We were looking for a place to have a few drinks and this spot based on location was convenient and seemed like a cool place to hang. First experience - we were "scolded" for not waiting at the host station and just seating ourselves l. We didn't see anyone or a host station so when we arrived we just sat down as the place was maybe 10% full. We were a party of six. We sat down and and then tried to move closer to the band but were told not to. Second experience it seemed like there was only one server for the whole place. Through a process of events we learned that her name is Parker. My problem is not that there was only one server, it was that the whole time she seemed super uninterested in being cordial and seemed like she had no interest in being here nor striving for great customer service. Every request we had (they legitimately forgot drinks we ordered or brought us a wrong one once) seemed to have been met with irritation or disdain like we did something wrong. It got to the point where the whole fun vibe we had going was just gone. It's really a buzz kill when you are afraid to ask for something or just met with what felt like resentment for just being here. I would not return. I would not recommend read more

Have been coming here pretty often with friends on different occasions. They got a wide variety of Whisky and craft cocktails, which are all equally delicious! It seems on Thursdays they have a Jazz band which is nice. Friday nights have swing dance music which is cool. Saturdays are House/Hip Hop. All the music usually stops around 12am on any given day. One of the bartenders told me that starting in 2022, Friday nights are going to be hot. So if you are looking to fill up your calendar with a night out with friends, Friday night is when to come. read more

Time and time again, year after year, Local Edition exceeds my expectations. From the street view, there's nothing to see. When you enter and tip toe downstairs, you're instantly transported into the swanky, speakeasies of yesteryear. It's quite magnificent. The namesake cocktail, The Local Edition, blows it out of the water with each passing sip. It's a take on one of my favorite cocktails, the Old Fashioned. Carefully concocted with High West Prairie Bourbon, orange zest, and cherry-infused Angostura bitters, it'll knock you back in your chair. The bartenders are THE fastest I've ever witnessed! These dudes and dudettes know their way around a bar. It's truly something special to see with your own eyes. It goes to show that bartending isn't for everyone, and these folks were born to prepare craft cocktails with lighting cheetah speed. Additionally, Local Edition books the coolest jazz bands in town. I'm always impressed with the music selection, which adds to the already "cool as the other side of the pillow" vibe. This is the only business in San Francisco I frequent every time I'm in the Bay Area. Now, that's saying something! read more

Local Edition - The Local Edition - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Upon every visit to SF I try coming to Local Edition at least once. I fell in love with this place at the tender age of 21. The artisanal craft of their cocktails is amazing. I think it is what hooked me into the ever-evolving craft of cocktail making. Their whiskey variety is something to gander at. With a speakeasy feel, this underground watering hole is something to try. read more

Amazing place for a nice chill night of fancy drinks and the venue takes you back into time. Love the roaring twenties vibe it has. read more

Local Edition - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Local Edition is an adorable jazz bar conveniently located by the Montgomery BART station. It was a bit hidden but once we were able to find it, we were able to go right in and it was pretty empty on a weekday evening around 9PM. It's all newspaper themed which is super cute! I got an off menu mocktail and we enjoyed the first set of the jazz performance before heading home. I'll definitely be bringing friends here when they visit! read more

I came to local edition for the live jazz, and I was not disappointed! The Jazz Odyssey Quartet was playing on a Thursday night to an appreciative crowd. My friend and I got the Ava Gardner and the Under Market. They were both complex and delicious cocktails that I would get again. I was hoping to find other swing dancers there but there were none dancing that night. I was also disappointed the bar did not offer any appetizers. Knowing this I would eat before arriving next time! read more

