ALPHA BAR SF

AlphaBar: R is for Republic

2012-01-26T14:44:00.000-08:00

The Republic - Wednesday, February 1st @ 8PM

Hail! Friends, AlphaBarians, Countrymen, lend me your beers!

Long has it been since our fair state was ruled by a senate of the best men, representing the needs of the masses. Nay, since Titus Matthew Sullivinium returned from his conquest in the North and demanded to be made consul for life, we have suffered under the rule of one man. It was a mere formality when he seized power and donned the laurel wreath, ere four long years past, and henceforth, the people of this AlphaRepublic have suffered under the autocratic rule of a despot! Caesar, indeed! Since that time, our wants and needs have been catered to only at the whim of this farce of a government. What little aid and security the government has provided has been overshadowed by the unquenchable thirst for flesh and mead Caesar's soldiers exhibit as they storm through the agora and take what they please, be it women or wine.

I beseech you, my fellow Alphacrats, let us not kowtow to this rapacious bigot who clothes himself in lambskins, but bears the teeth of the jackal. I tell you now, he is a fiend! Forget his destruction of the Beta Hordes from the South and the Upsilon Emirate from the East. His past victories were bought with the lives of our sons and brothers, but served more to line his pockets than promote peace. And now, he thinks he can buy our love with drink. Drink!

I implore you, AlphaBrothers and Sisters, do not attend this brigand's bi-weekly bacchanalia. He promises drink and music, but at what cost? Our children's bellies will not be filled by the promise of prizes and awards to be given at the end of the year. Yet, as in all things, this false Caesar thinks he can buy you off as he has bribed and flattered so many enemies into complacency. But what does he do once his enemies are sated? Murder!

My friends, the Beast has scheduled yet another of his sapphic orgies for Wednesday, February 1st. But we will not be there! No, friends, we will be attending a clandestine meeting of our own, and plotting the downfall of this consul of lies. And where else could we go, but Republic! That last bastion of sanity in a world gone mad with lust and rage.

Long have I waited for this day, my AlphaComrades. And when Caesar's blood is spilled in the gutters, the walls of our nation shall reverberate with the sacred words: Republic, Republic, Republic!

2012-01-12T11:27:00.001-08:00

Buckshot Restaurant, Bar, and Gameroom
Wednesday, January 18th @ 8PM

***DRINK SPECIALS***
$2 PBR, Tecate, Black Star
$3 drafts
$4 well drinks

Hooo Doggy!

Howdy there AlphaPokes! Been a long time! Ol' Rusty here's been bidin' his time, but I couldn't pass up a chance to come see all my favorite cowboys and cowgirls at my favorite bar this side of Omaha! Buckshot! Boy, there's a great bar if I ever seen one. Let me tell you.

They got games, cheap beer, all the whiskey you can drink, and some kind of deep fried bacon wrapped goodness comin' out from the little 'ol kitchen in back. Last time I showed up, I saddled right on up to the bar with my horse. Bartender says, "Why the long face?" Hoooeeey! I just about jumped across the bar and slapped him. Goodness gracious! A man insulting my horse like that. Some nerve.

Anyhow, next time I showed up, they had a big "no horses" sign. If we'd a been in Omaha, I woulda stormed right in and demanded retribution. But here in San Francisco, I guess a man's gotta expect not to be allowed to bring his horse to a bar. So no horses. But like I always say, save a horse, and ride this here cowboy! Yeeeehaawww!

And horses drink free every Wednesday night. Well, not really, but good lookin' ladies certainly do! But seriously, I would love to see that danged bartender's face if you bring a big 'ol stallion inside. Just tell 'em he's a service animal.

2011-11-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

She was a tall, cool drink of water, sitting at the end of the bar, sipping her drinks like she meant it. Whiskey. Rocks. No water. I counted four, but she had been there all night, looking like she was waiting for someone to pick her up. Not your typical broad. This girl was smart and she could handle her liquor. Twelve different chumps tried their luck. Twelve different chumps walked away, looking like their first puppy just got run over by a garbage truck. Poor bastards didn't know what hit 'em. But I was different. I was lucky number 13.

Of all the seedy little gin joints in all the seedy little towns, she had to walk into mine. Well, technically, I walked into hers. But I wasn't there to play games. And I wasn't one of those poor fools who couldn't pick up a dame if she was in a box and he had a forklift. They were about as likely to get lucky with that dame as I was to win the lottery twice on a Tuesday.

Not one to lollygag, I walked right up to her, turned to the bartender and said "two whiskeys, rocks." Then I turned to her and said, "what's a broad like you doing in a place like this?" That was when I noticed her throat. Her adam's apple was twice as big as my thumb, and s/he had the hands to match it. Sasquatch doesn't have hands that big and hairy. She/he said, "hey stranger," with a voice deeper than James Earl Jones with laryngitis after a three day bender.

Now I don't know if it was the smoke-filled room, the dingy lighting, or the eight whiskeys, but he was the best looking woman in that bar. And once you make your move, there's no going back. Thank God we were in the Castro. This was going to take some more drinks.

But I wasn't in that bar to pick up on loose women or pretty men. I was there on the job. The AlphaBar crew hired me to investigate every bar in the city with an L in its name. Well, they might have asked me only to go to the ones that started with an L, but I'm as thorough as a TSA agent on a muslim when I'm on the job. So I hit them all. And Lucky 13 was the best bar in that wretched little town. The best looking men, the strongest women, and the cheapest beer.

