Simple hipster style in the middle of the Haight neighborhood. The Alembic pours  big drinks full of craft liquors along with a fairly simple menu of local foods, small dishes, and home brews. Each cocktail is described as it should be, in a story about why it exists and the flavors that make it so delicious. Enjoy their Savoy Cocktail Night to get a taste of historical deliciousness. Try a classic Vieux Carre (rye whiskey, Cognac, sweet vermouth, and Peychaud bitters) the way they enjoy them in New Orleans. Get lost somewhere in the mix of the people, your thoughts, and the rye whiskey.

Notable bartender: Daniel Hyatt

Beretta has an authentically aged appeal from its rustic interior and simple use of quality ingredients. They serve innovative cocktails, thin crust pizzas, and contemporary Italian comfort food in the Mission District. Everything on the menu is fresh, seasonal, and sourced from local farmers. Organic is used whenever possible, and dietary needs are respected without a blink. Great late night food paired with great bartenders never goes out of style. Saddle up, and ask Ryan Fitzgerald and friends for a Square Root (house-aged rum, brandy, vermouth, falernum, and bitters), and see where the night takes you.

Notable bartender: Ryan Fitzgerald

The cocktail program at Revival is designed to satisfy your thirst with the best tasting, most interesting drinks in Berkeley. Their house list is created and updated every week by local rising star Nat Harry, and represents the best in artisanal, modern cocktail concoction. They take the same care as they do with their food menu, using only the best locally grown herbs and fresh squeezed juices wherever they can. They are interested in trying new things, so the liquor list is always evolving. Stop in for happy hour, and try the cocktail du jour at $7. And don’t be afraid to ask for your favorite classics. They make them right.

Notable bartender: Corey Harrison