Farmer Brown’s is a bit upscale for its neighborhood. On the corner of Mason and Market, it borders the Tenderloin, the touristy Union Square area, and Market shops. According to Diego, one of the excellent bartenders here, the proximity to Union Square hotels brings a fair amount of tourists and out-of-towners. However, there are always plenty of local regulars coming in for the delicious food, relaxed atmosphere, and special cocktails. Diego recommends this bar even when you’re alone for great people watching, since they get everyone including “lawyers, bankers, pimps, and scallywags.”
Farmer Brown’s is a restaurant and bar, offering a California gourmet twist on southern soul food. The menu is available at the bar, but as a bar snack I highly recommend the sweet potato fries and aioli. The custom cocktail list changes seasonally and always has popular and delicious selections, like the Northstar Quencher. This fun and lively bar also makes its own ginger beer, though un-carbonated, for any fans of the Moscow Mule or the Dark and Stormy! The variety of people makes Farmer Brown’s a lively place but weekends are most popular. They host live DJ’s Thursday through Saturday evenings, but the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet with live Jazz Saturday and Sunday from 11-2pm is worth a trip. The fried chicken is amazing, and there’s a mimosa option of course! Arrive by 10am before the Jazz to save a few dollars on brunch ($15 instead of $16.50).
The Lit Cocktail Menu
While the food is excellent and worth a trip, the cocktails and drink specials are well above average too. Happy hour is priced well with $7 specialty cocktails and $4 pints of beer. Also one of my favorite aspects of the bar offerings is their $7 quart glasses! Try the Scrimshaw from the tap, I recommend it. Also they serve a Farmer’s Special, consisting of a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Bean for only $5 – great for quantity in the down economy.
Sorry about the lighting Diego!
Price: $$ – Average, but there are deals to be had
Category: Local Hot Spot – every crowd comes here, not a boring place
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars – This is a fun, great bar and restaurant to try, but if you like Jazz and brunch deals the weekend is worth a special trip!
(415) 409-3276
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