Local Edition - The Jazz Odyssey Quartet playing 12/29/22 - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Leave it to San Francisco to house one of the flyest Jazz lounges around! Local Edition just knocks it out of the park MULTIPLE times! Located in San Francisco's financial district, Local Edition mixes up super exotic cocktails while garnering some of the best local Jazz talent. There's a beautiful Antique clock displayed outside next to the entry door. When you open the door, you will walk up the stairs to the entry way. A bouncer will check your I.D. and then guide you to another set of steps that will lead you into the Lounge. Be prepared to be swooned when you enter. Your eyes will be met with pure joy as you walk into this palace-like room. The sky high ceilings are filled with beautiful lights that are dimmed to set the mood. More lights are lit on the walls to highlight the vintage style drapery set behind the elegant leather booths and high tables. The radiant glow from the bar will entice you over to peruse their generous cocktail menu. The setting is chic, the ambience is intimate, and the vibe is just sexy as hell! Everyone comes dressed in their best threads when they spend a night indulging here at the Local Edition. The sweet tunes of live Jazz music will hypnotize you as you find yourself in complete relaxation while sipping on one of their signature cocktails. The drinks here are pure works of art! Beautifully prepared, esthetically pleasing, tasty and full of alcohol! As you might expect, the lounge stays pretty busy. It is super spacious with plenty of standing room. However, many of the tables are often reserved ahead of time, leaving minimal seating available for large parties and walk-ins. If you're okay with standing, then I would say to have at it! But if you're looking to lounge, I would highly recommend making a reservation. The stage is just perfect! It's viewable from just about any point in the lounge. The smooth tunes radiate all throughout the establishment. The other patrons here are some of the friendliest in town! A mix of young and older, casual, and high class. Whatever your preference, you are sure to meet and find other people who are fun to mingle with. Such a jumpin' fun time here! If you are looking for a chic Jazz lounge with fancy cocktails in the City... THIS is definitely the spot for you! read more

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Really neat underground bar in Downtown SF off Market. For some reason I was under the impression that I had already been to Local Edition on a date a long time ago, however when I last came to SF and entered the doors and walked downstairs, it was all new to me. From the street you'll see a clock in the window. When you enter the door, have your ID handy for the security guard and then make your way downstairs to a nicely taken care of spacious bar. I was having flashbacks of Edison, a bar in DTLA that is very popular, elegant and nice looking which I found similar in theme to Local Edition minus the strict dress code. There's one bar to order from and plenty of tables, chairs and sofas to choose from. I noticed there was a small stage and wondered if they had live music or burlesque performances on certain days of the week -- I didn't ask or look online, but it seems like the perfect spot for some live entertainment as well as private conversations between friends or whoever you're there with. I can understand why this place is a well-known local spot in SF. Service is quick, the drinks are well made and there is so much open space to hangout in. No stuffy, crowded, dirty bar here and its closest to the Powell St. BART station. read more

Great Bar, I'd say it is one of a must go's in San Francisco. Great theme of old media, trypewriters as you enter. The open area has tables and seats but packed so RSVP if you can if not you can definitely stand and enjoy cocktails and drinks. If you want mock tails the bartenders will stir one up for you. There's live music sometimes and have a mini dance floor up front. It does get STUFFY and warm, look out for a sweat bring your touch up powder. The aesthetic is great, red velvet seats along the walls rustic vibe of tables and chairs, candle lit/dim lights. Great for gatherings and dates. read more

I fell in love as soon as I walked in. Good vibes and yummy drinks! Great costumer service. read more

Local Edition - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The ambience inside the Hearst building felt unique and historic. Service was great and caught a few songs from a good jazz band.

So this is a pretty cool hidden spot... it's literally down a secret squirrel doorway near a busy corner in the city. You walk in down some stairs into a huge underground bar. The vibe is 30's ish, dare I say Gatsby-ish, but not as much swank, it's a bit of lounge feel, definitely intending on taking you back to a different time. There is antique clocks, type writers, and newspapers throughout, outdated memorabilia items. It's is extremely dim lit, each table is illuminated by the glow of a small candle. You will have to be that person that uses your phone to review the menu LOL! I will most definitely return to this place, as it was a quick drop by during an expedition of cocktailing through the city this particular evening, bebopping to multiple gems. They have live music, which I would live to see! Their cocktails are great. They're are definitely of the "craft" genre, but NOT sticking to super traditional speakeasy style. They have vodka cocktails and cocktails infused with matcha green tea, for example, super innovative and yummy. Oddly enough the people next to our table were drinking wine LOL. I'm not sure how you could not want to try one of these concoctions. This is a pretty rad spot, a must check out at least once. read more

Local Edition - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Really tasty cocktails and great atmosphere with live performance by the Cosmo Alleycat on a Friday night. read more

