SF Downtown Bars
 

I'm going to be in town this coming week - and am looking for a couple of recommendations for after-work drinks where the single professionals are likely lurking. I've been Town Hall a couple of times and like the vibe, just wondering if a local can point me in the right direction.

Thanks

It's been 10 years since I worked downtown, but I used to enjoy The Royal Exchange, Harrington's and the lounge at One Market. Lots of single yuppies at those places. If you're willing to take a short cab ride, Enrico's in North Beach (live jazz!) also works.

Bix. Bubble Lounge.

Also if you want a bite to eat close to Bubble Lounge you can go to Bocadillos and hang out at the bar there - a GREAT tapas bar, and seems to be an easy place to talk to people.

Alas, San Fran is not much of a happy hour town compared with DC and other cities.
It also depends on the day of the week. Location is also a factor - as it could be quite a walk to some of these places if you are south of market or north of montgomery.

Thurs/Fri might find a large crowd at the Irish Bank, particularly if the weather is good. Also Kell's. Ditto for Gordon Biersch and Palomino if you are south of market - also the Thirsty Bear. MoMo's is packed when the Giants are playing.

I would also second dhuey's recommendations, with the exception of the overpriced Enrico's tourist trap.

Tourist trap? It's been a long time, but I don't remember that place as being popular with tourists. I remember it more as a local jazz club. Maybe it's changed. As it happens, I'll be meeting some friends there tomorrow, so I'll give a report.

I met some friends at Enrico's yesterday (Friday) evening. It was just like I remember it -- mostly a post work hangout for Financial Dist. types. Perhaps it gets a tourist crowd at other times, but it looked like all locals to me. If the idea is to meet a special new friend, this probably wouldn't be a good choice, as people seemed to be focused on those they came with and not intermingling.

All the bars recommended here will do the trick

If you're looking for upscale I would recommend Bix without hesitation. Yes, it is in a dark alley. Other non-touristy bars in North Beach that I would go for...

Basque Hotel - hip, hidden away on Romolo St
Specks - locals almost exclusively, on Columbus
I forget the name of the place, a cigar bar by the end on Montgomery, a couple steps from Enrico's
Savoy Tivoli and other bars near Grant and Green

in SOMA, Gordon Biersh (or whatever it is called) and Palomino is where all the employees from the Gap and Banana hang out.
Momo's before a Giants game (few of those left)

... and yes, the ever-popular Irish Bank