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This line in the story struck me: "visitors to the kinds of cocktail bars found hidden behind bookcases" Anyone been to any of these upscale clubs? Are there literary references to such places, or is it mainly fictional imagination?

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There are at least two that I can think of in SF. Bourbon and Branch has bookcases inside bookcases, and The Grid was hidden behind an arcade machine.

Thanks! Were these special "Invite only" clubs?

The Grid was by reservation. Bourbon and Branch is still open (or was before COVID). It has a whole song and dance routine to get into its special rooms [1]. I've only been to the "regular" bar.

[1] https://www.thrillist.com/drink/san-francisco/the-tenderloin...

There are several in Manhattan as well; they are "secret" only to the degree that they can attract enough business yet have an aura of exclusivity. Like a "premium" credit card.

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