Sometimes a no-frills backyard to toss back a few — like the patio of the divey and delightful El Rio, on the border of the Mission and Bernal Heights — is exactly what you need. Other times, you aspire to something a little less rough around the edges. Bar Agricole is a minimalist, well-appointed urban sanctuary with a James Beard-recognized cocktails' program. Accompanying the fresh, herbaceous drinks are dishes like duck liver on toast and slow-roasted salmon from chef Brandon Jew. So civilized.

El Rio, 3158 Mission Street (between Precita and Powers avenues);415-282-3325
Bar Agricole, 355 11th Street (between Folsom and Harrison streets); 415-355-9400

Photos: El Rio, Courtesy of Anna-Alexia Basile; Bar Agricole, Courtesy of Bar Agricole