…according to Esquire, that is.

As part of the Best Bars in America 2009 list, our very own Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in the Richmond District and The Alembic on Haight make the list.

So why did it make the list?

Tommy’s: America’s leading tequila bar, a temple to the spirit of agave, with stocks of bottlings that go back decades. Aside from the temple of tequila, you will most likely always find Tommy himself, sitting besides his wife at the entrance of the restaurant, greeting and saying goodbye to all those that visited them.

Alembic: The drinks are carefully and mindfully crafted by the mixologists aka bartenders at Alembic. It has been a while since I have been there myself, but I do recall them having a drink that actually has Gold Dust sprinkled on top! For a drink that is worth every penny, make a trip to Haight Ashbury and try one of the many fabulous cocktails the mixologists can prepare for you.

So those are two of the bars that have made it on the America’s Best Bar List according to Esquire. Now, here are the top 5 San Francisco Bars (in no particular order) according to none other than myself:

1. Swig, Theater District

Now I may be partly biased about this place, specifically because I met my beau here, but Swig always ends up being a default place for my friends and I to meet up on a Friday night. That’s because I always know I will have a good time there. It’s rather small, especially with the crowd it sees on Friday and Saturday nights, and finding a seat is often hard to come by. However, the extensive drink menu, friendly bartenders, and fun music make me constantly come back for a great time.

2. Lion’s Pub or “The Den”, Pacific Heights

This bar always seems to have a nice crowd (usually professional, yet fun), awesome bartenders, and amazing beverages! The best thing about this bar is that the mixologists use fresh fruit juices for their cocktails. Whether you are looking for a casual spot to catch up with friends and relax by their adorable fireplace, or stop by yourself for a quick pick-me-up after work, or a big night out for a birthday, the ambiance at Lion’s Pub is exactly what you are looking for. Their Greyhound cocktail has often been referred to as the best in the city. I also love the names of their drinks, such as a Lindsay Lohan, which refers to a shot of Red Headed Slut. Know before you go: This is a cash only bar, with an ATM in the back.

3. Wish, SOMA

I stumbled across Wish a couple years ago, after a friend and I dined at Sushi Groove (which is located right across the street). Since then, Wish has always been one of my favorite spots to grab a drink with friends before going out to paint the town red. The drinks are affordable, the bartenders are super friendly, and a DJ plays swanky House music. It’s always happening, but never seems to be too overcrowded, and is low-key and unpretentious.

4. Americano, South Beach

I don’t care how cliche this bar has become, but for a work-related happy hour, you can never go wrong with this place. With its prime location on the Embarcadero and large patio with heated lamps, it is a favorite amongst the 9-5 working professional crowd. Their dinner menu is good too. My favorite thing about this place is that they have bartenders that know how to make the finest Pimm’s cup in the city. Whenever we can anticipate a nice sunny day in San Francisco, Americano is the place to go.

5. Cigar Bar, Financial District

Two words. Mojito Mania. Aside from the wonderful vibe at Cigar Bar, their Mojito’s are mind blowing. They usually have a live band that plays Latin Jazz, Merengue, Samba, and Salsa on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights that provide entertainment while sipping on those delicious Mojitos. They also have a heated courtyard for dining and lounging. To top it off, it is one of the few San Francisco bars that remain as a smoking establishment, and carry a wide array of premium brand and hand rolled Cigars.

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