Best Black Wednesday Bars In The North Bay

Black Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) is often met with a question of what to do before that gluttonously thankful day full of turkey-noshing, carb-loading, family-filled good times. For those who are wanting to go out on the town the night before planning to plop full bellies on the couch for football watching and fanfare, there are several nightspots to check out. These place are sure to suffice for a fun time with friends and family on Black Friday in the North Bay.

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This is a great place for groups or just for two. For a night on the town before your Thanksgiving festivities get underway, enjoy Bravas, a local Spanish-inspired bar and tapas restaurant. Try the Spanish wines, sangria and the many varieties of gin and tonics. The ambiance, food and drink are high quality, with options given for enjoying the night indoors or out year round. The décor is modern, clean and casual.

At Carpe Diem, you are always welcome to eat, drink and be merry. Take your friends and guests to this upbeat, super friendly wine bar. CD's is a sophisticated, yet casual place with a lively atmosphere. The bar offers a fabulous selection of reds and whites. The prices are very affordable, especially if you go during happy hour. You'll find $5 white, red or bubbles. You might even get to try a shot of sweet potato soup – literally in a shot glass. The managers put a great deal of time and thought into their selections of unique wines and beers in hopes that each visitor will fall in love with their varieties and their philosophy, "To seize the day."

For the best in live entertainment, this club is a great place to take your friends or family members who relish the fun and lively dance scene. This little night joint is loaded with history, since its inception in the 1920s when it was a recreational pool hall. Today, George's Nightclub is a captivating 1940s-style club that has hosted many musical icons such as The Grateful Dead, Santana, Pride and Joy, Bonnie Raitt and Electric Light Orchestra.

Drinks, tapas and football – what could be better on the night before Thanksgiving? This is a tavern to hang with good beer and good friends. There are comfortable couches and semi-private rooms for group events or occasions. If you're worried your shirtless, shoeless, black sheep cousin might get in as well, don't - security turns away anyone who does not meet the respectable dress code. Micro-brewed draft beers and over 50 wines by the glass are found here. Check the events calendar for any live bands or specials on this night.

This rustic-modern pub is known to its owners as a "Place of Friends," and it is almost as cozy as the couch many will be plopping their sated bellies down on the day after Black Wednesday. The drink menu is large – large enough to offer a wide array of craft and local beers. The outdoor patio is also pet friendly for all patrons who choose to spend this fine Wednesday night with their closest furry pals. Click here for the tavern's beer and wine menu.

This bar is purposely inconspicuous. Owned and frequented by the salt-of-the-earth types, it is located in the land where Lakeville Highway and Stage Gulch Road connect like a T formation in football. Basically, Ernie's is hard to find on a map. Taking the family from out of town to this feel-good gold mine is a definite "to do." Ernie is a fine fellow who prides himself on playing card tricks with the patrons. There are over a dozen great beers on tap. But, hold onto your beepers, there is also a 'No Cell Phone' policy, and if abused, you'll be expected to buy a round - wink, wink.

Kelly Gullo is a freelance writer in San Francisco, CA. Kellys topics are about music and nightlife. Kelly has also written a variety of articles on health and dieting and topics related to the environment. Kelly has a degree in journalism and public relations from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.