by Helaine Amo on Been here on a couple occasions at night where the crowd seemed Marina-like (you know what I mean) and entrance was difficult for groups of boys without female companions. Loungey music set in a dark interior. Came here on a Friday for happy hour and whoa, talk about a 180 switch. Brighter lights make everything look different. HA, No wonder that guy you're having dinner with looked better the night before at the club. Well, the vodka tonic helped with that one too. The crowd was much older but not the hot cougar type so don't come expecting that fellas. $3 draft beer & $5 well drinks were the saving grace. Plus points for the sexy decor which reminds me much of Ambassador Lounge. I'll stick to coming here after 10PM.
by Neomi Rayow on Free oysters on the half shell was the perfect excuse for me to lead us to send our livers to the dogs, and the free barbecue and train wreck burlesque didn't hurt either (at least it didn't hurt me). This all started the previous weekend on a Sunday, my usual research day for bars and dives to gather together the troops for social imbibing and revelry. Now Susannah B. and I as planners and instigators of the latest run of DYLs in San Francisco have been doing our homework diligently and had actually planned another bar for DYL that fateful Friday, but Poochie M contacted us to let us know about a fundraiser for http://rocketdogrescue.../ which is an organization that rescues our cute furry friends in need. How could we say no to that, especially at a bar with such a good reputation. We decided to investigate. As soon as I stepped in I was stopped by the guy at the door. "$6 cover please." "Really? I'm just coming to check the place out and speak with the bar tender about having a potentially large group of people here for a happy hour group I organize." DG: You'll have to talk to the owner. If you want to have an event here you will need to go on the website and fill out a form. "Uh, okay. Thanks." I was ready to throw in the towel and we even checked out a couple more places but once I checked out the website and Poochie's event write up I couldn't say no to those sad puppy dog eyes (the dog's that were being rescued, not Poochie's). After doing a bit more research I realized that 1) there would be no cover charge that evening, 2) we would have $3 wells and drafts from 5 pm till 9 pm and 3) all proceeds on drink sales went to Rocket Dog Rescue from 5 pm to 8 pm that night and finally 4) there would be free oysters on the half shell at 5:30 pm. I couldn't say no (think about the puppies)! Let me tell you I am so happy with the final outcome! The oysters were tasty, the drinks a bit small but strong pours, and the money flowed to our charity in need. After hanging out in their front room grabbing oysters and drinks we took over a corner in the large heated back patio, which was decorated with colored lights and greenery. We had eaten our oysters and drank our first several rounds of drinks and I thought it couldn't get any better when they started up the barbecue! Fish, carne asada, potato salad, chips, and grilled veggies were served for free (donations accepted which I happily contributed to). After all that there was an announcement that they would be having a burlesque show in the hidden room/stage also reachable from the back patio. Several Rateclubers attended but I lolly gagged and the show started without me. I can't really say much about the show except for the fact that the attending Rateclubers left the show a bit early being burlesque critics who between inane mumbles said something about gouging their eyes out and being scarred for life, but hey, for $5 it couldn't be too bad and I saw several people leave and return with drinks and smiles so it was definitely enjoyed by some. Despite the therapy bills for the select few I think everyone had a great time on a small budget. I got to enjoy food and drinks with some outstanding Rateclubers and have some good laughs, all for a good (cute) cause, and this turned out to be a much better venue than I could have expected from my first impression. Thanks Poochie, El Rio, Rocket Dog Rescue and all you Rateclubers-In-Attendance. Despite starting on the wrong foot (or paw), I'm definitely a fan! ** By the way I heard from Dawn at El Rio and thanks to all of us lushes in attendance we raised a nice extra wad of cash that went to Rocket Dog Rescue and most of the dogs were placed in good homes. **
by Forbes G. on This is pretty much the only place I go to on anything remotely approaching a regular basis. Phoenix Landing rules, although I'll admit for me it has little to do with the place and everything to do with ELEMENTS on Thursday nights. Elements has been going for a number of years and it is a great drum n' bass party. Lots of chill people dancing their asses off. It gets a little crowded by 12 so if you like to have room to strut your stuff on the floor get there around 11:15 or so. The first DJ usually goes on at 11.