Local Edition - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Why haven't I discovered this yet? Thanks Silvia for introducing me to this dim lit man cave, good vibes and chill beats, oh and did I mention tasty concoctions? There's a drink for everyone here. I really enjoyed the music they played last Friday. There were a couple throwbacks jams from the 90s-00s, hard not to raise-the-roof. Tempting. Service was attentive, and I recommend reserving a table for your party after work or whatever. Seemed like there was a 'reserved' sign on every table. I Recommend this place. read more

Local Edition - Mescal+tequila=despacito cowboy - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

It was our last night visiting my brother so we were on a mission to find a "speakeasy-ish" bar to have a few cocktails. Their crafty concoctions are plentiful with great flavor. I ended up ordering a few due to my indecisiveness, but I went with the Dublin Downer, Ava Gardner, and the Fly By Night. I was also able to try a splash of the Lieutenant Governer and the French Mistake because these were the ones that my brother ordered. All of these cocktails were unique in flavor in their own way, but also very smooth and balanced. My favorite was the Ava Gardner, but the Fly By Night brought a little heat to the table. In a not as classy way, the Fly By Night reminds of a margarita with a nice kick. It's not overwhelming with spice, but the mixture brings a nice balance. The environment gives off a "speakeasy" vibe as it is very dark and in the basement of the building. The history of the space is not listed anywhere, but you can immediately notice a theme throughout which is relative to printed news. My only complaint is that they do not offer any food of any sort. If they do, we completely missed this option and/or this was not presented to us as an option. Luckily, we weren't really hungry at the time, but we were open to some small bites while we sipped our delicious beverages. All in all, I was extremely happy that we made time to check this place out. read more

Local Edition - French Mistake - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Overall this bar is just okay. The ambiance was great, I loved the newspaper theme. There is so much history adorning the walls as you enter it's very unique. However, after checking in for our reservation and being seated we were told our waitress would be right over but nobody ever came. So we ended up ordering drinks at the bar, which was fine just annoying after being told someone would be right over. As for the drinks, they were mediocre. I got the 'Local Edition,' and it wasn't anything special. I did like the fact that they had live music on a Friday night, that was a fun touch. read more

Love this bar, very speak easy and dark. Great atmosphere if you just want a lounge that's not too loud, great for a nice romantic date as well. It's hard to find which I think is intentional, theres a small entrance you can easily miss on Market if you're not careful, but I don't mind it I think it's part of their hidden charm. The decor is old school as well and feels like you're lost in time, and there is a great selection of cocktails. Will definitely be back again! read more

I'm nothing but impressed by Local Edition and finally see what all the hype is about! This 50's-vintage-style joint offers a mellow, loungey atmosphere, tons of space, and dangerously delicious drinks. I ordered their special, "The Local Edition," and thought it was reasonably priced, swiftly made to order, and perfectly sweet and smoky. To give you an idea of just how spacious this cavern of a bar is, let me lay out some context surrounding my visit. We visited this place directly following the Women's March, where thousands took to the streets to protest, ending right around the Financial District. Despite the spike in visitors from the event, there were still no lines outside, no lines at the bars, and plenty of space for all to sit and stand in this gigantic space. Perhaps I'm just used to being boxed into smaller SF establishments, or maybe the drinks just made me more jolly and impressionable. Either way, this place is not one to miss if you're in the area and need a great drink! read more

Local Edition - The Local Edition and a decorative typewriter. Hipster? Maybe. Delicious and fun? Most definitely. - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

The music provided on a Thursday night was very exceptional. The non over powering lighting was a treat. The drinks were very tasty. Love the retro look to the entire establishment. read more

