Two Sisters Bar and Books

Tucked away on a busy street in Hayes Valley, Two Sisters is a neighborhood hotspot. Serving some of the best mixed drinks with reasonable prices and even tastier food, this place is definitely one of my favorite places to go before a night out. The atmosphere is cozy and if you're lucky enough to find a seat, let alone the prized window seat with antique curtains and pillows, be ready to park it for a while among the bustling crowd and enjoy some one-on-one time with a friend. Although there are books to be read at this establishment, they rarely leave the shelves as the restaurant becomes more of a evening watering hole for all the twenty and thirty somethings in the city after work. One of the most surprisingly tasty treats I had the honor of trying were the deviled eggs which are topped with fried capers - a detail that really makes the dish. Pair that with a Bee's Knees and you're set for the night. If you're feeling peckish afterwards, head over to Domo Sushi around the corner. They don't take reservations and it can fill up fast but the sushi is well worth the wait.

This cozy bohemian-chic lounge offers killer drinks, and, yes – lots of books. Hallway-sized, Two Sisters would be easy to miss if it weren’t for its undeniable charm. Swathed in rosy curtains and glowing under low-hung chandeliers, this bar’s romantic character spills right onto the sidewalk. Like a vintage boutique, Two Sisters beguiles with old world accents and allures with modern elegance. Antique bookshelves hide beneath the sleek marble bar, and naked Thomas Edison-era light bulbs flirt with luxe chandeliers. I was even more delighted by my date’s design savvy, as he noted the Japanese-style wallpaper. (It wasn’t until we got a closer look that we realized the cheeky wallpaper was dotted with Chinese words like dim sum and chow mein.) If the pillow-lined window seat is taken, snag a seat at the bar underneath the enormous mirror. Two Sisters, like any good first date spot, offers myriad conversation pieces. Interrupt conversation lulls by reaching under the bar for a variety of books to chat about. The founding sisters embrace an impressive range of subjects, and the first two books I chose at random were "Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme" and "Crime and Punishment." If all else fails, you’re bound to find common ground in the library. The menu at two Sisters is short-and-sweet enough, but I’ll shorten it further for you: order the charcuterie & cheese plate (the entrees are delish, but awkwardly split) and cocktails. Perhaps the best-crafted drink is the Chamomile Old Fashioned (chamomile-infused bourbon, honey, bitters). Other good choices are the rye-based Two Brothers (so good, it’s fit for a sister) and the oatmeal stout-infused Dark Matter (a subtle, yet heady elixir). After a couple of Two Brothers and a good chat about The Supremes, my date and I luxuriated in the coveted window seat. Two Sisters’ romantic nooks and artistic cocktails make this Hayes Valley nook a date night gem.

Can we talk about such a freaking cute bar?! And I don't mean to say that and scare off the boys, because you will enjoy your time here. Yes even those of you who can't be anywhere but a sports or Irish pub. This is such a unique bar. A little random with the idea of a bar and books? But hey it totally works for this place! I had a great time here with some friends. We decided to check it out because someone at work told me it was awesome and it totally lived up the high expectation I had. The inside sort of reminds me of an old fashioned tea room, but in a vintage hipster way. It's totally worth checking out even if you don't think you'll enjoy it entirely.