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  • 0

    I've been told "GK" is no longer working here.

    Ahem.

    DING DONG, the witch is dead. Do do do. The witch is dead. DING DONG, the wicked witch is dead!

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  • 0

    I've been wanting to try this place, but never had time to.  I made it by one night a half hour before closing time.  Good drinks and good prices.

    I can't wait to come here when its crackin.....then I'll se what its really about!

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  • 0

    Cool bar in a large space. Has upstairs, downstairs, reserved seating and open bar seating. Fun cocktails at a great price point. Friendly bartenders. I loved the French 75.

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  • 0

    Great craft cocktail bar with reasonably priced drinks and quick, friendly staff.  The Adersnake is my favorite- a smokey-sweet mix of scotch, vanilla, lemon and egg white for that delicious froth.  Location isn't the poshest, but that won't stop me from coming back!

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  • 0

    Tradition = my new favorite cocktail bar in SF.

    The cocktail menu is 5-6 pages long.  One page for classics, with multiple Sazerac-like drinks.  One page for tiki drinks (made with fresh ingredients and not overly sweet of course!)  One page was New Orleans inspired (mostly bourbon-based cocktails), there was a Scottish page with scotch-based drinks), and an English page with gin-based drinks.  Most drinks cost $10-11.

    As someone who enjoys whiskey-based cocktails, I gravitated towards the New Orleans and Scottish menus.  The Flowering Thistle (scotch, vanilla syrup, cardamom, bitters) was stirred and served to the brim in a coupe, and although the vanilla and cardamom flavors were subtle, it was so well-balanced and smooth that it was one of the best drinks I've ever had.  I also enjoyed the Cut & Run (rum, brandy, grapefruit, mole bitters served on a large rock) - and I usually don't even like rum-based drinks!  Our very knowledgeable bartender Drew even gave us samples of the rum and brandy neat to help us parse out those flavors in the cocktail.  The Earl of Isle (scotch, honey, sage served on a large rock) was initially very herbal but grew on me as the ice melted.  The only drink I did not like was my friend's Royal Navy Swizzle (gin, calvados, allspice, lime, mint), served in a highball glass.  I saw it as a glorified mojito and mostly tasted lime and mint, but my friend tasted the apple and said he enjoyed the drink.  What's undeniable though is the presence of alcohol in that girly drink, because he was a little tipsy afterwards!

    The main reason I like Tradition is because of their extensive menu.  While I have also had outstanding drinks at the Alembic, Alchemist, and Local Edition (which is hit or miss), the variety offered at Tradition cannot be beat.  My only disappointment is that they don't specify how each drink is served on the menu.  

    And lastly, we arrived around 8:30-9pm on Friday night and it wasn't very crowded and the music was soft enough that we could easily carry on a conversation.  As the night progressed, both bodies and volume increased, but it was never uncomfortable.  I can't wait to return!

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  • 0

    Drinks are awesome here - southside and flying airplane.  The bartenders wear cute blue collared shirts, black suspenders and are good looking.  Highly recommended.

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  • 0

    I love everything about this bar. After waiting an hour for drinks at Bourbon and Branch, we bolted out of there and walked down the street a bit and found this gem of a place. It was about 30-40 minutes until closing and there were still a number of people in there. The bartender was dressed to blend in with the kind of old school feel of this place. I was tempted to force my friends to get the Scorpion Bowl with me, but I ended up getting the Afternoon Tea Sour. I love fresh, fruity, frothy drinks and so when I got it, I was blown away! It tasted like frothy alcoholic tea. Loved it, definitely gave me the bubblies. Seriously, what is it about SF bars that make them so much better than LA/Socal bars? Girls, if you're into fruity drinks, get the Afternoon Tea Sour, you can thank me later!

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  • 0

    I love the overall concept of this bar. Totally captures a timeless, rustic, speakeasy vibe. I had ambition to the drink from every "age" but I realized shortly I'd probably send myself straight to the hospital.

