ruggy "real-life, full-force, glam-sleazy" j.'s Profile

I was always a fan of the OG John Colins (not on Friday or Saturday nights, though!), and while I *think* I like the old digs better, I'm sure the new space will grow on me slowly, but surely.

The old JC just had this worn feeling to it, where new JC still smells like lacquer and has more of a chain restaurant feel to it than a warm, swanky lounge. Granted, it's much larger and there's a lot of potential to pack that sucker in, only time will really tell how much I like this space, and miss the old room.

There's tons of room for you and your pals to get hyphey (do the kids still say that in 2010?), and there's a pretty large upstairs area for 20-40 people to rent out and do their own thing. Overall, I can only imagine the move makes sense for the bar, but it might take a few months for fans of the old joint to fully wrap their arms around the new spot on Minna.

Finally had an opportunity to check out the fabled Humphrey Slocombe over the weekend, and I'm stoked to say that I wasn't in the least bit disappointed. It's a pretty tall order to compete with the juggernaut that is Bi-Rite, but they do a pretty admirable job trying.

I went on the first day of SF Beer Week, so I was able to indulge in the $4.50 ice cream flight featuring 4 different breweries from San Francisco. The only one I can remember was Magnolia Brewery, but that doesn't mean they weren't all tasty. The special runs until the 14th, so if you want some cheap, boozy ice cream, there's no better time than now!

Speaking of boozy congealed cream, they have a creation called the Secret Breakfast. While I've seen some mixed reviews of that particular item here in the yelposphere, I thought it was amazing. It consists of Corn Flakes and bourbon. Need I say more? I overheard one of the cream slingers speaking with a patron a few paces in front of me, and apparently, they put at least 2 bottles of bourbon into each barrel. Good times, huh? Might want to make sure if you're going over 2 or 3 scoops, you avoid getting behind the wheel, though.

Didn't have a chance to try too many other flavors, but it was good enough to keep me coming back for more!

I can't explain in words how much I enjoy Whole Foods as a grocery store... but of all the locations I've had a chance to visit over the years, this one ranks pretty low on the list.

Sure, they have all of the same fancy foods as the others, but their layout could use a little bit of work. It's cramped, it's confusing to find your way around, and the parking situation isn't exactly ideal. I guess I can be ecstatic that they even have an area to park my car at all... but it's almost more of a safety hazard than it is a safe place to park your whip while you peruse the isles for Kombucha and Kashi.

I still continue to shop here regularly, but if there were another store closer to my house, chances are I'd be there instead of the spot on California.

I'm on 'shrooms!

What the hell did I just see today? Skunk skulls, bones from deceased mice, skeletal remains from dwarf rabbits, egg casings from mama sharks, and more odd/creepy stuff I never imagined to see in a brick and mortar store outside of some 3rd world country... and it was awesome!

It's hard to really pinpoint what this place is all about. It's got all of the oddities I mentioned a moment ago, as well as succulents and other accouterments for the weekend green thumb, hand made soaps, random taxidermy at the expense of animals like rams and unicorns (for reals!), lamps made from the calves of some hoofed animal, and more. It's one of those stores where you ask yourself afterward, "how the hell do these guys make money?" I have no clue, but they certainly have a ton of cool stuff that will either freak you out, or intrigue you beyond belief.

It's an understatement that Paxton Gate is a perfect place for a unique gift for a loved one. Just be sure that if your pal isn't an animal rights activist, otherwise your present might result in some unexpected turbulence.

The plethora of 5-star reviews aren't wrong, folks... this place is on top of it!

Like the true procrastinator that I am, instead of taking care of my passport months ago when I had all the time in the world to prepare for my trip to the Great White North for the Winter Olympics, I decided to wait until it was too late to expedite my passport through the proper Government channels. Lucky for me, TDS enables perennial laggers like myself, so it's all good.

For $75, they'll make sure you get your passport faster than a crackhead on an elliptical trainer. It's as easy as walking in, jumping on one of their computers in the office, walking the paperwork to the post office... then, blizzow! - you've got yourself a ticket to a foreign land.

Nice folks, and they'll even knock off $10 if you mention Yelp (though I didn't see that notice until right now. Boo!).

Two Bloody Marys before 9:00am on a Thursday? Yup, that's Gold Dust!

Well, I really wish the bar in San Francisco that mirrors it's initials after my first and last name (Ruggy Joesten) was a more enjoyable place to hang at, but sadly, it's not. This place is legendary for all the wrong reasons, and if you believe in the old adage "a picture is worth 1,000 words," take a look at the default image that appears first on this business listing.

For being a seedy dive bar with questionable ethics, the drinks sure are pricey. $5 for a Corona and $8 for a cheater shot of Fernet. Huh?

Also, the female bartenders speak perfect English, but pretend not to understand you when you ask basic questions. I have a hunch it's so they can overcharge you and act like they have no idea what happened. Whack!

If you hate yourself, you'll probably have a fun time here.

40s of Olde English in brown bags, condoms and Makers Mark on tap - 'nuff said!

Eddie's is as American as apple pie, Kid Rock and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Actually, I'll rephrase that just a tad; Eddie's is as American as Kimchi, Jin Kwon from LOST and Hite beer.

Like the previous reviewers have stated, Eddie's is run and staffed by the friendliest group of Korean folks you can find, but you'd never know it based on the grub they sling from the kitchen. It's your standard fare of eggs, bacon hash browns, sausage and pancakes... all served up as greasy as The Situation's impeccable coiff. You won't find bottomless pomegranate mimosas or omlettes with crème fraiche, rather just quick favorites from the country kitchens of yesteryear. No frills, no fuss... and totally affordable.

On any given weekend you'll see a pretty wide cross-section of diners. From old people who wake up every morning at Eddie's, to hipster kids in flannel shirts, to people you'd probably feel unsafe walking towards in a dark alley after midnight. But somehow, they all blend to make a rather harmonious eating occasion.

I'd be remiss not to mention the sweet coffee mugs they slam on your table to immediately fill with the freshest Folgers money can buy. Sometimes it's a dinosaur mug, sometimes a Betty Boop cup... and if you're lucky, the mug that resembles a pair of naked women's breasts. Darth Vader is another popular stein, but that's only available for special requests.

Pretty cool little place for a quick cup of coffee or or a crepe along California Street in Pac Heights. I wouldn't say it's anything remarkable, but it's a solid choice when you're waiting for the 24 to arrive and you could use a hot cup of coffee to pass the time. Not great, but it does the trick.

What I find strange is that you can't use your credit card unless you spend $10. Really, $10? I mean, for a coffee and crepe shop, how many people are regularly spending that much cash? I guess I could understand $5, but 2X that just seems odd. I suppose it never hurts to just pay in cash, so that must be the way to fly at this joint.