So we'll be heading down to Lucky 13 this Wednesday, packing that place like a Justin Bieber concert in a pedophile colony. And that friendly gentleman with the pouty lips knew the bartender, so (s)he got us some damned fine drink specials. I personally will be drinking more whiskey than a tribe of Indians who just finished a death march. Here's looking at you kid.

Wednesday, November 9th @ 8PM
Lucky 13
2140 Market St
between Church St & Sanchez St

2011-10-27T09:33:00.001-07:00

Pics are up from the Kozy Kar!

Had a turn out of around 120+! Good work guys!

2011-10-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

AlphaBar is now on Twitter! Follow us here!

http://twitter.com/AlphaBarSF

2011-10-26T14:47:00.001-07:00

Alright, alright, alright, alright.

What's goin' on AlphaBabes? Man, I've been looking forward to this alllll year. I'll tell you what, man, this is gonna be the best damn AlphaBar of the year. We're goin' to my favorite bar on the grooviest street in San Francisco. Kozy Kar, Baby. It's where it's at.

If you're like me, you've probably been there every night for the past two weeks, but if you haven't, hey man, it's cool. ...I won't get on your case just because you got some other bar you like. That's your journey, man. You don't have to come to Kozy Kar. If you don't like groovy tunes, righteous babes, and some far out bartenders servin' up a couple brews, that's cool, man. You don't have to come. But it'd be a lot cooler if you did, man.

If the owner's cool with it, we can turn on some funk, break out a couple joints and light up. Just make sure we keep a bouncer outside to watch for the fuzz. And speakin of fuzz, they've got some fuzzy walls, a kickin shag waterbed if you wanna get down with one of those aforementioned groovy chicks, and a dance floor with some sweet Playboy centerfold pictures. If that chick you're boogyin with isn't quite as hip as you though, bam, take a look at the floor. It's like dancin with an angel. But she's naked. And a picture.

Anyways, man, I just wanted to let you know the deal. We've been listening to you, man. You said there wasn't enough porn in your life. Boom. You said you needed more seventies and disco-themed bars on Wednesdays. Boom. You're welcome. You said you wanted AlphaBar to be at a dirty strip club with loose rules. Hey man, two out of three ain't bad, right?

Haha, anyways man. It's gonna be a great time. Better than that rager at the moon tower last week. I promise. And you know the best thing? The girls there tend to stay in a certain age group. I keep gettin' older, they stay the same age. Catch you on the flip side.

2011-07-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

6PM START TIME THIS WEEK!!
http://districtsf.com/

Hey Girl,

...I know I promised you a date on Wednesday night, and you know your boy AlphaBar always comes through. But this Wednesday, it's not just a date at your typical marina bar. I'm not going to crush you at beer pong and flip cup, and I won't laugh and yell "I remember my first beer!" I won't ply you with tater tots that I throw from across the bar, so you don't have to worry about another ketchup stain on your American Apparel sweatshirt. And we won't be sharing three pitchers of rolling rock and twisty cheesy garlic sticks from Xtreme Pizza before you have to help me stumble back to my place down the block. I won't be fumbling with your buttons, trying to take your top off in between loud belches and incomprehensible mutterings. My roommate won't "accidentally" walk in on us, and I promise not to vomit on your discarded skirt.

This Wednesday night, girl, I'm treating you like the queen you are. First, I shall call my driver, or maybe I'll use that cool new app, Uber, and fetch a town car using my professional Android smartphone. I will pick you up, wearing a collared shirt and pants without holes in them. Then I shall whisk you away, to a part of the city you have never seen before, except when you pick me up from a 2-1 extra-inning Giants game because I drank too much. I will order us a bottle of the finest german riesling, and I shall feed you olives and prosciutto while we get drunk off the sweet nectar of the gods. Yeah girl, lick those lips. You know you love riesling.

We will relax on velour couches while elegantly dressed waiters and bartenders cater to your every desire. What's that sound? That's a man playing a spanish guitar. Spanish, girl. That's like a guitar with an accent. It's like we're in Europe. But I'm not taking you back to a dingy back-alley hostel with a bunch of creepy dutch guys playing techno this time. Naw, girl, it ain't even like that.

Kick your shoes off, and I shall give you the finest foot massage you have ever experienced. I will open up my ziploc of massage oil and... what's that? I can't do that in here? Oh, okay, sorry. I guess I got carried away. But just wait for tonight, girl.

Don't you just love how I treat you, girl? Taking you to elegant wine bars with 120 of our closest friends and associates? I will serve you the finest cheeses from the basque country in northern spain and regale you with poetry I have crafted just for you. We can pound a couple beers just to make sure we're tipsy enough. Then it's time to get it on. In the bathroom girl, cuz I know you get nasty when you're drunk.

After I love you slowly and softly for five minutes in San Francisco's finest bathroom stall, we can get back to the party, cuz you know AlphaBar has to keep it real. It's a date, girl, but I have to say what's up to my friends.

Fancy AlphaBar this week, kids.

District Lounge and Wine Bar
216 Townsend Street @ 3rd.
San Francisco

2011-07-02T00:11:00.000-07:00

http://chugpub.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chug-pub-san-francisco
$1 a drink goes to Roots International Academy in Oakland

***Specials***
...8-10PM $25 Chug Tower of Sierra Nevada
$30 Chug Tower of any beer
$6 PBR and a shot of Jager

Alphateam,

This week, we're at chug pub, home to some of the city's beer. Not only is it home to some of the city's beer, but you can get 3.5 towering liters of your beer of choice for $30 in a veritable "Tower of Beer." Apparently they frown on patrons using their beer towers for flip cup, but if we all work together, we might be able to change their minds.

