we’ve ever eaten.

The Alembic is a Haight bar institution serving outstanding food.

Jupiter in Berkeley is known for its amazing patio and live music situation. It has a ton of beers on tap and serves decent pizza.

A better than average wine bar with all of the cheese.

The Californian-Mediterranean food at Lark in the Castro might be geographically inaccurate, but it tastes pretty great.

Delarosa is an ideal spot for after-work drinks in the Financial District.

Hit up Barrio in North Beach for a few beers and some tacos with a friend or impromptu date.

Prepare to pay a lot of money for some delicious raw things - like oysters and beef tartare - at Petit Marlowe in SoMa.

A low key Russian Hill wine bar with excellent meat and cheese. The ladies love Union Larder.

Barcino, a Spanish spot in Hayes Valley, serves tasty but expensive tapas. Come for drinks and a snack, but probably not dinner.

The secret to doing Mezcalito in Russian Hill right is to know that it’s a mezcal bar first, a restaurant second.

School Night in Dogpatch is a great weeknight spot for after-work drinks and bar bites.

Violet’s in the Richmond is a good neighborhood date stop for cocktails and a light bite.

The European inside the Warwick Hotel is a great stop in Lower Nob Hill for bar bites and cocktails.

Tons of beers on tap and homemade sausage is what you’ll find at Hogwash in Lower Nob Hill.

Matador serves fancy tacos and tasty drinks in Lower Nob Hill.