The Sage and Drifter delivers everything one could want from a local watering hole: $3 Tecates, mezcal flights, $12 craft cocktails, and elevated bar fare all served in a laid back atmosphere. It’s the kind of bar that fits perfectly into San Francisco’s Inner Sunset.
Named after the Johnny Cash song “I’m A Drifter” and Taoism’s references to the “sage,” the person who is wise enough to act in accordance with their intentions, the bar moved into its space on Irving Street and 14th Avenue last year, after previous tenant The Corner Spot never reopened following the March 2020 shutdown.
Opened by three industry veterans, Seth Murray. Will Konevich, and Kevin Behrens–who all previously worked together at Outer Richmond’s Hockey Haven–the crew brings local knowledge and high-end restaurant experience to the space. Murray previously worked at ABV, Dalva in the Mission, and Cole Valley darling Padrecito. Behrens spent time at Foreign Cinema and AQ, while Konevich was the general manager at Hockey Haven.
The bar menu features those aforementioned craft cocktails such as the F&L Sazerac (St. George pear brandy, absinthe, rye, and simple syrup) and The Weary Drifter (Pisco, beet, simple syrup, lemon, egg white). Wine is available by the glass and there is also beer on tap.
On Wednesdays, there’s the previously discussed high-end bar food, think eggplant parmesan rolls and pulled pork sliders, adding to the bar’s approachable and creative nature.
Located on 1368 Irving Street, The Sage and Drifter is open Monday-Friday from 1pm to 2am, and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 2am.
For more information, head over to their Instagram.