    We were brought to a booth, which are interestingly enough pretty sectioned off from the rest of the crowd. The place is dark and our table was dimly lit, candle-esque effect.

    The menu, in general, is set up creatively and is very appealing! One page of the menu made me feel like i was reading the Declaration of Independence because I had to bring the table candle up to it.

    I was started off with the Gold Rush (told it was off menu). From there things get 100 % hazy! I know I tried a drink with absinthe in it and I honestly remember it tasting DELICIOUS, judgment blurriness, aside.

    The staff is really attentive, friendly, know the menu well and offer great suggestions.

    Would highly suggest if you're stopping by in San Francisco!

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  • 0

    Interesting little spot! I'm already a fan of Rickhouse and Local Edition, so I knew I'd like Tradition well enough...and I did.

    Came on a relatively quiet Friday night, which was good. There wasn't too many people there around 9PM. Sat upstairs, where there's a small bar, and got to see the view of everything. I liked the loft, though I'm not sure how it'd be if there were more people around. It was well ventilated, but if they used the same people for design as for Rickhouse, I can see upstairs getting overly warm if there's more people.

    The drinks were interesting and quite delicious. Everything on the menu is straight forward, and explains exactly how it'll taste. I gotta say though, the Mr. Lew just kicks your ass.

    Bartenders were friendly and nice, though didn't chat as much. I don't know if we were early or what, but for a while in the beginning, one of the bartenders ran inside wearing suspenders and shorts...at night...in San Francisco. Cold much? But he put on pants the next time I saw him.

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  • 0

    I'm a huge fan of speakeasy bars, with their quaint decor, fancy cocktails, and the option to reserve seats/booths. Conveniently located downtown within walking distance of numerous other bars and lounges, Tradition is the perfect low-key venue to start off your night on the right foot. Booking a reservation on their website is easy peasy and we arrived on a Friday night and got seats at the bar on the lower level. The place quickly filled up, but was never overwhelmingly crowded -- definitely more laid back than Local Edition.

    Their Afternoon Tea Sour was amazing, or let the bartender surprise you by allowing them to make you an off the menu cocktail!

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  • 0

    Enjoyed Tradition's vibe with an eclectic crowd and some interesting cocktails.  Felt the A La Louisiane was more like a Sazerac than the Sazerac they served.

    Good space downstairs with a wraparound bar.  Upstairs is well done as well.  

    Attentive bartenders and quite friendly.

    Definitely recommend a visit at some point.

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  • 0

    To be honest, I was more excited to try its sister bar, Bourbon & Branch. After going to both, however, I think I like Tradition a bit more. The bar has an old-timey feel to it but offers a bit more elbow room compared to similar bars. The drink menu is big but manageable and the cocktails are tasty. Even better, no reservation required (unlike Bourbon & Branch).

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  • 0

    pretty sure this is my favorite bar in SF. love the privacy of the booths and the nostalgia of the drink menu and offerings. the drinks i got were perfect and unique (afternoon tea something and slow comfortable screw against the wall)
    a really great time!

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  • 0

    What a delightful and charming throwback of a cocktail bar that is totally unexpected as you walk from the street into Tradition.

    They maximize the effect of their tall ceilings to give the bar some dramatic presence while still maintaining a certain warmth to it. (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/tradition-san-francisco?select=p1v8VoZrNiKn-9z1lAjSbw#LpgxQgtVZ3WSgCcaBG9Zag">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>) Perhaps it's the decor or the vintage staff uniforms but you start feeling comfortable here quick. The smell of fresh citrus essence fragrances the bar with a bright perfume. Bartenders here aren't cocktail snobs. They truly are excited about making cocktails and make it all about your preferences. For a beer guy like me, the list was pretty decent and there was a nice list of liquor cask-aged wines too.

    Tradition was a perfect first stop for a night of merry drinking but I know I'll be back because it is a charming bar that works for both larger groups or intimate one-on-one conversations.

