Nestled in San Francisco’s Mission District at 16th & Guerrero, Elixir claims its place as the city’s second-oldest continuously operating bar, with origins stretch back to at least 1858. Nearly obliterated in the 1906 quake and fires, it rose again in 1907 under the stewardship of architect Brainerd Jones—and that building still serves as its home. Entering Elixir is like stepping into a time capsule. Walls bristle with relics: original architectural plans, artifacts, even the women’s entrance that once let early female patrons in discreetly. Dark Victorian wood, a grand mahogany back bar, and shelves packed with over 600 whiskies—accessible only via a library ladder—set the mood. Owner H. Joseph “H.” Ehrmann revived the bar in 2003, transforming a neglected relic into a pride of the cocktail renaissance—earning accolades like GQ’s “Best Cocktail Bars in America” in 2008. Patrons can enjoy expertly crafted classic cocktails, an impressive whisky selection, slushies, drafts, and even low/non-alcoholic libations. Despite its historical charm, Elixir is a relaxed neighborhood hangout, complete with dartboard antics and loyal regulars. Its warm lighting and vintage decor make it ideal for intimate drinks or unguarded conversations. Elixir is equally a museum and a living bar, the kind of place where every bottle and artifact tells a story—and where the past and craft converge in every pour.
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