Angelina's #6-11: Shanghai Kelly's, Buccaneer, Bourbon & Branch, 441 Cocktails, Rye, Ambassador

Overall total with these six new bars are #11-16. This evening which was intended to only be 2-3 bars turned into a crazy 6 bar crawl. Probably not the best idea on a Wednesday night.
Lan and I started the night off at Shanghai Kelly's.

Shanghai Kelly's

2064 Polk St (Cross Street: Broadway Street)

San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 771-3300

I walked in and was the only female. Waltzed up to the bar and ordered myself a pint while I waited for Lan who cruised in 5 minutes later. Very casual and chill corner bar. If I lived nearby, I may frequent this place more often. They claim to have some special drink night on the first Thursday of every month, so that may be worth checking out. Cool stuff on the walls.

Buccaneer

2155 Polk St (Cross Street: Between Broadway Street and Vallejo Street)

San Francisco, CA 94109-2506

(415) 673-8023

Due to Nick's Taco's being closed, Lan and I kept walking and found ourselves at a pirate bar! Yesss!!! The Buccaneer. How could we not enter?

Another typical bar...the pool table in the back was a plus. Bartender was very friendly. Bought ourselves a beer and some red pirate underwear and we were good to go. Jamie joined the group and so we were three.

Bourbon & Branch

501 Jones St (Cross Street: O'Farrell Street)

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 673-1921

This is the bar that spurred our Wednesday night outing. Lan made a reservation so....

Anyway, after ringing the doorbell at the unmarked door and giving our password, 4 of us enter (Minh joined us). Jason and Alden soon followed.

As their gimmick is a speakeasy, everything in here was very hush hush. Extremely dim lighting, but pretty cool to see. Every table was occupied. Lots of booths and split level for more privacy between groups. Very skinny tables and even more expensive drinks. Tasty, but not necessarily worth $12 each.

We did, however, get some free mini drinks/shots prior which were ok. Nice idea though. The servers could be nicer, although I'm not sure if being an ass is part of the whole theme. Probably the coolest part is the secret door to the library in the back with another bar and room for private parties.

We had our one drink...saw the place...and left.

441 Cocktails

441 Jones St.

San Francisco, CA 94102-2014

(415) 474-2284

We escaped from B&B and walked down the street to 441. This is pretty much the complete opposite of what B&B tries to be. A typical dive bar with some very nice Korean ladies tending bar. Can't say the same for their regulars who managed to give me and Lan some kissy faces.

Yes, fresh popcorn was good. Went with a shot of jagermeister and that was it.

Rye

688 Geary St (Cross Street: Leavenworth Street)

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 474-4448

I don't how or why we decided to go to more bars, but we did. I really liked Rye....one of the best ones I've come across. Two rooms - very modern with minimal decor, but not cold. Two rooms, separated by a few steps and the bar in the middle. There was an outdoor area, but closed in by floor to ceiling checkered wire - almost as if you were in a cage. It didn't feel like a prison, but more like a safety and exclusion to keep those on the street out. And again, a pool table in the back.

Beverage wise, I shared a basil martini with Lan which was well made. Then, I had a vodka shot with Mr. Jason Chen. I don't order vodka, nor do I drink it often, but this one was pretty smooth and yummy. Good one, J. Nothing too expensive - average drink prices.

The bartenders were great. Jen and Justin. Very friendly, generous and attentive.

I'd definitely come back here for a drink with a friend or to gather a group of us for a party.

Ambassador

673 Geary St (Cross Street: Jones Street)

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 563-8192

Last bar of the night. After Rye, all we had to do was cross the street.

I loved the decor of this bar. I was immediately drawn in with the multiple chandeliers hanging from the pitch black ceiling, giving the impression of floating crystals. Several large boths lined one side of the large room with the bar lining the other. The great expanse of space in the middle made the room seem almost empty. I can imagine this place fills up on weekends and that middle area could become a sea of bodies fighting for air. There is limited seating.

If you do manage to get a booth, you are in luck. There are phones that can call the other booths, so you can chat with your neighbors if you are so inclined.

Drinkswise, nothing incredible or special. Their shots are served in tiny ass metal cups the size of thimbles....fancy ones. The waitress was snooty and not very attentive either. Go to the bar and order yourself if you can.

The thing to note is the upstairs area. Nice and private with couches and additional seating, another bar and more restrooms. This area is ideal for private parties. I'd do it in a second.

I'd just have to see this place on a weekend and see if it's under control.

Overall, Mike has done a great job! =)

And, that brings Wednesday, January 31 to a close. Sixteen bars overall for the month of January; Eleven of those sixteen in the SF/Bay Area. Doing well and more to follow!!!