Charmaine’s

What you need to know

What to drink

The cocktail menu changes seasonally. The Big Cat (Ron Zacapa 23yr rum, passion fruit, vanilla, velvet falernum, $20) is one of the more-ordered drinks. The Salem Saberhagen (Ford’s gin, orange muscat, pineapple, honey, lime, $20) is the gin option. Zero-proof cocktails are on the menu.

Food

Small plates and bar bites. French fries ($13), deviled eggs ($5), and lemongrass chicken wings ($22) are the most-ordered. The crispy fish tacos ($22) and Proper sliders ($21) can serve as dinner.

The scene

Condé Nast Traveler and Thrillist have named Charmaine’s in their best-bars coverage. The crowd is a mix of hotel guests, locals, and visitors. Friday and Saturday nights fill after 7pm. For a fire pit seat, arrive at opening (4pm Saturday) or come on a weeknight.

Getting there

The hotel entrance is on Market Street, with a secondary entrance on McAllister. Civic Center BART is a five-minute walk. Van Ness Muni is also nearby. Parking on weekend nights is expensive and scarce.