Without paint, van Gogh would have fashioned Starry Night out of blueberry pie and sparklers, creating an edible masterpiece that would have been devoured by his landlord when given as payment for rent. Keep your stomach full and your artistic endeavors safe with today's Groupon: for $12, you get $25 worth of fresh fare, drinks, and art supplies at The Canvas Art Bar & Bistro, located at the edge of Nob Hill in the Northwest District.

By supplying patrons with eco-friendly art supplies in addition to local beer, wine, and artisan food, The Canvas encourages self-expression while eliminating the menace of a noisy, empty stomach. Begin an artistic feast by choosing adornable surfaces, such as 8"x8” canvas boards ($4 each) or 9"x12” stretched canvases ($6 each), and retina-stimulating water-soluble oil pastels ($4) or acrylic paints ($5). Mixed-media offerings such as eco-friendly markers and recycled color papers ($3) will keep clever collagists absorbed, and complimentary graphite, charcoal, and sketch paper are provided for brainstorming over draft beers and local wines. To soak up excess alcohol and artistic inspiration, The Canvas offers soups, salads, shared plates, and hearty sandwiches. The Jackson Pollock splashes fresh bread with apples, brie, and Oregon blackberry preserves ($8), while the Andy Warhol peppers roast beef and campagnolo bread with pops of gouda, tomato, mesclun greens, sundried-tomato aioli, and at least 15 minutes of fame ($8). Some menu items can be made gluten-free, and many are herbivore friendly.

The Canvas's interior space is canvassed with canvases from local artists and customers, and the outdoor patio offers views of the Freemont Bridge. Lively and inviting, The Canvas also offers events throughout the week featuring musicians and costume models for figure drawing.

The Canvas is closed Sundays.

Reviews

Eight Citysearchers unanimously give The Canvas a perfect five stars:

• I think the atmosphere is great and although i am not in anyway shape or form an artist I enjoy being around the creativity! I've been back a few different times and i always try to bring a new friend with me to see what they think..and hands down they always love it. – spiffytiffy
• wow. Cool doesn't really do this place justice. It has a fresh new idea and has put that into a super cool building. – foodjunkie211
• The space is awesome, and has a great creative vibe to it. Whether you're meeting friends to have a drink, or by yourself getting creative; it's a wonderful place to go. The owners are friendly, and the service is good. – holleeb