With all the new bike lanes being added to our city streets, we figured it was appropriate to celebrate SF's "bike-friendly" watering holes. Here's a list of some tried and true favorites:
Gestalt Haus is a no B.S. beer joint nestled on 16th Street between Valencia and Guerrero, touting the motto "Beers, Brats and Bikes." It's a great gathering spot to listen to chilled-out DJ tunes, scope the ever-changing wall art and eat some German sausages while sipping on one of their dozens of local or imported beers. Oh, and the bikes? They get their own indoor rack to keep them safe from the hooligans on the streets. 3159 16th St., (415) 655-9935
Thee Parkside is one of the coolest places to see a dirty punk or rock n' roll show in the city. There's a bar right next to the bike rack so you don't have to venture too far away from your two-wheeled baby. Check out the slew of shows happening at Thee Parkside this week for the Total Trash Fest (showcasing some of the city's brightest bands!). 1600 17th St., (415) 252-1330
Pop's is deep in the Mission, which means that there are likely no hills to bike between you and there. It doesn't have an indoor bike rack, but there are usually so many bikes crammed and locked up outside that yours will be in good company. Pop's is known for cheap drinks, its glorious black & white photo booth, cool DJ nights and bike messenger clientele. 2800 24th St. @ York, (415) 401-7677
We couldn't do a post on bike bars and not mention Zeitgeist. Its sprawling backyard and and off-to-the side bike-rackage is perfect for the peaceful co-existence of two wheelers and beer drinkers. 199 Valencia St. @ Duboce, (415) 255-7505
Bender's Bar & Grill, an off-the-beaten path rough-and-tumble gem, is part motorcycle bar, part metalhead haven and part fixed-gear bike bar. It's got indoor bike racks, a slew of local music shows and a solid pool table. Their food menu is loaded with specials, from Meatball Mondays (get a free meatball with every purchase), to ICHI Sushi happy hours every Monday from 6-9 pm. 806 South Van Ness Ave., (415) 824-1800
Mojo Bicycle Cafe is an outpost on Divisadero, filled with bike-toting customers enjoying coffee (De La Paz & Ritual), bites and an accessible beer & wine list that's perfect for a sip or two between rides. They also offer vegan baked goods, sandwiches and service bikes at a shop in the back of the cafe. This is truly a spot for bike lovers to chillax. Also check out their Monday Supper Clubs, a weekly event where local chefs cook up unique prix fixe dinners on their days off for Mojo patrons. 639 Divisadero St., (415) 440-2338
Photo via Mr. Robot-o-Tron on Flickr.com
And there you have it...our favorite bike-friendly bars. What are yours?
