Historic saloon with vast whiskey selection & craft cocktails

























"The 16th Street corner bar, a neighborhood fixture for more than 20 years, is testing a new tactic to lure patrons back with a tiered happy hour called The Gold Rush Hours: drinks are 50% off from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., 30% off from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 15% off from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The initiative is a response to ongoing efforts to revive business across the Mission District." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Elixir has been a Mission watering hole for longer than phones have existed (1858, to be exact), and it’s easy to see the saloon’s history as soon as you walk in—there’s intricate crown moulding and old architectural plans and vintage photos on the walls. More modern additions include TVs for catching a game and a photobooth by the door, plus 8pm trivia on Tuesdays. The well drinks and cocktails are pretty much what you’d expect, and there are hundreds of whiskies to make your way through. This is a great second stop after a date night at Angie’s down the street, or a warm gathering spot when a Dolores Park hang turns into an after-dark situation." - Julia Chen

"Recognized as one of the newest food and drink additions to San Francisco’s Legacy Business Program, Elixir Saloon is listed amid a program that has faced criticism over how much money goes to landlords rather than the businesses themselves and could see changes to better share funds with recognized owners." - Paolo Bicchieri

"This Mission neighborhood haunt is located at the second-oldest continuously operating saloon address in the city. It’s fitting, then, that the holidays here mean dipping back into the classics with a take on the hot buttered rum, with BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho adding the kick to the traditional batter. Elixir also makes a great source for holiday gifts for cocktail fans, whether you opt for a set of engraved glasses or a ticket to an upcoming tasting or class." - Robert Spuhler


"I found that Elixir is listed among a dozen San Francisco bars taking part in a citywide martini week from August 1–6, during which participating bars will celebrate the martini and donate proceeds to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence." - Paolo Bicchieri