San Francisco: SWIG
02-Jun-2006
On a recent quick trip to San Francisco I did my best to check out as many little places around the city as possible. I was staying in the Union Square area and a friend recommended SWIG as a fun place in the area.
On my first evening in town I made my way to the little bar and arrived around 6:00. Happy Hour was in process (I love that!) and that meant that all of their specialty cocktails were reduced by $2. They had an interesting list of items, although many seemed like they might be a bit sweet. I settled on one that sound really intriguing, a Strawberry Basil "Martini", and asked for it to be made a bit tart.
They muddle fresh basil and lime, then shake it up with vodka and fresh strawberry puree. It’s a beautiful deep rose-colored drink and smells absolutely heavenly – the first aroma you smell is the earthy basil, followed by the flowery strawberry.
While sipping this excellent concoction I talked to people sitting near me and took in the scene around me. There were a combination of regular locals and not-so-regular travelers like me. Three women friends on one side of me were dressed in typical not-too-formal office attire and the bartender made their drinks as they arrived (without being prompted). On the other side of me was an interesting couple; she was a bit buttoned up, while he looked like he’d just hopped off his Harley. Friendly people all.
I happened to be sitting at a place where there was a slight gap in the seats – the place where those not at the bar tend to squeeze in to place their orders. Among others, I talked to a lovely gentleman well into his 70s who, with his wife, was visiting the area from England. We had a nice chat while he waited for his drinks to be prepared.
The Absolut Girls were in residence and passing out "coupons" good for $2 cocktails. Well, I had to take advantage of that. So while sipping my second cocktail I talked with a few guys from somewhere an hour or so outside of town, barely 21, itching for a little city adventure. I liked that Swig attracted a range of ages, occupations, and both locals and visitors. That always makes a place more interesting.
My one disappointment was that they didn’t serve food at all. So after my two cocktails it was definitely time to move on. For a casual place with interesting people and creative drinks check out SWIG next time you’re in San Francisco!
SWIG
561 Geary before Jones
San Francisco
415.931.7292
561 Geary before Jones
San Francisco
415.931.7292
Culinary Fool 
Comments are closed.