San Francisco is My Home

29
Feb

Zeitgeist

Author: kris, Category: Bars and Clubs

It’s been one of those February weeks that only San Francisco (and points South) can pull off, full of fluttery spring breezes and buttery summer heat. For some reason we tend to get at least one heatwave at this time of year. It contributes to our sense of entitlement. Hey, we must be doing something right if the weather gods keep sending us this blissful little break, right? It’s probably all the tofu we eat.

When it’s sunny out, there’s really only one place to be, and that’s Zeitgeist, the city’s only beer garden. Alas, this is not one of those idyllic German-style gardens where whole families chill together in intergenerational harmony; instead, Zeitgeist is home to bikers (of the motorized variety) and hipsters.

The pleasure of drinking good beer outdoors is always greater than you expect it to be, and it’s tripled when you’re surrounded by some of the city’s hippest and hottest young folk. Add to this an inspired chef manning the barbecue pit and you’ve got yourself a little nirvana nestled just next to the freeway.

A warning: the Zeitgeist cooks will cheerfully hate you. That seems to be the baseline they operate from. I’ve been told that a generous tip, timed when the cook is looking your way, earns you a spit-free burger and maybe even a smile, but I can’t guarantee anything. Proceed at your own risk.