Bar Partners Archives - Social Cycle

Creative Date Ideas in Palm Springs

Posted on March 5, 2019March 5, 2019 by jeff | Posted in: Bar Partners, Palm Springs

Whether you’re planning a first date or you’re looking to spend some quality time with your long-term partner, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to round up some of Palm Spring’s unique date ideas.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway:

Get a view from above Palm Springs and Coachella Valley with a ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. As you ascend Southern California’s second highest mountain range the tram rotates offering sweeping 360-degree views of the desert floor. At the peak, there are restaurants, observation decks and even a natural history museum. For the adventuresome couples you can explore the 50 plus miles of hiking trails, go cross country skiing or even take in some snowshoeing (weather permitting). www.pstramway.com

Purple Room Supper Club

Looking for a unique dinner experience? The Purple Room Supper Club is where the Rat Pack, including Frank, Sammy and Dean performed. You’ll be transported back to the 60s while enjoying live jazz music on the weekdays and internationally acclaimed entertainers performing shows during the weekends. Make sure to plan ahead as spots fill up quickly. www.purpleroompalmsprings.com

Tahquitz Canyon:

Looking to create a memorable experience for a first date? Then grab your hiking boots and trek to Tahquitz Canyon. The canyons can be found on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation. The Cahuilla Indians settled there thousand of years ago as can be seen by the rock art, ancient irrigation systems, house pits, native wildlife and plants that still inhabit this area. In addition, there is a 60-foot waterfall and a visitor center that has educational and cultural exhibits. www.tahquitzcanyon.com

Pottery Class:

Who doesn’t like getting a little dirty? Throw some clay on the wheel or channel you inner Demi Moore/Patrick Swayze skills and hand mold some pottery. Learn a new craft while enjoying some quality time together casting and glazing. www.theclaystudio.org

Social Cycle Party Bike Tours:

For an out-of-the-box date idea, take a Social Cycle party bike tour through downtown Palm Springs or Palm Canyon Drive. We’ll take you to the best tiki bars, cocktail bars, beer bars and restaurants the city has to offer. www.socialcycleca.com

Little Italy | Your San Diego Nightlife Guide

Posted on February 17, 2019 by jeff | Posted in: Bar Partners, San Diego

In our fifth edition of San Diego’s Nightlife Guide we take a look at Little Italy.
If a thriving restaurant scene, craft breweries, pubs, wineries, patio cafés and a pedestrian friendly area is what you are looking for then Little Italy has it all. Check out our favorite places below:

Queenstown Public House:
Queenstown is a New Zealand-inspired restaurant in a 1905 craftsman style home.
With indoor and outdoor seating at this dog friendly joint, Queenstown serves amazing upscale pub food paired with local beers, wines and craft cocktails.

Our Favorite Drink: The blood orange organic juice mimosa
Our Favorite Foods: The patty melt, quiche, grilled cheese, kiwilango burger, mac & cheese and anything with lamb (we could go on)

Ballast Point:
Ballast Point was founded in 1996 in San Diego in the back of a home brew mart. Now a residence in Little Italy, Ballast Point offers award winning beers, casual dining, an outdoor patio and private cabanas. If you’re looking for a laid back atmosphere cruise in for a beer, flight, growler, keg or even a tour.

Our Favorite Drinks: Their flagship beers such as Sculpin, Manta Ray or Victory at Sea

Nolita Hall:
Inspired by Europe’s legendary beer cities, Nolita Hall is a stylish contemporary joint that is a hot spot with the locals. Known for it’s specialty food, beer taps and extensive cocktail menu Nolita also has two indoor shuffleboards and large TVs to view sporting events.

Our Favorite Drink: Lara’s Jam
Our Favorite Food: The pizzas

Waterfront Bar and Grill:
Are you looking for cold beers, shots, good food, old friends, new friends, an amazing staff, a swordfish, a jukebox and free popcorn? Did you say “heck yeah”? If so, then cruise into San Diego’s oldest tavern. The Waterfront for lack of a better word is rad. This is a must stop on anyone’s list of San Diego hot spots. Fun Fact: Usually the last place to close in Little Italy for one, two or three last call beverages.

