San Francisco

The time to come to Zeitgeist is now. Now, in the summer, where the days are hot and the sun in the afternoon beats down on you and your beer in their large outside patio, forcing you to drink faster. That's the allure of this staple, former biker bar. It has probably best and biggest outside patios in the city. And the large picnic tables encourage big and small groups, as well as the making of new friends. Opening at 11am this is the perfect spot to cure a hang over with one of the strongest and spiciest Bloody Mary's SF has to offer. Be warned! All drinks are by the pint. When you need a break from drinking you can treat yourself to some ridiculously inexpensive burgers (veggie also available). Take a breather, mingle and head to the bar again. Because on warm nights and days by the time you get your drink you will be thirsty again.

Photo:  Cristian Cartes

There are few things as ridiculously fun as afternoon drinking among friends in Zeitgeist's outdoor beer garden. Such things are made even more enjoyable by recent, freakishly warm January weather that allowed for t-shirts in the dead of winter. Invigorated with unexpected wintery happiness, my friends and I decided to try the renowned Bloody Mary, said to be the best in town. I give it credit for the presentation--a pint glass bedecked with a set of salt-and-peppered green olives and two pickled green beans on a spear. Needless to say, people who love their Bloody Marys say Zeitgeist is the place to go for spicy and strong. Can't say I'm one of said enthusiasts, but I tried. The place is so inexpensive that after my failed efforts, all I had to do was sidle back to the bar for a refreshing $4 Red Stripe and tasty veggie burger. Then it was time to cruise back to the packed rows of benches to sip my brew, nibble on my burger and enjoy the atmosphere in one of the best places to people-watch in town. Bloody good times, with or without Mary.

Photo:  Jennifer Anthony

Zeitgeist is a dangerous place. It’s the most tempting way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in the sun-soaked beer garden; except suddenly you realize that it’s Monday morning. Past the fairly average-looking indoor bar, you’ll emerge into what looks like someone’s big back yard party. This biker bar is patronized by an interesting mix of motorcycle riders, mountain bikers, road cyclists, and, well, everyone else. If you come by bicycle, feel free to wheel that sucker through the bar to the bike rack out back. The cash-only bar has experienced bartenders who know their stuff and make a mean Bloody Mary—some swear the best in the city. The outdoor garden has long, picnic-style tables to hold crews large or small, and the family-style atmosphere promotes expansion of your gang by a friend or seven. Beware of the line for the bathroom: two stalls for a packed house can mean torturous legs-crossed waiting time, but you’ll probably make some new friends too. The kitchen serves up basic but tasty burgers, dogs, veggie burgers and the like, and when your order is up, you’ll hear the cook scream your name from behind the wall of smoke that encompasses the grill.