Chug Pub is located in the ancient and venerable "next to Golden Gate Park" neighborhood, home to some of the city's most famous bums, miscreants, sluts, and arsonists. Other than that, we really didn't know much about Chug Pub before choosing it, so we did what most rational people do when they want to learn about something: surf the internet.

After about three hours of alternating between midget porn and facebook, we remembered that we had a google search to perform. Chug Pub. Of course, we were distracted by The Google's suggested searches of Chupacabra, Chuck Norris Jokes, and Chug Pughuahuas, but the actual search only took about half a second. Boom. Result number one was something called Yelp.com.

After another hour of midget porn and facebook, we finally clicked on that yelp link and, wow, do the Yelpese ever come through. We learned so much.

According to Yelper Brendan L., Chug Pub is "a local hang out especially for the guys in their mid 20's..... the place is kinda small...there is a bar and behind it a few tables and pool table....i think they should get rid of the pool table because I don't know how many times i have to get out of people's way when they are playing pool." So 20-something dudes and pool.

Jeffrey J. said: "Not enough credit goes to places that make sure their tables aren't wobbly. I have to say the tables are stable! The staff is friendly and inviting, the beer selection is decent, and the cocktails are pretty good."
Stable tables! Cocktails are pretty good!
In the words of Clarence A. (possibly moonlighting as @DRUNKHULK):
TV GOOD!!
POOL TABLE GOOD!!
NACHOS GOOD!!!
CHUG TOWER GOOD!!

So there's dudes and the venue, the food, and the beverages are good. What about the ladies?

Well, Rachelle P. basically answered that one for us:
"Get some more guys to come in here though because last time I was here it was a taco fest." God damn do I love tacos. And apparently there are not enough guys there to eat the tacos that the bar serves. We're coming Rachelle P. And, assuming you are as excited as your post suggests, drunk off the specials that "get me messed up on a budget!," you will be too. No promises on delivering anything that rivals your last experience when it was "almost dangerous because I don't really realize how hot it is until it's going down my throat." But I promise you, we will try.
I know what you're thinking: I've met Rachelle P. Believe me, she is not the person you want next to you when there is a full on taco fest staring you in the face. But guess what, we can confirm that Chug Pub also caters to the more proper ladies of the Outer Sunset/Golden Rape Park Corridor.

From Jillian M.:
"It's been brought to my attention that most of my reviews make me seem like a big drunky lush whore. I wish I could say this review would buck that trend, but alas, it does not. Oh well. If it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, I guess I enjoy vodka.
This place is legit. $4 vodka and club soda's, which means I can get relatively trashed for about $16.
It's also close enough to my house that I don't have to worry about navigating the bus system while intoxicated. Another big plus.
Nothing bad to say. Cute neighborhood hang out with a pool table, and sexy Asian bartenders for you boys. Enjoy."

If any of you were on the fence, get off. I don't care who you are, this is obviously the right place to spend next Wednesday night.
In the immortal words of Bill S.:
Thou might not be lovely as a summer's day,
It's true,
But there are things I cannot do to a summer's day,
That I would love to do to you.

Come to AlphaBar this week, and get something done to you.

2011-06-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

We actually had some people believe our fictional history of the Bus Stop! If you're gonna drink here that much you better know the real story! See you Wednesday!

"The history of the Bus Stop begins over a century ago on a once quiet street in San Francisco, Union Street. The building that currently houses the bar was originally constructed in the late 1800s as a multi-use establishment, containing a street-level storefront and two upper apartments. It was purchased by the ferroni's and has since housed four generations of ferroni's who started a family business on Union Street in 1900. With a combination of hard work, dedication and a bit of luck, that business is still intact, family owned, and more successful than ever in its current sports bar format known and loved by many as, "The Bus Stop".

The evolution of the bar into the Bus Stop has been filled with many changes, challenges, and wonderful memories.

The bar opened its doors in 1900 and was know as the Aly Inn, and in 1919 became smokeys saloon where cold beer, chilled with ice that was chipped from a block, was sold for a nickel. Amerigo Ferroni purchased the family business from his uncle in 1931 in the midst of the great depression and prohibition. Times were tough but manageable until 1933. The newly elected president Franklin Delano Roosevelt followed up on a campaign promise, encouraging congress to write the 21st amendment to the constitution, ending prohibition and, thus, fueling a rise in legal drinking establishments. The Transport Club, as it was now known, flourished for nearly three decades.

In 1955, Amerigo Ferroni fell ill and his wife, Rina, actively managed the bar for the next five years. History would show she was well suited for the task.

Although a constant presence in the day-to-day operations of the business, Rina played more of a support role prior to her husband's illness, washing towels, preparing snacks and delivering her ever-popular pizza from her upstairs apartment to employees and customers alike. But when Amerigo fell ill, it was only natural for her to become the sole proprietor/bartender. Well versed in the bar's environment, Rina filled these shoes with pride. In 1960, Amerigo's son Gabriel (Gabe) continued the legacy, and began managing and tending the bar. Rina remained active in the bar and continued living in the apartment above.

In keeping with family tradition, Gabe kept the original layout of the bar. But a new name would be crucial to identifying the establishment as his own. As he sat peering out the windows on the corner of Union and Laguna streets, Gabe had many suitable names in mind until the most obvious kept returning every fifteen minutes like clockwork. The muni bus stopped three feet from the bar's front door. The "Bus Stop" was born. At a time when Union Street had yet to be developed to its current state, this was one of few Bus Stops on the street.

