Li Po is a dark, narrow bar on Grant Avenue in Chinatown that has been pouring drinks since 1937. The interior is cave-like -- low ceilings, red lanterns, a golden Buddha behind the bar, and a trapdoor that once led to old Chinatown tunnels. Anthony Bourdain called it one of his favourite bars in America.
Order the Chinese mai tai, made with Baijiu instead of rum. It is deceptively strong. The atmosphere is a world away from the tourist shops on the same block of Grant Avenue -- step through the door and you have left modern San Francisco entirely.