Our Favorite Drink: The Bloody Mary
Our Favorite Foods: The machaca burrito and huevos rancheros

The Food Hall:
Voted best “New Food Halls” in the nation by USA Today. Little Italy’s Food Hall also boasts a 10,000 square foot piazza. Belly up to the bar for some craft beers, Italian ales, wines and Italian-inspired craft cocktails that compliment their six local food stations. The piazza is also home to Little Italy’s Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Our Favorite Drink: Wine Wednesdays with ½ off all bottles of wine
Our Favorite Food: Bobboi’s natural gelatos

We hope you’ve enjoyed our roundup of Little Italy’s best nightlife!

The History of Party Bikes | Who Invented These Crazy Things?

Posted on September 27, 2018September 20, 2018 by Social Cycle | Posted in: Bar Partners, Latest News, Palm Springs, San Diego, Santa Barbara

In the last few years, party bikes have popped up in almost every metropolitan area in the US and have spread their happy vibes down the streets of all these cities! However, it wasn’t always a popular activity for tourists and locals alike.

In 1997, Henk and Zwier Van Laar, brothers from the Netherlands, came up with the idea of “Fietscafe” or “bike cafe” in English. Sitting at a bar and listening to the owner’s woes of needing to promote his pub in a local parade prompted them to build a multi-person bike that could be pedaled down the street during the parade. They started manufacturing and distributing the bikes soon after that and they quickly started to gain popularity in Europe.

It wasn’t until 2007 that the Fietscafe made it over the pond to the US. Al Boyce came across a photo of this crazy contraption and decided to bring one over to the US. Eric Olson and Al Boyce purchased a bike from the Van Laar brothers, trademarked the brand “PedalPub”, and claimed the “first and oldest party bike business in the United States.”

So, how exactly did this story lead to SoCal party bike business? It’s been a crazy adventure since the start of Social Cycle, but it’s worked out really well, thanks to the support of party bike patrons along the way.

Owner and founder, Laura Rovick, moved to San Diego for college and then worked in marketing and sales after graduating. Laura realized she was ready to start something new and on her own, but wasn’t sure what exactly that would be. Her sister suggested she“call those crazy bike guys in Minnesota that you always talk about.” So, Laura called the Pedal Pub guys in Minneapolis and as fate would have it, found out that one of them was in San Diego for the weekend. They grabbed a beer (what else, right?) and the rest is history! Social Cycle San Diego launched the first year followed by Palm Springs and Santa Barbara in the years following.

“We’ve built the business, but more importantly, built a team and a family that always has each other’s back. We’re proud to be SoCal’s best party bike and can’t wait to continue to provide the best tours in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs!” – Laura Rovick

Hillcrest Bars | Your San Diego Nightlife Guide

Posted on July 6, 2018July 12, 2018 by Social Cycle | Posted in: Bar Partners, San Diego

San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood is a vibrant community with tons of great food and entertainment. Located just a few miles away from Downtown, visit Hillcrest to get a taste of local culture. Check out our favorite Hillcrest bars below!

Urban MO’s

Urban MO’s is a hetero-friendly gay restaurant in San Diego that believes cocktails should be served out of plastic farm animals and that San Diego is best enjoyed from an outdoor patio, drink in hand. Make sure you try their famous Blackout Lemonades while you’re there!

Hillcrest Bars | San Diego Nightlife Guide | Social Cycle CA

Uptown Tavern

“Whether you are looking for a place to relax after a long day of work, somewhere to catch the big game, host a private event, or just to get a little wild on the weekends, Uptown Tavern is the second home and family you’ve been looking for.”

Pineapple Expression
A sweet mix of herradura Blanco Tequila, Giffard Banana Liqueur, Real lime juice, pineapple juice, and all-Natural Cinnamon.

Gossip Grill

“The perfect combination of ambiance and tastes will have you crawling back for more. Gossip is decked out with feminine inspired art, fabulous chandeliers, and a foliage facade outdoor patio bar with two fire pits that allows everyone to enjoy Hillcrest the way it was supposed to be enjoyed – outdoors. Pair that with modern American Comfort Food and you’ve got yourself a one of a kind five-star women’s bar.”

