This sleek, loungey little wine/sake bar boasts an interesting menu of nigori cocktails, a dozen or so largely satisfying noshes, and an ambient conviviality that belies its proto-IKEA design scheme.
This is a great place to try out a selection of wines without overindulging. Mix and match red, white, and sparking wines in flights, and don't be surprised if you meet owner Chris O'Meally while dining at Casa Vino. They like to mingle with the customers, and chances are they'll teach you a thing or two. The menu includes Italian standby dishes and American favorites. Casa Vino also hosts tasting events; check their web site for details.
This sleek Old Oakland wine-and-whiskey bar boasts gorgeous design, a mind-bogglingly huge menu, and some of the best bar food around.
Encuentro is as inclined as any other eatery to fetishize all things organic and sustanible but also puts a premium on haute cuisine. the menue includes stuffed prunes, brushettas, red quinoa, and other delecasies, all nicely garnished and reasonably priced. Not to mention that the decor featers eco-friendly and scavaged materials.
Medjool is one of the swankier locales to pop up in the Mission District. Tall ceilings, slick wood floors (if youre wearing stilettos, watch out), and three levels to lounge in make this an ideal spot for a fun night on the town. True to its Middle Eastern/North African theme, DJs spin eclectic grooves every Friday and Saturday night. For something truly unique, brave the fog on Medjools rooftop terrace, where the bar and boom-box sound system will keep you around all night.