I love to write and I love themed bars. As you can imagine, Local Edition is right up my alley. Entering through a non-descript hall on the corner of 3rd and Market, right under the Hearst building, I felt a thrill run up my arms as my co-workers and I descended into a place with all the speakeasy vibes of Prohibition-era America. Vintage newspaper covers from the Chronicle and Examiner are splattered across the wall (and in some large bounded books I was dying to take a peek at), and glitzy red curtains and cushy seating made me feel like a VIP. I got the aptly named Long Goodbye, a fruity cachaca-based drink poured in a tall glass that packs a surprising punch. The price ($13) made me grimace and turn back toward the bar for another drink, just to remember that I probably can't afford it. But hey, if I had to get another drink here, I would absolutely come back for the gorgeous Long Goodbye, which made me feel like I had really treated myself. Most of their drinks are based on bourbon, whiskey, rye or gin, so this was a nice departure from the harder malt liquors. Unfortunately, as much as I love a good themed bar, Local Edition fell flat because they didn't name their cocktails after famous writers, journalists, San Francisco media outlets, photographers...come on, there were so many opportunities to sign off the operation with a flourish and they just missed the mark here. Can you imagine getting the Herb Caen cocktail? Never mind that most journalists' drinks of choice are either cheap beers or a smooth bourbon... read more

Local Edition - The Long Goodbye. - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great spot for a drink. Very classy and chill spot

Such a great place to come for a date night because of the intimate ambiance. Just beware because this place is very easy to miss. My boyfriend and I almost walked right past it, but the typewriters in the window caught my eye. Came on a Friday night, but was informed that the live band plays Monday-Wednesday so I will definitely have to come back another time. They have an extensive drink menu where they specialize in cocktails. Each cocktail sounded delicious but my favorite was the Long Goodbye because it was super refreshing and not that sweet. They even offer a couple options for "bottled cocktails" that serve 5-6 people. Perfect if you come with a group because it's only $50. P.S. They don't serve any food so you'll have to go somewhere else if you're hungry read more

Local Edition - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Fantastic spot in SF for cocktails. Great vibe, perfect lighting, and live music. What more can you want from a cocktail bar

TLDR: Decent cocktails with a side of horrible customer service. ___ Used to come here every year while in town for a work conference and every year I asked myself...why. This last time the bartender was even ruder than normal. I've been here a few times now and I can't say I've ever had good service. It wasn't just my group either - the bartender actually got into a verbal argument with another patron last time I was here. The cocktails are expensive. That's expected because of the quality, but it hurts to drop that dough when you aren't even getting a smile - and also waiting an extremely long time for service. Again, I understand craft cocktails take time. But man, if they could have one more bartender, that would help speed up the wait times. It's a cool venue with great ambiance and usually has live music. But I think my last time there....will be my last time there. read more

Really enjoyed my experience here. We came here because my friend heard that Local Edition recently opened again since covid. It's a really chill spot and I loved the ambience. The aesthetics inside of the bar is so pretty too. The bartenders are so friendly and their cocktail drinks were delicious. It was a really chill spot to talk and hangout with friends. I definitely will be back again soon!! read more

This place always has good vibes. Makes me feel like such a local when I'm here (haha sorry had to throw in this horrible joke). But in reality, this place is super easy to miss - simply a door on the street, right next to T-Mobile. This underground secret is surprisingly spacious for a FiDi bar. It's important to note, their live band plays Monday - Wednesday. I've been trying to see them every time, but since I usually stop by Thursday or Friday - they're nowhere to be seen. Their Local Edition drink is similar to the Old Fashioned - pretty boozy and tasty. I ordered their version of a Gin n Tonic - (Superior something - I'm bad at remembering names). Overall, always enjoy the ambience and vibes in here. Bartenders are pretty friendly - unlike a lot of places around here. read more

I've been here nearly a dozen times and always look forward to coming over again. It's such a great bar. The cocktails are all so good. I love coming here when there's a live band and people dancing. Most of the times I come here with my husband. It's definitely a romantic date place. We've also been here with good friends and it felt right too. read more

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This is a nice hideout, basement with awesome red color decor and some really nice romantic setting for couples. BUT... if you don't have a reservation and you plan on just hitting the bar and standing on those tables.. you will get stepped on by other people.. it gets tooooo crowded for the big space it has! Problem is that the majority of their space is for people with reservations.. But those cool drinks.. worth it.. ! read more