Having laid the foundation of the bar, Gabe could now begin to focus on the internal business features. Much to his dismay, Gabe soon realized that an entire evening of work would only gross $11.00, not nearly enough to sustain the business. However, in order to attract more customers he realized that the Bus Stop would have to differentiate itself from other bars in the neighborhood. He would keep the charm of the old saloon and enhance it. The decor would have glimpses of the past but be modernized. Over the years Gabe initiated many ideas to create his ideal. The logo would be created with the gas lamp chandeliers to capture the past and stake claim on the future. Napkins, ashtrays, and matchbooks would be personalized with the company logo to add a touch of class as well as provide an excellent marketing tool. The "super well" would offer premium cocktails at well drinks prices. Glassware was chosen to offer the customer better value. Juices would be fresh squeezed on the premises on a daily basis. Complimentary snacks would be offered. Benches and awnings would be built out front for the comfort of customers and neighbors alike. Polished brass would fill the bar. The restrooms maintained a standard of cleanliness unlike those of other local bars.

Over the years business grew and continued to flourish through the 1980's when the sports bar craze really began to escalate. Satellite and cable tv technology was providing the opportunity for businesses to offer customers several viewing options from the same bar stool. The Bus Stop was one of the first bars in San Francisco to really embrace this concept. The Bus Stop soon became one of the premiere sports bars in the bay area, where bartenders knew your name and service was unmatched.

After 40 years, Gabe decided that it was time for his namesake to carry on the legacy that he had started. His son, Gabriel Ferroni, Jr., was charged with the responsibility of running the family business. Gabriel had spent several years managing the Bus Stop after experimenting with different ventures, including a successful business in gourmet foods. He purchased the Bus Stop from his father in 2000, after his father's health concerns became overwhelming. Unfortunately, Gabe Sr. passed without the pleasure of watching the Bus Stop move into the new millennium. Learning from the lessons his father bestowed, Gabriel has kept the Bus Stop tradition alive and well.

The Bus Stop continues to be involved in the community and participates in local programs and activities including the police activities league, local recreational sports teams, and the Union Street Association. You will still find top-notch service, great value, and a wonderful environment. Twenty new plasma tv's adorn the walls to ensure your viewing pleasure and each has a separate satellite receiver so you'll never miss a minute of your favorite team. A top of the line audio system and great music selection turns this sports bar into a nightclub the moment the buzzer goes off and the evening hours prevail.

Over the years the Bus Stop has evolved out of a family of dedicated, hard working people who have brought this business through a century of change. In that time we witnessed two world wars, the korean war, and vietnam. We survived the earthquakes of 1906 and 1989 unscathed. We weathered economic difficulties, none more challenging than the great depression. We endured 25 presidential elections, the murder of our mayor, the start of prohibition and its reversal. We've embraced five superbowl victories and dealt with several disappointing trips to the world series. We've watched music progress from the big band era to the mtv generation. We've welcomed famous faces such as President Clinton, Mayor Willie Brown, Vida Blue, Monica Seles, Ted Hendricks, Chipper Jones, Bobby Sura, Barry Zeto, and Pierce Brosnan."

B is for Bus Stop!

2011-06-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Kids,

We fired that Italian guy who did the write up for Amante. I mean, really, who writes with an accent? Also, no one trusts foreigners.

This week, our partner bar has agreed to donate one dollar of every drink to Roots International Academy, a junior high school in Oakland, to fund after school programs and field trips. If you had any thoughts of skipping out, this is not the week to do it. How often do you get to "d...rink for the kids" anyway? Staying for another drink is actually the responsible thing to do. And with budget cuts in place, the kids don't get to play music or sports unless you show up and drink more. Think about it.

http://www.oaklandschoolsfoundation.org/roots

And hey, new pick up line: "Hi, I don't usually buy girls drinks, but since it's for underprivileged children in Oakland, I feel that it would be socially irresponsible of me not to." Boom. I got her numba. How do you like dem apples?

Location, location, location. This week we'll be back on campus, at ye old The Bus Stop. You know it well, but do you know the full history of the Bus Stop? I didn't think so. Read on for more, details at the bottom.

Originally established in 1857 as The Busty Top, the first owners of what is now known as The Bus Stop sought to capitalize on the wealth of horny sailors, miners, loggers, kickballers, thieves, and other lowbrow miscreants who had come to California looking for gold, but hungry for women. As the northern-most outpost of the Barbary Coast, and thus often the first stop for miners and loggers coming down from Marin, Sonoma, and beyond, the Busty Top quickly gained a devoted following as the "cheapest little whorehouse in town." It wasn't long before even the saltiest of the Top's "ladies of the evening" were known worldwide. Amongst the more famous employees in the Top's heyday were Liverpool 'Lil, Henrietta Fillmore, Marina "Fingers" Chestnut, Octavia Buchanan, "Shanghai" Kelly O'Toole, and, of course, the venerable Mollie Stone. The Top even employed the first well-known gay "man of the evening," Philip "Phil the Drill" Castro. Unlike most establishments of the time, the Top's prostitutes were not exploited and tossed out on the street once they reached the wrinkled old age of 34 (34 was old back then, and very wrinkly). Rather, the Top provided a generous pension plan, usually promoted from within, and even provided seed start-up money if its employees decided to open up their own shop. As the owners said, "we encourage our girls to spread their legs, yes, but then we help them spread their wings." Some have referred to the Top's owners, Bill Kleiner and Adrian Perkins, as the first venture capitalists in California. Some of the Top's more successful employees went on to found eateries, grocery stores, and rival businesses, while others moved into politics and philanthropy, or died of venereal diseases.

