Rounds of bloody marys. Photo courtesy of Chilled Magazine.

Recently, the bloody mary turned 100 and she shows no signs of giving up her reign over the brunch set. She’s come a long way from her Parisian roots, where Ferdinand Petiot launched her into “bardom” at Harry’s Bar by adding vodka to a frequently ordered tomato-based tonic. There continues to be a dispute about how the drink got its name, but after a century of imbibing and altering this tomato juice-based cocktail, we think it’s no longer relevant. What is relevant is that she continues to iterate and inspire bartenders with new, spirited additions and garnishes. Hop on BART and explore our lineup and sip on one for lunch, brunch, or dinner.

San Francisco

Kitchen Story’s bacon-topped bloody mary. Photo courtesy of Kitchen Story.

Kitchen Story | 16th St Mission

The Castro’s Kitchen Story menu revolves around classic American standards, but with an Asian influence. Owner Hoyul Steven Choi is building a Bay Area brunch empire with nine restaurants, including Sweet Maple branches. "His Millionaire’s Bacon," seasoned and coated with maple syrup, is a must-order item at Kitchen Story, and it goes without saying that the restaurant’s signature bloody mary is topped with said bacon. You really can’t have enough bacon, can you? Take BART to 16th St Mission and walk 14 minutes to 3499 16th St.

Bluestem’s "Cioppino." Photo courtesy of Bluestem Restaurant and Market.

Bluestem Restaurant and Market | Powell St

Formerly Bluestem Brasserie, this seasonal California fare standby for Union Square shoppers and Financial District workers, recently updated their imprint on the area with a new name and new format. By adding specialty grocery items via a chef’s pantry and expanding their take-out options, the team is able to accommodate the wants and needs of today’s versatile diners. It’s a lovely place to grab lunch or dinner, and sitting at the bar affords the opportunity to explore their cocktail menu. Enjoy an elevated version of a bloody mary, the "Cioppino," with tomato water, mezcal, serrano pepper grapefruit syrup, honey, lime, and clam juice. Take BART to Powell St and walk six minutes to One Yerba Buena Lane.

Zeitgeist’s bloody mary. Photo courtesy of Amy L. on Yelp.

Zeitgeist | 16th St Mission

This popular Mission District beer garden and live music venue serves a solid bloody mary that is the perfect accompaniment to a burger and fries on a warm afternoon. It’s assertively balanced with just enough spice, savoriness, and acid to keep you hydrated and possibly ordering more. Their version remains a San Francisco classic, so why mess with a good thing. Take BART to 16th St Mission and walk 10 minutes to 199 Valencia St.

The Baltic, one of the bloody mary options at Chezchez. Photo courtesy of Chezchez.

Chezchez | 16th St Mission

Not many restaurants can brag about a whole section of “bloodies” on their cocktail menu, but not a lot of restaurants are conceptualized by the folks of Trick Dog fame (Bon Vivant Hospitality Group). This new counter service and outdoor dining option marries the two, bringing in foods from around the globe that celebrate that golden hour of dining that highlights aperitifs and small plates. Their bloody mary options include the Baltic with aquavit, their house bloody mary mix, and pickled veggies; the Maria with tequila, their house bloody mary mix, and chicharròn; and the Red Snapper with gin, their house bloody mary mix, celery, and shrimp. Take BART to 16th St Mission and walk four minutes to 584 Valencia St.

East Bay

Hopscotch’s wasabi bloody mary. Photo courtesy of Hopscotch.

Hopscotch | 19th St/Oakland

Uptown’s upscale diner has been feeding the brunch crowd for several years now. Their wasabi bloody mary continues to draw fans, in part because it pairs so well with the team’s execution of classic American dishes with a Japanese sensibility. Brunch is served Friday-Sunday. Think about pairing your bloody mary with a platter of Braised Pork Belly Benedict with Yuzu Hollandaise or Kimchi Fried Rice. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland and walk seven minutes to 1915 San Pablo Ave.

Soju bloody mary from Aunt Mary’s. Photo courtesy of Aunt Mary’s.

Aunt Mary’s | MacArthur

Yes, Temescal’s been garnering lots of buzz from Snail Bar, but we can’t forget the establishments that make Oakland’s Temescal so unique. Aunt Mary’s serves inventive Southern and Southwest cuisine. The team uses Soju, a low-alcohol Korean spirit, in place of vodka, and uses it with their house-made bloody mary mix. Pair one with the chicken and waffles or Cajun-style French toast. Take BART to MacArthur and walk 11 minutes to 4640 Telegraph Ave.

Mr. Pickles bloody mary. Photo courtesy of Marion S. Yelp.

Portal | Lake Merritt

Oakland’s Portal is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a continued commitment to the city and its inhabitants. Their menu is an indulgent dive into classic gastropub favorites like burgers, steaks, and hot sandwiches like the French dip. Brunch here is served seven days a week, and it is a great spot to dive into hash and eggs or chilaquiles with an extra flavorful bloody mary. The outdoor dining is particularly nice given that they are across the street from Lake Merritt. Take BART to Lake Merritt and walk 15 minutes to 1611 2nd Ave.

Shrimp cocktails, part of Friends and Family’s Bodega Brunch. Photo courtesy of Tanita J Yelp.

Friends and Family | 19th St/Oakland

Industry veterans Blake Cole and Kimberly Rosselle opened their Friends and Family Bar so that they could welcome guests the way they would like to be welcomed when they go out for a bite or a drink. Such a simple premise, yet so hard to execute. But not here. Everyone is welcome, everyone is accepted, and everyone that comes for the great drinks and food has a great time too. Though there’s no bloody mary currently on the menu, they have a popular shrimp cocktail that is even better when enjoyed with their vodka version of a Salty Dog. Sip, bite, sip, bite. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland and walk 10 minutes to 468 25th St.

Where do you like to sip on bloodies?

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