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San Francisco

Brass Tacks

time
Mon - Fri: 2pm - 2am
  • Mon - Fri: 2pm - 2am
  • Sat - Sun: 12pm - 2am

Got nothing to do?—go explore. And when you do, keep your wits about you and your eyes off the screen because that’s when you find the unknown. Tucked away in San Fran’s Hayes Valley is a bar you go to when you’re all about getting down to business - this is Brass Tacks.

OUR ARTICLE

BY: Ben Hitch Contributing writer

From the concrete Brass Tacks offers a large format window, that is typically wide open, offset by the standard front door with a nice gentleman asking for the laminated plastic. The entrance is nestled under what would seem to be a few studio apts running the standard San Fran $4k a month. But rest assured you won’t be hearing any stomping around from the upstairs neighbors.

the lighting is incredibly unique as the bulbs seem to be hiding in shades of melted glass. It’s not exactly Chihuly, but it will provide an escape for when you get busted for eyeing the guy/girl laying claim to the corner of the bar.

Through the front door and within a few steps you are immediately met by the corner of the bar with a handful of bar stools behind you, positioned at the window for the perfect combination of cocktail in one hand and eyes of Judge Judy judgment meeting anyone walking by. As you move past the bar and the opposing wall seating, the arrowed wood paneling floor guides you back to the lounge. Fitted with VIP type black couches running along the walls accompanied by knee-high cocktail tables, the space is waiting for you and your squad. Above the leather, the lighting is incredibly unique as the bulbs seem to be hiding in shades of melted glass. It’s not exactly Chihuly, but it will provide an escape for when you get busted for eyeing the guy/girl laying claim to the corner of the bar.

The cocktails are on point and are backed by a solid selection of hops and grapes on tap. If you’re one for spicy tequila, then the Serpent And The Rainbow is a must try. And if you like to live dangerously placing trust in the craft of the bartenders, the Brass Tacks crew has serious skills mixing up custom concoctions that will no doubt satisfy the palate.

The true highlight of Brass Tacks, naturally after the libations, is a chandelier which is unquestionably the first thing you’ll notice when you walk in the front door. It’s constructed of champagne flutes and other vessels of intoxication. It screams high value, but really is just brilliant and functional. It’s positioned perfectly over the tenders arena and provides ample, but not too revealing light for patrons lucky enough to saddle up at the bar.

The cause and purpose are in the name because Brass Tacks is all business or at least the business of conversing with close friends accompanied by sapid cocktails. Naturally, in this part of town you may have to fight off a few techsters (techy hipsters) to make it the bar, but once you do, it’s only a matter of time before the bartenders are pouring your usual, as you’ll soon be calling Brass Tacks your go-to watering hole.

FIELD TIPS

A bar with no food means you can bring your own, head to Soulva – it’s kitty-corner

Seating… first option is the bar, second is at the window watching life pass by

If Brass Tacks is filled up, check out its neighboring sister bar ANINA

Uber HQ is down the block, double dog dare you to app for a LYFT