On January 18, 1920, the San Francisco Chronicle's headlines read "Busty Top Busted." Prohibition had finally hit, and the city's most famous little whorehouse was shut down. The owners were jailed and the remaining employees scattered. But new owners soon took over, supposedly to provide coffee and other non-alcoholic refreshments, giving a wink and a nod to the Chronicle headline in renaming the place "The Busted Top." Within days of opening, however, the Top became one of the more popular speakeasies in town. When officers stopped by (those who weren't on the payroll), the alcohol was hidden behind fold-away walls, and the patrons would simply state that they were having some water, coffee, or soda pop while waiting for the bus. It wasn't long before the "Busted Top" was referred to as "The Bus Stop." "Waiting for the bus" became code for having a drink, and "riding the bus" code for sex. A "free ride" was sex with another patron or a generous whore, while a "nickel," "dime," or "quarter ride" referred to sex with a cheap, standard, or expensive whore. Other terms, such as an "oil change," "greasing the axles," "stuffing the tailpipe," or "looking under the hood" were quickly adopted into the lexicon. Soon, one could "wait for the bus" at any of over 5,000 establishments in San Francisco alone.

But the end of prohibition signaled a dark day for the Bus Stop. Swingers were replaced by suffragettes, men left town in droves to work on New Deal construction projects, and the fear of impending war soon gripped the city. It seemed the Bus Stop, and "waiting for the bus" alike were doomed to fade into San Francisco's history.

Flash forward to the heady, cocaine-fueled days of the 1980s. Reagan was king, money was everywhere, gas was cheap again, neon was a fashion statement, and hair was almost as big as cocaine and David Bowie. What a time to be alive! The Busted Top was re-opened as the Bus Stop, touting expensive drinks, a shoulder-pads only dress code, and great bathrooms to do coke in. The revamped Bus Stop is still alive today, though shoulder pads have been set aside for 80's nights and the drinks are now cheap (thanks inflation!).

So when it's getting late into the night this coming AlphaBar, just take a minute to look around and savor the history at the Bus Stop. Maybe pour yourself a traditional prohibition-era PBR, rock some neon or a side pony-tail, mine the bar for gold, try to get a "free ride" or an "oil change," or pretend you're a cheap prostitute with a heart of gold. And as always, kids, its AlphaBar, so keep it classy. But not too classy.

Deets:

Alpha Bar at the Bus Stop
1901 Union Street at Laguna
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
8 pm to closing

AlphaBar: A is for Amante

2011-06-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Pics are up from our first bar of season 4!!

https://picasaweb.google.com/matthew.r.sullivan/AlphaBarAIsForAmante2011

2010-12-20T23:08:00.000-08:00

Hello, my fellow Alphabarbarians! No Alphabar season would be complete without a stop at the Fishbowl in Lower Pac Heights! They're tossing all the tables and chairs out the door to make room for us so let's pack this place out! And remember to bring your AlphaBar cards because the season is almost over and there's prizes to be earned at the end!

-Sully

***DRINK SPECIALS***
TBA

Bar Reviews:
http://www.sfweekly.com/locations/the-fishbowl-bar-and-grill-1598058
http://www.blackbookmag.com/guides/details/fish-bowl-bar-grill

2010-09-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

47th Avenue and Taraval? Are we crazy? Hell yeah we are! We're going to the Riptide in the Outer Sunset! "Wet Wednesdays" at Riptide involve surf movies on the TV and free chili cheese nachos! See you on Wednesday!!

***DRINK SPECIALS***
$1 off Sierra Nevada pints
$4 cocktail special TBD
...
***PUBLIC TRANSIT***
If you're in the Marina you can take the 22 bus south and then head west on the L line. It takes 49 minutes...don't like it? Carpool!

2010-07-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

My fellow AlphaBarians, we're headed to Polk Street again and hitting up Mayes Oyster House! It's also Taj Welsh's birthday! Taj is an AlphaBar officer and is also the one who designed the AlphaBar cards so please stand at attention and salute her when she walks by or she'll revoke your card. And yes the rumors are true--we are indeed doing this one live again so please wear your party pants.

-Sully

***DRINK SPECIALS***
$3 Draft Beers
$3 Bottled Beers
$4 Well Cocktails

More drink and food specials will be posted soon!

http://www.mayessf.com/

2010-07-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

Alpha Bar pics are up!

AlphaBar: L is for La Barca

2010-07-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

Alright you yuppies...we're swinging back through Marina so get your ass to Alphabar Wednesday, July 14th!

***DRINK SPECIALS***
$3 draft beers and $5 house margaritas!!

Facebook Event

AlphaBar: K is for Kennedy's Irish Pub and Curry House

2010-06-23T17:21:00.001-07:00

An Irish Pub and Indian food?! Why the hell not?! It works! This place has pool tables, foosball, a patio, and tall boy PBRs. They have over a hundred beers and I'm going to drink them all. Come help me.

-Sully

2010-05-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

This very Wednesday we're back on schedule and headed to Hyde-Out on California and Hyde! This place has a cool upstairs section, free popcorn, and 30 beers on tap including PBR!! HOLY SHIT!

-Sully

2010-03-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

We had another successful AlphaBar at City Tavern last night! Check out the pics!! See you in two weeks!!

