After spending time in SOMA, I often ponder one of life’s greatest mysteries: why do so many bars in San Francisco have the same stuffed heads? The only logical answer is that hipsters love taxidermy. To wit: remember the anthropomorphic mouse craze? Remember the first time you stepped into Paxton Gate in the Mission?
I like macabre décor, and I’m from a small town in Oregon where huntin’, fishin’ and muddin’ are major pastimes. Because I enjoy a good dive bar with real taxidermy, I’ve captured a range of San Francisco’s many mounts. Behold the myriad local dives where you can gawk at large mammal heads.
I like to eat, drink and visit the stuffed polar bear at Warehouse Cafe in Port Costa.
If you like fish taxidermy, definitely ask to see the secret room at Spenger’s in Berkeley.
You can find these mounts alongside Edison bulbs — these places tailor to fancy, ironic types.
I wonder how they clean these bad boys?
The taxidermy-meets-exposed-brick vibe. Oh, SOMA, what am I going to do with you?
I was not expecting a cow.
And it’s not just San Francisco. Oakland also has you covered.
Does the fact that this place has a pool table with stickers on it make it any less douchey?
This one looks creepy. What even is that on top?
Prancer is festive!
In conclusion, SF hipsters like to drink craft IPAs, eat $13 kale salads and enjoy the ambience of dead animals. Maybe it hearkens back to lodges and saloons? Or maybe it’s just why Westworld is so popular.
