Hotel Emblem Review, San Francisco, United States
Sarah Rodriguez The Obscenity Bar & Lounge is a seductive, low-lit spot named for the obscenity trial kicked off by Beat poet Allen Ginsberg’s signature work, Howl. Along with booths, sofas, canvases of Ginsberg and Kerouac, and a gorgeous back bar resembling a bookcase, there’s a short snack menu (toasted sandwiches, salads), and on-theme cocktails (The Burroughs is a boozy concoction blending Irish whiskey, rum, vermouth and chocolate bitters; the Beet Generation is sweet and vegetal, akin to a detox juice spiked with gin).
Accessed via the lobby, ‘Aussie-inspired’ coffee chain Bluestone Lane offers excellent breakfasts (a hefty, thoroughly smothered avocado toast; bowl food loaded with the likes of quinoa, poached egg and kale), and quality caffeinated sips (piccolos, cold brews, etc).