Not every holiday bar has to be tacky
Alchemist keeps it classy with decor that doesn’t scream Christmas. Jazzy hip-hop sets the tone, steering clear of repetitive jingles.
By Courtney Muro
I know Alchemist Bar & Lounge as the place where startup founders go to have drinks after Demo Day, but for the last few weeks it has served as one of the more tastefully done holiday bars in San Francisco.
The decor at Alchemist is subtle but effective. In place of gaudy colored lights, the brick-and-timber-style room is fully lit with warm white lights and biophilic garland. There was no fake snow to choke on, and while the holiday vibes game is strong, it’s more understated than “in your face like Christmas threw up everywhere,” said owner Phil Chen.
Last Sunday was mellow, so I was able to try a few different drinks and check out the decor without getting jostled every five seconds like I did at PCH the night before. Kenny Jones, the tall, chiseled-jawed lead bartender, managed a steady flow of drinks while keeping a composed, neutral expression under his wide-brimmed boater hat adorned with a peacock feather.
Apparently they do have a snow machine, but it wasn’t operating when I was there, and I appreciated the restraint.
A casually dressed after-work crowd was socializing in small groups, drinking from the holiday menu created by Jones and bar manager Ramon Garcia. The cocktails looked like season-agnostic drinks, served in proper glassware rather than the Miracle franchise Christmas mugs. Very demure.
“Orbit Trip” by Golden Mean was playing when we walked in, and jazzy hip-hop fusion music maintained a sophisticated ambiance for the remainder of our stay. I realized I was relieved not to hear Christmas music. Am I already sick of it?
Silhouette motion pictures were projected onto the wall in three places. When I asked Mr. Jones what they were, he shrugged and replied, “Just random short movies.” But they were cohesive, all looking like early renditions of Tim Burton’s scratch pad.
We ordered a Cafe Vizuvio with rye whiskey, Tequila Milagro Reposado, Mr. Black Coffee Amaro, Amaro Pasubio, and Falernum, and then moved to the Holidays in the Sun, with Botanist Gin, Tequila Reposado, Giffard Mango, Thai curry, and citrus. The latter had that delightful coconut sunscreen flavor you normally taste in the summer, rather than three days before Christmas.
The chicken wings had an extra kick that elevated them from typical bar food, and the pork bao buns weren’t too filling but kept us in the game while holiday bar-hopping.
I spoke with Rita K. of Potrero Hill and Suzanne G. from North Beach as they sat at the bar, sipping on pink Giddy Yap Giddy Yaps from the happy hour menu, made with vodka, raspberry, Falernum, Pamplemousse, jasmine, and citrus. “Chef’s kiss,” they mimed about the drinks.
The ladies told me they’ve been to many bars with holiday decorations, but this was the first “official holiday bar.” I asked what an official holiday bar is, and they replied, “Umm, probably something that has Christmas-themed drinks and Christmas decorations…”
It turns out they were originally set to go to PCH, but it was closed, so they ended up here on a friend’s recommendation. Suzanne told me she went to PCH last year but prefers Alchemist because PCH was “a little over-the-top” and also charged a cover. “It was like, you pay a cover, then you pay more for drinks,” she noted.
I asked the ladies if they felt like holiday bars gave them an excuse to drink anywhere, anytime, without feeling guilty about what could be perceived as overindulgence. Rita replied, “I think bars in general give you an excuse to drink anytime after work during the holidays.”
On that note, Mr. Jones handed us a complimentary shot of Wreck the Halls — a spicy concoction of tequila, Aperol, guava, pepper medley, Mazapán, and citrus — and we headed out to drink more guilt-free booze at the next holiday bar.
Courtney Muro is a San Francisco-based content strategist, producer, designer, and creator.
But if you are looking for tacky holiday bars in SF
They’re still open until—um—at least tomorrow.
Miracle at Pacific Cocktail Haven
Miracle at PCH offers tacky holiday decor and an extensive menu of festive cocktails — returning now for its 9th year. Fan favorites like warm rum, eggnog variations, and mulled wine pair perfectly with the over-the-top holiday atmosphere. In addition to SF, other Bay Area Miracle pop-ups can be found in Livermore, Oakland, San Jose, and Santa Cruz. Read our review of this one at Pacific Cocktail Haven last year.
When: Opens November 29, 2024
Where: Pacific Cocktail Haven, 550 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108
More details on Instagram
Grinchville at Thriller Social Club
Thriller Social Club's Grinchville is a festive, Grinch-themed pop-up bar located on the second floor of the venue at 508 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107. The space is adorned with immersive floor-to-ceiling decorations inspired by Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" Guests can enjoy themed cocktails, such as the bright green "Grinchmas" drink, and partake in arcade games on the ground floor. The pop-up is open now and is expected to continue through January or February 2024.
When: Open now, including New Year’s Eve (special event from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM)
Where: Thriller Social Club, 508 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Here’s a clip of a Grinch Drink being mixed there last year.
Sippin’ Santa at Kona Street Market
Trade your snow boots for flip-flops and join the jolliest beach bash this side of the North Pole. Sippin’ Santa has transformed Kona’s Street Market into a tropical Christmas wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, rockin' music, and coconut scents.
When: Now through December 31, 2024. Open Monday to Saturday, 5 PM to 12 AM.
Where: Kona’s Street Market, 32 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Are you looking for New Years ideas?
Cool — it’s not really our thing buuuuuuut here are a few suggestions.
Comfort & Joy Afterglow New Year
Don your most fabulous queer fairytale attire and prepare for a night of unbridled revelry at the Prism Palace. This masquerade ball is set to be a neon crystal wonderland where masks aren't just encouraged. Dance until the disco balls drop and unmask your true self among San Francisco's vibrant LGBTQIA+ community.
When: December 31, 2024, 10:00 PM – January 1, 2025, 6:00 AM
Where: Space 550, 550 Barneveld Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
New Bohemia NYE at The Mint
Step into a world where Burning Man meets Moulin Rouge at the historic San Francisco Mint. With 23 immersive environments, seven dance floors, and a Kink Lounge, this party is not for the faint of heart. Expect aerialists, DJs, and a full cast of performers to guide you into the new year. Dress code? Whatever makes you feel fabulous.
When: December 31, 2024, 9:00 PM – January 1, 2025, 3:15 AM
Where: The San Francisco Mint, 88 5th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Black & White NYE Masquerade Ball
Channel your inner aristocrat at the International Arts Museum of America's Black & White Masquerade Ball. With DJs spinning '80s, '90s, House, Electro, and Top 40 hits, plus a five-hour open bar, this event is the epitome of elegance with a twist. Don your most elaborate mask and prepare for a night of mystery and debauchery.
When: December 31, 2024, 8:00 PM – January 1, 2025, 1:30 AM
Where: International Arts Museum of America, 1025 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
San Francisco New Year's Eve Fireworks Show
For those who prefer their New Year's celebrations with a side of pyrotechnics — so long as the fog cooperates, which is always a big if.Join approximately 200,000 spectators between the Ferry Building and the SF Bay Bridge for a dazzling show that lights up the night sky. Pro tip: Arrive early to stake out a prime viewing spot, and consider using public transportation, as parking will be as scarce as your resolutions come February.
When: December 31, 2024, starting at 11:59 PM
Where: Best viewing spots are between the Ferry Building and the SF Bay Bridge, along the Embarcadero.
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