Shark Bait
Served up in a 40 oz. fishbowl, the Shark Bait cocktail is a tasty blend of Hypnotiq, Sugar Island Coconut Rum, Cruzan Pineapple Rum, Blue Curaço, pineapple, orange juice, Sprite, and a grenadine filled shark. Grab your girls and go get one!

Project Bar & Grill

Located in a 1902 Craftsman house, Project Bar & Grill is a neighborhood sports bar serving elevated bar food, small-batch craft beers, and stand-out cocktails. They also serve Project IPA, CBD Cocktails on draft & Peanut Butter Chocolate Jameson Shots on Nitro Tap.

Project Bar & Grill Specials

Peanut Butter Chocolate Jameson Shot
Tuesday Trivia Night
$5 Keep the Pint Night
$15 Pitcher Thursdays

Inside Out

Hillcrest’s newest restaurant and lounge, insideOUT, is a chic and refined destination for those who want to enjoy fine dining, craft cocktails, and relax in an urban oasis.

Flamboyant Flamingo

Made for you and 3-5 of your favorite friends, the Flamboyant Flamingo is a delectable mix of Elyx Vodka, St. Germaine, rosé wine, lemon juice, and soda.

Pacific Beach Bars | Your San Diego Nightlife Guide

Posted on June 21, 2018July 17, 2018 by Social Cycle | Posted in: Bar Partners, San Diego

Know for it’s laid-back, coastal vibes, San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood is filled with rooftop bars and fruity cocktails. You’ll be able to admire the Pacific’s famous sunsets as you enjoy some of San Diego’s best food and drink.

Join us on a tour to visit all of the great bars below, and more!

Backyard Kitchen & Tap

Looking for the perfect location for families, groups, and even pets to enjoy some great food and drinks? Visit the Backyard Kitchen & Tap! We are just one block off of the beach but you will truly feel at home visiting the Backyard Kitchen & Tap.

So Fresh & So Green

So Fresh & So Green is a gin cocktail with Hendrick’s as it’s base liquor. To build this cocktail the bartender muddles together cucumber, granny smith apple slices, lime juice, and simple syrup. After muddling they add the gin, shake, and strain into a coupe glass garnishing with a slice of cucumber. It is a light, refreshing cocktail that goes perfectly with a hot summer day on our beautiful patio.

Backyard Kitchen & Tap | Pacific Beach Bars | San Diego Nightlife

Duck Dive

As the name suggests, Duck Dive and its ambiance is an ode to the rich surf and beach culture that resides just steps away in the Pacific Ocean and their surrounding neighborhoods and community. They pride themselves on selling quality food and beverages without pretense. Their menu is compiled of takes on classic American dishes as well as coastal favorites.

Take Me To Mexico
This is a great cocktail made with Altos tequila, fresh watermelon, basil, and jalapeño for a little kick at the end. They’re just steps away from the Pacific so when you walk in you still feel like you’re on the beach (but even better because you’ll have a cocktail in hand).

The Local

The Local’s menu blends some Local favorites, pub-style grub, and coastal inspirations resulting in a delicious variety of flavors. The cocktails utilize fresh, hand-pressed juices and the beer selection highlights our adoration for the craft beer movement greatly influenced by America’s Finest City.

Sand Pail Punch
We recommend the Sand Pail Punch for a tropical vacation in your mouth! Made with Bacardi Rum, Malibu, Amaretto, Fresh Squeezed OJ, Pineapple Juice, and Grenadine this one is a sure-fire recipe for a good time in PB.

Pro Tip: It’s only $6 for the 32oz. Keep-the-Bucket Margarita on Taco Tuesdays!

The Best Pacific Beach Bars | The Local at Pacific Beach

El Prez

Their rooftop overlooks Pacific Beach. Their gourmet tacos are made with fresh, local ingredients and served in house-made tortillas. Their bar features a large selection of tequilas, with 18 beers on tap. El Prez is where to drink, where to eat, and where to party in San Diego!

