Taking you along on the journey through my neck of the woods searching to find the best drinking venue on the 2.0 mile strip I call home.

Joining a small group for a friend’s birthday I’m beckoned out to a little lounge in North Beach called Church Key. The spot’s dimly lit interior is hidden behind a small doorway (even with the help of my iPhone I almost missed it), but once inside the venue opens up with plenty of sitting space and a great bar at the back. Opting to join the other patrons at the bar as opposed to taking up residence in the upstairs lounge, I’m taken aback by the place’s very dichotomy.

Now, Church Key imparts a very Continental jazz era vibe with low lights and cool ambient music, but the true strength and genius lies in the extensive beer list. Running the gambit from $2 specials, to Japanese White Ales, Belgium Trebles and everything in between there are plenty of options to satisfy even the most discerning of customers. After lining up a couple of rounds and getting into the atmosphere of the evening and our birthday festivities, I decide it’s time to take things up a notch.

Noticing the bartender’s iPod running the sound system

Me: Hey, is it alright if I switch up the music a little bit?

Bartender: Sure, as long as you don’t get too crazy

Me: What? I wouldn’t dream of it…

Building off of the numerous European brews I’ve just completed, my recent trip on Virgin America, or merely just looking to triple the BPM I decide to forego the languid ballads in exchange for the best of Ultra Dance 2009. While the other customers are initially caught off guard by the shocking mood change, they’re soon joining in on our dance party and slamming $2 Hamm’s as we wile away the hours on what I thought would be a tame Wednesday evening. Closing down the bar after exchanging tattoo stories with the bartender (Me: None, Bartender: A lot) I begin the long walk home (after a night like that I just hope I still remember the way)

The Rundown:

Address: 1402 Grant (Between Green St and Union St)

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00pm – 2:00am

Best Nights: Weeknights – Great place to stop in for an after work drink.

Drinks: Extensive beer list with selections from across the globe, but if you’re drinking on a budget stick with the $2 weekly specials and enjoy a PBR, Olympia, Schlitz or Mickey’s Grenade

Synopsis: Great for groups or to just hangout by yourself. A hidden gem among North Beach’s heavy hitters.