"Iron Horse is the go-to for any “let’s grab a drink near Union Square” situation. Just one block from the Montgomery BART station, the bar is spacious enough that you can stash any shopping bags without them becoming a tripping hazard—and you won’t have to use your outside voice to be heard, either. The pillow-filled booths upstairs are the ideal place to catch up with a third-tier acquaintance who’s in town for a conference, or snag a seat at the bar alongside a row of after-work backpack-wearers. There are a few excellent cocktails like the Buena Suerte with mezcal or the self-explantory gin-based About Thyme, plus wine and beer." - Julia Chen