64oz Blueberry Mint-A-Rita

This giant cocktail is a large version of one of our best-selling specialty cocktails. We fill it with 5 full shots of Espolone Blanco Tequilla, our house-created Margarita mix, and fresh blueberry puree before adding fresh mint and limes to the 64oz mason jar and muddling and shaking everything together. To finish the cocktail, we garnish it with more fresh mint, blueberries, and an orange slice. It’s served with jumbo bendy straws so you and your friends can enjoy the giant cocktail together!

Pacific Beach Bars | San Diego Nightlife Guide | Social Cycle CA

Miss B’s

Miss B’s Coconut Club is a revival of Mission Beach’s colorful past. The pin-up girl’s Caribbean curves and demure smile have returned to welcome everyone who steps inside, whether you’re a first timer, a part-timer, or someone who settled in the area and never left. They proudly pour 20 local and microbrew tap handles, along with kombucha on tap and house-made cold brew on nitro.

Havana Good Time

A refreshing summer punch bowl designed to be shared by a small group, the Havana A Good Time is perfect for cyclers popping in after their ride. The drink consists of vodka, Pamplemousse, and house grapefruit and cucumber cordial topped with kombucha. Light and fruity with a hint of citrusy sweet, it’s a surefire crowd pleaser!

Funk Zone Bars | Your Santa Barbara Nightlife Guide

Posted on May 22, 2018June 1, 2018 by Social Cycle | Posted in: Bar Partners, Santa Barbara

Ready to check out Santa Barabara’s Funk Zone? The Funk Zone is known as the home of some of Santa Barbara’s best bars and happy hours, so we’ve done the research and given you the best of the best below.

Looking to do a bar crawl a little differently? Hop on the bike with us and take a tour of the Funk Zone!

Test Pilot

A tiki-inspired neighborhood bar, the Test Pilot features a variety of craft tropical cocktails in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.

Oaxacan Dead

The Oaxacan Dead is our adaptation of Donn the Beachcomber’s most famous creation, the Zombie. We modified the classic tiki drink to include a softly aged tequila and fiery mezcal, as well as include our own house-made cinnamon cordial, absinthe, fresh local citrus, and bitters.

tropical cocktail in a santa barbara bar

Carr Winery*

Carr Winery is a full-production site located in downtown Santa Barbara and has been producing boutique wines since 1999. They believe the best wines start in the vineyard and they pride themselves on precision farming. Each of their vineyards are meticulously farmed to produce low yields, hand harvested, and farmed using only organic practices. Some of the varietals that they are known for include Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. We invite you to experience the art of winemaking at Carr Winery.

*Carr Winery is located just outside the Funk Zone, but we love visiting them on our tours!

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. was founded by father and son team, Jim and Jaime Dietenhofer, in 2010. With a passion for craft beer, they set out to pay homage to the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley with handcrafted beer and hand-drawn artwork depicting the local landscape on their labels.

Named after the mountain seen from their family home in Los Olivos, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company opened in Buellton, California with only a handful of employees. In a short 7 years, the company has grown to become one of the fastest growing craft breweries in America and now has a staff of over 200 which they affectionately call the #FigFam.

There are currently six taprooms along California’s Central Coast. Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. beer can be found in their taprooms or at select retailers and restaurants throughout California.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. | Santa Barbara Bars and Breweries

Brass Bear Brewing

Brass Bear Brewing opened in February 2016 and is located one block from the beach inside the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara, CA. They serve high-quality craft beer (including their own), wine, and cider. Their food consists of charcuterie boards, meat/vegetable plates, and hot toasted sandwiches sourced from Santa Barbara and surrounding counties.

The Brass Bear name came to be during a National Parks cross-country road trip from New York to California. At their favorite park, Glacier, they did backcountry camping (the kind where you sign your life away at The Ranger Station and all they do is arm you with a safety video and bear spray for protection). As ‘luck’ would have it, after 6 hours of hiking and seeing no one, they came face to face with a family of three Black Bears.

The late afternoon sun hit the bears just perfectly and turned them into a beautiful brass color. They glanced our way and with a decisive grunt carried on. They agreed over dinner that night that this would be the perfect name for their own business one day, to remind them to face their fears and keep on trekking!

