Gem of the Mission District, Elixir is a cornerstone of San Francisco history, with 166 years of stories literally distilled into its walls. I recently had the honor of attending Elixir’s 21st anniversary celebration under H. Joseph Ehrmann’s ownership. As I sipped on their famed Celery Cup No. 1 (yummmm), I couldn’t help but marvel at the tales shared by H about the bar’s incredible journey. Here’s what I learned.
In the late 19th century, saloons like Elixir were among the first structures to rise in budding towns, providing sustenance to workers. These establishments often doubled as boarding houses, with rooms above frequently serving as brothels. At the back of the saloon, shoe-shining stations weren’t just for polishing boots; they were also gathering points for the city’s less-discussed nightlife.
Elixir’s story begins in 1858, as part of that community built on resilience and, let’s be honest, a little bit of rebellion.
The great earthquake of 1906, one of the most catastrophic events in California’s history, left devastation in its wake. Fires erupted, reducing 80% of San Francisco to ash and rubble, including the original saloon at 16th and Guererro (the Mission itself, a block away, was saved by a firebreak). Patrick J. McGinnis, the then owner of 13 years, rebuilt his saloon with a bigger, more modern building in 1906, designed by famed architect Brainerd Jones. This early saloon rose from the ashes with a mix of of Victorian design and “modern” conveniences, like electricity.
The temperance movement was a push against alcohol, with reformers urging society to choose morality over vice. Elixir bears a physical reminder of this era in its “Ladies’ Entrance,” a discreet side door designed for women to enter unobserved. Next to the door hangs a page from a book from the temperance movement—a nod to a time when a trip to the saloon had to be as stealthy as it was satisfying.
When Prohibition hit, Elixir transformed into a “soft drink parlor”, continuing beverage service and saving the bar furniture and design from being torn out or destroyed. It’s believed the back room served as a speakeasy, where cocaine, heroine, medicinal alcohol and other forbidden substances were known to flow as freely as ever.
Fast forward to 2003, when H. purchased the bar after moving to the Bay Area post-MBA. Inspired by the collapse of the dot-com bubble, he saw an opportunity to transform this historic site into a cornerstone of San Francisco’s craft cocktail movement. Having worked at 18 different bars throughout the US already, H. brought a wealth of experience to this new venture and has redefined Elixir as a leader in produce-driven, sustainable cocktails, elevating it to one of the city’s most celebrated bars.
The history is really palpable in the decor. Much of the original craftsmanship remains, from the mahogany, Victorian bar to the redwood walls. During renovations, he discovered a pre-1906 address plaque on the back bar—I thought that was so cool.
Elixir’s cocktail menu is as storied as its walls. The Pamplemousse Au Poivre, crowned Cocktail of the Year in 2018 by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, remains a crowd favorite and H’s personal recommendation. This smoky, citrusy concoction features Los Vecinos Mezcal, Giffard Crème de Pamplemousse, and a Sichuan pepper cordial made in house.
The Celery Cup No. 1 is a refreshing and herbaceous masterpiece, combines Square One Cucumber Vodka, Pimm’s, muddled celery, cilantro, and cucumber with a refreshing lemon sour.
And who could forget the Elixir Frozen Irish? It was the star of the night, with nearly everyone sipping on this decadent creation. A perfectly balanced blend of Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, locally-roasted Grand Coffee cold brew, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, and Amaro di Angostura, it is served in a collectible souvenir cup.
Thank you for a wonderful party and many fascinating stories, H! Cheers to 166 years of history and 21 years of incredible cocktails and vibes.
