Pilsner Inn   

I don't drink alcohol. Bars, in general, are decibel defying, over-crowded, over heated venues best suited for shy or parlous Mr Lookie Lous and their Mr Perfect Bar Boy Toys. Anyhow, I'm, frankly, jaded by the same ol' hum drum scene and accompanying scenarios in the souless,dis- interested watering holes of our city. The BLack Holes of Calcutta were, I can guarantee, much better: I mean, no body pretended to be alive like they unliving do here. The patio is NO sanctuary. Sitting is bleacher style. There's a small beer bar to alleviate the congestion in the inner sanctum. People stand around, drinking, flirtling, pretending not to notice their admirers,or if they do, throw them over in a wincing second in favor of another arriviste, their nu raison d'etre. Bars, I once thought, were places to meet others, socialize, chat, connect if mutual, maybe enjoy, even. Well, that probably was a bar somewhere I don't know where exactly. Nontheless, in spite of my customary elitism, the late 20's-to mid-30's clientele are a varietal worth savoring. The last time I was there, gone were the kick back boys, inked sleeves, indiosyncratic facial hair., malaprop hats. Instead, I thought I'd walked into a bar in North Beach. Inside I encountered an epidemic of backward baseball caps, camoflauge and khaki baggy shorts, muscles w/o the de rigeur tats, bright, shiny mostly white skin sans facial hair then stop! These guys all appeared to have very big feet, too. Hmmm, take your pick. Dime a dozen, these. Also, whatever the duration of your stay or patience the cost is less expensive than a year's membership at Golds on Market.

Great beer selection, digital jukebox and friendly staff. Lots of activity in the Spring with softball teams. Down to earth nieghborhood folk. Momma says "A recipe for fun!!!!"

Not only are the drinks mixed well, and reasonably priced, along with a decent selection of beers on tap, the real draw is the crowd. G,L,Str8, Sports and bookish, old and younger. All races. Smoking is allowed out back on the best patio in the Castro

I went on a few different nights. The place is really "Seen; Be Seen". The guys are pretty cute. The pool table is alittle too serious. The backyard is the perfect spot for smoking "whatever". Music is pretty good. It's also very drafty.