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  • 0

    DRINKS:
    I forget but they had their own cocktails here..

    SERVICE:
    Pretty friendly..

    ATMOSPHERE:
    This place is cool. Very casual "speakeasy", spacious, with booth seating for more privacy with a group of friends, or sit around the bar in these swivelly seats haha. It's a nice interesting old feel in here... Although all the speakeasies have to be in the ghetto TenderLoin so bare in mind not to get your drunk ass mugged when you step out the bar.

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  • 0

    Recommended Drinks: Anything from the Speakeasy page of the menu.

    Atmosphere: Came here on the early side of a Saturday night and it was slightly subdued, but pleasantly so. Quiet enough for easy conversation.

    Cost: Moderately priced. Good spot to enjoy a nice drink before dinner.

    Wait-Time: We had a reservation and were seated immediately. Could've just walked in, but as more people find out about this place you'll probably need the reservation. Plus you get to sit in the awesome confessional-like booths if you have a reservation!

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  • 0

    Eye candy. Trendy. Classy.

    Speakeasy style hipster spot with mustached suspender wearing bartenders. Fancy high priced cocktails, great selection of spirits.

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  • 0

    Hands down awesome. Great selection of whisky, and choices between (very) private booths or hanging out at the bar. Friendly staff, and all around a great time.

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  • 0

    Go to the door with the "T"
    This place is great! The best bartender is Matt.. He makes the most amazing drinks and always makes sure you like it before he walks away. Also, we saw Stewart, our favorite Bourbon & Branch bartender, here.. What could be better than two amazing mixologists in the same bar? Nothing! Haha..
    The ambiance is very chill semi "speak easyish" but a little bit louder. I'll be coming here for a long long time :)

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  • 0

    I'm still on the fence about the reservation thing.  
    If you need to catch up with friends, it's a great option to have a private booth.  It's a nice bar that makes great drinks, and you don't have to be in the mix, you can actually catch up with friends.  With that being said, if you're in a booth you're not going to be the most social, so if you're out to meet people, just wing it and go.

    They make great drinks here, from simple clean ones to your more complex (the afternoon tea is delicious if you're in that summer Pim's cup mood, and guess what?  It's warm in San Francisco... so exciting)

    But I have to say the menu is overwhelming.  They have too many drinks, in my opinion.  Especially when you're exhausted afterwork, and you don't want to think about it.. you just want a drink.  But if you know kind of what you like or want, it's great fun to ask for recommendations (and so far everyone seems knowledgeable).

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  • 0

    A great alternative to Bourbon and Branch/Wilson and Wilson. Still located in the sketchy tenderloin, still has tasty unique cocktails, still has an old timey speakeasy feel.

    Lacks the secret password of B&B and that cool factor, but being able to just walk in places this bar higher in my book. Reservations are good for the plentiful booths, but you can snag bar stools throughout the night. Get there early if you don't want to stand the whole night.

    Menu is divided up nicely into different styles of drinks. The sections range from "dive bar" to "hotel" to "tiki bar". Gives a wide range of cocktails that are yummy, priced from $9-$12. Kinda wish there were more house specialties to choose from but everything we had was good! I had the Southside, the Scorpion Bowl (split with my boyfriend), and the Red Gemmy. I'd recommend the Southside and Red Gemmy before the Scorpion Bowl (sweet and tropical is about all you can taste), though the bowl quality is always fun.

    I think I only needed 2 drinks instead of 3...though drunk Claire will probably get 3 next time anyways, just to try more of the menu.

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  • 0

    pretty neat spot.  great drinks.  its a larger more casual bourbon and branch.

    one half of the place has little private booths.  need reservations though.

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  • 0

    So. Incredibly. Hipster. And yet, not pretentious. Therefore it is a success in my book. My date had the forethought to make a reservation, so we got a spot in one of those teeny tiny enclosed booths. The only downside to this was the close proximity for what sounded like a bachelorette part on the other side of the partition. So despite the kitchyness of the booth, I think I may have preferred a spot at the bar. The cocktail selection was good, having lots of classics, and well as some newer style ones, and they were all approachable. The menu reminded me more of a scrapbook than a boring old drinks list.