Such a fun experience! I am always looking for live music bars in San Francisco, and Local Edition did not disappoint. My night here was made ten times better by the performance by Alpha Rhythm Kings, a swing jazz group that has been playing at venues all over the world! I came in on a Thursday at around 7:30 PM, because my friends and I wanted good seats for the show at 8. There is ample room to stand around and chat without feeling like you are being squished at Local Edition, which really makes it unlike most bars in SF. There are also plenty of tables for 2 and 4, which makes it a great spot to come with friends or on a date. The drink menu is also really unique and extensive. You won't be bored or out of options when choosing what to drink. Fun game to play if you are coming with friends: everyone orders for the person sitting to their right, and makes it a secret! It's fun to watch the bartenders prepare these drinks, and you get to surprise your friend with their drink at the end :). Just make sure you ask them for any allergies/restrictions beforehand! Overall, a fantastic venue to hang out with friends, grab awesome drinks, and listen to some classic music. Definitely check it out! read more

Local Edition - Alpha Rhythm Kings! - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great venue for live music, drinks, and dancing. Recommend getting a reservation. They currently don't charge cover. The Cosmo Alleycats were performing and they were fantastic. Worth checking out. read more

This is a nostalgic club where in it's hay day, journalists would hang at this place to enjoy some libations...maybe some food and live entertainment. Today this scene continues. Starting with a staircase going down to the basement level, to all the posted newspapers from the past and a huge collection of typewriters that adorn the walls. The curtains and the stage area lends itself to evening entertainment. Their drinks named after celebrities and actors are phenomenal. My signature "Ava Gardner " was yummy hit. read more

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For my 700th review, I wanted to share a dope speakeasy in SF. It is only apros pos that speakeasys are a throwback, just like me when I started my career in SF way back when. Local Edition is located on the corner of Market & 3rd in SoMA. As with most speakeasys, there is no sign: A clock (pic), and mat mark the entrance. The ambiance is doooope!!! After you enter you make a u-turn and go down two flights of stairs. On your left are some tables, and around the tables are newspaper clippings of major SF events. The one by us was dated 1902, and cost 3 cents. As you continue to the right, there is a large area for sitting, standing, and waiting in line for drinks at the bar. Yes, this is a real bar where you have to go and order your drink. The foregoing is fine by me, because there were several hawt women at and around the bar. If you go around to the far side of the bar, where the line is shorter, there is another area for seating and hanging out also. Lastly, the crowd is friendly & chill - No DBs blocking the aisle like the recently reviewed Misfit in Santa Monica. My cousins ordered the signature Local Edition (bourbon, bitters, et al), while I ordered a Seven Lenguas tequila & soda. The 3 drinks cost $31 - A very pleasant surprise. The Local Editions came with one large block of ice, and all three knocked us on our ass. It was hard to imagine finding stiff drinks at these prices. Funny story, while we were waiting in line there were two women and a guy ahead of us. After they received their drinks, one woman remained behind and was blocking the bar - first time I have ever been "Bar Blocked!". When we got to the bar, she wouldn't stop talking. She wasn't that drunk, but while she rambled on and I ignored her, I couldn't help but think of the lyrics to a song: What should my caption be? I want it to be clever How about "Livin' with my bitches, hash tag LIVE" I only got 10 likes in the last 5 minutes Do you think I should take it down? LET ME TAKE ANOTHER SELFIE LMFAO!!! read more

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Very cool! Came on New Year's and there was a line outside. The place is downstairs so you can't see it from outside but it's dimly lit, there is a large bar on the left side and high top tables to sit around the bar. On the right are a bunch of tables where you could watch the band but you had to have made reservations. It definitely seemed worth it to make a reservation it was pretty full but I could see myself coming back on a more mellow night and hanging out. The bartenders are friendly and all very beautiful! the bar was full but they were whipping out drinks with so much style and flair! read more

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I love the dimly lit speakeasy vibe that this place exudes! It is definitely down under and the exterior definitely underrates what this place has to offer. There is a greeter who checks ID up front. They have live performances during prime time and reserved seatings if you plan on coming with a group to grab drinks and lounge for awhile. Some people linger along the bar and around the entrance area. It is all up to you and your group. Their drinks are fabulous and the menu is on vintage, paper-like newspaper format. Do get their Fidel and Che if you are pondering on what to get. Not that one? Their Brass Check offers a citrusy flavor to the drink. If hard, fruity liquor is not what your prefer, the Madison is a mixed flavored wine - fancy that. Make sure to bring a good amount of cash for drinks and tipping as well. It is about 10 bucks for a drink. With live music and a low key ambiance, this place offers a promising, enjoyable time. read more

