A man asking for directions to the nearest liquor store in Fisherman’s Wharf on Thursday was allegedly smacked in the face by a thug with a bottle of salad dressing, police said.

The victim was hospitalized after the attack in the 400 block of Bay Street around 7:20 p.m. Thursday.

Cops say a thug was standing outside a local grocery store and having a bite to eat when the victim walked up to him. The victim asked where he could find the nearest liquor store.

“The suspect was holding a bottle of salad dressing and struck the victim in the face with the bottle,” police said.

The alleged thug then walked away, according to police, and took a seat outside a coffee shop.

Police responded and arrested the suspect after the victim pointed him out to cops.

maldax@sfexaminer.com