TO ALL THE BARS WE’VE LOVED BEFORE

I can’t remember the last bar I went to before the coronavirus.

This is partially because I was deep in the throes of newborn sleep deprivation when the pandemic arrived (and before that, nine months of lessthanwild nights), and partially because I must have had a perfectly ordinary time without an inkling of what was to come.

If I had understood then what I know now — about both the cost of babysitting and the impending public health crisis — I would have gone out more and stayed out later. I would have spent more time on barstools talking to strangers, I would have sung more karaoke and raised more ginger beers and mocktails into the wee hours of the morning!

For the past few weeks, the Culture Desk has been asking nightlife regulars what they miss about their favorite cocktail bars, dives and cabarets. We’ve heard about bartenders who enjoy “putting on the apron,” about entertaining strangers with chest scars and stories, about families forged over pint glasses and hallowed spaces that make us whole. These stories are more than an homage to the Bay Area’s bars. They’re a call to action and a reminder to support the places we care about if we want them to still be slinging drinks when this is done.

I can’t remember the last bar I went to before the coronavirus, but I won’t forget the first bar I visit when the pandemic is over. I can’t wait.