Elixir

They really know their whiskey! Came here for their whiskey 101 class (found on Eventbrite) and it was interesting. The information was a bit all over the place, but what a great opportunity to taste test different whiskeys against each other. The bartender was also super knowledgeable and readily answered our questions. Would recommend if you want to get into whiskey, I had a great time!

Had the pleasure of hanging with Kara whilst watching the niners lose on a cold SF day. I’ve always loved this bar. It remains an institution and you can always count on this place being solid. Cheers!

Stopped in for a drink while on vacation site seeing. Kara was a great bartender and gave excellent history on the establishment. Drinks were fairly priced and tasted great.

Love this place so much. I first discovered Elixir when I was visiting SF for TechCrunch Disrupt back in 2013. (I know, a long time ago!) But our friend Mark who lived in the area took us to this gem in his neighborhood, and it was there I got a chance to see just how incredible the whiskey selection was at this place. After doing a few rounds, the OWNER of the bar came around to check in on us... but he didn't just ask how we were doing as a courtesy; he actually cared about where we were visiting from, what we had done, and if we had been to XYZ place + offered recs and even help making reservations by calling different bar/restaurant owners to help make our already-incredible trip even better. He spent a good 10-15 min with us, educated us on different spirits and mixers we were curious about behind the bar—and then before we left, bought us a round to drink and enjoy one of those spirits we had inquired about with him. True hospitality. From the owner to the manager to the bartenders and other staff. Year later, a different friend of mine and I were visiting—so I recommended we check out Elixir. Upon entering, my friend asked if I had ever tried Pappy since he noticed Elixir had the full lineup. Neither my friend and I had, so we marveled at the idea and then pulled the trigger. To my surprise—and I know Pappy is rare, let alone expensive—but when the flight came, the owner and staff recognized me from many years prior, asked how I was, recalled I was last there for that conference, how the rest of it was, and even offered us some incredible stories and education about the history of Pappy as we sipped each year. My friend and I stayed a lot longer than we had anticipated and the owner and manager even offered us a personalized tasting of rare Wild Turkey bourbons they had in stock if we wanted to come back before we flew home and see how we liked them, especially to compare to the Pappy flight. Safe to say, we came back and had a wonderful time exploring (and learning!) about different types of whiskey—and the owner, managers, and staff at Elixir really took care of us. On top of making incredible looking and tasting cocktails, seeing their passion is something I'll always remember and treasure. Thanks, H, Nick, Shea, Lauren, and team! (And Mark for the original rec!) Y'all made trips to SF so much fun and educational! Appreciate your passion, craft, and hospitality. Until next time 🙂 - Nik

This place doesn't accept a Canadian Driver License! I have been to 1000s of bars in North America and Europe. I wouldn't expect this especially in an International city like SF. It seemed bartender was inexperienced in looking at the IDs. Update: I just went to the next bar and had no issues just like I have in the last few years I have been visiting Cali. The atmosphere did look decent though on a quick glance.

Serving spectacular holiday cocktails right now ✨ The house made egg nog is soooo delicious that I might have to go back every day and get one as a nightcap!! It tastes like creamiest creamsicle you can imagine. This bar is a staple in the Mission and if you're nearby definitely stop in for a drink.

We have come here several times in the past years and enjoyed it. It is nice to have a more "adult" bar on the 16th Street corridor which skews more divey and party oriented. But Elixir brings a classy touch while still being approachable for us Mission types. Yesterday, the staff were handling a big happy hour crowd well and made a delicious Sazerac, negroni and gin and tonic. They also made a nice cucumber and vodka drink. The person working the door was very sweet and took our empties and was fun to chat with.

A great place to drink the best of best whiskies in SF, had been pleasant that staff helped pick bottles from top of the shelf! Something was not good that is you might felt a bit offended when some random people came to me with random comments. We are all adults, guests should learn how to behave even they are absolutely drunk! So you will expect the great selection of whiskies but not great experience if you plan just to quietly enjoy them