Jasper's Corner Tap - 401 Taylor St, at O'Farrell, SFCA

   Had to wing it solo last Friday and it felt like burger time, so I decided to try this place, which has been on the 'to do' list. Located on the site formerly occupied by Ponzu, they've been at it for about 4 1/2 months now and are apparently doing a decent business. The menu is basically comfort food, with a variety of 'snacks' and 'first bites' plus sandwiches and hot plates like fish 'n chips, shepherd's pie, etc. I opted for the Cheeseburger (14), a 6-7 oz. patty of wagyu beef from Snake River Farms in Idaho, with jack cheese, house ginger dill pickle and all the other trimmings on a house rosemary bun. It's accompanied by some very nice thin fries and a full order is about twice what you see here - watchin' those carbs again. There is a small dish of black pepper aioli, intended for the burger, but I said the hell with that, we're dipping those fries in it! This was a tasty burger, but I could've used a bit more cheese.
   As for liquids, I had a pint of the Wells Bombardier Extra Bitter (7) and a shot of Caol Ila 12-year-old Single Malt (16). A bit pricey methinks, but hey, we're Downtown, nez pas? The bar here is beyond your average, and I declined to look at the specialty cocktail menu because I know myself  too well. Let's just say they're prepared to whip up some drinks you won't find at Finnegans Wake. There is a large assortment of syrups, bitters and salts on the bar and ice cubes of more than one size, just for starters. The selection of spirits is varied, with an emphasis on high end single malts and bourbons.
   As part of the Burger Wars, I'd give this one 4 out of 5 on the Meter; I still think the Guillermo Burger at B3 is the best high-end one I've had in SF. Jasper's seems like a good place to come after work for some small plates and cocktails, before heading out into the night.
   To see the menu, go to:www.jasperscornertap.com