Bar Agricole: A Needle In The Haystack

Bar Agricole may not be what you're expecting to find around the corner from Costco. But this gem is exactly what you'd hope for.

Owner Thad Vogler is known throughout the Bay Area bar scene for his natural and simple yet creative drinks. In the past, he was able to perfect his craft when working at bars like Beretta and Heaven's Dog. Now, Bar Agricole represents his perfected signature cocktails.

The bar has a reasonable wine list and a list of simple signature cocktails, typically updates on classics or revivals of long lost combinations. The menu includes innovative combinations like the Planter's Punch, a mix of white agricole, lime, grenadine, grapefruit, and bitters, and the Bellamy Scotch Sour, a blended scotch drink with lemon, honey, bitters, and egg white. At typical San Francisco prices, the drinks are worth every penny. The food follows the drink's value of simplicity, each dish just containing a few fresh ingredients.

This space, which won a James Beard Award for best design, is the perfect spot to grab a drink with friends. The dark wood, high ceilings, an outdoor patio area, and elegant furniture add to its great atmosphere.

Accompanied with great food, the expert cocktails are the reason to make the trip.