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Mister Bing's 201 Columbus @ Pacific (415) 362-1545
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Busy, curious, thirsty fly, Drink with me, and drink as I. -from "On a Fly Drinking out of a Cup of Ale" by William Oldys (1696-1761) "Suzie, shush! You be quiet!!" A tiny rodent-like poodle is angrily announcing the arrival of a delivery driver wheeling in a cart stacked high with cases of Anchor Steam. Its plum-colored muzzle snorts and shivers as its tired eyes scan the staff and clientele for a hint of approval. Yet everyone seems focused on the giant television set above the cash register, watching the "Hootie & the Blowfish Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament" and quietly sipping at bottles of Budweiser. Nonplussed, the little dog sniffs the air and returns to its hiding place beneath the bartender's stool. If this seems like your idea of a wild scene, Mister Bing's might be just the saloon for you. Though it may lack the glamour and moxie of its North Beach neighbors, it's not a bad place to stop in for a quick drink or two before dinner. Situated on the corner of Columbus and Pacific, Bing's makes an ideal meeting spot, especially if you're entertaining out-of-towners with limited knowledge of the City. The interior is clean and unimpressive. Triangular in shape, the bar features the ubiquitous television, a decent jukebox, and a pair of video games: Golden Tee Golf '97 and Golden Tee Golf '98. The drinks are affordable but somewhat underwhelming; shots and bottled beer seem to be the preferred poison. Smoking is not encouraged but then cigarettes are sold on the premises. During the daylight hours, Mister Bing's is an all-out casino. Dominoes, mahjong, cards and dice are in constant play around the bar, and the quiet is punctuated with the insults and jeers of the assembled players. At night it comes alive with Chinatown locals, pink-cheeked businessmen, punks, drunks, and the odd tourist. A large window lets the barflies gaze out onto the sidewalk carnival that is North Beach while passersby furtively peek in and ponder just how those poor folks ended up in such a place. To sum it up, Mister Bing's chief feature is the convenient location, and while I doubt I'd put it on the "don't miss" list, it makes a perfect bar to hook up with friends before or after painting the town red. Now if you can just find an opium den and some bottle rockets, your night will be one to remember. -Andrew Asp |
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