Stoa

This dimly lit cocktail bar is the Lower Haight’s moodiest place for a date night, and it won’t end in you serendipitously running into your ex-situationship—it’s so long you can’t see the other end. There’s plenty of seating throughout, from stools at one of two bars to cushy booths and high-tops. And while you’re hanging out with someone you like in a dark corner, drink a cheeky cocktail (categorized into sections like “Stern, But Firm” or “Lean & Mean”), and get a shareable plate from a menu we can only describe as “anything goes.” There’s chewy grilled mochi topped with corn and bacon, fish sauce-kissed chicken wings, and bowls of rice porridge with scallions and chili sauce for cozy mode.

photo credit: Brendan Mainini

photo credit: Brendan Mainini