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You know that one friend in your group that's anti-cocktail? Probably lives in a cave, wears the same 4 T-shirts for weeks on end, smells of ale and meat, has unkempt hair, and little respect for authority? Yeah, that's usually me. I'm the stick in the mud that hates cocktail bars and makes fun of dear friends for enjoying them. But I was in San Francisco for a week and decided to, y'know, LIVE A LITTLE. And, you know what? I dig this place! The cocktails are pricey but...that's kind of the deal with cocktails. And they're actually pretty reasonably priced compared to other places in SF. (and indeed, places up here in AK) This place is dark and BIG. Maybe because it's in a basement? Seems like space is at a premium in this town, and yet they managed to throw to together a down-right cavernous hangout. Perfect for a caveman. Anyway, lots of the drinks featured whisky and smoke. Things even a grumbly beer snob can get behind! Staff was friendly and unpretentious. I had fun. read more

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Great trendy, speakeasy spot with awesome craft cocktails! Been to this spot a handful of times and haven't been disappointed. They have unique, one-of-kind cocktails that are as interesting as they are tasty. And for being downtown, the price point of $13 a cocktail is pretty awesome. On my most recent visit, I tried the Dublin Down (smooth, frothy whisky cocktail), the Ava Gardner (jasmine tea infused vodka with a tropical kick with ginger, coconut juice, and pineapple), and the Vampira (aptly named for its blood-like consistency provided by a scotch + beet juice base). There is a lot of space if you come here on a relatively quiet night. Great if you want a casual craft cocktail without a tight dive-y feel. Good amount of seats and tables, though I can see it being difficult on a busy night. If anything, come early in the night to beat the crowds (say 9-10pm?). Definitely would drop by again for a drink when I'm downtown (and definitely would try a selection from their extensive spirit collection). read more

Local Edition - Lounges Near Me - San Francisco, California

When you carefully make your way down the dimly lit stairs you step into another era when the printed word was king and the mechanical and precise instruments of that trade were as weighty as the words that echoed through the minds of its readers on a daily basis. Located in the Hearst building on historical Market Street, vintage newspapers and typewriters are strewn throughout the vast space punctuated by the large Speakeasy bar in the center. Their classic and namesake libation is the Local Edition Cocktail(Four Roses single barrel bourbon, orange peel syrup, and cherry infused angostura), which I highly recommend you try. Another favorite of mine is The Tycoon cocktail(rye whiskey, grappa, brown sugar cinnamon syrup, lemon). The service, much like the vibe here is cool like a playful piano jazz melody, and yet also warm like the front doorman dressed in a prohibition era suit with the pearly white smile imploring you to have a good time. Note, they do not serve food. From the red velvet curtains and red seating, to the slinky mood lighting, Local Edition provides a relaxed and polished atmosphere to enjoy stimulating conversations where the spoken words within earshot do not drown out your own conversation. For groups of 4 or more, I recommend you contact them to make a table reservation in advance. My experiences in doing so have been as slick as the cocktails they lovingly hand craft. read more

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I had to update my review as I kind of love this bar. Sexy with a low key speakeasy feel. Great drinks. I've just fallen in love with Local Edition. *Local edition cocktail: four roses single barrel bourbon, orange peel syrup, cherry infused angostura My go-to drink. Boozy, but still balanced. *Rexroth: pisco, amaro nonino, pineapple gomme, lemon, egg white, peychaud's bitters, pink peppercorn Great when I want something light. Reminiscent of a pisco sour. Resfreshing, a little tart and easy to drink. Local Edition has easily become one of my favorite bars. And of course, the newspapers and typewriters appeal to the inner nerd in me. How can I not love a smart and intelligent bar?! read more

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One of my favorite bars in the downtown San Francisco area. Prices are what you'd expect for SF (think ~$15 per drink). Drinks are unique and well made. Live music makes this bar even better, but it can get loud the days they have music, so make sure to check beforehand if that's not your vibe for the night. read more