Tonic Bar / Lounge

Russian Hill, San Francisco –

Tucked along a stretch of Polk Street lined with rowdy drinking dens, Tonic is a stylish little lounge that hosts a relaxed after-work crowd yet still caters to the routine barhopping crunch.

A strong base of regulars – from young hipsters in their vintage best to older local property owners – populates the dimly lit den daily, so it’s not unusual to see the venue’s plush couches occupied by a socioeconomically diverse mix of patrons.

Behind the bar, mirrors graced with the names of house specialties like the Sapphire Basil Gimlet pull double duty as flirty guests use them for a bit of sly voyeurism from the safety of their bar stools. The drink specials may not change often but the décor does, with a rotation of local art adding interest and featuring everything from a Speedo-clad Gary Coleman to a Storm Trooper shooting a rainbow.

Thursday evenings see the first hints of change at the venue, as popped collars and khakis make their initial appearance, foreshadowing the flood of young Marina prepsters who make Polk their weekend home.

Regardless of the night, seasoned visitors scour the bar’s Facebook page before heading out, in search of the secret password that will grant them access to free gummy bears – perfect for both satiating a sweet tooth and pegging someone from across the room.

A combination of mellow neighborhood lounge and stirred up weekend meat market, Tonic is the perfect mix for everyone.