Don’t let the signless front fool you, Bar Johnny is worth the stop. This recently renamed and renovated restaurant/bar – formerly Tablespoon – is a hot spot for Marina residents and non-Marina-ites alike. The small restaurant doubles as a popular place for cocktails due to their vast selection of mixed drinks, beer, and excellent wines by the glass.

Although Tablespoon had acquired quite a following, owner John Jasso decided to create this new “drink kitchen” in order to offer patrons a casual place for American food and specialty libations. They offer a special late night menu, which is available well after the kitchen stops serving dinner at 11pm. The small menu is comprised of a range of fish and meat dishes – not so kind to the vegetarians out there, although they do have a delightful Chanterelle mushroom & rice dish – as well as various cheese plates and delectable desserts.

Hit drinks include the properly named Polk Street Cocktail made with ingredients including Bulleit Bourbon and passion fruit, as well as the recently introduced Elderflower featuring Elderflower Liqueur – which was recently introduced to the U.S. this past spring – with Champagne and orange bitters. Fruity beverage lovers might prefer the Lush: vodka, Champagne, Chambord liqueur, and berries. Bar Johnny also serves up Hangar One cocktails, so be sure to check out their infused flavors.

Bar Johnny is a narrow, lengthy space adorned with murals of streetlights and birds on the dark colored walls. The tri-color theme is well carried out throughout the space decorated with bouquets of fresh flowers. The setting, while a bit strange, is very original: tall side-by-side booths fill one wall and four-seater tables are strewn throughout. While some might not enjoy sitting beside your mate, it’s much easier to hear each other when the bar gets crowded after 10pm. The range in music makes the sound enjoyable for everyone as you guzzle down your lime and herb margarita or devour your house-made pretzels with honey mustard and grilled corn topped off with chipotle butter.

Bar Johnny, 2209 Polk Street, 415-268-0140 (map it!)
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