Brass Bear Brewing | Santa Barbara Bars and Breweries

Topa Topa Brewing Co.

Nestled in the shadows of the Topa Topa mountain range, Topa Topa Brewing Company lives by their motto of ‘Good Vibes, Great Beers.’ Surrounded with everything that inspires them— amazing friends, farms, mountains, and some awesome surf— Topa Topa prides themselves on excellence of quality, remaining independent, and making sure everyone feels welcome.

Chief Peak IPA

When you stop to sip on a Chief Peak IPA (Topa Topa Brewing Co’s flagship beer) the piney hops are first to arrive. The tropical tones of passion fruit, orange, and gooseberry aren’t far behind. This west coast style IPA is clean-drinking and has been known to please even the biggest of hoppy beer skeptics.

Topa Topa Brewing Co. | Santa Barbara's Best Bars and Breweries

North Park Bars | Your San Diego Nightlife Guide

Posted on April 19, 2018April 19, 2018 by Social Cycle | Posted in: Bar Partners, San Diego

Friends! We’re back with more. More of San Diego’s best bars and the second part of your San Diego nightlife guide. If you missed our guide to downtown, check it out here. If you’re ready for North Park’s best bars and breweries, keep reading.

Dunedin New Zealand Eats

New Zealand-inspired restaurant featuring organic grass-fed burgers. Take your time to enjoy their mainly outdoor seating and a casual family-friendly atmosphere. They’ve got local beers with 20 taps, a $5 happy hour menu from 3-6 every day, and $2 mimosas for brunch on the weekends.

Peach Basil Sangria
Peach Basil Syrup, Champagne, Pinot Gris, Garnished with Peaches and Basil

Red House Sangria
Cabernet, Cinnamon, Orange Juice, Cider, Garnished Cinnamon Sugar Rim and Oranges

two mixed drinks on a table with tree and fence in the background

Mike Hess Brewing

Mike Hess Brewing was San Diego’s first nano-brewery when they opened way back in 2010, but has since grown to include three locations in town and is the region’s 11th largest brewery. Their world-class brewery and tasting room in hip North Park has produced two World Beer Cup gold award-winning beers and they have garnered some 25 other medals as well. Their reputation is one of making great beer across a broad spectrum of styles and flavors, fulfilling their mission of Bringing People Together Over Great Beer. If you cannot make it to North Park, be sure to visit their original location in Miramar or their coastal tasting room in beautiful Ocean Beach.

Grapefruit Solis IPA is one of MHB’s flagship brands, featuring a sublime balance of malt, hops and of course, real grapefruit. Available on draft and in cans throughout San Diego, this beer refreshes and nourishes at the same time!

Mike Hess beer glass on table with bottle and can behind

Eppig Brewing

Eppig Brewing has deep brewing roots dating back to 1866 in Brooklyn, NY. The brewery was reincarnated in North Park in 2016 by great-great-granddaughter Stephanie Eppig & her business partners and has already received multiple awards including best new brewery 2017 (by San Diego Magazine & West Coaster Magazine).

Eppig offers a diverse range of beer styles, including a dedicated lager program that pays tributes to the family’s brewing roots.

Featured Beer: Special Lager

This beer fills the void for the devout craft-beer lover who quietly shames themselves for occasionally wanting a cold, crisp (probably) macro lager on a hot day. Special Lager is a Japanese-style dry lager brewed with rice as a featured ingredient. The combination of pilsner malt and rice with a dose of citrusy, late-addition hops creates an aroma faintly reminiscent of sweet, starchy sushi rice and lemon blossoms. Special Lager finishes exceptional dry and clean.

North Park Beer Co.

North Park Beer Co is a neighborhood brew-pub at the center of one of the fastest growing craft beer scenes in San Diego. With Craftsman-inspired decor and a massive yet welcoming space, the taproom offers a wide selection of house brews as well as guest beers, wine and cider. The tasty suds are perfectly paired with the food offerings from the on-site purveyors, Mastiff Kitchen, famous for their house-made sausages.