    Added props to the excellent service, and the constant refilling of the water glasses.

    And finally, a gold star for the super-detailed amaaaaaazing spirit selection listed in the rear of the scrapbook menu. Whomever runs this place really knows their spirits, and picks some good quality stuff.

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  • 0

    You know what, I think I could get used to this whole cocktail revolution.

    Tradition immediately gave me the impression of a much more relaxed Bourbon & Branch/Wilson & Wilson. The bar is split into reservation-only seating and a free for all mix of bar stool seating and standing counters. You can expect the genre standard $12+ cocktails, but with a much wider selection than those at Wilson & Wilson. Bartenders are busy but reasonably friendly.

    I've had a fair selection now....any of the gin drinks are tasty and refreshing and my friends assure me their whiskey/scotch choices are solid too. I'll leave that to their more refined palates.

    Basically, if you're looking for fancy ass cocktails in an unrushed atmosphere, take a look at Tradition. But please do invite me, I haven't finished trying out the menu yet.

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  • 0

    I feel like that the latest thing to do is to open a bar, hire people who look good with a handlebar mustache and wear jaunty caps.  When I came here, it was earlier in the day so the crowds had not yet descended upon this charming little watering hole. Apparently, you can now reserve a spot online (huzzah!) but if you're lazy like me, just show up when working stiffs aren't able to leave for their libations yet.

    I met up a few friends and we were able to snag a cozy, romantic booth tucked away in the back.  The cocktails are pretty darn tasty - you can't really go wrong, I think.  The ones that I ordered were the Pimm's Cup and the French 75.

    Would I come back?  Yes.

    Would I recommend?  Fo sho.

    Nice to have another bar with people in jaunty caps serving tasty drinks.  Hoping it'll be a tradition to stop by here from now on (har har har).

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  • 0

    Dear Tradition,

    I really really wanted to like you. I did, but you failed me not in your drinks, but in your customer service.  

    Your website gives the option of making reservations and I took advantage of that. I make a reservation for five for a Friday night at 9:15PM, but had to change the reservation to six the Wednesday prior.  I called and spoke to some guy (I should've gotten his name, I know) who changed our reservation to six and informed me that time would now be 9:30.  Great!

    But not so much, we arrive at 9:30 (because that was confirmed during my phone call) and it turns out our reservation was changed to six, but not the time! So you know what that means? We've lost our table! Now, I tell the host that I called blabla etc. and he tells me, "Well I don't have it and your reservation is 9:15 so we gave up your table blablabla.." I say, "but I called.." and he responds, Well I don't have it." Proceeds to tell me that he'll get us a table as soon as one opens. We wait about 20 minutes and were given a booth for 40 minutes, since there's an upcoming reservation. Fine, we take it.

    Now, I do appreciate the wide drink selection and even the bar staff's knowledge of drinks - there's the two stars.

    But we get kicked out of our booth and I tell talk to the host again and tell him I appreciated the booth, but we did have a reservation for 9:30 and proceeds to tell me it was 9:15 (as if I was lying)...and I got defensive and he apologized.

    Anyway, I was really annoyed that they lost our reservation and made it sound like I never changed my reservation (I did!).

    Drinks were great, but your customer service isn't great.

    Boo and I really wanted to like you too.

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  • 0

    I really never go to SF just to go bar hopping, but yesterday was one hell of an impromptu night, complete with walking past homeless, ghetto people on drugs. It was a night tested my survival skills, no joke!

    We were looking for a random bar that we found on yelp, in one of the worse parts of the city, when we found this dark, dirty, obscure storefront on Jones St. We walked closer and we saw a bouncer with a couple of dressed up people outside. But to get away from the ghetto people, we decided just to head there and check it out to see if its any good.

