"There’s a certain mythology to Zam Zam (full name Persian Aub Zam Zam). This Haight St. cocktail bar has been around since 1941, has strong and cheap drinks, dim red lighting that makes it perpetually feel like 2am, and a mural that they had to restore in 2000 thanks to years of tobacco smoke. Rumor has it that back in the day you would be kicked out if you didn’t order a martini or sat at a table instead of at the bar. Now, you can order whatever drink you want, sit at the somewhat wobbly tables in the back, and strike up a conversation with any nearby stranger. The only modern touch is the acceptance of card payments." - ricky rodriguez, julia chen 1, patrick wong