C is for City Tavern

2010-02-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

My dear AlphaBarians, it is time to say goodbye to the letter A and move on with our lives. Even though it was a good letter, there are many other letters in the sea. Never fear, we have a hot date with the letter B on Wednesday, February 24th at 8PM at the Bus Stop on Union and Laguna! Don't forget your AlphaBar card!! And if you don't have one yet, don't worry we'll have plenty of cards for you!

The drink special will be $13 large pitchers of Coors Light! The pool tables will have the hard tops put on so we'll be destroying donkeys at the flip cup table all night!

See you there!!

-Sully

2010-01-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

My fellow AlphaBarians, the dawn of a new AlphaBar season has come upon us. Every bar crawl begins with a single beer. And every alphabet begins with an A. So therefore it makes complete sense that we embark on our third year long bar crawl by starting at Amante in North Beach. History will be made at 8 PM on February 10th at Amante.

San Francisco Alpha Bar is a year long social club meeting every other Wednesday night at 8PM. Each season we start at the top of the alphabet and hit up bars on a bi-weekly basis until we've gone to a bar that has started with every letter of the alphabet. Our mission is to tour SF, pack some cool bars, and most importantly make some new friends!

When you attend an AlphaBar you will receive your membership card and a hole punch for the week you have attended. The more hole punches you have gives you bragging rights AND the chance to win a prize at the end of the season. And yes, the prize will most likely be more alcohol so you can make it through the off season.

So bring your friends, roommates, colleagues, and your mother to the AlphaBar kickoff at Amante on February 10th at 8PM!! Add them to our Facebook group too! See you there!!

-Sully

Here's what the new card looks like!!

2010-01-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

The new season of AlphaBar will be starting on February 10th!!! Stay tuned for more details!!!

2009-08-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

As we say goodbye to the letter R we do so in celebration. And there's no better way to do that than hitting up the new Rickhouse bar in the financial district! This is a brand new bar and from what I hear it's a lot of fun. So brings your friends and colleagues and I'll see you over there!

2009-07-27T20:54:00.001-07:00

Hello my Alphabarians! The letter Q has come and we are short a few Q bars so we're doing the next best thing and we're gonna give the letter R some extra lovin. Known for their live music, they also offer pool tables, foosball, and more importantly, beer. Rockit Room is on Clement and 5th Ave. Hope to see you there!

AlphaBar: P is for Pig & Whistle

2009-07-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

July 15th at 7:30 PM, AlphaBar is heading to the Pig & Whistle on Geary and Wood St! They have pool, pinball, darts, food, and of course, beer! Come on out and bring along your friends and colleagues!

Also, I've noticed a few Alphabarians have been joining the impostor group that just recently started up here in SF. This group has taken our name and theme and even took the way we title our events (AlphaBar: X is for Xyyyyyy). Don't join their group and don't encourage them. If you want to talk shit on their page then please do so. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58547478487

AlphaBar: O is for O'Reilly's Irish Bar & Restaurant

2009-06-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 1st at 7:30 PM come out to O'Reilly's Irish Bar & Restaurant! Don't miss this Alphabar....otherwise you will have to wait two weeks! :)

2009-06-09T20:11:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, June 17th @ 7:30PM is AlphaBar at Notte! This bar can be easy to miss but it's on Union Street between Laguna and Octavia. Don't miss out on Pac Man, the photo booth, and of course the beer and wine! See you there!!

J is for Jade Bar

2009-04-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Alphabarians! Thanks to all who showed up last Wednesday! At our peak we had 60+ returners packed in! And don't forget all the talented recruits we found! Pictures will be up this weekend!

We resume our year long bar crawl with the letter J at Jade Bar on McAllister and Gough on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7 PM! See you there!

2009-02-26T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Alphabar 2009 relaunching party will be on April 8th at 7PM at Bus Stop in the Marina! We'll be keeping it old skool by releasing the new membership cards where you'll get a hole punch for each Alphabar you attend! There will be door prizes for whomever brings the most co-workers, shows up the earliest, and other categories! Bring your friends, bring your co-workers, bring everyone you know! Alphabar is back!

And those who remember staying out till 2AM on those Alphabar nights be prepared to stay out late and call in sick cuz once it gets late we'll be headed out to our favorite dancing joint...

B is for Back to the Basics

2008-10-12T00:19:00.000-07:00

Hey kiddies, we've got one more bar on the list from last year till we bust out and break the mold! Hold on to your butts and bring yo-selves down to Bus Stop this Wednesday!

We're gonna shake that mother down in the Marina like we used to, and see where the night takes us from there. Grab your friends and coworkers and throw a few back with us.

As a heads up, we're doing a special edition Alpha Bar, and busting up the order of the alphabet for charity. That's right on November 12th, we're hitting up Fish Bowl to throw down some deniro for the Daly City Rec Center and their after school programs. We've got some friends behind the bar, and all the CASH TIPS we send their way will go to help keep kids off the streets and outta trouble.

But never fear, we come on STRONG when we return to the regular way we roll by hitting up Double Dutch & Elbo Room out in the Mission in one fearsome event! You won't wanna miss this kids! It just gonna be bigger, badder and a whole lot more blazin' this time around!

A is for ALL NEW!

2008-09-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

That's right A-bar is in the works as Alpha Bar gets ready to start up yet again (all fresh & new) for 2008!

Stick around cause part deux is gonna be a doozy!

Want to volunteer to take pictures for Alpha Bar? All you need is a digital camera, a willingness to drink/party and a Picasa web album account! Comment on this post if you're interested!