Hop-Fu! is NPBC’s award-winning, flagship IPA. This perfect example of the West Coast style showcases a whopping 7 different hop varieties that create a bold yet balanced depth in flavor. Dank, citrus, fruit, and spice notes are all expressed in harmony with a moderate, drying bitterness that leaves you ready for the second (and third) sip. Not to be missed!

beer glass on table with bar in the background

Belching Beaver North Park Tasting Room

Located in the heart of North Park on 30th street this was Belching Beavers’s first satellite tasting room opened in 2013. With 24 taps pouring a variety of styles, this tasting room is eclectic and cozy. Sit at a table made out of Torrey Pines, enjoy a flight or pint and enjoy food prepared by local food trucks that rotate serving at the tasting room. There is also a great mural from the “Greetings from San Diego” tour painted on the side of the building. It’s become a go-to photo op in San Diego. Make sure to snap a photo and tag us on social media!

Phantom Bride IPA

Named after the ethereal song by the one and only Deftones, Phantom Bride IPA is a blend of Amarillo, Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops delicately balanced for the perfectly drinkable mix of citrus and hoppy goodness. A truly original Deftones/ Belching Beaver collaboration envisioned by Chino Moreno and skillfully crafted by Thomas Peters.

Your Palm Springs Nightlife Guide

Posted on March 1, 2018April 19, 2018 by Social Cycle | Posted in: Bar Partners, Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a desert oasis full of pool parties and warm weather. Keep reading for our suggestions on where to grab a drink and cool off in Palm Springs! We visit all of these bars on our Palm Springs party bikes tours too, so ride with us to check them all out!

Tonga Hut | Tonga Hut’s Mai Tai

Tonga Hut Palm Springs houses a neo-retro Tiki bar (pouring classic “island drinks” like Old Skool Zombie and Voodoo Juice) as well as an adjoining Polynesian/Cantonese restaurant called The Hideaway. Items like meat-skewer pupu platters are served on carved wood dishes, and unlike L.A.’s Tonga Hut, this menu even features authentic Pacific cuisine like purple yam mash.

Tonga Hut’s Mai Tai | A classic cocktail based on the original 1944 Trader Vic’s recipe, where Jamaican and Puerto Rican rums blend harmoniously with orgeat & orange curaçao and finishes with citrus notes. It’s a perfectly refreshing cocktail to set you off on a tropical escape at the Tonga Hut!

Wang’s In The Desert | Smoking Dragon Martini

Wang’s In The Desert is an award-winning Palm Springs Pan Asian Cuisine restaurant and bar. With a top-shelf happy hour and some of the best food in the city, you won’t be disappointed!

Wang’s Signature Smoking Dragon Martini | Nothing says fun more than a little smoke and confidence. Release your inner dragon.

Moxie Palm Springs | Moxie Pop-Tails

Moxie Palm Springs is a rooftop bar, lounge, and eatery with plenty of space for guests to relax outside of the traditional bar setting. Founded on the basic principle that all are welcome to relax and unwind while enjoying great food, great music, great views, and of course great cocktails, Moxie has something for everyone. The garden is equipped with games and seating that overlooks Palm Canyon Drive, while inside you will find TV’s showing your favorite sports games and a stage where the bar hosts local DJs.

Pop-tails | With an extensive and cocktail-forward menu, mixing unique flavors and pushing creative boundaries, our “Pop-Tails” have become a viral hit. Combining custom crafted cocktails with house-made popsicles of complimenting flavors, one of our “Pop-tails” is a perfect and refreshing libation for any Social Cycle-er on their brief escape from the desert heat!

Alibi Azul | ALWAYS a Social Cycle Happy Hour

Azul Palm Springs Day Bar is the only outdoor bar in all of downtown, centrally located in the heart of Palm Springs. Featuring our signature glider booths and climate control elements, it’s the perfect place to celebrate your next party!

When visiting with Social Cycle, you’ll get Happy Hour specials all day long! We’re talking $3.50 well cocktails, house wine, and domestic draft or bottled beer.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our roundup of Palm Springs’ best nightlife!