Quick recap of the Castro’s new bar, Churchill: inspired by the iconic prime minister and notoriously heavy drinker; decor is part vintage military, part tavern; cocktails crafted from small-batch distilleries.

The bar also has a killer jukebox, so we asked the staff to give us their Fourth of July picks from its library. The result? A playlist that’s not just politics as usual.

Mike Goebel (owner):

“Californication,” Red Hot Chili Peppers
“It embodies the city we live in.”

“It’s Time 2 Party,” EPMD
“This is the energy we try to create after midnight.”

Dylan O’Brien (bartender partner):

“Hold On, I’m Comin’,” Sam & Dave
“Classic soul makes me think about easy times, like being at a BBQ with a beer.”

“Pressure Drop,” Toots & the Maytals
“This song is uncomplicated and fun, which is what summer should be about.”

Anthony Healy-London (bartender partner):

“Green Eyed Love,” Mayer Hawthorne
“I love a woman with green eyes and a Sazerac made with a (green-eyed fairy) absinthe rinse.”

“Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” Michael Jackson
“Guaranteed to get the party started.”

Darin Brunson (bartender partner):

“I Won’t Back Down,” Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
“No matter how tough it gets, I won’t ever back down.”

“Drunk Girls,” LCD Soundsystem
“I’m surrounded by this every day.”

Lauren Geremia (Geremia Design, interior designer):

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” The Rolling Stones
“Mike Goebel says this to me daily during these projects.”

“Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” Stevie Wonder
“Because it’s a good song. Period.”

Jared Rivera (publicist, sometimes-bartender):

“Mondegreen,” Yeasayer
“I gave up coffee in the morning and listen to this song instead.”

“Dance, Dance, Dance,” Lykke Li
“Having troubles telling how I feel, but I can dance, dance dance.”

Churchill, 198 Church Street, at Market Street (churchillsf.com).

Photo: Hyrck. / Flickr