The Philosopher's Club, West Portal, San Francisco
San Francisco has long had an indulgent relationship with wine and spirits. This has been true since the Gold Rush, and it is visible today in the area's legacy of high-quality neon signs that mark the spots -- Eureka! -- where liquor can be had.
So here we present a sampling of San Francisco booze joints with excellent neon signs.
In the interest of avoiding barroom brawls, please know this list is not intended to be exhaustive, nor even particularly literal. These simply happen to be photos we have taken. Likewise, in the spirit of buying your neighbor a drink, additional submissions via Flickr are most welcome. Happy Friday.
The Pink Elephant, Monte Rio, California
Buddha Lounge, Chinatown, San Francisco
Tommy's Joynt, Russian Hill, San Francisco
Baby Blue's BBQ (a former Rexall Drugstore), Bernal Heights, San Francisco
And even though it doesn't formally involve booze, but it does involve drugs and grilled meats (together at last), let's include this picture of the Baby Blues BBQ front door as well. Plus, they serve great beer...
Corner Store, Geary Street at Polk, Tenderloin, San Francisco
Bimbo's 365 Club, North Beach, San Francisco
Corner store, 23rd Street at Guerrero, Mission District, San Francisco
500 Club, Mission District, San Francisco
Li Po, Chinatown, San Francisco
Doc's Clock, Mission District, San Francisco
Lone Palm, Mission District, San Francisco
Jay n' Bee Club, Mission District, San Francisco
Images: Telstar Logistics
That's great. I've been to the "Buddha Bar" and have a shot almost identical to this one. Did we have a drink there -or I can't remember.
Posted by: Johna_Lee | 24 September 2010 at 01:54 PM
I work by Baby Blues BBQ. The whole office jokes about going to get some "Drugs" for lunch.
Posted by: Sara | 24 September 2010 at 02:35 PM
You missed Bottom of the Hill! http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Bottom_of_the_hill.jpg/250px-Bottom_of_the_hill.jpg
Posted by: helsabot | 24 September 2010 at 09:41 PM
Helsabot... you're right! But like we said, this wasn't meant to be comprehensive. Thank you!
Posted by: Telstar Logistics | 24 September 2010 at 09:48 PM
Roosevelt Tamale Parlor on 24th Street has a great tamale-shaped neon sign that it one of my favorites in town.
Posted by: Sam | 29 September 2010 at 05:28 PM
Quick note: the unnamed corner store on Geary is called Woerner's, and it's actually on the corner of Larkin, not Polk.
Posted by: John G | 01 October 2010 at 10:55 AM