The hottest haute cocktails require a range of syrups, bitters, fresh herbs, several types of gin, a lot of storage space, and extra time to make every drink. One way in which bar owners are handling the demand is by dividing and conquering, opening two bars in a single venue—one to promote quick service, the other for slow sipping.

Until recently, the back room at Dalva was a barren spot more suited for storage than for socializing, and it was often used by customers sneaking illegal indoor cigarettes. But with a fresh coat of paint and a bit of remodeling, including a custom-made bar and wrought-iron accents, this area has been rebranded as a boutique interior cocktail lounge called the Hideout. While the front room remains a busy neighborhood watering hole, bartenders in the back serve up a range of classic cocktails to a leisure crowd seeking a more sophisticated set of drinks.

The Hideout at Dalva
11:07 p.m.

THE GIST
The Hideout is cur­rently open Thursday through Saturday only.

THE LIST
The dozen lesser-known classic cocktails on the menu include the Knickerbocker, the Derby, and the Vieux Carré.

THE SPACE
Two levels of simple seating and small tables, with a few stools in front of the small bar.

THE CROWD
A mix of folks who found this semi-hidden space while looking for the bathroom, and cocktail enthusiasts seeking out the new hotspot.

OVERHEARD
“Do you serve drinks back here?” a curious patron asks the bartender.

3121 16th St., S.F., 415-252-7740

Elsewhere

While the main room is for those with reservations, The Library inside Bourbon & Branch seats 25, with additional standing room. It serves drinks from a much smaller menu and accepts walk-ins. 501 Jones St., S.F., 415-346-1735, bourbonandbranch.com

The Den, attached to the Fox Theater, usually operates as a traditional bar with trivia nights and DJs. But when there’s a show on, it offers ticket holders a larger selection of cocktails and spirits than they can get inside the theater, along with in-and-out privileges. 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, 510-548-3010, thedenoakland.com

To keep things moving on busy nights at clubby SOM, one section of the 50-foot-long bar will soon be dedicated to shots and beer only. 2925 16th St., S.F., 415-558-8521, som-bar.com