Lone Palm Bar / Lounge

Mission, San Francisco –

Opened in the late 80s by a palm tree importer – which explains the towering Arecaceae Palmae planted out front – Lone Palm is a cross between a sultry art deco lounge and a tropical speakeasy.

Rows of candlelit white-linen tables run down one side of the room which, combined with the pervasive burgundy hue from the dark red walls, make it easy to believe the space was formerly a jazz club.

The crowd is invariably hip – this is The Mission, after all – but the vibe is breezy, making it a go-to spot for locals looking to avoid rowdier scenes along neighboring Valencia and Mission Streets. Couples snuggle in for a romantic date, sipping wine beneath potted plants and Egyptian bas-reliefs, while blue-collar types and college kids pop in for Happy Hour.

It’s not unusual to spot a lone, fedora-clad artist tucked into a corner booth with a book and a snifter of single malt during the week, but because the neighboring area is always a big weekend scene, the venue’s easy-going vibe gives way a bit come Friday. Even with a more moneyed crowd of young professionals joyfully ordering rounds of ever-popular martinis, however, it’s rarely difficult for anyone to find a cozy nook to chat.

Sheltered from the raucous party scenes a few blocks away, Lone Palm is the kind of classy dive that gives unpretentious drinkers plenty to be “frond” of.