BREAKING NEWS: Our first event is going to be on October 1st at the tried and true AMANTE in North Beach! We're starting off this year where it all began so long ago (yet it seems like yesterday). If you've been waiting, hoping and praying for Alpha Bar to become another staple in your weekly plans, please yearn no more, cause we're back baby!

Throw on your drinking hats, grab some friends and plan on being in attendance at Amante's around 7PM or thereafter in North Beach next Wednesday!

N is for NorthStar

2008-03-20T15:21:00.001-07:00

Ok...a slow to start up crowd, but by 9pm we were jam-packed and a good number of people including the regulars were there to ring in making it to N Bar. Sabrina's boyfriend of course was on hand with cheestakes and refils on beer -- enough to make anyones stomach not right the next day -- gotta love Chris. I believe onion rings. Dresda, well she was in 100% Dresda form dropping comments that I am sure would make any mother reach for her soap bar -- but that is why she is a great member of the crawl. We are hitting up Ottimista next week for a more sophisticated tour of events. See you there 7pm on Union Street! (they have a great menu too, so if you did not have dinner, you won't be disappointed)

L for LaBarca and M for Mauna Loa

2008-03-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

Ok...so I am slow to post...but are you kidding me. We had a trickle effect for the first few hours, but by 10 pm the place was packed...I mean packed...it was so much fun that Tooba lost her wallet..long story ;)

This was def. the gear up for the Mauna loa...which was also packed. So nice to see the joint get filled up with what has become a large group of Alphabar Regulars, complete with Sabrinas's husband -- and a few newbies ... see you in a week at NORTHSTAR

K is for Krazy Flip Cup at Kezar's!!!

2008-02-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

This was an intimate crowd where we got to know each other A LOT better, especially our little “bull frog” with his motor boating and awesome dance skills! There were many rounds of flip cup played, more than I can remember, but then again, isn’t that the point? And there was even eye black worn in true Morningwood fashion, as it was Kezar’s-our official flip cup home. We are at La Barca next week for some Margaritas…see you there.

J is for Jade

2008-01-17T23:19:00.000-08:00

So this week we hit up Jade bar in Hayes Valley. This was a cool bar and we all got to know each other a little bit better due to the size of the place. I hear the best feature of Jade was the one way mirror in the men’s room which looked out onto the bar. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to see this, but it did lead to the quote of the evening…”You have to take me in there so I can check it out.” All the regulars showed up and even some first timers. I gave away another 20 cards (well, I should say Matt did). All in all, it was a fun night and a couple of us didn’t get enough and moved on to Comet Club for some dancing (which unfortunately included some “ho down” moves). See you in two weeks at Kezar’s!!!

J is for Jade Bar...on gough..

2008-01-15T18:12:00.000-08:00

OK folks...we are hitting J Bar tomorrow January 16! 7:30...grab your friends and get there...this is a new one for me and hopefully for a bunch of you -- we hear it is a great happy hour place...so lets get happy (by throwing back a few) ...see you then

I was for Irish Bank

2008-01-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

So the loyal Alphabarians made it out...I was even touched to see Andy without his "wife" Sabrina....Scott and Cat who have both been to every event even made it out. We started a little earlier than normal but still had a solid crew of about 40 people to drink a few beers and get a little silly. 2 weeks we are are J Bar...time to kick it into high gear. So you know the "L" bar will fall thr night before Valentines day...so go ahead and mark your calendars, we'll be having a special event that should get a little silly...will it be tarts and vicars? lingerie party? lovin' at the lusty lady party? who knows but I am sure it will be fun. Stay Tuned...pictures will be posted shortly.

"I" is for Irish Bank...Irish Car Bombs

2008-01-02T11:50:00.000-08:00

Ok Guys and Gals...we are hitting up Irish Bank tonight (downtown)....we are heading there at 5:30 we thought people working downtown might want a reason to leave their desks a little early...get there when you can, we'll leave the light on for you...we'll be there late.

See you tonight!

H was for Horeshoe

2008-01-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

The Horseshoe was outta control PACKED...it must be that last wednesday before everyone left town to make SF a ghost town...but we pulled a serious crowd, there was standing room only...and when i mean standing room you had to stand on the pool tables if you wanted in. Everyone was in holiday spirit and certainly rang up nice bar tabs. Looking forward to "I" bar on Jan 2!

"G"eeezzzz I Slacked

2008-01-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys and gals...super busy time at work. G Bar at greens was pretty fun...I got there and only Jeremiah and Charles were sitting at the bar...but within an hour...everyone sacked up and hit Greens and we had our usual crowd of about 70 people. Of course some new faces emerged--as well as the tried and true loyal Alphabarians.....

"G" is for Gin at Greens..Girls, Good Times..and Getting your Game on

2007-12-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

Ok my friends...we are hitting up GREENS SPORTS BAR on Polk...and it is going to be fun...think of this as a December Holiday Kick-Off...we all have tons of social events to hit up this month...so no time like the wednesday but to get your drinking tolerance up...and meet some new peeps.

The "F" installment

2007-11-26T17:25:00.000-08:00

So, the night before Thanksgiving...and you know what...solid turn out...and a good number of people lasted to 2am. I think we had 65 people in and out all night...and there were some good times. Andy...the resident "boob grabber" that was fun for all involved...I do believe shots started being poured...for sure, I was a significant amount more drunk than weeks past knowing full well I had no where to be in the morning...

G Bar is on the 5th of December... we'll be heading to GREENS on POLK!

