Bar Snacks

New York may have the ultimate bar culture, but other cities certainly outdo it in the bar snack category. Of course, I’m always grateful for a bowl of free pretzels or peanuts, and I should stress that when I say “bar snacks” I mean the free stuff – not the “bar food” that you pay for. New York is teeming with places that offer delectable grass-fed beef sliders, house-made cornichons, and all kinds of artisanal cheese plates, usually for a price that seems unfairly proportioned to their size. But for someone who’s interested in something to bridge the gap between another round and dinner, New York’s bars could take a cue from Balkon in Istanbul.

Balkon is a charming bar in the Tünel area off the main pedestrian street, Istiklar. A tiny elevator on the ground floor takes patrons up to a shady, shabby chic bar and seating area, and another flight of stairs leads to the blindingly reflective rooftop area with a recessed bar and a stunning view of the entire city.
The small plate that arrived with our menus stunned me almost as much as the landscape. I expected the usual, something as old as the bar itself but chock full of preservatives to ensure that it looked the same as it did on day one, but instead, they handed us a plate of fresh plums and cherries! Nothing could go better with a blazing sun and gleaming city than a glass of white wine and some fresh Turkish produce. I’m glad the people of Balkon figured that out.

It seems like the brilliance of fruity summer bar snacks exists in San Francisco as well. My sister recently told me about a venue in Noe Valley whose backyard is filled with overgrown blackberry bushes. For the next few months, that means unlimited bar snacking for everyone.