    TURNS OUT TO BE MY NEW FAVORITE PLACE IN THE CITY. FOUND BY ACCIDENT? BUMPS UP MORE NOTCHES!

    Afternoon Tea Sour? Perfect for those who can't handle too strong a drink, but still want to enjoy a good night.

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  • 0

    Close to home if you are in Nob Hill.

    If you, like I, feel sick of the Mission. The Tenderloin has the crazy drug addicts but has less of a poster child hipster feel to it.

    Tradition is much like some other San Francisco establishments but I found the cocktails, for some reason, so tempting, like the Alfajores at that special place at the Ferry Building, I want to go back for more.

    This is about stars, I am taking one off for the bar stools, they are way too low for the bar, since your head can hardly reach up tot he bar counter it makes you feel like a child and I bet this is a mistake and not some kind of soup-nazi thing going to make drinkers feel intimidated.

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  • 0

    I actually liked this place.  It has provided me with two great stories:

    1. Another hipster speakeasy bar with a suspender wearing bartender with a stache and a hat serving me drinks in a mason jar....always amusing
    2. A super small booth with a coffin shaped table that one of my larger friends had to squeeze into provided some amusement after a few drinks. One of those where do I put my legs scenarios.

    In all seriousness this is a great place.  I love the fact that they have absinthe based drinks.  I was even able to order a straight up absinthe old school with sugar and water.  

    Great drink selection.  I would return.

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  • 0

    Okay, the fad of beautiful mix-o-logy speakeasy bars are never-ending.
    And because of that I blame two things "Hipsters" and the "Internet"

    Everyone who ever sipped whiskey or mixed Kool-aid thinks he or she
    can mix a drink. And that where I come in to tell them straight in the face
    and stab in the hearts and tell them thier "Hocus Pocus" ways ARE weaksauce.

    But this place is awesome, just in case you can't get into "Bourbon and Branch"
    and you have no reservations, but still WANT To feel important or cool enough
    for your friends, as your giving them a tour around the city, as you are slyly
    trying not to look like a fool...."Tradition" is the place for you!

    Similar to "Local Edition", both reservations and walk-ins will be accepted. The bar is divided into three equal areas: a main bar (open to walk-ins; a separate entrance), an upstairs bar dedicated to house-blended and aged spirits (more on this below), and a reservations-only area.

    This place is my favorite place in the area of Jones st.
    versus "RYE" And the "American Appeal hooded colored shirt" "Jones."

    If you know what  the terms "small-batched" alcohol or   "aged spirits in-house."
    The wooden walls and booths just make you want to raise your glass and give a cheer.

    Take a look at the bar, the snugs, and some of the cool vintage liquor advertising,
    the wrinkled news papered menu and dim lighting, and your in for a treat.

    Very extensive and intense spirits list.
    The detail on the atmosphere is amazing.

    Make a reservation...and the drink I recommend.

    "Bathtub Gin Punch" :)

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  • 0

    This is such an awesome speakeasy. It's ridiculous. No password needed to come in here, but once you step in, you are taken in time and it's very magical. If you want to sit, you would best want to make a reservation maybe 1-2 days in advance (if that's possible). This place is rather small for seating, but I think it's worth it if you don't like to stand around and mingle. If however you are exactly that type of person, Tradition has a lot of room on the sides of the bar.

    The bartenders at Tradition really excel at what they do. Can I say these are true alcoholics? In the sense that they know their alcohol like the alphabet? They know how to mix drinks, come up with drinks, and do everything to perfection. It's quite an act to watch. For example if you provide them your weapon of choice, they can always come up with a drink for you to enjoy. SPLENDID!

    Pricing is fair, and everyone's friendly. Tradition is just a good time.

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  • 0

    As a history nerd, I absolutely loved this place. You feel as if you were transported back in time at this place; even the bouncer at the front door is dressed as if he belonged in the 1920s. The bartenders and servers are dressed like the 1920s, and everyone is extremely friendly.