2007-11-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

So this week we stepped out of our box and tried Edinburgh Castle in the tenderloin. What we found was a cool new place, minus the hookers and homeless people outside! We saw many new faces along with all the "regulars." Another great night of fun, music and people meeting people. Next time we are off to the Final Final for some darts, pool, popcorn and Pac-man tournaments...what more could you ask for? See you there!

'D" was for Delicious...

2007-10-25T11:28:00.001-07:00

Ok friends...that was sweet we packed the house at Delaney's saw a bunch of NEW faces...which is always nice...and we even had a shot specially made for us by our awesome bartender George...it was called the 'D' Cup Shot. In two weeks we hit Edinburgh Castle...for E Bar...
I am posting the photos now...if you want to be added to the list email me at alphabarsarah@gmail.com

"D" Is for Debauchery at Delaney's on Chesnut

2007-10-16T17:21:00.001-07:00

ok my fellow alphabarians...

October 24 7pm is just over a week away...so i wanted to get it out there so you can mark your calendars. the evite went out today, so if you need to be added shoot me an email at alphabarsarah@gmail.com and I will be sure to add you.

See you in a week!

"C" is for Cool Peeps

2007-10-11T12:06:00.001-07:00

Last night we were at City Tavern and met some new cool people...I must have handed out 30 new cards! Even recruited some guys that have their own Wino Wednesday's at City Tavern. And just when you think you have had enough of the "C" bar, people head over to yet another "C" bar, Comet Club, for some more good times and dancing...what a night! And with that said, we are moving on down to "D" bar...see you there!

B is for BOO-YA

2007-09-27T09:09:00.002-07:00

Guys and Gals ...My Fellow Alphabarians....THAT ROCKED!

We packed the Bus Stop --- or shall we call it the BUSTIN' Out of the Doors STOP.

I handed out over 160 new membership cards...met a ton of people...and like everyone else was stoked on the 5 bud lights for $11.00!

Next time, October 10 we are moving to City Tavern -- bigger venue...so don't forget to pass along the evite...which I'll be sending out next week.

Check back on the blogspot later today for pictures, they should be posted about 5pm...we are having a few technical difficulties this morning!

B is for "Bus Stop" September 26th 7pm

2007-09-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

Ok my friends...it is that time of the month again...I can't believe it...we are almost for our 2 stop on our 52-Week Pub Crawl! Booo-YA!

For those of you there were there on the 12th, this is the card you got and you were lucky enough to get the "A" Bar stamped. For those of you who had to miss out, no worries, you can get your card on the 26th, but no dice on making up the "A" Bar. We had some folks say 8pm was a little late...so boogey on down to the Bus Stop at 7pm (ish). Don't forget to pass along the info to your friends....we had a ton of fun last time and we have a ton of new people ready to rock with us! See you wednesday! Want an evite reminder email me at alphabarsarah@gmail.com

Drink on!

"A" was for Amante..."B" is for BEER!

2007-09-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Well well well....the first installment of our 52 week pub crawl kicked off with RAGING success...Amante was glad to have us...and we at least saw 75 people through the doors by the count of "frequent" flier cards I gave away. You guessed it, we have AlpharBar cards that get punched for every week you attend. Check out the photo album to the right to see some of the action...a few highlights...

1. Ed : Random Dude from Chicago that just moved here with his girlfriend...did a summer-sault in the bar : A+ work

2. A random dude was giving out candy to pretty ladies ... we told them not to eat candy from strangers because we could not be liable

and 3. Most importantly, everyone was meeting new people...and beers were for sure flowing

...so bring your friends next time September 26, 2007... 7:30pm...we hit the BUS STOP....

SF Weekly...Gotta Love Joe

2007-09-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

SF Alpha Bar Friends

we have hit the blogs...other than our own.

http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2007/09/a_is_for_appletini_b_is_for_bl.php#more

Here is a link to an article written about this little 52-week quest!

Let the games begin, the crawl starts a week from today!

What is the ALPHAbar Club San Francisco?

2007-08-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

Do you need a clever excuse to explore the various watering holes of San Francisco every other Wednesday, meet some new people, and blow off some steam?

Well, as organizers of AlphaBar, we're your solution!

AlphaBar is a year-long series of bar events on Wednesday nights (8:00pm-?) where we start with a bar beginning with the letter A, two weeks later hit a bar beginning with the letter B, all the way to the letter Z.

The first stop will be Amante, a cool bar in North Beach on Green Street near Columbus.

The beauty of Alphabar is three-fold: There's 26 letters in the alphabet, and every other week means we go 52 weeks or exactly one year (with events every two weeks). Second, you get to visit bars you probably have never been to, thereby diversifying your drinking establishment portfolio. And three, and most importantly, we've established a foundation of some really cool peeps for you to meet along the way that will only snowball with your additional network of friends.

Invitees are simply like-minded folks who just want to get out of the house and grab a few drinks on a "school night", mid-week. And yes, admission is free--no cover! We will likely also have drink specials at each bar, given the volume of people we'll generate. Bars will love us. You will love them.

You're free and actually encouraged to invite anyone else who might want to join our one-year long "parade" through the bars of San Francisco. Think of it as a year-long pub crawl!

The schedule of bars is on the home page of this blog sfalphabar.blogspot.com and, is subject to change. If you want to be added to a bi-weekly evite as a reminder email alphabarsarah@gmail.com.

See you there...again, we kick it off Weds, Sept 12th at Amante in North Beach at 8:00pm.

Your Alphabar Organizers,
Sarah Ovies, Sabrina Hanavan, Paul Dyson