10 inviting bars to belly up to: St. James Tavern

[su_highlight background=”#d12e6f” color=”#ffffff”]#4 St. James Tavern[/su_highlight]

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I don’t come here as often as I used to, but each time I do there are more cafes and condos and restaurants on the block. Given how barren and dangerous this neighborhood was a few years ago I guess that’s fine. It’s not like a lot of good stuff is being shoved out as so often happens with gentrification. But it’s still weird and disorienting. The St. James doesn’t change, though. It hasn’t changed as long as I’ve been coming here. Even after it caught on fire it came back looking the same. I hope it stays here and stays the same forever.

A post shared by Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) on Sep 6, 2018 at 4:26pm PDT

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No TVs. Sort of a window.

Tons of tap handles and one of the best jukeboxes in town, not to mention the grandparents-house-like wood paneling, the Saint is the perfect place to disappear for a little or long while.

You could retire to the side room for pool and Pac-Man, which is all fine and good, but most days, you’d be well-served to sidle up the the bar, shooting the shit with owner Michelle or any of the establishment’s other wise, weary bartenders.