    While it is more of a bar than a speakeasy, you definitely can get the speakeasy vibe here without the crowd and secret passwords. I would recommend reserving a table in advance if you want to have a more intimate atmosphere; the booths have these four foot walls that encompass them, so you really can't see anything around you.

    The drink selection is one of the most extensive selections I have ever encountered, and the menu is so creatively designed, looking like a huge file folder. I ordered the 12 Mile cocktail, which I would definitely recommend. It was very refreshing and was a combination of brandy, rye, whiskey, and some citrus.

    Beautiful bar, great atmosphere, intimate setting, and will definitely come back. Great for a date night!

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  • 0

    In the most unlikely of places, Tradition sits in the cross hairs of the tenderloin and serves up a diverse list of bright cocktails.

    An ode to a slower time, and a refined art, Tradition is a beautiful bar that allows each to be your own. Rustic and direct, the space floods to the back and offers private booths along the rim. Mid week drinks makes for an easy grab, but the weekends are another story.

    Drinks are crafted to order and meticulously put together. The Southside is a favorite along with their house Manhattan.

    Dimly lit, playful tunes, a down to earth staff and elevated cocktails; Tradition is a phenomenal addition to the area.

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  • 0

    While I love prohibition-era-old-San Francisco themed bars (Bourbon & Branch, Comstock Saloon), I'd have to say that Tradition falls short on the execution.

    I went for a friend's birthday party with a large group of gals and we made reservations for a booth (yes, you have to make reservations for a booth at this spot...). The waitress seemed to loathe her job and unfortunately expelled that contagious "I don't give a sh*t about any of you" vibe throughout our stay. In addition, she asked us to keep it down numerous times on a SATURDAY night at a BAR in the TENDERLOIN. Hmmm. And we're not even a rowdy group of gals - we just shared stories and laughed for most of the night. And if laughing is a crime in an already-over-the-top-loud bar, I should never be allowed in bars again. So needless to say, the service gets two, if not one star.

    The cocktails, on the other hand, were definitely intriguing - they were creative and handcrafted but somehow missed an "oomph" factor that comparable bars have mastered. I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it lacked so I'd probably give the drinks part of this experience 4 stars.

    So all in all, if you're in the Tenderloin area for some late night shenanigans, try Rye, Bourbon & Branch, Jones and a few other bars before heading here.

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  • 0

    They've sorta got a tiki theme here. The booths are great and I love the old cocktail glasses. The drink menu is small but each drink is as tasty as the other.

    The neighborhood is super shady though so be careful. It really was a scary walk with people shooting up and taking dumps right outside.

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  • 0

    Tradition is part of the speakeasy movement that I've grown to love. The only difference is there's no secret door, password, or need for a reservation (at least on a weeknight). This is a nice change of pace from San Diego, a city where most people drink purely to get hammered.

    The decor is welcoming and there's plenty of room to sit at the bar, the booths, or the tables on the 1st and 2nd floors. From the range of pub types on the menu to the alcohol posters on the wall to the swanky bar area, this place just gives off a very relaxed and sophisticated vibe.

    We got a Bathtub Gin Punch, which consists of gin, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit and lemon juice, ginger syrup, vanilla Angostura bitters, black pepper tincture, and soda water. The drink had a nice aroma to it, but the black pepper tincture just overpowered everything. We decided to finish it off as quickly as possible and head out. Some people like their drinks spicy; I'm just not a fan. Aside from that, it was decently crafted. $40 for 4 people is pretty average.

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  • 0

    Went for the first time the other night, and thought the place was great until I ordered a drink from the upstairs bartender (she was roughly 5'10" with brown curly hair). I asked what the Long Island Ice Tea in a bottle was, and she said "It's a long island ice tea in a bottle." Ok, I thought, a little sarcasm is funny.

    Ordered the second drink without any issues.

