(9) Chinese Whiskey @ Li Po Lounge

Li Po Lounge has been slinging out Chinese cocktails in Chinatown since 1937. It is a total dive and a total gem. I'm so happy to have discovered this magical porthole on the main drag of bustlin' Chinatown. The whiskey was poured out of this awesome ceramic jar that was probably smuggled from the motherland, or at least, I'd like to imagine this was so. It was smokey but floral, and super spicy like Chinese fivespice-spicy (star anise, clove, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel seed). It was like no other whiskey I've ever had. Biiiiig thumbs up for this whiskey & Li Po Lounge. Other notable things that are photographed below: (a) I want to go back to try their Chinese Mai Tai - dark & light rum, chinese liquor, pineapple juice (b) the dried foods stores on Grant Avenue and (c) Chinese people just doing their thing in Chinatown.

Chinese Whiskey @ Li Po Lounge. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Bar @ Li Po Lounge. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Chinese Whiskey $6 or Chinese Whisky. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Li Po Lounge House Special = Chinese Mai Tai (dark + light rum + 151 rum + chinese liquor + pineapple juice). Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Strange dried food things in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Dried food galore in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Dried food bulk bins in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Chinese lanterns in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Li Po Lounge on Grant in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Hilarious chinese person napping shortways vs. longways in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Chinese awesomeness in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Chinese Whiskey @ Li Po Lounge ($6)
916 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94108
415.982.0072
Monday - Sunday > 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.