This stylish steak lounge serves some of the best steaks we’ve ever tasted. But don’t let its red-meat focus deter you from stopping in and sipping a cocktail in the restaurant’s slick lounge.

We kicked back with bartender Aimee Jacot, an MBA student at San Francisco State University who beat out 300 candidates for the job. She’s clearly got skills, so you’d be smart to get a drink before the aspiring environmentalist goes off to dig ditches on a wind farm. She has a plan, and let’s just say it includes overalls. For now, though, you can still take advantage of her cocktail insights, such as pairing steak with a “phenomenal cognac” or A Beautiful (slightly warmed good cognac with a touch of Grand Marnier). 244 Jackson St., S.F., (415) 989-2539, www.5A5stk.com