I don’t review many bars, primarily because the blog is about food and not many bars offer great food.  There are exceptions, and one notable exception is Internos.

You’re not going to find a hot meal here, but you are going to find what I consider to be San Francisco’s finest bruschetta.  With the lineup of wines found at Internos, I promise you that this combination will be hard to beat.

Internos is a small wine lounge located on Geary at Parker. 

This is the “Cheers” of Laurel Heights, and the gem of Inner Richmond, an area where you can find pubs and bars, but wine bars are not plentiful. 

In fact, I can’t think of any dedicated wine bars at all within a mile of this area in any direction (at the time of this writing). The space is very cool and inviting; upon entering, you immediately like it and feel at home.  Dark wooden tables and chairs decorate the place with a big sofa and table in the front of the bar.  The bar is long and spacious, and on most nights, you will find all the regulars hanging out at the bar rather than the tables.

Why?

Well, because of the owner – Adnan. Just like the quality of service during a meal can make or break a meal, the same applies to bars.

Adnan is like a long-lost best friend who always welcomes you home. I could be out somewhere else, but on my way home, I will invariably check Internos to see if it’s opened.  If it is, this is where I will go for my nightcap so I can munch on some delicious bruschetta, handmade by him, with a glass of wine, while Adnan busts out jokes or makes fun of me, or entertains me in one way or another.

Just like a brother would do.

The Wines at Internos

But putting him aside, the beer selection and wine list at Internos is also spectacular.  Nothing is pretentious about Internos, and you can see Adnan’s selections are much like the bar’s atmosphere, and his personality — good and fun. 

He always has one or two whites from the Marlborough region of New Zealand which yields some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc in the world, and great Zinfandel choices along with big and bold Cabernets.  It’s not always the same menu, and you see him interchanging between some of his favorite brands. 

The beer list includes some favorites like Stella and Hoegaarden (my personal favorite), and if things go my way, Franziskaner and Leffe will be on tap there soon.

I have hosted quite a few parties at this location, be it by hosting impromptu happy hours here via HH Club (visit the page to LIKE the group on Facebook to keep updated on the latest and greatest events), or renting out the entire space for private parties. 

Some of our most memorable evenings have gone down at Internos, as the photo above implies.  With a capacity of about 80 people, it’s the ideal location to get together a big group of people to play all night long.  While Internos is a beautiful and elegant wine bar, these private events go as crazy as you want it to be. Case in point:

The Food at Internos

But putting all that aside, let me talk to you about Internos’ Bruschetta.  This stuff is GOOD.

There are about four different kinds of Bruschetta on the menu at Internos, and all are good.  Some have cucumber, tomato, fresh mozzarella w/ basil, and others have some variation with awesome prosciutto on top.  Whichever one you choose, you will find that it just hits the spot with your glass of wine.  I absolutely love the bruschetta here, and have been known to visit this bar with a friend, order two plates of this and call it a dinner.

(Update: this is so good, I actually included Adnan’s recipe in my book!)

Internos also has fantastic cheese plates with excellent meats and cheese to accompany your wine selection. At the end of the day, where you feel comfortable is best, and Internos has a way of immediately making you feel at home.  Stopping by the bar for a glass of wine and some cheese after work, or making this your last stop on the way home — Internos never fails to be a good time with good friends.

You can stop by any day, but if you need a venue for a private party — give Adnan a call and if their schedule allows for it, he’ll work with you to host what will undoubtedly be a great event. There are about three to four bars in San Francisco that I consider my favorites — and Internos stands unrivaled at the top of that list.  If you go, make sure to tell Adnan that “Grace and Sexy Boy” sent you! 

What that might get you is anybody’s guess, but guaranteed, it will be funny.

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