    My co-worker had just ordered a round of Jameson shots, so it was my turn for a round. I asked if she knew what a "Flaming Dr. Pepper" was, and she said yes, but didn't have the ingredients. I said "you don't have amaretto," and she said that it wasn't made with amaretto, it was made with Drambuie*. I said that I thought it was amaretto, and she said "I've been bartending 16 years. I know what the drink is." I said that I must have been drinking the wrong drink, and asked if she could make something similar. She then proceeded to further insult me by telling me that it was a drink for dive bars, and that she woulnd't make it (feeling quite insulted, I then reminded her that this bar was smack dab in the middle of the Tenderloin).

    Well, even though she had insulted me twice, I still wanted a drink. I asked her if she knew how to make a Brooklyn, and she said she didn't have Amer Picon. I then said that she could substitute orange bitters for Amer Picon, but she said she couldn't, and that isn't how you make a Brooklyn**.

    I was blown away. She was refusing to make me a drink purely out of spite, hatred, and pretentiousness. This was without any provocation on my behalf. I said "You know what, I won't order a drink." She said OK and turned around.

    I motioned for the bill, and she came over with my credit card, refused to take my money, said something smart-assed and ended by tapping the bar and saying "Have a nice evening."

    Unbelievable. She should NOT be in the service industry. I still don't know her issue with me. Management, if you read this, feel free to contact me for further details.

    * Wikipedia says that a Flaming Dr. Pepper is indeed made with amaretto, as I knew. She was wrong. So much for 16 years of bartending. Get better at it.

    ** You can indeed substitute orange bitters for Amer Picon, as i knew. Get better at it. Zero for 2.

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  • 0

    Tradition has a great bourbon and rye selection and fantastic well hand crafted drinks. Went here on a Friday night around 1AM and there was no crowd.

    Drinks are around $9-$10 each.

    It also has a fantastic vibe and feel. I'm in love with the old alcohol advertisements decor. I also like the idea of their private booths; it has a prohibition era theme.

    This bar is a keeper!

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  • 0

    If you're looking for a swanky late night drink on a weeknight, I recommend checking out this speakeasy. Nice bouncer outside, no intimidating lines, low key patrons, and friendly servers in denim & suspenders outfits.

    I had been chomping at the bit to try out this place, but had heard that it's usually packed. So on a Tuesday evening after an event at 620 Jones ended at 10 p.m., I headed down the block to Tradition to take a gander at the scene.

    Usually, you need a reservation to get one of the cute and cozy boothes in the back. However, on a weeknight you can just walk right in and request one from the hostess!

    The boothes are fun because you can chat with your friends, while still looking out at the dark wood bar area and the other patrons. From where we were sitting, we could also watch the bartender making our drinks.

    I marveled at the variety of different glasses that they have to present craft cocktails. And boy, do they have a LOT of specialty drinks from which to choose! The menu is extensive, filled with rye, tequila, and bourbon concoctions, among many other selections.

    Our server was sweet, swift, and savvy. When I couldn't make a selection, she asked what type of flavor profiles I enjoyed, thought for a bit -- and then quickly brought me an amazing libation to quench my thirst!

    Now that's a girl who knows her drinks : )

    Music was appropriate, and made for a fun evening, as we tried to identify the singers and songs from the 1950s and the 1960s.

    Tip: Try the Hankey Pankey. It's a small glass, but it packs a big punch!

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  • 0

    I hate Tradition as much as I love Local Edition, although they're brought to you by the same people as Bourbon & Branch, Rickhouse, and Wilson & Wilson.  Let me first say that I like that the main bar is a big rectangle and that the mixologists create cocktails with passion and with a dozen or so ingredients and tools.

    Trad Bar is very pretentious, though.  It takes 10 minutes to get the attention of the bartender, 10 minutes for him to make you a drink, 10 minutes for him to give you the check, and 10 minutes for him to take your money. The host will also give away your table (reservations recommended) even when you try to call them to say you're running late due to the parking sitch.

    If you're dropping $10 on a drink, I'd recommend doing so elsewhere--even if it's at one of the sister bars.

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