As soon as I walk into Tupper & Reed (Berkeley) and Local Edition (San Francisco), a strong sense of history, wonder and beauty spill through the walls. The lighting is impeccable, highlighting the interiors while preserving the character and story of each space.
Owned by the Future Bars group, there is a sense of ease when chatting with the team. They don’t take themselves too seriously, yet are some of the most skilled and knowledgeable bartenders I know. An authentic breath of fresh air, in the sometimes too grandiose world of mixology.
Rooted in history and built in 1906, this is the second project in the East Bay for Future Bars’ co-owner Brian Sheehy. Tupper was once a music store – a historic space in Berkley from that era - with a Polly Armstrong Listening Room, an old school working gramophone included. For travelers, Berkley is about a 30 minutes drive from San Francisco, where the famous university resides. The bar downstairs is a free walk in; and the upstairs bar features the full cocktail list, by reservations only. I tried the Leggo Brick ($10 USD) and was blown away by the simplicity and deliciousness.
Once the location for the old printing press of the San Francisco Examiner, Local Edition is lined with vintage typewriters, newspaper articles, and the original printing machines. A popular cocktail choice is Barbarella. Also a personal favorite, served tall with crushed ice - 5 stars!
It’s clear these boys love their jobs and their artistry is apparent in their hospitality and cocktails. As featured above: Lieutenant Governor, Barbarella, and the Local Edition Cocktail.
Being in Local Edition and Tupper and Reed feels like I’ve been transported in time and place, to a Prohibition Speakeasy and a Hogwarts Gothic Cathedral respectively. And now we folk can experience that history and magic, any day of the week.
TUPPER & REED
Address: 2271 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
LOCAL EDITION
691 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Extra Fun Facts – Live Music!
- Local Edition: Monday to Wednesday. Salsa Saturdays plays a variety of Latin music.
- Tupper & Reed: Wednesday and Thursday, 8 pm to midnight
Photos Courtesy of Future Bars