This sexy cocktail bar, awash in rich red hues, recalls the classic lounges of yesteryear. A decadent aura pervades, especially after a potent cocktail or two. Oversized chairs fit for giants provide fun photo ops, the subjects of the portraits on the walls dart in and out of the pictures in Harry Potter-esque fashion, digital art flickers on the flat-screen TVs and red lighting electrifies the whole scene. Hipsters, young professionals and hotel guests keep the bar hopping until the wee hours. Be forewarned: This place gets crowded on weekends; you'd be wise to book a table in advance. Sunday-Thursday 5 pm-2 am, Friday and Saturday 4 pm-2 am. 495 Geary St. (at Taylor Street, inside the trendy Clift Hotel), San Francisco. Phone 415-929-2372. http://www.clifthotel.com/clift_hotel_redwood_room.asp.
