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Libation Liberation: Jade Bar
Always looking to balance his chi, Barrespondent SFist Nico braves the panicked drivers of Hayes Valley and hits up a bar in line with his Kundalini.
Ok, we're ashamed to say we are a bit of a new-ageist. Sometimes, even in the middle of a noisy drinking establishment we can feel the ebb and flow of the natural forces of the universe. Sure, it may just be the cheap Tequila talking but we know when we're amidst decorating harmony.
Pish, you say. What does a Barrespondent know about feng shui? Tosh, we say. We've been to Ikea. Plus it just feels right.
Speaking of just feeling right, that was the sensation upon strolling into the low lit confines of Jade Bar, at Gough and McAllister. After a hearty stint dodging the stressed-out motorists of Hayes Valley, we found ourselves turning rather unexpectedly into Jade's comfy milieu. A scotch, twist and a julep away from your downtown cubicle, Jade may be the perfect ending note after a long day at the office/classroom/parkbench you call your workday.
SFist Nico, contributing.
We don't want to oversell it but if Heaven was a Rambler home, Jade would be its coat closet. Yes, it's small, so think twice about inviting the whole circle of friends on a Saturday night. But while floor space is limited, the sum total of the interior is spacious, making it feel relaxing. The room is arranged vertically with a main floor, a loft and a basement storey. On the front wall, bringing the three levels together is a Frank Lloyd Wright wall of water cascading from ceiling to basement, depositing itself into a small Zen pool you just can't help but want to put your feet in.
Candles abound, Japanese flowers give up their scent and the whole place emanates an elegance rarely seen in bar that caters to the hoi-polloi. With one of the best happy-hours in the city, you can feasibly get knackered after work for the price of a Taco Bell dinner. Two dollar beers and wells between 5 and 7:30 will set your heart racing. There's also a small plate menu for later on.
Like the deep green of its namesake, Jade exists in a bit of a trance. But the personage is good-looking and acquiesces to the high-decibel crowd chatter and inevitable claustrophobia with few complaints.
Establishments that thread the narrow slot between pretension and kitsch hold a place very near to our hearts. Not to mention one that will impress a pretty first date. If you're looking for a classy place to bring an old friend or new one you might want to test the waters at Jade Bar. And by the way, if you're on the lookout for a unique take on a men's room, and we know you are, fellas… fellas?, this one takes the (urinal) cake.