Johncolins   

A cozy downtown lounge with a relaxed vibe, this SoMa hideaway is a popular hangout for weekday happy hour (5-8PM) that gets somewhat quieter and more intimate as the night progresses. With so many office buildings nearby, it's no surprise that the 20- and 30-something office peeps are frequent patrons. That said, the atmosphere is hardly buttoned-up. Exposed brick walls, a high ceiling, huge paintings of man's best friend and old-school films projected on the wall above the door give the place a character all its own. Owners John Giuffre and Colin O'Malley (hence the moniker) put the emphasis here on inventive cocktails and a well-chosen inventory of liquors. Regulars rave about the perfectly balanced martinis and mojitos, rum selection and shot glasses in the shapes of boots. Music is either a random selection chosen by the bartender or a DJ spinning downtempo, lounge-friendly beats.