Cantina

Was in San Francisco for 24 hours, and Cantina was the perfect capstone to our evening.

Good drinks, good atmosphere, very accommodating bartenders. Had a lovely night here.

Um, how did I not know about this place until yesterday? Even though it's a bit of a hike from my office, this is definitely going to be on the bar rotation!

I met up with a friend and we were lucky to snag 2 seats at the bar. The atmosphere is  casual and loungy without being divey, and cozy without being claustrophobic.

The bartenders were awesome. Super friendly, there when we needed them, and non-pretentious.

The drinks: These are craft cocktails made with love. My laughing buddha and gentleman's delight were both delicious and fresh tasting. My friend got a pisco sour, a margarita and a sangria. I generally don't like super sweet drinks but the margarita was actually really zesty and bright and the sangria, though sweet, had complex flavor to it and didn't taste watered down like at many places.

Not a great happy hour (only a few drinks are on special from 5-7pm) so might as well avoid the crowds and come later. See you there!

One of my favorite local bars. Nice comfortable feel in the front by the bar, maybe a little too dark for some in the back area where there are lounge tables, but sometimes that's what I'm in the mood for. I've found the staff to be especially friendly and talented mixologists.