The Bear's Lair

Who may come? Those who are invited. This includes everyone on the Beer Bust e-list, i.e., those who receive the weekly Beer Bust News Service Advisory. If you are not on this list but would like to come, write to Jeff at haljam@bearslair.net and introduce yourself. In your message, explain how you learned about The Beer Bust and why you're interested in attending.

Where does it happen? The Beer Bust is held in the Bear's Lair Cave at 100 Derby Street in the Theatre District of downtown San Francisco. Derby is an alley off the east side of Taylor between Geary and Post. At the mouth of the alley, where it meets Taylor, there's a massage parlor with a garish, pink and black sign that reads "Paris Massage." At the alley's dead end, there's a student hostel whose sign reads "Union Square Back Packers' Hostel." The Bear's Lair Cave is midway between these two establishments, on the left, behind a black wrought iron gate. Look for the address - "100 Derby" - on the wall next to the gate. There's a doorbell. Ring it. Someone will let you in. Should you need to call: 415.474.1855.

Where can I park? There is little or no street parking. It is recommended that guests arrive by public transit. The Bear's Lair Cave is five blocks from the Powell Street BART and MUNI station, three blocks from the 30 and 41 MUNI bus lines, and within a block and a half of the 2, 3, 4, 27, and 38 MUNI bus lines. If you must drive, the best deal on parking is to be found at the Sutter/Stockton Garage, four-and-a-half blocks away.

May I bring a friend? Any invited Beer Bust guest may bring a friend or friends along to the festivities.

Should I bring anything else? Contributions of food and drink are always welcome - even encouraged - at The Beer Bust, but they are not required for admission. If you drink neither beer nor wine, please bring your own beverage.

May I smoke? Not tobacco, not unless you step outside. Our front door opens directly onto a sidewalk in an alley just off a busy Theatre District street. You'll find that it's easy enough to step out for a cigarette without really leaving the party.

Where is the trash? There is a trashcan in every room. Look around; you'll spot them. We prefer that all organic garbage - food, in particular - be deposited only in the kitchen garbage bag, which is inside the cabinet under the kitchen sink.

Should I leave the toilet seat up or down? Down, please. Also leave the toilet lid down. (This helps to prevent objects from falling into the Porcelain God.) And while we're on the subject of the bathroom, please also observe the following rules for bathroom use: Please leave the door wide open once you're finished. That's how people can tell whether the bathroom is available. Please use the handtowel located on the back of the bathroom door. If you need more toilet paper, look in the cabinet under the sink.