Cantina

There is a cocktail resurgence in San Francisco—think classics like the Sidecar, Manhattan, Negroni—and Cantina is the latest downtown offering that aims to bring back appreciation for the art of the bar. What makes Cantina a standout, though, is the distinct lack of gimmick. Which isn’t to say that it lacks a compelling thread drawing you into this tiny lounge replete with wood paneled walls, yellowing candlelight and carefully appointed artwork. In fact, it’s the warmth of these details that perfectly reinforce the Latin-infused menu and generally make you want to pull up a stool and enjoy a cocktail.

The menu is just long enough to offer some real variety but the closest you’ll find to a classic cocktail is the Tropic of Sazerac, a gently poetic throwback featuring rye whiskey, peach and Peychaud bitters, sugar and pastis. Clearly, elegance and aplomb behind the bar are where Cantina’s strength lies. The big draw, of course, are the large format pitchers of caipirinhas, margaritas and other Latin-influenced cocktails, all boasting fresh local fruits and house-infused spirits. These are libations in the true sense of the word, mixed with care and offering absolutely new flavor experiences. - Jess Sand