Concierge Picks at the Hotel Triton

The Hotel Triton is a hip, boutique hotel located in downtown San Francisco. We were lucky enough to speak with their friendly, outgoing and self-proclaimed “Bayologist” concierge Anthony Salinas for his top recommendations for where to get a drink in San Francisco. His choices? Everything from secret after hours bars to a legendary sky lounge.

Where do you send visitors when they want to have a drink near the hotel?

The Irish Bank: Located in an alley around the corner from Hotel Triton, it’s a great place to grab  a beer with buddies to get the night started. Or to stay all night. If you want to go back in time, back to “Old San Francisco,” go to the Mark Hopkins. It’s a hotel, but go to their top story for their bar called “Top of the Mark” for excellent views of the city.

What if you’re on a date?

If you’re with a date, try Otis on Maiden Lane. It’s an intimate place with couches, an upstairs in an attic and is a good place to have a conversation.

Try Medjools in the Mission neighborhood for a good rooftop bar.

Another great spot? Tunnel Top. Right on top of the Stockton Tunnel on Bush street, it’s got a mostly local clientele.

Outdoor seating at the Irish Bank

Where can people go for a good local vibe?

Cava 22: On 22nd and Bartlett, this is the place to see two San Francisco neighborhoods at once: the hipster vibe of Valencia blends with the Latino population of the Mission. And the tourists. Cava 22 has live music – Mariachi – and right across the street is Café Revolution, where you can also find a lot of locals having beers and listening to live music. In the same block is the Makeout Room.

Bacchus Kirk on Bush Street is great, and makes you feel like you’re in a lodge. It’s super cozy, with a giant fireplace and nice pool table way in the back.

If it’s way after last call and you want to keep drinking. there’s a little taqueria in the Mission. I’m not going to tell you the name because I want to keep it a secret, but next to it is an unmarked door. Stand next to it and eventually, someone will let you in. Inside is a huge warehouse space with scaffolding and a young, mostly-latin crowd. They’ll be listening and dancing to Salsa and Merengue in the middle of the room. If you want to keep things a little more private, you can find a dark corner and camp out on an old couch.

Performance at the Makeout Room

And lastly? Enjoy Hotel Triton’s free wine hour every day from 5-6 (if you’re a guest of the hotel, of course). Anthony would love to tell you more about San Francisco.

[photos courtesy of magerleagues, willsfca, brad.coy]