Here Comes A Regular

It’s the first day of summer here in San Francisco. Quite literally. You see, it’s been somewhere between damp, chilly, and overcast for most of the “spring” (I put that in quotes because I assume at least some of you live in a location that has legitimate seasons).

But yes. Summer has arrived. It’s 82 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, the Giants are on top of the NL West and all the girls are wearing sundresses. You know what that calls for?

A good drink.

If you’re looking to head out, the new issue of Esquire has some solid recommendations with the Best New Bars in America feature. It also has a handy “How to pronounce all these nice Scotches so you won’t embarrass yourself to the cute bartender when you’re trying to appear informed” feature for those who are looking for more than just what bars to hit up. Page 110 has a complete list of the magazine’s favorite bars, of which I can personally vouch for numbers 21, 27, 28, 137, 138, and 153.

For those of you whose heart rests in Portland (Oregon), Portland Monthly has a Best Bars cover feature from last December, most of which still stands. I’d mention which ones I can personally vouch for, but that might start to get embarrassing. Outside of the pacific northwest? Check out the best beers according to Chicago magazine.

Maybe you don’t want to go out. Fortunately, Zinio has an entire category dedicated to drinking well. Seems as though reading a magazine and having a glass of wine go well together, with Wine Enthusiast, Decanter and Touring and Tasting being the first three magazines about wine I came across. (Meaning, like a good meal, there’s more wine, but I had to move on to bourbon.)

Ah, The Bourbon Review. I realize the new issue of Maxim has a bit about scotch and a lot about cities with good booze, but I’m more about a good Manhattan than I am a Jagerbomb. (To each their own, though.)

And maybe you’re like me and want to know about the finer whiskeys in life, or maybe you’re all about an individual city and their microbrew culture. And maybe you do want your beer recommendations next to a “30 Sex Tips” column. No matter what your preference, it’s all available in one place, which is pretty radical for anyone taking in the new season with a beverage in hand.