We all have ideas in our minds of what the Gold Rush years were like, and what blossomed from that. No doubt, our thoughts–and the actual history–involve a lot of alcohol. In fact, in 1852, San Francisco had 350 bar rooms, and in 1853, 537 places in the city were serving alcohol. Ever wondered what exactly San Franciscans were sipping on in the 1800s? If so, read on.

OFF MENU IS SPONSORED BY BENDER’S BECAUSE THEY ARE BADASS. DROP BY AND MAKE SOME BAD DECISIONS WITH SOME GOOD PEOPLE!   The Irish have a knack for storytelling. And according to my mobster ex-boyfriend, fighting as well. They never give up.  Combined, if they do it right, it’s like a reassuring family.

I’ve got some awesome news! We received a grant from the Civic Joy Fund to put out a literary magazine celebrating SF and acting to counter the stupid “Doom Loop” narrative. It’s a gift to the people of San Francisco. And after months of working on this project it’s now available

There is a wave of tea houses in San Francisco with popularity surging. They aren’t exactly new—what with places like Samovar being household names for years—but they are growing in scope, scale and (metaphorical) buzz.

Part 2 of Freddie Cosmo’s “Love/Sick Series” running all month long.   When you crack open that bottle of wine vodka whiskey… Mary J. Blige – I’m Going Down (Welcome to the pity party.) Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart (Misery has RSVP’d.) Kelis – Caught Out There

Image Courtesy of OurOakland It’s time for you to make a field trip to the East Bay to check out the Kingfish. (Or, if you already live in the East Bay, see what your area has to offer.) You’ll find it’s worth making the trip across the Bay. The Kingfish

Just what exactly are the backbones of our Land of the Free? Artist Matthew Henri believes they are none other than whiskey, women and guns. The pieces displayed in his show Made In America offer an artistic survey of the underbelly of an entire nation “besieged by vices and besotted

With skinny jeans and ironic moustaches abound, Thieves Tavern is a superb watering hole for not only hipsters but all San Franciscans. Honestly, an entire post could be devoted to the Bloody Marys (served with FREE waffles if you so desire) and whiskey selection at this place. Saving that for

Oh Dirty Trix, with your whiskey breath and red lipstick, how you hold a special place in my heart. That was my not so clever attempt at conveying Dirty Trix as an ever so classy lady. Anyhow, this place is great. What you should notice initially is the great group