One of Carolyn's top five picks in the city is The Alembic. She tells us why:
"This dark-lit, moody, wood-lined nook is a bit more posh than your average Upper Haight bar, and its cocktails are among the best in the city. I usually get the gilded lily, which is made with Plymouth gin and drops of gold leaf floating on top. Beer geeks will also have fun settling into the bar's interesting choices for several rounds. To soak it up, go for the spicy duck heart skewers threaded up with sweet pineapple. I’m telling you, everyone likes these, especially if I don’t tell them they’re hearts. When in season, Alembic does a mean grilled-peach and burrata salad. I still wish they’d put the tongue sliders back on the menu. Damn those were good."

Carolyn outside of The Alembic, 1725 Haight Street (at Cole Street); 415-666-0822.

Photographed by Molly DeCoudreaux