Over in the Castro, Brewcade has finished its expansion into the former Botellón space, and has revealed its new name, THE DETOUR (yes, it’s in homage to the amazing gay bar that used to be up the street, which would surround you in loud house music, with a chain link fence in the middle that I recall climbing at some point, circa 1999). Owner Shawn Vergara remembers The Detour fondly (don’t we all!), and wanted to revive the name; his co-owner is his sister Tiffny Vergara Chung, and they are behind Blackbird as well.
The new location is now twice the size, with twice the number of video games, plus a full bar and kitchen. Brewcade was just focused on beers, but now you’ll find a range of cocktails, from the refreshing to more spiritous, with some batched cocktails to make things move quickly at the bar, and a cocktail cart roving around the room, so you don’t have to leave your game.
The menu includes snacky bites like wings and fries ($6-$12), and a couple hearty salads, but the unexpected winner is a juicy lemongrass beef sandwich ($17) with slaw and spicy mayo (it comes with their tasty fries). You’ll also find a couple other sandwiches and a trio of pizzas ($13-$17).
This week is the soft opening. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 12pm-12am. 2200 Market St. B at Sanchez.
Over in North Beach, THE SHOWDOWN has opened in the former Tamarind Hall from The Pour Guys (Tempest, Louie’s, and Connecticut Yankee). It has a classic saloon atmosphere, with a pool table added, and there’s a kitchen serving dishes that go beyond the usual bar food, like duck fat popcorn, Tempest potato skins, a variety of seasonal fruit dishes (like summer melon with Espelette, sea salt, and olive oil), salads, and larger dishes, including a burger, Thai chicken banh mi, and drunken noodles. Open daily 12pm-2am; kitchen Mon-Tue 3pm-1am, Wed-Sun 12pm-1am. 1268 Grant Ave. at Vallejo.
